Engine cooling issue sidelines LCS Sioux City

 

Geoff Ziezulewicz

3 hours ago

The littoral combat ship Sioux City has been sidelined for several months after an issue with the engine cooling system was discovered in January, officials confirmed this week. (Navy)

The littoral combat ship Sioux City is laid up after air was found in the ship’s lube oil, which could affect engine cooling and raise the risk of overheating, Naval Surface Force Atlantic officials confirmed this week.

The problem was discovered Jan. 12 during routine maintenance aboard the ship, which was commissioned less than three years ago in November 2018.

Initially, the repairs were only expected to take a few days, but officials now say they don’t have a timeline for when Sioux City will once again be good to go.

The ship had been taking part in a pre-deployment exercise with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group when the problems emerged, according to SURFLANT.

Sioux City sailors were stuck on the ship from the time the problem was discovered until the end of February due to the need to maintain a COVID-free bubble among the crew, according to SURFLANT spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Richlyn Ivey.

US Navy investigates potential LCS class-wide design flaw

The U.S. Navy is nearing a conclusion that it has a big problem on its hands.

David B. Larter

But in late February, the COVID vaccine was made available to the crew and a more normal in-port work schedule was established, Ivey said.

“Sailors were offered the opportunity to receive COVID-19 vaccine once it was determined that the scope of repairs would allow the Sailors to receive the full, 2-course COVID vaccine,” she said.