Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.



Feature - HMS Cleopatra - Scratchbuilt
Phil Reeder (onslow) took matters into his own hands to build the HMS Cleopatra when no kit was available. Join us as we take a look.
Feature




Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Today’s website is the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The Museum at Portsmouth, England, is home to some of the world's greatest ships including the HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose. Enjoy.
Website




This Day in U.S. Naval History

1801 - Four warships sent to Mediterranean to protect American commerce.
1815 - Commodore Stephen Decatur (Frigate Guerriere) sails with 10 ships to suppress Mediterranean pirate raids on U.S. shipping.
1844 - USS Constitution sails from New York on 'round-the-world cruise.
1943 - Establishment of 10th Fleet in Washington, D.C., under command of Adm. King, to coordinate U.S. antisubmarine operations in Atlantic.


Lockheed Martin Awarded Engine Control System Modernization Contract for U.S. Navy Destroyers
Source: Lockheed Martin Corporation

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lockheed Martin Corporation has been awarded a contract with initial funding of $4.5 million to retrofit engine controllers as part of the U.S. Navy's modernization program for the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The contract's potential value is $14.7 million if all options are exercised.

The award follows three prior contracts - in January 2007, April 2008 and December 2008 - under which Lockheed Martin is performing other elements of the DDG 51 modernization program. These include computer program integration support; engineering services and support for the hull, mechanical and electrical systems; and replacement of the machinery control systems. The latest contract award continues the strong relationship between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy and helps shape the future modernization efforts of the largest class of Navy vessels in the world.

"This modernization effort will replace aging equipment to provide updated engine controls, provide an enhanced user interface and onboard data storage capabilities and address obsolescence," explained Jim Craig, vice president of ground, maritime and civil solutions for Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support. "The commonality of subsystems between the recently awarded machinery control system award and this engine controller will reduce lifetime support costs for the Navy."

The DDG 51 class guided missile destroyers are 506 feet in length and have a 62 foot beam. They are driven by two shafts powered by four engines with a maximum speed in excess of 30 knots; have a cruising range of 4,400 nautical miles at 20 knots; and carry a crew of about 30 officers and 302 enlisted personnel. Lockheed Martin provides marine engineering control systems for all ships in the class. Since 1972 the company has delivered more than 750 control consoles used in U.S. Navy destroyers, cruisers, frigates, support ships and submarines.


USS Florida Returns from Maiden SSGN Deployment
Source: US Navy

KINGS BAY, Ga. --- Naval Submarine Kings Bay welcomed USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Gold) home from its maiden deployment as a guided missile submarine to May 8.

Florida is the first ever Atlantic Fleet Ohio-class SSGN to be forwarded deployed. Florida began its maiden deployment on April 26, 2008 and the arrival of Florida marked the first time the submarine returned to its homeport in 13-months.

Florida has two crews, Blue and Gold, which alternated manning the submarines while on deployment. Each crew completed two deployment periods, swapping crews in Diego Garcia.

Florida achieved a number of milestones for a SSGN, including the first transit of the Suez Canal and visits to Gibraltar, Jebel Ali, Souda Bay, and Diego Garcia.

Florida Gold chief of the boat, Command Master Chief Randy Huckaba, commented on the significance of port visits, including the three-day port call in Souda Bay, which is the first time a submarine that size visited the port.

With the new forward deployed mission of the SSGN, Sailors have the ability to communicate with their families more frequently.

"We do not have the communications restrictions that other platforms have and we do have the latest technology, with the ability to send and receive emails," said Capt. Randy Crites, commanding officer Florida Blue.

Florida conducted operations in the 5th and 6th fleets area of responsibilities. Their missions comprised mostly of littoral operations.

"We put a lot of hard work into what we did," said Huckaba. "I'm very proud of the crew. They are an incredible crew, top-notch."

Florida is the first submarine and the sixth United States Navy ship to bear the name of the state. Florida is the second submarine to complete the conversion from a ballistic missile submarine to a guided missile submarine, completing the conversion in 2006.




Celebration of 20,000 Hours Flying Time for the Falcon 50 M
Source: Dassault Aviation

On May 6, the Lann-Bihoué naval air base celebrated 20,000 hours of flying time for the Falcon 50 M of squadron 24 F as well as the qualification by the DGA procurement branch of standard 2 of the aircraft.

The new standard includes the introduction of an infrared camera providing 360° night vision. The ceremony took place in the presence of representatives from Dassault Aviation, Thales, Jet Aviation and the state authorities.

Squadron 24F, which operates the Falcon 50 M, performs surveillance of shipping and fishing zones, takes part in maritime search and rescue missions, and is involved in the fight against pollution, smuggling and illegal immigration around the world.

A Falcon 50 M maritime surveillance and intervention platform is currently involved in the French operation against piracy in the Indian Ocean.


Photo of the Day



Admiral Beatty’s splendid cat, the HMS Lion

Gator