Navy halts nuclear work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

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http://hamptonroads.com/2014/09/navy-halts-nuclear-work-norfolk-naval-shipyard



Tug boats move the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) into place as the ship leaves the dry dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Navy halts nuclear work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard
By Mike Hixenbaugh
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 25, 2014

PORTSMOUTH

The Navy has suspended most nuclear work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard after discovering, on two separate occasions in recent weeks, that civilian workers improperly handled potentially contaminated equipment.

The problems that led to the nuclear work stoppage "were minor and did not result in any impact to the safety of the public, the environment or employees," said Jeff Cunningham, a shipyard spokesman.

The shipyard paused all but the most critical nuclear operations on Sept. 13 after the second safety violation, Cunningham said. It's unknown when the work will be allowed to resume.

Three nuclear-powered vessels at the shipyard are affected - the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower and the submarines Maryland and Albany. It's not clear whether the pause in work will influence when those ships return to the fleet, Cunningham said.