Navy Times initially reported that the ship’s heat exchangers experienced a failure. These critical components of the ship’s exotic integrated power plant produce a whopping 78 megawatts of electricity that power everything from the ship’s propulsion to sensors–and potentially even weapons in the future. Now, USNI News reports that water intrusion was noticed in two of the the four major bearings that connect the ship’s Advanced Induction Motors that drive the ship’s shafts, both of which subsequently locked up.
Apparently, as result of the mechanical failure, Zumwalt had a collision with the lock walls resulting in some form of damage, although at this point the collision is being called minor.
Commander Ryan Perry, a spokesperson for the Navy’s Third Fleet stated the following on Monday:
“Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, US Third Fleet, has directed USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) to remain at ex-Naval Station Rodman in Panama to address engineering issues that occurred while transiting the Panama Canal. The timeline for repairs is being determined now, in direct coordination with Naval Sea Systems and Naval Surface Forces. The schedule for the ship will remain flexible to enable testing and evaluation in order to ensure the ship's safe transit to her new homeport in San Diego.”
This schedule has now been determined to include ten days for repairs in Rodman before the ship can hopefully continue on its way to San Diego. (end of excerpt)
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