Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
K-18 sub started builder's sea trials
Source: RIA Novosti
SSBN K-18 Karelia which had been modernized at Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center in Severodvinsk started builder's sea trials, said the shipyard's press service on Wednesday.
Interim overhaul and upgrade works have been performed since Oct 2004 in the framework of governmental defense order. In November 2008 the submarine left covered slipway.
According to the press service, over 100 innovations improving vessel's performance characteristics were applied during overhaul and modernization. Noisiness of the submarine was reduced; its detection capability of enemy subs has been significantly increased; casualty control and nuclear safety were also improved. Besides, missile system was upgraded as well.
"Nowadays Project 667BDRM submarines with their ballistic missiles are basis of nuclear triad's naval component. After overhaul subs will perform their combat tasks during ten years", says press release.
The submarine will be handed over to the Navy at the end of this year or early next one, specified press service official in interview to RIA Novosti.
Project 667BDRM SSBN K-18 (class Delfin, on NATO classification – Delta IV) was laid down at Sevmashpredpriyatie in 1987; in two years was set afloat, and on Oct 11, 1989 Navy flag was hoisted on it and the ship entered service.
Karelia is fifth Project 667BDRM submarine has been repaired at Zvezdochka. The shipyard had previously carried out interim overhaul and modernization of SSBNs K-51 Verkhoturye, K-84 Yekaterinburg, K-114 Tula and K-117 Bryansk.
Navy Working Uniform Roll-out Accelerated
Source: US Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Exchange Command is accelerating its distribution schedule of the Navy Working Uniform (NWU), due to sufficient inventory of the most in-demand sizes, as early as next week, according to NAVADMIN 328/09.
Beginning Nov. 16, NWU components will be available for purchase and ordering at uniform centers located at Navy Exchange regions in the Southwest and Northwest.
Accelerated availability will take affect in the national capital region, and Hawaii beginning Nov. 30; and at Navy Exchange regions Europe, Japan and Guam commencing March 15.
The mandatory wear date remains Dec. 31, 2010 to ensure all Sailors have time to acquire correctly fitted uniform items.
"Due to the combined efforts of uniform manufacturers, distributors and Navy, we are able to offer Sailors the NWU even earlier than previously planned to ensure every individual has the opportunity to obtain the proper uniform by next December," said Capt. Vince Drouillard, branch head within the Navy's personnel, plans and policy division.
To aid Sailors in ensuring the proper fit of the uniform, manufacturers have been conducting fit clinics at select rollout locations. "Navy has worked closely with manufacturers to refine the uniform and its components to meet mission requirements and Sailor concerns," said Drouillard.
Private Pilot Makes Emergency Landing at NAS Brunswick
Source: US Navy
From Naval Air Station Brunswick Public Affairs
BRUNSWICK, Maine (NNS) -- The pilot of a civilian aircraft made an emergency landing at Naval Air Station (NAS) Brunswick Nov. 10 after experiencing loss of power in his Cessna 172 single-engine plane.
James Jordan, of Bangor, Maine, left Bangor International Airport en route to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire for a business meeting when he experienced catastrophic engine problems about 50 minutes into his flight.
He was flying at an altitude of 4,500 feet with 10 miles unrestricted visibility when the aircraft began to lose power. "I think I blew one of the cylinders," Jordan said.
Immediately, he notified air traffic control at Bangor that he intended to divert from Manchester to Portland International Jetport in Maine.
"I didn't think I could make it to Portland," he said. "I already had a visual [sighting] on Brunswick, and called the tower to tell them that I was going to divert and make an emergency landing there."
Two crash trucks and personnel were dispatched by the NASB Fire Department, along with an ambulance and two base security units as Jordan, an experienced pilot with nearly three thousand hours flying time, safely landed the Cessna 172 on Runway 1R just after 7:30 a.m.
"This a normal operational procedure for any emergency landing," John Lippolis, precinct commander, NASB Security said.
"But, because it was an unscheduled landing, we inspected the aircraft, just like we inspect any vehicle coming through a base gate, cleared it and turned it over to the tower and base air operations."
Cmdr. Dave Ivezic, NAS Brunswick air operations officer commended his Sailors and staff for their professionalism during the emergency.
"We provided the airman what he needed," Ivezic said. "The staff did a fine job supporting an airman in distress."
NAS Brunswick's mission is to provide the best possible support and quality of service to assigned operational and Reserve fleet units and tenant commands.
ShipbuildingHistory.com
Today’s website is ShipbuildingHistory.com. This web site is primarily concerned with the history of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1776 - First salute to an American flag (Grand Union flag) flying from Continental Navy ship Andrew Doria, by Dutch fort at St. Eustatius, West Indies.
1856 - Barrier Forts reduction began at Canton China.
1942 - Navy's first Night Fighter squadron (VMF(N)-531) established at Cherry Point, N.C.
1963 - President John F. Kennedy on USS Observation Island (AG 154) witnesses launch of Polaris A-2 missile by USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619).
1968 - Operation Tran Hung Dao began in Mekong Delta.
1973 - Launch of Skylab 4 under command of Lt. Col. Gerald P. Carr, USMC. The mission lasted 84 days and included 1,214 Earth orbits. Recovery by USS New Orleans (LPH-11)
Photo of the Day
The Project 1232.2 Zubr (or Pomornik class) hovercraft were acquired by the Hellenic navy to facilitate the rapid deployment on troops and equipment throughout the Aegean.
Gator
