The amphibious transport dock ship New Orleans (LPD 18) sailed away from Northrop Grumman Corporation's New Orleans facility early Monday morning for her builder's sea trial. The 684-foot ship sailed down the Mississippi River past the New Orleans skyline en route to the Gulf of Mexico where she will undergo testing of all the ship's systems while at sea. Following sea trial, shipbuilders will continue to work final details in preparation for the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey's acceptance sea trial scheduled later this year. The ship is scheduled to be delivered in early 2007.
Industry News
Stuart FL October 23, 2006 - Ecosphere Technologies, Inc., the Stuart, Florida-based technology innovation company for homeland security, defense , disaster relief and marine applications, announced today that it has successfully completed its first coating removal job on time and on budget for BAE Systems Ship Repair in San Francisco under its recently signed exclusive five year contracting agreement. Ecosphere through its wholly owned subsidiary, UltraStrip Envirobotic Solutions, removed the hull coatings on the USNS Henry J. Kaiser, a naval support ship using the Company’s M3500 high performance and environmentally friendly robotic technology. Work has begun on the second ship, the USNS Rainier T-AOE 7, under the Agreement with BAE.
Stephen Johnson, President of UltraStrip Envirobotic Solutions, remarked, "Our first job on the Kaiser generated billings of $111,000 in less than two weeks work. The Rainier is a larger class of vessel, which should produce, increased sales for UES over the next two to three weeks. We are currently manufacturing additional robotic units for use by BAE in San Francisco and San Diego dry docks. Our Agreement with BAE provides for the opportunity to jointly pursue other US Government contracts at other shipyards as our capacity grows and expect to expand our services into the other BAE shipyards in the US. We currently estimate that the sales potential over the five year life of the Agreement, with the addition of equipment and trained staff, to be $15-20 million."
John Odwazny, UltraStrip Envirobotic Solutions, Chief Operating Officer stated, "The M3500 Systems performed tremendously on the Kaiser. It was a challenging project that required close coordination between the various trades operating on and around the vessel, but was made easier for everyone without the grit blasting in the air and interfering with the other workers. Our newly redesigned magnetically attached robots saved BAE over 854,000 pounds of grit purchase and disposal costs on this vessel. These Patented M3500 series robots are a winning solution for BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair program. The yard has taken a significant step forward in achieving environmentally compliant, profitable, and high quality, coating removal services. We are currently working on our second ship, the USNS Rainier T-AOE 7."
Washington October 24, 2006 - Harris Corporation, a world leader in multiband military satellite communication (SATCOM) terminal systems, today announced that it has been awarded a 12-month contract awarded by the US Navy to provide a Harris AN/WSC-6E(V)9 Multiband Shipboard Satellite Communications Terminal (MSSCT) for the Lockheed Martin Littoral Combat Ship. This is the second AN/WSC-6E(V)9 contract award to Harris for the Littoral Combat Ship program. Harris is providing the SATCOM terminal systems for both Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, which are competing for the ultimate production award of more than 50 ships. The announcement was made during MILCOM 2006 (Harris Booth #413), being held October 23-25 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.
The Littoral Combat Ship will be a "networked" ship, relying on both manned and unmanned vehicles to complete its missions. These vehicles will communicate with the ship and other platforms via advanced communications technology.
"Our presence on the Littoral Combat Ship keeps Harris squarely at the forefront of cutting-edge, multiband SATCOM terminal solutions for the US Navy and confirms our commitment to providing products that enable the warfighter to safely complete the mission," said Sheldon Fox, vice president and general manager of Department of Defense Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems Division. "The MSSCT has become the Navy standard for wideband SATCOM on ships, and our terminals provide extremely high levels of SATCOM availability."
The Harris AN/WSC-6E(V)9 is the latest terminal in the Harris family of shipboard wideband products, providing reliable, high-data-rate X- and C-band communications to deployed small combatant and support ships. The enhanced, simultaneous X-/Ka-band communications capability enables the Littoral Combat Ship to communicate with the Wideband Gapfiller Satellites, increasing the available bandwidth to the ship. The terminal also will provide Global Broadcast System communications capability, allowing sailors to receive large amounts of critical information ranging from national intelligence to weather imagery. The terminal's high bandwidth will enable the ship to support the Navy's FORCEnet vision by operating as a network node, which can collect mission data from off-board platforms and relay this data to other nodes.
Farnborough October 24, 2006 - QinetiQ Group plc, the international defense and security technology company, today announces the appointment of George Tenet as an independent non-executive director, with immediate effect. Tenet was one of the longest serving directors in the history of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), holding office from 1997 to 2004.
Tenet was sworn in as the 18th director of Central Intelligence in July 1997, and under presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush led efforts to rebuild and modernize the CIA’s capacity to acquire, analyze and disseminate critical intelligence information. Prior to this appointment he held the positions of CIA deputy director and acting director.
Commenting on the appointment, QinetiQ’s chairman Sir John Chisholm, said: "I am extremely pleased to welcome George Tenet to QinetiQ. His extraordinary track record and experience in the fields of intelligence and security are particularly relevant as we continue to focus on the US defense and security market."
He added: "We now have a full complement of non-executive directors, all of whom bring outstanding expertise to the company."
Tenet said: "I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to working with the QinetiQ team. I am especially interested in the capacity of the company’s technologies to meet a number of the challenges faced by our nations’ military and intelligence personnel."
Other senior posts held during Tenet’s distinguished career in US federal government includes staff director of the Senate Committee on Intelligence and membership of the National Security Council. He is currently a professor at Washington’s Georgetown University, a board director of Guidance Software Inc and L-1 Identity Solutions and sits on the advisory board of The Analysis Corporation.
Tenet was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, in December 2004. He has received numerous foreign decorations, being the first American to receive the Egyptian Order of Merit (First Class) and the first non-Canadian to be awarded the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Gold Medal.
Paris October 23, 2006 - Marte MK2/N, a new, ship-launched anti-ship weapon system has been added to MBDA’s extensive range of naval guided weapon systems and is being launched at the Euronaval 2006 exhibition in France.
The ship launched Marte MK2/N deploys the same sea-skimming missile as the helicopter-launched Marte MK2/S system that has already been integrated and qualified on the new EH101 and NH90 helicopters. The system is ideally suited to naval platforms in the 30m to 50m+ class, namely fast attack craft up to and including off-shore patrol vessels. It also fits well into the spectrum of a vessel’s anti-ship littoral and blue water operations, guns for short range, Marte MK2/N for medium range and other MBDA weapons like Exocet and Otomat/Teseo for longer range.
With its active radar homing head, 30km+ range, extensive mission planning and optimized warhead/fuse combination, Marte MK2/N is designed to sink or severely disable ships up to corvette size and to inflict serious damage to larger vessels. Rapid ripple fire can be deployed to saturate the defenses of larger targets or to simultaneously engage a series of horizon dispersed targets. Flight waypoints can be employed to achieve Same-Time-On-Target engagements or to enable the host vessel to launch from behind the cover of islands or other littoral obstructions.
Marte MK2/N has been conceived to offer customers maximum flexibility. Depending on ship size and available deck space, single, twin and quad launchers (the Marte MK2/N launch canister design is based on MBDA’s Aspide naval air defense system launcher) can be specified either as a new or retro-fit. Subsequent upgrades, to for example a stacked twin launcher from a single twin launcher, are easily achieved without compromising the weapon’s existing footprint. The C2 (Command and Control) system can be either stand-alone or integrated into a multi-function console system. A special fire control radar is not required as target indication is derived from the launch vessel’s own surface search radar. Target designation can also be obtained from other ship sensors such as EO (Electro-Optic), ESM (Electronic Surveillance Measures) or even via a link from another surface or airborne platform.
Fabrizio Giulianini, Managing Director of MBDA Italia, said: "Marte MK2/N is an example of MBDA’s ability to insert new technologies within its existing product range, increasing or adding capabilities to meet developing customer requirements. Navies operating medium naval helicopters, such as the NH90 or EH101, will be able to maintain a common stock of missiles for deployment from either their helicopters or from their ships. The missile can also be adapted for installation on vehicles for use as coastal batteries. This level of flexibility should interest many customers and so we can see a significant market potential for MBDA".
Over the past year, MBDA has been carrying out system definition studies on the new system. These have included analyzing shore-based firings of the missile, C2 ship installed equipment and design work for the launch canister. Due to MBDA’s extensive experience in ship-launched anti-ship missile systems, Marte MK2/N has moved very quickly from initial concept to final system design and is now available for customers.
Paris October 22, 2006 - Euronaval 2006 will take place in Paris on 23-27 October. Finmeccanica will have a presence via group companies Elsag, Galileo Avionica, OTO Melara, SELEX Communications and SELEX Sistemi Integrati.
Over the years, Italy and France have built a solid industrial partnership ranging from defense to security and from space to the naval sector. In the last two years alone, Finmeccanica has embarked on a significant partnership with Alcatel following the creation of two joint ventures in the space sector (one in satellite systems construction and the other in services), while the two governments concerned have given the go-ahead for a key European naval program known as FREMM. Under this program, 27 multi-mission frigates will be built by Italy and France: ten for the Italian navy and 17 for its French counterpart.
At Euronaval 2006 the group will be presenting its leading capability as naval combat management systems integrator, military communications services, homeland security and EEZ control management systems. Finmeccanica companies and joint ventures have a long-standing presence in the naval field, where they have established a renowned reputation in sectors such as defense systems, C4ISR and military communications.
Finmeccanica, through its companies, can provide modern navies and coast guards with a comprehensive state-of-the-art naval capability, encompassing turn-key warships, fully integrated combat systems with all relevant equipment and weapons, as well as coastal and naval base protection systems, Net-centric C4I solutions and fixed and rotary wing naval aviation. Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, a Fincantieri and Finmeccanica company is an Italian "total ship supplier" with a product portfolio ranging from offshore patrol vessels to aircraft carriers. The company is the prime contractor for the Italian navy on the Italo-French FREMM multi-mission frigates project.
Selex Sistemi Integrati is Finmeccanica’s combat system integrator, designer and manufacturer of combat management systems and onboard or land-based C4Is for supporting joint/NATO/coalition operations. The company also provides a full range of new generation surveillance and multi-function radar in all frequency bands as well as fire control systems, both radar and Electro-optical.
Fully integrated communication systems, including radio links, commercial and military satellite communication, tactical data links and NATO or customized encryption systems, are provided by Selex Communications. This offering, connected by a secure transfer system, ensures maximum interoperability in joint and combined operations. OTO Melara offers a complete family of naval guns from 12.7mm to 127mm, including the outstanding 76mm SR gun, which is a NATO standard and used in 54 navies. The DART guided ammunition for the 76mm and the VULCANO long-range ammunition for the 127mm are the latest developments for the Italian navy and consolidate the leading-edge technology in naval guns.
Galileo Avionica, a Finmeccanica company specializing in avionics, mission systems, UAV systems for civil and military surveillance and homeland security and Electro-optic systems, presents its latest production in shipborne equipment. Answering the tightest requirements, Galileo Avionica developed the SPN 720 precision approach radar for Aircraft Carriers (supplied to the Italian navy and Royal Navy), the SPN 730 LPI navigation radar, providing the highest performances in low probability of intercept and high resolution imaging, and the Electro-optical sight for naval guns and observation IR system JANUS, providing all-weather surveillance of sensitive areas. The company’s latest development in the Electro-optical field, the SASS (silent acquisition surveillance system), an infrared search and track system for the Italian Conte Camillo di Cavour aircraft carrier, leverages the competencies gained in observation and targeting as prime contractor for the PIRATE, Eurofighter’s IRST. The SASS has been selected for the Italian FREMM frigates.
Elsag will be presenting its security, logistics and information technology offerings for the defense market. In the area dedicated to coastal surveillance, it will be possible to see in action Elsag’s range of biometric recognition and access control products, as well as the creation of electronic documents. These include the patrol support system (PSS), which integrates biometric technologies, software and sensors for automatic vehicle number plate recognition and the possibility of capturing pictures and video. In the area of logistics support, meanwhile, Elsag will be carrying out a live demo of the tracking and tracing system for aircraft spare parts based on RFID technology, and the SIGAM system for automatic maintenance management on board military ships.
Finmeccanica’s naval capability is enhanced by a comprehensive naval aviation offering, ranging from the AgustaWestland A109, AB412, NH90, EH101 and Super Lynx helicopters, to Alenia Aeronautica’s ATR42MP, for patrol missions, and ATR72ASW, recently sold to the Turkish navy, for anti-submarine operations.
Faced with new threats, ranging from terrorist attacks to illegal immigration, Finmeccanica also offers coastal states integrated and flexible solutions to protect national maritime interests and natural resources in Exclusive Economic Zones, as well as sensitive coastal areas and naval bases, through a wide range of airborne, maritime, underwater, satellite and shore-based sensors and products in layered, modular and scalable solutions tailored to fit national approaches. This allows operation control centers and remote assets to view and assess targets, manage their resources, communicate with each other and, when it becomes necessary to intervene, to make swift and secure decisions.
From an international standpoint Finmeccanica has been providing systems and equipment to more than 60 navies worldwide. The commercial effort is currently aimed at countries like India, Turkey, Singapore, UAE, Malaysia and others, where significant naval projects are expected and strong industrial partnerships can be established. The Italo-French Horizon and FREMM programs and international partnerships such as the Baynunah program with the United Arab Emirates consolidate Finmeccanica’s role as combat system integrator and total ship provider capable of meeting continuously evolving multifunction requirements and creating a strong basis for further opportunities in nearby countries.
Finmeccanica has completely renewed its product portfolio thanks to Italian navy upgrading programs and its strong commitment to innovation. Last year the group invested EUR 1.6 billion in R&D (16% of revenues), creating synergies between companies and encouraging innovation through central governance actions. Finmeccanica actively co-operates with 19 Italian research institutes, 29 foreign research institutes and universities and 41 Italian universities, as well as national and international institutions.
In logistics services Finmeccanica offers the customer the most efficient through-life support solutions based on remote diagnostic systems and proven technical skills, promoting collaboration and partnerships with local companies and subcontractors.
Paris October 24, 2006 - DCN, the naval defense group, is presenting its capabilities and innovations at the 20th international naval and maritime exhibition (Hall 2, B1) at Le Bourget, Paris, from 23-17 October 2006.
As prime contractor for value adding naval defense systems, DCN is successfully serving naval forces today and developing the solutions that they will require tomorrow. The company will be presenting some of its major successes on current programs - including the Mistral-class projection and command vessel (BPC), the Horizon frigates, nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) and conventional Scorpene conventional submarines - as well as future programs such as the FREMM multimission frigates, the Barracuda submarine program and the second aircraft carrier for the French Navy.
To succeed on today's programs, DCN is delivering effective responses to the digitization of naval and maritime operations, and developing critical equipment and all-inclusive support service solutions to meet the specific needs of navies and maritime forces.
For DCN, preparing for the future means investing in research and development to drive innovation. This year, the company has designed future vessels such as the BPC 140 and 160, the Gowind® corvettes and the Marlin conventionally powered submarine, which will enter service with navies around the world in the coming years. The company has also developed the Swordship and SMX-23 concept ships as experimental technology platforms for future generations of surface combatants and submarines.
Preparing for the future also involves driving consolidation in the French naval defense sector through closer ties between DCN and Thales Naval France.
DCN is also preparing for the future by playing a role in the consolidation of the European naval defense sector, in particular through major industrial cooperation programs such as FREMM, Scorpene and the two aircraft carriers, conducted with national and European partners.
Charlottesville VA October 20, 2006 - Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Sperry Marine business unit is celebrating 50 years of manufacturing and engineering at its headquarters in Charlottesville, Va. The company held a special ceremony and open house this week to commemorate the event.
Speakers and distinguished guests at the 50th Anniversary Celebration included US Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), Delegates Robert Bell (R-Charlottesville) and David Toscano (D-Charlottesville), Rear Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, US Navy, and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems sector president Jim Pitts.
Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine opened its doors in Charlottesville in 1956 as Sperry Piedmont Company. Since then, the organization has grown to include 1,455 employees worldwide including major engineering and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany. About half of Sperry’s workforce is situated in Charlottesville.
Sperry Marine provides navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide.
Over the years, Sperry Marine has richly supported the Charlottesville community. The company has donated to a variety of local causes including the Thomas Jefferson Area Food Bank, Albemarle City Police, Martha Jefferson Hospital, Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department and the Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad. The company also supports national charities such as the United Way, the American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. During the commemorative ceremony, Sperry Marine presented checks to the American Heart Association and Piedmont Virginia Community College.
"Sperry Marine employees genuinely care about the company’s reputation, our customers and our community. These are some of the major contributing factors to our success," said John DeMaso, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Naval and Marine Systems Division and former Sperry Marine president. "We are proud of our past and by building upon our long, honorable tradition and superior employees, Sperry Marine will continue to grow and enhance our leadership position in the marine market by delivering unique value and customer satisfaction."
New York October 24, 2006 - EDO Corporation has been awarded a contract from the US Navy for the production of anti-jam Global Positioning System antennas for the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier aircraft. The potential contract value, with options, is $3.5 million. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2007.
"Our ability to protect an aircraft’s GPS from enemy jamming is essential in modern warfare, making our antenna technology an integral element of the guidance system," said James M. Smith, EDO's chief executive officer.
In addition to the Harrier, EDO’s anti-jam GPS antennas have been installed on numerous platforms, including helicopters and unmanned vehicles for both domestic and foreign military requirements. Most recently, they are being incorporated into the US Air Force’s next generation Advanced Digital Antenna Production (ADAP) project.
EDO Corporation is the market leader in sophisticated antenna design and production. For five decades, EDO has provided such equipment for the world’s military and commercial aircraft, as well as the future F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
In addition to antenna systems, EDO designs and manufactures a diverse range of products for defense, intelligence, and commercial markets. Major product groups include: Professional and Engineering Services, Defense Electronics, Communications, Aircraft Armament Systems, Undersea Warfare, and Integrated Composite Structures. EDO’s advanced systems are at the core of the transformation to lighter, faster, and smarter defense capabilities.
West Palm Beach FL October 24, 2006 - Sikorsky Aircraft is finishing developmental flight tests of its S-92(TM) helicopter with a search and rescue automatic flight control system (AFCS) that is able to lock in and fly point-in-space approaches, hands-off, and hover for rescues. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
The system is the first to fly automated approaches to a set position "hooked" by a search radar, flight management system way point, thermal imager, or digital map. "This system does a fully coupled approach, hover and departure. A nighttime, IFR rescue in icing conditions is now possible, military or civilian, with this system and aircraft family," said S-92 project pilot Ron Doeppner.
The civil S-92 system is a subset of the sophisticated AFCS prototyped in the HH-92 SUPERHAWK(TM) helicopter variant entered in the US Air Force CSAR-X competition. The search and rescue (SAR) flight control modes were tested first on the HH-92 demonstrator last year.
With the aircraft on an automatic descent to a set altitude and position, the flight crew can keep eyes looking out of the cockpit for added safety and mission effectiveness.
"I wish I'd had a fully integrated flight control system like this when I was flying Air Force rescue and special ops helicopters," Doeppner said. "When you put this into an aircraft with the safety and survivability features of the HH-92, you've got the world's most advanced SAR helicopter."
SAR rotorcraft such as the Sikorsky S-76(R) helicopter have long been equipped with coupled flight control systems that can fly stored approach profiles to a hover near a visual target. The S-92's AFCS adds more precision and functionality over previous systems. "We've now demonstrated a three-dimensional precision approach system compatible with multiple aircraft sensors," Doeppner said. "The pilot can enter GPS coordinates through the S-92 flight management system or 'hook' a target with the cursor on the radar, FLIR, or map display."
The new SAR mode in the S-92 dual digital automatic flight control system is on course to receive European Aviation Safety Agency certification by year-end. Sikorsky is under contract to provide four SAR-configured S-92 aircraft to CHC Helicopters, which the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency selected to provide coastal search and rescue services. In the US, Federal Aviation Administration certification is expected in 2007.
The SAR mode for the S-92 Avionics Management System was developed jointly by Sikorsky Aircraft and Rockwell Collins engineers.
The HH-92 blends the unique flaw-tolerant, crashworthy design features of the Collier Award-winning S-92 with the ballistically tolerant design legacy of the combat-proven BLACK HAWK. In combat SAR deployability demonstrations, the HH-92 demonstrator was unloaded from a C-17 transport airplane and ready to fly in 22 minutes -- a fraction of the time required by older technology helicopters.
Tewksbury MA October 24, 2006 - Raytheon Company has successfully integrated the engineering development model, S-Band array with receiver, exciter and signal/data processing equipment for the Volume Search Radar (VSR) portion of the DDG 1000 destroyer's Dual Band Radar (DBR).
The company is developing DBR for the next-generation Zumwalt Class destroyer. The VSR equipment was successfully operated with the S-band array and Beam Steering Controller software provided by Raytheon subcontractor Lockheed Martin.
"The Dual Band Radar is a critical asset to the DDG 1000 mission and the safety of our sailors," said Captain James Syring, the US Navy's program manager for DDG 1000. "The radar project's schedule has been challenging, but achieving this critical milestone tangibly demonstrates the substantial progress being made on the program."
"The fact that this critical step was successfully completed on schedule can be attributed to the teamwork between the Navy and industry, as well as team dedication," said Ed Geisler, Raytheon vice president and DDG 1000 program manager, responsible for all DBR activity. "This teamwork has been a hallmark of the DDG 1000 program since its beginning."
The DBR is an active, phased-array, multi-function radar system, which incorporates X- and S-band arrays in a complementary manner to provide surveillance, target tracking and engagement support capabilities superior to those of conventional single-band radars.
The successful integration of the S-band array demonstrates progress toward the operation of a fully integrated Volume Search Radar, which is the final component of the DBR. Previously, Raytheon had successfully developed and tested the X-band component of the DBR, known as the AN/SPY-3, and recently proved its performance in extensive at-sea testing.
Under Raytheon's leadership, the DBR integration of both the SPY-3 and VSR components has advanced on schedule, and the recently completed milestones bring the advanced DBR closer to deployment on the Zumwalt Class destroyers, the CVN-78 next generation aircraft carrier and other future US Navy ships.
Under the Navy's DDG 1000 Detail Design and Integration contract awarded in 2005, Raytheon IDS serves as the prime mission systems equipment integrator for all electronic and combat systems for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer program.
Fremont CA October 24, 2006 - ActivIdentity Corp., a global leader in digital identity assurance, today announced major contract wins by the US Department of Defense (DoD), US Army and US Air Force. The company's smart card desktop client software ActivIdentity ActivClient 6.0 was selected to enable their move to next- generation HSPD-12 certified Common Access Cards due to be put in place by October 27, 2006. The DoD contract was awarded through the Government Services Administration (GSA) and systems integrator EDS for five years and is available to other agencies throughout the government.
"We're proud of our continuing relationship within DoD and appreciate the confidence they have shown us as evidenced by the award of these contracts," said ActivIdentity CEO Jason Hart.
"ActivIdentity's solution will allow the DoD the continued critical security and connectivity between their already widely-deployed CAC smart IDs, while further enabling the advanced secure authentication which is so vital to fulfillment of the HSPD-12 vision."
The DoD has selected ActivIdentity ActivClient 6.0 as the standard smart card middleware for authenticating the holders of each of DoD's current and next-generation smart CAC IDs for access to their local computer and departmental network systems, as well as secure remote access. With ActivClient 6.0, ActivIdentity was chosen to provide the smart card-based security, compatibility and government-wide interoperability prescribed by Presidential Mandate HSPD-12 to connect and digitally authenticate next-generation Java-based CAC's for the DoD's 3.5 million military personnel and contractors around the world.
Utilizing ActivIdentity card management, ActivClient middleware, and advanced Java applications over the past five years, DoD's CAC program has already become one of the largest and most sophisticated smart card systems in the world. ActivClient 6.0 is the only smart card client software that provides support for multiple generations of CAC versions, preserving DoD's investment, providing smooth migration to new standards, and enabling a wide range of capabilities beyond the basic PIV requirement. This enables advanced secure business processes as well as post issuance capabilities to update and upgrade the CAC cards in the field with new applications as they are required.
"The DoD has worked hard with partners like ActivIdentity, and others, to put in place the department's HSPD-12 ready identity management system infrastructure to manage this large of a deployment and support the interoperability, security and common business processes demanded by DoD's computer and physical access requirements around the world," said Mary Dixon, director, Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). "Now that our new card is in place we will utilize our well established enterprise card management infrastructure to quickly and effective deploy this new card into the field."
After evaluating ActivClient, the Army decided to grant ActivIdentity the complete middleware award for its next-generation HSPD-12 smart card implementation by deploying ActivClient 6.0 on all of its more than 800,000 seats. The Air Force previously deployed 600,000 seats of ActivIdentity ActivCard Gold 3.0 and is currently upgrading all 600,000 users to PIV- compliant ActivClient 6.0 for its CACs.
The Stanford Group Company* values the HSPD-12 opportunity at approximately $1.3 billion over five years, with the bulk of the revenue flowing in fiscal years 2007-2009, *(Identity Solutions Industry Outlook, July 2006).
"The issuance of HSPD-12 enabled smart cards throughout the government is a tremendous first step toward the security and efficiency goals set by the President. We are now working with many agencies to help them begin the process of putting the infrastructure and applications in place to allow the full potential of interoperability and advanced authentication," concluded Hart.
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World Naval News
Cleveland October 24, 2006 - The Ninth Coast Guard District continues to receive public comment concerning the notice of proposed rule making to create 34 safety zones on the Great Lakes where Coast Guard personnel can conduct weapons training exercises.
Since Oct. 16, the Coast Guard has held public meetings in Duluth, Minn., Grand Haven, Mich., Port Huron, Mich., and Cleveland. In addition, more than 400 comments have been submitted to the docket, and approximately 350 people have attended the public meetings.
Five other public meetings remain scheduled before the public comment period closes Nov. 13:
Oct. 30 - Rochester Fast Ferry Terminal, 1000 N. River St., Rochester, N.Y. Nov. 1 - Genesee Theater, 203 North Genesee St., Waukegan, Ill. Nov. 3 - Charlevoix Public Library, 220 W. Clinton St., Charlevoix, Mich. Nov. 6 - Cruise Boat Terminal, Foot of Holland St., Erie, Penn. Nov. 8 - Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center, 107 North First Ave., Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.
An open house (from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.) is held prior to the start of each public meeting (5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.) to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions from Coast Guard subject matter experts. The public meeting is not a question and answer session, but rather an opportunity for the public to have their comments recorded and formally entered into the docket for consideration. Members of the public who are unable to attend the public meetings may still submit comments to the Docket Management Facility Web site at <http://dms.dot.gov/>. Docket #25767.
For additional instructions on submitting comments via mail, fax or in person please visit www.uscgd9safetyzones.com. This site also contains fact sheets, press releases, downloadable video and photographs, and other information related to this issue. The site has had almost 19,000 visitors since it was published on Sept. 8, 2006.
Taipei October 23, 2006 - Former US deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage is lobbying Taipei to use a US arms supplier for its planned billion-dollar purchase of submarine-hunting aircraft, a report said on Sunday.
Armitage has written to President Chen Shui-bian, Premier Su Tseng-chang and Defense Minister Lee Jye asking that L-3 Communications be allowed to bid for the arms deal, the Chinese-language China Times said.
The planned purchase, which is struggling to gain the Legislature's approval, is part of the island's efforts to boost defense capabilities against rival China.
Taiwan's defense ministry has been inclined to reward Lockheed Martin with the contract worth about NT$40 billion (US$1.21 billion), the newspaper said.
"Giving the contract to Lockheed Martin would be in the greatest interest of Taiwan as it is the original manufacturer and is rich in experiences ranging from depot maintenance to personnel training and upgrade of the aircraft," the paper quoted an unnamed military source as saying.
The 12 aircraft used by the US navy would be refurbished and upgraded before their delivery to Taiwan.
When asked to comment on the report, Premier Su said the deal would be handled in accordance with the law.
US President George W. Bush in 2001 offered the sale of six PAC-3 Patriot anti-missile systems, eight conventional submarines and 12 P-3C aircraft.
However, the mega arms deals have repeatedly been blocked by Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament. The bill's latest version is worth around NT$340 billion (US$10 billion).
Some opposition lawmakers say Taiwan cannot afford the arms deals while others say the submarines would be delivered too slowly to enable the island to keep pace with China's military build-up.
Military analysts said as the P-3C deal is the least controversial, it is expected to receive the nod from the Legislature within the next few months.
Camp Pendleton October 23, 2006 - The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) community held its annual Fleet Support Conference to discuss amphibious community issues at the Marine base here Oct. 18.
Assault Craft Units (ACU) 4 and 5, as well as representatives from Washington, D.C., Little Creek, Va., and Boston Planning Yard discussed maintenance and upgrades, mission planning factors and manning issues, including the training pipeline and detailing.
"During this conference, we look at all the major issues with the functions and operation of LCACs," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) David L. Lessenberry. "This year we’re talking about funding, man hours and maintenance because we want to extend [the LCAC's] service life. The LCACs have a service life of 20 years, but we can extend that by 10 years with maintenance and upgrades."
The Expeditionary Warfare Division at the Pentagon plans to increase funding to increase the LCAC's capabilities, operational applications and service life while decreasing maintenance costs for the assault craft.
"We’re going to extend their service life," said Lessenberry. "This will improve how effectively we transport Marines to land."
Needing only six people to operate, LCACs provide for mission-critical needs by transporting supplies, personnel, light assault vehicles and other amphibious assault vehicles onto land.
"Our forces can work without putting a heavy imprint on shore," said Marine Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Forces; and commander, US Marine Corps Forces Central Command. "But if we don’t fund the LCACs, we won’t turn them over in good condition to our successors, so funding is necessary because we want to maintain our dominance."
London October 23, 2006 - More than 4,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen, from 11 countries are gathering off the West Coast of Scotland for a major military exercise.
HMS Torbay: One of the participants in Neptune Warrior [Picture: Royal Navy]
The international training course, named Neptune Warrior or NW 063, starts today, 23 October 2006, and lasts until 2 November 2006.
Five ships in the standing NATO Maritime Group are taking part, along with four destroyers, eight frigates, seven mine hunters and three submarines.
In the air there are 11 helicopters and as many as 50 land-based aircraft, including 32 fast jets.
The UK, NATO and other invited countries' forces are using the exercise to test their operational capabilities in what is known as a "littoral" situation. This refers to the shift in strategic focus away from open-ocean war fighting to landward warfare along coastal fronts.
Competing nations (competing in this instance on a friendly basis) will be testing their systems and practicing coherent and effective team working.
The countries taking part are the UK, the United States of America, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Norway, Belgium, Canada, France and Denmark.
The end result should be a first class preparation for real life missions that they might encounter in the future.
Any environmental impacts which may be caused have been discussed by the Ministry of Defense and the Scottish Executive, local communities, land owners, fishing communities and environmental groups.
Some of the activities taking place will include:
London October 23, 2006 - The Royal Navy destroyer HMS York has completed her deployment with the naval element of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has responsibility for securing the Lebanese coast from the illegal import of arms and ammunition, which was handed over to a new naval taskforce headed by the German Navy earlier this week.
HMS York in Beirut working with an RAF Chinook helicopter during the assisted departure of UK civilians in July [Picture: CPOWEA Beavis]
Onboard the Italian Flagship, the Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, current Commanding Officer Admiral de Giorgio praised the international force of Italian, French, Greek and British, who have been helping the Lebanese Maritime Forces secure their borders in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Originally part of the Royal Navy’s first response to the deteriorating situation in Lebanon in July, HMS York along with her sister ships Gloucester, St Albans, Bulwark, Fort Victoria and the Aircraft Carrier Illustrious helped ensure that UK entitled persons who wished to were able to get to safety in Cyprus.
Since then HMS York has been at high readiness to assist the British Ambassador in Beirut and for the last few weeks has been patrolling with the coalition force helping the Lebanese secure their own seaward border.
By the final week of the operation HMS York and the five other units of Task Force 425 had challenged over 1,000 vessels approaching Lebanese Territorial Waters. A handful of these were then handed on to the Lebanese Coastal Forces for further investigation. Each of the units has been operating right along the country’s Mediterranean shoreline.
Commander Tim Cryar, Captain of the 5,000 tonne Royal Navy ship, said:
"At the request of the UN Department of Peace Keeping Operations, HMS York has been patrolling off the Lebanese coast as part of an interim Maritime Task Force contributing to international efforts.
"We had little idea that the work we put into the exercise would be put to use so rapidly in Beirut within a matter of weeks. The fact that we were able to re-role and take part in the operations we’ve been doing off Lebanon for the last few weeks really highlights the value of a naval platform and the adaptable skills of every one of my 250 ship’s company."
Having left her home port of Portsmouth at the end of May, York has steamed some 15,797 miles. Since joining the NATO Standing Response Force in June she has worked with navies from across Europe and around the Black Sea. One element of her work was taking part in an exercise with the Romanian Navy to practice the response to a major humanitarian incident.
Lieutenant Commander 'Dusty' Miller, an air-defense specialist, said:
"The expansion of the naval component with the advent of the German-led force is part of a wider build-up of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, which will eventually see the deployment of some 15,000 international troops to ensure the continued stability of the country."
York’s First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander Jools Howe has enjoyed the experience:
"It’s been a real privilege to be part of these operations from the outset and to play a large part in the wider efforts to ensure that the 600 people York brought to Cyprus should be able to have a more stable future."
The short-notice requirements of York's latest deployment have resulted in mixed emotions for the 250-strong Ship’s Company. The ship’s senior sailor, Executive Warrant Officer CJ Smith said:
"We’ve always tried to do our best and make sure that the families at home have had the best and most accurate information available. The new RN Community Website, the Naval Families Federation and the Link Letter Scheme have proven invaluable to us and them this year."
HMS York was the last of the Type 42 destroyers to be built for the Royal Navy. Launched in 1982 and accepted into service in March 1985, she is the twelfth ship in the Royal Navy to bear the name. Very proud of such a historic name, the ship has a strong affiliation with the City of York who bestowed the Freedom of City on the ship in March 1991.
New Delhi October 23, 2006 - The Defense Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that the growing influence of Indian Coast Guard in the Indian Ocean is in consonance with the growing stature of our country as a maritime nation. Addressing the Coast Guard Commanders Conference here today, Shri Mukherjee referred to the recently concluded "Operation Pradushan", towards Pollution Control off Galle at the behest of the Sri Lankan Government. "This episode is of significance as it symbolizes the growing recognition of the Indian Coast Guard as an emerging regional force influencing issues pertaining to marine pollution", the Minister said.
The Defense Minister said safety and security of our vital offshore installations have assumed great significance in the present security scenario. He stressed the need to face this challenge with great resolve and ensure that we are prepared to meet this contingency at all times. Shri Mukherjee said, "For the protection of our vital assets onshore, coordinated efforts by the Indian Coast Guard and the State Marine Police Wing would go a long way in curbing smuggling and armed robberies". The Defense Minister said Coast Guard has now been assigned the responsibility of imparting training to the State Marine Police personnel.
Referring to the Joint operations being carried out with other agencies, the Defense Minister said jointness in operations and seamless co-ordination is the key to achieving success. In this connection, he referred to the joint operations carried out in coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau leading to the apprehension of contraband worth Rs. 228 crores in June this year. Shri Mukherjee was of the view that crimes at sea, maritime frauds, piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking and other Trans-national crimes are on the rise world over. He said greater maritime domain awareness, therefore, is required for which closer cooperation with other related organizations and Ministries is essential. The Defense Minister said advanced technologies for maritime surveillance are to be utilized. He was of the opinion that the use of satellite technology and advanced sensors and communication techniques for this purpose need to be developed.
Complimenting the men and officers of the Coast Guard for the professionalism displayed in saving 78 innocent lives off Haldia during the incident leading to capsizing of a passenger ferry on the 22nd September this year, Shri Mukherjee said that prompt, effective and professional responses to incidents that occur without prior warning speak of the dedication and commitment of Coast Guard personnel.
Speaking about the expansion plans of the Coast Guard, the Defense Minister said Coast Guard Stations at Jakhau, Beypore and Pondicherry have already been commissioned. A new Coast Guard Station on the East Coast at Kakinada is likely to be commissioned during the next month.
Reacting to the shortage of manpower and force levels as compared to what was planned in the Perspective Plan of the Coast Guard, the Defense Minister said that concerted efforts, would be required to expedite acquisitions of new ships and aircraft and provide necessary budgetary support for the same. He said 11th Plan projections for the Coast Guard have to be finalized at the earliest so that the Service is provided with long term funding support to ensure a sustained growth over the plan period. Shri Mukherjee said the growth of manpower needs to be planned in consonance with the growth of the force levels.
Shri Mukherjee told the Coast Guard Commanders that, with the emerging security threats from the sea, their responsibilities are only going to increase. "You will have to find ways and means to make the best use of the resources at your disposal, exercising utmost economy at all levels", the Defense Minister said. Shri Mukherjee urged the Coast Guard to continue to show alacrity and vigilance through continued patrols and apprehensions at sea.
NUWC Keyport October 24, 2006 - The US Department of Energy has selected Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport Division as one of the five federal activities to receive a 2006 Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management. The Presidential Leadership Awards were established by then President Clinton in 1999 under Executive Order 13123, which requires federal agencies to improve their energy management and efficiency. The Presidential Awards are presented to agency energy management team(s) for large-scale, comprehensive organizational efforts showing excellence in the use of energy efficiency and management tools. Nominees undergo a rigorous selection process and those that pass are recognized by the President for their outstanding achievements.
"This milestone award culminates six years of energy saving efforts by the entire Keyport team that now saves almost a million dollars per year in energy costs. This is a win-win situation for our Navy from the standpoint of the efficient use of resources, and for our commitment to being good stewards of our environment. It is only made possible through the dedicated efforts of our people," said Capt. Jonathan Dowell, commander, NUWC Keyport while attending the award ceremony in Washington, DC on Oct 6.
Dowell attended the ceremony with Phil Beste, Keyport's Energy & Utilities Manager and Jeff Barnick, Infrastructures Services Division Manager. They received the Presidential Award from Edwin Piñero, Federal Environmental Executive appointed by President Bush. They were also recognized with their award by Dionel M. Aviles, Undersecretary of the Navy; Clay Johnson, Deputy Director for Management for the Office of Management and Budget; and the Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy.
The Navy won an unprecedented three of the five Presidential Awards in this year's competition and is the only Department of Defense agency to be recognized by the President for leadership in energy management.
The combined programs of the three Navy winners will return over $3 million annually to American taxpayers.
The other organizations selected for the award are the US Social Security Administration; US Postal Service, Pacific Area; US Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma; and Naval Base, Coronado.
Dam Neck VA October 24, 2006 - The Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Engineer Team of the Year award for 2005 was recently awarded to seven Combat Direction Systems Activity (CDSA), Dam Neck employees. A letter of commendation from Vice Adm. Paul E. Sullivan, commander Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) was sent to congratulate the award recipients on Oct. 11.
CDSA, Dam Neck’s Integrated Tactical Mobility System (ITMS) Team consists of project manager Mark Hodges; system engineer Ted Schindler; software engineers Terry Armbruster, Sam Pecoraro and Eric Scott; electrical engineer Charlie Dintaman and electronics technician Brent Ridgeway.
In the letter of commendation, Sullivan wrote that the ITMS Team received the 2005 award for "providing innovative, relevant and responsive technology systems for the Naval Special Warfare Community. Team members developed the concept, identified critical requirements and fielded an operational capability, which lead to the successful development and delivery of key warfighting capability in support of Global War on Terrorism missions."
Mark Hodges, who has led the team for almost four years, said he was shocked when he heard the award announcement.
"The team is very deserving of this award. It’s a hard challenge, yet an enjoyable task and we know we are doing something significant for the warfighter," Hodges said.
The ITMS is a small craft situational awareness system that provides both a tactical and navigational solution. The system provides an integrated solution with built-in fault isolation, sensor monitoring, multiple source video display and capture, electronic nautical charts, integrated radar, electronic maneuvering board and radio control.
"The most rewarding aspect of this job is the sense of accomplishment when the system is accepted and used by the Warfighters," Hodges said. "It’s great to see their excitement and desires for enhancements. Also, the team camaraderie makes this even more rewarding, having that within the team makes problem solving much easier and the project that much more rewarding."
When CDSA, Dam Neck Executive Officer Cmdr. David C. Bement read the announcement, Schindler said he was completely taken back.
"My gut feeling was that I was really blown away. I had no idea that we were even in the running for that award," Schindler said. "Listening to the executive officer, I was really set back. This is such an unbelievable honor."
The CDSA, Dam Neck ITMS Team will travel on Monday, October 23 to receive the award during a NAVSEA awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Jacksonville October 23, 2006 - The National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) and the Naval Sea System Command’s Lean initiative hosted a Lean Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Forum in Jacksonville, Fla. on Sept. 12-14. This event, which is the fourth forum to be held under the NSRP’s Lean Shipbuilding Initiative (LSI), supported the NSRP’s mission of reducing the cost of Navy ship acquisition and repair by facilitating advanced joint learning that is helping to accelerate the incorporation of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and practices throughout the US shipbuilding enterprise.
The theme for Lean Forum 2006, "Shipbuilding Affordability Through Lean Six Sigma" was principally focused on learning from the experiences gained within the shipbuilding and repair industry in implementing Lean and Six Sigma practices. The forum featured a full agenda of speakers from shipbuilding/ship repair and Navy.
Based on feedback from previous forums to allow more time for direct interaction among attendees, this year’s agenda also included "Crackerbarrel" sessions. The term is derived from the informal discussions once carried on by people assembled around a cracker barrel at the country store. The forum sessions -- timed, facilitated, small group discussions designed to give attendees an opportunity to share experiences, best practices and lessons learned on several Lean fronts -- proved to be relevant and popular among attendees.
Overall feedback was very positive from the more than 140 people who attended the forum. Ninety-one percent of attendees indicated they would attend future Lean Shipbuilding Forums.
Keynote speakers included Jim Brice, Director, NAVSEA Task Force Lean; Steve Strom, Vice President of Quality, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems; and Dennis Fanguy, Vice President of Quality Management Systems, Bollinger Shipyards; and Jerry Bussell, Vice President of Global Operations for Medtronic.
Presentations included speakers from public and private sector shipyards. Topics included: value-stream metrics; integrating Lean & Six Sigma; process–based management; integrating Lean with environmental, health and safety concerns; sustaining Lean Six Sigma, and others.
Forum participants were also afforded the opportunity to tour several Jacksonville-area industrial facilities: Atlantic Marine Shipyard; JEA (electric, water, sewer utility) power plant; Medtronic; and the Navy’s local aircraft repair depot.
The forum demonstrated continued growth of Lean in the US shipbuilding and ship repair industry under the umbrella of NSRP's Lean Shipbuilding Initiative. Through the LSI and the Lean Implementers Group, composed of representatives from US public and private shipyards and Navy acquisition and repair program staffs, the growing spectrum of industry Lean activities are linked for maximum impact on an accelerated schedule. LSI was developed by the shipyards for the shipyards to support industry awareness, understanding and adoption of Lean principles and practices.
Lean Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Forum presentations and information on LSI can be found on NSRP's website: www.nsrp.org.
NSRP is a collaboration of 11 US shipyards working with government, industry, and academia to achieve the continuous product and process improvements necessary to achieve naval ship affordability. NSRP’s mission is to manage and focus national shipbuilding and ship repair research and development funding on technologies that will reduce the cost of warships to the US Navy by leveraging commercial practices and improving the efficiency of the US shipbuilding and ship repair industry. NSRP also provides a collaborative forum to improve business and acquisition processes. NSRP is sponsored by Naval Sea Systems Command and Navy Program Executive Officers for Ships, Aircraft Carriers and Submarines.
Groton October 23, 2006 - Navy Reserve support for the nearly completed conversion for the submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) began in 2005 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF). The commander of Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) Groton turned to its two Navy Reserve Units, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Unit 114 from Newport, RI and Unit 117 from Bronx, N.Y., to support conversion at PSNS for the USS Michigan when manpower was stretched thin covering new construction and repair in Groton and SSGN conversions in Virginia and Washington. SUPSHIP Groton was also supplying engineering resources in-theater supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
"Reserve Engineering Duty Officer support to SUPSHIP on the SSGN Conversion Program provides the best of win-win in Active Reserve Integration: The Reservist with the right skills is assigned at the time and place needed, saving the Program the costs of sending other personnel to PSNS and IMF or the Norfolk Naval Shipyard," said Rear Adm. Paul Shebalin, NAVSEA's Deputy Commander for Mobilization . "I congratulate the engineering leadership which has produced these outstanding results."
These two detachments had been providing weekend shipyard watch support every weekend for SUPSHIP Groton’s new construction and repair departments. With regard to the new mission, a support plan was created where reserve officers would augment the SUPSHIP on-site coordinator staff utilizing their annual two weeks of active duty. The schedule started in March of 2006 and will end in December 2006 with the completion of the Michigan’s conversion.
For each week of the 41-week availability, one reservist began a two week active duty period. This assures two significant occurrences; a one week turnover period from one reserve engineer to the next; and two reserve engineers on-station throughout the availability.
Each reservist assigned to support the Michigan SSGN conversion completed the Defense Acquisition University Contracting Officers Overview Course and SUBSAFE Awareness Training. Unit training was also conducted during scheduled weekends at SUPSHIP Groton. Training included project updates and lessons learned discussions with returning unit members and applicable training from SUPSHIP staff. The reservists perform technical investigations of Government Test & Inspection Report unsatisfactory test results of components and ships systems (TIR UNSATS).
Speaking about this unique opportunity, Capt. Michael Golden, commanding officer of NAVSEA Reserve Unit 114, said, "The primary objective is for us to provide proper and timely disposition of the TIR UNSATs to help keep the USS Michigan on schedule. Our secondary responsibilities include daily ship safety tours and participation at key government meetings requiring SUPSHIP representation."
"The support has been excellent and the support team has stepped in whenever asked to attend meetings and lend a presence whenever and wherever necessary," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Lipps of SUPSHIP Groton, the on-site coordinator at PSNS. "They have also allowed me to expand the visual presence of SUPSHIP on the deck-plates and I find that their assistance is extremely helpful in execution of my mission."
The reserve officers rapidly integrated into the processes and by the second week of their active duty cycle, they have been fairly independent of their activities.
Cmdr. Robert Noelsch, Commanding Officer of NAVSEA Reserve Unit 117, noted, "This conversion effort is unique in more ways than one. In addition to the new capabilities and technologies that are brought to our submarine force, new working relationships are being successfully demonstrated on a daily basis between public and private shipyards and active-duty and reserve force personnel. This new model for accomplishing shipyard work will play a continuing role in the Transformation of our Naval Forces for many years to come. Furthermore, this model truly exemplifies the value of Navy Reserve EDO Program."
Dahlgren VA October 23, 2006 - Tony Mervyn and Sean Locker are injured veterans recently hired by the Navy to use their first-hand combat experience in Iraq to help develop new systems for warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since April 2006, they have positively impacted technological products being developed at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren. "Sean and Tony were immediately able to convert their military knowledge to help bridge the gap between military and civilian mission perspectives, enhancing our overall understanding and translation of operational requirements," said John Lysher, Measured Response Options (Z10) division head. "From a warfighter’s vantage point they continue to help us make more accurate evaluations and assessments of urgently needed technology solutions."
The veterans – injured in Iraq last year – initially came to Dahlgren on temporary assignments while on active duty as part of Operation Warfighter.
Operation Warfighter is a temporary assignment and internship program for service members that are undergoing therapy at military treatment facilities in the United States. The program is designed to provide recuperating servicemembers with meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment that assists in their wellness and offers a formal means of transition back to the military or civilian workforce.
Locker, a Marine Corps infantryman, and Mervyn, an Army medic, were recuperating at Walter Reed Medical Center for wounds received while serving in Iraq when they attended a February 2006 meeting sponsored by the DoD Operation Warfighter program and learned about job opportunities at federal agencies and military commands, including NSWC Dahlgren.
"These men have helped to bring both the realities and cruelties of war to their co-workers," said Lysher. "Although the people of NSWC Dahlgren work each day under the faint notion that what they do is some way connected to winning the Global War on Terror, occasionally, this connection is hard to draw. This is precisely why having Tony and Sean, working among and alongside us on a day-to-day basis, provides a constant and uplifting reminder of why we are working at the warfare center."
Hired in July as integrated logistics management specialists, they have been providing logistical support and operational insight to programs such as the Expeditionary Tactical Communications System (ETCS) Netted Iridium (NI). The is work being conducted by the Measured Response Options Division for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL).
"I give engineers an idea of what's more useful to the hands-on guy," Locker said during a pre-test of the Netted Iridium system. The Netted Iridium system is designed to give warfighters the ability to communicate with a multitude of listeners over long distances without ground infrastructure and to give commanders the capability to track troop location throughout the whole area of expeditionary operations.
"We know the tactics, techniques and procedures," added Mervyn. "We’ll tell engineers how a soldier will handle equipment and suggest design changes based on environmental and operational factors that will help lower cost and make a better product for soldiers in the field."
Kuala Lumpur October 21, 2006 (Bernama) - Name the submarine and get a prize. This is what the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) is offering in a contest for Malaysians to name the country's first two submarines, which are due to be delivered in 2009.
The contest, with a total cash prize of RM5,000, is divided into two parts with the first part involved naming the first submarine and the main prize is RM2,500. The second part is to name the second submarine with RM2,500 as the top prize.
Defense Ministry's navy headquarters public relations officer Lieutenant Masliza Maaris said five consolation prizes in the form of TLDM souvenirs worth RM100 each would also be given out for each part of the contest.
"TLDM is giving the honor to the public as the Scorpene submarines will be the country's first submarines and TLDM's strategic assets," she said.
Masliza said contestants must provide background information as well as the rationale for their suggested names for the submarines.
"For example, TLDN has named its battleships after national heroes, national and state figures, and so on," she said.
Entry forms for the contest can be downloaded at the http://www.navy.mod.gov.my website and the closing date for entries is Dec 30.
The competition is open to all Malaysians and contestants can send as many entries as they want. Joint entries are also allowed.
Malaysia had bought the two Scorpene submarines in 2002, which are being built by French shipmaker DCN and its Spanish partner Navantia.
The purchase also included an Ouessant submarine, which has been modified for training purposes as provided under an agreement signed with the Armaris company.
"In general, the submarine implementation project is moving according to schedule," Masliza said.
"The first Scorpene submarine is scheduled to be handed over in 2009, followed by the second one nine months later," she said.
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