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



BAE Systems to Highlight Affordable, Adaptive Solutions at Navy League Sea Air Space Exposition
Source: BAE

ARLINGTON, Va. --- BAE Systems will showcase products and capabilities that offer affordable, adaptive solutions at the Navy League Sea Air Space Exposition, April 11-13 at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

The BAE Systems exhibit (booth #1419) [will exhibit] technologies, equipment and services that reduce costs and enhance the performance, safety, and mission success of U.S. maritime and naval operations at sea and ashore, including:

-- Readiness & sustainment, and modernization
From preparation and training programs to maintenance, repair, overhaul, and enhancement services, BAE Systems supports the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s fleet as a leading provider of non-nuclear ship repair, maintenance, and modernization services. Products and services to be highlighted include automated weapon assembly, cruiser modernizations, and dry dock services.

-- Maritime C4I
BAE Systems designs, develops, integrates and installs the U.S. Navy’s core Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting solution, the Distributed Common Ground System – Navy. DCGS-N increases situational awareness and data collaboration in a multi-tiered intelligence environment and supports the Information Dominance mission of the U.S. Navy. Products and services on display will include the Artisan 3D radar, combat management systems, and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting systems.

--Situational awareness
BAE Systems will highlight a unique High Frequency Over-The-Horizon radar (HFSWR) capability, which provides coverage beyond conventional line of sight radars. Incorporating a number of technological innovations, the HFSWR system provides enhanced availability of accurate information with rapid updates, reducing the need for expensive air and sea patrols.

--Power projection
BAE Systems develops technology to support power projection and provides the U.S. Navy with reliable effect capabilities that meet mission requirements for advanced weapon systems. Products and services on display will include the Advanced Gun System - Lite, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, the 155-millimeter Long Range Land Attack Projectile, 5-inch Long Range Land Attack Projectile, and 10-millimeter Electromagnetic Railgun.

--Sea control
BAE Systems supports weapon system technology and platform developments to meet challenging mission requirements and provides a sea-based layer of defense for U.S. and allied security needs. Products and services highlighted include the 57-millimeter Mk 110 Mod 0, 57-millimeter Mk295/296 ammunition, and Archerfish mine neutralizer.

-- Force protection
BAE Systems is a leader in naval force protection, supplying the small-boat defeating system developed in response to the attack on the USS Cole and developing technologies to address the threats of today and tomorrow. The company is developing advanced directed-energy systems including the Tactical Laser System, which couples a solid-state high-energy laser with existing U.S. Navy gun mounts to provide extremely precise targeting and counter-material disabling effects. Products and services on display will include the 25-millimeter Mk38 Mod 2 with Tactical Laser System module.


General Dynamics Completes Pressure Hull for Submarine Mississippi in Record Time
Source: General Dynamics Electric Boat

GROTON, Conn. --- General Dynamics Electric Boat reached a major construction milestone on the submarine Mississippi (SSN-782), completing work on the pressure hull in less time than any previous ship of its class.

Electric Boat achieved "pressure hull complete" three weeks faster than the previous Virginia-class submarine record. Additionally, work on Mississippi's radar, hatches, sonar dome and piping systems is significantly ahead of the record schedule attained on USS Missouri, the most recent submarine delivered to the U.S. Navy by Electric Boat.

These accomplishments put Mississippi on track to reach two additional Virginia-class records: the highest state of completion when the submarine first enters the water and the shortest time span from construction start to delivery. The Virginia-class submarine program is considered one of the most successful U.S. Department of Defense procurement programs.

"The Groton waterfront team developed an aggressive final hull-erection schedule and executed flawlessly," said Ship's Manager Harold Haugeto. "This three-shift evolution could not have been accomplished without the strong commitment and drive of our talented and experienced work force. I'm very proud of the team.

"I am equally proud of the quality and completeness of the super-modules we received," Haugeto said. "By applying the lessons learned from the previous hulls, we are achieving additional reductions in cost and schedule."

Electric Boat is the prime contractor on the Virginia program, which has delivered seven ships, with 11 more under contract.




The Doolittle Raid

Today marks the anniversary of the Doolittle Raid.




The USS Hornet

Today’s website is The USS Hornet. Enjoy.


This Day in U.S. Naval History

1848 - A Navy expedition to explore the Dead Sea and the River Jordan, commanded by Lt. William F. Lynch, reaches the Dead Sea.
1906 - The Navy assists in relief operations during the San Francisco earthquake and fire.
1942 - USS Hornet (CV launches Doolittle's Army bombers for the first attack on Japan.
1988 - Navy destroys two Iranian drilling platforms and a frigate in retaliation for attack on USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).


Diorama Idea of the Day



B-25Bs along with two Dauntless dive bombers on board the Hornet for the Doolittle Raid. To see the original high resolution photo, click here.

Gator