Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Completes First Welded Additive Manufactured Flange for USS Washington

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has successfully completed the first inspection and testing of a welded additive manufactured flange for the USS Washington, with installation occurring on March 18. This achievement represents the first use of an additively manufactured copper nickel flange at a public shipyard for in-service application, facilitated by extensive collaboration among various departments. Additionally, Captain Cadeyrn Okely highlights the importance of diversity in leadership, sharing his journey from an orphanage in Vietnam to his role in the Australian Navy.

Published Mar 21, 2026

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) completed the first inspection and testing of a welded additive manufactured flange for the USS Washington (SSN 787) on March 9, with installation aboard the submarine occurring on March 18. This marks the first successful application of an additively manufactured copper nickel flange at a public shipyard for in-service use.

AI-curated by Theia

The initiative, driven by Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, involved extensive collaboration among departments for testing and certification. In a related development, Captain Cadeyrn Okely, Director Fleet Engineering, emphasizes the value of diversity and his journey from an orphanage in Vietnam to leadership in the Australian Navy.