Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
Feature - Building Hasegawa's IJN Nachi
MSW crew-mate Dade Bell (Karybdis) sends in a beauty of a build story, centering on Hasegawa Models 1/700 scale, IJN Nachi.
Feature
Australian National Maritime Museum
Today’s website is the Australian National Maritime Museum. Enjoy.
Website
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1854 - The first chapel built on Navy property is dedicated in Annapolis, Md.
1971 - Capt. Alan B. Shepherd Jr., commander of Apollo 14, and Cmdr. Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot, participate in a moonwalk. During the nine-day mission, 94 pounds of lunar material was collected, and Shepard became the first person to hit a golf ball on the moon. A helicopter from USS New Orleans (LPH 11) takes care of recovery.
1981 - John F. Lehman Jr. assumes office as 65th Secretary of the Navy.
DGA Orders Exocet Block IIIs
Source: French defence procurement agency, DGA
The French defence procurement agency, Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA), in late December awarded a contract to MBDA for the upgrade to Block 3 standard of 45 Exocet Block 2 anti-ship missiles belonging to the French Navy.
The upgraded missiles will be delivered in 2011 and 2012.
This order is a result of the development contract for the Exocet MM40 Block 3 awarded in January 2004. DGA qualified the new version missile in April 2008.
These missiles will arm the Horizon-class frigates, on which modifications to allow Block 3 integration were also completed in 2008. In future, the MM40 Block 3 will also become the main anti-ship weapon of the FREMM multi-mission frigates.
Modifications of the Block 3 Exocet mainly consist in replacing the solid fuel motors fitted to previous versions by a turbojet, and the integration of state-of-the art avionics, including a GPS receiver.
These modifications double the missile’s range and allow it to modify its angle of attack to the target, and to engage targets it the littoral zone by designating them using their geographical coordinates.
Royal Navy Notch up Iraqi Navy's Training
Source: UK Ministry of Defence
With increased traffic around the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr and substantial oil exports now being undertaken from platforms in the Gulf, the role of the Iraqi maritime security forces is becoming ever more important. Helping train them is a coalition team led by the Royal Navy.
Based within the Iraqi Naval Base at Umm Qasr, in the Al Basrah province of southern Iraq, the Coalition Naval Advisory Training Team (CNATT-UQ) consists of some 90 personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force, US Navy, US Coast Guard and US Marine Corps.
The Royal Navy-led operation exists to train, mentor and advise the re-established Iraqi maritime forces and the coalition staff work alongside their Iraqi counterparts on a daily basis to help the Iraqi Navy and Iraqi Marines 'force generate' and transition to a level where they can provide security for Iraq's territorial waters and ports.
This area is of absolute significance to Iraq's economy as the two major offshore oil terminals (often referred to as OPLATs), Khawr Al Amaya and Al Basrah, and the port of Umm Qasr, account for approximately 90 per cent of Iraq's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The training programme for the Iraqi maritime forces is now kicking up another notch and a series of high profile visits by the UK and US has recently demonstrated the commitment and importance of this area of work, which will continue after the main bulk of UK forces withdraw from southern Iraq.
Starting off the recent visits was the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, who arrived at the Iraqi Naval Base on board one of the Iraqi Navy's recently-acquired Defender-class Fast Small Boats.
Receiving a briefing on the training being conducted Admiral Band witnessed practical training, including US Coast Guard-led boarding training conducted in the CNATT-UQ built 'Ship in a Box', which consists of stacked containers designed to replicate a merchant vessel's superstructure and internal spaces.
Shortly after Admiral Band's visit, Rear Admiral Thomas A Cropper, Deputy Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, arrived at Umm Qasr on the US Coast Guard cutter Aquidneck. The ship's presence furthered the aim of bringing more coalition ships alongside in the interests of making such visits normal practice, and allowed useful training with the Iraqi Navy to take place.
The Aquidneck is similar in size to the Iraqi Navy's new patrol ships and a number of tours provided useful first-hand experience for the Iraqi Navy and Marine personnel.
Following this visit, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, accompanied by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, made an unannounced visit to see first-hand the Iraqi Navy's progress and to thank CNATT-UQ personnel for their achievements. Mr Brown reinforced the importance of the team and the work they were doing in the continuing regeneration of Iraq.
The CNATT-UQ commander, Captain Richard Ingram RN, gave Mr Brown a strategic brief on the Iraqi Navy's vital roles within the overarching Iraqi security and development strategy. Captain Ingram commented:
"With the pending delivery of 20 more Defender-class Fast Small Boats, as well as the procurement of four patrol ships, and an expected 15 patrol boats and two Offshore Support Vessels, the resulting unprecedented level of growth in capability will allow the transition of responsibility for maritime security to shift from Coalition forces to the Iraqi Navy.
"The increased maritime traffic within the commercial port and substantial oil exports from the two OPLATs in the Gulf generate a large proportion of Iraq's GDP and this, in turn, clearly emphasises the importance of a proficient and enduring Iraqi maritime force in a stable Iraq."
A more recent visit was undertaken by the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General James T Conway, who received a brief on the progress of the Iraqi Marines and witnessed several training evolutions.
The sheer number of completed and scheduled high-profile visits to CNATT-UQ will ensure the spotlight remains firmly on the team's mission and commitment. Captain Ingram explained:
"Whilst the drawdown of UK forces has been announced, the CNATT-UQ will remain an enduring British commitment in Iraq, helping to promote security, economic development and the rule of law. If we were to leave this summer along with all other UK forces, then I assess that, although limited maritime operations would continue, there would be a considerable delay to Iraqi Navy forces achieving full and effective operations across the full spectrum of required capability."
The CNATT-UQ's detailed transition plan, combined with a fully-inclusive approach to training delivery, is set to realise capability over time and is very much aligned with the Iraqi Navy's concept of operations.
Captain Ingram added:
"We have a very close relationship with our Iraqi counterparts and have strived to cultivate the environment of co-operation and friendship of which our Prime Minister spoke during his recent press conference.
"This is something we have been doing for some time as we seek to develop personal, professional relationships and engage with the local community wherever and whenever possible.
"The development of a navy from virtually nothing to one capable of defending the essential strategic maritime infrastructure of its country is incredibly rewarding and one my whole team is proud to be involved with. The impact of the CNATT UQ's efforts will result in a capable, efficient and proud Iraqi Navy, and will be felt for many years."
Indian Navy Commissions First Helicopter Base
Source: India Press Information Bureau
The Indian Navy will be commissioning its first helicopter base, INS Shikra, today (22 Jan 09). An impressive commissioning ceremony is planned at Mumbai to usher in the first helicopter base. The Air Station will be commissioned by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), Admiral Sureesh Mehta, PVSM AVSM VSM. Captain Philipose G Pynumootil is the first Commanding Officer of INS Shikra and will read out the Commissioning Warrant.
The Air Station, which first commenced air operation in 1964 with setting up of a small Helicopter Maintenance Unit, today, provides maintenance and flying support to a diverse range of helicopters operating from naval ships at Mumbai. Operations from here include Sea King, Kamov 28, Kamov 31 and Chetak helicopters. The station also provides Air Traffic Control services to all civil and military helicopters operating in South Mumbai.
The location of the air station close, to naval facilities, makes it ideally suited to support ship-borne helicopters of the Western Fleet as also their maintenance and training requirements. In addition, the proximity of the air station to Mumbai High and Saurashtra region on the West Coast, makes it the preferred site to provide effective air support for protection and security of the national assets, at short notice.
The Commissioning of INS Shikra, will provide a shot in the arm, to the growth of Naval Aviation. The commissioning is symbolic, of the recognition of the important role played by naval helicopters in the maritime capability of our nation.
Shikra, after which the Air Station is being named, is a small aggressive raptor with short broad wings and tall tail adapted for manoeuvrability, agility and speed. The crest of the air station depicts a bolt of lightning in the talons of a Shikra, symbolising the strike power of the aircraft. The red and grey body depicts spirit of the men of "blood and steel" who man the unit and constantly strive for excellence.
Photo of the Day
The Year in Pictures
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