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US Navy’s new subsonic aerial target reaches initial operational capability
BQM-177A, the US Navy’s next-generation subsonic aerial target (SSAT) has reached initial operational capability (IOC) and is now ready to begin land-based operations in Point Mugu, California. When it reaches full operational capability, it will conduct both land and ship-based operations. The BQM-
US Navy establishes Columbia-class acquisition office
The US Navy has established a new entity that will oversee the construction and fielding of the 12 Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The establishment of Program Executive Office Columbia (PEO CLB) was announced on March 6 as the navy’s number one acquisition priority. “This is the Navy’s
US Coast Guard commissions 30th fast response cutter
The US Coast Guard commissioned its 30th fast response cutter (FRC), in a ceremony in San Francisco, California, on March 2. The USCGC Robert Ward is the second of four planned FRCs to be stationed in San Pedro. Robert Ward, the namesake of the cutter, served as a seaman 1st class on USS Joseph T. [
Search for lost Australian WWII destroyer Vampire underway off Sri Lanka
The search for the Royal Australian Navy’s sunken World War II destroyer HMAS Vampire is underway off the coast of Sri Lanka, with the navies of both countries contributing hydrographic assets to the cause. Nine sailors died when the destroyer HMAS Vampire sank after enduring an intensive Japanese a
Russian task group escorted through English Channel
A Russian Navy task group is being escorted through the English Channel as they head towards the Mediterranean Sea. The task group, composed of frigate Admiral Gorshkov and three auxiliary ships, are escorted by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender and Dutch Navy offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Friesl
USS Gerald R. Ford receives second functional advanced elevator
The lead ship of a new class of US Navy aircraft carriers has received its second advanced weapons elevator (AWE), nearly one month after receiving the first one and some 20 months after entering service. USS Gerald R. Ford’s AWE Upper Stage #3 was turned over to the ship February 14, following test
Rolls-Royce to power Malta’s new OPV
Italian shipbuilder Cantiere Navale Vittoria has awarded Rolls-Royce a contract for the supply of a marine propulsion package for the new offshore patrol vessel being built for the Armed Forces of Malta. The 1800-ton, 74.8-meter, twin-screw vessel will get a pair of PROMAS controllable pitch propell
US European forces chief calls for more warships to respond to Russian threat
The US needs more surface vessels and anti-submarine warfare assets in Europe to counter evolving threats in the region.
Australian Navy orders new submarine rescue vehicle
The Royal Australian Navy has contracted the Australian branch of Phoenix International for the delivery of a new air transportable submarine rescue service capability. As announced by the Australian defense minister Christopher Pyne, the service will be based in Western Australia and support both t
Pacific Partnership 2019 kicks off
The annual disaster response preparedness exercise Pacific Partnership began March 4 as US Military Sealift Command (MSC) expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) got underway from Naval Base Guam to start the mission in Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual, mult
Israel’s Elbit to supply combat suites for Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessels
Italian shipbuilder Cantiere Navale Vittoria has awarded Israeli defense company Elbit Systems a contract to supply combat suites and perform systems integration for the three new Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessels. The three boats are built by Cantiere Navale Vittoria under a contract announced in
Royal Navy tanker Tidespring arrives at Cammell Laird for first docking
RFA Tidespring, the first of Royal Navy’s four 39,000 tonne Tide-class tankers, has moored at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead to start its inaugural docking period. This is the ship’s first overhaul since it entered service in November 2017 after arriving from South Korea in April. Its arrival to Birken
French aircraft carrier gets underway for first deployment since 2016
French Navy aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle got underway from its homeport in Toulon on Tuesday, March 5, to start Clemencau 2019 – its first operational deployment since 2016. The carrier got underway after completing carrier strike group and flight trials, following an 18-month mid-life over
HMS Prince of Wales loads first stores ahead of sea trials
The second of two Royal Navy aircraft carriers – HMS Prince of Wales – loaded first stores aboard in another step towards the ship’s maiden voyage. More than 62 tonnes of supplies – bandages, pots, pans, camp beds, pipe clamps, hoses, valves and firefighting equipment – have been moved on to the shi