Overhaul of aircraft carrier enters new phase at Newport News Shipbuilding

The $4.47 billion refueling and overhaul of the USS Abraham has entered a new phase at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News.

The nuclear aircraft carrier has been moved from the shipyard’s dry docks to an outfitting berth in the James River where it will undergo final outfitting and testing. The move marks the end of the dry-dock phase of the carrier's mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

The carrier arrived at Newport News Shipbuilding in March 2013 for its RCOH and is on track to return to service in 2016.

“With Lincoln in the water, shipbuilders and sailors can focus on the final restoration, outfitting and testing of the ship's systems,” Chris Miner, Newport News' vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs,

aid in a statement. “Moving her to the outfitting berth marks the point when the crew move-aboard process begins, and we bring the ship back to life.”

During the dry dock phase, the ship underwent extensive repair and construction work. Shipbuilders replaced hundreds of tanks and replaced thousands of valves, pumps and piping components.

On the outside, workers painted the ship's hull, updated the propeller shafts and installed refurbished propellers.

During the next 24 months, workers will complete the overhaul and installation of the ship's major components and test its systems.

The ship’s living quarters also will be modernized. The first group of sailors began moving back onto the carrier on Oct. 23.