Abstract
Responsibility for U.S. Navy ships that are designated "Inactive" resides with the Inactive Fleet Division of the Naval Sea Systems Command. Many of the ships that are removed from active service are retained in case of future need. The inactive status period may be in excess of 20 years; therefore, the inactivation and preservation procedures reflect the requirements of long-term storage.
In 1987 the Oak Ridge National Laboratory was engaged by the U.S. Navy Inactive Fleet to review the manner in which cathodic protection (CP) was being implemented at the various Naval Inactive Fleet Maintenance Facilities (NISMF's).
The visits and surveys revealed a substantial difference from one site to another in the manner in which cathodic protection systems were installed, maintained and operated. Some of these differences were the result of differences in the operating environment, i.e., fresh water as opposed to brackish or salt water, and some were the result of innovative improvements developed at the various sites.
The Naval Ships Technical Manual, which provides guidance for the preservation activities, was also reviewed to determine the extent to which it adhered to current industry standards and, where appropriate, changes were made to reflect current practice. A separate tutorial was written to assist those responsible for the design, operation, and maintenance of CP systems.
