US Navy memo - (PERA CV)

Date: 19 February, 1995
From: Roland Cole
To: Robert Bolden

I have mentioned the Phoenix One-Step decking process (MIL D-24613 Type 3) before but we hadn't been asked to give TQL a chance at that time. I want to reiterate some thoughts in response to this decking process aboard CV/CVN's that I have experienced. I have chipped, painted, installed, sealed, and waxed all of the decks that are currently in use aboard carriers. I bring up the subject now because this process has finally been reintroduced to the east coast carriers. (USS George Washington (CVN 73) -- LCDR Reed - Maintenance Officer). Perhaps with the correlation between the CVN 73 and our current officer in charge, the Phoenix One-Step will get some just attention. We have conducted extensive studies regarding various kinds of decking materials and products for shipboard application. In 1990, T. Joyce, J. Rowe, G. Johnson, and myself observed this particular decking process at a symposium in San Diego. Doug Moran, with SFWP, has witnessed positive results with this product. Customers have requested and received it aboard ships for evaluation. It was applied in various compartments aboard CV 61 in 1990 and is still intact. It has been applied aboard submarines, surface ships, and other east coast carriers. Commander Intermediate Maintenance (CDIM) was tasked under 6k to complete studies in response to other decking applications.

We have tried other decking products (quartz broadcast) in the CPO mess onboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) with devastating results. Both the customer (CV 63) and Commander Naval Air Pacific (Capt. Baugh) were dissatisfied.

The main concerns in reference to decks that I have come to understand are as follows:

1. Maintainability

A. Is it easy to clean?
B. Is it easy to shine, where appropriate?

2. Durability

A. How long will it last?

3. Repairability

A. Is it easy to repair?
B. What does it look like when/if repaired?

4. Installation

A. How long does it take to install?
B. How much down time is the space is there?
C. How long is the cure time?
D. Can it be installed by ship's force?

5. Cosmetics

6. Cost and weight

The Phoenix One-Step process has been sometimes called 1/3rd, 1/3rd, 1/3rd. It has been called this because:

  • It takes 1/3rd the time to install versus other decks
  • It is 1/3rd the cost to install versus other decks
  • It is 1/3rd the weight versus other decks

Recommend future consideration be given to this product for installation aboard Commander Naval Air Pacific (CNAP) carriers. It provides advantages in all areas of concern.

Respectfully,

Roland
Roland:

I concur that this process is superior to the other similar products (Terrazzo). While it may not look as good as freshly sealed Terrazzo, it last and wears much better. I.E. - when the Terrazzo decks are not properly sealed, the deck underneath will surely "rot" out. Whereas the One Step is a solid epoxy like layer that is totally water proof. We are trying to get it qualified to go ahead and use with a sealer so the ship's force can "keep it shiny" and therefore make it more acceptable cosmetically.

Please be aware that there are substitutes that do not perform as well but meet the Mil-Spec!!

Regards,

Bob B.