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U.S. Navy officials visiting HJ Shipbuilding’s Yeongdo Shipyard on Thursday inspected the maintenance status of their vessel, the USNS Amelia Earhart, and then took a commemorative photo (Provided by HJ Shipbuilding) 2026.02.12
HJ Shipbuilding reported on Friday that U.S. Navy officials, during their visit to the Yeongdo shipyard in Busan, were so impressed with the company’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities that they requested additional maintenance work beyond the original contract scope.
On Thursday, a six-member U.S. Navy delegation, led by Jim Goodhart, Deputy Director of the Military Sealift Command’s Ship Management Directorate, inspected the MRO operations on their vessels at the Yeongdo shipyard.
The Navy representatives lauded the maintenance quality and technical expertise after reviewing the work progress, shipyard operations, and completed equipment. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the same high standards for the additional work now being contracted beyond the initial agreement.
HJ Shipbuilding had previously secured a mid-cycle maintenance contract for the 40,000-ton USNS Amelia Earhart with the U.S. Navy in December last year, promptly initiating work. The company aims to complete all essential maintenance and upgrades by the March deadline before returning the vessel to the Navy.
During the maintenance process, HJ Shipbuilding identified additional issues beyond the initial contract scope. With Navy approval, they plan to address these newly discovered items, including functional defects previously unnoticed by the client, potentially enhancing the overall quality of the maintenance work.
Yu Sang-cheol, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HJ Shipbuilding, stated that as its inaugural MRO project for the U.S. Navy, they’re fully committed to meeting their rigorous requirements through meticulous process and quality control. They’re dedicating all our resources to ensure timely delivery and superior quality, aiming to establish a foundation of trust with the U.S. Navy.