The week of April 6-10 in Arlington Virginia was a real eye-opener. Assembled were some of the finest gas turbine troubleshooting minds in the business. Our mission was to review a "new- not-so-new" troubleshooting manual for the Model 139 (CG47) generator set. Gene DiPietro from FTSCPAC was there, along with Frank Wynns, Scott Zerr and Dave (I'm almost retired) Brewster from FTSCLANT. NAVSSES was "represented" by Don Hoffman, Dennis Russom and Frank Showalter. The NAVSEA bunch provided Lin Ochs and John Eghtessad. The company I represent provided myself, GSCS (Ret) John Johnson and CWO(Ret) Forrest Moore.
The week seemed to focus on the following typical start and operational problems: Slow Start (Anti-Stagnation ) , Start Overtemp, Fail-to-Fire and Underspeed shutdown. There were probably a few others that were discussed but not with the same intensity and name calling as those previously mentioned. After 18 years in the Navy, 8 years in the Air Force and working experience on gas turbines staring in 1964 (yeah I'm that old), I learned nothing real new.
Yes, we all agreed, that too high or too low fuel manifold pressure is a good indication wether or not the engine is gone to start and run, start and not run or start and destroy itself. Yes you must keep an eye on fuel manifold pressure (You remember that direct reading gage on the gage panel on the enclosure....nothing fancy here). Fuel manifold pressure we all agreed is a great symptom but how due you cure low or high fuel manifold pressure ? We talked EHGA command signals and LVDT/liquid fuel valve feedback signals. We recited the preamble of HP and LP start air system checks and how to keep that starter spinning. We looked at that old speed sensitive valve and 5 & 10th stage bleed air control valve. We addressed the pulse and speed loop motoring checks, speed-temp control box troubleshooting, thermocouple do's and don'ts, speed pick-up signal flow, TIT signal flow and conditioning, LOCOP meter calibration and a wide variety of other ailments that will keep your 501-K17 from performing. When all was said and done there wasn't a sane mind left amongst us. But the product, once delivered will have a quantum amount of gas turbine knowledge plugged into it. My question is, How did we ever get along for so long without this magic book ? Was it luck or just the random changing of components that got us to 13821 ? Are the GS's of today of the same quality and caliber as those we graduated and sent to sea in the 70's and 80's ? Just a few points to ponder.
In closing, remember the first time you got that Fail-to-Fire, Start Overtemp or Slow Start light on LOCOP ? Was it panic or professionalism that got you through ? This was before the days of cellular phones and INMARSAT communications. It was just you and that old speed temp simulator and about six months of gas turbine school that got you above 12780. Think about it and let us know your worst case 501-K17 scenarios.
I've rambled enough. Talk to you next month !
Yes it is true. I was talking with the West Coast gang and they have basically "stripped" the USS MERRILL DD976 and USS HARRY W. HILL DD986. I am a MERRILL plank owner and still have some great stories to tell about the commissioning crew and the early days of the Spruance shipbuilding program. It is hard to relate to what we did to keep our lights on and screws turning in 1977 as compared to what we are doing today. Now if there are any "new" GS folks out there, 1977 was the era of the single flow fuel nozzles that you had to remove and replace every 1000 hours. Remember that ? And how often did you troubleshoot that old start- temp limit control valve and speed-temp control box. Don't forget that old Conseco boiler and waste heat boiler control panel. Soot blowers ? Did they really work ? And where did all that feedwater disappear to ? And probably the most worthless piece of equipment that was ever conceived was that seawater IR suppression system. The pumps and valves were absolutely amazing. And the seawater supply came directly from the fire main. I remember the first time we started Nr. 1 GTG on MERRILL in San Diego. We were outboard of the HEWITT and we blew some sort of foreign substance out of our stack. Finally we realized that EOSS directed that the IR suppression system be aligned for operation; all valves from fireman to spray nozzles in the stack open. The pump was your typical centrifugal pump. So with 160 psi fire main we trickled seawater into Nr. 1 GTG exhaust. Now do you get the picture. It dried almost like coral and when we started the GTG it was blown airborne and landed on our ship and any nested ships. We finally convinced the chief engineer to caution tag the valves closed and later in life all the IR suppression piping, pumps/motors and valves were removed. And who could forget the original trash compactor room ? The space back aft and starboard designated for the dry cleaning plant. And if you were and oil king, remember where the sounding tubes are located for the aft fuel oil service tanks ? That's all I want from the USS MERRILL is the brass deck fitting for the sounding tube for the port, aft fuel oil service tank. It would make a great paperweight for my desk.
Enough of this reminiscing. I have contacted SUSHIPS Pascagoula and I am trying to obtain copies of the commissioning books for the MERRILL and the HARRY W. HILL. If I am successful, I will announce it in our next issue of RAMBLINGS.
Remember when you put the Gillette Trac Two against your cheek 6 months or so from now, you could be shaving with the bow sprit from the MERRILL or HEWITT.
Keep signing on the website and continue to tell your friends about it. If you have any ideas to contribute to RAMBLINGS don't hesitate to drop a line electronically. This is a great opportunity for you MERRILL and HEWITT sailors to contact the old gang and see how they are doing. Hope we hear from GSCM (SW) Ret. John Hughes who was one of the precom gang from the HILL. If anyone knows the location of the commissioning commanding officer, Admiral Gee, of the MERRILL please post it on the website.
Enough, I must go. Send ideas, mail and other correspondence to the website. If you want to contact the fool that writes this stuff continue to read.
Get ready for more changes in the Navy gas turbine community. Lots of talk about General Electric becoming the total life cycle manager for the Navy's LM2500 program. What does that mean to the guys on the deckplate. Probably that NAVSEA 03Z3 as we know it will merely be a figure head of authority. All the technical issues for the LM2500 will be resolved by GE and "The Navy" will just be a sign-off authority. There are also rumors that the 501-K17, K34 programs may be headed in the direction of privatization. This is one that you will just have to wait and see what happens.
A few months ago I talked about a new Troubleshooting guide for the Model 139, CG47, generator set. Well, the manual will be ready for distribution August 1998 and is full of real, useable troubleshooting from fleet experts. Also be looking for Revision 2 for the Model 104 technical manual series. Revision 2 will contain bunches of information on the new LP start air valve, closed loop governor control system, status advisory panel on LOCOP, thermocouple monitor, piston liquid fuel valve and many more upgrades. For you folks still on active duty, remember to check General Gas Turbine Bulletin 0, to be aware of TDs that have been issued and require accomplishment. Seems like there are lots of senior GS types out there that have no idea what is available to make their job easier.
There is some talk around the technical circles about hard timing the fuel nozzles. There are opinions that we do more harm then good by trying to clean them. The new fuel nozzles are not supposed to be cleaned ! If we high time the fuel nozzles, let's say at 3000 hours, does this buy us anything ? Changing out nozzles, regardless how they look every 3000 hours can get costly, however if your burning cans because the spray pattern is distorted then the high time change-out might be a real money saver. Also with the new effusion cooled liners we will begin seeing this year, fuel nozzles with distorted spray patterns will do very little to promote the longevity of these new combustion liners.
If your ship doesn't have the new Fisher LP start air valve, get with your squadron and get it installed ASAP. This is a highly reliable system compared to the old valve. The TD, AYC 39, will be issued shortly and is applicable to the Model 104 and Model 139 generator sets.
Finally, let's talk about fine-tuning your resume. We all know that as a GS you were both and operator and a maintenance man. Some of us that spent time as instructors can also hang our hats on skills like instructional systems development, technical writing and other aspects of technical and academic instruction. So if you are first time job hunting, looking to change jobs or unemployed, tailor that resume for the advertised position. If they are looking for a maintenance person make sure your resume has all the buzz words and bullets that support the advertised position. Focus on the skills you have and the position they are advertising for. If the advertisement doesn't mention training, it becomes a worthless bullet on your resume. Most reputable head hunters will send back your resume and tell you how you should "groom" it to get that position. Finally, don't be afraid to use a head hunter. Ensure that you don't have to pay the fee. Most large companies use head hunters to screen resumes and pay fees to the head hunters if they find them the right person. Also keep in the loop with friends and retirees. This is a great way to extend your job search and network. Someone just called me and is looking for GSCM (Retired) Carl Maggio. If you know his whereabouts please contact me and I will put these two people together. Also I have received a few phone calls from "pre-com" folks who served on the MERRILL and HARRY W. HILL. Most want to obtain some sort of memorabilia from the ship. I have contacted folks at SURFPAC and I am pursuing this with them. I guess as a plank owner they want a bit of history to hold on to.
I was just about to finish this article when GSCS Helton found the website. Yes, Jake Johnson is one of a kind. GSCM (Ret) was my instructor when I went through the pipeline in 1977. Jake has more knowledge about the 501-K17 and LM2500 than a whole chief's mess full of new GS's. Bill DeGraf was also quite known on the waterfront in San Diego when I was on the EX- MERRILL (DD-976) in the late seventies. DeGraf and I worked a lot of torque split problems on those LM2500s back then and I still keep his notes in my desk. Also, having commissioned ships on both coasts, Dave Brewster is the Jake Johnson counterpart in Norfolk. Dave retires next year from FTSCLANT and he is taking a whole bunch of gas turbine history and knowledge with him.
hanks Senior Chief Helton and pass the website address along to your friends.
Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Keep them turning and burning!
Talking tech for a few minutes. Keep an eye on that fuel manifold pressure during start. For you Model 104, 139 folks this is the direct reading gage on the gage panel on the right side of the enclosure (standing at the exhaust of the engine looking forward). It should be 155 plus or minus 5 PSI at 2200 RPM. If it is above or below this value you are going to have problems; Fail to Fire, Slow/Stagnated Start. At 8400 RPM it should be approximately 200 PSI. Keep an eye on this fuel manifold pressure. It is a great troubleshooting parameter to know if the engine fails to fire. And don't get too lazy if they are starting it from EPCC. Put a guy down on the phones at LOCOP and tell him to monitor fuel manifold pressure. Hardware changes that could hit the streets this year for the Model 104 and 139 generator sets are the Split Combustor Case, Effusion Cooled Liners, Thermocouple Monitor, New HP and LP Start Air Valves and Removal of the Starter Exhaust Piping and removal of the Eductor/Scatter Shield for the engine. These upgrades should greatly enhance the reliability and maintainability of the generator sets. Also be on the lookout for Revision 2 for the Model 104 technical manuals. This Revision will encompass all the closed loop installation information and lots more. Hopefully it will hit the streets before the end of the calendar year.
What's next ? Get ready for DD 21 ! I was talking with the program manager for this new combatant last week and from what I can gather the technology will be amazing. No word on what main propulsion or ship service gas generator turbines will be used. Hope they can get the money for some real simple R/O distilling plants. And while they are at it throw in a RIMSS so that bleed air and HP air won't be a problem when we need to start.
Also, there is a classic reproduction of a photo of four American seamen taken aboard the USS MOHICAN while at anchor in Apia, Samoa in 1888. Of the four seamen pictured in the photo, the youngest is 55 and the oldest is 64. The title of the reproduction is "Spinning Yarns." I have researched the history of the four men in the picture and will provide it to you if you would like to enhance your copy of this print.
Finally, does anyone have a copy of the Navy Times that listed the original 200 or so people that were designated as GS's when the rate was established ? I believe that the date of this publication should be September or October of 1978. We are trying to obtain a copy of the article with the list of names. If you have a copy and it's faxable please fax to the number listed below.
Continue to have a pleasant summer and stay in touch.
I must be getting older. While talking with GSCM (SW) Coker he told me that he had met a female GS. I want to be the first one from the old school to come forward and say that I never ran into such a being and would enjoy feedback from any females in the GS rating who access this web site. We all knew it would happen, but like Haley's comet, I for one hoped it would only occur once every 75 years. Now that we have an actual sighting of a female in the GS rating I must fine tune this column and philosophy and not be so gender specific. But are we thinking of changing from "Enginemen" to "Diesel Engine Technician?" I guess the founding fathers (Manny, Moe and Jack) of the gas turbine rating visualized this gender specific problem we encountered in the 80's and 90's and that's why they selected "Gas Turbine Systems Technician." No men or women, just technicians. Gone are the days when the guys on mid- watch could share a copy of "Soldier of Fortune" or "Easyrider" magazine. Now we will have to share our stash of reading material with those supermarket checkout counter tabloids and magazines that are fashionable and non-offensive. So ladies of the GS rating, remember this is also your forum and here is your opportunity to come forward and speak up.
Lots of good stuff available to make the old Model 104 generator set keep humming. Soon to be released is the Prelube System, Effusion Cooled Combustion Liners, 501-K17 Split Combustor Case, and a new Speed-Temperature Simulator/Tester with a connector plug hard wired in LOCOP. It is always advisable to check General Gas Turbine Bulletin "0" to see what has been issued as far as technical directives. Also General Gas Turbine Bulletin NR. 1, tells you how to order kits specified in a technical directive.
Before I forget, someone asked about Bob Esker, ex-GSE that went LDO and retired as LCDR. I believe Bob still works for S&S out of Syracuse New York. Also if anyone out there in the GS world is planning a reunion and wants it announced here. Please provide me the information via e-mail.
Forrest Moore, ex-EM, GSE and CWO is putting the finishing touches on a revised troubleshooting guide for the Model 139 generator set. Now I know what you are thinking, but this little jewel would be great for our civilian turbine world counterparts as a training tool. Lots of getting back to the basics and talking fuel manifold pressure, start air anomalies, bleed valve malfunctions and control problems that will keep that turbine from starting or running correctly. This is a tremendous help for guys in the fleet and if you can get your hands on one, a great primer for those non-Navy guys we got trying to run some of those civilian power plants.
Don't forget about the Navy gas turbine web site operated by NAVSEA. This site can be reached at www.navygasturbines.org. You GS folks on active duty can find most of the latest and greatest 501-K17/34 technical directives, advance change notices and other valuable information. The site is continually updated as technical data is signed and released by NAVSEA.
The Detailers have left Washington and now call Millington, TN their home. Rumor has it that the hill where the Navy-Marine Corps Annex currently sits will be turned over to Arlington Cemetery and become additional space for veterans.
Last but not least, several people who actively read this verbal barrage of superfluous tech chatter have asked me to solicit the location of GSCM (SW) Carl Maggio (Retired), GSCM (SW) Quentin Jones (Retired) and GSCS (SW) Roger Monroe (Retired). If you have a point of contact (address/phone number) for these folks and would like me to act as a liaison, please contact me by e-mail: fiorillo_joe@mail.aera.com.
May all your casualties be little ones !
Well as soon as the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) is signed the life cycle management for the Navy's gas turbine program will shift from NAVSEA 03Z in Crystal City, VA to NSWCCD- SSES, Philadelphia, PA.
For you folks that read this and are still on active duty and eligible for Chief next go around, start getting your "act together" now. Remember that BUPERS moved to Millington, TN and they are running a bit behind on processing a lot of the routine requests. So if you are thinking of ordering your micro-fiche to look at what "The Board" looks at, now is not too early. Having been a Detailer and a recorder on a couple of selection boards it is imperative that your micro- fiche record be correct.
There is a cogen plant in Waldorf, Maryland that is owned and operated by Ogden Energy Services. They are looking for a controls and instrument technician. ABB in Midlothian, VA, a builder of large industrial gas turbine and steam engines had an advertisement in the Washington Post looking for field service technicians.
GSCS(SW) Ret. John Johnson reports that the Pascagoula, Gautier, Moss Point area really took a hit from Hurricane Georges. If you hadn't been to the P'Goula area for awhile it had really begun to build up in the last ten or so years. But Georges did lots of damage to the private homes, businesses and the shipyard down there. TICONDEROGA and YORKTOWN that are home ported down there went out to sea to ensure they were safe. The rectory of one of the churches had its roof entirely blown off. Hope all of our old shipmates that retired down there had minimal damage. And yes, Don Underwood, who use to be the Stewart & Stevenson rep for the generator sets down there in Pascagoula is STILL there but now works for Rolls Royce- Allison. Just in case you missed reading the financial page about two years ago, Rolls Royce bought Allison.
The next major combatant, DD 21 is still sort of hush-hush inside the beltway at NAVSEA. My prediction is like 8-10 years before the first of the class gets commissioned.
I've had a few requests about obtaining the history of ships or other items of naval historical significance. Most of the inquiries come from GSs with fathers that served on ships during World War II. The Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, 901 M Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20374-5060 has an excellent staff that has provided this writer with information at no cost.
I was asked if I knew where to obtain special tools to work on the Allison 501K series engines. Lots of sailors tell me that the tools are impossible to get through the supply system. That doesn't surprise me because the item manager for these tools is a NAVAIR employee. So here we go; if you want to order 501K tools from a private contractor and figure out how to get the chief engineer or repair officer to pay for them, the point of contact is H. & P. Tool Co. Inc., 610 South Street, P.O. Box 486, Richmond, Indiana 47374. Their phone number is 1-765-962-4504.
Finally, an ETC and a GSEC were arguing whether a buttered slice of bread would land on the buttered side or unbuttered side if dropped. So they decided to test the idea, and threw a buttered piece of bread off the bridge wing on to the deck below. It landed on the buttered side. "See" said the ETC. The GSEC replied "It only proves you buttered it on the wrong side."
Thanks to Dave Wright (GSCS-Ret.) the website keeps growing and lots of old and new folks are finding us. Have a good October and stay in contact.