The expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5), a key part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, successfully completed a regular readiness overhaul (ROH) at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) facility in Yokohama.
This achievement marks the first time a Japanese shipyard has taken on a contract of this magnitude for a U.S. military vessel, with execution lasting five months and costing $12 million.
A significant change in international naval cooperation
U.S. regulations, specifically 10 USC § 863, limit the ability to conduct reviews of this scale at foreign facilities.
However, the length of availability and operational schedule of the USS Miguel Keith allowed for an exception, which opened the door to an unprecedented collaboration with Japanese industry.
Technical details of extensive availability
During the process, more than 56,000 square feet of non-skid surface on the flight deck and mission deck were replaced. In addition, preservation work was performed on the forward deckhouse superstructure and the MOGAS deck.
Critical facilities such as the galley, laundry and rest areas were also renovated, and more than 91 meters of new handrails were installed. The ship’s exterior was completely repainted.
Strengthening operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region
The project was led by the Singapore Detachment of the SRF-JRMC Regional Maintenance Center, marking its first experience with such an availability. According to its project manager, Douglas Cabacungan, the experience will expand the team’s ability to meet logistical challenges in less familiar environments and will optimize future operations in remote ports.
The use of the MHI shipyard freed up resources from the SRF-JRMC in Yokosuka, who were simultaneously managing three other ship availabilities. This distribution of tasks even made it possible to complete one of these repairs ahead of schedule.
Characteristics of the USS Miguel Keith
The USS Miguel KeithThe USS Miguel Keith, 240 meters long, is designed to serve as a forward floating base. It can operate helicopters, small boats and provide logistics and command support. Since 2020, it has been active in Seventh Fleet operations with a mixed Military Sealift Command (MSC) crew.
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Source and photo: U.S. Pacific Fleet
