University of Maine students and researchers will join Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on engineering projects under a new agreement.
University of Maine students and researchers will collaborate with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on engineering and other science, technology, and mathematics projects under a new educational agreement.
The partnership will focus on research and workforce training related to innovative maintenance technologies.
Students will be able to earn academic credit by participating in defense laboratory projects connected to their degree programs and career interests.
The work will draw on the shipyard’s specialized facilities, equipment, and technical expertise.
Moreover, the agreement will create opportunities for faculty members to conduct research with shipyard personnel.
“By working together, we create opportunities for students, faculty and shipyard employees to share knowledge, advance research and develop the workforce needed to support the navy’s mission for years to come,” said Cmdr. Adam Mills, acting shipyard commander.
Naval Maintenance Workforce
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located in Kittery, Maine, is one of the US Navy’s four public shipyards.
It specializes in the maintenance, repair, refueling, and modernization of nuclear-powered attack submarines rather than their construction.
The partnership is partly intended to build a recruitment pipeline for the shipyard, which requires engineers, scientists, technicians, and skilled manufacturing workers to complete increasingly complex submarine overhauls.
The University of Maine already supports defense projects through its Advanced Manufacturing Center and Advanced Structures and Composites Center.
Previous work included modular ballistic protection, lightweight military vehicles, and large 3D-printed vessels developed for the US Department of Defense.
Its Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Training Innovation Centers also provide instruction in digital production and advanced manufacturing.
