Vessels
Royal Australian Navy’s “borrowed” aircraft carrier
There was a period in Royal Australian Navy history when the service operated two aircraft carriers simultaneously, Sgt Dave Morley explains as he outlines the history of HMAS Vengeance. The Navy’s intended second light fleet aircraft carrier, HMAS Melbourne II, suffered delays in England in the ear
Britain sends patrol vessel to aid NATO’s Aegean Sea mission
Britain has announced that it would send an offshore patrol vessel to the Aegean Sea where NATO vessels are already engaged in gathering intelligence and patrol the waters between Greece and Turkey with the aim of preventing migration and smuggling. During the NATO summit in Warsaw Defence Secretary
Polish frigate integrates into NATO’s SNMG2
Polish frigate ORP General Tadeusz Kosciuszko joined Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) on July 7. The former U.S. Navy Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, one of two in the Polish Navy, will spend the next few months under NATO flag providing support to NATO maritime activities. ORP General Tade
RIMPAC 2016: US Marines conduct amphibious ops with Mexican Navy’s ARM Usumacinta
US Marines worked with Mexican Navy ship ARM Usumacinta (A-142) to conduct amphibious assault vehicle operations at Naval Base San Diego during the multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific, July 6. Six U.S. Marine AAVs, attached to Bravo Company, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, took part in the e
UK MOD engages potential Fleet Solid Support ship suppliers
The UK Ministry of Defence has invited potential suppliers of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) Fleet Solid Support (FSS) capability to attend the FSS industry day later this month. The 2015 UK Strategic Defence & Security Review (SDSR) confirmed the need for MARS Fleet Solid Support
US approves sale of SM-2 Block IIIB Standard missiles to South Korea
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of SM-2 Block IIIB Standard missiles, containers and support to the Republic of Korea. Estimated cost of the equipment South Korea might acquire is $65 million with Raytheon as the principal contractor. The Defense Security Coop
RIMPAC 2016 first major international drill for largest Australian Navy ship
Three Royal Australian Navy ships, three helicopters and more than 1,000 personnel are in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016. Flagship of the Australian fleet, HMAS Canberra, led the Australian task group into harbor followed closely by Anzac class frigates HMA Ships
US green-lights sale of Evolved Seasparrow Missiles to Chile
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has informed that the State Department approved a possible foreign military sale of Evolved Seasparrow Missiles (ESSMs) to Chile. The $140.1 million possible sale also includes additional equipment, training, and support for the missiles which woul
PHIBRON 1 changes command aboard USS Boxer
U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Squadron One (PHIBRON 1) held a change of command ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) on July 7. Capt. Keith G. Moore was relieved by Capt. Patrick V. Foege as Commander of PHIBRON 1 during the ceremony. During Moore’s time as commander he guided the Boxe
USS Frank Cable docks in Diego Garcia base in Indian Ocean
U.S. Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived at U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia for a port visit, July 8. The Frank Cable team, consisting of more than 500 Sailors and civilian mariners is currently on deployment to provide vital flexibility to the fleet commanders, extending t
US Navy self defense test ship tests alternative fuels
The U.S. Navy’s self defense test ship (SDTS), ex-Paul F. Foster went underway for final-phase testing of two alternative fuels, May 31. The SDTS traveled to San Diego, where it took on approximately 30,000 gallons of two types of alternative fuels. The ship then proceeded on a normal cruise accordi
Electric Boat gets funds for Ohio Replacement submarine thin line towed array sonar design
The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics’ Electric Boat Corp. a $24.6 million for preliminary design for the thin line towed array handling system, detailed design, prototype manufacture and qualification tests in support of the Ohio Replacement Program. Thin line towed arrays are used by submarin
USS Ashland concludes CARAT, returns to Japan
The U.S. Navy’s Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Sasebo, Japan on July 8 after completing several phases of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series. The Ashland crew embarked and supported Marines from 2nd Marine Battalion, 2nd Regiment duri
US Navy all set for AN/SPY-6(V) radar array tests
American defense contractor Raytheon informed that it has delivered the first AN/SPY-6(V) air and missile defense radar array to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii ahead of schedule. The company said the array was installed according to plan, in preparation for first radar ligh