Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) redelivered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), to the U.S. Navy on December 4 after the ship successfully completed sea trials, two days ahead of schedule. The redelivery follows the completion of modernization, maintenance, and guarantee work accomplished during the ship’s post shakedown availability (PSA) and selected restricted availability (SRA).

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding was the prime contractor for the work, which was carried out in its Newport News shipyard. PSA and SRA are typical availabilities in the life of a carrier following its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). Work included modernization of the ship’s control and piping systems, installation of a new oxygen generator system, and repairs to the boat and aircraft cranes.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished working with the ship’s crew to complete this work and return Vinson to the active fleet again,” said Jim Hughes, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s vice president of aircraft carrier overhauls. “Northrop Grumman has been a continuous partner with the Navy on this ship for over 25 years and has maintained a strong relationship with the crew during the recent RCOH, PSA and SRA. Together, with all involved government activities, we met our commitments and completed this project safely, ahead of schedule and within budget and are delivering a high-quality ship back into our nation’s carrier fleet.”

Named for former U.S. Rep. Carl Vinson, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was built in Newport News, Va., by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and was christened in 1980. The congressman attended the christening ceremony at age 96 and became the first living American to have a Navy ship named in his honor. The ship was commissioned by the Navy in 1982.