Refueling and Complex Overhaul

As part of our pledge to be the "go to" resource for aircraft carriers, we deliver lifecycle services for nuclear powered aircraft carriers. An important milestone in a carrier’s 50 year lifecycle is the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) which occurs around midlife.

After nearly 25 years of continuous service, an aircraft carrier undergoes a three year maintenance period to refuel its nuclear reactors, upgrade and modernize combat and communication systems and overhaul the ship's hull, mechanical and electrical systems. Upon redelivery, the carrier will be ready for another 25 years of service.

With our uniquely qualified work force and specialized facilities, Newport News is the only company capable of refueling a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. In 2001, we successfully completed the first RCOH on the USS Nimitz, the lead ship of what will be a 10-ship class. Overhaul and refueling of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was completed in March 2005 and the USS Carl Vinson arrived in late 2005 for it's once-in-a-lifetime RCOH. Newport News will continue to refuel Nimitz-class carriers for several decades.

Carrier Overhauls News

Northrop Grumman Awarded $20.6 Million Contract for USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Work (6/25/07)

Arresting Gear Reinstalled aboard USS Carl Vinson (6/6/07)

Northrop Grumman Completes Dry Dock Work for USS Carl Vinson Refueling and Complex Overhaul (5/11/07)

Stepping the Mast - Carl Vinson honors tradition by sealing coin beneath mast (3/6/07)
(View Video)

Northrop Grumman Completes Main Mast Installation on USS Carl Vinson (2/22/07)

Northrop Grumman Awarded $558 Million Planning Contract for USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Work (11/16/06)

Northrop Grumman Completes Rudder Installation on USS Carl Vinson (11/10/06)

Northrop Grumman Awarded $1.94 Billion Contract for Work on USS Carl Vinson (11/29/05)

Aircraft Carriers Built by Northrop Grumman Newport News

Aircraft Carrier Photo Gallery