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



Navy to Conduct Alternative Fuels Demonstration With Riverine Command Boat
Source: US Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy will conduct a full power demonstration of a Riverine Command Boat (experimental) powered by an alternative fuel blend of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuel aboard Naval Base Norfolk, Va., Oct. 22.

"Our primary mission for Navy energy reform is to increase warfighting capability, both strategically and tactically," said Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, director of the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division (OPNAV N45), which leads the Navy's Task Force Energy.

"From a strategic perspective, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels from unstable locations. Tactically, efficient use of energy resources extends our combat range and use of non-petroleum fuels assures multiple supplies are available," said Cullom.

The testing and demonstration of alternative fuels for ships is led by Naval Sea Systems Command's advanced fuels program office. The office, working in coordination with the Task Force Energy Maritime Working Group, supports the secretary of the Navy's efforts to reduce total energy consumption on naval ships.


Hellenic Navy Takes Delivery of Newest Fast Attack Craft
Source: BAE Systems

ELEFSIS, Greece --- The Hellenic Navy has taken delivery of its fourth BAE Systems designed Fast Attack Craft at a ceremony at Elefsis Shipyard near Athens.

HS Grigoropoulos is the latest vessel in a class of seven 62 metre Fast Attack Craft being built by BAE Systems’ industry partner, Elefsis Shipyards, for the Hellenic Navy. Under a long-term technology transfer programme, BAE Systems is the design authority and major subcontractor to Elefsis Shipyards, responsible for the design and combat systems integration of the vessels. The company also provides on-site engineering support to Elefsis Shipyards and has invested in state of the art manufacturing facilities at its shipyard to boost industrial capability in Greece.



Alan Johnston, Managing Director at BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division, said: “This is a significant achievement in the programme, which reflects the hard work, commitment and fantastic partnership between BAE Systems and Elefsis Shipyards to deliver these highly capable ships to the Hellenic Navy.

“This approach to partnerships shows the strength that BAE Systems can bring to navies and industrial partners around the world as they look for cost-effective solutions to boost their capabilities to meet future naval requirements.”

HS Grigoropoulos has exceeded all of its specified performance criteria in a series of platform and weapons trials leading to acceptance by the Hellenic Navy.

The 62 metre Fast Attack Craft is designed as a high speed, multi-role platform that can operate in both anti-air and surface combat situations. Used by the Hellenic Navy as a high speed interception and offshore patrol craft, its extensive weapon fit on a compact hull delivers an economic solution to surveillance, intelligence gathering, patrol, interdiction and engagement of enemy forces.

In addition to BAE Systems’ engineers working alongside Elefsis Shipyards in Greece, the company’s project and engineering teams, based at its Portsmouth site in the UK, have provided valuable support to the programme since its inception in 2000, which have contributed to the successful delivery of the ships.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1797 - USS Constitution is launched at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. The ship is now the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.
1842 - Commodore Thomas Catesby Jones, commander, Pacific Command mistakenly seizes Monterey, thinking the United States has gone to war with Mexico.
1942 - A British submarine lands Capt. Jerauld Wright and four Army officers at Cherchel, French North Africa, to meet with a French military delegation to learn the French attitude toward future Allied landings.


Photo of the Day



Sailors assigned to Riverine Group 1 conduct maneuver training aboard a riverine command boat at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek.

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