Corrosion

The United States Navy has opened a new solicitation aimed at expanding corrosion-control work across the surface fleet, outlining assessments, training, and material support for combatant and amphibious ships. The notice, released on December 2, details a program intended to help crews manage long-standing maintenance pressures that continue to affect ship readiness in the Atlantic theater. The service grounds the effort in a problem it has confronted since its earliest days. The U.S. Navy was founded in 1775, and from that moment forward it has faced the same relentless adversary every single day: iron oxide, or rust. For more than 200 years, this quiet battle has cost the Navy countless billions, with no clear end in sight. Rust is not limited to ships alone. Helicopters operating from destroyers and cruisers are often exposed to salty mist and sea fog, and aircraft on carrier decks face the same corrosive environment. U.S. Navy Gunner's Mate 3rd Class John Larson, from Fulton, Texas grinds paint off the bulkhead of the bridge wing of the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in the Pacific Ocean on Jul. 3, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Bussman) According to the solicitation, the Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic is seeking services and supplies for a Surface Ship Corrosion Mitigation Program. The notice states that CNSL N43 will identify specific ships and maintenance periods for each assessment event, using what the Navy describes as a “Window of Opportunity.” The program calls for twelve assessment events and training sessions across eight combatant ships and four amphibious ships, with one assessment per ship per month on a yearly cycle. The document explains that the chosen contractor will support Ship’s Force training on the use and application of corrosion-control materials. As part of this effort, the Navy expects a six-month supply of corrosion-inhibiting product to be delivered to selected ships. The material is intended for routine use by onboard personnel as corrosion develops during daily operations. The Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) The solicitation is linked to PSC 2090, which covers miscellaneous ship and marine equipment, and NAICS Code 325510, which includes paint and coating manufacturing. The opportunity carries no set-aside. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk issued the notice under ID N0018926Q0003, replacing an earlier related notice. Offers are due on January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The opportunity will remain active for fifteen days beyond the offer deadline. The contracting office is based on Gilbert Street in Norfolk, Virginia, with Elysia Allen listed as the primary point of contact. The Navy directs interested companies to Standard Form 1449 and accompanying attachments for detailed procedures and expectations, including assessment methods, training plans, coordination with ship schedules, and the required specifications for corrosion-inhibiting materials. Corrosion control remains one of the fleet’s most difficult, recurring challenges. Ships, aircraft, and support facilities experience steady degradation from saltwater, humidity, and the conditions that develop during long deployments. By pairing technical assessments with on-ship training and material support, the Navy aims to streamline crew responses and reduce unexpected maintenance burdens.

Corrosion

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Corrosion

U.S. Navy launches new push to address corrosion risks

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