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



Feature - USS Salem CL-3
MSW Crewmember Bob Cicconi (bobcicconi) takes us back in time a little with his USS Salem, CL-3.
Feature




North Carolina Maritime Museum

Today’s website is the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, the museum is a mariner's haven. And its boatshop is in constant action. Enjoy.
Website




This Day in U.S. Naval History

1846 - First visit of U.S. warships (USS Columbus and USS Vincennes) to Japan is unsuccessful in negotiating a treaty.
1960 - In first launch of Polaris missile, USS George Washington (SSBN 598) successfully fires 2 operational Polaris missiles while submerged off Florida.
1964 - Four Navy divers enter Project SEALAB I capsule moored 192 feet on the ocean floor off Bermuda for 11 day experiment.
1969 - Former Navy pilot Neil Armstrong is first man to set foot on the moon, announcing, "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Armstrong was Commander of Apollo 11 which during its 8 day mission landed on the Sea of Tranquility. Recovery was by HS-4 helicopters from USS Hornet (CVS 12).


New Unmanned Baby Sub to Protect Coastal Waters
Source: BAE System

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom --- In a move to help combat the growing threat of explosive mines hidden in shallow coastal waters such as ports and harbours and to increase the protection available to world shipping, BAE Systems has launched its first unmanned autonomous submarine to detect and deal with this newfound threat.

The 50kg vessel, called Talisman L, uses high-definition forward and sideways looking sonars, as well as a host of multi-view cameras. It has a high degree of manoeuvrability and can turn within its own length and is able to operate at depths of 100 metres for anything up to 12 hours. With a top speed of more than five knots, it can hover and move around in any direction.

Paul Laity, Naval Programs Director at BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies, said:

“While open water threats remain significant, there is an increasing need for a threat detection capability in confined coastal areas. With our new Talisman L we are providing a way of protecting our service men and women in these port and harbor environments.

“Talisman L can be deployed from almost any vessel, including rigid inflatable boats, and can be controlled either from a stand-alone console or integrated into a command ship’s Combat Management System, saving space and increasing operational effectiveness.”

The submarine can operate autonomously, using pre-set mission parameters, but operators can assume manual control at any time giving it significant tactical flexibility and command oversight.

Talisman L is one of a range of Talisman Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles that share open platform architectures, mission system components and command and training infrastructures.

One of the key features of the Talisman L is its ability to become a payload for the much larger ‘mother ship’ Talisman M unmanned submarine. This unique combination of systems allows a fully integrated approach to Mine Counter Measures to be undertaken, from detection through to neutralization.


NSWC Crane Personnel Team With Australia to Complete Nulka Certification
Source: US Navy

CRANE, Ind. (NNS) -- As part of an ongoing collaboration to ensure best practices are shared and applied, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division personnel recently traveled to Australia for MK-234 Nulka active electronic decoy assembly and testing certification.

Nulka is an active expendable decoy system that is highly effective in defending ships against modern radar-homing Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs). Meaning "be quick" in Australian Aboriginal dialect, it was developed jointly by the U.S. and Australia and is used on many U.S., Australian and Canadian warships.

Training, which took place at BAE Systems' Australia Nulka Round Assembly Facility in late Spring 2009, focused on newly improved procedures and practices to both assemble and test the system. NSWC Crane personnel completed procedural demonstrations and oral and written assessments, as well as assembly, disassembly and testing of several Nulka decoys to gain certification. The Command will send additional personnel to Australia later this summer to complete the same training.

"The training merged two groups of knowledgeable professionals who are committed to keeping the quality and consistency of our work at the highest possible level," said Keith Strange, NSWC Crane ordnance electronics integration branch manager.

NSWC Crane experts also advised Australian personnel on system process improvements and procedures that have been developed at NSWC Crane. By creating a setting to foster open communications, experts were able to share solutions with those committed to the same purpose of providing the warfighter with the best Nulka system technology.

"Working hands-on with Australia helps ensure practices consistently improve and that when the warfighter uses the technology, it works every time," said Strange.


Photo of the Day



An AV-8B Harrier aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), lands aboard Essex during a mock amphibious assault as part of exercise Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a biennial, combined training exercise hosted by the Australian Defense Forces.

Gator