Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
GTEC Develops Next Generation RADAR Displays for Department of Defense
Source: Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc
MCLEAN, Va. --- Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc., a provider of mission-critical, technology-based systems, solutions and services for national security agencies and programs of the U.S. government, has developed and installed a cutting edge RADAR display system designed to meet the challenges of the USNS STILETTO, an experimental, high speed vessel developed for the Department of Defense.
Able to travel at 50 knots or more, the STILETTO presented new challenges in maintaining vessel control and comprehensive navigation displays because of the high speeds of which it is capable. GTEC's Automated Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) incorporates collision avoidance data into a radar display to give users a clear picture of other vessels in the area by providing their headings, speeds and alerts for potential collisions.
The GTEC ARPA is designed to ensure the STILETTO operates safely and effectively at any speed with a console that allows users to seamlessly switch between radar sources and easily transition from navigational operations to mission modes within an intuitive, easy-to-use information presentation that can be run by a single operator.
For almost two decades GTEC has provided precision navigation and C4ISR systems to the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy. These systems forged the integration of navigation, collision avoidance, communications, and combat systems into one shipboard command and control system. Now GTEC is leveraging that experience to reduce the level of complexity of shipboard systems and is developing alternative applications to provide similar advantages to enable other U.S. military vehicles.
The USNS STILETTO, equipped with the GTEC ARPA display, was recently showcased at the Navy League SeaAirSpace Expo at the National Harbor in Maryland.
U.S. 7th Fleet Controls Tomahawk Launch from 5,000 Miles Away
Source: US Navy
USS CHEYENNE, At Sea --- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN-773) in conjunction with Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and members of Naval Special Warfare Group (NSWG) 3 successfully fired a Block IV-E Tomahawk Land Attack Missile May 5.
The missile launch took place off the southern coast of California into China Lake Test Range and marks the first time a forward-deployed operational command acted as the Tomahawk strike coordinator and primary missile controller for an operational test launch.
"The Navy's ability to conduct strike operations on re-locatable targets is currently very challenging," said Master Chief Fire Controlman (SW) David Brewer, U.S. 7th Fleet Tomahawk strike coordinator. "By proving an operational commander's ability to use the Tactical Tomahawk Command and Control System's ability to receive real-time targeting coordinates and applying them to a tactical Tomahawk missile in flight will significantly improve the Navy's ability to shape the battlefield and project power from the sea, particularly when naval surface strike is the only fires option available to the commander."
"I am proud of the work we have accomplished during this exercise," he said. "With this being the staff's first time providing real time operations in flight, the job by the entire team was exceptional. The training value gained from a live firing event has no substitute, and will absolutely improve C7F's ability to conduct actual launch operations when required.
NSWG-3 provided updated target data used by 7th Fleet to modify the missile's flight path, resulting in a destroyed target. The test launch demonstrated a complex strike capability and was a tremendous success for all involved.
"Teamwork is critical in naval fires," Brewer said. "This test launch is the ultimate use of different operational assets we provided during this exercise to achieve common goal."
This test continues the Navy's formal government testing of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Systems from surface/sub-surface launch platforms.
The Tomahawk missile is ship- and submarine-launched and was first employed operationally during Desert Storm. Since then, the missile has been heralded for its accuracy and lethality in numerous operations. The tactical Tomahawk boasts several enhancements as demonstrated today, which increase warfighter effectiveness and responsiveness, while significantly reducing acquisition and life cycle costs.
Plan for Basing F-35B Joint Strike Fighters at Yuma, Miramar Out for Public Review
Source: USMC
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. --- The latest draft of various plans to base the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter on the West Coast was released for the public May 21, allowing the Yuma and Miramar, Calif., communities one more chance to voice concerns on the Corps’ future aircraft.
The comprehensive survey on the jet’s environmental impacts outlines six possible plans for the West Coast basing of the aircraft replacing the Corps’ current fleet of combat jets, including Yuma’s AV-8B Harriers and Miramar's F/A-18 Hornets.
The preferred plan would place five operational F-35B squadrons and one operational, test and evaluation squadron here, with another six operational squadrons at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, Calif.
The draft environmental impact statement can be downloaded at http://www.usmcjsfwest.com.
Additionally, the availability of the draft was announced in the Federal Register on May 21, said Lt. Col. Geoff Olander, officer in charge of the Joint Strike Fighter site activation here.
On June 17, the public is invited to an open house at Gila Vista Junior High School in Yuma from 4-7 p.m., where they can discuss the basing options and impacts to the local community.
On June 15, an open house is scheduled at the Scripps-Miramar Ranch Library in San Diego from 5-8 p.m.
Public comments will be accepted until July 6, after which the final environmental impact statement will be prepared for the Secretary of the Navy’s final decision, which is expected in December.
A scoping meetings were held in February 2009 to gather questions and comments from the community on the proposed basing options. That input helped Department of the Navy planners determine what needed to be addressed in the environmental impact statement.
Despite delays and budget overages within the JSF program, the Marine Corps is marching forward to prepare to reach an initial operating capability of 29 planes by December 2012, according to a statement released by Headquarters Marine Corps on March 18.
Ten of those planes would make up the first operational squadron, Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 332, which could be based in Yuma once the Secretary of the Navy decides on the final basing plans.
On April 2, the Corps activated a new squadron to train future JSF pilots and maintainers beginning this fall. Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 stood up as part of the Joint Integrated Training Center located at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, according to Headquarters Marine Corps.
On top of Yuma’s 10 planes, the training squadron would operate 15 aircraft, while another four F-35Bs would be based with an operational test and evaluation detachment at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Derived from a common design, developed together and using the same sustainment infrastructure worldwide, three F-35 variants will replace at least 13 types of aircraft for 11 nations initially, according to Lockheed Martin.
The Air Force will receive the F-35A variant, which will provide conventional takeoff and landing capabilities. The Navy will receive the F-35C, designed for carrier launches and duty at sea.
However, the production and basing of Navy and Air Force planes is separate and doesn’t affect the Marine Corps, said Olander.
USS England
Today’s website is history of USS England. Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1944 - USS England (DE 635) sinks fifth Japanese submarine in one week.
1952 - Tests from 26-29 May demonstrate feasibility of the angled-deck concept conducted on simulated angled deck on USS Midway.
1990 - USS Beaufort rescues 24 Vietnamese refugees in South China Sea.
Photo of the Day
The mine countermeasures ship USS Ardent (MCM 12) returns to sea after the three-month dry dock portion of the service restricted availability period at Mina Salman pier.
Gator
