US Navy’s Nimitz-class supercarrier CVN 77 completes 3M inspection

Sailors tighten a line during a sea and anchor detail on-board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Credit: US Navy by mass communication specialist 3rd class Zachary P. Wickline / Released.

The US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) has successfully completed its Maintenance and Material Management Inspection (3MI).

The navy conducts a 3MI programme on-board its aircraft carriers every two years in order to ensure that the vessel is being properly maintained and repaired to serve for a projected lifespan of 50 years.

Personnel from the navy’s Commander, Naval Air Forces (COMNAVAIRFOR) performed more than 250 supervised checks throughout the carrier during the five-day inspection period to ensure that the vessel and its crew members comply with material readiness standards.

According to an initial estimate, CVN 77 is expected to receive a final inspection score of 95% or higher.

USS George H.W. Bush commanding officer captain Sean Bailey said: “Every single sailor had a role in how we performed during 3MI.

“It was a collective effort, and the success of those sailors who were picked to perform spot checks was enabled by the professional excellence of our entire 3M team.”

The approximately $4.5bn CVN 77 aircraft carrier is currently stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where it is undergoing sustainment exercises to maintain carrier readiness.

USS George H.W. Bush previously successfully completed the Board of Inspection and Survey’s (INSURV) material inspection (MI) on 2 March, which evaluated the vessel according to US Navy standards in order to determine its overall combat readiness.

The 1,092ft-long CVN 77 has a displacement of approximately 97,000t and can move at a top speed of more than 30k.

It is powered by two nuclear reactors that are able to operate for more than 20 years without refuelling.