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



Vallejo WWII naval color equivalents

MSW crew-mate Kenny Loup (Gator) shares with us a Vallejo WWII naval color equivalents color chart that he found online.




Liegis Expressed Satisfaction Over Consideration of Mistral Issue in European Parliament
Source: Latvian Ministry of Defense

Minister of Defence of Latvia Imants Lieģis expressed satisfaction over Parliamentary question of arms exports in the Common Foreign and Security Policy which was introduced during European Parliament Strasbourg session on September 8, 2010. This issue is essential for the Baltic States since France started considering the sale of an assault ship “Mistral” to Russia.

“I believe that such strategic and military issues as the sale of latest military equipment to third countries should be discussed with NATO partners and EU member states prior to making the decision,” emphasizes Mr Lieģis. “NATO and EU efforts to improve their relationship with Russia must not take place at the expense of the Baltic region security.”

Since 2009 minister of Defence has emphasized the necessity of more throughout consideration of NATO and EU arms export – during his meeting with French Defence minister Hervé Morin, in the gatherings of NATO and EU defence ministers as well as in interviews with local and foreign mass media. Minister has also emphasized the urgency to cover the issue of the sales of military equipment to third countries in NATO’s new Strategic Concept.

The negotiations on the supply of French „Mistral” assault ships to Russia are continuing despite protests from the Baltic States, Georgia and the USA.

Mistral class amphibious assault ship (LHD) cannot operate fixed wing aircraft but it’s an important tool of power projection. Mistral class ships can carry and deploy up to 16 helicopters, including attack helicopters like France’s “Tiger” or Russia’s “Ka-50/52”. Its main punch revolves around its 4 landing barges or 2 medium hovercraft, which deliver armored vehicles, tanks, and soldiers to shore. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital, and could be used as an amphibious command ship

The Parliamentary question on arms export was initiated by European Parliament members from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Germany.


Lockheed Martin Team Reaches 60 Percent Completion in Construction of Nation's Third Littoral Combat Ship
Source: Lockheed Martin

MARINETTE, Wis. --- The Lockheed Martin led industry team recently reached the 60-percent completion mark in the construction of the nation's third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). LCS 3, named Fort Worth, remains on schedule and on cost under a fixed-price contract awarded in March 2009.

Fort Worth, built by Marinette Marine Corporation in Wisconsin, will be launched on December 4, 2010.

Recently, the Lockheed Martin team reached a key milestone by connecting Fort Worth's outfitted bow module to the ship. Additionally, all of Fort Worth's major equipment has been installed and 100 percent of its modules are under construction.

"The Lockheed Martin team remains on track to deliver Fort Worth to the U.S. Navy in 2012," said Joe North, Lockheed Martin LCS program manager. "The team's performance on this ship underscores our ability to deliver an affordable and proven warship on time as we support the evolving role of the U.S. Navy."

The team designed and constructed the nation's first LCS, USS Freedom, which was deployed in February 2010, two years ahead of schedule. The ship this summer participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2010, where it interacted with international Navies and successfully completed a series of operational exercises.

Lessons learned from designing and building USS Freedom have resulted in improved efficiencies in Fort Worth's construction, including a 30-percent reduction in labor hours.

In addition to Marinette Marine Corporation, a Fincantieri company, the Lockheed Martin-led team for LCS 3 includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox as well as best-of-industry domestic and international companies.




The Inchon Assault Landings

Today’s is the anniversary of the Inchon Assault Landings Enjoy.




USS Tarawa Veterans' Association

Today’s website is USS Tarawa Veterans' Association. Enjoy.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1944 - Invasion of Peleliu, Palau Islands, after several days of intensive carrier aircraft bombing and ship bombardment.
1950 - U.S. forces under Vice Adm. Arthur Struble achieve an amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea.
1967 - Operation Crimson Tide in Mekong Delta.


Photo of the Day



The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) conducts a vertical replenishment at sea.

Gator