For Immediate Release – June 5, 2023

Naval Sea Systems Command’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, Director of Ocean Engineering (00C) tasked Phoenix International Holdings Inc. with three simultaneous Diving Services operations in support of repairs to the aircraft carrier – USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), guided missile cruiser – USS Normandy (CG-60), and guided missile destroyer – USS McFaul (DDG-74).

During an extremely short timeline, Phoenix mobilized personnel from Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and San Diego to join the crew in Norfolk, VA to conduct these highly technical underwater repairs.  The tasking included propulsion shaft covering repairs to one of USS Ford’s shafts, underwater welding repairs to USS McFaul’s rudder, and extensive welding repairs to the USS Normandy’s hull.

Mike Strzalko, Clint Levine, and Randy Crow supervised these respective diving operations on these vessels ensuring high quality of workmanship by all dive teams and thorough communication with each respective 00C underwater ship husbandry (UWSH) Project manager. The Phoenix teams’ expertise in UWSH and welding was critical to ensuring the Ford, Normandy, and McFaul were ready to meet their schedules and with an increase state of readiness for the U.S. Navy’s Worldwide mission and ensuring our nation’s National Security.