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For the most part, it is a problem without a explanation. Except for the drydock mishap, which caused obvious holdups, the reason for the delays hasn't been fully defined. Litton has been relatively silent on the subject. It is conceivable that the navy may be partly to blame. The president of the Newport News Shipyard told Congress recently that many delays at his plant were caused by Navy design changes and defective government-supplied equipment. Whatever the reasons for the holdups, the problems are easily dismissed if one listens to Litton. According to Den Knecht, Litton communications director, "there are what is known as excusable delays." Then came the March accident. Whether or not it was excusable Litton hasn't said. Reportedly, the ship was "dropped" in drydock, falling on its intricately crafted and expensive propellers like a 6,000 ton ball that failed to bounce. One man was killed. Knecht acknowledges that the SPRUANCE suffered propeller damage. "I don't have any idea what the cost might be," he said, "I'm sure it was a good figure." Also according to reports, communications gear aboard SPRUANCE was damaged because it wasn't locked down. But the main impact was to Litton's drydock. Sources say that a computer controlling the facility was destroyed. Knecht concedes that the drydock suffered "pretty extensive damage," but he said further details are "something we're not willing do release." Another problem lies with the SPRUANCE's so-called pre-commissioning crew. Consisting of 240 men it is a crew without a ship. Dutifully, the sailors started gathering last summer at Norfolk Naval Station's Fleet Training Center so they would be ready when the Litton finished the destroyer. All 240 were hear by October. They are still waiting. |