SEATTLE, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will be sidelined for routine, but extensive, maintenance, starting next month.
The Lincoln, site of President Bush's memorable 'Mission Accomplished' speech after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, will undergo Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard from Sept. 5 through mid-March of next year.
The DPIA process involves an extensive modernization of the Abe's compartments and systems and is routine for the U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class nuclear carriers. The ship made its maiden deployment in 1991.
Todd Shipyards said this week it will carry out the maintenance process as part of a nearly $11 million modification to a previous contract covering the overhaul and maintenance for carriers based in Puget Sound.
The DPIA involves dry-docking the flattop and overhauling scores of systems, including catapults and flight-deck elevators as well as the ship's massive propellers. The program is aimed at extending the service life of the ships.
