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



On Display - U-Boat Type XXVIIB "Seehund"

MSW crew-mate Julian Sallows (Gremlin56) shares his first submission with us, his build of ICM's U-Boat Type XXVIIB "Seehund" in this "On Display" feature.




Aegis Weapon System Tested During International Multiple Ship Demonstration
Source: Lockheed Martin

MOORESTOWN, N.J. --- Lockheed Martin, in support of the U.S. Navy, successfully completed Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) for Aegis Combat Systems installed aboard U.S. and Spanish navy ships. The last time these two nations participated in a combined CSSQT was in 2007.

The latest event was conducted at sea last week in the vicinity of Pt. Mugu, CA and involved U.S. Navy destroyers USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108) along with the Spanish Navy frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F-101).

During the CSSQT, the ships' Aegis Combat Systems were evaluated for combat-readiness through comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, as well as thorough testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defense capabilities.

"In addition to unmatched capabilities against all threats at sea, these qualification trials emphasize the global interoperability Aegis provides the U.S. Navy and its allies," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors in Moorestown, N.J. "The contributions of our industry partners Navantia, Indra, RYMSA, Sainsel and other Spanish companies have been critical factors in the success of the Spanish F-100 frigate program, as well as in the support of the international fleet of Aegis-equipped ships."

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the Navy's most advanced radar system. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on more than 90 ships around the globe with at least 14 more ships planned. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Korea, Norway, and Spain.


HMNZS Otago's Voyage Delayed
Source: New Zealand Defence Force

The homecoming of the newest member of the Royal New Zealand Naval Fleet, Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMNZS Otago, has been delayed due to faults found in her engines.

Otago was carrying out sea trials off Melbourne to test her systems when the faults were found.

The initial investigation has identified that the issues need to be rectified before departing for Devonport Naval Base and Otago is alongside in Williamstown.

Technicians from the engine manufacturers M.A.N, and the ship’s builders BAE, in Melbourne, are working with the ship’s engineers to repair the faults.

It is expected that the repairs will delay the delivery voyage by some days as parts may have to be sourced from overseas.

HMNZS Otago is under warranty.




Corps to Activate Joint Strike Fighter Training Squadron in April
Source: US Marine Corps

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --- Media are invited to the reactivation ceremony of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451 at the Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., on Thursday, April 1 at 2 p.m.

Following a 13-year retirement, VMFA-451 will be reactivated in order to be re-designated as Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 in a ceremony scheduled for Friday, Apr. 2 at 10 a.m., aboard Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., at the Joint Integrated Training Center.

VMFAT-501 will stand up as the Marine Corps’ first F-35B Lightning II training squadron.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1954 - Carrier aircraft began reconnaissance near Dien Bien Phu, Indochina.
1960 - The first fully-integrated fleet ballistic missile is launched from USS Observation Island (AGM 23).
1973 - Naval Advisory Group and Naval Forces, Vietnam, disestablished, and the last U.S. prisoners of war leave Vietnam.
1975 - The Evacuation of Danang began by sea.


Photo of the Day



U.S. Navy ships and The Republic of Philippines navy ships cruise in formation while taking part in exercise Balikatan 2010 (BK 10).

Gator