Ahoy mates and welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Let’s see what going on today.
On Display - USS Merrill DD-976
MSW crew-mate Carl Musselman shares one of his latest builds, Spruance Class destroyer USS Merrill (DD-976), in this MSW "On Display" feature!
On Display
Community Build Session 3
It's getting to be that time again, mates, we have 5 days left in Build Session 3 of our "Community Build Contest".
Don't forget to record your progress with your best images, and have them uploaded and posted into your individual blogs by 9/01/08, EST, to be eligible for this sessions points!
Community Build
New HIJMS Yamato Website
While surfing the net last night, I came upon this great reference site for those fans of the massive HIJMS Yamato.
The Ultimate Battleship Yamato Photo Album
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1867 - Captain William Reynolds of Lackawanna raises U.S. flag over Midway Island and took formal possession of these islands for the United States.
1942 - One hundred twenty women, each commissioned directly as an ensign or lieutenant j.g., reported to "USS Northampton," Smith College for training.
1952 - Units on USS Boxer (CV 21) launch explosive-filled drone which explodes against railroad bridge near Hungnam, Korea. First guided missile launched from ship during Korean Conflict.
1965 - Commander Scott Carpenter and nine aquanauts enter SeaLab II, 205 ft. below Southern California's waters to conduct underwater living and working tests.
1991 - A helicopter from USS America (CV 66) rescues three civilian sailors who spent 10 days in a lifeboat 80 miles off Capt May, N.J., after their sailboat capsized.
1992 - Navy and Marine forces begin providing disaster relief after Typhoon Omar hit Guam.
1992 - Marines and Army forces begin providing disaster relief in Florida after Hurricane Andrew.
Fourth Project Protector Vessel Launched and Named
TAUPO, the fourth of the four Inshore Patrol Vessels being built entirely in New Zealand by BAE Ship Builders in Whangarei, was launched in Whangarei Harbour on Tuesday 22 July 2008.
TAUPO was formally named on Saturday, 23 August, and with these words “I name this ship TAUPO and may god bless her and all who sail in her”, Launch Lady Her Excellency, Mrs Susan Satyanand, cut the ribbon releasing the champagne bottle on to TAUPO’s bow, and the fourth Inshore Patrol Vessel is now one step closer to her delivery date.
This is another significant step in the introduction into the Navy of seven new ships under Project Protector. The first ship, the Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY, was commissioned into the Navy in June last year, the first Offshore Patrol Vessel, OTAGO, was launched in Williamstown in November 2006 with sister ship, WELLINGTON, launched in Williamstown in October 2007.
Once all the ships have been commissioned into operational service, the Navy’s Protector Fleet will comprise seven ships of three different classes; one Multi Role Vessel (MRV), two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and four Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV).
The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson says, “'TAUPO is a name with a proud history in the Navy - first of a Loch Class frigate and then a Lake Class patrol craft. These ships have a valued place in the Navy's story - and made a valuable contribution to it. I'm sure this ship's record will match that of her predecessors.
Together with the rest of the Navy, I look forward to welcoming TAUPO and ROTOITI, PUKAKI and HAWEA to the fleet.'
The Commanding Officer (desig) of TAUPO, Okaihau, Northland man Lieutenant Jonathan Clarkson, says of his appointment, “I am proud to have been selected for this command and especially proud to be taking command of TAUPO because she will be affiliated to Northland. I hope to visit as much of the Northland coast as possible and increase the profile of the Navy in Northland”.
TAUPO is affiliated to the Northland region.
BACKGROUND NOTES:
-- The Inshore Patrol Vessels will be used to conduct maritime surveillance in support of other agencies such as Customs and Fisheries. They will be able to patrol the New Zealand coastline from the shore to approximately 24 nautical miles.
--Pennant No: P3570
--Displacement: 340 tonnes
--Length overall: 55 metres
--Beam: 9 metres
--Speed: 25 knots
--Range: 3,000 nautical miles
--Complement: Core ship's company: 20 (Total: up to 36)
Check these naval sights:
Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Turkey
Photo of the Day
The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) returns to her homeport of San Diego after being forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for the past 10 years.
[i]Gator
