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



Black Sea Fleet to get 18 new warships and renew naval aviation till 2020
Source: RusNavy.com

Black Sea Fleet (BSF) will receive six Project 22350 frigates, six Project 677 diesel submarines, two Project 11711 large landing ships, four ships of other projects, modernized bombers Su-24M instead of obsolete versions, and ASW aircrafts Il-38 instead of amphibious aircrafts Be-12 till 2020, reports Zerkalo Nedeli referring to Russian Navy Main HQ.

Reinforcement of Black Sea Fleet will be conducted under State Arms Program 2011-2020, added the source.

Navy Main HQ previously said that most of BSF ships have been in service for over 35 years, so by 2015 when new ships are commissioned into BSF the whole fleet would be in need of replacement. Being in operation for over 40 years, ASW aircrafts will be subject to decommission by that time.

On Oct 20 Russian and Ukrainian defense ministers signed a document providing that Russia will inform Ukraine about manpower, arms, and strength of Black Sea Fleet. Anatoly Serdiukov pointed out that the significant agreement signed is the first step to renewal of Black Sea Fleet.

Currently, Russian BSF has less than 40 warships, including the fleet's flagship Guard missile cruiser Moskva; two submarines (only B-871 Alrosa is operable); two large ASW ships; three frigates; small missile, landing, reconnaissance ships; seagoing minesweepers, and salvage vessels. BSF naval aviation numbers about 35 aircrafts (Su-24, Su-24MR, Be-12, An-2, An-12, An-26) and 20 helicopters (Ka-27, Mi-14, Mi-8). Fleet manpower numbers about 25,000.

Black Sea Fleet (BSF) is an operational-strategic formation of Russian Navy; its main objective is ensuring Russia's military security in the Black Sea. It is believed that BSF was established on May 13, 1783 when the group of warships from disbanded Azov Flotilla led by Vice Admiral F.A. Klokachev arrived to Akhtiarskaya Harbor. Through over 200 years of its history, Black Sea Fleet took part in many campaigns, including Russo-Turkish wars, French War, the Great Patriotic War.

Black Sea Fleet has written glorious pages in Russian Navy's chronicles; they are Battle of Tendra (1790), Battle of Sinop (1853), defense of Sevastopol (1854-1855, 1941-1942) and etc. During the Great Patriotic War BSF conducted 24 landing operations, scuppered 835 and damaged 539 enemy's ships. The breakup of the USSR made a serious strike upon Black Sea Fleet; according to bilateral agreements between Russia and Ukraine signed in 1995 and 1997 Soviet BSF was divided into Russian Black Sea Fleet and Ukrainian Navy.

Nowadays, the greater part of the fleet's infrastructure is located in Ukraine. In 2008 Black Sea Fleet participated in Russian-Georgian conflict. Black Sea Fleet HQ is situated in Sevastopol. Some BSF naval bases are Novorossiysk, Sevastopol; under construction are Novorossiysk and Ochamchira (Abkhazia). Since July 17, 2007 BSF Commander is VADM Alexander Kletskov.


Northrop Grumman Announces $62 Million Advance Procurement Contract for 11th San Antonio (LPD 27) Class Amphibious Ship
Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. --- The U.S. Navy awarded a $62 million cost plus fixed-fee advance procurement contract modification to Northrop Grumman Corporation that will provide long lead materials for LPD 27, the11th amphibious transport dock ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class.

The funds will be used to purchase long lead time materials and major equipment in support of the new ship, such as main engines and diesel generators and other equipment including electrical switchboards, deck equipment and fire extinguishing systems.

The work will be performed at the company's Gulf Coast facilities.

"Northrop Grumman Shipbuilders remain committed to this very important shipbuilding platform for the U.S. Navy," said Tim Farrell, vice president and program manager of the LPD program for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding--Gulf Coast. "This procurement contract enables us to focus on effective and efficient supply chain management and move forward with the advanced purchase materials and equipment that will help us meet our schedule commitments with our Navy customer."

The 11 ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy's ability to project power ashore. Collectively, these ships functionally replace over 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113, and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships) providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate with 21st Century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long, 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ship can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and EFVs, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22. These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st Century.




The Sinking of the CSS Albemarle

Today’s is the anniversary of the Sinking of the CSS Albemarle.




CSS Albemarle

Today’s website is CSS Albemarle. Enjoy.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1864 - Lt. William Cushing sinks Confederate ram Albemarle with a spar torpedo attached to the bow of his launch.
1922 - Navy League of the United States sponsors first annual celebration of Navy Day to focus public attention on the importance of the U.S. Navy. That date was selected because it was Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.
1943 - First women Marines report for duty on the West Coast, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
1944 - Fast Carrier Task Forces attack Japanese shipping and installations in Visayas and northern Luzon.
1967 - Operation Coronado VIII begins in Rung Sat Zone.


Photo of the Day



Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) lean with the ship as it performs high-speed rudder checks.

Gator