Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
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MSW crew-mate Jan Klarbæk (MrMox) shares a fine article of his build of Revell Models 1/72 scale VII C submarine kit, built as U-201 in this "On Display" feature.
DGA Receives 200th MU 90 Torpedo for the Navy
Source: French Ministry of Defence
On July 22, the Direction Generale de l’Armement (DGA) took delivery of the 200th MU 90 lightweight torpedo for the French navy. This delivery follows from a contract awarded in December 1997 by DGA on behalf of France and Italy, and which calls for the delivery of 300 torpedoes for the French navy and 200 for the Italian navy.
In French operational service since February 2008, the MU 90 is intended for launch for both aircraft and surface vessels; it is currently used by French navy Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft and Lynx helicopters, and by F70- and Horizon-class frigates. They will be operated by NH90 helicopters and FREMM-class frigates when they enter service.
The MU 90 is a third-generation lightweight torpedo designed for anti-submarine warfare. It is intended to counter all submarine threats, including both conventional and nuclear boats, in all tactical scenarios. The MU 90 is effective down to great depths (several hundreds of meters) and in shallow waters (less than 25 meters deep). It is electrically powered for greater range, better performance and enhanced security. It is fitted with a shaped explosive charge with a high penetration capability, and by latest-generation mission software.
The MU 90 has been very successful on the export market, and several hundreds have been ordered by the Australian, Danish, German and Polish navies. In June 2007, the six operators formed the MU 90 “users’ club” which coordinates joint management of maintenance activities and pools spare parts supply.
USS Taylor Renders Aid to Three Spanish Boaters Adrift
Source: US Navy
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- USS Taylor (FFG 50) rendered assistance to three stranded Spanish boaters southeast of Gibraltar Aug 2.
The boaters had experienced a mechanical failure while at sea testing their new rigid hull inflatable boat and had been adrift for approximately 24 hours.
Taylor's bridge team responded quickly, lowering a small boat. Once on scene, Taylor's boat crew found the boaters were fully exposed to the elements with minimal water, no food and no fuel.
Taylor's crew radioed the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Service (SASEMAR) and remained on station providing food and water until a SASEMAR helicopter arrived to render assistance. All three boaters were safely recovered and flown back to shore.
Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate, is commanded by Cmdr. Lyle Hall and is homeported in Mayport, Fla. Taylor is currently on a scheduled deployment in the 6th fleet area of responsibility.
The sinking of the Scharnhorst
Today’s website is the sinking of the Scharnhorst. Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1846 - Sailors and Marines from USS Congress capture Santa Barbara.
1858 - First trans-Atlantic cable completed by USS Niagara and British ship Agamemnon.
1944 - 5th Fleet carrier task forces begin air attack against Iwo Jima and the Bonin Islands.
1947 - Birthdate of the Medical Service Corps.
1964 - USS Turner Joy (DD 951) and USS Maddox (DD 731) report being attacked by North Vietnamese PT boats in Gulf of Tonkin.
Photo of the Day
The Canadian navy Iroquios-class guided missile destroyer HMAS Algonquin (DDG 283) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises.
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