MARMC Expedites USS Forrest Sherman Clutch Replacement

Crewmembers discovered the GTM could not engage the clutch to the main reduction gear during startup. MARMC field technicians determined that the SSS clutch needed replacing. A team from MARMC, working with ship’s force, completed the job in just a week.

This is the first time MARMC has completed this type of depot level repair in this amount of time. It is a huge accomplishment for the maintenance center which is focused on continuously strengthening their collaborative efforts with regional ships in order to give commanders more flexibility.

“I give a lot of credit to the crew. They were able to coordinate everything, getting us the parts we needed as we needed them,” said MARMC Steam Propulsion Mechanical Engineer Ed Bennett. “We worked every day and just kept moving until we got it done. There was no down time, and we were able to turn it around as quick as possible to get them back up and running.”

Forrest Sherman is preparing for an upcoming Board of Inspection and Survey and could not successfully complete the inspection without the GTM operating properly.

“It was a total group effort from ship’s force; Code 261 (Gas Turbines and Engine Controls) and the diesel shop,” said Bennett. “This is something we do at MARMC, especially high priority jobs with a critical deadlines. We come together to make sure we get it done so the ship and crew can accomplish their mission.”

MARMC, a directorate under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and provides support to the fifth and sixth Fleet Area of Responsibilities. They are also responsible for the floating dry-dock Dynamic (AFDL-6).