Vessels
US creates European ballistic missile defense task force
The U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet operating in Europe and Africa has established a new task force that will be solely responsible for ballistic missile defense in Europe. On March 24, Commodore Jeffrey Wolstenholme assumed command of the newly established Commander, Task Force 64, as the unit was named. U.S
US aircraft carrier showcases new air traffic control simulator
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) showcased a new air traffic control simulator in the ship’s carrier air traffic control center on March 22. Carl Vinson is the first carrier to be fitted with this new simulator program which affords air traffic controllers the capability to im
Portsmouth harbor tugs train for Queen Elizabeth carriers
Portsmouth harbor tugs welcomed the opportunity to train towing larger vessels as Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort Rosalie was on a visit to the Portsmouth, England. At 23,384 tonnes and 185.1 metres in length, the Fleet Solid Support Vessel is nearly 100 metres shorter and nearly three times lighter
German combat support ship ‘Berlin’ changes command
German Navy combat support ship EGV Berlin is set to hold a change of command ceremony on March 31, 2016, in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Frigate Captain Marcel Rosenbohm, who has been the ship’s commander since November, 2012, will be relieved by Frigate Captain Sven Hikele during the ceremony on board
Mystery solved: US Navy boat found after 95 years
A team of researchers from the U.S. Navy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have found the wreck of a navy fleet tug whose whereabouts have been a mystery for 95 years. The USS Conestoga (AT 54) was found in the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary off San Francisco, aft
Royal Navy upgrades Falklands harbor
The UK Defence Infrastructure Organisation has awarded a £19 million (approx $26M) contract for the Mare Harbour, Falklands, to be upgraded to host larger Royal Navy ships. UK-based civil engineering company VolkerStevin will design and construct a facility suitable to cater for the Point-class ship
US Navy works with Coast Guard for joint fisheries patrol
USS William P.Lawrence, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer of the U.S. Navy, recently embarked a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment to conduct fisheries patrols in the Central and South Pacific Ocean. The patrols were conducted within the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. Willia
Japanese destroyers visit Sri Lanka
Two ships of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), JS Yuudachi and JS Yuugiri, arrived at the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka on a goodwill and replenishment visit on March 24, 2016. The two destroyers were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on arrival. The ships’
India acquires two submarine rescue systems
The Indian Navy has awarded the British provider of marine engineering services James Fisher and Sons a £193 million (approx $273M) contract for the delivery of two submarine rescue and escape systems. The contract will see James Fisher Defence, a subsidiary of James Fisher and Sons, design and prod
Image of the day: USS Zumwalt starts final sea trials
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard, a subsidiary of General Dynamics responsible for the construction of the U.S. Navy’s largest, stealth destroyer, USS Zumwalt, has shared a photo of the 16,000-ton destroyer leaving the port for final trials. The first-of-class ship in December got underway
UK provides added funds for Type 26 global combat ship
Adhering to last year’s Strategic Defence and Security Review, the UK Ministry of Defence on March 22 awarded BAE Systems a £472 million (approx $668M) contract to progress the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme. Key equipment purchases will include diesel generators, sonar domes, which form the b
Royal Navy survey ship returns from nine-month deployment
Royal Navy ship HMS Scott has returned to HM Naval Base Devonport after completing a nine-month, worldwide deployment. As the only deep-water survey vessel in the Royal Navy, the ship deployed in June last year following an extensive refit last summer. The captain of HMS Scott, Commander Karen Dalto
USS America ready for return to sea
U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) returned to sea March 21 after completing a 10-month post-shakedown availability maintenance period in which the ship underwent design improvements at the General Dynamics shipyard in San Diego, California. America is now conducting sea trials
Second Russian Navy Admiral Grigorovich-class ship on state trials
Russian Navy’s second frigate of the Project 11356, ‘Admiral Essen’, carried out a base transition and arrived in Kronstadt, Russia. Since the Admiral Grigorovich-class ship is currently performing state tests, the transition was attended by representatives of the factory acceptance team together wi