SeaWaves Magazine

Ganthoot Launched

2012-01-27T12:59:00.001-08:00

Fincantieri shipyard at Muggiano recently launched the “Ganthoot”, the first of two stealth patrol vessels included in the “Falaj 2” program in progress for the United Arab Emirates Navy who ordered them in 2010. The ship, whose name comes from a geographical area in the Emirates in the neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi, will be delivered in the last half of 2012.
The launch ceremony, which was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Emirate Naval Forces, His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Italian head of Fincantieri’s Naval Business Unit, Angelo Fusco, the Commander-in-Chief of Maridipart La Spezia, Admiral Andrea Campregher and representatives from the shipyard’s management, started with the customary recital of the Koran and, following the official speeches, the traditional breaking of the bottle.
Capable surpassing 20 knots, the “Falaj 2” program patrol vessels are 55 metres long with a beam of 8.60 metres and can accommodate a crew of 28. However, what makes this ship special is her particular geometry thanks to which it is difficult to pick her up on radar (stealth).
Further features of these ships include their high level of flexibility which enables them to carry out a range of different mission types – from patrol and surveillance to defence from air and surface attacks - both in national and international waters, and top living and safety standards.
The contract provides the Emirate Navy with an option for another two sister vessels as well as technology transfer to a local shipyard for the construction of additional sister vessels.
Recognising the strategic importance of the Middle East market and its strong, fruitful partnership with the UAE, Fincantieri intends to consolidate the company Etihad Ship Building. Set up as a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East - both represented at the ceremony - ESB works in the field of the design, construction and sale of different types of civilian and military craft in addition to carrying out maintenance and refitting in loco.

Russian Navy News

2012-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

01.26.2012Russian Navy to Receive SSGN Severodvinsk in 2012
Russian Navy to Receive SSGN Severodvinsk in 2012

01.26.2012Baltic Fleet Has No Iskander Missiles So Far
Baltic Fleet Has No Iskander Missiles So Far

01.26.2012INS Vikramaditya to Take Sea in Four Months
INS Vikramaditya to Take Sea in Four Months

01.26.2012Airfoil Ships to Revive in Karelia
Airfoil Ships to Revive in Karelia

01.26.2012Defense Ministry: Quality of Russian Military Products Goes Down
Defense Ministry: Quality of Russian Military Products Goes Down

01.25.2012Defense Ministry Signed Contract for SLBM Bulava Production
Defense Ministry Signed Contract for SLBM Bulava Production

01.25.2012France to Lay Down First Mistral for Russia Early Feb 2012
France to Lay Down First Mistral for Russia Early Feb 2012

01.25.2012Frigate Neustrashimy Turned 19
Frigate Neustrashimy Turned 19

01.25.2012Russian Navy Carrier Group Held Exercise in Mediterranean
Russian Navy Carrier Group Held Exercise in Mediterranean

01.24.2012Group of Indian Crewmen of INS Vikramaditya Finished Training
Group of Indian Crewmen of INS Vikramaditya Finished Training

01.24.2012Leningrad Naval Base Gets New Commander
Leningrad Naval Base Gets New Commander

01.24.2012BSF Court Experts Identify Remains of Soviet Soldiers Fought for Sevastopol
BSF Court Experts Identify Remains of Soviet Soldiers Fought for Sevastopol

01.24.2012Russian Navy Command Deliberated About International Cooperation
Russian Navy Command Deliberated About International Cooperation

2012 Supplier Days Keynote Speaker

2012-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

2012 Supplier Days Keynote Speaker

Vice Admiral John M. Richardson, Commander, Submarine Forces,
to Speak at 2012 Supplier Days Annual Dinner
(photo credit: www.navy.mil)

We are pleased to announce that Vice Admiral John M. Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces, will be the keynote speaker at the 21^st annual Supplier Days dinner on March 6^th.

Vice Admiral Richardson assumed his current duties in November 2010. As commander, Submarine Forces, he focuses the efforts of the U.S. submarine force to ensure that the U.S. Navy maintains undersea superiority today and into the future. As commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, he has operational command of all U.S. submarines homeported on the Atlantic coast, as well as supporting shore activities. As commander, Allied Submarine Command, he acts as the principal advisor to the NATO on submarine plans, operations, and doctrine.

His operational assignments include service in both attack and ballistic missile submarines, including USS Parche (SSN 683), USS George C. Marshall (SSBN 654), and USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716).

Register to Attend Submarine Supplier Days 2012

If you have not already done so, we encourage you to register for the 21st annual Submarine Supplier Days.    The events will be March 6-7, 2012 in Washington, D.C. at the Grand Hyatt hotel and on Capitol Hill.

Click here to register online. (If the link does not take you to the SIBC website, paste www.submarinesuppliers.org into your browser's address bar).

Unfortunately, the SIBC’s special room block pricing at the Grand Hyatt is no longer available.   Below is a list of nearby hotels if you need to make reservations elsewhere.

We look forward to seeing everyone in March!

Hotels Near the Grand Hyatt:

The Embassy Suites Convention Center
900 10th Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 739-2001

The Renaissance Washington
999 Ninth Street NW
Washington D.C.
(202) 898-8000

The J.W. Marriott
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington D.C.
(202) 393-2000 ‎

The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (on 14th Street)
815 14th Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 783-7800

The Westin – Washington, D.C. City Center
1400 M St. NW
Washington, D.C.
(202) 429-1700

Club Quarters Washington
839 17th Street NW
Washington D.C.
(202) 463-6400

Donovon House
1155 14th St NW
Washington D.C.
(202) 737-1200

The Mayflower
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC
(202) 347-3000

The Capital Hilton
1001 16^th Street NW
Washington, DC
(202) 393-1000

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard

2012-01-26T12:01:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2012
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the 50^thanniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard:

“For 50 years now, the brave men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard have kept our national waters open, safe and secure. This is truly a remarkable feat given the length and ruggedness of our coast and the rough maritime conditions they encounter on any given day.
“On this special anniversary, I would like to honour all members of this fine institution, both past and present, for their devotion to keeping Canadian waterways and the people who sail through them safe – often risking their lives to do so.
“Our Government recognizes both the dedication of Coast Guard members and the number of Canadian livelihoods that depend on their work. That is why we are upgrading the Coast Guard fleet by building five new ships under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and investing in new tools and training.
“The Canadian Coast Guard and its red and white ships have become national symbols of service and safety earning our respect and admiration. I therefore encourage all Canadians to take time today to pay tribute to the thousands of courageous members who have served, and who continue to serve our country both at sea and on shore.”

HMS Protector arrives in Antarctica

2012-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

26 Jan 12

HMS Protector, the Royal Navy's new ice patrol ship, has arrived in Antarctica for the first time after her long sail south from Portsmouth.

HMS Protector in Maxwell Bay [Picture: LA(Phot) Arron Hoare, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Her arrival, via Montevideo in Uruguay, coincided with the centenary of the Royal Navy's Captain Scott reaching the South Pole.
HMS Protector's first task within the frozen wilderness was to disembark stores and personnel for the British Antarctic Survey teams stationed on the Antarctic Peninsula.
While in the British Antarctic Territory, a key part of HMS Protector's duties is to make contact with Antarctic base stations. Since their arrival the crew have visited the Uruguayan base Artigas and the Argentine base Jubany.
At Artigas the crew heard that the Uruguayan President Jose Mujica was staying overnight. In the spirit of international friendship, the Commanding Officer of HMS Protector, Captain Peter Sparkes, donated a crate of the ship's own brand of beer, 'Ice-Breaker', for the President to enjoy that evening.

Survey motor boat James Caird IV at work in Potter Cove on the Antarctic Peninsula [Picture: LA(Phot) Arron Hoare, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

From Artigas, the crew sailed HMS Protector's work boat Terra Nova to the Argentine base on King George Island. Humpback whales and penguins greeted the crew as they rounded the headland into Potter Cove, where Jubany station is located.
Here, HMS Protector's state-of-the-art survey motor boat James Caird IV operated close to shore - dwarfed by a spectacular glacier.
The purpose of the visit to Jubany was to hold discussions on local co-operation, and the teams met up again onboard HMS Protector the following day.
While hosting their visitors the Protector and Jubany diving teams enjoyed an extremely successful dive in Potter Cove.
Although the weather was challenging and the underwater visibility poor, it was a good opportunity to exercise the Royal Navy divers in the cold waters of Antarctica for the first time, and to strengthen relations between HMS Protector and the divers based at Jubany Station.

HMS Protector visited Artigas, the Uruguayan base situated in Maxwell Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula - from left: Alonso de la Carrera (the base medical officer), Lieutenant Simon Lockley, Captain Peter Sparkes and Colour Sergeant Cowe [Picture: LA(Phot) Arron Hoare, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The next task was to install a tidal gauge at the South Korean King Sejong Station to update the tidal knowledge in a busy shipping area.
Currently the tides are largely calculated on two days' worth of historic data collected over 40 years ago, so this was an invaluable part of HMS Protector's survey work to improve hydrographic knowledge of the area.
The James Caird IV undertook her first survey of Potter Cove using the latest multibeam echo sounder. The data collected will be sent to the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton to update the charts of an area last surveyed with a lead line in the 19th century.
As a result of how things have changed thanks to global warming, the survey team managed to take the James Caird IV 'inland' as the glacier has retreated over 2km in the last 150 years.
HMS Protector will continue to undertake taskings within the British Antarctic Territory over the next few months - visiting bases, supporting scientific work and undertaking hydrographic survey work.

Huntington Ingalls Industries Announces Ron Murray as Newport News Shipbuilding's Vice President of Quality and Process Excellence

2012-01-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

Huntington Ingalls Industries today announced that Ron Murray has been promoted to vice president of quality and process excellence for the company's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

As lead for the shipyard's quality and process excellence policies and programs, Murray will oversee the planning, development and enforcement of quality and continuous improvement programs across the shipyard. He will report to NNS President Matt Mulherin.

"This position is a key driver of Newport News Shipbuilding's success," Mulherin said. "Ron's job is to oversee the quality processes and provide independent assurance that we produce a top-quality product. He brings to the position 23 years of experience, technical knowledge and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and first-time quality that I am confident will continue to move our organization forward."

Murray, a fourth-generation shipbuilder, has served in positions of increasing responsibility, including manager of the SUBSAFE program, design manager for the 688-class planning yard, and most recently director of quality and engineering services. He is a licensed professional engineer and a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees.

"I have a real appreciation for the products we build and the people who build them," Murray said. "I recognize that I will be the gatekeeper to the business regarding the quality of our ships. This is no small task, but I could not imagine being in a different position in this company. It's exactly where I want to be."

2012 Navy Weeks

2012-01-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

2012 Navy Weeks

In 2012, 15 cities have been
selected to host a Navy Week.
These cities include:

Phoenix
March 26-31

New Orleans
April 16-23

Nashville
May 7-13

SpokaneMay 14-20

Baltimore
June 11-19

Boston
June 29-July 6

Sacramento
July 16-22

Sioux Falls
July 19-28

Milwaukee
August 6-13

Chicago
August 13-20

Toledo
August 20-27

Cleveland
Aug. 27-Sept. 4

Detroit
September 3-10

Buffalo
September 10-17

Houston
October 22-28

Russia Hands Over Nerpa Nuclear Sub to India

2012-01-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine

Russia’s K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine has been handed over to the Indian Navy, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Monday.

In line with the contract worth over $900 million, the Project 971 Shchuka-B (NATO: Akula II) class sub has been leased to India’s Navy for ten years. It will be renamed the INS Chakra.

The ceremony took place in the Far Eastern Primorye Territory. Russian submariners trained their Indian colleagues to steer the Nerpa in the Pacific Ocean.

The event was attended by Indian ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra, United Shipbuilding Corporation head Roman Trotsenko, Eastern Military District commander Admiral Konstantin Sidenko and other officials.

The submarine’s displacement is 8,140/12,770 tons. Its maximum speed is 30 knots, maximum operating depth, 600 m; its endurance is 100 days with a crew of 73. The vessel is armed with four 533mm torpedo tubes and four 650mm torpedo tubes.

India has become the sixth operator of nuclear submarines in the world, after the United States, Russia, France, Britain and China, though it previously leased another Russian submarine which was then returned.

Twenty sailors died on the Nerpa in 2008 after the vessel’s fire-suppression systems were accidentally triggered during sea trials, releasing toxic gases.

Russian Navy News

2012-01-20T08:11:00.000-08:00

Russian Navy News

01.19.2012NATO Counter-Piracy Mission Commander Visited Russian ASW Ship Admiral Tributs
NATO Counter-Piracy Mission Commander Visited Russian ASW Ship Admiral Tributs

01.19.2012Russian Warships Called at Tartus for Replenishment – Chief of General Staff
Russian Warships Called at Tartus for Replenishment – Chief of General Staff

01.19.2012Russian Expert: US May Launch War Against Iran Soon
Russian Expert: US May Launch War Against Iran Soon

01.19.2012Procuracy: Commanding Staff of SSBN Yekaterinburg Exceeded Powers
Procuracy: Commanding Staff of SSBN Yekaterinburg Exceeded Powers

01.19.2012Russia, NATO Approbated 'Road Map' for Antipiracy and Counterterrorism
Russia, NATO Approbated 'Road Map' for Antipiracy and Counterterrorism

01.19.2012Project 21820 Landing Boat Laid Down in Yaroslavl
Project 21820 Landing Boat Laid Down in Yaroslavl

01.18.2012NF Pilots Practice Flights in Polar Night
NF Pilots Practice Flights in Polar Night

01.18.2012Media: Director of Bulava-Developing Institute May Lose Job
Media: Director of Bulava-Developing Institute May Lose Job

01.18.2012Firefighter Died in Explosion at Murmansk Shipyard
Firefighter Died in Explosion at Murmansk Shipyard

01.18.2012Yaroslavl Shipyard Lays Down Dugon-Class Air Cavity Landing Boat
Yaroslavl Shipyard Lays Down Dugon-Class Air Cavity Landing Boat

01.18.2012Sevmash: Russia to Deliver INS Vikramaditya to India in Dec 2012
Sevmash: Russia to Deliver INS Vikramaditya to India in Dec 2012

01.18.2012Baltic Fleet Gets 3 New Tugs
Baltic Fleet Gets 3 New Tugs

01.17.2012Russian Warships to Receive Advanced Gyrocompasses till 2018
Russian Warships to Receive Advanced Gyrocompasses till 2018

01.17.2012SSBN Yekaterinburg to Arrive in Severodvinsk for Repairs in May
SSBN Yekaterinburg to Arrive in Severodvinsk for Repairs in May

01.17.2012Black Sea Fleet Trains Boarding Parties for Joint Exercises
Black Sea Fleet Trains Boarding Parties for Joint Exercises

01.17.2012Russia Completes Trials of First Indian Frigate
Russia Completes Trials of First Indian Frigate

01.16.2012Seventh PF Antipiracy Unit Escorts First Convoy
Seventh PF Antipiracy Unit Escorts First Convoy

01.16.2012Rogozin: Iran's Drawing into War Threats Russia
Rogozin: Iran's Drawing into War Threats Russia

01.16.2012Media: Rosoboronexport Dispatched Cargo to Syria
Media: Rosoboronexport Dispatched Cargo to Syria

01.16.2012BSF Frigate Ladny Returned to Sevastopol
BSF Frigate Ladny Returned to Sevastopol

01.16.2012Delivery Date of SSN Nerpa to India Postponed Again
Delivery Date of SSN Nerpa to India Postponed Again

STX France and DCNS deliver BPC Dixmude three months ahead of schedule

2012-01-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

BPC Dixmude, the third Mistral-class force projection and command vessel for the French Navy, has been delivered to the French defence procurement agency (DGA) three months ahead of the initial contract schedule. The DGA took formal delivery of the ship on 3 January 2012. This success is the result of outstanding cooperation between industry partners DCNS and STX France. The design, construction and testing of the vessel was conducted in close partnership with DGA and French Navy teams.

Gérard Longuet, the French Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, praised this achievement after touring BPC Dixmude in Toulon on Saturday 14 January 2012.
The DGA ordered BPC Dixmude in April 2009 under the French government’s economic stimulus package. It was scheduled for delivery to the DGA at the end of the first quarter of 2012 for entry into active service with the French Navy later in the year. However, the DGA was able to take formal delivery of the vessel on 3 January 2012, three months ahead of the contract deadline.
BPC Dixmude, France’s third BPC-type force projection and command vessel, benefited from lessons learned during the construction of the first two Mistral-class ships and efficient cooperation between shipbuilder and outfitter STX France and DCNS, which has responsibility for the combat system and logistic support.
STX France coordinated industrial operations and built the platform and propulsion system as well as installing shipboard equipment. After successful sea trials, BPC Dixmude returned to Toulon in July 2011. DCNS then integrated and tested the combat system, including its communication, navigation and combat management capabilities.
Between April 2009, when the first steel was cut, and July 2011 when the platform was delivered, STX France consistently outpaced the production schedule. DCNS was also able to validate the combat system with just three sea trials, instead of the six scheduled under the contract.
The commitment and availability of the participating DGA and Navy teams and ready naval and air support ensured that the trials went very smoothly indeed.
The fact that BPC Dixmude’s Navy crew was able to work on board and familiarise itself with the new vessel from June 2011 contributed further to the success of the trials.
In 2012, BPC Dixmude will be used as a training ship for the French Navy’s Jeanne d’Arc mission. In this capacity, it will host a new cohort of officer cadets for instruction and exercises at sea as well as a detachment of French Army personnel.
The first two Mistral-class vessels, BPC Mistral and BPC Tonnerre, were co-designed by DCNS and STX France and delivered to the French Navy in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

General Dynamics NASSCO Marks Keel Laying of First Mobile Landing Platform Ship

2012-01-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

SAN DIEGO, January 19, 2012 – Today General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony for the first Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ship at the company’s shipyard in San Diego. Mrs. Pat Mills was the honoree for the ceremony. She is the wife of U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration.

Mrs. Mills validated the keel laying by welding her initials into the ship’s structure. The steel plate with her initials will be permanently affixed to the ship’s keel, remaining with the vessel throughout its time in service.

Delivery of the first MLP ship is scheduled for May 2013. The 765-foot long ship will be used as staging areas for the Navy and Marines. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recently announced that this first MLP ship will be named Montford Point, for the North Carolina facility where 20,000 African American Marines were trained over seven years, starting in 1942.

“In today’s challenging fiscal environment shipbuilder’s must continue to provide our Navy customer with competitive pricing and fair value,” said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “With the Mobile Landing Platform, NASSCO is meeting that challenge once again. The Navy and Marines will be getting a ship with significant capability at approximately one-third the cost of the Navy’s original plan.”

One initiative that NASSCO employed with this ship was to incorporate a “design-build” approach into all phases of design and planning development. The “design-build” approach included the assignment of the company’s most experienced shipbuilders within functional engineering and detail design teams. These teams played an important role in developing build strategy initiatives that are improving the ship’s readiness for construction, making MLP among the most producible designs in NASSCO’s history.

Once delivered to the fleet, MLP ships will join the three Maritime Prepositioning Force squadrons that are strategically located around the world to enable rapid response in a crisis. MLP vessels will change the way the Maritime Prepositioning Force operates, providing a “pier at sea,” that will become the core of the Navy/Marine Corps sea basing concept. This capability will allow prepositioning ships to offload equipment and supplies to the MLP for transshipment to shore by other vessels.

Stennis Carrier Strike Group Returns to 7th Fleet

2012-01-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility Jan. 19 after nearly three months supporting Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and New Dawn (OND), as well as maritime security operations and anti-piracy efforts in 5th Fleet.

While operating in the seas surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, JCSSG played a pivotal role in the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq and provided aviation support to coalition ground troops in Afghanistan.

After conducting weeks of command and control support operations to coalition forces in OND, an E-2C Hawkeye from the "Golden Hawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 embarked aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) flew the last Navy aviation mission over Iraq Dec. 18.

"Flying the last Navy air mission in Iraq was a historic achievement for all of us," said Capt. Dale Horan, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 embarked aboard Stennis, the flag ship of the strike group.

"Everyone in this strike group played a part in making that happen and it's a part of history we will always share," Horan said.

In January, after transitioning from OND to supporting operations in Afghanistan, JCSSG forces thwarted an attempted pirate attack on a Bahamian-flagged cargo vessel, then freed a group of Iranian mariners held captive by the same crew of suspected pirates.

"This was a well-executed display of the mutli-mission capability of the carrier strike group and a testament to the professionalism of our Sailors," said Stennis' Command Master Chief Stanley Jewett.

In 7th Fleet, the strike group plans to conduct several readiness exercises with partner countries in the region as well as visits to Singapore and the Philippines before preparing to head back to the United States.

"The manner in which we've conducted ourselves and executed our mission is indicative of the character of our Sailors and the spirit of our country," said JCSSG commander, Rear Adm. Craig Faller. "While we have much to accomplish before returning home, and I'm confident that we will finish our deployment with the same level of professionalism and personal conduct we've displayed throughout."

The 7th Fleet's area of responsibility encompasses more than 48 million square miles -- from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south, and from the International Date Line to the 68th meridian east, which runs down from the India-Pakistan border.

The JCSSG consists of Stennis, the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), aircraft from CVW 9, and guided missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Dewey (DDG 105), and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) from Destroyer Squadron 21.

USS Houston Arrives at New Homeport

2012-01-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived at its new homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 17, after completing a change of homeport from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 in Apra Harbor, Guam.

Houston, with a crew size of 150, departed Guam Jan. 6 after nine years of being forward deployed. While at Pearl Harbor, Houston will be assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 7.

"The crew is looking forward to living in a more diverse tropical paradise and enjoying everything Oahu has to offer," said Cmdr. David Schappert, Houston commanding officer. "And at the same time, being closer to family in the continental United States."

While the crew was focused on preparing the submarine for the voyage across the Pacific, families transferred their children to their new schools and shipped household goods largely without the assistance from their Sailor. Personnel Support Detachments and housing offices in Guam and Hawaii provided assistance during this change.

"It was a lot of work leading up to this move and I am glad we are finally here," said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Reynaldo Perez from San Antonio. "I am really looking forward to learning about the Hawaiian culture and experiencing all the great things Hawaii has to offer."

While transiting to Hawaii, the crew conducted a time-honored Navy tradition of "crossing the line." This was a unique ceremony where the submarine crossed the equator and the International Date Line at the same time allowing the crew to qualify as "golden shellbacks."

Houston is the fourth ship to be named after the Texas city and is capable of conducting anti-surface and anti-submarine operations along with guided missile strike operations using conventional Tomahawk land attack missiles.

Strategic Acquisition Strengthens Corporation's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Capabilities

2012-01-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

Lockheed Martin today announced the acquisition of Procerus Technologies, a company specializing in autopilot and other avionics for micro unmanned aerial systems. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but are not material to Lockheed Martin's results.

"This acquisition is consistent with our focus on acquiring capabilities that enhance our product portfolio and align with our customers' strategic priorities," said Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO. "Small unmanned aerial vehicles are low-cost, highly effective tools for our military, and the expertise Procerus brings will enhance the value we offer to our customers."

Founded in 2004 and based in Orem, Utah, Procerus is a privately held company that provides autopilot, targeting and payload technologies for micro UAS to domestic and international governments, as well as industry and academic institutions. Among its key technologies is the Kestrel autopilot system, the smallest and lightest full-featured micro autopilot system on the market ideal for surveillance and reconnaissance applications.

"Our purpose is to bring innovative and meaningful technologies to this critical capability for the military and future customers," said Todd Titensor, chief executive officer, Procerus Technologies. "Becoming a part of Lockheed Martin will allow us to advance these goals and accelerate our ability to reach them more quickly."

Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2) will manage the Procerus business. MS2, based in Washington, D.C., is part of the Corporation's Electronic Systems business area and has experience within this area with its Desert Hawk, Persistent Threat Detection System aerostats, K-MAX unmanned helicopter system, and high altitude airship programs.

Lockheed Martin Missile Defense Programs Achieve Significant Milestones in 2011

2012-01-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

SM-3 Missile

Lockheed Martin-developed missile defense system elements achieved 16 significant milestones during 2011, further solidifying the corporation's position as a leader in ballistic missile defense (BMD).

With proven solutions and an unparalleled BMD hit-to-kill intercept record, Lockheed Martin systems address the ascent, midcourse and terminal phases to support the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) layered Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) today and into the future.

2011 Milestones for Ballistic Missile Defense System Elements

Aegis Combat System

Aegis is the world's premier combat system and is the foundation for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense capability. Aegis-equipped ships are multi-mission surface combatants that can simultaneously attack land targets, submarines and surface ships while automatically implementing defenses to protect the fleet against aircraft and missiles. One hundred Aegis-equipped ships are in service around the globe.

In December, Lockheed Martin submitted its final proposal to the U.S. Navy to provide combat system engineering services, including design, development, integration, test and life cycle support, for Aegis-equipped ships. During the four decades that Lockheed Martin has partnered with the Navy as the Aegis Combat System Engineering Agent, the team has evolved the system 15 times to outpace a wide array of dynamic and evolving threats.

Aegis BMD

The Aegis BMD system is the primary sea-based component of the U.S. missile defense system. Aegis BMD-equipped ships use hit-to-kill technology to intercept and destroy short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Additionally, Aegis BMD-equipped ships provide surveillance and tracking of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and work with other BMDS elements to provide advanced warning for the defense of the nation, deployed U.S. forces and allies. The current Aegis configuration, Aegis BMD 4.0.1, enables the MDA and U.S. Navy to defeat more sophisticated ballistic missile threats.

In April, the Aegis BMD system successfully tracked and engaged an intermediate range ballistic missile using data from a remote AN/TPY-2 radar during a test off the coast of Hawaii. This marked the Aegis BMD system's first engagement against an intermediate range ballistic missile, as well as the first time the system used a launch-on-remote capability, which allows the Aegis BMD system to employ remote sensors to detect threats as early in flight as possible.

Later this year, construction will begin for the Aegis Ashore deckhouse at the Mission Systems & Sensors site in Moorestown, N.J. Aegis BMD is a foundational element for the planned European Phased Adaptive Approach to missile defense, which includes deployments of both Aegis BMD capable ships and Aegis BMD capabilities in a ground-based Aegis Ashore configuration.

PAC-3 Missile

The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile is one of the most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defense missiles in the world. Its ability to defeat advanced tactical ballistic and cruise missiles, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, solidifies PAC-3's position as the most technologically advanced missile for the Patriot air defense system.

In November, PAC-3 demonstrated its ability to stay ahead of the evolving threat and remain an extremely capable hit-to-kill weapon by successfully detecting, tracking and intercepting an aerodynamic tactical ballistic missile target in a flight test held at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). The test included a ripple fire engagement, utilizing a PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) Missile as the first interceptor and a PAC-3 Baseline Missile as the second interceptor. This flight test completed the validation of PAC-3's latest software and hardware updates.

In February, Lockheed Martin's enhanced version of the combat-proven PAC-3 Missile, the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), successfully intercepted a threat representative tactical ballistic missile target in the MSE battle space at WSMR.

THAAD

A MDA program and key element of the nation's BMDS, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system defends the U.S., its deployed and allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. THAAD is the only missile defense system with the operational flexibility to intercept in both the endo- and exo-atmospheres to provide versatile capability to the warfighter.

In December, Lockheed Martin received an undefinitized contract totaling $1.96 billion to produce THAAD for the MDA and the United Arab Emirates. One of the most notable milestones of the year, this contract is also the first Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of the system. The contract includes the production of two THAAD Weapon Systems and additional maintenance and support equipment.

During a flight test in October at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai, Hawaii, the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, MDA and the U.S. Army challenged THAAD to track, detect and intercept two different targets utilizing two THAAD interceptors a first for the system. During the successful mission, the THAAD missile system intercepted air-launched and sea-launched short-range ballistic missile targets.

Prior to the successful intercept test, Lockheed Martin received a production contract totaling $789.8 million to produce THAAD for the Missile Defense Agency. The contract included $694.9 million for the production of 48 THAAD interceptors, six THAAD launchers, four fire control units and additional support equipment. An option for additional launchers in the amount of $94.8 million was also awarded for a total value of $789.8 million.

2011 Milestones for Multinational Systems

MEADS

Under development by Germany, Italy and the U.S., the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) is a mobile system designed to replace Patriot in the U.S., Nike Hercules in Italy and the retired Hawk system in Germany. The system permits full interoperability between the U.S. and allied forces, and is the only medium-range air defense system to provide full 360-degree coverage. MEADS can defend up to eight times the coverage area with far fewer system assets, which allows for a substantial reduction in deployed personnel and equipment, with less demand for airlift.

In November, MEADS successfully demonstrated its ability to engage and defeat a target from any direction using a single launcher during its first flight test held at WSMR. During the test, a PAC-3 MSE MEADS Certified Missile Round was employed along with the MEADS lightweight launcher and battle manager. The test demonstrated an unprecedented over-the-shoulder launch of the MSE missile against a simulated target attacking from behind. The missile executed a planned self-destruct sequence at the end of the mission after successfully engaging the simulated threat. This test was one of three flight tests approved by the National Armaments Directors of Germany, Italy and the U.S. in June as part of a revised set of development objectives for the system.

Prior to the test, the second MEADS launcher, in the German national configuration, completed formal acceptance testing and began system-level integration with other MEADS elements at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base in Italy. A second MEADS battle manager completed acceptance testing at MBDA in Fusaro, Italy, and arrived in Orlando, Fla., for system integration testing in July. This unit was used during the successful flight test in November.

Also in preparation for the November test, MEADS successfully completed a Battle Management Command, Control, Communications and Computers and Intelligence (BMC4I) software design review in Huntsville, Ala., in August. The review validated software design and functionalities needed for upcoming MEADS flight tests and demonstrations.

In January, the initial MEADS launcher and battle manager entered system test and integration at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base after rotation testing in the U.S. This milestone marked the first integration tests involving two completed MEADS system elements. These tests demonstrated MEADS launcher and battle manager functions, including system attachment/detachment in the first demonstration of MEADS plug-and-fight operation.

2011 Milestones for Advanced Technology and Supporting Efforts

Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)

Lockheed Martin's Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the U.S.' national missile defense strategy. The program connects and integrates all elements of the nation's missile defense system from sensor to shooter. Operating 24/7, C2BMC continuously supports both regional and strategic objectives around the world in 17 time zones. As leader of the Missile Defense National Team, a consortium of five contractors that operates C2BMC, Lockheed Martin's key responsibilities are to develop and implement the C2BMC architecture, and operate and sustain the system in the field.

The program successfully completed a 10-year contract in 2011, and in December was awarded a follow-on IDIQ contract for the C2BMC program worth an estimated $980 million over five years.

Standard Missile-3 Block IIB

The Standard Missile-3 Block IIB (SM-3 IIB) missile will provide early intercept capability against long-range ballistic missile threats. It will be a key element of the fourth phase of the Phased Adaptive Approach, which will provide enhanced capabilities against threats on a global basis. The missile will be integrated into the Aegis Weapon System, with the Aegis BMD 5.1 Fire Control and the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, as part of the Aegis Ashore capability.

The MDA awarded Lockheed Martin a $43.3 million contract in April for concept definition and program planning for the SM-3 IIB. The 32-month concept definition and program planning phase focuses on defining design objectives, conducting trade studies to establish a technical baseline, reducing technology risk and developing an executable program plan. Lockheed Martin currently performs work in Sunnyvale, Calif., Huntsville, Ala., Moorestown, N.J., and Grand Prairie, Texas.

Lockheed Martin announced in August that it has selected its Courtland, Ala., facility for future production of the SM-3 IIB. The production facility decision will be part of the bid that Lockheed Martin intends to submit for the MDA's upcoming product development phase for the SM-3 IIB.

Targets and Countermeasures Program

Lockheed Martin's Targets and Countermeasures Program provides a full spectrum of target missiles to test the BMDS, with a focus on threat-representative capabilities for realistic testing and production efficiencies for affordability.

In 2011, Lockheed Martin's Targets and Countermeasures Program successfully provided and launched four target missiles bringing the company's reliability record to 42 successful target missions out of 43 since 1996. This unmatched 98 percent mission success rate has included unitary and separating targets, spanning land, sea and air launches for testing of the BMDS. It also includes three missions for the new LV-2 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile target.

Three Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR)

Lockheed Martin's fully-functional Three Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) prototype is currently tracking air targets as the company awaits the next phase in the U.S. Air Force's acquisition program. The scalable prototype addresses all of the Air Force's 3DELRR requirements and consolidates four Department of Defense long-range surveillance missions into one radar system.

Once fielded, 3DELRR will be the Air Force's principal long-range, ground-based sensor for detecting, identifying, tracking and reporting aircraft and missiles, and will replace the AN/TPS-75 air surveillance radar. The U.S. Marine Corps also is evaluating the system as a replacement for their AN/TPS-59 ballistic missile defense radar.

Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Howard O. Lorenzen

2012-01-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

The Navy accepted the delivery of missile range instrumentation ship USNS Howard O. Lorenzen (T-AGM 25) Jan. 10.

Constructed by VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., T-AGM 25 will be the replacement for the existing USNS Observation Island, which was launched in 1953. The ship will provide worldwide, high-quality, dual-band radar data in support of ballistic missile treaty verification.

"This ship brings critical new technology to the fleet in an innovative design," said Frank McCarthey, the Auxiliary Ships, Small Boats, and Craft program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "She is a well-built ship; we expect the USNS Howard O. Lorenzen to perform well."

Accepting delivery of this ship represents the official transfer of T-AGM 25 from the shipbuilder to the Navy and is a major milestone in the ship's transition to operational status. The ship was christened in June 2010 by the ship's sponsor, Susan Lorenzen Black, daughter of ship's namesake, the late Dr. Howard O. Lorenzen, a distinguished Naval Research Laboratory scientist.

Ship delivery follows completion of acceptance trials in November 2011. The ship is currently at Kiewit Offshore Services in Corpus Christi, Texas, for planned radar installation, integration, and testing. The government-provided communications suite is complete.

The 12,575-ton, 534-foot ship is crewed and operated by Military Sealift Command (MSC). Currently crewed by civil service mariners, Lorenzen is expected to transition to a crew of commercial mariners working for private companies under contract to MSC when the ship achieves initial operational capability in 2013.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets - while balancing affordability and capability - are key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy.

Russian Navy News

2012-01-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

01.12.2012Northern Fleet Receives New Trucks Northern Fleet Receives New Trucks

01.12.2012Caspian Flotilla Held Damage Control Drill
Caspian Flotilla Held Damage Control Drill

01.12.2012SSBN Yury Dolgoruky Almost Joined Russian Nuclear Force
SSBN Yury Dolgoruky Almost Joined Russian Nuclear Force

01.12.2012Seventh PF Task Unit Took Over Antipiracy Watch
Seventh PF Task Unit Took Over Antipiracy Watch

01.11.2012Frigate Ladny Returns from Deployment
Frigate Ladny Returns from Deployment

01.11.2012Russian Navy's Task Force Left Tartus
Russian Navy's Task Force Left Tartus

01.10.2012Black Sea Fleet Maintains Environmental Security
Black Sea Fleet Maintains Environmental Security

01.10.2012Northern Fleet to Participate in 3 International Exercises in 2012
Northern Fleet to Participate in 3 International Exercises in 2012

01.10.2012BSF Hydrographic Ship Donuzlav Prepares for Cruise to Monaco
BSF Hydrographic Ship Donuzlav Prepares for Cruise to Monaco

01.10.2012Defense Ministry Wants Renewal of Non-Nuclear Submarine Fleet
Defense Ministry Wants Renewal of Non-Nuclear Submarine Fleet

01.10.2012Russian Navy to Attend RIMPAC 2012 Exercise
Russian Navy to Attend RIMPAC 2012 Exercise

01.10.2012Fire Damage on SSBN Yekaterinburg Exceeded RUR 1 bln
Fire Damage on SSBN Yekaterinburg Exceeded RUR 1 bln

01.09.2012France Can Sell Any Arms to Russia Except NATO Codes and Missiles
France Can Sell Any Arms to Russia Except NATO Codes and Missiles

01.09.2012Russian Navy to Receive Frigate Admiral Grigorovich in 2014
Russian Navy to Receive Frigate Admiral Grigorovich in 2014

01.09.2012Russia, India Documented Leasing of SSN Nerpa
Russia, India Documented Leasing of SSN Nerpa

01.09.2012Russian Carrier Group Visits Syrian Port Tartus
Russian Carrier Group Visits Syrian Port Tartus

USS Coronado Launched

2012-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

AUSTAL LAUNCHES 2ND LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP

January 12, 2012

On January 10, 2012, Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard completed the launch of the second 127-metre Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship, “Coronado” (LCS 4).

The roll-out marked Austal’s second use of an innovative self-propelled modular transporter system to transfer the ship from the yard’s final assembly bay onto a drydock for launch. This system was first used a few months ago, in September 2011, to successfully launch USNS “Spearhead” (JHSV 1). Austal and the US Navy collaborated in the design of a new set of keel stands to support the ship during construction and facilitate the transition from the assembly bay. Austal’s own self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) supplemented those of Berard Transportation of New Iberia, LA, to provide a total of 3,800 tons lift capacity, on some 104 axle lines.

In a three-step process, SPMTs lifted the entire ship and keel stands lifted the Coronado almost three feet and moved the Littoral Combat Ship into the moored dry dock. Supporting close to 2,000 tons, the SPMT operators; aided by tug captains; the dock master and the Austal launch master manoeuvred “Coronado” aboard the dry dock in an incident-free operation.

A major improvement in safety and efficiency, the new roll-out method has shaved hours off the transfer process, and serves as a capstone in Austal’s effort to reduce cost and time required in future LCS deliveries.

The LCS and dry dock were then transported down river by tug to BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard, Mobile, where the ship was ultimately floated free of the keel stands, and was manoeuvred from the drydock. The vessel was then towed back upriver to Austal’s facility, where it will undergo final outfitting and activation before sea trials and delivery to the US Navy.

The 127-metre Austal trimaran seaframe is the platform for the LCS’s mission and weapon systems. This seaframe provides superior seakeeping and aviation as a result of its long, slender central hull and smaller side hulls (“amahs”). The trimaran hullform provides a large internal mission deck with a high payload carrying capacity. Located above the mission bay is the enormous flight deck capable of conducting dual H-60 helicopter operations. The vertical location of the flight deck on the trimaran hull form provides the highest flight deck elevation on a combatant ship other than a major amphibious vessel or aircraft carrier.

The launch of “Coronado” (LCS 4) closely follows the christening of the 103-metre USNS “Spearhead” (JHSV 1) and the celebration of the keel laying ceremony for “Choctaw County” (JHSV 2). Modular construction has also begun on JHSV 3 and “Jackson” (LCS 6) – the first of the 10-ship US Navy contract awarded to Austal, as the prime contractor, a year ago - in Austal’s 65,000 square metre Module Manufacturing Facility (MMF). Austal also has “Montgomery” (LCS 8) and JHSV 3 through JHSV 7 under contract.

For the LCS and JHSV programs, Austal is working in a partnership with General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics. As the ship systems integrator, General Dynamics is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ship’s electronic systems including the combat system, networks, and seaframe control. General Dynamics’ proven open architecture approach provides affordable capabilities to the fleet quickly and efficiently.

Austal employs over 2,100 highly qualified shipbuilders, engineers and support staff in the United States and is steadily growing towards 4,000 employees.

HMS Daring sets sail on maiden deployment

2012-01-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

The first Type 45 destroyer, HMS Daring, sets sail today, 11 January 2012, on her maiden deployment in a landmark event for the Royal Navy.

Pallets of foodstuffs ready to be loaded onto HMS Daring for her maiden deployment
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The Portsmouth-based warship - hailed by her Commanding Officer as 'staggeringly capable' - will spend the next seven months east of Suez, safeguarding sea lanes and working with the UK's allies in the region.
Eleven years after she was ordered, nine years after the first steel was cut, six years since she was launched into an icy Clyde, and three years after she made her debut in Portsmouth, HMS Daring is ready to maintain the Navy's long-term presence east of Suez.
Daring is the first of six £1bn Type 45s, four of which have been handed over to the Royal Navy, with three ready for front line duties. She will take over from frigate HMS Argyll on a varied mission that includes tasks ranging from counter-piracy and safeguarding sea lanes to working with the nation's allies and flying the flag for Britain.
She sails with her 200-plus ship's company. Her normal complement has been bolstered by a specialist Royal Marines boarding team from the Fleet Protection Group and all those aboard are eager to show off what has been hailed as one of the most advanced warships in the world:

HMS Daring's Commanding Officer, Captain Guy Robinson
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

"We know that Daring is more capable than anything which has gone to sea before," said navigator Lieutenant Will Blackett.

"This ship was designed for anything - and is ready for anything.

"There are mixed emotions of course. We will be away from home for seven months. But there's also that sense of excitement. I've been on board for 20 months, I've gone through seeing the ship go from something on trials and training to a warship ready to go. Deployment is the reward for all our effort."

2011 was largely dominated by training, trials and tweaks. The ship fired her Sea Viper - the missile system around which she is built - for the first time off Scotland in May. She was fitted with Phalanx automated guns over the summer, and underwent two months of operational sea training in the autumn.
The latter test, carried out under the auspices of the world-renowned Flag Officer Sea Training organisation, saw the final tick in the box: ready to deploy.
Given current tensions in the Gulf region, questions have been raised in the media about her deployment there. This routine deployment has though been planned for a good six months or more:

Sailor polishes HMS Daring's ship's bell ahead of her first operational deployment
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Keith Morgan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

"As far as the Navy is concerned, this is a routine deployment. To deploy Daring herself for the first time is far from routine of course, taking a ship of this complexity away from the UK for seven months," said Commanding Officer Captain Guy Robinson.

"There's been a year of hard work getting her ready. Now is the chance to show what we can do. This ship is staggeringly capable - she stands alongside the best in the world."

Daring's chief caterer, Chief Petty Officer 'Bill' Bailey, beginning his first deployment in the surface fleet after a career in submarines, says there's a 'great camaraderie on board':

"You step across the brow of Daring and you're proud to serve in her. That shows all over," he continued.

"These have been exciting times, the build up for this, getting her ready. We're very aware that we'll be showing what the ship can do."

British WWII submarine: Wreck of HMS Olympus identified

2012-01-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 11, 2012 BY BERND F. LAESCHKE LEAVE A COMMENT

Malta (global-adventures.us): A British submarine lost during World War II (WWII), the HMS Olympus (N35), was found in the Mediterranean Sea, according to Malta authorities. The Odin class submarine was sunk by a mine off Malta in May 1942.

Built by William Beardmore and Company, a Scottish engineering and shipbuilding conglomerate based in Glasgow, the HMS Olympus was launched on December 11, 1928, and commissioned on June 14, 1930. From 1931 to 1939,the 283 feet (86 meter) submarine was part of the 4th Flotilla on the China Station, a historical formation of the British Royal Navy. Before being deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, the boat was part of the 8th Flotilla, Colombo, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), in 1939 and 1940. An Italian aircraft hit and damaged the submarine on July 7, 1940. After repairs, the HMS Olympus attacked the Italian merchant ship Mauro Croce on November 9, 1941 with torpedoes and gunfire in the Gulf of Genoa, but repeatedly missed the target. On her way to Gibraltar, the 2,038 ton (submerged) submarine hit a mine on May 8, 1942. 89 crew and passengers were lost with the ship; the nine survivors had to swim 7 miles (11 kilometers) back to Maltese shores.

A team of divers from Malta and Great Britain originally claimed the discovery of the wreck in 2008 at approximately 35°55'N, 14°35'E, 377 feet (115 meter) below the ocean surface. However, the identity of the submarine was not confirmed until a team from the Key Largo based Aurora Trust was able to re-locate and capture images of the wreck using an ROV in 2011.

The picture shows the HMS Olympus (N35) taking in supplies in Grand Harbor, Malta.

Raytheon Awarded $60 Million for LPD 26

2012-01-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

Raytheon Company has been awarded a $60.3 million U.S. Navy contract to develop and integrate the total ship electronics systems for LPD 26, the 10th ship of the Navy's LPD 17 class of expeditionary warfare ships.

Under the contract, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems extends its role as the total ship electronics systems integrator for all LPD 17-class ships. Raytheon will provide the Shipboard Wide Area Network; engineering and ship control systems; navigation data distribution system; magnetic signature control system; wire-free portable and integrated voice communication systems; and the AN/SPS-73 navigation radar.

"Raytheon's advanced and reliable ship systems integrated onboard the LPD 17 class continue to demonstrate proven and predictable performance," said Kevin Peppe, Raytheon IDS' vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "Leveraging the technology advancements, experience and success gained on the LPD 17, DDG 1000 and CVN 78 programs, we continue to deliver mature, common and affordable solutions for the U.S. Navy's family of ships."

This contract follows the successful U.S. Navy sea trial of the San Diego (LPD 22), during which Raytheon's integrated ship systems performed as designed, meeting all performance requirements.

Predictable Performance and Full Life-cycle SupportIn addition to its total ship electronics systems integrator role, Raytheon is the prime contractor for life-cycle engineering and support of Raytheon-designed and developed equipment for the LPD 17 class. As the trusted partner for LCE&S since 2005, Raytheon manages the large-scale integration, maintenance, upgrades and service support for these critical ship systems.

Raytheon recently delivered the Ship Self-Defense System MK 2 open-architecture combat management system for LPD 26, which leverages technology and investment from the Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure developed for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer.

Raytheon Awarded $212.8 Million for Evolved Seasparrow Missile

2012-01-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company was awarded two contracts totaling $212.8 million for the production of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile, with an option for $33 million in additional work.

The first contract from the U.S. Navy NATO Seasparrow Project Office (NSPO), as previously announced by the Department of Defense, is for the production of ESSMs through fiscal year 2014 and contains the option for further production. The agreement also provides NSPO consortium-member navies with miscellaneous spare parts, containers and test equipment.

The second contract is a two-year direct commercial sale. Raytheon will provide Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan the components and assemblies necessary to manufacture and deliver ESSM weapons to the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Licensed production will take place at MELCO's facility in Japan.

"ESSM is the foundation of our allies' anti-ship missile defense," said Ed Roesly, ESSM program director for Raytheon Missile Systems. "Raytheon, along with our international team of 18 partner companies, has advanced this world-class system to a point of prominence in ship self-defense. We continue to make missile improvements to outpace the threat."

ESSM defends the battlespace by delivering ship self-defense firepower against high-G maneuvering anti-ship cruise missiles as well as surface and low-velocity air threats. ESSM consortium countries include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Turkey and the United States. Japan and UAE are also ESSM customer nations.

Transformational Anti-ship Missile Defense Capabilities

As a tail-controlled missile, ESSM uses enhancements to its guidance system to take advantage of improved seeker sensitivity, increased propulsion and greater weapon accuracy. These features enable ESSM to arrive at the intercept point with more endgame speed and agility to counter the threat.

ESSM Contribution to Warfighters

Capability bridges the gap between close-in air defense and local area defense systems.
Kinematics result in reduced time to target.
Multi-mission weapon system is effective against high-speed or low-velocity threats.

Military Sealift Command reorganizes to increase efficiency/cut costs

2012-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command today announced an organization re-alignment designed to increase efficiency while maintaining effectiveness.

MSC is implementing the plan to realign three core aspects of the Washington, D.C.,-based command's shore side operations: the roles of three of the command's Senior Executive Service personnel, the number and structure of programs that conduct the command's seagoing missions, and the reporting structure of several field activities.

MSC is repositioning three of its key Senior Executive Service members to better manage this new program structure. One SES will be the program executive over MSC's government-operated ships, a second SES will be the program executive over contract-operated ships, and a third SES will oversee total force manpower management for MSC worldwide.

To increase effectiveness in MSC's operations, the command is also realigning two of its four mission-driven programs and adding a fifth. The new program structure is:

- Combat Logistics Force: Includes the 32 government-operated fleet underway replenishment ships from the former Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force (NFAF): dry cargo/ammunition, fast combat support, ammunition, and fleet replenishment oilers.

- Service Support: This new program is composed of four government-operated ships formerly in the Special Mission program (two submarine tenders, one command ship and one cable laying and repair ship), as well as 10 government-operated ships formerly from NFAF (hospital ships, fleet ocean tugs, and rescue and salvage ships).

- Special Mission: Maintains all of its 24 contract-operated ships: missile range instrumentation, ocean surveillance, submarine and special warfare support, oceanographic survey and navigation test support.

- Prepositioning: Maintains its current inventory of 31 ships

- Sealift: Maintains its current inventory of 16 ships

In addition, MSC's 12 worldwide MSC Ship Support Units, which previously reported to MSC's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command in Norfolk, Va., will now report to the MSC operational area command in their respective areas of responsibility. MSC's area commands are MSC Atlantic in Norfolk, Va.; MSC Pacific in San Diego; MSC Europe and Africa in Naples, Italy; MSC Central in Bahrain; and MSC Far East in Singapore.

MSC will also establish a competency-based support structure to provide the technical knowledge, skills and abilities to the two program executives. Functions such as human resources, logistics, engineering, information technology and others will be competency aligned in support of the programs.

"MSC is an agile force, and we are proactively streamlining and improving our organization so that we will be ready for anything that comes our way in this challenging fiscal environment," said Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, MSC. "I am confident going into the future."

Panetta, Hammond Discuss Strategy in Pentagon Meeting

2012-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and British Defense Secretary Phillip Hammond talked defense strategy and the way ahead during a meeting yesterday at the Pentagon.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta shakes hands with the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defense Philip Hammond after signing a statement of intent concerning enhanced cooperation on carrier operations and maritime power projection at the Pentagon, Jan. 5, 2012.DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett

It was Panetta’s first meeting with Hammond, and it came following President Barack Obama’s announcement of the new U.S. strategic defense guidance.

Officials will use the guidance to set spending priorities in the president’s fiscal 2013 defense budget request. The aim is to set priorities in a constrained fiscal environment, as the department plans to trim $487 billion from the budget over the next 10 years.

The British also are under tight budget constraints, and plan to cut 8 percent out of their $59 billion annual defense budget over the next four years.

“They spent a good part of their meeting discussing innovative approaches to defense in an era of fiscal austerity, and agreed that NATO must continue to invest in military capabilities despite the imperative to achieve fiscal discipline,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said following the meeting.

The two men also discussed ongoing operations in Afghanistan, Little said. The British have 9,100 service members in the country – the second-largest foreign military presence. The British and U.S. secretaries discussed planning for transition to Afghan security lead.

“They touched on multiple regional issues” Little said, “to include relations with Pakistan and the threat of a nuclear armed Iran.”

The defense leaders also signed a “Statement of Intent on Carrier Cooperation and Maritime Power Projection” that will serve as the framework for increased cooperation and interoperability on the use of aircraft carriers. It also provides the basis for the U.S. Navy to assist the Royal Navy in developing its next generation of aircraft carriers, Little said.

“This cooperation is a cutting-edge example of close allies working together in a time of fiscal austerity to deliver a capability needed to maintain our global military edge,” he added.

Britain is building two angled-deck aircraft carriers that are scheduled to enter service in 2016 and 2018. The carrier version of the F-35 joint strike fighter will fly off the new ships.

Coast Guard icebreaker escorts tanker through Bering Sea ice

2012-01-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

BERING SEA - The Coast Guard Cutter Healy breaks ice around the Russian-flagged tanker vessel Renda 250 miles south of Nome, Alaska, Jan. 6, 2012.

The Healy is the Coast Guard's only current operating polar icebreaker.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis.

BERING SEA - The Coast Guard Cutter Healy escorts the Russian-flagged tanker vessel Renda 250 miles south of Nome, Alaska, Jan. 6, 2012.

The vessels are transiting through ice up to five-feet thick in this area.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis.

BERING SEA - The Russian-flagged tanker Renda steams toward Nome, Alaska, through a path in the Bering Sea ice broken up by the Coast Guard Cutter Healy Jan. 6, 2012.

The Renda is carrying more than 1.3 million gallons of fuel to deliver to the city of Nome.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by cutter Healy.

BERING SEA - The Russian-flagged tanker Renda carrying more than 1.3 million gallons of fuel for the city of Nome steams through a path in the ice of the Bering Sea Jan. 6, 2012.

The 420-foot Seattle-based Coast Guard Cutter Healy is escorting and breaking a pathway in the ice approximately 19 miles northwest of Nunivak Island for the Renda to safely navigate to Nome.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by cutter Healy.

BERING SEA - A Coast Guard Cutter Healy crewmember takes a moment to watch the Russian-flagged tanker Renda steam through the ice in the North Bering Sea while the cutter crew escorts the tanker to Nome Jan. 6, 2012.

The 420-foot Seattle-based Healy is the Coast Guard's newest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker and is currently the service's only operational polar icebreaker.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by cutter Healy.

BERING SEA - The Coast Guard Cutter Healy crew breaks ice in the Bering Sea as the Russian-flagged tanker Renda, approximately 19 miles northwest of Nunivak Island, makes their way to Nome, Alaska, to deliver more than 1.3 million gallons of fuel to the city Jan. 6, 2012.

The 420-foot Seattle-based Healy and tanker Renda are approximately 19 miles northwest of Nunivak Island.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by cutter Healy.