Guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) departed Ghana after a three-day Africa Partnership Station (APS) port visit, Feb. 21. The visit featured medical training and shipboard damage control with sailors from the Ghanaian navy, tours of the ship for high-school students from the American Intern
Friends and families of the USS Columbus (SSN 762) crew gathered at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to say goodbye as the Los Angeles-class submarine departed for a Western Pacific deployment, Feb. 22. “The submarine is in outstanding material condition thanks to the recent ins
For the first time, France, Poland and the United States have taken part in the General Officers Steering Committee (GOSC) of the Extended Air Defence Task Force (EADTF) between 13 and 17 February 2012. These countries wish to eventually become full members of this German-Dutch organisation, which o
Venezuelan Armed Forces are about to establish a Coast Guard Command armed with Russian-made Bal-E mobile missile systems, reports Infodefensa. At present, a group of Venezuelan officers and technicians is passing initial training in Russia. Caracas was supposed to receive coast defense missile syst
Bluefin Robotics, a subsidiary of Battelle, is joining with The Columbia Group to invest in the next generation large submersible vehicle. Bluefin is a leader in design and manufacture of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and related technology. Battelle has a long history of meeting the technolog
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) supported the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) by participating in NMCRS Day, Feb. 19. In addition to a series of recent fundraising raffles, events included a slam dunk contest and three-point shootout in the
The Seattle “Sea Gals,” official cheerleaders for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, performed for Sailors and Marines deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Feb. 13 as the ship conducted operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. The event, sponsored by Armed Fo
Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet announced Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY), Feb. 17, following a week of events where 10 SOY candidates, representing various commands from the Pacific submarine community, competed for the title. Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell awarded the 2011 Sea Sail
USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Diversity Council hosted a ceremony for the crew in the ship’s hangar bay, Feb. 17, in celebration of African-American History Month. Lincoln Sailors performed songs by African-American artists and viewed various displays and presentations acknowledging the achievement
The Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) returned to Naval Station Norfolk from a regularly scheduled deployment Feb. 17. Under the command of Cmdr. Thomas A. Winter, Montpelier is returning from the European Command area of responsibility where it executed the nation’s maritim
A time-honored change of command ceremony was held for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) aboard the former U.S. Navy Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Feb.17. Cmdr. David Schappert, commanding officer of Houston, was relieved by Cmdr. P
Scientists from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) will convene in Salt Lake City for an international gathering of marine science experts Feb. 20-24. Attendees of the 2012 Ocean Sciences Meeting can visit the ONR-sponsored exhibit booth to view unmanned underwater systems, see video demonstrations
Commander, Task Force (CTF) 69 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples Feb. 16. Capt. Wesley Guinn relieved Capt. Mark Davis as commander. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, spoke about Davis’ many accomplishments during his tour.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Feb. 16 the four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers which will be forward deployed to Rota, Spain. The four include three from Norfolk, Va; USS Ross, USS Donald Cook, and USS Porter, and one from Mayport, Fla., USS Carney. The ships are in support
