Navy to issue Rs 50,000 crore submarine tender this year

NEW DELHI: The Navy will issue a global tender for procuring six next generation submarines worth over Rs 50,000 crore by the end of this year. 

"The government has cleared Project-75 India which is the next lot of six submarines... At the moment we are going with the Request for Information (RFI) process, I hope within this year we would be able to push off the tender," Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma told reporters on the sidelines of a submarine seminar. 

Project-75 India is a follow on of the Scorpene submarine project, six of which are being built by the Mazgaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) under a Rs 20,000 crore deal with French company DCNS. 

With a depleted submarine strength, the Navy is planning to induct over 12 submarines in the next 10-12 years. The plans have also suffered a setback in view of the delays in the construction of the Scorpenes in Mumbai. 

Talking about the capabilities of future submarines, the Navy chief said, "It will be a different boat in the sense that we are revising its Qualitative Requirements. Along with better sensors it will also have better hiding capability, improved detection range and combat management system." 

He said the Navy would go for the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems for the submarines, which would enhance their capability of remaining submerged in water for a longer time period. 

On the weapon systems to be put on the next line of under water vessels, Verma said Navy was planning to use a mix of indigenous torpedoes along with the missiles which are being deployed on the Scorpene submarines. 

To a question on safety of Indian fishermen being targeted by the Sri Lankan Navy, he said, "The issue was highlighted during the visit of the Sri Lankan President also. The joint working group on fisheries is supposed to address these issues and that is the way to resolve it." 

He denied knowledge of any apprehensions expressed by China on India's forthcoming exercises with the navies of the US and Japan. "You have to bear in mind that it is not the first time these exercises are happening. I am not aware of any such apprehension," he said. 

On the annual exercise TROPEX, the Admiral said that besides elements from army and air force, the navy would also include its amphibious elements for the first time in the exercise. 

"TROPEX in terms of involved expenses and platforms is the largest exercise we have. This time we have huge amphibious elements including the participation from army and the air force," he said. 

Indian Navy inducted its first amphibious warship INS Jalashwa from US in 2007.

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U.S. Navy Destroyer's Mast Breaks Off while the warship was underway off the northern Florida coast

The upper part of the mast on the destroyer Gravely broke off Feb. 13 while the warship was underway off the northern Florida coast, the U.S. Navy has confirmed.

"While underway conducting routine operations Feb. 13, USS Gravely (DDG 107) experienced structural damage to the mast mounted antenna. No personnel were injured during the incident," Cmdr. Elissa Smith, a spokesperson for the Second Fleet in Norfolk, said in a Feb. 15 e-mail to Defense News. "USS Gravely's crews took immediate action and secured the damaged mast-mounted antenna. The cause and extent of the damage is unknown.

"The ship safely returned to Mayport, Fla. at approximately 10 a.m. local yesterday and is undergoing assessment. Commander, U.S. Second Fleet and Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic are taking prudent actions to ensure safe, efficient and effective repairs to the ship. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is leading the investigation to identify the root cause of the failure."

The Gravely, a DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer, was built by Northrop Grumman's Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi and is virtually a new ship, having been commissioned last November.

NAVSEA was unable initially to respond to a question as to whether other ships of the Arleigh Burke class have suffered similar damage. The Gravely is the 57th ship of the class, which remains in production.

"The investigation will determine the root cause of the failure and whether similar conditions exist on other ships of the class," said Alan Baribeau, a NAVSEA spokesman in Washington.

A video production crew from Discovery Channel Canada and Exploration Productions in Toronto was on board the Gravely at the time of the incident, working on an upcoming episode of the Mighty Ships series. A spokesman for the company in Toronto declined to comment on the incident.

Judging from a photo produced online by the Web site coltoncompany.com, the break was clean, coming at a weld joining the uppermost part of the mast to a lower part, just above and behind the URN-25 aircraft navigational beacon. The mast appears to have been kept from falling off completely by the electrical cables running inside.

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MCPON Message to the Fleet: No Second Chances for Drug Abuse

Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West, released the following message on drug abuse, which focuses on "Spice," herbal products and other designer drugs, to the fleet, Feb. 11:

"Shipmates, 

There has been an alarming rise in the number of Sailors who are choosing to use 'Spice,' herbal products and other so-called designer drugs; and this must come to an immediate stop. 

More than 150 Sailors are currently being processed for 'Spice' use, possession or distribution, and this is UNSAT. 

Overall, the Navy has separated 1,374 Sailors in FY09; 1,308 Sailors in FY10; and 302 Sailors during the first quarter of FY11, for drug abuse. These unexpected losses negatively affect our commands' manning levels, which in turn affects the commands' operational and warfighter readiness. The Navy's policy on drug abuse is simple and clear – zero tolerance, and there are no second chances.

NAVADMIN 108/10 states the following on drug abuse:

'Drug abuse includes the wrongful use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of a controlled substance. Drug abuse also includes the unlawful use of controlled substance analogues (designer drugs), natural substances (e.g., fungi, excretions), chemicals (e.g., chemicals wrongfully used as inhalants), propellants and/or prescribed or over-the-counter drugs or pharmaceutical compounds with the intent to induce intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction of the central nervous system, and will subject the violator to punitive action under the UCMJ and/or adverse administrative action.'

Some examples of substances mentioned above where the wrongful use constitutes drug abuse includes, but is not limited to the following:

- Products that contain synthetic cannabinoid compounds, such as "Spice," genie, blaze, dream, ex-ses, spark, fusion, dark knight, yukatan fire, and K2.

- Natural substances such as salvia divinorum and mushrooms.

- Common items abused by inhaling or huffing, such as Dust Off, glue, paint thinner and gasoline.

- Over-the-counter products such as Robitussin and Coricidin HBP.

- Prescription medications such as Oxycodone, Vicodin, Adderall, and Valium.

If you didn't know, 'Spice' is a mixture of natural herbs and synthetic cannabinoids, that when smoked, produce a marijuana-like 'high' that decreases motor skills, impairs coordination and concentration, and effects short-term memory and senses. The effects of these substance is unpredictable when combined with alcohol, and since the chemical blends are continuously manipulated and the strength of the synthetic chemical used is unknown, there is no way to know what you are getting in the drugs nor what the long-term health risks are if used. 

Some of the side effects from these drugs included uncontrolled vomiting, excessive sweating, flushed skin, increased heart rate and high blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. If this sounds like a good time to you, then go ahead and hand over your rank and paycheck, and possibly your life. 

Bottom line: The use and even just the possession of 'Spice,' herbal products, designer drugs, chemicals used for huffing, salvia divinorum, or products containing synthetic cannabinoid compounds are prohibited. Leadership, along with Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is aggressively working to catch personnel who are possessing, using, or distributing drugs; and when you get caught, your career will be over. 

Drug abuse goes against our Navy's core values and ethos, and it is a threat to lives, unit and mission readiness and morale. It is every Sailor's responsibility to deter drug abuse. If you do the crime, you will do the time … remember zero tolerance and no second chances.

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U.S. Navy Begins Work on Fixed Wing Precision Weapons Platform

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. | On Feb. 10, the U.S. Navy awarded a contract marking the start of a two-year Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program to implement the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) on the Marine Corps’ AV-8B and the Air Force’s A-10 aircraft platforms.

As demonstrated by operational requirements in theater, the need for precision laser-guided munitions with low collateral damage is an important capability currently not available to legacy fixed-wing aircraft. 

“This is an important capability for the Marine Corps and Air Force crews supporting the troops in harm’s way,” said Capt. Brian Corey, program manager for Direct and Time-Sensitive Strike Weapons. “The team is looking forward to showing that we can fill the capability gap that exists today.” 

If the APKWS II can be successfully demonstrated on these legacy aircraft, it will increase safety by allowing greater standoff range during employment as well as provide the ability to support operations in urban terrain.

“This demonstration is important for these fixed wing aircraft to improve their ability to support our troops on the ground,” said Corey. “Both services are very excited about this demonstration and what it could mean in future operations. If we can show this can work, we’ll take those lessons learned and provide some potential cost savings back to the taxpayer.”

APKWS II currently is on track to reach Initial Operating Capability in 2011 to deliver capability to the AH-1W and UH-1Y platforms with Fleet Marine Forces currently supporting operations in Afghanistan. 

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Military Sealift Command completes annual resupply mission to Antarctica

Military Sealift Command-chartered container ship MV BBC Ems departed McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Feb. 13 after delivering more than 84,000 square feet of vital supplies in support of Operation Deep Freeze. ODF is an annual U.S. Air Force-led mission to resupply the remote scientific outpost.

BBC Ems followed MSC tanker USNS Richard G. Matthiesen, which delivered more than 5.5 million gallons of crucial diesel, gasoline and jet fuel to McMurdo Station Jan. 29 to Feb. 5.

MSC ships deliver 100 percent of the fuel and about 80 percent of the supplies that the researchers and support personnel who live and work across Antarctica – up to 1,100 in the summer months – need to survive and work over the course of a year.

“Resupplying the Antarctic only happens once a year – it’s the window of opportunity,” said John Joerger, tanker project officer at MSC headquarters in Washington, D.C. “If we didn’t provide the fuel and supplies, they would have to shut the station down. They need it for heat, they need it for their vehicles, helicopters and all the things they do. If they don’t have fuel, they can’t survive in the Antarctic.”

An MSC dry cargo ship and tanker have made the dangerous voyage to Antarctica since the station was established in 1955.

BBC Ems arrived at McMurdo Station’s ice pier Feb. 5 carrying cargo that was loaded on board in Port Hueneme, Calif. Supplies aboard the 469-foot ship including food, household goods and research equipment; “everything you need to run a small city for a year,” said Timothy Pickering, cargo project officer at MSC headquarters.

It took 59 Sailors from the Williamsburg, Va.-based Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One and 65 members of the New Zealand Defence Force working around-the-clock three days to offload BBC Ems’ cargo. They then loaded the empty ship with cargo to be transported off the continent, including ice core samples carried back to the United States in three 40-foot refrigerated containers. The ship also took on trash and recyclable materials for disposal.

This year marks the final Antarctic voyage for MSC’s T-5 tanker class, of which Matthiesen is a part. Five tankers were built in the mid-1980s and chartered by MSC until 2003, when the command purchased four of the five.

“This is the last McMurdo Station port call for a T-5 tanker, a milestone in 26 years of dedicated tanker support by MSC, the Champion-class tankers and the U.S. merchant seamen who crew them in support of Operation Deep Freeze,” said Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, MSC. “MSC will continue support to Operation Deep Freeze, but this marks the end of a proud era for the Champion-class tankers.”

The T-5s have been replaced for most Department of Defense fuel transport missions by two newly built tankers that came under charter to MSC in late 2010 and early 2011- MT Evergreen State and MT Empire State. Because these ships are not ice-strengthened, MSC will charter tankers on the commercial market to fill future ice missions.

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BOEMRE – Oil Spill Containment Systems Not Ready Yet

HOUSTON (Dow Jones)–Oil companies haven’t been able to show that they can effectively respond to a future oil spill in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico–and until they do so, U.S. regulators will not let them drill there, the head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement said Friday.

Even though the oil industry “has been working hard” and made substantial progress toward developing an oil spill containment system, “it has not been able to fully demonstrate it has the systems in place to respond to a blowout in deep-water,” Michael R. Bromwich said at an offshore energy conference in Houston. “It would be simply irresponsible” to allow deep-water drilling without knowing a blowout similar to the one that led to a massive oil spill last year can be controlled, he said.

Bromwich’s agency has been criticized for holding back on permits despite the official end of a deepwater drilling moratorium, effectively paralyzing the offshore oil industry. But the official said that the industry knows that “containment capabilities aren’t there yet,” although “they will be there soon,” paving the way for permits approval..

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SECNAV Presents Three Silver Stars to Naval Special Warfare Sailors

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) presented three Silver Star Medals to Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Sailors during a visit to NSW commands, Feb. 11.

Ray Mabus presented the awards to recognize the actions of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Jared Tuxill, Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Gerardo Sosa and Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Joseph Molina, while they were deployed to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

"The awards that I presented today recognize uncommon heroism and uncommon valor," said Mabus. "It shows the skill level, the dedication and the patriotism, and its one of the best things I get to do - to recognize the people for what they do for us."

While the awardees were acknowledged for their courageousness and nerve in combat, they were both humbled and honored to receive their awards directly from the SECNAV. 

"It's an honor to have the secretary of the Navy award me the Silver Star," said Sosa. "I'm sure he has a lot on his plate; for him to make the time to be here today means a lot. It's a reflection of all the hard work everybody in our community has accomplished."

The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations with a friendly force. It is the fourth highest military honor that can be awarded to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the third highest awarded for valor.

Three bronze stars with combat "V" were also awarded to Molina, Lt. Cmdr. John Green and Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Thomas Shea, for their actions while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

The Bronze Star is awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. It's the ninth-highest military award in the U.S. Armed Forces and the fourth-highest combat award given for bravery.

The valor device, or combat "V," establishes the award as resulting from an act of heroism in combat.

Since 9/11, NSW personnel have been awarded 77 Silver Stars and 765 Bronze Stars for their contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After the ceremony, Mabus was presented with a memento boat paddle by Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli, deputy commander Naval Special Warfare Command; to commemorate the event. 

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Centennial of Naval Aviation Launches at NAS North Island

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation," served as the location for the official kick off of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) celebration, Feb. 12, as thousands of visitors attended a special Open House and Parade of Flight. 

The first successful hydroaeroplane flight took place at the base in 1911, just eight years after the famed 1903 Wright brother's flight in North Carolina. 

During 1911, the Navy began training its first pilots on the base. Twelve years later the base played host to the first non-stop transcontinental flight, and the first mid-air refueling, both in 1923.

San Diego area CoNA celebrations include a series of events aimed to impress the public, instill pride throughout the armed services, and honor the rich and colorful history of naval aviation during the past 100 years.

"One hundred years ago naval aviation was on the heels of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk," said Rear Adm. Pat McGrath, who led the CoNA effort. "Here in San Diego, experiments with 'hydroaeroplanes' set the stage for the flying machine to become an integral part of our Navy."

The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, led the "Parade of Flight" which included aircraft ranging from World War II, to present day fighter, attack and transport aircraft. The U.S. Navy parachute team, the Leapfrogs, also made an appearance to the delights of the audience. 

"The Leap Frogs are always great," said Gary Roald, who served on board the USS Ticonderoga (CV 14) during Vietnam. Roald said he enjoys air shows and has seen the Leap Frogs a number of times.

Three ships were moored pier-side at the base for the public to tour; the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91).

"It's been as challenging as it's been fun, keeping up with this many people," said Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Dan Smithyman, USS Peleliu public affairs officer. "The crew has done a great job showing them around the ship and answering all their questions."

Along with the ship tours there were more than 75 aircraft on static display for the public to view. There was a "Metal Mulisha" motorcycle stunt show, live stage entertainment, a classic car show and an area for children, complete with bounce houses and other inflatable entertainment.

Commemorating 100 years of progress and achievement in naval aviation, CoNA is a year-long tribute to the scope of all naval aviation activities including aircraft, people, ships, innovations and significant milestones. 

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'Parade of Flight' Highlights San Diego CoNA Celebration

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A "Parade of Flight" including more than 180 vintage and modern era aircraft took to the skies above San Diego Feb. 12 as the highlight of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) celebration at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), Calif.

The Parade of Flight, featuring aircraft ranging from World War II to the modern day jet era, concluded a day-long Open House at NASNI that was open to the general public.

"I was hoping I'd get to see the T-28 and I was so happy to find it," said retired Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class James Simpson, who worked on T-28 Trojans during his time in the Navy. "Seeing the T-28 makes me feel an awful lot of pride."

Along with the parade of flight, more than 75 vintage and modern day aircraft were on static display on the flightline at NASI with their pilots and aircrew nearby to answer questions.

"It's absolutely fabulous to be able to take part in an event like this, celebrating 100 years of Naval Aviation," said Tom Woehl, a Vietnam Veteran who flew a Bell UH-1B Iroquois "Huey" Gunship with the Army 282nd Helicopter Company during 1966 and 1967. "The kids really enjoy seeing the helicopter and seeing the old aircraft and things like that."

Woehl now works with the Wings and Rotors Air Museum in Murrieta, California. He was showing off a UH-1B as a static display aircraft for the show.

Photographers, both amateurs and professionals, took thousands of shots of the aircraft both in the air and on static display.

"It's been great," said Carl Smith, a photographer from Del Mar, Calif. "I got a lot of nice shots of vintage aircraft." 

Commemorating 100 years of progress and achievement in naval aviation, CoNA is a year-long tribute to the scope of all naval aviation activities including aircraft, people, ships, innovations and significant milestones. 

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VX-31 Super Hornet Ready for Centennial

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron THREE-ONE (VX-31) F/A-18 legacy Hornet awaits departure from the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, Ca. to join the kick-off celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CONA) on Friday, Feb. 11 at Naval Air Station, North Island, Ca.

U. S. Navy photo by Mike McGinnis

Source

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FRCSE encourages tomorrow’s engineers, judges student science exhibits

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) civilian and military personnel judged the 2011 Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Inc., where students presented 350 exhibits in 15 disciplines ranging from Behavior Science to Zoology at the Morocco Shrine Auditorium in Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 7. 

The event encourages students in grades 6 through 12 with a keen interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), to pursue higher education; STEM careers comprise a significant percentage of technical jobs in the U.S. Navy.

FRCSE Corporate Operations Officer Cmdr. Paul Filardi, Electronics Engineer Dan Danson, Mechanical Engineer Bill Kercher and Aerospace Engineers Michael Beals and Elizabeth Nealin were among the judges to review the Engineering, Physics and Space Science categories.

Filardi, an F/A-18 Hornet naval flight officer with 19 years of Naval service, holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in aviation systems. He said he volunteered for two reasons: to see what today’s youth find interesting in scientific fields and to possibly share his knowledge and aircraft test and evaluation experience. 

He judged a rowing exhibit that evaluated the position of an oar collar and its effect on rowing speed presented by Kevin Coyle, a Bishop Kenny High School student who crews for Stanton Riverbank Rowing. Filardi said Coyle’s exhibit was “very well organized.” 

“I have a renewed appreciation for our country’s youth after seeing the amazing, broad spectrum of projects at the fair and talking with the students,” he said.

Danson, a former adjunct professor who taught electronics, math and technical writing courses at night for more than ten years at the University of North Florida and other institutions, said he “enjoys the interaction with students.” This is his third year judging the event. 

He said the Obama administration in August 2010 named Florida as one of 10 winners in the second round of the “Race to the Top” school grant program that gives a competitive preference to states that commit to improving STEM education. The Sunshine State's cut is about $700 million. 

“I would like to see our local congressional representatives lobby for more federal educational grants,” he said. “I would also like to see the grant we won equally distributed in Florida with proper allocation to Northeast Florida and not have the entire $700 million spent only in south Florida." 

Danson judged Senior Division Engineering projects during the morning session, including Atlantic Coast High School Freshman Samantha Cristol’s entry evaluating optical quality for three Nikkor camera lenses with varying focal distances. 

In the afternoon, he and other judges narrowed the field from 80 to 36 of the best exhibits that will compete at the 56th State Science and Engineering Fair in Orlando, Fla., March 23-25.

In 2010, President Obama called on 200,000 federal government employees working in the fields of science and engineering to volunteer to work with educators to enhance STEM education.

One opportunity open to high school students is the Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP). It offers a unique opportunity for students to apprentice at Department of Defense laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. Students conduct research alongside scientists and engineers who act as mentors. There are about 20 Navy laboratories across the country participating in SEAP. To view information on the program, visit www.asee.org/seap.
Another program open to students entering grades 8 to 11 is the U.S. Naval Academy Summer STEM Program in Annapolis, Md. Candidates are selected for accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. There is no tuition requirement for the weeklong workshop. Applications available at www.usna.edu/admissions/stem are now being accepted for the June sessions.

Atlantic Coast High School Freshman Samantha Cristol (center) explains her hypothesis on the optical quality of three Nikkor camera lenses with varying focal distances to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Electronics Engineer Dan Danson, a judge at the Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair Feb. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by Marsha Childs/Released)

Stanton College Preparatory School student Heather Overstreet (center left) discusses her experiment of transforming magnetic fields to electrical energy with Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Mechanical Engineer Bill Kercher (center right) at the Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair Feb. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by Marsha Childs/Released)

During the 2011 Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair Feb. 7, Cmdr. Paul Filardi, an F/A-18 Hornet naval flight officer assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, judges a rowing exhibit presented by Kevin Coyle who evaluated the position of the oar collar and its effects on rowing speed. (U.S. Navy photo by Marsha Childs/Released)

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Coast Guard Commandant Addresses The Passenger Vessel Association

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp discussed the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Performance Plan, merchant mariner credentialingand the maritime transportation systemin his remarks to the Passenger Vessel Association annual convention in St. Louis, MO, on Feb. 6, 2011.  WorkBoat.com also published an article.

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Navy Set to Celebrate Three-Decades of Service for USS Memphis (SSN 691)

The Navy will hold a decommissioning ceremony for Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) at Naval Submarine Base New London on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.

All current and former crew members, their families, and friends are invited to attend activities connected to this historic event. They can find out additional information and register for the event online at www.memphisdecom.wordpress.com/.

Commissioned Dec. 17, 1977, Memphis became an Atlantic Fleet operational asset as part of Submarine Squadron 8 in Norfolk, Va. in 1978. Four years later, Memphis completed a “round-the-world” cruise via the Panama Canal, including operations with both the Sixth and Seventh fleets.

In January 1994, Memphis entered Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for refueling overhaul and equipment modifications providing the world’s most-advanced sonar, signal processing and fire control technology. Several modifications were performed to enhance the ship’s ability to accommodate major and multiple research and development projects. Upon completion of overhaul in July 1996, Memphis was attached to Submarine Development Squadron 12 at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Fast-attack submarines like Memphis have multi-faceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary’s military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

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Admiral Papp Delivers State of the US Coast Guard Address

“So, what is the state of the Coast Guard today? Well, I can report that we’re ready to meet mission demands, but we’re facing some real challenges,” said Papp. “But, when you’re facing challenges, it’s reassuring to be surrounded by a good crew.”

As might be expected from the Coast Guard’s longest serving commissioned cutterman, Papp’s address was peppered with nautical references and took on the tone of an ‘all hands’ meeting between a ship’s captain and its crew.

“No one else can do everything that we do. We protect citizens at sea, we protect America from threats delivered by sea, and we protect the sea itself. We are a military service, federal law enforcement agency, and our Nation’s lead maritime first responder with the mandate and bias to act. We are locally based, Nationally deployed, and globally connected.”

Click here to watch the speech or click here for the full transcript of Admiral Papp’s State of the Coast Guard address.

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Discoverer Enterprise to be drydocked in Alabama for a deep cleaning

The Enterprise played a key role during the oil spill disaster last summer, however floating in the oil-saturated ocean above the Macondo Well left her ballast tanks and hull saturated with crude oil.  For the past 4 months, cleaning teams have been working to clean up all this mess, but the Unified Area Command has decided enough is enough, and she’s heading to the yard in Mobile for a deep cleaning.

Rob Almeida is partner and CMO of Unofficial Networks and an editor of gCaptain.com. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 with a B.S in Naval Architecture and is an accomplished sailor and photographer. He also has quite a knack for squeegee-ing mud off the rig floor, pressure washing the pump room, and giving speeches at pre-tour meetings just for the heck of it.

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Pirates hijack US-bound oil tanker off Oman

Suspected Somali pirates captured a US-bound tanker carrying around US$200 million worth of crude oil in the Indian Ocean in one of the biggest hijackings in the area so far.

The Irene SL, the length of three soccer pitches and with 25 crew members on board, was carrying about 2 million barrels of oil, or nearly one fifth of daily US crude imports.

The hijacking came a day after an Italian tanker carrying oil worth more than US$60 million was snatched by Somali pirates, reinforcing industry fears that the piracy scourge is "spinning out of control".

"This morning the vessel was attacked by armed men," the Irene SL's Greece-based manager Enesel said. "For the moment there is no communication with the vessel."

Commander Susie Thomson, spokeswoman for the multinational Combined Maritime Forces fighting piracy in the area, said the 333-meter tanker was hijacked 220 miles off Oman and was likely to have been attacked by Somali pirates. "We can only speculate as to where the ship is being taken."

Shipping industry associations have warned that over 40 percent of the world's seaborne oil supply passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea is at risk from Somali pirates, who are able to operate ever further out to sea and for longer periods, using mother ships, reports Reuters.

John Drake, a senior risk consultant with security firm AKE Ltd, said pirate activity off Oman first emerged in 2009.

"This is a strategic area of concern because it implicates shipping traveling to and from the Persian/Arabian Gulf," he said. "This area also does not have a significant naval presence like the Gulf of Aden."

On Tuesday, pirates firing guns and rocket-propelled grenades hijacked an Italian oil tanker in the Indian Ocean and diverted the vessel toward Somalia.

The Irene SL is only the fourth very large crude carrier to have been hijacked by Somali gangs since piracy escalated in 2008, the International Maritime Bureau said.

PIRATE CRISIS

Joe Angelo, managing director of INTERTANKO, an association whose members own the majority of the world's tanker fleet, said the hijacking of the Irene SL marked "a significant shift in the impact of the piracy crisis in the Indian Ocean."

Angelo said the Irene SL's cargo of Kuwaiti crude oil represented nearly 20 percent of total US daily crude oil imports and urged governments to step up anti-piracy efforts.

"The piracy situation is now spinning out of control into the entire Indian Ocean," he told Reuters.

"If piracy in the Indian Ocean is left unabated, it will strangle these crucial shipping lanes with the potential to severely disrupt oil flows to the U.S. and to the rest of the world."

Pirate gangs are making tens of millions of dollars in ransoms, and despite successful efforts to quell attacks in the Gulf of Aden, international navies have struggled to contain piracy in the Indian Ocean owing to the vast distances involved.

"The situation is only going to worsen. With rising ransoms pirates are able to hire more men, bribe more officials and wait longer periods to negotiate," said AKE's Drake.

"Pirates may not set out into the Indian Ocean with specific intent to capture oil tankers but if they see one they will likely attack it with more determination and ferocity than other vessel types, simply because of the potential ransom sum they could secure through holding such a vessel."

Pirates last year received a record $9.5 million ransom for the release of the Samho Dream South Korean oil tanker. A study showed maritime piracy costs the global economy between US$7 and US$12 billion a year.

The European Union Naval Force said a South Korean fishing vessel, the Golden Wave, and its 43 crew had been released from pirate control. The ship was hijacked off the Kenyan coast last October. EU NAVFOR did not say if a ransom had been paid.

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US Navy Exercises Contract Option For LockMart To Build Fifth MUOS Satellite

Lockheed Martin has received a $339.6-million contract option from the U.S. Navy for the fifth satellite in the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation. MUOS will replace the current Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system and provide assured communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data, for mobile warfighters.

"MUOS will provide 10 times more communications capability than the current UFO satellite system," said Mark Pasquale, Lockheed Martin vice president and MUOS program manager.

"We are committed to successfully providing our warfighters with the critical capability of real-time communications on the move, as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible."

The first MUOS satellite is currently undergoing thermal vacuum testing at Lockheed Martin's facilities in Sunnyvale. One of the programs most critical milestones, the test will verify spacecraft functionality and performance in a vacuum environment where the satellite is thoroughly tested at the extreme hot and cold temperatures it will experience in space.

The first MUOS satellite, along with the associated ground system, is scheduled for delivery in mid-2011.

The second satellite is also proceeding steadily in the production flow. The team is preparing to mate the communications system module with the satellite's propulsion core, allowing the team to begin environmental testing of the fully integrated satellite in preparation for delivery in 2012.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator, is leading a team that includes General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Boeing Defense, Space and Security, El Segundo, Calif.

The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Navy Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program.

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US Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Aircraft Completes Historic First Flight

The Northrop Grumman -built U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft has successfully completed its historic first flight at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif.

Conducted by a U.S. Navy/Northrop Grumman test team, the flight took off at 2:09 p.m. PST and lasted 29 minutes. This event marks a critical step in the program, moving the team forward to meet the demonstration objectives of a tailless fighter-sized unmanned aircraft to safely take off from and land on the

"First flight represents the compilation of numerous tests to validate the airworthiness of the aircraft, and the robustness and reliability of the software that allows it to operate as an autonomous system and eventually have the ability to take-off and land aboard an aircraft carrier," said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, the Navy's UCAS-D program manager.

Northrop Grumman is the Navy's UCAS-D prime contractor and leader of the UCAS-D industry team.

"Designing a tailless, fighter-sized unmanned aircraft from a clean sheet is no small feat," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president and UCAS-D program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.

"Commitment, collaboration and uncompromising technical excellence among the Navy, Northrop Grumman and the UCAS-D team industry partners made today's flight a reality. We are indeed honored to have given wings to the Navy's vision for exploring unmanned carrier aviation."

Taking off under hazy skies, the X-47B climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet, flew several racetrack-type patterns, and landed safely at 2:38 p.m. PST. The flight provided test data to verify and validate system software for guidance and navigation, and the aerodynamic control of the tailless design.

As with all test programs, first flight represents the culmination, verification and certification of pre-flight system data collected and analyzed by both the Navy and Northrop Grumman.

Airframe proof load tests, propulsion system accelerated mission tests, software maturity and reliability simulations, full system taxi tests, and numerous other system test activities were all completed and certified prior to first flight.

The aircraft will remain at Edwards AFB for flight envelope expansion before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., later this year. There, the system will undergo additional tests to validate its readiness to begin testing in the maritime and carrier environment. The UCAS-D program is preparing the X-47B for carrier trials in 2013.

The Navy awarded the UCAS-D prime contract to Northrop Grumman in August 2007. The six-year contract calls for the development of two X-47B fighter-sized aircraft.

The program will demonstrate the first-ever carrier launches and recoveries by an autonomous, unmanned aircraft with a low-observable-relevant planform. Autonomous aerial refueling will also be performed after carrier integration and at-sea trials.

Northrop Grumman's industry team includes GKN Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Pratt and Whitney, Eaton, GE, Hamilton Sundstrand, Dell, Honeywell, Goodrich, Moog, Wind River, Parker Aerospace and Rockwell Collins.

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Chilean Naval Aviation upgrade, a pressing operational need?

Those familiar with the business world recognize the use of a common vision to stretch the imagination of a corporation, create new expectations and cause a sense of urgency for the proposed changes. Once the goals and the strategic vision are set, the direct involvement between potential suppliers and the leaders of the organization about to initiate the changes are one of the first steps towards information exchange and cooperation. Kind of the "be there, make ithappen" new business style.

This might be the case of Chilean Naval aviation. Out of all the South American nations, Chile – along with Brazil -- is the one with the most urgent and obvious need for an aircraft carrier and embarked aviation fighter squadrons. The increasingly active and more evident involvement of the Chilean Navy throughout international naval exercises such as the exclusive RIMPAC (Japan, Australia, Canada, United States, etc.) is a clear sign that change might be under way. However, and due to the strict discipline of the Chilean Navy officer corps, their leaders and aviation pilots are not vociferous and publicly aggressive as they should be regarding new requirements. Chile is traditionally Latin America's major sea power. Although it lost its position of quantitative primacy to Brazil late in the 20th century now ranks second in terms of size and firepower amongst regional navies. Technologically speaking the Chilean Navy remains unmatched on a qualitative basis throughout Latin America

Chilean thinkers like Daniel Prieto Vial (Chilean defense consultant) view the future of strategic environments revealing danger and opportunity. Danger -chaos in the littorals- is characterized by myriad clashes of national aspirations, religious intolerance and ethnic hatred. Unfortunately, today more than 75% of the Chilean economy depends largely of the safety arrival of its cargo ships to international ports (not to mention the total dependence on the timely arrival of foreign oil.) Failure to accomplish the above may very well threat the very existence of the nation. Opportunity for future enemies emanates from advances in information management, battlefield mobility and the lethality of conventional weaponry in irregular warfare. Such changes in the operational environment (already in use by some unstable and aggressive nations) representing both new threats and enhanced capabilities for piracy, sea crime, commercial area denial, etc., raise many questions regarding how the Chilean government is preparing its naval forces for the future.

I have been asked to provide an insight into today's Chilean Navy and specifically today's naval aviation. As a result, I would like to briefly outline plans for the introduction of future equipment and to give an indication of past and present lessons from around the world in order to "uncover" the striking need in this particular nation for modern embarked air power. In Chile, the Navy and its pilots need AV-8B Harriers and they are looking for a way to get what they want. The recent disband of Harrier Squadrons in England could well be an attractive opportunity for Chile. But since there are no official government plans to acquire naval fighters, they might need some external help to convince legislators that this is what they should have in order to properly protect their economic future and commercial sea lanes.

The modern strategic environment in international waters is one of regional rather than global crisis with intra-regional conflicts (revolutions, terrorism, civil war, guerrilla, piracy, etc.) quickly replacing more traditional inter-regional conflicts. Advanced navies such, England, Italy and Spain have recognized this shift and the increased requirement to counter potential economic threats, when and where they arise, with military force. As we are all learning in the 21st century, you can no longer keep on dealing with criminal and terrorist organizations as if they were traditional nation states. Negotiating with them should not be an option.

Modern navies have demonstrated that embarked aviation has much to offer to help preserve and strengthen international security in the difficult and uncertain circumstances of our world today. However, from a local perspective, it is important to note that within the generation of current congressmen in Chile there is not a single member ever to serve in the Armed Forces, therefore their views and understanding of international conflicts and threats is at best… quite limited. As a result, placing urgency in the acquisition of new and costly weapon systems for the navy, it is not a major concern. We recognize that economical problems and funding will be major issues before acquiring a small aircraft carrier, but pursuing the acquisition of a modest embarked fighter force should not. Since Harriers can take off and land from small ships, the Chilean navy can take them on board of its frigates and destroyers when going at sea, adding tremendous firepower, tactical mobility and playing a major role in the activation of a fighter force ready to protect its economic interest beyond territorial waters.

This alternative offers an advantage when an enemy has the capability to operate fast attack boats against commercial vessels. This particular naval posture offers unique abilities by matching demands for full dimensional protection of commercial ships with responsive maneuver and engagement capabilities for a minimal operational cost. For the future, a more aggressive and decisive approach, by both, Chilean politicians and foreign defense companies should ensure that the Chilean navy is well placed for the next century, and able to provide the Chilean government and its western allies with a flexible and deployable force capable of generating enough air power for current and future operations as diverse as warfighting and peacekeeping. Protecting sea lanes might be the new task of the South Pacific navies. There is no reason to believe that the Chilean Navy and its naval aviation forces should not be part of it.

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