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



Feature - Seeaufklärung

MSW crew-mate Jan Klarbæk (MrMox) shares a fine dio-scene in 1/350 scale, Seeaufklärung in this MSW Feature.




Technical Intervention Aboard the Charles de Gaulle
Source: French navy

On Thursday October 14, while on a short training cruise just 24 hours before sailing to the Indian Ocean on a four-month deployment, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle returned to port to fix an electrical isolation fault detected in a control box governing a security valve in the rear propulsion circuit. This faulty isolation was corrected.

However, while investigating the reasons for this electrical fault, a malfunction was detected in a security valve. After a technical evaluation, it was decided on Saturday Oct. 16 that the valve would be replaced.

This replacement requires the rear propulsion system to be fully shut down. The entire operation will require several weeks.

Since completing its refit, the Charles de Gaulle spent 234 days at sea, during which it totalled 4,321 catapult launches and covered 52,138 nautical miles. Since Sept. 28, it took part in a training operation off its home port of Toulon to prepare for its four-month deployment to the Indian Ocean, which was due to start on Oct. 15.

The task force comprises the Charles de Gaulle, the air-defence frigate Forbin, the ASW frigate Tourville, the nuclear attack submarine Améthyste and the fleet oiler Meuse.


Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Navy's "Integrated Topside" Contract
Source: Northrop Grumman

LINTHICUM, Md. --- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation to develop and demonstrate an innovative new scalable suite of electronic warfare, information operations and line-of-sight communications on naval surface platforms.

Building off of ONR's past effort with the advanced multi-function RF concept and the multi-function electronic warfare system, the Integrated Topside (InTop) program will optimize the use of open architecture, moving the Navy toward its plan for information dominance, while making upgrades to improve system cost effectiveness and reduce obsolescence. InTop will reduce the number of multiple topside apertures that are in use today. The new system will increase communications bandwidth, and help resolve electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility issues currently caused by the large number of antennas on current ships.

"Northrop Grumman has been a long-term partner with ONR on developing innovative solutions for the warfighter and InTop represents the future of naval capabilities when it comes to shipboard protection," said Steve McCoy, vice president of the Advanced Concepts business unit for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.

"ONR has implemented a plan to leverage state-of-the-art foundation technologies towards multi-function systems that provide warfighters with affordable and effective technologies, supporting multiple platform installations. InTop is a game changer for the Navy. It is intended to improve ship survivability by providing counter measures to anti-ship missiles more effectively, making this a critical asset to the warfighter," McCoy added.

The initial contract value is $18 million, with a total estimated value of $109 million over the next four years, if all contract options are exercised.

Northrop Grumman is serving as prime contractor with key support being provided by teammate ITT Corporation. Work on the program will be performed at Northrop Grumman's engineering and manufacturing center in Linthicum, Md., and ITT's Radar, Reconnaissance and Acoustic Systems division in Van Nuys, Calif.




Operation Coronado VII and River Assault Squadron NINE

Today’s is the anniversary of the beginning of Operation Sea Lords.




Mobile Riverine Force Association

Today’s website is Mobile Riverine Force Association. Enjoy.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1824 - U.S. schooner Porpoise captures four pirate ships off Cuba.
1944 - 7th Fleet lands more than 60,000 Army troops on Leyte, Philippines, while Japanese aircraft attack.
1952 - Task Force 77 establishes Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) Hunter/Killer Teams of two ECM-equipped aircraft and an armed escort of four Skyraiders and four Corsairs.
1967 - Operation Coronado VII began in Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
1983 - Due to political strife, USS Independence (CV 62) is ordered to Grenada.


Photo of the Day



Olympias is a reconstruction of an ancient Athenian trireme. She is hand-built and considered in active service with the Greek Navy.

Gator