YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka joined with Gilbane Building Company to complete a pipeline repair project at Defense Fuel Service Point (DFSP) Hakozaki. The completion of this three-year repair project involving nearly 230 personnel was celebrated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and adds another chapter of Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka joined with Gilbane Building Company to complete a pipeline repair project at Defense Fuel Service Point (DFSP) Hakozaki.
The completion of this three-year repair project involving nearly 230 personnel was celebrated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and adds another chapter of command successes during 2020—a year which put NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka’s products and services to the test in supporting mission partners throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a team, we made history. This pipeline repair project at DFSP Hakozaki is the first major overhaul since World War II,” said Capt. Edward Pidgeon, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka commanding officer. “Our fuel infrastructure is now more resilient than ever and is protected against even the toughest natural disasters.”
The $46 million project installed 25 24-ton seismic pipe anchors, enabling nine miles of pipeline to withstand total soil liquefaction in the event of a typhoon or tsunami. Further, integrity tests indicated the pipeline can endure an earthquake magnitude up to 9.0, after replacing degraded pipeline with more seismically resilient pipeline and expansion loops to provide pressure relief during pipeline flexing. These improvements will allow DFSP Hakozaki to continue to receive, store, handle and transfer petroleum products and bulk lube oil in the event of a natural disaster.
In addition to the protections against natural hazards, DFSP Hakozaki refurbished 12 miles of pipeline, had 35% of existing pipes replaced and received a comprehensive inspection of all tanks and canals. This repair project is expected to extend system service life by 25 years.
NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.