The US Navy plans to move submarine tender USS Emory
S Land, with a crew of 900, to Bremerton in October of next year. The Kitsap Sun
newspaper reports that the office of Congressman Norm Dicks saying. The Navy is
closing the support base at La Maddalena, Italy and sending the Emory S Land for
scheduled maintenance at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard from February through
December of 2008. After its overhaul, the ship will be turned over to Military
Sealift Command, which operates supply and support ships with combined civilian
and military crews. Wikipedia photo.
Industry News
VSE/BAV Completes Reactivation of Ex-Kidd Class Guided Missile Destroyers
Alexandria VA September 21, 2006 - The BAV Division of VSE Corporation announced today that it had completed the reactivation of two ex-Kidd Class guided missile destroyers. Harry Flammang, the Division Manager of VSE/BAV, said the final of four ex-USS Kidd Class guided missile destroyers reactivated in Charleston, South Carolina for the Taiwan Navy. The departure of these ships for Taiwan draws to a close a successful, high-visibility program that has spanned three years.
VSE/BAV managed the successful reactivations as Prime Contractor to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for support of ships and systems transferred under NAVSEA's Foreign Military Sales program. VSE Chairman, President and CEO/COO Don Ervine commented, "Over ten years ago VSE/BAV departed from the Navy's traditional business model for overhauling and maintaining ships in favor of a more effective and efficient business model that significantly reduces costs, improves and controls schedules, and continuously delivers sound technical performance to our customers. This business model coupled with strong systems integration capability and exceptionally knowledgeable and talented team of people has allowed VSE/BAV to complete the complex overhaul and reactivation of the four ex-USS Kidd class guided missile destroyers in two and one-half years, which is well ahead of schedule and under budget."
The ex-Kidd Class guided missile destroyers included the USS Kidd (DDG-993), USS Scott (DDG-995), USS Callaghan (DDG-994), and USS Chandler (DDG-996). Prior to reactivation, the ships had been stored at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facilities at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Bremerton, Washington since being decommissioned from the US Navy in the late 1990s.
To restore these ships to full operational capability, VSE/BAV and its 21 subcontractors planned and performed in excess of 14,600 industrial work items requiring more than 168,300 man days.
The subcontractors included Detyens Shipyards, Booz|Allen|Hamilton, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon, DRS, L-3 Communications/PACORD, B&D Boilers, Sullivan and Associates, Anteon, and George C. Sharp. At one point in the project, three ships were in full industrial production, with advance work being conducted on the fourth ship.
Over the course of eleven years and 30 previous transfers, VSE/BAV has used a process of ship systems reactivation that minimizes expense to the customer. Systems are opened, inspected, the condition assessed and only the components necessary for reactivation are procured. Reactivated systems are subjected to extensive quality assurance tests and then fully tested again during sea trials. The result is similar to a "just in time" business strategy that minimizes expense to the customer by reducing the amount of resources expended on unnecessary inventory and unneeded repair efforts, while fully achieving the customer's operational requirements.
Rear Admiral Pu, Commander of Taiwan's Kidd Class Ship Transfer Squadron, commented, "Many did not believe the four ships would be delivered within the budget. At times, I had my doubts, but we all worked together to deliver all four ships early and under budget."
The industrial reactivation of these four ships included significant repairs and modernization. Two sonar dome rubber windows had to be replaced and all four of the SQS-53A sonars were upgraded to the SQS-53D (digital version). Additionally, New Threat Upgrade (NTU) weapons systems were modernized to shoot the Standard Missile 2, Block IIIA, the standard area defense, anti-aircraft missile used by the US Navy. The VSE/BAV team also replaced 11 waste heat boilers, part of the DDG's power generation system, reactivated all 28 of the ships' propulsion and electrical generator gas turbines, installed two "Triple S" clutches that transfer power from the gas turbines to the massive reduction gears, and installed the first ever Close in Weapons System that combines two different model mounts on the same ship.
While part of the US Navy active fleet, the four ships received the baseline NTU modernization to their Anti-Air Warfare System, an extremely capable and complex system of sensors, computers, and advanced ordnance systems. The last NTU ship, USS California (CGN 36), was decommissioned in 1999. Thus, active US Navy support of the NTU system had ceased almost five years prior to the start of this project. Reactivating this system required exceptional ingenuity to ferret out sources of repair parts and find people with the requisite skills to reactivate the ships' systems.
The VSE/BAV Team recruited extensively among ex-US Navy technicians and particularly among ex-USS Kidd Class sailors to staff not only the project's industrial management team, but also a group of fifty people hired as instructors and technical specialists directly supporting the ships' crews. This team, referred to as the Ship Transfer Assistance Team, or STAT, was almost entirely composed of retired US Navy personnel who averaged 20 years' experience on their respective systems. STAT personnel were primarily used as instructors for training Taiwan crews, but they also provided technical expertise to Taiwan Navy technicians who actively participated in industrial work. In training the Taiwan crewmembers, the STAT conducted 4,625 classes, comprising 19,574 instructor hours and 156,247 student hours. The STAT also produced 193,736 Personnel Qualification Standards system signatures to validate Taiwan crewmembers' progress.
The ships and their crews were subjected to a rigorous training regimen. They received scrutiny similar to that which any US Navy combatant receives after emerging from a major industrial availability period. The final inport and underway training was modeled on the US Navy's Tailored Ship Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Phase (FEP) format, including drill packages and exercises any US Navy Sailor would find familiar. Before that, the crews were taught theory in a classroom setting, received extensive on the job training, and were subjected to a tailored Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) system. On several occasions, actual US Navy inspection teams were brought onboard to evaluate the training of the crews and material condition of the ships, particularly during the Light Off Assessments (LOA) for the ships' engineering departments.
Mike Fahey, VSE/BAV's Waterfront Manager for the project, commented, "The composition of the waterfront team is the finest group of professionals I have ever seen. Their vast experience coupled with exceptional managerial and technical skills epitomizes the finest qualities of American character which is a credit to VSE/BAV Corporation."
In addition to the VSE/BAV Team's management and performance of the industrial availability and crew training, it also provided extensive logistical support including messing and berthing the Taiwan crews, and procuring and warehousing all materiel required for both the industrial work and ships' outfitting. Crew support entailed the feeding and berthing of more than 1,500 Taiwan military members during the course of the project. Industrial support required the receipt and issuance of more than 51,000 material line items.
The ships, with their new crews, performed extensive post-overhaul testing and sea trials, to ensure all systems were working to specification. The culmination of these tests and trials was the successful SM 2 Block IIIA live fire missile exercises, conducted by DDGs 1801 and 1802, off the Virginia coast in October 2005.
On November 1st, 2005, the first two ships, ROCS Kee Lung (DDG 1801) and ROCS Su Ao (DDG 1802) departed Charleston for Taiwan, ahead of schedule and under budget. Only ten months later, the remaining two ships, ROCS Tso Ying (DDG 1803) and ROCS Ma Kung (DDG 1805) departed, again significantly ahead of schedule and under budget.
VSE's International Group President Jim Knowlton said, "VSE/BAV has a long relationship with the Taiwan Navy. Since 1997, we have participated in the transfer of an ARS, two Knox-class frigates, an Anchorage-class LSD, and now the four Kidd-class Destroyers. Each of these efforts has been extremely successful and has significantly enhanced Taiwan's naval strength. We look forward to our next opportunity to work with our Taiwan Navy shipmates."
St Louis September 22, 2006 - The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft to the US Navy test site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
The first EA-18G, known as aircraft EA-1, made the two-hour flight from St. Louis to Maryland with US Navy pilot Lt. Matt Doyle and weapons system operator US Navy Cmdr. Jamie Engdahl on board. EA-1 is the first of two test aircraft built under a System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing signed with the Navy on Dec. 29, 2003.
"Delivering this aircraft today continues a promise we made to our customer," said Kevin Fogarty, Boeing EA-18G chief engineer. "We're delivering new capability ahead of schedule, and we look forward to the next step in flight test, where we can prove the advanced concepts and technologies the Growler brings to the AEA community and the Navy."
In addition to flight testing, EA-1 will undergo extensive ground testing in the Patuxent River anechoic chamber to assess on-board radar, receiver and jammer compatibility and performance.
The second EA-18G will join the flight test program at Patuxent River later this year.
A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to perform an array of AEA missions, operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based fields. The EA-18G will replace the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The first production Growler will join the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem integrator. The Hornet Industry Team will divide EA-18G production across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon manufacturing facilities. The System Design and Development program concludes with an Initial Operational Capability in 2009. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is the US Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.
Muscat September 25, 2006 (MENA) - The Omani government has signed at the Ministry of Finance premises in Muscat an agreement for management and operation of Duqum Dry Dock yard project in the wilayat of A’Duqum with Daewoo Ship Building and Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. of Korea.
Ahmed bin Abdul Nabi Macki, Oman's Minister of Finance and National Economy, deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, signed on behalf of the Sultanate’s government while Nam San-Tae, Daewoo Chief Executive officer and President signed on behalf of his company.
As per the ten years agreement, Daewoo ship building and marine engineering Co. Ltd., will provide administrative and technical support, transfer of modern technology used for ship repairing and maintenance of the dock yard project in A’Duqum.
Macki said the dry dock yard project is one of the important strategic projects that may contribute to a new financial source of income in the Sultanate.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA) Macki said the project feasibility study reflects the significance of the projects location in serving international shipping considering A’Duqum port proximity to the busy regional sea-lanes traversing Oman’s coastal waters.
Macki said the Sultanate’s government will invite a number of international firms for public tender. He said construction of the ship dry dock project will commence in the 1st quarter of 2007.
He said in designing of the new dock yard future expansion of the project and possibility of providing ship manufacturing services have been considered.
The project is located at Ras A’Duqum and occupies 1 million and 163 thousand square meters. It comprises construction of two docks and one floating dock to repair and maintain oil and gas tankers of 100,000-ton capacity. For this purpose the government recently established a company called Oman Dry Dock Company.
St Louis September 25, 2006 - The reliable Boeing Delta II launch vehicle, known as the workhorse of the launch industry in its payload class, successfully delivered to orbit earlier today a replenishment Block IIR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the US Air Force.
The Delta II rocket carrying the GPS IIR-15 (M) spacecraft lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 2:50 p.m. EDT, Sept. 24. Following a nominal 68-minute flight, the rocket deployed the satellite to a transfer orbit.
"We are honored to have a continuing role in maintaining the GPS constellation, which is so vital to our nation's defense and security," said Dan Collins, vice president, Boeing Launch Systems. "The Delta team has launched all the GPS-II spacecraft and we look forward to continuing with the delivery of the replenishment satellites to keep the constellation operable 24-7."
The Boeing Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle used for today's mission featured a Boeing first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) solid rocket boosters. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the storable propellant restartable second stage. A Thiokol Star-48B solid rocket motor propelled the third stage prior to spacecraft deployment. The rocket also flew with a nine-and-a-half-foot-diameter Boeing payload fairing.
A redundant inertial flight control assembly built by L3 Communications Space & Navigation provided guidance and control for the rocket that enabled a precise deployment of the satellite.
Boeing provides launches for the GPS program aboard Delta II vehicles and has a planned GPS manifest through at least 2007. The GPS IIR-15 (M) is the second of the modernized GPS satellites that incorporates various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users.
The GPS network supports US military operations conducted from aircraft, ships, land vehicles and by ground personnel. Additional use includes mapping, aerial refueling and rendezvous, geodetic surveys, and search and rescue operations.
GPS provides military and civilian users three-dimensional position location data in longitude, latitude and elevation as well as precise time and velocity. The satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within one millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile-per-second and location to within 100 feet.
Burgess Hill September 25, 2006 - CAE has been awarded two contracts valued at more than £13 million (C$28 million) to provide the British Army with Warrior Gunnery Turret Trainers and provide maintenance and support services for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Training System.
As part of a program to improve Armored Vehicle Training, CAE UK plc has won a contract valued at more than £6 million (C$13M) to provide the British Army with 36 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) Gunnery Turret Trainers. These trainers will be used to train British Army crewmen and commanders in the gunnery operations of the Warrior IFV. The initial delivery of four trainers is scheduled for the Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) Gunnery School in Lulworth U.K. in early 2007. The other 32 will be delivered throughout 2007 to British Army Armored Infantry Units deployed across the U.K. and Germany. In addition, the Warrior IFV Gunnery Turret Trainers will be Network-Enabled, allowing for a Platoon Trainer Capability.
In support of the AgustaWestland Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) prime contract, Lockheed Martin UK has awarded CAE a contract valued at more than £7 million (C$15 million) over the next five years. This contract will bring the logistics support of the CAE-built training devices within Lockheed Martin’s EH101 Merlin Training System located at Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose under the IMOS program. CAE employees on-site at RNAS Culdrose will provide turnkey maintenance and support services, including maintenance of the simulators and other training devices as well as logistics support. CAE is also under contract to Lockheed Martin UK to upgrade the suite of Merlin simulators and training devices as part of the Merlin Capability Sustainment Program.
"We are extremely pleased the British Army recognized CAE’s expertise and experience related to the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the training systems required to support this platform," said Nic Anderson, CAE’s Managing Director of CAE UK plc. "We are also pleased to play a key role in supporting the Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopter, one of the world’s most capable maritime helicopters."
Munich September 23, 2006 - An EADS-owned Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has ditched into the sea on Saturday morning upon approach for landing at San Javier Air Force Base (Murcia / Spain) after a test flight.
The test was part of the current flight trials and is one element of the broad field of UAV activities within EADS. There were neither people injured nor was third-party property damaged.
The reasons for the accident are unknown. EADS is in the process of investigating the circumstances in close cooperation with the relevant authorities in Germany and Spain.
As these investigations are ongoing, EADS is not in the position to release further details for the time being.
Marinette WI September 23, 2006 - History was made here today when the nation's first Littoral Combat Ship, Freedom (LCS-1) - the inaugural ship in an entirely new class of US Navy surface warships - was christened and launched at the Marinette Marine shipyard.
The agile 377-foot Freedom -- designed and built by a team led by Lockheed Martin -- will help the Navy defeat growing littoral, or close-to-shore, threats and provide access and dominance in coastal water battlespace. Displacing 3,000 metric tons and with a capability of reaching speeds well over 40 knots, Freedom will be a fast, maneuverable and networked surface combatant with operational flexibility to execute focused missions, such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and humanitarian relief.
Freedom's christening ceremony included the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow, performed by ship's sponsor Birgit Smith. Smith, the wife of US Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom, was selected as Freedom's sponsor by Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England.
Freedom made a spectacular side-launch before an audience of thousands who had lined both sides of the Menominee River, which divides the states of Wisconsin and Michigan.
"Just a little more than three years ago she was just an idea, now Freedom stands before us. And on this morning, we christen her, send her down the ways and get her ready to join the Fleet next year," said Admiral Michael G. Mullen, US Navy, Chief of Naval Officer. "It comes none too soon ... because there are tough challenges out there that ONLY she can handle."
"This is a rewarding day for the entire LCS team and signifies a major milestone in the LCS program," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors. "We are proud to be the team bringing Freedom to the US Navy fleet."
In 2004, the Navy contracted the Lockheed Martin-led industry team to develop its first LCS. The team's LCS design for Freedom - a survivable, semi-planing steel monohull - provides outstanding maneuverability with proven sea-keeping characteristics to support launch and recovery operations, mission execution and optimum crew comfort.
Now formally christened and launched, Freedom will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine. Freedom will be commissioned by the US Navy in 2007 and eventually homeported in San Diego, CA.
The Lockheed Martin LCS team received a contract in June 2006 to build a second Littoral Combat Ship. Construction on this ship, yet to be named, will begin in Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, LA (near New Orleans), in early 2007.
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team for LCS includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox, ship builders Marinette Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. and Bollinger Shipyards, as well as best-of-industry domestic and international teammates to provide a flexible, low-risk warfighting solution.
Cedar Rapids IA September 25, 2006 - Rockwell Collins, Inc., a global leader in aviation electronics and communications, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Anzus, Inc., a privately owned developer of software that enables high-speed tactical data link processing and sensor correlation for the US Department of Defense as well as foreign governments.
"Anzus is an innovative company that will enhance Rockwell Collins' Tactical Data Link Integration solutions, providing software applications that will greatly augment our Network-Centric Operations capabilities," said Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Rockwell Collins is acquiring all outstanding shares of Anzus in a cash transaction. Approximately 50 Anzus employees will join Rockwell Collins. With annual revenues of approximately $12 million, the acquisition will not materially affect Rockwell Collins' earnings for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2006 and 2007.
"This acquisition is a winning combination for Anzus and Rockwell Collins," said Phil Yanni, co-founder, Anzus Inc. "Rockwell Collins has a keen understanding of the smart communications and data link integration marketplace, where our software solutions work well. Both companies have unique strengths, but we share a common approach to building trust and developing solutions that provide network-centric interoperability for our clients."
Anzus, Inc., founded in 1986, is a leading provider of military real-time data exchange, forwarding, display and situational awareness software applications fielded throughout the US military and in numerous allied and NATO countries. Headquartered in Poway, Calif., the company specializes in engineering, training and technical services in the areas of command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR).
Singapore September 12, 2006 - Imtech has been granted the order for the supply of the Automation package, the Blue-Line Integrated Bridge System as well as the complete Electrical Installation package for the 10 Singapore Police Coast Guard (SPCG) StanPatrol vessels.
The vessels will be built at Damen Shipyard in Singapore and will enter service in 2008 - 2009.
Imtech's known capabilities and established track record in Singapore in the field of Integrated Power Management and Automation Systems packages for specialized vessels (e.g. LST project for the Republic of Singapore Navy) played a major role in the SPCG decision process.
Imtech's scope of supply for the Patrol vessels includes integrated bridge system "Blue Line" including navigation:
As well as all switchboards, panels, telephone systems, intercom etc.
Including the complete electrical engineering and delivery of cables all these systems are designed, supplied, installed and set to work by Imtech.
Imtech NV is a leading European technical service provider in the field of information and communication technology and electrical and mechanical engineering. With approximately 15,000 employees, Imtech realizes an annual turnover 3 billion Euros.
Imtech Marine & Offshore is the one-stop shop for electrical, engine room and integrated bridge automation, HVAC, electrical propulsion technology for naval vessels, commercial ships and mega yachts.
Bethesda MD September 26, 2006 - Iridium Satellite today reported that the number of ships using its maritime Crew Calling service has increased by 54 percent during the first six months of 2006.
Iridium executive vice president, Don Thoma, attributes the success to the company’s unique value proposition, offering the best combination of cost and convenience for crewmembers to make ship-to-shore calls at sea.
"Iridium maritime satellite terminals, which use small omnidirectional antenna units instead of steerable, stabilized dishes, are easy and inexpensive to install, and the satellite airtime charges are substantially lower than other marine satellite communication systems," Thoma observed.
"Iridium is also the only satellite communication network offering global pole-to-pole coverage over all of the world’s ocean areas."
Shipowners and managers are responding to the rising costs of attracting and retaining qualified seagoing crewmembers. The Iridium Crew Calling program provides an important contribution to crew welfare and job satisfaction by making it easy for them to keep in touch with friends and families while at sea.
Using convenient prepaid scratch cards, Iridium’s Crew Calling plan provides a cost-effective and easy-to-administer program. Crew calls are priced at a single flat rate per minute, regardless of the time of day or location. Personal calls are automatically separated from the ship’s traffic, eliminating the burden of manually accounting for crew calls on the satellite network. Crewmembers can use an extension phone in the break room to make satellite calls, avoiding any interference with communications on the ship’s bridge or equipment room.
Iridium’s Family First program offers 35 percent discounts for crew calls placed with scratch cards on major holidays, as well as the first day of each month and weekends. The discounts are applied automatically and are in effect for 24 hours based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), regardless of the location of call origin or termination.
"Iridium is planning to expand this highly successful program, adding new holidays in 2007," said Thoma.
Boston September 26, 2006 - PrismTech, a leading provider of productivity tools and middleware, announced that it has joined the Network Centric Operations Industry Consortium (NCOIC), a non-profit international organization dedicated to accelerating the introduction of a common, industry-wide technical infrastructure for network-centric operations. The consortium is working to enable open standards and interoperability in systems that serve joint, interagency, and multi-national users.
"Joining the NCOIC is an obvious move for us as we develop enabling technologies-software tools and middleware-for the builders of mission-critical systems," said Steve Jennis, vice president of corporate development for PrismTech. "As these systems become increasingly Net-centric we expect to both contribute heavily to, and gain much valuable information from, NCOIC participation. We are particularly focused on the Application Enabling Platform Working Group (AEP WG) under the auspices of the NCOIC Building Blocks committee."
Paul Delvy of Intel Corporation Chairs the AEP Working Group. "We are thrilled to have PrismTech join NCOIC. As a leading developer of COTS-based technology that enables Net-centric operations, we look forward to benefiting from its extensive experience in development tools, middleware for mission-critical systems, and software-defined radio technologies in the Application Enabling Platform Working Group," he said.
The NCOIC-comprised of leaders in the aerospace, defense, information technology, large-scale integrator and services industries-is working to enable network-centric operations within and between all levels of allied government. The global consortium works with companies from around the world to define a set of tools that will enable the development of network centric capabilities and enabling products.
Most recently, the NCOIC announced the availability of its first network centric operations interoperability assessment tools. The NCOIC Interoperability Framework (NIF) and the Network Centric Analysis Tool (NCAT) provide the framework and the guidelines for capturing and describing the building codes or standards and components to select and how to put them together for an interoperable system.
As PrismTech provides tools, middleware, and support services that support other defense standards, such as the JTRS Software Communications Architecture (SCA) and the US Navy's Open Architecture Computing Environment (OACE), it is well positioned to support the NCOIC's platform and building blocks initiatives with future COTS implementations.
"We are pleased to add PrismTech to our membership and look forward to the contributions their team can make in our efforts," said Dr. Kevin J. Reardon, executive director of the NCOIC. "It's no secret that some of the most advanced systems today were not designed to be interoperable.
PrismTech's insights and experiences in enabling interoperable systems will be invaluable."
PrismTech is a strong supporter of open standards with active membership in a number of high-profile industry associations, including the Object Management Group(TM), the Software Defined Radio Forum, The Open Group and now, the NCOIC.
St Louis September 26, 2006 - LaBarge, Inc. has been awarded $8 million in contracts from Raytheon Missile Systems to provide complex cable assemblies and an integrated firing unit assembly for the Tactical Tomahawk cruise missile. The Company anticipates follow-on orders.
The US Navy deploys Tactical Tomahawk missiles from surface ships and submarines. The Tomahawk has become the Navy’s weapon of choice for critical long-range, precision strike missions against heavily defended and politically sensitive targets. In addition, a remote operator can redirect the Tactical Tomahawk to a new target during flight as well as direct the missile to loiter above the battlefield while it awaits an assignment.
Production on the contracts at LaBarge’s Joplin, Mo., and Huntsville, Ark., facilities is expected to continue through October 2007. LaBarge is a Raytheon preferred supplier and received Raytheon’s 2004 Leadership Excellence Award for outstanding business practices.
Orlando September 26, 2006 - Lockheed Martin successfully performed wind tunnel and wing separation tests of its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapons Concept (HAAWC) system, intended to enable P-3C aircrews to launch torpedoes from outside the range of enemy air defenses. The HAAWC concept employs the Lockheed Martin LongShot(R) Wing Adapter Kit on the MK-54 torpedo to allow the weapon's launch from high altitudes and long standoff ranges.
In the wind tunnel test at the San Diego Air and Space Technology Center's Low-Speed Wind Tunnel, HAAWC demonstrated expected performance that would enable the torpedo to be launched at the maximum desired range from the target.
"This is the first step to demonstrating this system's capability to the US Navy," said Alan Jackson, director of the HAAWC program at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The standoff range that HAAWC provides to the Navy P-3s increases the survivability of both of the aircrew and the aircraft."
In the separation tests, the LongShot wing kit, attached to the MK-54 torpedo, demonstrated separation at cruising speeds. The wing kit is attached to the torpedo by two metal bands. A device forces open the bands, enabling the wing kit to jettison normally from the torpedo. In actual operation, the wing kit jettisons when the torpedo reaches its normal launch altitude close to the surface of the water. From that point, the torpedo follows its normal operational procedures as it would in a normal low altitude launch from a P-3.
Lockheed Martin is working under a 12-month, $3 million contract for the US Navy to demonstrate delivery of the MK-54 lightweight torpedo from a P-3C aircraft operating at high altitudes (approximately 20,000 feet).
The HAAWC concept improves the delivery accuracy and shortens the engagement time of the MK-54 torpedo. The standoff capability provided to the P-3s could potentially open up the possibility for future use of MK-54s against surface targets by allowing the aircraft to launch from outside the range of a ship's air defenses.
In addition, HAAWC reduces airframe stress by allowing the aircraft to stay at altitude to launch HAAWC-equipped torpedoes. This will assist in reducing fatigue on those aircraft currently in US Navy service, as well as future Navy aircraft.
The LongShot is a low-cost, self-contained wing adaptor kit that provides range extension and autonomous guidance to a family of existing air-to-surface munitions, including sea mines, gravity bombs, laser-guided bombs and tactical munitions dispensers. No aircraft modification is required to deploy a LongShot equipped munition. The system is completely self-contained, including a flight control computer, a GPS-based navigation system and power sources and does not require an electrical interface with the aircraft.
Washington September 26, 2006 (HalliburtonWatch.org) - Halliburton spent $4.6 million since 2000 buying influence in Washington via campaign donations and lobbying, a HalliburtonWatch analysis reveals.
The board of directors and their spouses personally gave $828,701 to candidates for Congress and the presidency while Halliburton's political action committees gave $1.2 million, most of it donated to Republicans and political organizations with strong Republican ties.
The company spent an additional $2.6 million lobbying members of Congress, the White House and federal agencies.
Conclusion: Halliburton's $4.6 million in political arm-twisting since 2000 has paid-off magnificently as the company's government contracts ballooned by over 600 percent in value by the end of 2005, mostly because of the war in Iraq.
In 2000, Halliburton was the 20th largest federal contractor, receiving $763 million in federal contracts. By 2005, Halliburton had grown to become the 6th largest federal contractor, receiving nearly $6 billion in federal contracts during that year.
Between March 2003 and June 30, 2006, Halliburton received $18.5 billion in revenue from the federal government for the war in Iraq.
The company has seen its profits in government contracting almost quadruple to $330 million in 2005 compared to $84 million in 2004.
During one quarter in 2005, Halliburton's war profits skyrocketed by 284 percent.
War contracts, intensified violence in the Middle East and record oil prices helped quadruple the stock price between the March 2003 invasion of Iraq and March 2006. As a result, the board of directors together saw the value of their stock holdings in the company increase by over $100 million.
CEO David Lesar holds the largest number of shares of any Halliburton official; owning 844,928 common shares and share options as of March 1, 2006. The shares were worth $17.3 million as the troops first rolled into Baghdad in 2003. Three years later, on April 10, 2006, the shares were worth $66.8 million, for a $49.5 million gain. Lesar sold an additional 631,071 shares during the war at various stock prices for gross amounts totaling between $12.9 million on March 20, 2003, and $49.9 million on March 1, 2006.
Linköping, Sweden September 26, 2006 - Saab TransponderTech, the leading supplier of automatic identification systems (AISs) reports continued brisk sales of its AIS products, including shipboard transponders and base stations.
Saab achieved two major milestones this year when it shipped its 10,000 shipboard AIS transponder and also installed the 1,000 shoreside AIS base station, according to Gunnar Mangs, vice president sales and marketing for Saab TransponderTech.
"Although the International Maritime Organization (IMO) deadline has passed for mandatory fitting of shipboard AIS on all ships over 300 gross tons on international voyages, we are still seeing continued strong sales of AIS transponders around the world," said Mangs. "We are still shipping our R4 AIS system in excellent quantities."
"We expect to be in a strong position to satisfy the surging demand for AIS units as the next IMO carriage requirement deadline for smaller coastal vessels approaches in 2007," Mangs added.
The new carriage requirements will apply to vessels over 500 gross tons in domestic traffic, which must be fitted with an approved AIS transponder by July 1, 2008.
Saab TransponderTech was one of the original pioneers in AIS technology and is currently offering its fourth-generation AIS products. The Saab R4, introduced in 2003, is the leading marine AIS transponder on the market. The product is type-approved to meet the IMO carriage requirements for AIS, and is fully licensed under the Swedish patent for AIS technology. The R4 product now also exists in an Inland Waterways version as well as in various versions for Coast Guard and Navy.
Saab has distribution agreements with most of world’s large marine electronics suppliers and system integrators, and has the industry’s most extensive after-market service network, ensuring prompt shipboard service in virtually any port in the world.
The AIS base station business is rapidly expanding, according to Mangs, who said that Saab is currently involved in several major procurement programs. "There is rising demand for AIS base stations as a key component in national coastal surveillance and vessel traffic control systems," said Mangs. "Saab is uniquely positioned to meet these growing requirements, with a range of commercial off-the-shelf solutions."
Bath ME September 26, 2006 - The US Navy today awarded a $17.9 million contract to Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, to perform Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) maintenance, repair and upgrade work for the Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99).
Wikipedia
photo
Work on the ship is scheduled to begin in February 2007 and will be performed by a Bath Iron Works - Atlantic Dry Dock Corporation Team in Atlantic's facilities near the ship's home port of Mayport, Fla. Services to be provided include engineering and management services; labor and procurement of material for system upgrades and to correct government-responsible deficiencies; performance of specified PSA work items, including tests and post-repair sea trials; and additional tasking to complete emergent repairs. The PSA will be completed in June 2007.
Dugan Shipway, president of BIW, noted that BIW has received contracts to perform eight of the last nine off-site PSAs, which the Navy has awarded. He said, "We take this as a vote of confidence in our ability to conduct quality PSA jobs that give the Navy what they want at the price that they want. We look forward to working with our new partner, Atlantic Marine, to deliver another first-class PSA to the Navy."
Burlington MA September 26, 2006 - Cognos, the world leader in business intelligence and performance management solutions, today announced the launch of a new performance solution designed to help US defense agencies deliver top-down and bottom-up program plans, budgets and forecasts that are in line with pre-defined departmental objectives.
As part of the US Department of Defense's Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process, defense agencies are required to deliver a comprehensive Program Objective Memorandum (POM) detailing all proposed programs, so that cross-departmental budget expense planning can be based on measurable goals. The Cognos POM Planning Blueprint helps simplify this complex undertaking by enabling budget officers or analysts to deploy demand planning to the appropriate departmental level to more efficiently determine anticipated agency needs for the coming years. The Blueprint enables budget planners to include dynamic cost model estimations into the POM process, something they are typically unable to do with the budgeting planning tools currently available to their agencies.
"Budget authorizations are declining year to year, and unplanned cuts typically come just before the fiscal year starts, leaving little time to re-plan. In defense organizations, there is a significant need to plan scenarios in advance, so we can prioritize key programs and justify maximum funding envelopes," said James M. Russell, executive director of financial and business operations, and controller at US Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). "Using Cognos has enabled us to develop a more efficient, closed-loop budgeting and planning process, where resources allocations could be easily modeled, then prioritized according to the value of outcomes. This affords us the necessary agility to manage tradeoffs and better accommodate increased program requirements."
Anchored on Cognos 8 Planning and Cognos 8 BI, the Cognos POM Planning Blueprint delivers an intuitive planning and reporting environment where budget owners can:
Developed by the Cognos Innovation Center for Performance Management, the Cognos POM Planning Blueprint consists of targeted, pre-built data, process and policy models that are designed to reduce the time and risks associated with new performance management implementations. The solution equips customers with all of the necessary technology and process design choices, enabling them to synchronize and coordinate financial and operational plans in order to make better resource allocation decisions across the organization.
"Static, spreadsheet-based budget formulation and financial modeling processes fall well short in delivering valuable insight into an agency's performance and long-range program needs," said Terence Atkinson, director of government and education solutions at Cognos. "The Cognos POM Planning Blueprint helps support the budget formulation and planning process by enabling a flexible environment for budget owners to consider the implications of various budget decisions, resulting in more accurate budget estimates and better management."
Available immediately to US defense customers, the Cognos POM Planning Blueprint is the latest in a series of industry-specific solutions to be rolled out by Cognos this year. Since January, Cognos has launched Performance Blueprints for retail store operations, retail store development, bank branch performance, pharmaceutical clinical trials, pharmaceutical sample optimization, and sales & operations planning and trade promotions management for the manufacturing industry.
Washington September 25, 2006 - Freedom, the first ship of the United States Navy's new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) ship class was launched on September 23 at ceremonies in Marinette, WI. Freedom (LCS 1), designed by Gibbs & Cox, Inc., is a high-speed, agile surface combatant designed specifically to engage existing and emerging threats in shallow coastal waters.
Freedom is being built by a Lockheed Martin-led industry team, which includes Gibbs & Cox, Inc., Marinette Marine Corporation and Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. This innovative, non-traditional team has brought together the industry's leading systems integrator, premier independent ship design agent and two mid-tier shipyards to take the ship from concept design to launch in record time.
As the class design agent for the Lockheed Martin-led team, Gibbs & Cox developed a design that directly responded to the US Navy's requirements for a warship to operate in the littorals, as well as operate with Carrier Strike Groups and Surface Action Groups. Working closely with the Navy to address evolving capabilities requirements, Gibbs & Cox supported the team during the demanding, fast-paced construction schedule, which resulted in the launch of Freedom less than two years after start of construction. A second Lockheed Martin-designed LCS, LCS 3, is under contract and will be built at Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, LA beginning in early 2007.
Freedom is a 3,000-ton, high-speed, semi-planing, steel-hulled vessel powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant. As part of its design, the ship will use fixed and trainable waterjets to achieve speeds in excess of 40 knots. Gibbs & Cox also designed advanced automation systems to reduce manning and has incorporated low-density accommodations for the mixed-gender crew.
The ship's design incorporates fully reconfigurable mission modules and has an integrated launch, recovery and handling system for small craft and unmanned surface vehicles. The ship includes a flight deck for helicopters, as well as a large aircraft hangar for multiple helicopters and vertical take off and landing vehicles. Freedom is the first US Navy ship designed and built to American Bureau of Shipping Naval Vessel Rules.
"We are extremely proud to have designed the lead ship for the LCS program and to be a part of this exciting event today," said Mr. Kevin Moak, Chairman of Gibbs & Cox. "We congratulate our teammates, and recognize the contributions of all the men and women who have had a part in the design and construction of this remarkable ship. It has been an honor to work with this team in partnership with the United States Navy to design and build this truly affordable and extremely capable warship in record time."
G&C is an independent engineering and design firm specializing in naval architecture, marine engineering, and design. The firm is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia with offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Hampton, Virginia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Adelaide, South Australia.
Since 1929, the firm has been continuously providing services to the US and international Navies, other government agencies, shipyards, and commercial clients. Nearly 200 naval vessels now in service or under contract worldwide, including over 60% of the US Navy's current surface combatant fleet, are built to Gibbs & Cox designs, including the LCS 1 Class, DDG 51 Class AEGIS Guided Missile Destroyers and the FFG 7 Class Guided Missile Frigates.
Manitowoc WI September 25, 2006 - The Manitowoc Company today announced that a shipyard of its subsidiary, Marinette Marine Corporation, has successfully launched Freedom (LCS 1), the lead ship of the US Navy's new class of surface combatant, the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
To produce Freedom, the Manitowoc Company joined a Lockheed Martin-led industry team that includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox and Bollinger Shipyards, as well as several best-of-industry domestic and international teammates. The 377-foot Freedom is scheduled for delivery in 2007 and will be based in San Diego, California.
The launch ceremony, which took place on September 23, featured Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations, as the keynote speaker, with Birgit Smith performing the traditional christening ceremony. Mrs. Smith is the widow of Sgt 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The LCS is the Navy's first mission-focused class of ships and will deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute missions. While complementing the capabilities of the Navy's larger multi-mission surface warships, LCS also will be networked to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines, and joint units. The LCS class will be the first surface combatant to be classed under the new Naval Vessel Rules by the American Bureau of Shipping.
"We are proud to be part of the team that is giving the Navy 21st century technology and capabilities," said Terry D. Growcock, Manitowoc's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our commitment to innovation and operational excellence has provided Manitowoc Marine Group with the tools and systems needed to play a key role in the development of this important class of ship."
Manitowoc Marine Group President Robert P. Herre added: "The men and women of Marinette Marine accepted an unprecedented challenge in 2004 when our team was selected as one of the build partners for LCS. With today's launch of Freedom, they have taken a large step closer to meeting that challenge by combining the complexity of a naval warship with the efficiencies of commercial shipbuilding. Manitowoc Marine Group and our Lockheed Martin LCS team members look forward to a continuing partnership with the Navy on the LCS Program."
The LCS is designed to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access and dominance in the coastal water battlespace. A fast, maneuverable, and networked surface combatant, the LCS provides the required war-fighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute focused missions close to the shore such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare.
Modularity maximizes the flexibility of LCS and enables commanders to meet changing warfare needs, while also supporting spiral development and technology refresh. The LCS will be networked to share tactical information with other naval aircraft, ships, submarines, joint and coalition units, and LCS groups, providing commanders with the right information quickly and efficiently.
=============================================================
World Naval News
Canada Achieves Major Reforms at Historic Meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization
Ottawa September 22, 2006 - The first annual general meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) since the election of Canada's new government concluded today with parties agreeing to major changes in how the organization will deal with illegal fishing.
"I, like so many Canadians, got tired of hearing previous governments promise to take action, but never delivering," said the Honorable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. "After only seven months in office, today I am pleased to announce that NAFO will finally have tools to deal with those who jeopardize the health of the stocks, for short-term profit."
Thanks to leadership from Canada's delegation, and the collaborative efforts of all NAFO members, significant reforms to the monitoring, control and surveillance measures have been agreed to and will take effect starting January 1, 2007. These changes include:
In addition to these monitoring, control and surveillance measures, improvements were made to NAFO's decision-making process, especially regarding the objection procedure.
NAFO also decided to take action to better understand the effects of fishing on several seamounts in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. This demonstrates, in practice, a shift in NAFO's management process to incorporate science and the ecosystem approach.
"While there will always be room for improvement, these changes go a long way towards giving NAFO the teeth it needs to fight overfishing," continued Minister Hearn. "The proof of political will on the part of Canada and our international partners will be evident in the coming months as we implement these changes. Ensuring that all countries and the vessels that fish under their flags play by the rules will continue to be my top priority as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
"Compliance is key. Should we find unwillingness by others to play by these new rules, Canada will continue to keep its options open in our fight against overfishing."
Arlington VA September 25, 2006 - Platinum-selling producer, songwriter and R&B singer Jon B. and singer, songwriter and guitarist Malina Moye will bring their soulful sounds to service members stationed in Okinawa, Japan, on a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Oct. 12-16.
The duo will perform at the Camp Foster Festival, hosted by Marine Corps Community Services- Okinawa.
With his release of "Bonafide" in 1995, Jon B. burst onto the R&B music scene and became an instant sensation. The first single of the album, "Someone to Love," was a top 10 hit on Billboard and received a Grammy nomination. His much-anticipated sophomore album, "Cool Relax," went double platinum. His third album, "Pleasures U Like," reached gold status and No. 3 on the US R&B charts. His fourth album, "Stronger Everyday," featured several major artists, including Tupac Shakur, Scarface and Babyface. His first Christmas album will be in stores Nov. 7. He is currently working on his fifth album, "Back to Love."
Moye has been in the music business since she was nine years old. Her list of collaborations include songs with Prince, George Clinton and The Sounds of Blackness. Moye's single, "Alone," was on Billboard's top 20 chart for 32 consecutive weeks. Moye was nominated for the 2005 Los Angeles Music Awards "R&B Artist of the Year."
This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing entertainment to service members serving far from home. Celebrities who have recently made trips for the USO include Drowning Pool, Gary Sinise, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Shinedown, La Mafia, Toby Keith and Pryde.
USO tours are sponsored by AT&T Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.
Colombo September 25, 2006 (AJZ) - The Sri Lankan army says it has killed about 70 Tamil Tiger fighters and sunk several of their boats during a five-hour sea battle on the country's eastern coast.
Clashes began on Sunday night when the navy spotted 25 Tamil Tiger ships sailing south, Navy Commander D K P Dassanayake, a Sri Lankan army spokesman, told AP news agency.
Up to 70 fighters, in boats loaded with arms and ammunition, were killed, while one navy vessel was damaged and five sailors were injured in the attack, he said.
Several more boats retreated following the battle, just off the coast of the eastern town of Pulmoddai, about 225 km from Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital.
Percy Perera, chief inspector of police for Sri Lanka's Center for National Security, said that 11 boats were sunk in the incident.
He also said that the navy believed a top Tiger naval commander was killed or injured during the clash.
Tamil Tiger fighters have not issued a response to the Sri Lankan army's statement.
More than 100 Tigers were killed in two separate sea battles earlier this month as they reportedly tried to reinforce positions in the east after losing territory to government forces.
Foreign mediators are attempting to hold together an increasingly fragile four-year old Norwegian-brokered cease-fire, which has unraveled following clashes that have killed at least 1,000 combatants and more than 100 civilians since July.
Earlier this month Norway said that the two sides had agreed to meet for talks for the first time since the Tigers pulled out of negotiations in April.
The Tamil Tigers began fighting in 1983 for a separate homeland in the north and east for Sri Lanka's largest ethnic minority.
Marinette WI September 24, 2006 - Thousands looked on Sept. 24 as the Navy christened and launched the nation's first littoral combat ship, Freedom (LCS-1), at the Marinette Marine shipyard.
"Just a little more than three years ago she was just an idea, now Freedom stands before us. And on this morning, we christen her, send her down the ways and get her ready to join the fleet next year," said Adm. Mike Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations. "It comes none too soon, because there are tough challenges out there that only she can handle."
The 377-foot Freedom is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis.
"Until now, this vessel has been a part of the shipyard structure -- a mass of steel, cables and electronics. Today Freedom is a maritime vessel. She is on her way to joining our great Navy patrolling the vast oceans of our world," said Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
Freedom acknowledges the enduring foundation of our nation and honors American communities that bear the name Freedom. States having towns named Freedom include California, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
But, as Mullen made clear, Freedom also acknowledges new challenges faced by the Navy in the war on terror and will complement the vision of a global "1,000-ship navy" built upon ad hoc maritime partnerships.
"Freedom will know how to fight, but she can also be a friend," said Mullen. "I am convinced that if we pool resources together, as partners and friends, we can best tackle many of the tough maritime problems we face. The Freedom class will fit perfectly into such partnerships. Her shallow draft and agility will allow her to go, when asked -- deep into green and brown water -- where we, our allies, and emerging partners face some of the most difficult challenges."
The christening ceremony included the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow, performed by ship's sponsor Birgit Smith. The ship then made a dramatic side-launch into the Menominee River.
Smith is the wife of US Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Mullen put Birgit Smith’s selection as sponsor into perspective for the assembled crowd by referring to a letter her husband wrote home from Iraq.
"When I think of his words ‘I am prepared to give all that I am’ and the way he did exactly that, it reminds me of the true high cost of living in America, the price of freedom," he said. "Paul paid that debt for us. His valor reminds us that we must be ready to defend freedom whenever and wherever it is challenged.
"Ships also really do take on the spirit of their sponsor," he continued. "And I for one will take great comfort that when Freedom’s crews sail into harm’s way your quiet strength will go with them."
Freedom will be manned by one of two rotational crews; blue and gold, similar to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines. The crews will be augmented by one of three mission package crews during focused mission assignments.
The blue crew commanding officer is Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson, who was born in northern Minnesota and graduated from the US Navy Academy in 1989. The gold crew commanding officer is Cmdr. Michael Doran, who was born in Harrisonville, Mo., and graduated from Villanova University in 1989.
Freedom will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine. The ship will be commissioned in 2007 and eventually homeported in San Diego, CA.
The second LCS, named Independence, is currently under construction at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. General Dynamics Corporation is building Independence to a different design than that of Freedom.
Washington September 26, 2006 - Yesterday, US House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced the agreement reached among the House, Senate and Bush Administration to effectively and fairly prosecute terrorists, while also protecting American troops and intelligence agents fighting the Global War on Terror. H.R. 6166, the updated version of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, is the product of weekend negotiations to finalize the agreement reached last week.
Chairman Hunter's statement follows:
"This legislation is the product of thorough negotiations over the weekend among the House, Senate and White House. It reflects our common goals to try terrorists and protect American troops and intelligence agents.
"This agreement creates a full and fair process to prosecute terrorists, while preserving the ability of our warfighters to operate effectively against a new enemy on a new battlefield. Since we started this process, our foremost consideration has been to protect American troops and American citizens from harm.
"The compromise language does that-it creates a fair and effective judicial process that pays special attention to the rules of evidence and includes procedures suitable to the battlefield.
"The government will be able to prosecute its case fully without compromising our intelligence sources. It does not allow terrorists to access classified information that can be used to harm American troops or citizens if released. The prosecutorial process will be fair, swift and conclusive. Terrorists will be able to mount a full defense and will have access to all the evidence that is given to the commission panel."
Wellington September 25, 2006 - Defense Minister Phil Goff today announced that the first of the Project Protector ships, the Multi Role Vessel (MRV), Canterbury, arrived in Melbourne yesterday from the Netherlands for the final phase of construction.
"The Canterbury will remain in Melbourne for the next four months while weapon and military communications systems are fitted and the crew undergo training. Once the work is complete, the Canterbury will be commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy and begin its first voyage to New Zealand said Mr Goff.
"During delivery from the Netherlands, the ship encountered a variety of weather, including a series of deep low-pressure systems with 8-9 meter swells and near storm force winds. I am advised that the ship performed exceptionally well in the conditions and provided a very comfortable ride.
"The Canterbury will, for the first time, provide the New Zealand Defense Force with the capability to deploy personnel and equipment by its own means. It will greatly improve New Zealand's ability to respond to natural disasters in the Pacific and elsewhere, and will further enhance New Zealand's contribution to peace and security in our region and beyond. The MRV represents yet another significant and careful investment by this Government in our defense force".
"The first of the Offshore Patrol Vessels, one of two being built by Tenix in Melbourne, will be launched in November. The second Offshore Patrol Vessel and the four Inshore Patrol Vessels, being built by Tenix Shipbuilding New Zealand, in Whangarei will be launched and delivered throughout 2007. The total project cost is NZ$500 million with more than $110 million coming to New Zealand industry", said Mr Goff.
Copyright 2006 Seawaves Publishing Inc. ISSN 1481-4307. This information is licensed to the recipient only. If you wish to disseminate any information contained herein, please contact
webmaster@seawaves.com for details. Images may be subject to copyright. Ask before you right-click.