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



On Display - IJN Light Cruiser Yubari

Alec Cap (bigal07) shares a new diorama scene with us, with a spotlight on IJN Light Cruiser Yubari in this “On Display” feature.




United States Navy and Pakistan Navy Agree to Ship Transfer
Source: VSE Corporation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. --- VSE Corporation recently hosted a meeting between the United States and Pakistan Navies to solidify an agreement for the transfer of the USS McInerney, which is scheduled to be decommissioned this summer.

Pakistan Navy Captain Abdul Rehman signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to initiate the ship transfer. Captain Rehman is assigned to the Embassy of Pakistan as Attaché for Defense Procurement (Air Force/Navy). U.S. Navy Captain Chris Pietras represented the Naval Sea Systems Command in accepting the offer.

For VSE’s Naval Ship Transfer and Repair Team, the agreement translates into a contract covering training responsibilities. VSE will support U.S. Navy training of the 248 Pakistani crew members, beginning this month, until the ship is officially transferred around the end of August. In the near future, VSE will develop a work package for approval by the Pakistan Navy. After the transfer, VSE will manage a shipyard industrial availability contract to make ship repairs that will extend its life. During the availability the VSE’s Ship Training and Assistance Team (STAT) will provide hands on maintenance and operational training for the Pakistan crew.

In January 2011, the VSE STAT is scheduled to conduct underway training for the crew, with a final evaluation by the U.S. Navy Afloat Training Group on the ability of the Pakistan crew to operate the ship and equipment in a safe-to-sail manner. Afterwards, the crew will sail the ship home to Karachi, Pakistan. A small contingent of the VSE Transfer Assistance Team personnel will accompany the ship and provide additional underway training.

VSE CEO Maurice “Mo” Gauthier said, “Together, with our customers and the highly experienced and competent team we have assembled, we are confident that we will meet and exceed the requirements of this allied mission. We look forward to the challenge."

“Our expertise with training, equipment repair, and working in tandem with both the U.S. and Pakistan Navies will be a rewarding experience and great collaborative opportunity,” added Mike Hamerly, President of International Group.


Contract for the Replacement of Batteries and Technical Support for Collins Class Submarines
Source: Australian Department of Defense

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today visited Pacific Marine Batteries Pty Ltd in Adelaide following its success in winning two multi-million dollar contracts from Defence.

Following a tour of the company’s facilities, Mr Combet said the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) had entered into two separate agreements with Pacific Marine Batteries for the provision of replacement batteries and technical support of batteries for the Collins Class Submarines.

“The Acquisition Contract is valued at more than $81 million for the provision of five Collins Class Submarine battery sets and will support 56 local jobs over the next six years,” Mr Combet said.

“The Standing Offer, on the other hand, will provide the DMO with a flexible seven year mechanism to engage Pacific Marine Batteries Pty Ltd at short notice for technical support of the Collins Class Submarine battery sets.

“Pacific Marine Batteries will continue to provide an Environmental Protection Authority approved storage facility for up to four battery sets (two in storage and two being ready for disposal).

“They will also provide equipment capable of conditioning the cells in anticipation of installation in a submarine, as well as providing decommissioning and disposal services at the end of the useful life of each battery set.

“Pacific Marine Batteries Pty Ltd is a small to medium enterprise that supplies components of a strategic capability to Defence.

“This contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to building local industry capability for the defence of Australia, the protection of our sovereign interests and the security and stability of our region,” Mr Combet said.





First Torpedo Launched from C295
Source: Airbus Military

Airbus Military successfully conducted the first torpedo launch from one of its C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

This represents an important milestone in the development of the antisubmarine version of the C295 MPA. It is also a significant entry for Airbus Military into the market of Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft, currently dominated by veteran aircraft such as the P-3 Orion and the Atlantique.

The C295 MPA/ASW includes two under-wing pylons for the installation of torpedoes and other external loads. It also incorporates a Store Management System (SMS), integrated with the Airbus Military Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), to control the deployment of sonobuoys for submarine detection and torpedoes.

The C295 MPA has a flight endurance of over 11 hours, and it is used for a wide variety of missions: Search and Rescue (SAR), control of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), law enforcement, marine pollution detection, as well as defence missions. The C295 platform, a multi-mission short / medium range tactical transport aircraft, offers high manoeuvrability and excellent qualities for low-altitude flying.

In addition, it has been widely tested in all kinds of aerial deployments: launch of chains of SAR rafts, emergency equipment and parachutists.

With this new version, Airbus Military increases the capabilities offered by its surveillance aircraft family.

To date, a total of 82 C295s have been sold to 12 operators, and nine countries have contracted 47 CN235/C295s MPA, which demonstrates the capabilities and effectiveness of Airbus Military platforms for maritime patrol missions. Airbus Military has sold more than 800 C295/CN235/C212s to more than 120 costumers.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1780 - Fall of Charleston, SC; three Continental Navy frigates (Boston, Providence, and Ranger) captured; and one American frigate (Queen of France) sunk to prevent capture.
1846 - U.S. declares war against Mexico.
1975 - SS Mayaguez seized by Khmer Rouge and escorted to Koh Tang Island.
1986 - Destroyer USS David R. Ray (DD 971) deters an Iranian Navy attempt to board a U.S. merchant ship.


Photo of the Day



A tug boat cruises by USS Nevada (SSBN 733) as a member of the crew stands watch in the submarine's sail.

Gator