Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
Trinidad & Tobago Ship Successfully Completes Sea Trials
Source: BAE Systems
GLASGOW, United Kingdom --- Scarborough, the second of three Offshore Patrol Vessels built by BAE Systems for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard, has successfully completed sea trials off the west coast of Scotland and is on track to be delivered in October.
Named after Tobago's capital, Scarborough embarked on an extensive programme of trials in July, with a combined BAE Systems and Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard crew on board, ready to put the ship through her paces.
Scott Jamieson, International Programmes Director at BAE Systems' Surface Ships division, said: "Scarborough exceeded her contracted 25 knot speed during sea trials and outperformed manoeuvrability requirements set out by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. This outstanding capability will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard, helping to support its ongoing battle to beat the drugs trade in the region."
During sea trials, the Scarborough achieved a speed of 25. 38 knots and completed turning circles in 3. 5 ship lengths and a stopping distance of 3. 7 ship lengths. In addition, the crew tested the ship's main platform systems, power and propulsion, and components of the combat system, including the guns and the main surveillance radar, which is vital in the fight against the drugs trade.
Scarborough is part of a contract to build three 90m Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard which will be used for a range of Economic Exclusion Zone management tasks, from disaster relief operations to tackling drug runners. Under the agreement, the UK Ministry of Defence is providing technical advice, quality assurance and operational sea training for the 60 man crews.
BAE Systems will also provide maintenance and in-service support to the ships for the next five years. This follows the work the Company's engineers have been undertaking for the past three years to the support the two interim vessels that BAE Systems provided to the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard in 2007.
The design of these highly versatile offshore patrol vessels is based on the proven River Class ships in service with the Royal Navy. Their ability to accommodate a diversity of roles makes them an attractive option to Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard as well as navies around the world. BAE Systems is already working with Bangkok Dock in Thailand, which is using the same core platform design to build a similar vessel for the Royal Thai Navy.
HMAS Melbourne Commences Operations in the Gulf
Source: Australian Department of Defence
The first of the newly upgraded Adelaide Class Guided Missile Frigates (FFG), HMAS Melbourne, has commenced maritime security operations in the Middle East, replacing the ANZAC Class Frigate (FFH) HMAS Parramatta.
HMAS Melbourne, now under the command of Commander Michael Harris, with an embarked Ship’s Company of 230, returns to the Middle East following previous missions in 2002 and 2004. She now boasts new missile and torpedo systems as part of the extensive capability enhancements provided by the FFG upgrade project.
Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, said that the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy provide essential naval support to coalition maritime security operations and the international effort to counter terrorism and piracy in the region.
“The work that our Navy people do is vital in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the environment around the Horn of Africa, and I have no doubt that the ship’s company of HMAS Melbourne will rise to the challenge and continue the good work already completed by HMAS Parramatta,” Lieutenant General Evans said.
Parramatta, commanded by Commander Heath Robertson, completed a successful six month rotation of maritime security operations and will return to her home base in Sydney next week.
Melbourne’s Operation SLIPPER deployment is the 24th to the Middle East Area of Operations undertaken by a ship of the Australian Navy.
USS Orleck DD886
Today’s website is USS Orleck DD886. Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1899 - Gunboat Concord and monitor Monterey capture two insurgent schooners at Aparri, Philippine Islands.
1939 - Atlantic Squadron Neutrality Patrol ships deploy.
1976 - USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and destroyer Bordelon (DD 881) collide during night operations 100 miles north of Scotland.
Photo of the Day
The Spanish corvette SPS Infanta Elena (P 76) transits the Mediterranean Sea during Phoenix Express (PE 08). PE-08 is the third annual exercise in a long-term effort to improve regional cooperation and maritime security.
Gator
