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



Feature - LCS-2 USS Independence

MSW plank-owner Rui Matos (skipper) shares a fine gallery of images of his build of LCS-2 USS Independence in this MSW “On Display” Feature.




Fortress of the Sea Returns to the Waves
Source: BAE Systems

PORTSMOUTH, United Kingdom --- HMS Edinburgh has emerged sleeker and faster as she embarks on sea trials following an extensive £17.5 million overhaul by BAE Systems, demonstrating the company's capability in naval support and services.

The last of the Type 42 destroyers to undergo a major upkeep, HMS Edinburgh has been fitted with a new underwater spoiler to her stern, known as a transom flap, and a coat of new 'intersleek' paint that will cut fuel consumption by up to 15%. A newly refurbished diesel engine has also been fitted to the ship, whilst its IT network, accommodation areas, fresh water systems, galley and laundry facilities have all been revamped to ensure the 30 year old ship is fighting fit as she prepares to return to the Royal Navy's fleet next month.

HMS Edinburgh's commanding officer, Commander Paul Russell, said: "The close partnership between the ship's company and BAE Systems has seen the refit programme surge ahead over the last few weeks, and the ship will be fit for operational service later this year. We now have to put Edinburgh through her paces at sea and turn a safe and fully equipped vessel into a war-fighting unit once again."

Malcolm Fudge, BAE Systems' project manager for the HMS Edinburgh refit, said: "We work side by side with the Royal Navy here in Portsmouth to maintain the surface fleet and have worked tirelessly over recent months to conduct this intensive refit.

"We are now embarking on a critical stage of the programme as we test the engineering work to ensure that she has been brought back to a fully operational standard before she returns to the fleet for her final years of service."

The sea trials will test the ship's propulsion machinery, radar and communication equipments, as well as its ability to conduct flying operations. HMS Edinburgh's signatures will then be assessed for radar cross section, heat, magnetic and acoustics before trials culminating in live firings of medium and close range weapons.

The Fortress of the Sea is set to be formally accepted back into the Royal Navy fleet in late October, followed by a Rededication Ceremony in early November. BAE Systems will continue to support the ship through her Operational Sea Training early next year in preparation for her six month overseas deployment in May.


Construction Commences on First Navy Joint High Speed Vessel
Source: US Naval Sea Systems Command

MOBILE, Ala. --- Fabrication of the future USNS Vigilant (JHSV 2), the first joint high speed vessel (JHSV) to be operated by the Navy, began Sept. 13 at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala.

The JHSV will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment. The Navy's Strategic and Theater Sealift Program (PMS 385) in the Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships is procuring the vessels for both the Army and the Navy.

Vigilant is the second vessel in the class. The first, the future U.S. Army vessel USAV Spearhead (JHSV 1), is scheduled for delivery to the Army in 2012.

"I am proud to see construction begin for the first Navy JHSV," said Capt. George M. Sutton, PMS 385 program manager. "The implementation of proven commercial technology will help us deliver better value to the taxpayer, producing a top-quality ship delivered on time and within budget."

The JHSV program merges the previous Army theater support vessel and the Navy high speed connector to decrease costs by taking advantage of the inherent commonality between the existing programs. Significant production and financial risk has been avoided by implementing proven technology, ensuring stable requirements, minimizing change and through the ruthless pursuit of cost reduction and efficiency.

"Our drive for affordability and efficiency are the cornerstones of the JHSV program," said Sutton.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships and is currently managing the design and construction of 10 major surface ships classes and small boats and craft.

The PEO is committed to ensuring that prior to the start of ship construction, each program completes an exhaustive production readiness review to demonstrate the design is mature and the requirements are well understood. Fully maturing the design prior to the start of construction is one of a number of initiatives the PEO is undertaking to reduce costs in shipbuilding.




USS Constellation

Today’s website is USS Constellation. Enjoy.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1822 - Sloop-of-war Peacock captures five pirate vessels.
1850 - Congress outlaws flogging on Navy ships.
1923 - Navy aircraft take first and second places in international Schneider Cup Race.
1944 - Marines occupy islands in Palaus under cover of naval aircraft and gunfire support.
1964 - First deployment of Polaris A-3 missile on USS Daniel Webster (SSBN 626) from Charleston, S.C.


Photo of the Day



German F219 Sachsen Fires a SM-2 missile.

Gator