Longer than two football fields, the 50,000-ton Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon is the latest military ship to arrive at Dry Dock No. 3 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, for routine inspection and repairs. Obregon is part of the US military fleet that transports tanks, trucks, Humvees, helicopters and ammunition to troops around the world.
Government and commercial ships that sail in US waters are required by the Coast Guard to be “dry-docked” – taken out of the water – every three to five years for inspection. Inspection includes valve, propeller and machinery inspection, paintwork, and outside hull blasting and coating.
Northeast Ship Repair won the bid to do the work. According to Edward Snyder, President and CEO of Northeast Ship Repair, the Obregon will keep 100 welders, laborers, fitters, machinists, riggers and electricians busy through early February.