прачечные самообслуживания на авианосцах США
090407-N-5735P-067 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 7, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway from Naval Station Norfolk conducting acceptance trials and the Board of Inspections and Survey to test the ship's material conditions and readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Demetrius L. Patton/Released)
New Carrier's Laundry System Designed to Safeguard Sailors, Environment
Story Number: NNS081111-07
Release Date: 11/11/2008 4:42:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joel S. Kolodziejczak, PCU George H.W. Bush Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The laundry service on board the Navy's newest aircraft carrier is now open for business and is designed to keep Sailors working in the ship's laundry systems safer than ever before.
Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Jewel U. Augustus, leading petty officer of the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) George H.W. Bush's Supply Department Services Division, said she is excited to be offering laundry service to the crew.
"The ship's laundry is fully operational and ready to complete its mission," Augustus said.
"It can get pretty busy in ship's laundry, but we will be ready for customers' demands," Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class (SW) Imron E. Quamina said.
A newly designed lint trap system for the dryers provides additional safety for PCU Bush Sailors.
According to Augustus, PCU Bush's laundry services is safer for the Sailors than traditional ship's laundry by using methods for dealing with heat to new design features in dryers.
"With the old system, a Sailor had to get behind the dryers to empty lint traps," Augustus said. "Our system allows easier access to the lint trap which is located in the front."
"We have nine large heavy duty washers, two small washers for special jobs, 11 dryers and 12 steam presses," Augustus said. "Because machinery in the compartment can reach upwards of 135 degrees, we will take steps to keep everybody safe."
Augustus said there are thermometers located throughout the compartment. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees in the laundry, time spent working in the laundry area is limited by PCU Bush Health Services personnel.
According to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michael B. McIlroy a new ventilation system will also be in use in the ship's laundry. This new system provides better air circulation than what is used on other Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.
Protecting a Sailor's hearing is also a priority of the command. If the noise level within laundry reaches 84 decibels, hearing protection is required, according to Navy instruction.
"When all of the machines are running, it can get very loud, so we make sure everybody is wearing hearing protection," Augustus said.
Another new feature will be added in the future.
"We are waiting for a new ozone-based cleaning system which will help make the ship's laundry environmentally friendlier than traditional ships laundry's," Augustus said.
This new system, which reduces the amount of soap required in the washing process, injects ozone gas into the water, saving money, time and resources. According to Augustus, ozone kills bacteria so the water doesn't need to be as hot. It is also biodegradable, will reduce wear on uniforms and decreases odors that may have been left behind by the old process.
When all is said and done, George H.W. Bush's laundry services will produce less pollution, reduce wear on uniforms, require less steam and will be safer for Sailors working near the machines.
The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, Newport News, Va.
For more news from PCU George HW Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.
