PCC in the Fleet
PCC has had the privilege of supporting our nation’s security since World War II in many ways. Among them has been the manufacture of aircraft carrier components. Jim Stouch, PCC’s VP Business Development said, “I remember my father telling me about the catapult components the company made during WWII. We have manufactured the steam catapult launch cylinders for the Navy for the last 15 years and are currently manufacturing the prototype Electromagnetic Launch System (EMALS) support rails that will be used on the next generation aircraft carrier beginning with the USS Gerald Ford (CVN-78) in 2015. PCC is proud to have successfully delivered three generations of catapult technology.”
The recent acceptance of the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) into the fleet was another milestone in PCC’s history. In May of this year, an F/A-18F Super Hornet became the first aircraft to be catapulted from the ship's flight deck. The Bush has four steam-powered catapults placed at the bow and port side of the ship which are capable of accelerating an aircraft in less than three seconds from zero to 150 miles per hour in about 270 feet.
"Our ship's mission is to conduct carrier strike group operations around the globe, and with this catapult launching, we are one step closer to doing that," said Capt. "Chip" Miller, Bush commanding officer. "This is just the beginning of flight deck operations aboard this ship. It's what the crew has been working towards for years. They are excited to see aircraft flying on and off our flight deck, and so am I."
The aircraft carrier is currently underway performing flight deck certifications in the Atlantic Ocean.
The USS George H. W. Bush, home ported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., is the 10th and final Nimitz-class carrier. It was commissioned Jan. 10 at Naval Station Norfolk.
For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.