Navy Archives
Captain Queeg Is Alive and Relieved
By Townie 76
Pat Lang at Sic Semper Tyrannis has had a very interesting discussion on the relief by the Navy of Captain Holly Graf as Commanding Officer of the USS Cowpens. There are several embedded links in the Sic Semper Tyrannis I would suggest all to follow those as they paint a very disturbing picture of life under her command.
USS INDEPENDENCE (LCS-2)
By Richard S. Lowry
Somali pirates beware; the United States Navy’s newest ship is nearly operational. The U.S.S. Independence (LCS-2) is designed to operate in the littorals (the shallow waters along the world’s coastlines). It is small and stealthy; fast and agile. This relatively small, high-speed combatant will complement the U.S. Navy's Aegis Fleet, DDG 1000 and CG(X) by operating in environments where it is less desirable to employ larger, multi-mission ships.
In today’s world, and in the foreseeable future, America will be involved in conflicts worldwide against third-world antagonists. Seldom, will the U.S. Navy have to fight the ‘deep-water’ fight. More often than not, our navy will need to operate in shallow waters around the world, dealing with cruise missile sites along the Iranian coast, chasing pirates off the lawless Somali coastline and weaving their way through the island nations of Indonesia and The Philippines. Independence and her sister ships will be there at the tip of America’s spear.
The Independence is packed full of advanced technology sensors and communications systems, manned and unmanned vehicles and weapons systems that don’t miss. She is a 417 foot long trimaran which has a draft of less than 15 feet. She has a top speed of more than 45 knots, faster than any surface ship in today’s Navy, and can easily be configured to handle a multitude of assignments from anti-submarine warfare to hunting down pirates. She is a triple-hulled, weapons-laden monster.
The U.S. Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS Independence on December 18, 2009 from General Dynamics at the Austal shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The ship will be commissioned on January 16 and is expected to be ready to sail by February 2010.
The first of the 41 for freedom
By Bull Nav
Today marks a significant event in the history of this great nation. One that, unfortunately, far too few know about or even care about (I know Richard does).
From the commander of US Subvets Groton Base:
Before I get into this broadcast I want to take you back 50 years to 29 Dec 1959. We were already at war in a place that we would be hearing a lot about, a place called Viet Nam. The Cold War between the US, and the USSR was really hot. The next day would be a momentous day for the U.S., for the U.S. Navy, and for the U.S. Submarine Force. The would be an event that would change history and Submarine Warfare forever. The event on 30 Dec 1959 was the commissioning of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN 598). The GW was the first Fleet Balistic Missile Submarine to be commissioned by the U.S. Navy. The weapons that she would carry to sea were intended for deterrence, with the hopes that they would never have to be launched in anger. That arsenal of missles made the bombs that ended WWII in Hiroshima and Nagasaki look like fire crackers. The commissioning of the GW would mean that some where silently patrolling unknown to our enemies were the bombs that would take out the major cities in Russia. The commissioning of the GEORGE WASHINGTON laid the groundwork for 41 Submarines that would carry Polaris and Posieden missiles, and would become fondly known as the 41 for Freedom. Later as these Submarines came to the end of their useful lives, they were replaced by even more incredible Submarines, the TRIDENT Submarines. The groundwork laid by the GEORGE WASHINGTON's Commissioning on 30 Dec 1959 was the foundation for thousands of man years of the crews of all of those Submarines on Deterrent Patrols out of places like Rota Spain, Holyloch Scotland, Groton, Charleston, Kings Bay, Pearl Harbor, Guam, and Bangor Washington. All of those efforts were for peace, and deterrence in the hopes that Russians would not shoot first knowing what was being aimed at them. The men who brought USS GEORGE WASHINGTON to life that day, and the men who first sailed her were pioneers. With everything that followed them, we owe these pioneers a great debt of gratitude for what they accomplished. Many of our members served aboard the GW, and many others followed their initial lead. So to all those who brought GEORGE WASHINGTON to life, I would like to say thank you to each one of you for all that you did for the Submarine Force.
The sail of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN598) on permanent display at the Submarine Museum in Groton, CT (photo: bullnav following the December drill weekend).
And 50 years ago...
GROTON, Conn. (June 9, 1959) - The ballistic-missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 589) slides down the ways during her launching ceremony at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation, Groton, Conn. George Washington was originally scheduled to become USS Scorpion (SSN 589) but during her construction she was lengthened by the insertion of a 130-foot missile section and was finished as a fleet ballistic-missile submarine. George Washington was commissioned as the Navy's first nuclear-powered fleet ballistic-missile submarine on Dec. 30, 1959.
Our 14 Trident ballistic missile submarines still patrol the seas today, the submariners aboard them making a different type of sacrifice from those in daily combat, yet just as necessary.
Take a few minutes today to remember the SSBN sailors who spent years of their lives as our most survivable arm of the nuclear triad.
Remember the COLE
By Bull Nav
Nine years ago yesterday.
From the commemoration at NOB:
"The families of the USS Cole have waited nine years for justice to be served to those who attacked USS Cole. And although their wait continues, today's anniversary honors the 17 sailors who were the first casualties in the War on Terror. They will forever be remembered for their sacrifice in service to their country on a ship far from its homeport."
It seems folks forget about the USS COLE (DDG67) and the sacrifices her sailors made that day. Look at the pictures of the damage, read the reports of what happened...this is why a few of my BRs (John, Neal) and many others are still in Afghanistan.
The Chesapeake Flotilla
By Lt Col P
Nifty article in today's WaPo about the Chesapeake Flotilla, built to try and stop the Royal Navy from ascending the bay in 1814 and burning various places, including the capital:
In the summer of 1813, Barney, a Revolutionary War naval hero, proposed building a flotilla of shallow-draft gunboats and barges that could harass the British, whose far-larger warships controlled the Chesapeake Bay and who were raiding plantations and small towns at will. After being assembled in Baltimore, the flotilla set sail in the spring of 1814, clashing with the British at St. Leonard's Creek in June and escaping up the Patuxent.The British advanced up the Patuxent in August 1814 and landed an invasion force, trapping Barney's flotilla in the river's upper reaches. Under orders from the Secretary of the Navy, Barney scuttled the fleet with rigged explosives just ahead of the British. He escaped with most of his men and cannons to defend Washington, and they played a heroic but ultimately futile role in trying to stop the British, who captured the city and burned the Capitol, the White House and almost all other government buildings.
"Not only did an army of invasion lay their boots on American soil, they burned our capital, and this fleet was trying to stop it," said Marine archaeologist Donald G. Shomette, author of "Flotilla," a history of the Patuxent naval campaign. Shomette also helped lead the flotilla search three decades ago. "Here we have the presumed flagship 16 miles from the White House, in shallow water. In terms of historical value, this is extremely significant."
I wish them good luck, and I hope they succeed in this very important venture.
France Surrenders Its Sea-Based Nuclear Arsenal
By John
Sorry, couldn't resist the headline. They still have their boomers, of course -- but no more sluggers ported by carrier.
France no longer deploys nuclear weapons on its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle under normal circumstances but stores the weapons on land, according to French officials.President Nicolas Sarkozy declared in March 2008 that France “could and should be more transparent with respect to its nuclear arsenal than anyone ever has been.” But while the other nuclear powers declared long ago that their naval weapons were offloaded or scrapped after the Cold War ended, a similar announcement has – to my knowledge – been lacking from France.
The French acknowledgment marks the end of peacetime deployment of short-range nuclear weapons at sea.
Russkies Knocking on the Front Door?
By Bull Nav
Glad to see our friends are back.
A top Russian general shrugged off two nuclear-powered Russian attack submarines that have been spotted off the U.S. East Coast, saying that they are part of regular patrols and in line with normal international practice.
...
U.S. defense officials said Tuesday that the Russian submarines had been patrolling in international waters for several days. While the activity was reminiscent of the Cold War, the U.S. officials said the submarines had done nothing to provoke concern.
What are they up to? More importantly, why is this in the news?
For some reason, they accuse us of the same.
Nogovitsyn said the patrols were “a normal thing” and suggested the U.S. also has submarines patrolling near Russia.
I can't imagine why they would make that accusation. After all, we are all friends now.
ASDS: Stick a fork in it, it's done
By Bull Nav
After the fire last November, and the fact that the hull had to be sealed for several hours before it stopped, I wondered what they were going to do with this one-of-a-kind system.
The career of a small, one-of-a-kind mini-submarine intended to carry U.S. special operations troops for covert operations has come to an apparent end, a victim of the high cost of repairs after an accidental fire burned out the vessel’s interior.
As you can probably guess, repair costs were the reason.
Although an investigation still hasn’t determined what caused the fire, the Navy estimates repairs to the 60-ton craft would cost $237 million, or $180 million more than the craft’s operating budget, and take nearly three years to complete.
A great idea, the ASDS unfortunately was a disaster. I remember back in the mid-90's when we were told that there would be several of these and that Submarine Officers would be the pilots. It was delivered 13 years late, waaaay over budget, and ended at one hull.
My hope would be that something like this would be the exception, but I am afraid that with the way our weapons systems development/procurement processes are going, it is the norm.
The Slow and Unnecessary Death of Three Old Warriors
By Townie 76
A trip to Patriots Point in Charleston South Carolina is well worth the trip if for no other reason to see the neglect of three warriors. Oh yes, the mighty Yorktown (actually the Bonne Homme Richard and re-commissioned as the Yorktown) is the show piece of Patriots Point. Money and upkeep are readily spent to keep the main attraction ready to welcome visitors. There was a time when there were three others ships of the line you could visit, but recently it is my understanding they have been closed to the public because they are sinking.
These three ships while not as physically impressive as the Yorktown but whose history and survival are important to our understanding of U. S. Naval History are the USS Laffey DD 724, USS Clamagore SS 343, and the USCGC Ingham WHEC 35 and whose collective history spans World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War.
Read More »
Navy FY10 O6 Staff Corps Selects: VMI '89
By Bull Nav
ALNAV 037/09, FY-10 ACTIVE-DUTY NAVY CAPTAIN STAFF CORPS SELECTIONS, was released a couple of weeks ago. Just as we had some of our BR's on the URL list, so there are a couple of folks on the Staff Corps list.
I would like to congratulate John Adametz and Joe Grealish, both CEC officers, on thier selection for O6. Great job guys!
(Sorry I am a little late; a touch busy here.)
Midway
By Bull Nav
On this 67th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, I would like to highly recommend a book I read last month which has significantly changed my views on that battle: Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway by Jonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully.
Two things are singularly impressive about this work.
First, the scholarship and diligence with which the authors approached the topic. The use of original Japanese source documents in crafting this history shows a side of the battle we have never seen, nor much thought about. Additionally, much is developed in the way of Japanese tactics and the state of the IJN at that point in the war.
Secondly, the debunking of several myths which have surrounded the battle. Most significant was the myth that the Japanese aircraft were caught on deck changing armament when they were attacked by US dive bombers.
Read it. I promise that you will not be disappointed.
USS HAWAII (SSN776) AWARDED THE USCG MUC
By Bull Nav
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers/Released)
USS HAWAII (SSN776), commanded by CDR Ed Herrington, VMI '89, was awarded the US Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation yesterday for their work during a deployment last year.
GROTON, Connecticut – Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) became only the second Naval submarine in history to receive the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation during a presentation ceremony on May 7th for its role in tracking drug runners and helping to keep illegal drugs off the nation's streets.
The Groton-based submarine earned the award for its part in counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South from February 20 to April 17 last year.
Of course, we are not going to find out exactly what they did.
"Really, all we can talk about is that we supported counter drug operations in Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)," said Cmdr. Edward Herrington, Hawaii's Commanding Officer.
Congratulations to the whole crew of HAWAII as it truly takes a team effort to make that happen. In particular, congratulations to my BR Ed Herrington for having such a great ship.
Keep up the outstanding work!
Navy FY10 O6 Selects: VMI '89
By Bull Nav
ALNAV 029/09, FY-10 ACTIVE-DUTY NAVY CAPTAIN LINE SELECTIONS was released today. For those of us from VMI '89, it is significant because this was the first O6 selection board in which our BR's were in zone.
I would like to congratulate CDR Ed Herrington, CDR Rick Skiff, CDR Winton Smith, and CDR Todd Hooks for selection to Captain. Great accomplishment, guys.
Not to mention, just in time for the reunion this weekend...
Excited about this...
By John
Though I can't figure out when it's supposed to release --
Friday Night Lights director Peter Berg writes, directs, and produces this true-life tale of survival set in Afghanistan and involving a Navy Seal whose entire squadron was killed in a Taliban ambush. Marcus Luttrell was a Navy Seal who led a team of soldiers into Afghanistan on a dangerous mission to kill a Taliban leader. One day, while preparing for their mission on the side of a mountain, the team was surprised to encounter an Afghan man, a farmer, and a young boy. Subsequently struggling with the decision whether to kill them and violate the military rules of engagement or to let them go and risk blowing their cover, the team took a vote and found themselves deadlocked at an even split. As the leader of the team, it was up to Luttrell to make the final call. Determining that the three were simple civilians, Luttrell made the call to release them. An hour later, his entire team was wiped out by dozens of heavily armed Taliban. When the smoke cleared, Luttrell was clinging to life -- the sole survivor of the brutal ambush. In the following days Luttrell would use his military experience to stay alive in a hostile landscape and avoid detection by the Taliban.
Peter Berg did an amazing job with The Kingdom, in that he refused to inject his opinion on US foreign policy during the film. Kept true to the story, which I admired. Plus, The Kingdom was just damn well done. If Berg handles Operation Red Wing with the same care and attention to detail that he's treated previous works, this film should kick a US Navy SEAL level of ass.
By the way, if you haven't read the book -- you should.
Maersk Alabama: No Negotiation
By Bull Nav
Take it down. Now.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Somali pirates Wednesday hijacked a U.S.-flagged cargo ship with 21 crew members aboard, a diplomat and a U.S. Navy spokesman said. The Kenya-based diplomat identified the vessel as the 17,000-ton Maersk Alabama and said all the crew members are American. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. The U.S. Navy confirmed that a U.S. flagged ship with 21 members of crew was hijacked early Wednesday off the eastern coast of Somalia.Piracy was one of the reasons we have a Navy. We need to use swift, decisive force now to kill the pirates on this ship and send a message to all the other ones out there waiting.
Note that this is the first US flagged merchant ship that has been captured by pirates off Somalis.
Hartford: 85-degree roll?
By Bull Nav
That's what Navy Times is reporting.
Investigators think the attack submarine Hartford rolled 85 degrees after it collided with the amphibious transport dock New Orleans in the Strait of Hormuz on March 20, according to a Navy statement.
Not to mention, there was some more damage.
“Despite the roll, engineering investigations have confirmed the propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision,” the statement said. “However, Hartford sustained damage to its sail and periscope, as well as the port bow plane.”
The collision punched a 16-by-18 foot hole in New Orleans’ fuel tank, and two interior ballast tanks were damaged, the statement said.
I had heard that the bow plane was damaged, and after examining my model of SCRANTON, it appeared to me that the ship would have to roll at least 75 degrees in order for the bottom of NEW ORLEANS to come in contact with the port bow plane (assuming that the bow of NEW ORLEANS struck the sail of HARTFORD). Also, I noticed that in no picture of HARTFORD was either periscope raised, leading me to conclude that something could have happened to them, too.
They will be spending a long time there getting fixed. Keep the crew in your thoughts and prayers as they have a lot of work to do.
HARTFORD damage photos
By Bull Nav
Courtesy of the Navy website and Navy Times, there are some telling pictures out today on the damage this fine warship suffered.
090321-N-9909C-211 BAHRAIN (March 21, 2009) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) pulls into Mina Salman pier in Bahrain where U.S. Navy engineers and inspection teams will asses and evaluate damage that resulted from a collision with the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Strait of Hormuz March 20. Overall damage to both ships is being evaluated. The incident remains under investigation. Hartford is deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility to support maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell/Released)
CMDR. JANE CAMPBELL / NAVY / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS This photo released by the U.S. Navy shows the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hartford pulling into Mina Salman pier in Bahrain on Saturday.
There will be more to follow. Suffice it to say this is bad.
A Collision at Sea can ruin your whole day
By Richard S. Lowry
A US Navy submarine, USS Hartford SSN 768, has collided with the Amphibious Assault Ship USS New Orleans LPD-18 in the straights of Hormuz. Initial reports are that only a handful of sailors were slightly injured. New Orleans suffered a ruptured fuel tank.
USS Hartford SSN 768
Read More »
Chinese getting frisky
By Bull Nav
Well, it looks like the Chinese don't want us watching them.
The Defense Department said in a statement that a Chinese intelligence ship and several others surrounded the USNS Impeccable, an unarmed vessel with a civilian merchant marine crew. The U.S. vessel was conducting ocean surveys Sunday in international waters in the South China Sea.
I will be interested to see what our response is.
PORT ROYAL Grounding Follow-up
By Bull Nav
To no one's surprise, the CO has been relieved.
The commanding officer of the cruiser Port Royal was sacked Monday, only hours after salvage ships pulled his cruiser off the shoal where it had been stuck since Thursday night.
Capt. John Carroll was “temporarily relieved of command pending the results of the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the ship’s grounding,” according to a Navy announcement.
Note that at this point, he has only been temporarily relieved of command while the investigation is in progress. This is typical in a situation such as a grounding, collision, or allision. In fact, there are two investigations in progress.
First off, the JAGMAN is being conducted under the auspices of the General Court Martial Convening authority (most likely SURFPAC) and will determine culpability for UCMJ violations, specifically Art. 108, destruction of military property, and Art. 110, hazarding a vessel.
That is what everyone in the WR on USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN759) was investigated for following our grounding in March 1994. Believe me when I tell you that it is no fun. You are being interviewed for the JAGMAN while at the same time you are trying to fix the ship. Long days.
Secondly, there is a Mishap investigation in progress. This one is to determine what happened so that training and procedures can be changed/updated as necessary.
As for damage, a preliminary report is out, too.
The cruiser Port Royal sheared off blades on both its screws, damaged its bow sonar dome and left its anchors, anchor chains and other debris on the ocean floor during the three days it was stuck on a shoal near Honolulu Airport, the Navy said.
The $1 billion cruiser sat at Pearl Harbor’s Mike 3 pier Monday as Navy divers ran a remotely operated vehicle underneath it looking for additional damage.
Back into dock they will go, where it will take some time to fix. Remember, this is one of the TBMD ships so it is a significantly higher value asset that is not available.
After the JAGMAN is complete, the CO will go to Admiral's Mast and he will be relieved for cause. There will most likely be some others in the WR who will answer up, but he will take the biggest hit.
The crew is going to have a lot to overcome. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Ship Aground
By Lt Col P
BR BullNav and I were talking about it just this morning. For those of you not in the naval service: If you're the Captain and your ship runs aground, no matter whether you were on the bridge or on the shitter, wide awake or fast asleep, YOU ARE DONE. Barely scratched the paint? DONE. Taking on water like the Lusitania? SAVE THE SHIP AND THEN STAND BY TO GET RELIEVED.
Zero tolerance.
I'll give an example I saw first-hand. In 1993 (April?), USS Wasp grazed a reef in the middle of the night off Somalia. It passed unnoticed to those of us who were sound asleep. Didn't go fast aground, just grazed it with minimal damage, if any. The Captain was a good man, and this was not his first command. Two years prior, he had commanded the USS Tripoli in the Gulf when she hit a mine; the Captain's skill and leadership and ceaseless preparation of his crew ensured that Tripoli lived to fight another day. So, he was a proven man who had saved a ship in combat.
And he was relieved of his command of Wasp.
No slack.
Ode to the Warrior Class
By Slab
Our good friend and fellow Institute man Michael Solovey is working on yet another print honoring our warriors. This one, titled "Ode to the Warrior Class", is a tribute to our heritage and the warriors who have gone before. To quote Michael:
This main image could be a Marine or Soldier. He looks off into battle with allusions to other great warrior cultures in the background--Vikings, Spartans, and Romans. Across the sky, there are silhouettes of Blackhawks, Hueys, and Cobras flying into battle. This future print will be a watercolor with the intent of celebrating the Warrior Class and what we do as a profession.
Here is the concept sketch he sent me. Continue to check the Solovey art website for updates.
Additionally, I created a Military Artwork category for more posts about the work of Michael Solovey and his fellow artists.
Previous work by Michael Solovey:
MARSOC Artwork*
Thus Ever To Tyrants
* Also, Michael posted an update on his MARSOC print, titled "Precision Pride" in the comments section.
All the prints are signed & numbered and ready for release next week. This print is also in memory of Corpsman Luke Milam (Upper left-hand corner). I spoke with his family this week and have given the original to them. Please keep them in your prayers. If interested in one of these prints (they are going quickly already) please send me an email at soloveyart@earthlink.net. Appreciate the support. Semper Fi!
Michael Solovey VMI '96
Army-Navy Pranks Go Airborne
By John
Great plan, but execution was lacking by about 100ft.
Is it just me, or is the rivalry now more about pranks than the actual game?
Navy had the last laugh, btw.
Hotel Tango: Captain's Journal
Robert Timberg Fired
By Bull Nav
Well, this came as shocking news.
The U.S. Naval Institute, the publisher of Proceedings magazine, has fired its well-known editor, author Robert Timberg.Timberg, a former journalist, was at the helm of Proceedings, a forum for military thinkers for more than 100 years, for about three years. He is the author of several books about naval history, including “The Nightingale’s Song” and a biography of Sen. John McCain.
I remember being mildly excited when I heard that Mr. Timberg had become the editor of Proceedings. I know that in the past, the magazine has not been so much about the purveyor of new ideas, but I think they have been of late trying to provide the outspoken a voice.
I hope his firing is not because he was not toeing the line.
Carrier going to Mayport
By Bull Nav
Folks have been waiting for this announcement for a while.
A nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be based at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Navy officials announced Monday.“We have selected a preferred alternative, which is to homeport a CVN in Mayport,” Navy Secretary Donald Winter said in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. “The principal rationale for that has to do with the vulnerability of the concentration [of carriers] we have right now in the Tidewater [Va.] area and the desirability to be able to have an additional resource for homeport operations and support.”
Since the JFK was decommissioned, there has been no carrier stationed there. This ends the idle speculation.
But it's not without cost and is not going to be anytime soon.
But the move will require at least $426 million and five years to complete before any carrier will call Mayport home.“We do not anticipate having the required military construction completed until 2014,” said Lt. Sean Robertson, spokesman for the Navy at the Pentagon. “We will not homeport a nuclear carrier in Mayport until all the necessary infrastructure is in place.”
Good idea? I think so. Having all the East Coast carriers in one port (i.e., Norfolk) makes sense from a logistical standpoint, but from a strategic standpoint it is somewhat lacking.
There are two major tunnels that ships must cross when entering or leaving Norfolk (or the Norfolk International Terminals). These are the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. If a terrorist group disabled or sunk one of the large container ships that ply Hampton Roads at one of these locations when several of the carriers (not to mention the big deck amphibs) were in port, we would be in trouble (like during the Christmas standdown).
Moving a carrier down to Mayport will ensure we have at least one that won't get stuck. It kind of makes sense to move perhaps another one down there.
Of course the folks in Hampton Roads are not too happy.
Virginia officials immediately criticized the decision as costly, inefficient and politically motivated. They vowed to fight the proposal.
So we will have to see what happens in the new year.
Should get interesting.
Only at Great Lakes
By Bull Nav
So the other day I had occasion to go to the Navy Federal Credit Union while at drill at NAVSTA Great Lakes. There is not a branch here in Michigan, but this worked out conveniently.
As I was waiting, I looked around the lobby and it occurred to me that I have been a NFCU member for longer than half the folks in there have been alive.
Man, they have a long way to go...
ASDS Fire
By Bull Nav
(Photo: Honolulu Star Bulletin)
The one and only Advanced SEAL Delivery System mini-sub caught fire the other day.
The black, 65-foot Advanced SEAL Delivery System minisub was undergoing routine maintenance in its shore-based facility at 8:30 p.m. Sunday when Navy personnel monitoring the battery recharging process noticed sparks and flames coming from near some of the battery compartments, officials said.
It took a while to put the fire out.
The building was immediately evacuated, and seven trucks and 25 federal firefighters responded but it took six hours to extinguish the fire and cool any remaining hot spots in the battery compartment, the Navy reported yesterday.
This thing is a great idea. The usual Swimmer Delivery System consists of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle which is housed inside a drydeck shelter atop a SSGN. The SEALS exit the submarine into the drydeck shelter, it is flooded down and equalized with sea pressure, and then they drive the SDV away. Yes, they are wearing breathing gear, but they are continuously exposed to the seawater environment. It takes a physical toll on the SEALs while in transit to the mission area.
The ASDS on the other hand transports the SEALs in a dry environment so that they are rested and ready to go once they arrive at the mission area. Originally conceived in the early 1990s, there were originally supposed to be six built. The ASDS can be mated to specially configured LOS ANGELES fast attack submarines.
This is the only one.
The battery-powered minisub, designed to ride piggyback on an attack sub to within range of a hostile coast or other target, has been part of a troubled program that began in 1992. The vessel was delivered to the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command in 2001 and assigned to Pearl Harbor's SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 in 2003.There were initial problems with its propeller system, then problems with the electrical system and batteries.
A 2003 General Accounting Office report said the electrical system repeatedly shorted out and drained its silver-zinc batteries more quickly than the Navy projected. The zinc batteries were replaced with lithium-ion batteries.
The GAO report said the program, which initially called for six vessels, was to cost $527 million but rose to more than $2 billion.
Defense Industry Daily reported in April that "technical, reliability, and 400 percent cost overrun issues proved nearly insuperable." Plans for six subs were halted in 2006, and the remaining ongoing effort was directed "to boost the performance of the existing sub and complete its operational testing," the publication said.
I remember being on my first boat and hearing that by the time I got to our Department Head school, they would be looking for Submarine Qualified officers for pilots. Only once did I hear that, then you did not hear about it for a while.
Unfortunately, this is yet another example of our lack of shipbuilding ability. This would give us a capability unlike any other nation, and now our only one is wrecked. The Lithium Ion batteries used represent one of the most advanced battery technologies available, yet as far as I know it is not quite mature. Your car battery uses a lead-acid system, while Hybrid-electric vehicles use Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH). One day it is expected that Lithium Ion batteries will be used in Hybrids, but we are not there yet. In fact, I am surprised that the Navy is using it in the ASDS.
This fire is very bad, and will probably render the ASDS unable to go to sea for quite some time. One might consider this as the loss of a one-of-a-kind strategic asset.
I am looking forward to the investigation.
Getting away from it all (not really)
By Bull Nav
So, on Saturday morning, my son and I headed out into the wilds of Michigan (really only 4 miles or so from the house) for a Webelos II campout with Boy Scouts. The whole purpose was to get trained for the Outdoorsman Activity Badge. Pretty cool, except for the 40F temps, and the 40 mph wind gusts.
Oh, well, character building and all that.
When we got back, I figured I did not miss jack.
'Course I was wrong.
My friend Joel has stomach cancer. Drop him a note, say a prayer. Cancer sucks. I have known Joel for over 10 years, and this...sucks.
On the other hand, the SEALS kicked ass, as usual:
“One option was for the money to arrive and be ransomed,” the 61-year-old engineer from Ohio told Military Times, speaking on the condition that he remain anonymous. Another was “that they’d just get tired of me and let me loose.” A third was “some kind of military intervention,” he said. “In my mind I’d given a military intervention a one out of a hundred chance. Not that they couldn’t do it, but they’re busy and I’m not that important a fellow.”On an airstrip many miles away, however, several twin sets of Chinook helicopter rotor blades were starting to turn as about 60 of America’s most elite troops prepared to prove him wrong. Members of a task force that Military Times agreed not to name, the commandos had been hunting for the businessman since soon after he went missing. Now they were ready to act.
Wherever you are, where ever you go, we will hunt you down to the ends of the earth.
Read the article and heed.
FOAD.
Veteran's Day Benefit for SOC Jason Freiwald
By Bull Nav
Back in September, just prior to when he was to pin on Chief, Jason Freiwald was killed in action against Taliban in Afghanistan. He left behind a wife and young daughter.
For anyone in SE Michigan, a benefit is being held for him on Veteran's Day.
I would encourage anyone in the area to attend. As I understand it, most of the Chiefs who drill at NOSC Detroit will be attending.
Note that donations for those who can't attend can be mailed to the address noted on the flyer.
New Destroyer Named
By Bull Nav
...for a Medal of Honor winner.
One of the Navy’s largest new surface warships will bear the name of a Navy SEAL who received the nation’s highest award for valor.“DDG 1001, the second ship in our newest class of destroyers, will be named after Michael Monsoor,” Navy Secretary Donald Winter said remarks prepared for an address to be given Wednesday night in New York.
“Michael Monsoor’s name will now be linked with one of our nation’s most visible examples of military power — a U.S. Navy warship,” Winter said in the address prepared for a Navy SEAL Warrior Fund dinner.The Michael Monsoor will be the second DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class advanced destroyer. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is expected to begin construction of the ship next year at its Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., with delivery projected to take place in 2014.
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor is one of two sailors awarded the Medal of Honor since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began. The first, Lt. Michael Murphy, is the namesake of DDG 112, now under construction at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works of Bath, Maine, and is expected to be delivered in 2011.
That makes 3 of 4 so honored.
RIP Paul Smith, Jason Dunham, Michael Monsoor, and Mike Murphy.
Another (This Time Classified) Navy Cross
By Bull Nav
There is a report in Navy Times about a Navy Medical Officer who was awarded the Navy Cross last year.
Somewhere out in the fleet, there’s a Navy medical officer who earned the Navy Cross during vicious, hammering combat five years ago.
And he’s not authorized to wear the award — second only to the Medal of Honor.
That’s because the 2003 mission, during which the officer fought like a demon and put himself in the line of fire to save several wounded American and Afghan comrades from al-Qaida and Taliban forces, remains classified.
In my time on active duty, I had heard of awards given to folks who were not allowed to wear them. I have also seen awards that are somewhat vague on specifics (then you have the PARCHE).
This is the first time I have heard of a Navy Cross awarded in which the recipient is not allowed to discuss or wear it.
Brenton said the information in the citation is unclassified but the officer’s identity remains undisclosed because “the mission was sensitive.” He was awarded the Navy Cross in April 2007. “His name has been redacted to protect the individual, as well as the individual’s family,” Brenton said.
A copy of the citation, with name redacted, is available on the Navy Times website.
To the unnamed LT, my hat is off to you.
History...Coincidence?
By Bull Nav
So, John brings up Agincourt.
I will bring up Samar and Grenada.
0737 Mercury 33 v Taffy 33 Big fellows make first run, form on me in order, DREADNAUGHT, NEBRASKA, BRASSLOCK. Little fellows form up for second run.BRASSLOCK, wilco out.
JUGGERNAUT, wilco out.
DREADNAUGHT was USS SAMUEL B ROBERTS.
Seven destroyers and destroyer escorts were escorting 6 "jeep" carriers. The action was intense.
"...about the time of the torpedo attack, the destroyer JOHNSTON came by us and I saw her for the last time. That picture is engraved in my memory...She had taken a terrific beating. Her bridge was battered and had been abandoned. Her foremast, a steel tubular mast...had been split from shellfire and then bent down over itself...the mast was doubled over on itself and dangling down with its radar swinging just like a pendulum.... It gave me a hurt feeling to look at it. Her searchlights had been knocked off. One torpedo mount was gone and her No. 3 gun had completely disappeared. As she went by...she was limping along at a pretty slow speed...I saw her Captain. He was a very big man with coal black hair...he was standing on the fantail conning his ship by calling down through an open scuttle hatch into the steering engine room. I can see him now. He was stripped to the waist and was covered with blood. His left hand was wrapped in a handkerchief...he wasn't over one hundred feet from us as he passed us on our starboard side...he turned a little and waved his hand at me. That's the last time I saw him because JOHNSTON was sunk, too, a few minutes after we were."
Those were the words of ROBERTS CO.
She sank, too.
At 0851 three 8-inch armor piercing shells struck ROBERTS....one below the water line....one in the IC room knocking out communications and electrical power....and one in the forward engine room rupturing a steam line. From this point on ROBERTS became the focal point of Japanese gunfire. Unable to match her previous speed, ROBERTS is hit by three 14-inch shells from battleship HIJMS KONGO. A 40-foot hole is ripped in her port side near the water line....the end for ROBERTS drew near. Shortly after 0910 LCDR Copeland ordered "abandon ship."In LCDR Copeland's words...."I went on down the deck. Nothing about the ship portrayed her condition as much as the view I had when I turned from looking at those boys (the dead) and saw our motor whaleboat hanging in the davits with the boat gripes having been shot away...shrapnel had come and ripped the bottom of the boat out and the boat gripes away...so that she was dangling. She was still two-blocked up there at the davited heads, but she was dangling nevertheless.... Lieutenant Gurnett and I went forward up to the eyes of the ship, right up to the very bow. It was about twenty-five feet to the water because the bow was starting to come up. It was a good thing we went up there because we were able to spot a life raft more quickly than some of the men who left the ship fifteen minutes before we did because we knew where we were going...then we jumped."
Less than three hours of combat. A force of four battleships, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and eleven destroyers were damaged and turned away.
By a force which should by all rights have never engaged them.
Then of course (in our lifetime) we have Grenada.
US units involved in Urgent Fury started moving on the evening of 23 October. The plan for operation called for a combined initial attacks by rangers, marines, and paras, partially deployed from the air, and in part by amphibious landings. They were first to capture both airfields, and then neuralgic points around Grenada.Of course, the first wave was to a large degree to consist of units trained for special purposes, like USN SEALs and US Army DELTA Force operators. Both were deployed to Grenada during the night to 24 October, with the help of Lockheed MC-130 Combat Talons of the 8th SOS, using the HALO-jump technique. The SEALs and DELTAs first took positions from which they could observe the situation on the two airfields, as the US commanders realized that they were lacking proper intelligence, and even the SR-71-overflights could not properly help.
Right from the start, the special troops encountered severe problems: for example, a group of SEALs jumped too far from the coast and fell into the water. Four operators did not manage to get free of their chutes and heavy equipment, and drowned. All of the survivors lacked good maps of Grenada: in fact, most of the US troops went into the battle using tourist maps! Time and again the SEALs and DELTA-operators stumbled over completely unknown enemy positions. Nevertheless, their insertions remained completely undetected by the opposition.
On the other side, on the morning of 24 October a Cuban Antonov An-24 transport landed at Pearl, bringing Col. Comaz to the island. Comaz was to take over the command of 53 Cuban instructors and 636 workers and lead them into the fight against the Americans. He could not do much, however, as there was simply not enough time. In the night from 24 to 25 October, around 2200hrs local time, additional SEALs were deployed to the northern coast of Grenada, where they were to do reconnaissance of the eventual defenses on local beaches. Their reports – exactly like those from the troops deployed the night before – brought no good news: the beaches were surrounded by coral reefs, and no amphibious landings were possible.
On the first view, it appeared as if the whole operation would have to be cancelled. Clearly, this was not possible any more, as at the same time as the additional SEALs were deployed to Grenada, already the first Lockheed C-130E Hercules transports of the 314th 317th, 459th, and 463rd TAW USAF, as well as the C-130Es of the 913rd TAW were starting from their bases in the USA, loaded with rangers of 82nd Airborne. The Hercules‘ were escorted by five MC-130Es, carrying rangers of the 75th Regiment, and a single Lockheed AC-130H Spectre-gunship of the 16th SOS/1st SOW that were to lead the attack against Point Salines. During their ten-hours long flight, the transports had to be refueled two times in the air from Boeing KC-135s.
I am not aware of a definitive history of the US intervention in Grenada, but one needs to be written. We lost a number of men, and we must keep their memory alive.
God bless Taffy III.
NMCB 7 Takes Over in Iraq
By Bull Nav
Last week, NMCB 7 relieved NMCB 3 in Iraq:
AR RAMADI, Iraq (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 relieved NMCB 3 at a brief ceremony held Oct. 16.
The transfer of authority (TOA) ceremony marked the end of NMCB 3's six-month deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan and the start of NMCB 7's deployment.
They have some hard work ahead of them, but I know they will do well. Seabees are a tough bunch whose motto is, "We build, we fight."
Not to mention, NMCB 7 is commanded by our (me and LT COL P, that is) BR, CDR John Adametz.
NMCB 7's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. John Adametz, spoke about the challenges ahead for NMCB 7 while also thanking NMCB 3 for all their hard work. "Thank you so much for all the hard work you have done to ensure this transition went as smoothly as possible," said Adametz. "To the Seabees of NMCB 7, it's time to go to work. We've trained hard [in] homeport to prepare us for the challenges ahead. Our main goal is to stay safe and succeed magnificently."Good luck John. We will keep you and your sailors in our thoughts and prayers.
Hey, look who's blogging
By John
Mostly boring PR type stuff (motorcycle safety? seriously?), but credit to 'em for having the insight to realize how effective blogs are as a communication medium. Generals Petraeus, Caldwell, Marine General Cartwright and now Admiral Willard -- that's an impressive roster of senior leaders who are using the new media to their advantage.
Notably absent is the US Air Force, easily the most inept of the services when it comes to messaging and public relations. I've got a piece in the pipes on how their incompetence on the PA front cost them their cut of the Joint Cargo Aircraft -- but that's a can of worms to be opened later.
12 OCT 2000...Remember
By Bull Nav
We were at war and we did not even know it.
But guess what?
Back in the game, kicking ass.
Remember the 17 who gave their lives:
Sunday: after church, before the race begins, take a moment to remember those sailors who unknowingly gave their lives.
Naval Gunfire Going The Way Of The Cutlass?
By Lt Col P
I'm hearing rumors that the Navy is considering eliminating naval gunfire as a capability. Can anyone confirm or deny?
I think that's a bad idea. Naval gang-bang is a powerful and versatile weapon at our disposal. That it is not being used today is not good rationale for gettng rid of it. If memory serves correctly, the Royal Navy was near to eliminating it when the Falklands experience proved its worth-- a close run thing indeed. It would be a fine antidote to pirate-itis in Somalia today.
Naval gunfire, pistols and bayonets-- keep 'em all, because you never know when you'll need them. And when you do need them, you need them right away.
Update... Speaking of the myriad magnificent uses of naval gunfire, I found this reference from a site concerning the Royal Canadian Navy in the Korean War. (Scroll down almost to the end.)
On the east coast [of North Korea in late 1952], where the rugged terrain forced the railroads to skirt the shore in many places, enemy trains became a favourite target for naval guns. When a "Trainbusters' Club" was formed in mid-1952, the Canadian ships willingly participated. HMCS Crusader distinguished herself with a record four trains to her credit. Altogether, Canadian ships accounted for eight of the 28 trains destroyed – an amount out of proportion to the number of Canadian ships and their length of service in the area.
Holy shit! That sounds like fun, good old clean mean fun. Naval gunfire... REPEAT, OVER!
More Good Reading
By Bull Nav
Just out today...
From the Amazon Description:
In this ground-breaking book, bestselling author and former U.S. Navy SEAL Dick Couch follows the SEAL Task Unit in Iraq s Anbar Province between 2005 and 2007, chronicling the unit s deployment in the Battle of Ramadi. Based on extensive interviews with Army, Navy, and Marine personnel who fought in the battle and the author s firsthand assessment of the situation when he traveled to Ramadi in 2007, Couch details the previously unrecognized importance of the SEALS in winning the fight to control Ramadi. Calling the battle the most significant military engagement in the global war against terrorism since 9/11 and the most sustained and vicious engagement ever fought by SEALs, Couch describes the success of special operations forces/Navy SEALs fighting side by side with conventional forces. Couch identifies the SEALs ability to adapt and evolve in this urban battle space and their code of brotherhood as the keys of their success. Among the many examples of this extraordinary brotherhood is the story of PO2 Michael A. Monsoor, who was posthumously, awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Ramadi.
Put it on your Christmas list...or better yet, buy it now.
Or, We Could Kill All The Pirates
By Lt Col P
Against the dictates of all common sense, and fine historical examples, this shit is still going on.
On a Vital Route, a Boom in Piracy Somali Marauders Step Up Attacks in Gulf of Aden; Shipping Costs SoarABOARD A YEMENI COAST GUARD VESSEL -- Somali pirates plying the Gulf of Aden in speedboats equipped with grenade launchers and scaling ladders have launched what the maritime industry calls the biggest surge of piracy in modern times, sending shipping costs soaring and the world's navies scrambling to protect the main water route from Asia and the Middle East to Europe.
We have discussed this before, always with the same tone of disbelief. WTF, over? This is an ugly problem, but a simple one, and one that has a remarkably simple solution--
Kill all of the pirates.
Seriously. Why do we allow a handful of khat-addled assholes to dominate one of the world's most important sea lanes? We, the western powers, have sufficient naval units in the area to take care of the problem in very quick order. What we lack is the will. We apply an idiotically high standard of judicial due process to a situation that doesn't lend itself well to a judicial solution. Anyone who has dealt with Somalis can tell you that they laugh at western legalisms, and what they perceive as western weaknesses. And then they redouble their violent efforts to take what they want from you. They do react very well to a boot on their necks, and a gun to their heads. Then they tend to wise up quickly.
Here's how it needs to be done. Oil tanker sends distress call, takes evasive actions insofar as it is capable. (Or better yet, armed men aboard oil tanker defend by fire.) Coalition forces despatch vessels and boarding parties. Pirates who survive ensuing gun battle are lined up by the rail and shot in the head, then dumped overboard. Pirate boats are burned. If their bases or villages on the coast can be identified, said bases are raided and destroyed. No fuss no muss, no ransom, no hostages, no skyrocketing costs.
Damn, sometimes we are our own worst enemies. At the very moment we need to keep oil flowing freely at the lowest possible prices, our own flaccidness jacks up the price.
Read More »
Warriors
By Bull Nav
You know, when I normally think of our everyday, run-of-the-mill warriors, I think of Marines. The guys who are ready to take it to the enemy on a moment's notice.
Not to say us folks in the Navy aren't warriors, because we are. Just not in the hand-to-hand, hardcore combat sort of way.
Except there is this kind of separate part of the Navy, the part that is true Warrior, almost psychopath. It takes a lot to kill them, a lot to put them down. They don't go down willingly, and I am convinced they don't know what pain is, not in the normal sense to the 99.99999% of us that inhabit this planet.
So bow your head, and say a prayer of thanks that these Michiganders were on our side.
Two highly decorated local Navy SEALs died Thursday night from injuries sustained in fierce fighting against insurgents in Afghanistan, according to the Navy.Senior Chief Petty Officer John Marcum, 34, and Petty Officer First Class Jason Freiwald, 30, died in a battle with heavily armed militants, the Navy said. The men were deployed from the highly selective Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach.
A Senior Chief and a Chief Select. SO1 Freiwald was to be promoted to Chief on Tuesday.
God Bless their families.
Fair winds and following seas, Senior Chief and Chief. More will follow and finish...
Accountability: The Axe falls on the GW
By Bull Nav
I have been wondering for some time when this was going to happen.
SAN DIEGO — The skipper and executive officer of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington were fired Wednesday, Navy officials said, in the aftermath of an investigation into the May 22 at-sea fire that blamed unauthorized smoking that ignited improperly stored flammables.
Ships have fires. Not a lot but they happen. Most are small and quickly extinguished and usually don't require even a port visit to repair.
The GEORGE WASHINGTON has been in port San Diego since late May undergoing evaluation and repairs. It missed its scheduled relief of the USS KITTY HAWK and participation in the RIMPAC exercise.
The fire has forced the delays in the turnover of both ships and crews in San Diego, now scheduled to begin Aug. 7 when the Kitty Hawk arrives in San Diego, Navy officials said.
George Washington is slated to leave San Diego on Aug. 21 for Japan, where the ship is expected to arrive in late September, they added.
I had an instructor once upon a time who insisted that accidents did not happen: they are caused.
When you find the cause is lax standards, you punish those responsible, which on a ship is the Captain. He is held accountable.
Its unfortunate. But in my mind they were lucky: no one died.
How does this happen?
By Bull Nav
Over the weekend, while I was at NAVSTA Great Lakes, unbeknownst to me,
An autopsy revealed that a Great Lakes Naval Training Center recruit found dead on Route 41 Sunday died of a mixture of drugs.
According to Lake County Coroner Dr. Richard Keller, 20-year-old James Stephens of Texas died because of a mixture of heroin, cocaine and an anti-anxiety drug called Benzo Diazepines.
Stephens body was found early Sunday near the Crossland Economy Suites, 1177 S. Northpoint Blvd., between routes 41 and 43 and south of Route 120. There were no signs injury or trauma.
He had not been in the Navy for very long (according to a Navy Times article):
Navy spokesman Matt Mogle said Stephens joined the Navy five months ago as a fireman recruit. Stephens was enrolled in an engineering program at Naval Station Great Lakes.
But again: how does something like this happen?
The young man had been in the Navy for all of 5 months, and now his division officer is going to be writing a letter to his family. Its not going to be a letter about how heroic he was. No, to the contrary it is going to be one that I don't think any family would understand.
Who was watching out for him? I thought we were teaching our young men and women about teamwork and about how they need to take care of each other.
My heart goes out to his family.
First Post
By Townie 76
First, I want to thank John for asking me to join this blog. Over the last couple of months, I have enjoyed reading OPFOR and learning what others think. It is my hope, that any comments I post, will be viewed as getting those in the profession of arms to think, and not to blindly accept what the group think of the day.
Second, can anyone connected tell me when the Navy began having a "dress" uniform that is Khaki in color. Link takes you to a photo of Admiral Mullen at a Pentagon Press Briefing?
http://www.defenselink.mil/dodcmsshare/homepagephoto/2008-07/hires_080702-N-0696M-029.JPG
That's the way it is...
By Bull Nav
When someone breaks, someone else gets to go.
ABOARD THE CARRIER KITTY HAWK IN GUAM — It’s official, the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk will get a curtain call to its nearly 50-year career by replacing the carrier George Washington for this year’s Rim of the Pacific exercise, which is scheduled to take place off Hawaii from June 29 through July 31.
And that's the way it has always been in the Navy.
Ships, aircraft carriers, and submarines all have committments. When there is a casualty that leaves one broken at the pier, another one gets to go and pick up the slack, usually with short notice.
Back in 1998, onboard SCRANTON we had pulled into Faslane, Scotland, for a two-week maintenance period after over two months underway. Near the end of our time there, another fast boat pulled in. We quickly learned that they had an issue that was going to keep them pierside. Consequently, we got to pick up their slack (another two-month underway, capped off by a visit to Haakonsvern, Norway, and the Periscope Hut).
I don't envy the folks on the GW. They are not enjoying life right now in Sandog while they get fixed. Hopefully, the shipyard can get them turned around quickly. If not, KITTY HAWK might get even more playing time...
Midway
By Bull Nav
Steeljaw Scribe has an outstanding summary of the big lessons learned from the Battle of Midway, which occurred 66 years ago over the last few days.
Luck indeed smiled on the Americans that day, but she did not grab them by the hand (or scruff of the neck) and tell them what must be done in PowerPoint bulletized format. She merely opened the door, a crack, and offered a fleeting moment to change the course of the battle…the Americans grasped it and changed the direction of the war. Review the list above - these are timeless lessons learned, every bit as applicable today as they were 66 years ago. My observations lead me to believe we are ignoring them at our future peril. - SJS
Stow for Sea
By Bull Nav
And why it's so important:
Improperly stowed flammable materials may have worsened the May 22 fire aboard the carrier George Washington, according to a Navy fleet-wide message sent Friday reminding sailors to take care with hazardous materials.
Now to be fair, the message referenced in the Navy Times article does not specifically discuss the fire on the GW, but it is clear (to me anyway) that this was the fire they were talking about.
On submarines, we carry very little combustibles, but we had to deal with angles not unlike an aircraft when turning or changing depth. Stow for sea was important because you could seriously injure someone by falling objects. Worse, you could cause a sound transient which could give you away to someone you don't want to find you.
On surface ships and aircraft carriers, you have paint, fuel, and solvents, all of which must be properly stored. A fire is about the worst thing that can happen at sea and improper stowage won't make it better. Another lesson about how the details will kill you.
What was the upshot of the fire?
ABOARD THE CARRIER KITTY HAWK IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN — The carrier Kitty Hawk, which was on its way to Hawaii to turnover with the carrier George Washington, now plans on visiting Guam while officials on the GW assess the extent of a fire that broke out several days ago.
“There’s no change to our long-term schedule and much is still contingent on what the assessors find on the George Washington,” Capt. Todd Zecchin, Kitty Hawk’s commanding officer said. “But in the meantime we are going to pull into Guam and hopefully by then we will know the rest of the way ahead.”
So I'm guessing that the folks on the KITTY HAWK are pretty happy with the GW about now...
Navy sees future with drones for spying but not fighting
By Charlie
Here we go with another UAV post:
ABOARD THE USS HARRY S TRUMAN - The Navy lags well behind the Air Force in the development of armed drones — the unmanned aircraft now used increasingly in Iraq and Afghanistan — insisting that its "Top Gun" fighter pilots are still smarter, better and more flexible in combat.The Navy currently uses Global Hawk reconnaissance drones and is developing a helicopter-like unmanned aircraft called the Fire Scout that can take off and land vertically on ships. But neither operate off aircraft carriers or possess strike capability.
Last year, the Navy awarded its first-ever contract for a drone that will be able to operate from a carrier. It isn't scheduled for deployment until 2025 and is also limited to reconnaissance missions.
That puts the Navy many years behind the Air Force, which first used an armed version of the Predator drone in combat in Afghanistan in 2001. The Air Force's latest version, the Reaper, can carry up to 14 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles or alternately, four Hellfires and two 500-pound bombs over Iraq, Afghanistan or other war zones.
It would seem to me that the proliferation of Anti Ship Cruise Missiles (which increases the ship to shore standoff distance) would necessitate an increase in the use of drones -but that is a ground-pounder's perspective.
So let me put this question to the Air Force types out there: is it fair that the AF gets beaten about the head and shoulders over UAVs, but the Navy gets a free pass? Both sides can argue the "larger mission" focus, such as the Navy setting up 4th Fleet to support SOUTHCOM. I've got no dog in this hunt, but I'd be interested to hear the feedback.
Titanic Explorer was on a Secret MIssion
By Charlie
Wow:
Robert Ballard’s discovery of RMS Titanic’s final resting place in September 1985 was a find over and above his real mission. Newly declassified information reveals that the Navy contracted Ballard to investigate the wrecks of two US Navy nuclear submarines USS Thresher and USS Scorpion, in order to determine their fates. The search for Titanic was a side expedition to Ballard’s actual classified mission.After investigating Thresher and Scorpion, Ballard had only 12 days to search for Titanic, and amazing enough, he found her. Ballard says he used the same techniques of tracing debris trails in his investigation of the submarines to find Titanic.
That certainly wasn't included in that DiCaprio movie... However, the disclosure of the mission to find the Scorpion dredged up an old mystery:
Two deep-water submersibles have journeyed two miles below the Atlantic’s surface to investigate the wreckage. But 40 years after the sub’s disappearance at the height of the Cold War, it is still not clear what happened.The Navy’s official inquiry reached no conclusion about what sank the ship. Much of the Navy’s Scorpion file remains classified. Two recent books accuse the Soviet Union of sinking the Scorpion, supposedly in retaliation for the loss of one of its own subs in the Pacific.
There were several theories about what could have caused the flooding or the explosion.
One involved a malfunction in the boat’s trash disposal unit, which compacts garbage and ejects it from the sub while underwater. Another pointed to a torpedo battery that may have overheated and activated one of its own torpedoes. The weapon could have exploded in its tube or been fired – only to have its homing device direct it back to Scorpion.
...
Kate Wiltrout at The Virginian-Pilot lays another clandestine layer to this story:
Some dismiss the theory outright as fiction worthy of Hollywood. But the fact is, with the help of an American spy who had yet to be caught, the Soviets had a direct line into the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet submarine headquarters.With its network of hydrophones up and down both coasts, the U.S. undeniably had a defensive edge. Navy Chief Warrant Officer John Anthony Walker Jr. rendered much of that advantage irrelevant.
When the Scorpion was lost, Walker had been working as the communications watch officer for the Atlantic submarine fleet in Norfolk.
So is it possible that this POS Commie spy's betrayal of his country led to the sinking of the Scorpion? There is a preponderance of evidence, but uncertainty, decades, and the sea stand in the way of ever knowing the truth.
That's How you Name a Ship
By Bull Nav
There was some discussion in my post the other day about ship naming and how it has...progressed.
Well, Navy Times is reporting on the name of the last ship of the ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG51) class.
The last Arleigh Burke-class destroyer will bear the name of a Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan.The Michael Murphy, DDG 112, honors Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who led a four-man team searching for a key Taliban leader in mountains near Asadabad, Afghanistan.
Remember that another Medal of Honor recipient was also recently honored this way.
I believe that this is how you name ships: by honoring those who have gone before you. Individuals, battles, prior ships...that is tradition, that is honor.
That is something you can stand behind and hold your head up high.
Another Fast Boat Commissioned
By Bull Nav
080503-N-2888Q-044 WILMINGTON, N.C. (May 3, 2008) Crew members render salutes as they officially bring the newest Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) to life during her commissioning ceremony. North Carolina is the fourth Virginia-class submarine to be commissioned and the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. North Carolina will be homeported in Groton, Conn., as a member of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Lucy M. Quinn (Released)
The VIRGINIA Class SSN's are some incredible boats, with innovative design features.
I hope we build enough of them...
USS Independence launched!
By Pinch
No, not the carrier, silly! The second hull-form of the new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class, was launched on 29 April in Mobile, Alabama.
What is truly funky about this puppy is its tri-hull catamaran design! Imaging you are a squalid little pirate off the horn of Africa and you see this gaping maw chasing you down:
General Dynamics is honchoing this version of the LCS, with the ship being built by Austal Shipyards in LA (Lower Alabama, for you uninitiated). Lockheed Martin is building the other half of the LCS ships, with a more conventional monohull design. The Lockheed Martin boys have run into some problems, though, with serious cost over-runs to the tune of having the next 2 LCS ship construction programs canceled (ouch).
I'm looking forward to seeing this beast when it hits the bounding main for sea trials. Over at the Instapinch are a few more pictures. Enjoy!
Yeah, You Should Probably Watch This
By John
PBS' Carrier: Life Aboard the USS Nimitz, debuting tomorrow (Sunday) evening.
108 Years Ago
By Bull Nav
On 11 April 1900, the Navy took delivery of the first submarine, SS-1. Since then, today has always marked the birthday of the Submarine Force.
From those humble beginnings, it grew to have a significant impact on the war with Japan. While comprising less than 2% of the Navy, the Submarine Force accounted for 55% of all Japanese ships sunk during World War II.
Today, about 3% of the Navy manpower (about 10,000 men) man the 52 SSNs, 14 SSBNs, and 4 SSGNs that comprise the force (about 21% of our total combatants). Though you don't hear of them much in this day an age of the Global War on Terror, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, rest assured that those guys are going to sea and making significant contributions.
It is not for nothing, that our Submarine Force is referred to as the "Silent Service." During the '90s while the number of submarines was cut in half, worldwide combatant commander requirements increased 1000%. SSNs went to sea for months at a stretch, in radio silence. Likewise the SSBNs continued with their deterrent patrols, just as they have since the days of the 41 for Freedom.
They are always out there, always on patrol or on a mission.
Happy Birthday!
For more info, go to the SUBLANT history or the USS NAUTILUS (SSN571) Museum website.
Also, The Subreport has a daily roundup of submarine-related issues.
UPDATE: Since LtCol P asked (and Richard answered quite nicely) in the comments, I did not realize some folks might not know what the SSGN is. You can go to the SUBLANT site here to see the detail on the conversion of the first 4 Tridents to carry up to 154 Tomahawk Cruise missles, and a whole bunch of SPECWAR folks.
USS THRESHER (SSN593)
By Bull Nav
It was 45 years ago today that we lost the first of two nuclear submarines.
The USS THRESHER (SSN593), the first of a new class of fast attack submarines, was lost with all hands while conducting sea trials off the coast of Massachusetts.
The Navy quickly figured out what went wrong and made some sweeping operational and material changes (to include implementation of the SUBSAFE Program) which significantly enhanced subarine operations.
There will be a memorial service this Saturday in Kittery, ME.
Fox Fallon Out as CENTCOM
By Bull Nav
As I am sure most everyone has heard by now, ADM Fallon has submitted his resignation (and retirement request) which has been accepted by SECDEF. The official release is here at Defenselink.
Most folks point to this Esquire article as the straw that broke the camel's back.
I remember when he took over last year and thinking that he was overstepping his bounds as a Combatant Commander. You might be a 4-star, but the CINC is the one who makes the policy.
At home from work tonight, I got a call from a guy I know at work. Nice enough fellow, younger, tends towards the Dem side of things. He has not been in a leadership position and does not understand what that means. He wanted to know if this was normal, if anyone else in this type of situation would have resigned.
I explained to him command and accountability. I explained to him the Oath of Office and what it entails. I explained that when you can't follow the bosses policies, then it's time to go.
Not sure if he got it...
I hope ADM (soon to be retired) Fallon enjoys retirement. Wonder where he will pop up next?
Happy Birthday, USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN759)
By Bull Nav
(Photo: USS JEFFERSON CITY Website)
Ah, my first boat, that on which I qualified Submarines and on which I am a Plankowner.
It was a cold, clear, blustery day at Pier 23 on Norfolk Naval Base.
The crew was formed up in ranks at the back of a pavilion on the pier, when the wind really picked up. The tent posts at the front began to weaken and the lines securing the tent began to come undone. The SUBLANT Chief of Staff, a likeable man name CAPT Al Konetzni (Big Al, the Sailor's Pal) came back and started grabbing guys to go up and hold the tent posts.
I remember him clearly saying, "A case of beer to everyone who comes up and keeps this thing from blowing down."
Eventually, the entire crew, with the exception of the Chiefs and Officers was up front, holding onto the tent posts to keep them from snapping.
When the order was given to "Man the rails" we ran across the brow and stood at attention topside, just barely keeping our footing. I remember feeling like we were going to get blown into the Elizabeth River...and did I say it was cold?
No one was knocked off the boat and the ceremony was cut short to allow everyone to head across the base for the reception.
Two days later we got underway for some fun in the VACAPES.
LAKE ERIE GETS SOME
By Bull Nav
080220-N-XXXXX-025 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb 20, 2008) At a single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launches from the U.S. Navy AEGIS cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean, as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 mph. President George W. Bush decided to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas. U.S. Navy photo (Released)
More information is available here.
I know those guys are excited. BZ to all the folks that made this happen.
I wonder what our Far Eastern friends think...
UPDATE: I found this cool video on the Phibian's website.
I must say, I think this is great that we are showing this to the world. I know China shot down a satellite last year, but we did this from a ship at sea.
And no matter what anyone thinks, if we really want to, our ships can still show up unannounced on someone's front doorstep...
Riverine Patrol
By Slab
Hey folks, I know it's been a little while since my last update. In lieu of a long-winded post about nonsense, here are some photos from a recent operation with Riverine Squadron Two (RIVRON 2) on Lake Qadisiyah.
Update: You can't read it, but the Riverine Patrol Boat (RPB) in the second picture has the name "BM1 James E. Williams" stenciled on the side. I had no idea who that was, so I decided to look it up. And that is how I came to find out about the most decorated enlisted Sailor in the history of the United States Navy. One hell of a warrior.
More after the jump.
Read More »
No Sonar in the SOCALs
By Bull Nav
Well, once again, a court has decided that it knows what is best for the country:
LOS ANGELES (AP) ― A federal judge says the Navy must follow environmental laws placing strict limits on sonar training.
So the ball is now back into the President's court, while our ASW readiness continues to be affected because some people would attempt to protect the environment based on faulty (or no) data (and where have we heard that before?).
ASW - Anti-submarine Warfare - is not an easy game. The primary tool surface ships have is active sonar, which is when you put sound energy into the water and look for a "return" similar to a radar return. In the undersea environment, there can be lots of things that cause false returns: schools of fish, whales, ships, and undersea mountains, just to name a few. When the operators get little to no practice, they will not be ready when a real situation comes along.
Therefore, as I see it, these judges are affecting readiness and the ability of the Navy to do its part, as chartered by Congress, to defend the country. Making decisions based on feelings and a serious lack of data are going to cost us one day in a big way.
These guys need to back off, and let the Navy train the way it needs to train.
Sad Day for SEALs
By Bull Nav
When I hear of a SEAL being killed in combat, I don't ever get the impression it was something easy (read Lone Survivor - you will understand what I am talking about).
Today, I came across this report:
Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Koch, 29,of State College, Pa., and Chief Petty Officer Nathan H. Hardy, 29, of Durham, N.H., died Feb. 4, from wounds suffered from small arms fire during combat operations in Iraq.
From the Virginian Pilot:
Hardy, of Durham, N.H., is survived by his parents, wife and a seven-month old son. Koch, of State College, Penn., leaves behind his parents and a fiancee. The sailors' commanding officer said the men "were extraordinary brave SEALs, honored teammates and great Americans."
Both had previously received Bronze Stars in addition to other awards.
I offer my condolences to their families while at the same time I thank God we have such men.
Early Breakout and Why I Would Have Missed It
By Bull Nav
I think I was back by now.
It’s been a while, but looking at a January 1989 calendar, I believe I got back to barracks after the Christmas Break 19 years ago today.
You see, had Breakout occurred for our Rats the last weekend in January 1989, I would have missed it, thanks to the US Navy and my desire for a commission.
I don’t have very good eyesight, so I was medically ineligible for an ROTC scholarship. Finally, long about the end of our second class year,the Navy folks decided they would try to get me a waiver. This was the same time they put me in for the Nuclear Power interview at Crystal City.
I come back for our first class year and I was in the “College Program” where you don’t get a scholarship, but you get a stipend and it leads to a commission. Went to the interview at NR right around Founder’s Day 1988, and then I had to do a Midshipman cruise.
I had not done one before, so they set me up for a Christmas cruise. I was to fly out of my home in Naples, FL, and go to Hawaii. The mighty USS HONOLULU (SSN718) was the boat, for a short transit to Yokosuka, thence to Chinhae, ROK. Something like 11 days I would be gone, just enough time to make it back for the last semester.
Alas, ‘twas not to be.
Yes, I flew out to Pearl Harbor on Christmas Day 1988 and met the HONOLULU. Great ship, great CO (CDR Enright, became an admiral later). Left the next day thinking that all would be well on an uneventful transit across the Western Pacific.
About two days in, things changed.
If I remember things correctly, we pulled into Yokosuka on 30 January. I flew back home the next day and then drove back to Lexington.
I will never forget arriving back in front of barracks after BRC (but not much after). There was a little fog, but the sun was starting to clear everything off. It was in the 30s, like it should be.
I was back at the “I”, the Rats were in the ratline, and life was good. Only 5 months to go…
Three Huzzahs for "Six Frigates"!
By Lt Col P
I'm only about a quarter of the way into it, but unless this book completely goes flat, I'll be giving three huzzahs-- the only appropriate accolade-- to Ian Toll's history of the early American Navy, Six Frigates.
I started it earlier this week, I can't put it down. I read it in every free moment during a conference this week, and sometimes during not-free moments.
The book describes in great detail how and why America came to have its Navy-- note that, despite being a maritime nation, no one saw a need for a real naval defense-- and how in particular the little nation came to possess six extraordinary, innovative, and dare I say transformational vessels. At the time, the frigate build was the largest Federal spending project; it drew resources and skills from across the country. Not surprisingly, the project was also heavily politicized, controversial, over budget and off schedule. All (reassuringly) familiar. Much to my surprise I learned that even though American yards had turned out hundreds of ships by the end of the 18th century, the four 44s and two 38s were the biggest vessels ever built in America, and the size of the project strained the available workforce and technologies.
My one complaint is that so far I have found three (3!) instances of a failure to capitalize the title "Marine." Although I am incensed by it, I shall overlook it.
All in all, strongly recommended.
Two More '89 CO's
By Bull Nav
I was passed along information on our BR, CDR John Banigan, CO of the USS JOHN S MCCAIN (DDG56) some time ago, but never got around to posting on it in myself and LT COLP's effort to get the word out.
I also just came across my friend CDR Mark Joynt, who is CO of HM14. He and I worked together on several design projects during our First Class year and had more than a couple of cold ones.
Congratulations to both!
And for John, please note that of these two, one majored in Physics and the other in Mechanical Engineering.
Let's Help Iran Remember the Good Times
By Bull Nav
It was way back during me & LTCOL P's cadetship.
Ronald Reagan was the President. The US was escorting re-flagged tankers in the Persian Gulf.
OPERATION PRAYING MANTIS.
And yes, it was a RETALIATORY action.
IRGCN Trys to Lose Some Small Boats
By Bull Nav
Over the weekend, there was some excitement in the Straits of Hormuz according to CNN:
CNN) -- The U.S. military reported Monday on a "significant" confrontation involving five Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats that "harassed and provoked" three U.S. naval ships in international waters over the weekend.
U.S. military officials said the incident occurred early Sunday morning in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping channel leading in and out of the Persian Gulf.
The five Iranian ships made "threatening" moves -- in one case coming within 200 yards of a U.S. ship, the U.S. officials said.
In one radio transmission, the Iranians told the U.S. Navy: "I am coming at you. You will explode in a couple of minutes," the U.S. military officials told CNN.
It sounds like the un-named US Warships maintained extraordinary fire discipline.
When the U.S. ships heard that radio transmission, they took up their gun positions and officers were "in the process" of giving the order to fire when the Iranians abruptly turned away, the U.S. officials said.
The SOH transit is usually a high-stress, very well-planned event. Everyone is usually on their toes and ready to go.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this, especially since the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps took over Persian Gulf naval responsibilities for Iran.
Fox News has it, too.
Also, Galrahn and Spook86 have posted on this incident.
Thanksgivings Past
By Bull Nav
We are all thankful today for something.
I am thankful I am home, and that when I was on active duty, although I missed a few Thanksgivings (and one birth), I never missed a Christmas.
One of the Thanksgivings I missed was in 1999. The mighty USS SCRANTON was inport Bahrain, one of 4 port calls to that august center of US Navy operations in the Arabian Gulf.
A couple of other ships were in, too. Our carrier, the USS JOHN F KENNEDY and its shotgun, the USS MONTEREY were both inport. It didn't seem like a carrier was in...
Until the Joan Jett concert.
Beer was cheap and it was Ramadan, so no one was going into town. It was1999, the last century even, and 9/11 was still a couple of years away. We were the tip of the spear, ready to get to it with whoever wanted to make trouble. In port, it was time to party and let loose.
Our Chop (that is supply officer, for you non-Navy types) managed to get the entire band to sign our brow banner, but Joan Jett did not.
Drank a lot of beer and ROCKED OUT!
It was a good time in a foreign port, even though we were far away from our families.
We still had our Navy family.
Sunday we were underway and back at it.
No, You Divert Your Course
By John
It's an old Navy myth that the Navy insists never happened. But that doesn't make this commercial for Silva navigation any less funny.
No doubt that at some point in history, another milblogger has posted this. It ain't exactly fresh material. What can I say? There's no news coming out of Iraq, I need filler.
Dated or not, it still makes me laugh.
As for real Navy humor? You can't beat the Brits:
The former Soviet navy regarded the Black Sea as a private lake and disliked naval intrusions. In the early 1960s a British destroyer flotilla entered the Black Sea and the Russians rushed some cruisers out at high speed and closed in...
Russian cruisers signalled urgently: "What are you doing in the Black Sea?"
Reply: "Twenty-one knots".
Course the Ruskies got their own jabs in:
A Soviet 'trawler' had been shadowing a NATO exercise for several days taking notes and gathering SIGINT.As the ships queued up to refuel a British frigate signalled her: "Do you require refuelling?"
Reply: "Not if your exercise finishes on time".
Baaaaaaaaah!
Action on the High Seas
By Bull Nav
The mighty USS PORTER (DDG78) gets some.
071028-N-0000X-185 INDIAN OCEAN (Oct. 28, 2007) - A pirate skiff burns after being hit by several rounds from a 25mm gun aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78). The skiff belonged to a group of pirates that had taken a cargo ship. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
A fine COMDESRON 2 ship.
I am looking forward to hearing more about this.
"All Hands to General Quarters"
By Bull Nav
So spoke CDR Ernest Evans, Commanding Officer of the USS JOHNSTON (DD557), as Kurita's Center Force bore down on TAFFYIII.
He continued:
Prepare to attack major portion of the Japanese fleet.
All engines ahead flank.
Commence making smoke and stand by for a torpedo attack.
Left full rudder.
And thus the CO and crew headed off into history and doom in the few short hours they had left. On his own initiative, before being ordered to do so, CDR Evans drove his ship towards the overwhelming Japanese force to defend the 6 jeep carriers he was escorting.
Sixty-three years ago today.
Five ships of 13 in TAFFY III lost. Over 1000 men killed.
Yet, the superior Japanese force which could have easily crushed them and then went on to slaughter the invasion force in Leyte Gulf turned around and ran.
After all was said and done, 1 PUC, 1 MOH, 29 Navy Crosses, 2 Silver Stars, and 2 Bronze Stars were awarded.
The story of the Battle Off Samar is well chronicled in James Hornfischer's Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors.
Additionally, you can find more information at The Battle Off Samar website.
"Her Sides Are Made of Iron!"
By Lt Col P
On this day in 1797, America's oldest warship slipped off the ways into Boston harbor and was launched on a career that has yet to end. One of the six original frigates of the US Navy, she and her sister ships were larger than the frigates of other navies, and were built to outrun those they could not outgun, and vice versa.
Although she is most famous for a series of stunning victories over British vessels in the War of 1812, her in-service years saw peace as well as war. Before 1812 she saw action in the Med against the Barbary pirates, and against the French in the Quasi-War.
She is still in commission today.
Kinda Like That
By Bull Nav
Driving west-bound along I94 in Michigan tonight it was damn windy. My F150 was getting blown around and buffetted all over the road. It was impossible to tell the direction of the wind because the sun had long since set and the usual points of reference (trees, flags, etc.) were masked by the darkness.
It reminded me of an underway.
Now, when a hurricane is headed for your port, the ships all get to go to sea because they would be severely damaged if/when the hurricane force winds hit. Not to mention the tidal surge. It would be a bad situation, so you sortie the fleet.
I don't remember the names of the storms, but we sortied from Norfolk in 98 and 99 for hurricanes.
They get everyone ready and come up with a schedule, but when it comes down to it, you go based on who is ready first. And based on when the carriers need to go because they suck up all the tugs.
One ship gets out in the channel and the tugs go get the next one.
In this case we were the second unit to go. I think the first was a battle-FFG.
It was an amazing sight when we got to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Looking astern out the scope, there was a ship/submarine/big deck every 500-1000 yards all the way up the channel. You might have thought we were going to war, but for the fact there was a storm coming.
What to do ships do for a hurricane? They try to avoid it. Go to sea and try to drive around it as it goes ashore.
What do submarines do? Head straight for it and submerge.
Imagine you have these nice long rollers coming in on the reciprocal of the ship's head. You are driving straight into the seas, which are intensifying as the night settles in.
After a while, the boat starts pitching with a very slow period because the period of these waves is pretty long. As OOD, you are sitting on the bridge trying to see if there is anything out there. You have no night vision because the submarine ID beacon is flashing right behind you and the masthead light is right above that.
Not that anyone in there right mind is out in this mess.
Soon you start taking waves. The bad part (which is what I was reminded of tonight) was that you can't see the waves coming. One second you are squinting into the darkness, the next you are being thrown around as a wave crashes over you. Maybe one comes from right off the bow and then a few minutes later one comes from the starboard beam.
You never know where or when the next one is going to get you.
After a couple of hours, you get close to the dive point so then you can go below after rigging the bridge for dive.
Cold, wet, and dark.
Yeah, lots of fun.
Now an SSN and an HSL Squadron
By Bull Nav
LTCOL P set me up a couple of weeks ago, and I have been a little busy so I am severely delinquent in making this post two more of our Brother Rats.
First off, CDR Ed Herrington took command of the USS HAWAII (SSN776) in August. There are several articles and links at the Navy League's USS HAWAII website here. Ed and I are the only guys from 89 who made it through Nuclear Power School and went on to submarines. He is very sharp and will do well in command.
Secondly, CDR Rick Skiff is the CO of HSL-42, the Proud Warriors, in Jacksonville, FL. Note that HSL-42 flies the SH-60B Seahawk which was recently featured here at OP-FOR.
Congratulations to both of our BRs, who both received engineering degrees from VMI (take note John).
Sidewinder on Final
By Bull Nav
A Hornet from the Sidewinders of VFA-86 is about to land on the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN65) while deployed in the Persian Gulf.
Here's the guy who took the picture:
Does he look cool like the LSO's try to look (of which he was receiving training on) or does he really look like a misplaced submariner?
Ah, If Only Yamamoto Had Lived to See It
By John
By PSYOP Cop
Japan launched the Hyuga, its new “helicopter-carrying destroyer” (gotta love their use of language on that one) several days ago.
First thing that impresses me is that, if you have a flat, long deck that can launch helicopters, it probably doesn’t take much to tack on a ski-jump for V/STOL aircraft.
Second (and I read this in another article about the Hyuga), its complement of Sparrows are housed in VLS tubes, which are also capable of carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Oh, and the last time the Japanese Navy sailed the Hyuga, it was a battleship turned into an aircraft carrier and was sunk in June 1945 off the island of Kure by Curtiss Helldivers of VB-87 flying from USS Ticonderoga.
But, being that the Japanese are now a close ally, I wish this new Hyuga and her crew all the best.
PSYOP Cop is a VMI alumnus with experience in the psychological operations field.
John adds - Destroyer my ass....
How 'bout Another "Picture of the Day"?
By Bull Nav
An MH-60S transfers a sling load from the USNS SUPPLY to the USS ENTERPRISE while USS GETTYSBURG waits to go alongside the SUPPLY.
Good stuff, eh?
More to come...
British Carriers Revisited
By John
By PSYOP COP
Not that I’m one to wander from my lane, but I thought many would be interested in reading this article.
I’m glad the British are getting back into the carrier business. Not that they ever “technically” left, but “Harrier carriers” just aren’t the same. The British learned this painful lesson in 1982, but I guess it still took them 25 years to correct it.
A couple of interesting things to note:
First, one of the weaknesses of the smaller carriers that Britain fielded during the Falklands campaign was that they lacked a real AEW capability. The lack of that capability is what really bit them in the arse, not the short range and limited intercept capabilities of Harrier jump-jets. The Harriers actually acquitted themselves nicely, killing (I believe) a dozen or so Argentine aircraft in air-to-air combat. With an E-2C around, the British would not have lost as many ships as they did to aerial attack though.
Secondly, the artist’s concept shows a straight-deck and not the angled-deck (a British concept, by the way) that permits simultaneous launch-and-recovery operations. Even with a ramp for STOVL operations, an angled-deck could still be incorporated into the design to permit this valuable capability.
Lastly, I would have rather seen one of them commissioned as the Ark Royal. I always liked the sound of that name for an aircraft carrier.
What Price Defense?
By Bull Nav
Well, once again, a federal judge has decided that the Navy can't use active sonar in scheduled exercises, this time off the coast of southern California.
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California today enjoined the U.S. Navy from using mid-frequency active sonar during 14 naval training exercises planned for the rich biological waters off Southern California through 2009. Mid-frequency active (or MFA) sonar is used by the Navy to detect submarines but has caused whale strandings and other harm to marine animals around the world. The court concluded that the injunction was necessary given the “near certainty” that use of MFA sonar during the planned SOCAL exercises will cause irreparable harm to the environment.
So where are we supposed to train? Where do our operators develop the visual and acoustic recognition skills to detect, track, classify and ultimately engage submarines?
In trainers?
I don't think so.
Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) is a very difficult endeavor. It is very manpower and asset intensive, and the successful ASW campaign relies on highly skilled operators. How do they get that way? By training on live targets. By being able to distinguish real targets from fish, whales, or geologic formations. By constantly rebuilding and refining these skills. During the Falklands War, the Royal Navy launched over 200 ASW weapons for not a single Argentinian submarine sunk. It was a constant threat, and it will be in the next war.
Additionally, the lawyers act as if the Navy just wants to go out and blast sound into the water.
“Once again, a federal court has told the Navy that it cannot ignore basic environmental laws merely for convenience,” said Greg Fayer, a litigator at the Los Angeles law firm of Irell & Manella, co-counsel with NRDC in the lawsuit. “With simple precautions, the Navy can train effectively without endangering the majestic creatures that share our oceans.”
It is not convenience. The areas are picked for a purpose, the purpose of training sonar operators and the ASW team. The simple precautions referred to in most cases negate the effectiveness of the training event and do not allow the ships to simulate combat conditions. Ships, aircraft, and submarines practicing ASW may not be a part of the GWOT, but it is preparation for whatever lays ahead 10, 15, 25 years down the road. We need to maintain those skills now in a realistic environment .
14 exercises over the next two years...
If we can't find the bad guy submarines, then who will protect our warships and the merchant ships upon which this country and the world depend for trade the next time the ballon goes up?
Rivalries
By Bull Nav
When are these guys gonna stop? I mean, when you see a headline like this:
Air Force: Hornet couldn’t kill Raptor
The article touts the Raptor's perfect record:
The F-22’s debut combat exercise was at Northern Edge in June 2006. According to Air Force data, the dozen F-22s in attendance racked up an unprecedented kill record of 144-0 the first week alone and suffered no losses overall.
But one did get "shot down."
When one aggressor went down, it was able to fly out and regenerate so quickly that an F-22 pilot thought the enemy was still “dead,” and got shot down himself for the mistake.
But...
One thing is for sure: The plane that took down the Raptor was an F-15 or F-16, but not an F/A-18F. When asked whether a Superbug might have claimed a kill, one Air Force public affairs officer scoffed, “Not bloody likely.”
I guess the Raptor must be better; after all, the Air Force said so...
Now Its Official
By Bull Nav
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced Aug. 2 that President George W. Bush has nominated Adm. Gary Roughead for reappointment to the grade of admiral and assignment as chief of naval operations, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Roughead is currently serving as commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
Picture of the Day
By Bull Nav
Occasional reader and commenter Old Tanker sent me a few pictures from the Battle Creek Airshow back on 01 JUL. This is one of my favorites (and his pics were a WAAAY better than the ones I took).
Fat Albert performing a JATO.
That was the second time in 3 years of watching the Blue Angels perform that we got to see them start the show with JATO.
Finally...
By Bull Nav
Well, with a big tip-o-the-hat to BostonMaggie, and after much anticipation, we now know (from Stars and Stripes):
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has decided to recommend Adm. Gary Roughead, head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, as the next Chief of Naval Operations, Defense officials said Thursday.
Gates told senior combatant commanders about his decision Thursday during a conference at the Pentagon, officials said.
So now we will see the ripple, but I am sure that is all figured out.
Another picture of the day
By Bull Nav
Well, since the day started off with a helo, I thought to myself, what could be better than one Pavehawk?
The answer:
070724-N-8907D-429 NORFOLK, Va. (July 24, 2007) - Five MH-60S Seahawks, from the "Sea Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, perform formations over Chambers Field at Naval Station Norfolk. HSC-22 can perform vertical replenishments, search and rescue, and anti-surface warfare as part of a mobile detachment for expeditionary strike groups. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals (RELEASED)
CNO Nomination This Week?
By Bull Nav
Well, from this article, Navy Times seems to think so:
The Navy’s search for a new chief of naval operations is underway, with an announcement of a nominee expected to come as early as this week, sources tell Navy Times.
I know BostonMaggie has been following this with rapt attention, as have many other folks. She has the best compendium of analysis here, so you might want to take a peek.
But of course, the question is who?
The leading candidate for CNO remains Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., according to sources familiar with the selection process.
Seems a lot of folks think that.
The article has reasons why some of the other options really aren't.
Other candidates include Adm. Robert Willard, a naval aviator who now commands Pacific Fleet, and Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command. One source, who asked for anonymity when discussing the matter, said Willard would prefer to stay in Hawaii and that it is unlikely the Pentagon would want to pull Keating from PacCom this early into his tour there. Keating took over at PacCom in March.
Bottom line, it could be any time.
Yeah, no submariners in the mix, but we'll have our day yet
Blue Angels, Finis
By Bull Nav
Well, I could not resist, yet again.
I got done with the yard work about the time they should have been taking off, and started taking pictures. Nice to watch from your pickup tailgate drinking a beer.
This was the best one today, looking up the street.
All four, inbound.
Once again, great show, guys. Even if I was about 5 miles from show center...
Keep up the great work!
Blue Angels, Part 3
By Bull Nav
What an incredible performance yesterday afternoon. This was one of the best shows I have seen them perform, and I am not just saying that because it is where I live. Truly a great show.
I took dozens of pictures, but the one below says more about the Blue Angels than any flying picture can.
Teamwork. Precision. Dedication.
They have parked and shutdown the aircraft. Starting with Number 6, each pilot is introduced as they march to the Number 1 aircraft. They are shaking hands and congratulating each other on a successful performance.
Like I said, I have many more, but I need to sort them for the best.
Not to mention, there is one more show today...
US Navy Drill Team
By Bull Nav
At Thunder Over Michigan. In Ypsilanti.
I have never seen the Navy Drill team, but was looking forward to this as much as the Blue Angels today. I was not disappointed. They were delayed in starting and unfortunately had to compete with aircraft for the crowd's attention, but their performance was spectacular. Not to mention it was 87F with no wind.
Later I had a chance to talk to the OIC and one of the team members. When I mentioned to the Petty Officer that they were as good as the USMC Drill Team, his only response was, "Better."
I hope they come back...
RIVRON Three
By Bull Nav
As reported in this article, Riverine Squadron Three has been stood up:
Third riverine squadron formally established at Yorktown
By LOUIS HANSEN, The Virginian-Pilot
© July 7, 2007 | Last updated 11:19 PM Jul. 6
YORKTOWN
The Navy formally established the third of three planned riverine squadrons Friday morning at Yorktown Naval Weapons Station
The CO is ready to go.
Cmdr. Gregory Sandway, commanding officer of the new squadron, told his troops to prepare for combat.
"This is a command that is ready to sacrifice," he said.
But that should come as no surprise.
Sandway, a 1990 graduate of Virginia Military Institute who lives in Chesapeake, served as an explosive ordnance disposal officer before being tapped to lead the riverine squadron. He said he took the job because he wanted to lead sailors into war.
So to Greg I say, do your best and take care of your men. Good luck!
Blue Angels, Part 2
By Bull Nav
They showed up yesterday and performed two practices. I had work to do around the house, but managed to take a few pics. Here is one of the better ones, taken from my front yard:
The big show is tomorrow (and Sunday). I can't wait...
Blue Angels, Part 1
By Bull Nav
Yeah, I know. I have not been around much of late. Too much to do during the summer: camping, fishing, shooting (with my son's first .22)...and of course air shows.
I could not pass up the opportunity.
Normally, we travel a good bit during the summer to see the different air shows. Cleveland, Dayton, even Selfridge ANGB is a haul (just because of the traffic). Well this year we have two air shows on two consecutive weekends, RIGHT HERE. Last weekend was at Battle Creek, MI, and this weekend is Thunder Over Michigan. Both have the Blue Angels, and here is one of the shots I took at Battle Creek on Sunday:
Since we live about 5 miles from Willow Run, I am hoping to get some good shots as they fly over the house, too.
Oh, and John, just for you, there was a F117 flyby and the Viper East demo team performed. Once I figure out this multiple pictures thing...
So That's What it Looks like...
By Bull Nav
070612-N-2889B-001 ARTIC CIRCLE (June 12, 2007) - Ship's Serviceman Seaman Recruit Jamal Powell, left, and Seaman Recruit Stephen Harmon stand forward lookout watch aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) as the ship navigates an ice field north of Iceland. U.S. Navy photo by L.t. j.g Ryan Birkelbach (RELEASED)
Ice that is.
Different perspective...
We're Taking Over
By Bull Nav
Lex said it first, but it's true...
Gates Recommends Mullen to Replace Pace as Chairman
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2007 – To avoid a contentious reconfirmation process, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will recommend that President Bush nominate Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen to replace Marine Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
I think SECDEF has a great point in this article:
Gates said he intended to re-nominate Pace and Giambastiani but after consulting with senators of both parties came to the conclusions “that because General Pace has served as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the last six years, the focus of his confirmation process would have been on the past rather than the future.”
He said the confirmation process would have the possibility of being quite contentious. “I am no stranger to contentious confirmations, and I do not shrink from them,” Gates said. “However, I have decided at this moment in our history, the nation, our men and women in uniform, and General Pace himself would not be well-served by a divisive ordeal in selecting the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”
So, to refresh everyone's memory: 4 of 9 Combantant Commanders are Navy guys, and now CJCS will be, too...
UPDATE: Reader SJBill (and very informed reader at that) let me know that the news was over at the Flight Deck even before Lex had it.
SWO Action off Somalia Continues
By Bull Nav
This time in another vein.
Fox News is reporting that the USS CARTER HALL (LSD50) is engaging pirates off Somalia:
The U.S. Navy has fired warning shots across the bow of a Dutch ship that has been boarded by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia, FOX News has learned.
The USS Carter Hall also fired on three small boats that surrounded the commercial ship, the "Danica White," after her crew messaged for assistance after being boarded by pirates, the Navy said.
The CARTER HALL is part of the gator Navy, whose job is to carry around Marines (I am sure LTCOL P and Slab are familiar with it). They generally don't get into surface actions, but they could easily handle a situation like this as long as the suspect vessel does not outrun them. Since their armament is only small caliber weapons (.50 Cal and 25mm), this would mean that they had to be in close relatively proximity to the DANICA WHITE.
65 Years Ago Today: Midway
By Bull Nav
What is commonly referred to as the "turning point" in the war in the Pacific occurred 65 years ago today. Lots of good resources out there to look at including some great background information by Steeljaw Scribe and the attack on the Japanese carriers that occurred on 4 JUN 42 described a the Naval Historical Center website here.
A couple of books of interest are Miracle at Midway, which I read a couple of decades ago and was a good history at the time, and Shattered Sword, which I have not read yet, but is on my list.
Truly an incredible battle, in which luck played as much a part as skill (which is more often the case than not).
NSFS Somalia
By Bull Nav
Back in the day, we used to have lots of big warships with big guns on them (the Phibian has plenty of good stories in his Fullbore Friday series). Battleships with 16" guns, cruisers with 8" guns, and destroyers with 5" guns. In WWII, the battleships and cruisers were used to "soften up" enemy defenses prior to an invasion, and then be on-call for fires as requested by Marines ashore. We continued to conduct this type of support in Korea and Viet Nam. We even used battleships for fires supporting Marines in Beirut in the early '80s.
Yesterday, we apparently saw the latest use of NSFS:
U.S. warship bombards Somalia militantsWe have forces in Africa (CJTF HOA) specifically for the Long War. This looks to be an example of local forces requesting US Navy support for an operation:MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- A U.S. warship pounded Somalia's remote coastal northeast, targeting Islamic militants hours after a gunbattle with Somali government forces that left eight insurgents dead, officials said Saturday.
"The insurgency appears to be spreading to other parts of Somalia," said Ted Dagne, specialist in African Affairs at the Congressional Research Service in Washington.Puntland Vice President Hassan Dahir Mohamoud said eight foreign militants were killed in the fighting and Somali forces were pursuing five others. He told The Associated Press there were no civilian casualties because the area is uninhabited.
Mohamoud said the Puntland government had requested the U.S. navy to help fight the militants.
Interestingly, it also appears that while this may have been quickly executed, it was not a spur of the moment decision:
Muse Gelle, a regional governor, said the militants arrived in the area near the port town of Bargal by speedboat on Wednesday. He said a U.S. destroyer attacked late Friday. Musa Ismail Mohamed, a former government economist who lives in Puntland, compared the area where the fighting took place to Afghanistan's Tora Bora, which U.S. forces beseiged in 2001 in a failed effort to flush out Osama bin Laden. "Americans should strike it harder than yesterday and then they will succeed. If they do not do that, then may be Bargal may become a stronghold for terrorists," Mohamed said Saturday, speaking on the phone from Puntland's main port, Bossaso.While the 5" guns we carry on our destroyers and frigates are nothing like the big guns of days gone by, they are accurate and will still put a hurtin' on a target.
I hope we get some more information, because nothing official has been released:
Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman, could not confirm U.S. involvement in Friday's fighting, but added: "The very nature of some of our operations, as well as the success of those operations is often predicated on our ability to work quietly with our partners and allies."Actions like this, having exactly the right force in the right place to provide support to a coalition partner is what is going to help us in the long run.
Any comments from Slab? I think this is right up your alley...
A Submarine Underway
By Bull Nav
Ladies and Gentlemen: good evening. For your reading pleasure this weekend, I offer you a tale of a submarine getting underway and going to sea. I hope you find it acceptable.
On with the show…
On the 1MC: "Station the Maneuvering Watch."
For a submarine this announcement has the same meaning as, "Station the Special Sea and Anchor Detail" on a surface ship (you know, those big gray things that can submerge only once). Whether the ship is getting underway or is entering port, it means man stations per the approved watchbill. Typically the most experienced and proficient folks are the ones in key positions, and you have extra watches manned due to the unique nature of leaving or entering port. Additionally, a navigation brief has been held by the ship's Navigator for all the key watch standers to fully brief the upcoming evolution. This way you know what to expect in the way of traffic, tides and currents, weather, specific navigation aids, turns and turn bearings, etc.
By the time this announcement is made the Officer of the Deck (OOD) should already be suited up and on the bridge in order to take the watch. If in port, this requires relieving the Ship's Duty Officer (SDO) and assuming the deck and the conn.
In this case, I was ready to go.
Read More »
Fleet Week
By Bull Nav
070524-N-3235P-631 NEW YORK (May 24, 2007) - Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) pose for a photograph in Times Square while on liberty. The 20th annual Fleet Week New York is an opportunity for New Yorkers to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and thank them for their service. Fleet Week honors the service and sacrifice of all Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as the city of New York, in the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael W. Pendergrass (RELEASED)
FLEET WEEK: WHOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Man, you have to love it when you pull into a place like New York City for Fleet Week. They roll out the red carpet, have a bunch of parties, and you get to do it in whites.
Never did NYC, but in March 97, we pulled into Ft. Lauderdale with the USS HARRY S TRUMAN, and a cruiser whose name escapes me. We moored next to Burt and Jack's and what a blast. Even though we were preparing for our Tactical Readiness Exercise (TRE: submarine weapons/warfighting certification due annually), it was a great time.
The Navy League had a reception and then we went into town.
In whites.
Highly recommended.
Slander
By Bull Nav
OK, I have accepted the fact that the press will report that every time we put another carrier in the Arabian Gulf that it is a "show of force," or an "impending attack." I get it. They can speculate. I don't necessarily agree that news should be speculative, but sure, you can go ahead and speculate.
Which is why I was OK when I started to read this AP article:
Navy Stages Show of Force Off Iran Coast
By BARBARA SURK
Associated Press Writer
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The U.S. Navy staged its latest show of military force off the Iranian coastline on Wednesday, sending two aircraft carriers and landing ships packed with 17,000 U.S. Marines and sailors to carry out unannounced exercises in the Persian Gulf.
No problem. Lots of strike aircraft, lots of marines, lots of ships...exercises? sure...
I do, however, have a serious problem with the last line in the article:
U.S. warships have frequently collided with merchant ships in the busy shipping lanes of the Gulf.
This makes it sound like we are a bunch of incompetent ship drivers, which we are not.
I have but one question for Ms. Surk:
- Where is the data to support your claim of "frequent" collisions between the US Navy and merchant shipping?
A quick search of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System shows that since January 2005, there has been exactly one collision between a US Navy warship and a merchant ship. This was the USS NEWPORT NEWS' collision with the Japanese tanker Mogamigawa in January of this year.
Based on this quick analysis, I believe it was improper to use the word "frequent" in describing US Navy collisions in the Arabian Gulf.
It took me 20 minutes to find the website and search their database. I would think someone who makes their living as a reporter would show more due diligence in researching their report.
Update: Thanks go to reader Mark who noticed that the AP article had been updated, and that the line that got my blood pressure up was removed. Interesting how that happens.
We will see what makes it in print once I get home tonight and read my local paper.
Update 2: Well I guess this wasn't big news after all. Neither of the newpapers I get carried this article, or any others about our big-decks in the Gulf.
Yet Another Unscheduled COC
By Bull Nav
You knew it was coming:
By Andrew Scutro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 21, 2007 19:14:12 EDT
NORFOLK, Va. — Cmdr. E.J. McClure, captain of the destroyer Arleigh Burke, was relieved of command Monday by Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, according to a Navy official.
Ship runs aground = CO relieved.
ESPECIALLY off Cape Henry. I have driven in and out of Norfolk many, many times and it is not difficult. The traffic patterns are well-known, the area is well-charted, and with today's navigation equipment, there is no excuse for this.
Reading further in the article, you find that her boss might be in trouble, too:
Destroyer Squadron 2 commodore Capt. Larry Tindal was aboard Burke at the time of the grounding. His status following the incident, “will come out in the investigation,” by CSG 12 officers, the official said.
It is never a good thing when the Commodore is onboard when a ship runs aground. A few years ago, USS HARTFORD (SSN768) ran aground near La Maddalena on the northern coast of Sardinia. Both the CO and the Commodore were relieved. Read the wikipedia article for a great synopsis of the event.
Another article on the ARLEIGH BURKE is located here.
I think we are up to 8 ship/squadron CO reliefs for the year...
The Mighty Hawkeye
By Bull Nav
I am dedicating this one to my two favorite Citadel alumni bloggers, Skippy-san and Steeljaw Scribe:
070509-N-8591H-229 MOUNT FUJI, Japan (May 9, 2007) - E-2C Hawkeyes assigned to the "Liberty Bells," of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 perform a formation flight in front of Mount Fuji. VAW-115 is one of the nine squadrons assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Five, which is assigned to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty Hawk operates out of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (RELEASED)
Another Unscheduled Change of Command
By Bull Nav
Well. Here we go again, this time a submarine:
Commodore of Submarine Squadron 11, Capt. Paul N. Jaenichen, relieved the commanding officer of USS Helena (SSN 725), Cmdr. William A. Schwalm, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command May 16.HELENA is a San Diego boat.
I don't have much more to say.
Skippy's rules apply...
Another Training Accident
By Bull Nav
This happened last week, but did not get any network airplay, I did not see it in my newspaper, and I do not remember seeing anything about it on any of the milblogs:
Release Date: 5/8/2007 8:55:00 AM
From Naval Air Station Fallon Public Affairs
AUSTIN, Nev. (NNS) -- All five crew members of a Navy SH-60F helicopter were killed May 7, in a crash approximately 10 miles west of Austin, Nev.
The crash site was initially located by military aircraft at 9:40 p.m. PDT, 15 minutes after the helicopter crashed. A Navy UH-1N search and rescue helicopter, dispatched from NAS Fallon, arrived at the scene at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Every time I hear about a Navy helicopter going down, I get that slightly sick feeling since I still have a couple of BR's who are pilots. I always hope it is not one of them.
At the same time, I pray for the families of those who did go:
...crew members identified were: Cmdr. Michael D. Sheahan, 40, of Augusta, Ga., also a pilot and the commanding officer of HS-7; Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class William Weatherford, 30, of Wichita, Kan.; Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jared John Rossetto, 24, of Corralitos, Calif.; and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Andrew Robert Bibbo, 22, of Clinton, Maine, according to a news release.
We train like we are going to fight, and that means hard training with lots of inherent risk. These guys were preparing for the fight and deserve as much recognition as if they were there.
The part I found interesting was that
Sheahan was piloting the helicopter when it struck a high-voltage power line and crashed about 10 miles west of Austin in central Nevada, the Navy said.
The squadron CO was piloting when they went down. I think that makes it even harder. Here is the guy with the most experience in the squadron...gone. I know the aviation community Mishap Investigation Reports leave no stone unturned so they will figure it out.
But let's go back to CDR Sheahan.
I thought that here is a guy my age and rank so he probably graduated from college about the same time. The first story I found (and I can't find it now) said CDR Sheahan graduated in 1989, same year as me (and LTCOL P for that matter).
Then I found out he joined the Navy
after graduating from The Citadel
VMI and The Citadel have a long relationship that is not always pleasant. Still, I have as much respect for Citadel grads as I do my fellow VMI alums. It takes a lot to sacrifice a normal college life for what we went through.
My thoughts and prayers are with CDR Sheahan's family and for his crew and their families.
Twice in one week?
By Bull Nav
The other day I saw this article:
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Capt. Adam Levitt, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 23, relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey P. Menne, commanding officer, USS Higgins (DDG 76), due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command May 8.
And I thought that here was yet another case of a deployed CO being relieved for something that happened on deployment. I don't know that for sure, but that was my assumption (based on what happened to USS NEWPORT NEWS).
Then today, I see this:
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, Director Navy Staff, relieved Cmdr. Thomas C. Graves, Commanding Officer USS Constitution, due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command May 10.
Now, the USS CONSITITUTION never deploys (well, I guess it used to, a loooong time ago), so I figure that there is something else going on up in Boston.
Either way, it is always a sad day when a CO is relieved for a, "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command."
Like any of the military services, those who enter the Navy as officers aspire to command (or should). It takes between 16-20 years before you get it and once you are there, it will be over in about 2 1/2 years. Provided nothing takes you out earlier.
The officer who is assigned to command has spent his or her entire Navy career honing skills in their particular warfare area, spending long periods deployed overseas, and invariably moving from one Navy base to another every 2-3 years. The Navy spends a lot of time and money preparing an individual for command, as well it should.
So, should an individual be relieved of command for something over which they have no control? After all, the Navy has spent a great deal of taxpayer dollars on the commanding officer and wouldn't it be a bad ROI if you don't get your money's worth?
Well...no.
The CO is the one guy who gets all the credit for what the ships does well and the one guy who takes the fall for when things go horribly wrong. Accountability. Something you don't find everywhere (especially outside the armed forces).
Yes, it is necessary to relieve a CO in order to uphold a standard of accountability and responsiblity.
It is not something which is used capriciously. While the system is very good for producing commanding officers, things happen and people change, and it does not catch every single character flaw which may manifest itself once the individual is in command. As the Commanding Officer, you are expected to do the right things to take care of your sailors and to ensure the ship (squadron, submarine, etc.) is capable of and ready to execute any mission assigned. Oh yeah, then to actually accomplish the mission.
If you can't do it, you need to go.
So...twice in one week? If that is what it takes, yes.
Hopefully, those ships will fix whatever is wrong and move on.
Especially for a deployed DDG...they have things to do.
Another SEAL Gone
By Bull Nav
Folks often talk about the number of SF types who are fighting the GWOT (yes, I will still use it), but you don't hear much about what they are doing. Until something bad happens:
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Joseph C. Schwedler, Sea, Air, Land (SEAL), 27, of Crystal Falls, Mich., was killed by enemy fire while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq April 5.
Almost the only time you hear about a SEAL is when they don't make it. My son was fortunate recently as his teacher's brother, who is a SEAL, came and gave a talk to the class. It was truly inspiring.
Not to de-emphasize the other soldiers/sailors/airmen/Marines who have given their lives, but there are only around 2500 SEALS serving: each one who falls makes a larger dent in their force, percentage-wise. These guys are extremely highly trained and motivated, as I am sure most people are aware. I am sure we will hear more about SO2 Schwedler. Until then, keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Navy Civil Affairs
By Bull Nav
Well, it seems logical that we are going this way, but I had not heard this until today:
The Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) officially established its newest command, Military Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) during a ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, March 30.Of the 6174 Navy Reservists mobilized, there are a number who are backfilling Army Civil Affairs requirements. In fact, one guy from my unit is reporting this month for processing for just that mission. He gets to go through 5 months of training at Ft. Bragg before going, however.MCAG’s mission is to assess, plan and execute civil affairs (CA) activities in the maritime operational environment.
It seems the NECC is a little more expansive than I originally thought, but in a good way. The stand up of this new command (MCAG) will, I think, help with engagement overseas.
I just wonder if there will be a reserve unit associated with it...
The Code of Conduct: Honor
By Bull Nav
First I saw a report that a Leading Seaman had written a letter admitting to crimes. Then I read Lex's posts here and especially here and it all really got me thinking...
I never gave much thought to most of the Code of Conduct for the first 15 years or so of my time in the Navy, except for Articles 1 and 6. That's what being in the service is all about. But the ones in between, the ones dealing with being captured…no.
Being on a submarine these days, you don't much worry about capture, you just hope you go quick should something happen. Not that you discussed it much. That would be bad luck, and sailors are superstitious, even if they say they aren't. The sea is a harsh mistress. So unless you take a direct hit from a USET-80, you are not going to experience the true horror of war, the true pain of being wounded or your best friend dying, and you certainly are not going to be captured. Oh no, you are going to die, and it is going to suck as you drown or as you are crushed by overwhelming sea pressure or freeze to death. Nah, capture is not even an option.
Not to mention the submarine way of warfare way was has gotten rather antiseptic: shoot a TLAM and watch it go away to deliver its deadly cargo. Or shoot a torpedo (not in vain, lately) and allow it to home to its final destination. Things blow up a long way off. No, we did not worry about capture.
These days, with the advent of a number of Navy reservists being called to backfill Army jobs in OIF and OEF, however, it has taken a new meaning and urgency for me personally, should I have to go. You read the words and it brings home how serious what we do is, how serious it is for the folks on the front lines. You kind of wonder about where guys like Scott Speicher or Keith Maupin or Ahmed Altaie are and how they are holding up.
Yes, there are now lots of opportunities for Navy folks, both active duty and reservists, to serve on the ground OIF/OEF/HOA. Folks who have spent their whole career on a ship or submarine (aviators I will classify differently since they have the SERE school requirement). In some cases, there may be folks who have never gone to sea or even been overseas who are getting the call. When you read it, the Code of Conduct that is, it really brings it home. I realize that for you Army and USMC types and to a certain extent Air Force, too, this is the way you live. For those of us who go down to the sea in ships, it is somewhat of a new ball game. Not bad, not scary, just new.
When I read the Code of Conduct, I think of the words inscribed on my class ring, the ones I read every morning when I put it on: "Honor Above Self." That was our class motto. That, to me, is the Code of Conduct.
This One's for Bull Nav
By John
Because the silent service needs love too...
Hotel Tango: Pinch
New Destroyer Named
By Bull Nav
While I have a problem with some of the naming conventions we have chosen for our ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, and with some of the individual names chosen of late, I have never had a problem with naming a combatant after MOH or Navy Cross winners. Which is why I was happy to see this yesterday:
You can read the whole article here.
One team--the Navy-Marine Corps team. ADM Arleigh Burke said upon the commissioning of the lead ship of the class bearing his name, "This ship was built to fight. You better know how." I think the crew will take it to heart. I would be honored to serve on it (even if I am a submariner).
More Hornets...
By Bull Nav
As promised, here is a picture I took of a Super Hornet next to a Hornet on the Big E last year.
You can clearly see the physical differences between the two aircraft. I am guessing those guys are going to be fired up when they start flying tanker missions on a regular basis...
Of course, the other thing you gotta wonder about is when the ASW version of the Super Hornet will come out. I guess that we will have to teach fighter pilots how to drop sonobuoys and torpedoes...
Submarine not missing
By Bull Nav
It appears that there were indications last night that USS SAN JUAN (SSN751) may have been in trouble
NORFOLK (NNS) -- During the early evening of March 13, units of the USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) received a series of indications that USS San Juan (SSN 751), a Los Angeles class submarine conducting pre-deployment training with the Enterprise CSG, was in distress.
However, the excitement was short-lived
Fortunately, the submarine established communications in the early morning hours of March 14, and indicated that there were no problems; hence, units were able to stand down from the search and rescue that was already well underway.
There are certain things a submarine can do to indicate it is in trouble. Shooting a red flare is one of them.
Losses of communications, followed by the reported sighting of a red flare, are distress indicators. These indicators, combined with establishing communications with only two of the three submarines operating with the Enterprise CSG, was sufficient information to activate missing submarine procedures.
Navy News has the whole statement. Once again we see that even during exercises, there is no room for error and that we take enormous risks every time we go to sea. The last time we lost a submarine was in 1968. I will have a cold one for those guys tonight...
UPDATE:The Sub Report has links to a lot of the articles out there about this issue.
UPDATE TWO: CBS News reported that a SUBSUNK message was sent at about 0330 this morning. That is significant because it meant the families were notified.
The timeline appears to be: 1930 - red flare sighted. Attempts made to contact all three subs. Two were contacted. The SJ was not. 2200 - SJ does not communicate per a previously agreed upon plan. 0530 - SJ communicates when it thought it was supposed to. It will be interesting to see what the investigation finds.
The Brown Water Navy Returns
By Bull Nav
For the first time since Viet Nam, we have a "Brown Water Navy."
Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, based at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek deployed March 8 after a year of intense training with Marine forces.The deployment marks the first for a riverine squadron since the Vietnam War.
More than 100 riverine Sailors deployed to the Middle East to integrate with Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) along rivers and other inland waterways: denying the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack; a haven for insurgent activities; or the illegal transportation of weapons, people or material in Iraq.
This has been a long time coming. The original intention was that the Navy will pick up this mission that the Marines are currently conducting in Iraq. When I read this,
“Our goal is to help the Marines and other units we’ll be working with to facilitate stability in the area,” said, Lt.j.g. Joshua Sprubeck, team officer for RIVRON 1.
it makes me think that they will be assisting, rather than taking over the mission. Navy News stand has the whole article here. These guys can definitely make a difference, and my hope is that they can allow the Marines to concentrate on ground missions, rather than Maritime Security Operations (MSO).
On the Flight Deck...
By Bull Nav
During my AT last year, I supported Enterprise Strike Group during their pre-deployment workups. While I was onboard the USS ENTERPRISE, I had the opportunity to get some good pictures. Here is a Super Hornet getting ready to launch. The Catapault Officer is touching the deck and in the next motion will point down the cat signaling the launch.
(Note: all my submarine pictures were taken with a conventional camera in the 90s. I need to spend some time getting them scanned in, so this will have to do.)
Submarine Week Friendly Reminder
By Bull Nav
I just wanted to make sure that everyone is tuning into the Military Channel at 2000 each night as they continue Submarine Week. Tonight is Size it Up - Subs.
Navy Reserve support of OIF/OEF/GWOT
By Bull Nav
As I talk to people around here, I have realized that not many people are aware of the support that the US Navy Reserve is supplying for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and elsewhere. According to the latest numbers, there are 5883 Navy Reservists currently mobilized. While this is not a large number in comparison to the number of National Guard and Army Reservists mobilized, we still have folks out there (and, by the way, there are only about 130000 Navy Reservists total including both SELRES and IRR). They are there to backfill AR and NG requirements so that those guys can go fight. These include Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Mobile Training Teams, Embedded Training Teams, Seabees, and Navy Expeditionary Logistics Force functions.
This past weekend, approximately 450 Navy Reservists started their training at Williamsburg, VA, as Navy Customs Battalion SIERRA.
Rear Adm. Sharon Redpath, Commander Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, said the MCPON’s visit set a positive and important tone for the beginning of training for the Sailors preparing to conduct this vital mission for the country.“It’s fantastic that he was able to address this diverse group of reservists -- volunteers from the Individual Ready Reserve, Submarine Force and from all over the country -- and, on such a special day,” Redpath added.
This group's mission is to inspect material coming into and especially going out of Iraq. They work long hours to ensure trucks, troops, tanks, etc., don't take anything out that is not supposed to go out. This is the 5th iteration manned by reservists doing a necessary, but not glamorous or well-known mission. Read the whole article here.
Requiem for a Carrier
By John
Pinch memorializes my pop's old boat, the Big John.
She'll be missed, even if she was a million ton gas guzzler with a kind-of-gay slanted stack.
PS- hey this "Navy" category that Bull Nav created is kinda useful.
No new Astronauts?
By Bull Nav
Can't help but wonder how this is related to this. I assume there is a connection...
Uniform Administrivia
By Bull Nav
After lurking around the blogosphere, reading, commenting, and occasionally emailing authors, I am now part of this great communications platform. My Brother Rat, LTCOL P, sent me an invite and John was kind enough to allow me a forum here. I will try to stay focused on Navy stuff, but I may digress (ever so slightly) into hunting, shooting, or perhaps NASCAR. Enjoy. Comment. I have thick skin.
Anyway...
I guess that too many Navy folks on IA assignments have not been following the rules when it comes to wearing the ACU, which Navy personnel are allowed to wear when attached to an Army unit. If that was not the case, then this NAVADMIN guidance would not have come out, guidelines which explains what you can and can't wear on your (N)Army uniform. Essentially this means that you can't wear your warfare pin on the Army uniform, nor can you wear any of your patches from a past unit. Only what the Army permits can go onto the uniform.
If we are going to be in the Navy, then we should wear Navy uniforms. If in combat, this means the DCU or the BDU. If embedded with an Army unit, the Navy folks should still wear the Navy uniform because THEY ARE IN THE NAVY. There is a certain pride that comes with each of the service's uniforms (yes, even the Air Force blue uniform) and once you take that away, you are taking away a part of the individual's motivation. I did not join the (N)Army, I joined the Navy and I have always worn Navy uniforms. Do the Marines wear Army uniforms when they are working with Army folks? No.
Admittedly, the DCU is somewhat outdated and the ACU is more functional. Hell, it was designed to be functional in the current combat environment. Perhaps a compromise could be reached in which the Navy folks can personalize their ACU's with the proper insignia (i.e., US NAVY, warfare qualification pins, etc.). Yeah, I know we are all supposed to be "joint" and all but we are still separate services, with our own traditions and customs. The uniform should reflect that uniqueness.
