Navy to Remove Aft Mast on USS Bonhomme Richard This Week in ‘Abundance of Caution’

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The Navy will remove the aft mast USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) this week out of an abundance of caution, after the fire on the ship last month particularly affected the superstructure area of the amphibious assault ship.

“Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is commencing work to remove the aft mast aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6). The fire compromised the structural integrity of the aft mast, located above the ship’s superstructure. Although damage assessments are ongoing, the Navy made the decision, out of an abundance of caution, to move forward with removal, which will be facilitated using two cranes on floating barges located alongside the ship,” Navy spokesman Lt. Ryan Slattery told USNI News. https://news.usni.org/2020/08/04/navy-to-remove-aft-mast-on-uss-bonhomme-richard-this-week-in-abundance-of-caution