Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
On Display - E-Boat at the Dock
MSW Crew member Keith Richardson shares his build of the E-Boat at the Dock.
Fincantieri Delivers Two Vessels to Kenyan Navy, Refitting Completed
Source: Fincantieri
Today at Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard there was the delivery of the “Nyayo” and “Umoja”, two vessels assigned by the Kenyan Navy to Fincantieri for mid-life refitting.
The order, which Fincantieri gained in 2008 bidding against important competitors from the UK, Holland and South Africa, is indicative of the company’s interest in the African market which has seen a significant increase in demand for new vessels for Navies and Coast Guards in response to the need to guarantee a greater control of territorial waters and to effectively combat terrorist attacks on maritime traffic, piracy and illegal fishing activities.
Classified as “fast attack craft” the “Nyayo” and “Umoja” were built at the British shipyards Vosper Thornycroft and delivered in 1988. The work carried out on both vessels by Fincantieri regarded the reconstruction of the hull (replacement of approximately a third of the structure on each ship), the propulsion (maintenance of the engines, reduction gears and shaft lines), work on the propellers, the electrical and automation plant, and complete replacement of all the command and control equipment, repairs to the conditioning plant and replacement of much of the piping, full reconditioning and partial replacement of the furnishings, insulation and flooring in addition to maintenance work on all auxiliary plant and the installation of new equipment.
The “Nyayo” and “Umoja” are 56.7 metres long, with a displacement of approximately 450 tonnes each and can reach a maximum speed of almost 40 knots and accommodate a crew of approximately 45. They are currently the only two ships in service in the Kenyan Navy and will carry out coastal patrols and activities to combat smuggling and piracy.
DGA Orders Third Barracuda
Source: DCNS
Defence procurement agency DGA has placed an order with DCNS for the third Barracuda-type nuclear-powered attack submarine for the French Navy.
This order comes under the framework programme contract awarded to DCNS in December 2006 calling for the delivery of six next-generation SSNs between 2017 and 2028.
Barracuda-type SSNs will replace the six Rubis-class boats currently in service. The Barracuda weapons payload will include next-generation type F21 heavyweight torpedoes, SM39 anti-ship missiles and MdCN-type naval cruise missiles. The boats will also be fully equipped for missions with Nato naval forces and special operations.
Battle of Kula Gulf
Today is the anniversary of the Battle of Kula Gulf.
USS Nicholas (DD-449)
Today’s website is USS Nicholas (DD-449). Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1747 - Birth of John Paul Jones at Arbigland, Scotland.
1898 - Armed Auxiliary Dixie captures Spanish Three Bells, Pilgrim and Greeman Castle.
1908 - Cmdr. Robert Peary sails in Roosevelt from New York to explore Arctic.
1911 - First naval aviation base established at Annapolis, Md.
1920 - Test and first use of radio compass in aircraft off Norfolk, Va.
1943 - Night Battle of Kula Gulf results in loss of two Japanese destroyers and USS Helena (CL 50).
1976 - First women enter U.S. Naval Academy.
Diorama Idea of the Day
USS Renshaw in heavy seas. To see the original high resolution photo, click here.
Gator
