Arleigh Burke class destroyers complete maintenance faster than expected thanks to Japanese manpower.

According to information published by the US DoD on May 23, 2024, ahead of schedule, the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) completed Selected Restricted Availabilities (SRAs) for two forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. This $85 million-dollar, 548-day maintenance period concluded in May.
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US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Milius. (Picture source: US DoD)

The USS Milius (DDG 69) finished its $56 million-dollar, 327-day maintenance on May 14, one day early. The ship, docked at Dry Dock 6, underwent critical maintenance including a complete drive-shaft replacement and repainting of the hull and freeboard. Topside work involved non-skid replacement and exhaust stack preservation.

This was executed by SRF-JRMC Japanese Master Labor Contractors (MLCs), local Japanese contractors, and various U.S. companies. Post-maintenance, the USS Milius successfully completed sea trials and is now preparing for deployment.

Similarly, the USS Benfold (DDG 65) completed its $29 million-dollar, 221-day maintenance on May 17, three days early. The ship was docked at Dry Dock 4 for extensive tank, structural, and modernization work. The combined efforts of the SRF-JRMC workforce have now prepared the USS Benfold for continued service in the Indo-Pacific region.

Comments

Maintaining naval vessels while deployed in foreign waters presents significant challenges for all navies. The key issues include logistical complexities, geopolitical considerations, and the need for reliable and friendly host nations.

Logistically, navies require access to facilities that can handle the specific maintenance needs of their ships. This includes dockyard services, skilled labor, and the availability of spare parts. For example, underway replenishment ships are crucial for blue-water navies to sustain operations far from home ports.