Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
On display - French Battleship Richelieu
MSW crew-mate Chuck Bauer (DieselDog) shares with us a special project, building the classic Heller kit of a French Battleship Richelieu in this "On Display" feature.
US, Pakistan Navies Come Together for Ceremony
Source: US Navy
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- After more than 30 years of honorable service to the fleet, USS McInerney (FFG
, the longest-serving Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate in the U.S. fleet, officially decommissioned during a ceremony held at Naval Station Mayport Aug. 31.
The ship was then commissioned as PNS Alamgir (F-260) in the Pakistan navy.
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Victor G. Guillory served as the guest speaker.
"This was an opportunity to recognize the tremendous contributions of USS McInerney for the past 30 plus years to our Navy and to our nation, but we also get the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the tremendous strategic relationship that the U.S. has with Pakistan," said Guillory. "This transfer will allow them to participate to an even greater extent in maritime coalition efforts in the region."
As McInerney Sailors manned the rails, the order to secure the watch and haul down the colors was announced. Soon after, the U.S. Sailors departed the ship for the last time and Cmdr. Paul D. Young, McInerney's commanding officer, transferred command to Capt. Naveed Ashraf of the Pakistan navy.
"The relationship between our two countries is getting stronger and it's evident today. The United States has helped us in the past and most recently with the devastating floods," Ashraf said. "Even though the U.S. is losing a fine ship, they are gaining so much more by strengthening their relationship with Pakistan."
Alamgir then hoisted their country's flag and played the Pakistan national anthem. This was the first hot ship transfer between U.S. and Pakistan. This transfer of vessel occurs right after a ship decommissions and is immediately commissioned under the new flag.
"McInerney has had a long line of firsts in its rich history and this is a very important one that will have lasting impact on our Navy as well as the Pakistan navy," said Young. "This occasion was heartfelt and I'm going to miss the crew, the ship and everything that came with it."
After Alamgir undergoes a dry dock and pier side refurbishment, the ship and crew will to leave the United States for Pakistan. The ship will improve the Pakistan navy's ability to safeguard territorial waters. Alamgir could also serve as part of the multinational task force conducting maritime security operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
"I think this is an impressive ending and also a significant milestone for this ship," said Guillory. "McInerney has a great history with the United States Navy and she is going to have a great future with the Pakistan navy."
The Pakistani crew has been training with the U.S. Navy crew between May and August 2010. The crew will continue to receive specialized training on the ship's engineering, navigation and combat systems while the ship is being refurbished.
McInerney's advanced systems and technology combined with a highly skilled crew and professional leaders set her apart as one of the most capable ships in the fleet. McInerney was the second ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class of guided-missile frigates and was commissioned on Dec. 15, 1979.
"This crew has faced a lot of challenges since I've came aboard and they have met every one with great success," said McInerney Command Master Chief (SW/AW) John T. Lawry. "Tonight was a culmination of our final challenge which was to train the Pakistan Navy to man this vessel and also to say goodbye to our ship and shipmates. I want to thank all the Sailors who have served on McInerney throughout the years; they have done a great justice for our Navy and our nation."
Government of Canada Moves Ahead with Construction of New Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels
Source: Government of Canada
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia --- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and the Regional Minister responsible for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the start of construction for the Canadian Coast Guard’s new mid-shore patrol vessels.
“Today marks an important milestone in the Government of Canada’s commitment to build and maintain an effective fleet of federal ships and the Canadian Coast Guard’s Fleet Renewal Program,” said Minister Shea. “These new vessels will help the Coast Guard support fisheries enforcement and enhance the security of coasts and waterways for years to come.”
Ministers Gail Shea and Peter MacKay were in Halifax to celebrate with shipyard workers as the first steel plate was cut for the new vessels. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. was awarded a $194 million contract for the nine new mid-shore patrol vessels in September 2009. The first vessel should be ready for service in 2011, with the rest to be delivered by 2013.
“Canada’s marine industry is a key economic driver and the lifeblood of many communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Minister MacKay. “By following through on its commitment to have federal ships built in Canada, our Government is giving a significant boost to the Coast Guard fleet and to our shipbuilding industry – creating jobs and supporting local businesses.”
The Canadian Coast Guard fleet presently includes seven mid-shore patrol vessels. The new vessels will replace existing vessels nearing the end of their life expectancies. Five of the vessels will be used primarily to support Fisheries and Oceans Canada conservation and protection programs in the Maritimes, Quebec and Pacific Regions. The other four vessels will be used in a joint program with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to enhance the maritime security along the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway system.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a vibrant Canadian shipbuilding industry while also ensuring the highest value for taxpayers’ money.
BACKGROUNDER: New Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels
The Government of Canada has awarded a $194 million contract for nine new mid-shore patrol vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard. All of the new vessels will be built in Canada by Irving Shipbuilding Inc., of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Funding for these new vessels was committed by the Government of Canada in previous annual federal Budgets.
Preliminary work will begin immediately. The first vessel should be ready for service in 2011. All nine vessels will be delivered by 2013.
Five of the mid-shore patrol vessels will be used primarily to support Department of Fisheries and Oceans conservation and protection programs in the Maritimes, Quebec and Pacific Regions.
The other four vessels will be used in a joint program with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to enhance maritime security along the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway system. Since this joint maritime security program was announced in Budget 2007, aging Coast Guard vessels have been performing duties on an interim basis. The new mid-shore patrol vessels will provide a permanent platform for the Coast Guard and RCMP Officers to do their work.
About the new vessels
These new mid-shore patrol vessels are a new type of vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard. Each vessel will support a crew of eight and up to six RCMP Officers or Fishery Officers. Each vessel will be approximately 43 metres in length, have a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 2000 nautical miles, and be able to stay at sea for two weeks without reprovisioning.
With greater speed and range, and the ability to better operate in difficult environmental conditions, these new vessels will be able to perform duties more efficiently.
The Bombardment of Fort McHenry
Today’s is the anniversary of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry Enjoy.
USS Nashville (CL-43)
Today’s website is USS Nashville (CL-43). Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1814 - British bombardment of Fort McHenry inspires the Star Spangled Banner.
1847 - Marine Brigade leads U.S. forces that storm Chapultepec Castle near Mexico City, inspiring one line of the Marine Hymn.
1906 - Sailors and Marines from USS Denver land in Havana at the request of the Cuban government to preserve order during a revolution.
1939 - Navy suspends transfers to the Fleet Reserve after 20 years of service and retains men on active duty.
1985 - Commander Middle East Force orders escort of Military Sealift Ships in Persian Gulf because of Iranian seizure of merchant vessels.
Photo of the Day
The Inhaúma Class corvettes are four escort vessels operated by the Brazilian Navy. These ships were built in Brazil and designed with assistance from the German company Marine Technik.
Gator
