John Currin
15 years in Royal New Zealand Navy
Royal Navy’s Wildcats fend off fast attack craft on Exercise Tamber Shield
Claire Sadler 2nd May 2024 at 9:27am
Watch: Royal Navy’s 815 NAS practises fending off fast attack craft in Norwegian fjords
The Royal Navy’s 815 Naval Air Squadron is honing its warfighting capabilities as it practises fending off fast attack craft in the Norwegian fjords near Bergen.
Wildcat helicopters, P2000 patrol vessels and Norwegian ships are hunting for enemy vessels as part of British-led Joint Expeditionary Force Exercise Tamber Shield.
The topography of the region, with its deep and narrow inlets, offers fast-attack craft the perfect hiding place.
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Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, James Woods, told Forces News, “We’re essentially practising fighting against anything from small, fast attack craft, all the way through up to frigates and destroyers.
“The west coast of Norway provides a really useful training ground for us from challenging geography, all the way through to a really capable host nation and partner that we’re training with and against to hone our skills.”
Although just an exercise, these are important tactics being developed as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to increased security concerns in the High North, the territories of Nordic countries which include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden.
The role of 815 Naval Air Squadrons is to carry out warship detection, surveillance and intelligence gathering, so if Britain is called upon to help defend this coastline, they have experience of the topography.
The Wildcats also tested out their new “lethal claws” – Martlet and Sea Venom missiles.
Deputy Commander of the Norwegian Fleet, Captain Aspen Rasmussen, said: “Having time to exercise together brings us really forward, both nations.”
He added: “The geography has changed a little bit here in Norway, with Finland and Sweden joining Nato, which makes it much more important to be able to receive allied support here in the West Coast.
USS Barry (DDG-52) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, commissioned in 1992. Barry is the fourth United States Navy ship named after the “Father of the American Navy”, Commodore John Barry (1745–1803).
Her homeport is Naval Station Everett, Washington. Several improvements over Arleigh Burke exist on this ship and all following Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, such as the ability to refuel a helicopter.
Barry’s keel was laid down on 26 February 1990, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on 10 May 1991, and christened on 8 June 1991, by her sponsor Rose Cochran, wife of United States Senator Thad Cochran. Barry was commissioned into the U.S. Atlantic Fleet on 12 December 1992, and was placed under the command of Commander Gary Roughead. The commissioning ceremony took place at Naval Station Pascagoula in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Following ship’s commissioning, Barry underwent Post Delivery Test and Trials (PDT&T). During this period, Barry tested every major system on board. An Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) was conducted, with Barry receiving an overall grade of Excellent. Combat Systems Ship Qualifications Trials (CSSQT) were also conducted that included 13 missile firings.
Barry has received many awards, including the Battenberg Cup for the years 1994, 1996, and 1998—making Barry one of only three ships (as of 2008) to have won the prestigious award three times. She has also been awarded the Battle E award eight times, and received the Golden Anchor and Silver Anchor Awards for retention. More recently, in 2004 Barry received the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy for being the most improved ship in the Atlantic Fleet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Barry_(DDG-52)
The Fujian, China’s new cutting-edge aircraft carrier, sets sail for initial sea trials
1st May 2024 at 11:15am
China’s newest aircraft carrier, which features a next-generation electromagnetic catapult, has set sail for her maiden sea trials.
The Fujan, China’s third aircraft carrier, left Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard at around 8am local time.
The sea trials will test the carrier’s propulsion and electrical systems, as well as assess the living conditions for the crew, according to an expert quoted in Chinese media.
- State media shows off the Fujian – China’s brand new cutting-edge aircraft carrier
- Joint anti-submarine drills in South China Sea prompt swift response from Beijing
- New images show US military’s construction of huge floating aid pier for Gaza
Once commissioned by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the Fujian is expected to play a crucial role in the future development of China’s naval capabilities, according to Song Xiaojun, a Chinese expert on military affairs.
The Fujian is the only vessel other than the US Navy’s Gerald R Ford-class carriers to feature a next-generation electromagnetic catapult.
A catapult can launch an aircraft much faster than a ramp, allowing for a quicker launch.
An electromagnetic catapult is less demanding on power and water than its steam catapult predecessor.
However, according to Trevor Hollingsbee, a defence and security analyst, there are reliability issues when it comes to electromagnetic catapults.
The Fujan was launched in June 2022 and has since completed her mooring trials.
She is much larger and technologically more advanced than the Shandong, which was commissioned in 2019.
China’s first aircraft carrier was the Soviet-built Liaoning, which China bought second-hand from Ukraine in 1998 and refitted domestically
Navy Elects to Fix USS Boxer Rudder with Divers, Repair Could Take 2 Months
APRIL 30, 2024 8:05 PM – UPDATED: APRIL 30, 2024 8:40 PM
Divers will attempt to repair the big deck amphibious warship USS Boxer (LHD-4) in the water while the ship is pierside at Naval Station San Diego, Calif., USNI News has learned.
The effort will focus on repairs to the starboard rudder and the bearing that failed following Boxer’s departure for deployment on April 1, Navy officials told USNI News.
“The issue is the ship’s starboard rudder and roller bearing system. A series of inspections and assessments determined a waterborne repair is the most efficient way to execute maintenance and repairs,” reads a statement from Naval Surface Force provided to USNI News.
“USS Boxer will execute repairs to its starboard rudder at Naval Station San Diego. The waterborne repairs will be conducted at the pier and will likely not require a dry dock. Boxer may resume its deployment as soon as this summer.”
U.S. Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Stephen Koehler made the determination for Boxer to get fixed under water on Monday afternoon after reviewing recommendations from U.S, 3rd Fleet commander Vice Adm. Michael Boyle and Naval Surface Force commander Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, defense officials confirmed to USNI News.
A defense official told USNI News the repairs could take one to two months to complete. In parallel, the Navy is investigating the root cause of the rudder failure to see if “materials, parts or a faulty installation” are to blame for the failure of the starboard rudder, reads the statement from the service.
Boxer has been dogged with engineering issues since it completed an extensive modernization period in 2022. Navy officials have blamed contractor performance and quality assurance for a delay in a deployment that was supposed to start in January.
Sailors assigned to Boxer’s engineering department were found to be negligent in two command investigations. For example, in 2023 during sea trails, Boxer’s main reduction gear, the complex gearing mechanism that links the output of the steam plant to the props, ran without lube oil for two hours. It’s unclear whether the previous issues are related to the current rudder issue.
Before Monday’s decision, the Navy considered dry docking Boxer to repair the rudder, but the two dry docks in San Diego that are large enough to accommodate the 41,000-ton big deck amphib are occupied. The dry dock at BAE Systems’ San Diego repair yard is occupied by Littoral Combat Ship USS Oakland (LCS-24). General Dynamics NASSCO is hosting USS Chung Hoon (DDG-93), which is undergoing an availability to install the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block 3 as part of the DDG Mod 2.0 program.
The Navy also considered moving the ship north to Vigor’s ship repair yard in Portland, Ore., but the idea lacked appeal because the top ten feet of the ship’s mast would have to be removed to fit under a bridge over the Willamette River, sources familiar with the idea told USNI News.
Now with a path forward, the Navy and Marine Corps intend to deploy Boxer following the repairs.
Boxer is the flagship of the Amphibious Ready Group that includes USS Somerset (LPD-25) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49). Somerset and Harpers Ferry, with elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked, are currently operating in the South China Sea. The two ships are part of the Balikatan 2024 exercise taking place with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Boxer was slated to be a key platform for the exercise during the at sea period. How the deployment will proceed is still an open question. Somerset deployed in January for a series of exercises and Harpers Ferry departed in early April.
The emergent Boxer repair highlights troubles the Navy has had with maintaining the big deck fleet – the majority of which are powered by older steam boilers rather than modern diesel or maritime gas turbines.
“We found our amphib ships – the big decks in particular with steam plants – are having larger growth work than most of our ships and its it’s a challenge because of availability of parts, artisans, etc., “ Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby told the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee on Tuesday.
HMNZS Aotearoa – First of Class: When bad weather is a good thing
It’s all about storm chasing when you want to find out the limits a helicopter can operate within, from a ship.
01 MAY, 2024
Last month, maritime sustainment ship HMNZS Aotearoa passed its First of Class Flight Trials in partnership with No. 6 Squadron for the operation of a Seasprite SH2-G(I) maritime helicopter from its flight deck.
The achievement means Aotearoa, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest ship since commissioning in 2020, is qualified to embark a Seasprite and use it for operations and exercises.
Every class of ship capable of embarking and operating a helicopter needs to conduct trials to ascertain Ship Helicopter Operating Limits (SHOLs) – the safe limitations for a specific helicopter type flying to and from that particular class of ship.
The trials experiment with wind direction, ship movement and weight parameters for launching and recovering that helicopter, by day and night.
The ship’s company and the flight crews have to learn how the wind behaves in relation to the superstructure of the ship and its course and speed, which could alter wind direction and strength over the flight deck. There’s also the ship’s roll and pitch to take into account, depending on how the ship is pointing into the relative swell.
Both the ship and Seasprite were fitted with precision instrumentation to correlate relative wind speed and direction with the helicopter’s performance. Readings of engine thrust, rotor torque, landing force and other parameters were taken into account.
The more variable and challenging the weather, the more complete the data gathered will be. Cruising around the Hauraki Gulf isn’t going to be enough.
Watch First Of Class Flight Trials for HMNZS Aotearoa | Royal New Zealand Navy video
FIRST OF CLASS FLIGHT TRIALS FOR HMNZS AOTEAROA | ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY
“We were lucky with the weather,” says Aotearoa’s Ship Information Officer Ensign Emma Walker.
“We didn’t have to search too hard for rough seas and high winds.”
Training Flight Commander Lieutenant Commander Matt Snazell says the difficulty with the ship moving was working out where the waves were coming from.
“Aotearoa is such a big ship it’s quite difficult to tell. You see the swell break over the bow of the ship, but then it takes few seconds for it to get to the flight deck at the very end. You’re really just having to sit and wait for the opportune moment.”
“We did spend quite a lot of time going up and down with the ship and it looked quite hectic from the flight deck as it looked like we were moving all over the place,” he says.
The training enabled the helicopter crews to find the “edge of the night flying capability” – and they found it.
“We had a few issues with really strong winds and turbulance coming over, so we worked out there were certain areas we couldn’t use. We can’t have winds from a certain direction or at a certain strength.
“Strong winds from a really tricky direction means it’s not safe to oprate the helicopter, so that’s where we drew the line,” LTCDR Snazell says.
The crew used a combination of night vision goggles and flying unaided, using the lights from the ship.
Commander Rob Welford, Commanding Officer Aotearoa, says the trials took nine days.
“Finding the operating limits required the ship to seek out bad weather and this was achieved with the help of a meteorologist on board. A large swell was encountered near Cape Reinga, and strong winds off the East Cape.
“The biggest waves were eight metres high, our largest roll was nine degrees and largest pitch was 5.7 degrees.”
The trials required 28 hours of flying, 181 deck landings, plus 41 other trials such as transfer simulations and refuelling.
“It’s also a very good test of the ship’s organisation and ability to coordinate flying operations in all variations of weather and sea states,” Commander Welford said.
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Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine launched in China
April 30, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić
The launching ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine constructed for the Pakistan Navy was held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group’s Shuangliu Base in Wuhan China.
The government of Pakistan signed a deal with CSOC of China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines.
Under the contract, four submarines will be built in China whereas the other four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology (ToT).
These Submarines will be fitted with modern weapons and sensors to engage targets at standoff ranges.
To remind, in February this year, the keel was laid for the second submarine in this class. The keel-laying ceremony was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works’ facilities.
USS Cochrane
USS Boise (CL-47) was a light cruiser of the Brooklyn class in the United States Navy. The cruiser was named for Boise, the capital city of the state of Idaho.
Commissioned in 1938, she saw extensive service during World War II, taking part in fighting in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters. Following the war the ship was decommissioned in 1946 and lay idle until sold to Argentina in 1951. Renamed ARA Nueve de Julio, the ship remained in service with the Argentinian Navy until 1978, after which she was taken to Brownsville, Texas and scrapped in 1983.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Boise_(CL-47)
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: April 29, 2024
APRIL 29, 2024 1:19 PM
USNI News Graphic
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 29, 2024, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.
Ships Underway
| Total Battle Force | Deployed | Underway |
| 295 (USS 235, USNS 60) | 95 (USS 65, USNS 30) | 63 (44 Deployed, 26 Local) |
In Japan
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port Yokosuka. The carrier is set to depart for a repair availability in Washington state later this year. USS George Washington (CVN-73) will replace Reagan in Japan. USS America (LHA-6) is in port in Sasebo. America will also change homeports later this year, USNI News has learned.
In the Gulf of Thailand
Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is in the Gulf of Thailand after completing a port visit at Laem Chabang, Thailand.
The carrier has been using older C-2A Greyhounds as a temporary carrier-onboard delivery vehicle while the CMV-22B fleet was grounded following the November crash of an Air Force MV-22B Osprey off the coast of Japan.
Naval Air Systems Command lifted the grounding of the Ospreys and the Navy has started re-certifying crews and aircraft for the logistics operations.
Carrier Strike Group 9
Carrier
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
Carrier Air Wing 11
- The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
- The “Black Knights” of VFA 154 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
- The “Blue Blasters” of VFA 34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
- The “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA 211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
- The “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
- The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.
- The “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
- The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.
Cruiser
USS Lake Erie (CG-70), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Destroyer Squadron 23
Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt.
- USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
- USS Halsey (DDG-97), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
- USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In the Eastern Mediterranean
The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) entered the Eastern Mediterranean for a port visit to Souda Bay, Crete, after transiting through the Suez Canal on Friday, USNI News reported.
Ike deployed on Oct. 14, while several of the carrier’s escorts left on Oct. 13. The carrier transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and transited the Suez Canal on Nov. 4. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin extended the ship’s deployment late last month, a defense official confirmed to USNI news.
Carrier Strike Group 2
Carrier
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Carrier Air Wing 3
- The “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
- The “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA 32 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
- The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
- The “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
- The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
- The “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
- The “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 – MH-60S – from Naval Station Norfolk.
Cruiser
USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Destroyer Squadron 22
Destroyer Squadron 22 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Eisenhower.
- USS Gravely (DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
- USS Mason (DDG-87), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
In the Red Sea
U.S. ships continue to patrol the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led multinational effort to protect ships moving through the region. Houthi forces in Yemen continue to attack merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while U.S. naval forces in the region have continued strikes against Houthi weapons that U.S. Central Command says are a threat to naval and merchant ships. Houthi forces say they are targeting ships with connections to the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Israel.
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 10 approved a resolution calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebel group to “cease its brazen” attacks in the Red Sea.
On Sunday, U.S. Central Command engaged five airborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Red Sea.
On Friday, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea in the vicinity of MV MAISHA, an Antiqua/Barbados flagged, Liberia operated vessel and MV Andromeda Star, a UK owned and Panamanian flagged, Seychelles operated vessel. MV Andromeda Star reported minor damage but continued its voyage.
On Thursday, USCENTCOM engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel (USV) and one UAV in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
On Wednesday, USCENTCOM engaged and destroyed four UAVs over Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
In the Gulf of Aden
On Thursday, one ASBM was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden.
On Wednesday, a coalition vessel successfully engaged one ASBM launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. The ASBM was likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members, according to U.S. Central Command.
In the Persian Gulf
U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In the Eastern Pacific
Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) returned to San Diego, Calif., delaying its deployment after suffering a casualty, USNI News reported. The two San Diego dry docks large enough to accommodate a big deck amphibious warship are currently occupied, complicating the repairs of Boxer.
Naval Sea Systems Command told USNI News last week that it has not yet made a decision on the way forward.
“Boxer is currently pier side at Naval Station San Diego. As inspections and assessments are continuing, a decision on the most efficient way to execute repairs is still being determined,” reads the statement.
In the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic
The ships carrying pieces to build a humanitarian aid pier in Gaza are now mostly in the Mediterranean Sea.
Three U.S. Army watercraft, a Military Sealift Command transport and a Maritime Administration ready reserve transport ship are off the coast of Gaza.
As of Monday, USAV General Frank S. Benson (LSV-1), USAV Montorrey (LCU-2030), USAV Matamoros (LCU-2026) were operating in the Eastern Mediterranean, along with Military Sealift Command ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (T-AK-3010) and MARAD ship MV Roy P. Benavidez (TAKR-306). USAV SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-4) was in Souda Bay, according to ship spotters. USAV Wilson Wharf (LCU-2011) was in the Eastern Atlantic off the coast of North Africa, not yet in the Mediterranean Sea.
Lopez and USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (TAK-3008) were transporting parts of Naval Beach Group One’s similar floating pier system to operate in tandem with the Army’s system.
2nd Lt. John P. Bobo returned to Jacksonville, Fla., after experiencing a fire in its engine room, the Navy said Wednesday. The crew extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation, according to the statement. As of Monday USNS GySgt. Fred. W. Stockham (T-AK-3008) was in Jacksonville.
The general concept will have the Army build a pier that it will anchor to the shore in Gaza, with no U.S. personnel setting foot on land. The Navy will build a transfer point two to three miles offshore where cargo – likely originating in Cyprus – will be transferred to the Army watercraft to be taken to the pier.
Based on the initial timelines, the pier could be completed by mid-May.
In the Western Atlantic
Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) departed Norfolk, Va. on Thursday en route its new homeport of Yokosuka, Japan.
As part of its transit, George Washington will participate in Southern Seas 2024, which seeks to enhance capability, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships with countries throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility through joint, multinational and interagency exchanges and cooperation. The carrier is set to arrive at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., this week for an opening ceremony for the start of Southern Seas.
Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) is operating off the East Coast.
Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is underway conducting basic training.
In addition to these major formations, not shown are others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Seabees, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.