Launching of Two Major US Navy Ships in One Week

Northrop Grumman , PASCAGOULA: Northrop Grumman Corporation accomplished two successful ship launches in one week on two very important shipbuilding programs. Shipbuilders from the company's Ship Systems sector launched the U.S. Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) on Friday, Sept. 22 and one week later launched the U.S. Coast Guard's first National Security Cutter, Bertholf (WMSL 750). 
 
A ship launching involves a meticulous schedule of events that includes moving a ship across land via the company's rail transfer system and ends with the ship in the center of the shipyard's floating drydock. Following a complete hull survey and pre-launch inspection, water is pumped through a ballast system into the walls of the drydock to float the ship. Tug boats then move the ship to its berthing area.