This week at the Newport News Shipyard, the USS Arkansas, a Virginia-class attack submarine, was prepared for launch into sea trials, a rigorous testing phase in which all systems are evaluated under operational and extreme conditions. VHB was on site to provide immediate shipway rail survey services post-launch to confirm the alignment and stability of the rails before the next vessel moves into position.
This milestone follows the submarine’s christening on December 7, 2024, a Navy tradition that symbolizes good fortune and safe passage. As the USS Arkansas begins sea trials, VHB deployed a survey team to inspect the heavy-duty rails that guide these massive vessels into the water. With a vessel the size and complexity of the USS Arkansas, precision in launch infrastructure is vital. VHB brings specialized marine and rail survey knowledge to this operation—helping the Newport News Shipyard uphold its legacy of safety and efficient vessel launches.
“This rapid-response survey work is more than just measurement,” said Bob Taliaferro, VHB Director of Hydrographic Geomatics. “It’s about protecting lives and maintaining trust in every launch that follows. Performing these surveys is critical for structural safety and preventing rail settlement or shifting and maintaining the reliability of future launches.”
Looking ahead, VHB’s work at the shipyard is part of a broader commitment to maritime infrastructure, including projects across the East Coast supporting port authorities, naval bases, and industrial waterfronts. VHB’s growing capabilities in marine surveying and coastal engineering continue to expand following its integration with Waterway, enhancing the company’s ability to deliver for our clients with waterfront assets and operations.
Learn more about coastal engineering and resiliency at VHB or reach out to Bob Taliaferro directly via email.
