Newport News Shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy celebrated the opening of a new facility Thursday that will enhance the work environment for shipbuilders and sailors during refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The Carrier Refueling Overhaul Workcenter (CROW) provides approximately 80,000 square feet of dedicated space near aircraft carriers undergoing RCOH. The facility includes office spaces for shipbuilders and sailors as well as quality of service areas sailors can use while executing RCOH.

“This new facility, designed to serve sailors – and benefit shipbuilders as well – is a shining example of what teamwork can do,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “We are grateful for the tenacity with which this project was envisioned, pursued and executed, and we are honored to celebrate its opening.”

The facility’s first floor is open-air and features a new micromart. Additionally, RCOH test engineers from E25 and E84 who worked in weapons magazines – which were converted to office spaces – will relocate to the third and fourth floors of the CROW, presenting significantly improved work conditions for those shipbuilders.

“The RCOH facility directly supports Adm. Caudle’s ‘Sailors First’ vision for the Navy,” Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby said. “It is our obligation to our sailors and the employees at this shipyard to keep improving and striving to deliver the best quality of service. This facility provides our sailors and shipyard partners with a dedicated, modern space outside of the heavy industrial environment to build sailors’ well-being and warfighting readiness.”

The new CROW facility is located mid-yard at NNS, conveniently between the dry dock and the outfitting pier that support RCOH work.