Russian Navy News

04.29.2011Mistral contract won't be signed this year
Mistral contract won't be signed this year

04.29.2011Baltic Fleet serviceman is sentenced for rape and murder
Baltic Fleet serviceman is sentenced for rape and murder

04.29.2011Memorable activities over Chernobyl tragedy were held at Baltic Fleet
Memorable activities over Chernobyl tragedy were held at Baltic Fleet

04.29.2011Severnoye Design Bureau turned 65
Severnoye Design Bureau turned 65

04.28.2011Russian coast guard to hoist flag on new patrol craft
Russian coast guard to hoist flag on new patrol craft

04.28.2011Pacific Fleet to attend arms show in Singapore
Pacific Fleet to attend arms show in Singapore

04.28.2011Timoshenko wants Black Sea Fleet treaty to be denounced
Timoshenko wants Black Sea Fleet treaty to be denounced

04.28.2011Norwegian frigate to attend naval parade in Severomorsk
Norwegian frigate to attend naval parade in Severomorsk

04.28.2011Northern Fleet warships prepare for anti-piracy patrol
Northern Fleet warships prepare for anti-piracy patrol

04.28.2011BLACKSEAFOR activation finished in Novorossiysk
BLACKSEAFOR activation finished in Novorossiysk

04.25.2011Gale hindered Indian warships to leave Vladivostok
Gale hindered Indian warships to leave Vladivostok

04.25.2011Almaz shipyard launched second corvette for Vietnamese Navy
Almaz shipyard launched second corvette for Vietnamese Navy

04.25.2011BLACKSEAFOR ships arrived in Novorossiysk harbor
BLACKSEAFOR ships arrived in Novorossiysk harbor

04.25.2011Russia to acquire new icebreakers
Russia to acquire new icebreakers

04.25.2011Russian, NATO warships to hold several joint exercises
Russian, NATO warships to hold several joint exercises

04.23.2011Baltic Fleet ships sailed off to practice firing
Baltic Fleet ships sailed off to practice firing

04.22.2011Novorossiysk Naval Base hosts BLACKSEAFOR ships
Novorossiysk Naval Base hosts BLACKSEAFOR ships

04.22.2011Black Sea Fleet prepares for a fire-risky season
Black Sea Fleet prepares for a fire-risky season

04.22.2011NATO experts visited Russian sub Alrosa
NATO experts visited Russian sub Alrosa

04.22.2011Black Sea Fleet Theater gave performance in air bases
Black Sea Fleet Theater gave performance in air bases

04.22.2011Determinative talks on Mistral to be held soon
Determinative talks on Mistral to be held soon

From the world of POGO

Stop Us if You’ve Heard This One

How many three-star generals does it take to screw in a light bulb? Actually, we don’t know the punch line to this one because we doubt any three-star general has ever screwed in his or her own light bulb. That’s because every three-star general has a couple one-star and two-star generals, along with a platoon of colonels and majors standing by for light bulb duty, or at least ready to request a bid from Lockheed Martin to do the job. POGO Director of Investigations Nick Schwellenbach looks at the phenomenon of “brass creep” and why the problem is particularly pervasive in the Air Force. Read about it on POGO’s blog.

Can New Agency Really Get Fresh Start?

Can a leopard really change its spots? Or are the changes at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE, formerly the Minerals Management Service) nothing more than slapping lipstick on a pig? Bad animal metaphors aside, BOEMRE Director Michael Bromwich seems earnest enough when he says the regulatory agency is trying hard to overcome its history of corruption and untangle its conflicted functions. POGO Investigator Mandy Smithberger says there are still some questions Bromwich must answer. Read about it on POGO’s blog.

Air Force Does About Face on No-Bid Contract

If we were Charlie Sheen, we might be tempted to let out a big “winning!” right about now. But you know us, we keep it classy. So, we’ll just clear our throats and give the Air Force an approving nod for reversing its terrible decision of not seeking bids for 93 new helicopters. Read about it on POGO’s blog.

Defense Agency Keeps it All in the Family

Wired’s intrepid national security reporter Spencer Ackerman recently joined our podcast crew to talk about conflicts of interest at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, which has awarded lucrative contracts to a company run by its director’s father. Watch a video excerpt of the conversation on POGO’s blog or download the full podcast here. 

Revelations Lay Bare the Syrian and Iranian Nuclear Threat

JINSA Report #1085 April 29, 2011

Revelations Lay Bare the Syrian and Iranian Nuclear Threat  Finally. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) formally acknowledged that the target destroyed in the Syrian desert in 2007 was a covertly built nuclear reactor. [see JINSA Reports #765, #766, #767] Director General Yukiya Amano publicly accepted U.S. intelligence information that identified it as a nearly completed nuclear reactor that would have been able to produce plutonium for the fissile cores of nuclear warheads. [This is the same Mr. Amano who expressed "concerns" about what Iran might be hiding from the IAEA - a far cry from Mohamed el Baradai's "see no evil" posture.] No one is publicly thanking Israel - of course, Israel didn't take credit - but for those who believe there is a difference between democratic countries with nuclear capability (Britain, France, India, the United States) and dictators with the same capability (China, North Korea, Iran, Syria), Mr. Amano's announcement was welcome. Welcome also was a report said to be issued by the "Iranian Passive Defense Organization," chaired by General Jalali of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. The report, sent to the West by a dissident Iranian journalism group, says the Stuxnet virus discovered last year in Iran's centrifuge system has so thoroughly infected the operating systems at the Bushehr nuclear reactor complex that work on the plant must be halted indefinitely. "The internal directives programmed into the structure of the virus can actually bring the generators and electrical power grid of the country to a sudden halt, creating a 'heart attack' type of work stoppage," the report says. Journalist (and JINSA Board of Advisors Member) Ken Timmerman reports in Newsmax the Iranian belief that Stuxnet "has automatic updating capabilities in order to track and pirate information," and that it "can destroy system hardware step-by-step." Iranian computer scientists claimed to have defeated the Stuxnet infiltration. But now, apparently, they admit that not only did they not fix it, but General, Jalali said there is another major attack virus infecting Iranian government files; he called it "Stars." We call it excellent. Someone out there is doing what counts. But Timmerman goes on in the story to report that Siemens, the German giant that "sold Iran the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) process controllers used to run the Bushehr power plant, the Natanz uranium enrichment plant, and other industrial facilities in Iran... was blindsided by Stuxnet, and began publishing its own research and tools to remove the worm from infected computers last fall." Jalali said, "Our executive officials should legally follow up the case of Siemens SCADA software, which prepared the ground for the Stuxnet virus... The Siemens company must be held accountable and explain how and why it provided the enemies with the information about the codes of SCADA software and paved the way for a cyber attack against us." We agree with Jalali that Siemens must be held accountable, but in our view it should be held accountable for giving Iran whatever means it can to remove the worm from infected computers. Siemens does big business in Iran - still. The Wall Street Journal reports that Siemens has started no new projects in Iran, but continues to service existing contracts, including those for nuclear-related systems. "Otherwise we could be accused of breaching contracts and face compensatory damages," said Siemens CEO Peter Löscher. Instead they are supporting and aiding in the development of a nuclear-capable Iran and making a mockery of "international sanctions." It was a pretty good week, not a great one.

General Dynamics Awarded $1.2 Billion for Second FY11 Virginia-class Submarine by U.S. Navy

GROTON, Conn., April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy has released $1.2 billion for the construction of the 14th Virginia-class submarine, SSN-787, to General Dynamics Electric Boat, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics. This award marks the beginning of production of two submarines per year on the Virginia-class program.
The release of the funding allows procurement of long lead-time components that will support the planned official construction start later this year on the as-yet-unnamed submarine at Electric Boat and its teammate, Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va.
"Today represents the culmination of an extraordinary effort by the Virginia-class team," said John D. Holmander, Electric Boat's vice president for the Virginia Program. "From the engineers and designers who reduced the cost of the Virginia Class, to the shipbuilders who have delivered the submarines ahead of schedule and under budget, to the vendors who worked with us on cost-containment strategies, and of course the Navy, which has managed the program now recognized as a model for Pentagon procurement, this has truly been a collective effort."
Holmander also credited the Connecticut, Rhode Island and Virginia congressional delegations for their tireless support of the Virginia-class program, resulting in approval for the Navy to double submarine production from one to two submarines per year.
"This milestone is possible only because of the Connecticut, Rhode Island and Virginia delegations' efforts to educate their colleagues on the tremendous contribution of Virginia-class submarines to the United States' national security," Holmander said.
The shipbuilding team's attention remains focused on capturing additional efficiencies wherever possible, Holmander said.
"Reducing the cost of Virginia Class ships to the point where the Navy can afford to acquire two ships per year has demanded an intense process of continuous improvement," Holmander said. "Our task now is to ensure that we demonstrate additional improvement on each ship so taxpayers get the best possible return on the nation's investment in submarines."
The Virginia class is the first U.S. Navy warship designed from the keel up for the full range of mission requirements in the post-Cold War era. Optimized for maximum technological and operational flexibility, these submarines play a key role in the nation's defense with their stealth, firepower and unlimited endurance.
Virginia-class submarines displace 7,800 tons, with a hull length of 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. They are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 800 feet, while carrying Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes, Tomahawk land attack missiles and unmanned underwater vehicles.
Electric Boat last received funds for two submarines in 1991, when the Navy ordered the USS Connecticut (SSN 22) and USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), the final Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.

ANZAC Day – HMAS Success

29 April 2011 - HMAS Success (Commander Ainsley Morthorpe CSM RAN) sailors joined with the crews of Ships Te Mana and Te Kaha, as well as the crew of HMS Richmond at a Dawn Service at the Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.
Kranji War Cemetery is the final resting place for Allied soldiers who perished during the Battle of Singapore and the subsequent Japanese occupation of the island from 1942-1945 and in other parts of Southeast Asia during World War II.
The ceremony was also attended by the Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM CSC RAN. It was a moving experience for all to watch the tropical sunrise over the surrounding graves of over 4,460 men.
Following the service the ships' company returned to Sembawang, where maintenance is currently being conducted on Success, to attend a breakfast cooked by the Success chefs at the Australian White Ensign Club, an all ranks facility run by the RAN Liaison Office in Singapore for the benefit of the local service community and visiting war ships.
Following five months living around the facility the Success crew welcomed the Fleet Commander to their home-away-from-home and regaled him with their local knowledge, and showed him around the WWII vintage building and its outstanding facilities.
The ships' company of Success also took the opportunity to make a presentation to the RAN Liaison Officer, LCDR Rachael Thompson RAN, in the presence of the Fleet Commander, to express their appreciation for the outstanding support provided by her team to the Success crew over the last five months.
Success deployed in August 2010 for a South East Asian deployment followed by an extensive stop in Singapore from early December 2010. Success has remained in Singapore to undertake a recently completed conversion to double-hull the ship, bringing her in line with the latest International Maritime Organisation guidelines for tankers. Success will return to Australia in June.

Terma Radar Systems for the Danish Navy´s New Frigates

Lystrup, Denmark April 29, 2011 - The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization has signed a contract with Terma for the delivery of radar systems for the Danish Navy´s three new frigates of the IVER HUITFELDT class, which are expected to enter operational service in 2013. 

The radar is intended for surveillance and rescue assignments and helicopter guidance. The first system will be installed in May this year, and the two additional systems in December 2011 and February 2012. 

Terma´s SCANTER 6000 naval surveillance radar is already installed on the U.S. Navy´s Stiletto vessel and will be installed as part of the French Offshore Patrol Vessel program "Hermes" later this year. 

Furthermore, the Spanish Coast Guard, Guardia Civil, has purchased a number of systems for the coastal surveillance along two coastlines in northern Spain. 

The radar is particularly suited to detect small targets such as a helicopter under demanding weather conditions at a distance of up to 15 nautical miles and guide the helicopter to a safe landing on board the vessel. 

The SCANTER 6000 is specifically developed for surveillance assignments at sea, and consequently it is well-suited for search and rescue assignments and to combat so-called asymmetric threats (terror and pirate attacks). 

Previously, Terma has delivered radar systems for a number of the Danish Navy vessels. The radars supplied comprise both the SCANTER 2001 as well as the SCANTER 4100 which has been installed on the ocean patrol vessels in the >>KNUD RASMUSSEN<< class. 

With the three new frigates, the Danish Navy obtains a considerable capacity to solve both national and international assignments. The frigates are 140 meters long and 20 meters wide and consist of seven decks, including helicopter landing deck and hangar. The crew comprises 101 persons. The vessels were built at the Odense Steel Ship Yard. 

Terma has already supplied the advanced C-Flex command and control system for the frigates. C-Flex integrates a number of the frigates´ defense systems, including the advanced AAW (Anti Air Warfare) air defense system and the decoy self-protection system SKWS (Soft Kill Weapon System), also supplied by Terma. 

The SCANTER radar systems come in different versions which are tailor-made for specific applications. At present, well over 1500 systems are in operation worldwide for the surveillance of coastlines and ports, naval surveillance and airport ground surveillance at large international airports. 

Due to their unique ability to detect small targets at large distances under severe weather conditions, Terma radars are in high demand in the fight against smugglers, illegal immigrants, pirates, terrorists and other illegal activities. 

 

Sikorsky HSS-1N "Seabat" Model Delivered to NHF

Dr. Jack London, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of CACI International Inc and a Naval Historical Foundation Director, was on hand at the Cold War Gallery this morning for an exciting presentation. Aircraft model builder Michael "Psycho" McLeod recently completed construction of a Sikorsky HSS-1N "Seabat" helicopter model. The model was sponsored by Dr. London, and is designed to be an exact replica of the Seabat he flew for HS-7 in 1961

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

Ottawa April 28, 2011 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to announce the Canadian wedding gifts for His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton:

“I am pleased to announce the Government of Canada will make a donation to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary in honour of the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton. The Government of Canada will offer this wedding gift on behalf of all Canadians.
“The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary was chosen by Prince William and Miss Middleton to be the Canadian beneficiary of a special charitable fund that was set up to celebrate their wedding. The donation of $50,000 by the Government of Canada will allow the organization’s volunteers to carry out their mission, which is to offer—day and night—a permanent search and rescue program to meet the needs of Canada’s marine services, as well as to prevent injuries or loss of human life at sea. Through its search and rescue and nautical safety programs, this not-for-profit organization assists the Coast Guard and the Department of National Defence.
“Canada is proud to offer a wedding gift to a family member of our Head of State, Her Majesty The Queen. This gift was chosen specifically for the occasion and represents Canadians and the pride they have in their country.
“The selection of this worthy cause is symbolic of Canada’s affection for the Royal couple. Canadians are eager to welcome the Royal couple to Canada for their first Royal Tour as newlyweds and share the best of our great land.”
The Prime Minister and Mrs. Harper have also arranged for a personal gift of outdoor equipment for use when the Royal couple experience Canada's natural splendour later this year.
From June 30 to July 8, 2011, the newlyweds will undertake a Royal Tour of Canada, their first visit outside the United Kingdom as a married couple. They will visit Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and the National Capital Region. A detailed itinerary will be released at a later date.


You can click here to make a donation to the Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund.

Crowley to Auction a Ride for Four Aboard Seattle's Fastest Tugboat in the World's Largest Tugboat Race During Seattle Maritime Festival

(SEATTLE, Wash.; April 28, 2011) - Bids are now being accepted on eBay for a chance to win a ride for four aboard Crowley's winningest tugboat, Hunter, as it races against the field in Seattle Maritime Festival's annual tugboat race on Saturday, May 14.

All proceeds from the auction, which will be open through Friday, May 6, will benefit the Seattle-based not-for-profit Ryther Child Center, a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. The bidding will begin at $100.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will give the winner and three guests (children over the age of 12) the opportunity to ride the tug Hunter - which is considered the fastest tugboat on the West Coast ­- as it competes in the Class A Unlimited Race against several of the fastest tugboats in Elliott Bay across the Downtown Seattle Harbor. This year's festival and race will be especially memorable, as it will also serve as part of the Port of Seattle's 100^th anniversary celebration.

"The Hunter has won every single year that it has competed since 1995," said Crowley's Chris Peterson, vice president, marine services. "And this year should be no exception. This is a great opportunity for a group to take part in the excitement while also giving back to a worthwhile cause."

As part of Crowley's company-wide efforts to give back to the communities in which it works, the Seattle office has chosen to support Ryther through fundraisers and volunteerism.

"Our employees selected Ryther as the focus of this year's philanthropic efforts because it is a meaningful organization that impacts so many local children and families," said Peterson. "We are pleased to provide this ride along opportunity to four lucky bidders while supporting Ryther."

To participate in the auction, visit eBay and register as a user. Unsuccessful bidders are still encouraged to contribute to Ryther by making a donation online at http://www.ryther.org/index.htm.

Ryther is a recognized leader in behavioral health services for Washington state children and their families facing complex challenges. Founded in 1885, Ryther is one of the region's most enduring nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children and their families. As a thought-leader in our field, we evolved from the traditional orphanage model in the 1930s and refocused our mission to treat troubled children using innovative and proven therapeutic techniques. Today, we serve children and adolescents referred by parents, physicians, state agencies, courts, schools and other providers working with children. We have expanded our services to include programs and solutions for families with children who have challenges stemming from trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorders, or adjustment issues with school, peers or parents.

HMS Cornwall's final homecoming

HMS Cornwall at Devonport [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Dan Hooper, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]


HMS Cornwall returned to HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth for the final time yesterday, following a six-month deployment conducting counter-piracy operations east of Suez.
HMS Cornwall deployed from the UK on 28 October last year to patrol the Gulf of Aden as the command ship for CTF 151 - the Counter-Piracy Task Force of a multi-national naval partnership.
The partnership promotes security, stability and prosperity across 2.5 million square miles (6.5m sq km) of international waters in the Middle East, including some of the world's most important shipping lanes which are vital for the UK's trade.
Commander David Wilkinson, the ship's commanding officer, praised his crew as they returned home yesterday:
"They have been utterly professional in all that has been asked of them, but today is about reunion with our loved ones and recognizing the support they have given us to keep us strong over the past six months."
The ship's final entry was marked by a fly-past of the ship's helicopter and a gun salute from one of the ship's guns as she passed Plymouth Hoe.

Families and friends of HMS Cornwall's company congregate en masse in the Plymouth sunshine to welcome home their loved ones. [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Shaun Barlow, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

HMS Cornwall is one of four Plymouth-based Type 22 frigates which are being decommissioned under the Government's strategic defense and security review.
Commander Wilkinson added:
"The final homecoming is a day of mixed emotions -- happiness to be returning home at the end of a successful deployment and being reunited with our families, yet also sadness to be bringing this proud ship home to her base port for the final time.
"HMS Cornwall was the first out of her class batch and is the last home; it has been a privilege to command this fine ship and work with the ship's company - they are what really makes this ship so special."

Members of HMS Cornwall's company on deck; overjoyed and overwhelmed by the warm welcome awaiting them on the dockside below. [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Shaun Barlow, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

As well as being the command ship for the Task Force, during her deployment HMS Cornwall and the ship's company:

• hosted Pakistani counter-piracy battle staff
• freed five Yemeni fisherman and their Dhow
• detained 23 suspected pirates
• disrupted multiple piracy attacks
• escorted vulnerable merchant vessels
• provided medical assistance to three injured merchant seamen
• conducted counter-piracy patrols in the waters of the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean
• supported the state visit of Her Majesty to Queen to Oman in November 2010
• shared operational expertise with coalition partners including Pakistan, Jordan, UAE, Oman, Algeria; and
• supported IDEX 2011 in Abu Dhabi.


HMS Cornwall's decommissioning ceremony will follow later this summer, as will the ship's Freedom of the Truro parade.

USS Emory S. Land and USS La Jolla visit Goa

By Lt. Cmdr. Kevin S. Barnett, USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs Posted: April 25, 2011

GOA, India - The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Goa, India, as part of a good will mission visit, April 22. GOA, India (April 23, 2011) – Crewmen heave a line to the pier during the arrival of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) in Goa, India. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Roe) As a forward-deployed expeditionary submarine repair tender, Emory S. Land’s mission is to provide tender support services to USS La Jolla (SSN 701), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine. “We will be providing tended support services to La Jolla to ensure all systems are fully operational and capable when she returns to operations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tobias Lemerande, Emory S. Land’s repair officer. Emory S. Land’s repair department will perform minor equipment adjustments, as well as manufacture and provide some quality of life items to the crew’s eating and living spaces that will help make the submarine’s Sailors lives more comfortable. “Our visit will not be all work and no relaxation,” said Command Master Chief Paul Sweeney. “The crew will be participating in community relation projects and participating in sight seeing tours and activities.” Crew members will participate in a tree planting project as well as a basketball game with a local club team. The ship will also be providing a limited number of tours and will be hosting a reception. “We are very excited to be here in Goa,” said Capt. Eric Merrill, commanding officer of Emory S. Land. “Our crew is honored to have the opportunity to visit Goa and further strengthen our partnership between our two navies and governments.” Emory S. Land’s crew looks forward to taking part in community activities and experiencing India’s cultural sights. For many, this is their first time visiting India. “I’m enormously excited to experience a different culture, potentially riding elephants, and participating in community relations projects,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class John Dunn. In early 2010, Land completed its conversion from an all U.S. Navy crew to an integrated crew of Sailors and civilian mariners, becoming the first submarine tender to operate under the hybrid crew concept. “The crew, Sailors and civilian mariners alike, are extremely professional in operating this nearly 32 year old ship as one team,” said Sweeney. “While there are some cultural differences in operations between Sailors and civilian mariners, the integrated crew has brought efficiency in operations and manpower. I’m very proud of them.” Emory S. Land moved from its homeport in Bremerton, Wash., to its forward-deployed port on the island of Diego Garcia.

This is an official U.S. Navy web site and the official web site for the U.S. 7th Fleet. Contact the Webmaster via e-mail or Unit 25104; FPO AP 96601-6003.

Freedom of Information Act | Please read our Privacy Policy notice | External Links Disclaimer | Visit our Parent Command

Hawk Helmets and Outlaw Helmets Announce New Military Helmet Lines

New York April 25, 2011 - Working with Military Gear Licensee JWM Group Hawk Helmets has announced its first in many Military themed DOT Motorcycle helmets. Working with some of the best designers of motorcycle gear Hawk and Outlaw helmets have made some of the most unique designed DOT rated half and full face helmets on the market.
This week Hawk Helmets introduced their first full face helmet with U.S. Marines graphics. The helmet is the first product of Hawk’s new line of DOT-approved full face helmets and modular helmets with U.S. military graphics, which will include a U.S. Air Force helmet and U.S. Navy helmet. “We had several military advisers to advise us on each design and concept,” said a Hawk Helmets spokesperson. “Each helmet is more a work of art than anything. We wanted to give the military a say in what images and symbols to portray. It was very important to our designers to respect and understand what each division of the military wanted.”
To create the graphics for their new line, Hawk Helmets partnered with the design team of Outlaw Helmets – a helmet brand known for its eye-catching half-helmets with U.S. military graphics that were introduced this year. Outlaw’s new line of helmets includes a U.S. Marines half helmet, Air Force helmet, and Navy helmet.
The new Outlaw helmets with military graphics are now available in many popular online motorcycle stores such as Leatherup.com, a website that also sells other military themed products and motorcycle jackets. “It’s great working with LeatherUp.com they strongly support our troops by donating helmets and other products for rallies that raises money for injured soldiers,” said Outlaw Helmets representative.
LeatherUp.com is one of the leading motorcycle sites online. Selling a full range of products from motorcycle exhaust and brands like National Cycle to Motorcycle Seats, Motorcycle Windshields, biker boots, Bluetooth Helmets, motorcycle mirrors, motorcycle luggage, and accessories. Over 100,000 products from hundreds of top motorcycle brands like Scorpion Exhausts, and Dunlop Motorcycle tires.
Outlaw is no longer just a motorcycle helmets brand. Outlaw will continue to bring exciting new motorcycle products to the market. The company introduced a biker jewelry line in 2010 and is in the development of an entire motorcycle accessories and motorcycle parts line. “LeatherUp.com and other major customers who love our products are asking us to continue to develop in other areas. We are working with PT Worldwide to bring some new and innovative products to market in 2012.”
“Some of the new materials used in helmet line and other products will advance the motorcycle industry. New lighter shells and composite materials with smaller EPS liners are in the works for our new thinner and lighter DOT Helmets for 2011.”
Outlaw Helmets already has the thinnest Carbon Tech helmet on the market but soon we will have the lightest thinnest Fiberglass helmet also. Our work with our engineers and extensive testing of new materials and assembly techniques will make the Outlaw Helmet brand a must have for anyone considering a half helmet. There will be no other to consider for riders who want DOT Ultra Low Profile Helmet.
Hawk Helmets and Outlaw Helmets partnered with JWM Group, a licensed reseller of military products. The lines of military helmets of both brands will be available on JWM group’s 2011 summer catalog – JWM’s biggest and best to date that is going out to several hundred thousand service men and women. Both active and retired members can sign up for the catalog “JWM Group has never seen such a strong demand for any product we have sold,” said JWM group representative. “We are proud of the work our service men and women do and we need to give them a product they are also proud to wear and keep them safe.” 

Northrop Grumman Begins Testing of New Multi-Function Active Sensor Developed for Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) Applications

NORWALK, Conn., April 25, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation  has announced the start of system tests of a new Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) being developed here for use by the U.S. Navy onboard the MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System (BAMS UAS).

The MFAS is a 360-degree field-of-regard active electronically scanned array radar designed for maritime surveillance. The X-Band two-dimensional sensor features a combination of electronic scanning and a mechanical rotation, allowing the radar to spotlight a geographic area of interest for longer periods to increase detection capabilities of smaller targets, particularly in sea clutter.

"BAMS will provide the Navy with a very capable persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system to provide a capability to detect, track, classify, and identify maritime and littoral targets," said Capt. Bob Dishman, the Navy's BAMS UAS program manager.


"With our successful Critical Design Review behind us and sensor testing underway, our customer-industry team is rapidly pulling the components together that will result in first MQ-4C flight next year," said Steve Enewold, Northrop Grumman vice president for the BAMS program.


The MFAS tests are being conducted in a laboratory environment at Northrop Grumman and are expected to continue over the next several months in parallel with ongoing radar software mode development and hardware synchronization and integration activities.


The first MFAS sensor is scheduled for delivery to Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector facility in San Diego, Calif., in June with a second sensor slated for delivery in September. Risk reduction flight tests of the MFAS are planned for later this year onboard the company's Gulfstream II test-bed aircraft.


"This is a very significant first step toward providing the U.S. Navy warfighter with a new and powerful ISR capability," said Paul "Buz" Kalafos, vice president of Surveillance Systems at Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.


The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C BAMS UAS is a versatile maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft system that will perform maritime missions independently or in direct collaboration with fleet assets. BAMS UAS will play a key role in providing fleet commanders with a persistent, reliable picture of maritime surface contacts, covering vast areas of open ocean and littoral regions in a highly efficient manner.


The BAMS UAS program is managed by the Navy's Program Executive Office, Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons' Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262), located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.


The BAMS UAS is the latest addition to a growing family of unmanned systems developed by Northrop Grumman. The BAMS UAS system builds on the company's more than 60 years experience with unmanned aircraft and autonomous flight control, including thousands of flight hours by the combat-proven RQ-4 Global Hawk, the MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial system (VTUAV)--the first completely autonomous VTUAV aircraft to land aboard a Navy vessel underway--and the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System--the first unmanned air vehicle scheduled to perform carrier landings.

French frigate "Vendemiaire" visits Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province

2011-04-20 13:13:52 GMT2011-04-20 21:13:52(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

A Chinese Navy band welcomes the French frigate "Vendemiaire" in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, April 20, 2011. The frigate embarked on a four-day visit to China's South Sea Fleet on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Zhong)

A female navy officer of the French frigate "Vendemiaire" is seen with a bouquet at a welcome ceremony in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, April 20, 2011. The frigate embarked on a four-day visit to China's South Sea Fleet on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Zhong)

Sailors of the French frigate "Vendemiaire" prepare the gangway ladder at dock in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, April 20, 2011. The frigate embarked on a four-day visit to China's South Sea Fleet on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Zhong)

The French frigate "Vendemiaire" docks in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, April 20, 2011. The frigate embarked on a four-day visit to China's South Sea Fleet on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Zhong)

The French frigate "Vendemiaire" docks in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, April 20, 2011. The frigate embarked on a four-day visit to China's South Sea Fleet on Wednesday.

Coast Guard launches first fast response cutter

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Earlier today, the first of the Coast Guard’s fast response cutters, Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber, entered the water and now sits pier-side in Lockport, La.
The initial entry of the new cutter into water marks the beginning of its journey towards operating in support of vital missions throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, including port, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, search and rescue and national defense.
It took a total of three days to get the 154-foot Bernard C. Webber from the fabrication shop to the water. You can see the process play out in the photos below.

The total evolution to move Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber took three days. Here, Webber is shown on day one, exiting the fabrication shop on the way to the pier where the launch will occur. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

On day two of three, Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber was towed across Highway 308 in Lockport, La to the pier. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber arrives pierside and prepares to be attached to the crane. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

After careful coordination and preparation of the rigging, Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber is aloft. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber settles into the water with the rigging attached. For the first part of the launch the cutter was kept rigged while the an inspection took place. If everything is satisfactory, the rigging is detached. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The lead Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter, the Bernard C. Webber, enters the water for the first time on April 21, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The Queen Mary and Soviet “Scorpion” Sub Join Forces

Long Beach, CA – April 2011 – In a maneuver of “wealth and stealth” the Queen Mary and her neighbor, the Soviet-built Foxtrot-class submarine Povodnaya Lodka B-427 or “Scorpion,” have officially joined forces. In February, the ship’s management company Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts took over management of the submarine allowing for joint marketing and closer integration between the two popular Long Beach attractions. Prior to embarking on the self-guided submarine tour, visitors witness dramatic video featuring the history, mystery and lore of the submarine as seen through the eyes of Soviet and American submariners. Visitors then board the vessel via its 65-foot forward gangway and begin their descent into its seven compartments. Explorations take place in the torpedo room, which houses six torpedo tubes and replicas of torpedoes; officers’ accommodations and galley; and the sonar, control, and engine rooms. Additionally, visitors can uncover the chart room, where secret sea bed charts were kept and the “top secret” room, which housed classified documents during the sub’s voyages.
“With the Queen Mary and the Submarine under the same management, we now have the opportunity to further develop the experience for guests through added value and more entertainment options,” said the Queen Mary’s General Manager Uwe Roggenthien. “We look forward to continuing to offer our visitors an experience unlike any other.”
Commissioned in 1973 by the Soviet government during the height of the Cold War, the Scorpion enjoyed a 21-year career before it was decommissioned by the Soviet Navy in 1994. Upon its retirement, a private group in Australia acquired the Scorpion and placed it on display at Sydney’s National Maritime Museum. In May of 1998, the 300-foot vessel was transferred to its current home in Long Beach, to peacefully occupy the same waters inside the Queen Mary moat next to the ship’s bow.
During the Scorpion’s tenure in the Russian Navy, it is believed the vessel navigated the Los Angeles Harbor|–|and other enemy waters|–|to conduct espionage. To this day, the Scorpion’s missions remain shrouded in secrecy.
No stranger to cruising under the radar, the Queen Mary earned her own code name during the start of World War II in 1939. Deemed the Grey Ghost due to her camouflaged grey exterior during her draft into service as an Allied Forces troopship, she set war records by sailing a total of 569,429 miles and transporting 765,429 military personnel including wounded soldiers, war brides and children. For three decades, prior to and following her war service, she shuttled the elite of high society across the Atlantic. This year marks the Queen Mary’s 75th anniversary of her Maiden Voyage out of Southhampton, England, which took place May 27, 1936.
Now, together as a hub of maritime history, the Queen Mary and the Scorpion offer visitors a one-of-kind journey into the past. The best way to experience both vessels is with the “First Class Passage” which includes general admission to the Queen Mary, choice of a Behind-the-Scenes or World War II guided tour, a self-guided Shipwalk tour, admission to the popular Ghosts & Legends show, and a tour aboard the Scorpion. For tickets, visit www.queenmary.com/Russian-Submarine.aspx.
The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. For more information, visit www.QueenMary.com or call 800-437-2934.

Lockheed Martin Names Michael Feeley Vice President and General Manager of San Diego Site

SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2011 - Michael Feeley has been named vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's San Diego site for its Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2) business.

Feeley also will serve as vice president of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence within MS2's Undersea Systems business area.

"Mike has been instrumental in furthering our company's leading position in the open architecture computing domain and in extending this innovative business model across multiple platforms in the U.S. and allied navies," said Denise Saiki, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Undersea Systems. "A former Navy officer, he brings extensive customer knowledge and expertise to this important position."

Feeley joined Lockheed Martin in 1998, serving in a number of leadership positions within program management and business development. In his most recent assignment, he led the business development team for the Undersea Systems business. His Navy career spanned 27 years and included assignments as Commanding Officer, USS Phoenix (SSN 702) and Commodore, Submarine Squadron 3. Feeley served multiple tours in headquarters staffs including those of the Chief of Naval Operations, Chief of Naval Personnel and Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. Feeley is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. 

EU NAVFOR Releases Suspected Pirates After Prosecution Attempts Prove Unsuccessful

On 21 April, EU NAVFOR released 18 suspected pirates that had been detained by the EU NAVFOR Finnish warship FNS POHJANMAA since the 6 April. They were released after requests to a number of states, who were considered to have an interest in the case, proved to be unsuccessful. The States either decided not to prosecute or could not provide an intent to prosecute within the required timescale. 
The suspected pirates were detained after allegedly attacking the Singapore-flagged vessel MV PACIFIC OPAL on 5 April 2011. They were returned to Somalia on the morning of 21 April.

MV ROSALIA D’AMATO pirated in the Indian Ocean

Early morning on 21 April, the Bulk Carrier MV ROSALIA D’AMATO was pirated approximately 350NM South East of Salalah, Oman, in the Indian Ocean.
The 74,500 tonne Italian flagged and owned vessel was on its way to Bandar Imam Khomeini (Iran) from Paranagua (Brazil) when it was attacked by a single skiff. Coalition warships had communications with the vessel and were told: ‘pirates onboard stay away’.  The MV ROSALIA D’AMATO has a crew of 21(6 Italians, 15 Filipinos). There is no further information about the crew at present.
The MV ROSALIA D’AMATO was registered with MSC(HOA) and was reporting to UKMTO.
EUNAVFOR are continuing to monitor the situation.
EUNAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). EUNAVFOR also protects vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, deters and disrupts piracy. EUNAVFOR finally monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

Russian Navy News

04.20.2011Black Sea Fleet holds landing exercise in Crimea
Black Sea Fleet holds landing exercise in Crimea

04.20.2011Sevmash presents new technologies
Sevmash presents new technologies

04.20.2011Crew of Simon Bolivar strives to reach St. Petersburg
Crew of Simon Bolivar strives to reach St. Petersburg

04.19.2011Restoration of Naval Cathedral: miracle returns
Restoration of Naval Cathedral: miracle returns

04.19.2011Indian warships pay friendly visit to Vladivostok
Indian warships pay friendly visit to Vladivostok

04.19.2011Severe ice conditions hinder Venezuelan sailer to visit Russia
Severe ice conditions hinder Venezuelan sailer to visit Russia

04.19.2011Corvette Boiky was launched in St. Petersburg
Corvette Boiky was launched in St. Petersburg

04.18.2011Sevmash directors held important meetings
Sevmash directors held important meetings

04.18.2011Pirates released Beluga Nomination with a Russian on board
Pirates released Beluga Nomination with a Russian on board

04.18.2011Nevskoye Design Bureau turned 80
Nevskoye Design Bureau turned 80

04.15.2011Pacific Fleet conducts qualification drills in the Sea of Japan
Pacific Fleet conducts qualification drills in the Sea of Japan

04.15.2011Sevastopol merchant seaport sued upon Russian defense ministry
Sevastopol merchant seaport sued upon Russian defense ministry

04.15.2011Northern Fleet begins integrated exercise
Northern Fleet begins integrated exercise