Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
On Display Feature - USS Hornet CV8
MSW crew-mate Kostas Katseas (angeleyes) again proves his model building prowess with his build of Trumpeter Models, 1/350 scale USS Hornet CV8 in this "On Display" Feature.
Navy Sailing Toward Great Green Fleet
Source: US Navy
NORFOLK, Va. --- The U.S. Navy conducted a full power demonstration of a Riverine Command Boat (experimental) (RCB-X) powered by alternative fuel, Oct. 22, aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Testing and evaluation of alternative fuels from the 49-foot fast and agile RCB-X boat supports the secretary of the Navy's efforts to reduce the fleet's reliance on fossil fuels and is part of a series of progressively complex tests and evaluations scheduled through 2012.
These exhibitions will culminate in 2012 with a Green Strike Group of U.S. Navy ships operating locally and by 2016 deploying a Great Green Fleet powered entirely by alternative fuels.
"Going green is about combat capability and assuring Navy's mobility," said Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, director of the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, which leads the Navy's Task Force Energy. "It is not just about natural security; it also strengthens national security. By having reliable and abundant alternate sources of energy, we will no longer be held hostage by any one source of energy, such as petroleum.
"First and foremost, energy conservation extends tactical range of our forces while also preserving precious resources. Our goal, as a Navy, is to be an 'early adopter' of new technologies that enhance national security in an environmentally sustainable way," said Cullom.
The fuel, a "drop in replacement" to standard shipboard fuel, is 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuel, which forms a 50/50 blend of hydro-processed renewable diesel, also known in industry as "HR-D."
Additionally, HR-D, as opposed to biofuel, does not include water which is incompatible for shipboard fuel systems and does not have the limited serviceable life (typically six months) of biofuels. A blended hydro-processed renewable diesel fuel ensures that the integrity of the fuel system is maintained.
The Navy is incorporating a systematic approach of evaluating systems, protocols and standard operating procedures. The testing and certification represents a cost-effective approach for the entire engine inventory.
The testing and evaluation is being led by Naval Sea Systems Command's Advanced Fuels program office.
DCI Restores Eight Patrol Boats in Kuwait
Source: DCI-DESCO
PARIS --- DCI-DESCO announces the launching of the first restored Kuwait Naval Force P37 patrol boat within the scope of the “Technical and Logistic Support Program” (TLSP). This program is conducted under a contract signed in 2008 between DCI-DESCO, acting as representative of French State, and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence for the restoration of the eight P37 patrol boats due to be completed in 2012.
In order to meet Kuwait Naval Force requirements for the refit of these highly armed boats which make this programme a sophisticated operation, DCI-DESCO federated a consortium of French companies from the naval maintenance sector. Since February 2010, DCI-NAVFCO also has been taking part in this project for the operational training of the 8 patrol boats crews.
This project illustrates DCI-DESCO's capability to supply «turnkey» prime contracting support in the naval field. Dedicated to the transfer of French Defence Acquisition Agency (DGA) know-how in complex programs management, DCI-DESCO provides services to its institutional customers as a global solutions operator.
For Philippe Juliot, DCI-DESCO's Managing Director: “The TLSP contract in Kuwait allows DCI to demonstrate its know-how in the field of naval projects. DCI-DESCO's major role in this program confirms the confidence of the Ministry of Defence and French companies in our capability to lead complex programs.”
Working under the supervision of the French Ministry of Defence, and in close co-operation with the Direction Générale de l’Armement (The French defence acquisition agency), DCI provides training, advice and assistance on the back of French export sales. It also provides prime contracting and outsourcing support.
In France, DCI is a successful partner of the French Ministry of Defence for outsourcing with the award of the first state partnership contract in 2008. Thanks to its unique and cross-disciplinary military culture and an excellent service stamped with the «French armed forces» label, DCI operates on the entire spectrum of defence and security with its four departments: Cofras, Navfco, Airco and Desco.
USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636)
Today’s website is USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636). Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1967 - Landing craft from USS Navarro (APA 215) rescue 43 men from British SS Habib Marikar aground on a reef at Lincoln Island in the Tonkin Gulf.
1971 - USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636) launches a Poseidon C-3 missile in first surface launch of Poseidon missile.
Photo of the Day
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is underway with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) during a straits training exercise.
Gator
