The US starts modernising the Virginia nuclear submarine in Pearl Harbor

The US Navy has begun modernising its fourth-generation Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

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The USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was moored at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Throughout the refit project, the ship will undergo a full structural inspection and overhaul. According to the plan, the mechanical and electrical systems will be replaced, nuclear work will be carried out, and the ship will be repainted.

After the period of modernisation, North Carolina will undergo a 10-month testing phase and crew certification before rejoining the Pacific Fleet.

"North Carolina is approaching the midpoint of her planned life cycle, and it is important to make repairs and modern upgrades to ensure she is fit and equipped to perform all of her missions into the 2030s," said Commanding Officer Ted Robbins.

The submarine was commissioned in May 2008. It was the first vessel to take the name of a state for its name.

Source: The Defence Post