↧
Article 11
↧
See more photos here - http://www.h16613.com/
Another day, another intercept
![Mainstay 01 640x428 Typhoon Intercept]( "Mainstay 01 640x428")
Beriev A50 ‘Mainstay’ early warning aircraft![Mainstay 02 640x424 Typhoon Intercept]( "Mainstay 02 640x424")
Beriev A50 ‘Mainstay’ early warning aircraft![Blackjack Intercept 640x408 Typhoon Intercept]( "Blackjack Intercept 640x408")
Tupolev Tu22 ‘Backfire’ bomber![Typhoon SU27 Intercept 01 640x452 Typhoon Intercept]( "Typhoon SU27 Intercept 01 640x452")
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters![Typhoon SU27 Intercept 03 640x380 Typhoon Intercept]( "Typhoon SU27 Intercept 03 640x380")
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters![Typhoon SU27 Intercept 02 640x354 Typhoon Intercept]( "Typhoon SU27 Intercept 02 640x354")
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters![Typhoon SU27 Intercept 04 640x445 Typhoon Intercept]( "Typhoon SU27 Intercept 04 640x445")
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters![AN32 Intercept 02 640x420 Typhoon Intercept]( "AN32 Intercept 02 640x420")
Antonov An26 ‘Curl’ transport aircraft![AN32 Intercept 640x431 Typhoon Intercept]( "AN32 Intercept 640x431")
Antonov An26 ‘Curl’ transport aircraft
The post Typhoon Intercept appeared first on Think Defence.
RAF Typhoons were yesterday (Tuesday 17 June) scrambled to intercept multiple Russian aircraft as part of NATO’s ongoing mission to police Baltic airspace.
The Typhoon aircraft, from 3 (Fighter) Squadron, were launched after four separate groups of aircraft were detected by NATO air defences in international airspace near to the Baltic States.
Once airborne, the British jets identified the aircraft as a Russian Tupolev Tu22 ‘Backfire’ bomber, four Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters, one Beriev A50 ‘Mainstay’ early warning aircraft and an Antonov An26 ‘Curl’ transport aircraft who appeared to be carrying out a variety of routine training. The Russian aircraft were monitored by the RAF Typhoons and escorted on their way.
The Typhoon pilots involved in the operation were Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Mark Long of 29 (Reserve) Squadron (the Typhoon operational training unit) and a French Air Force exchange pilot Commandant Marc-antoine Gerrard who is currently attached to 1(Fighter) Squadron.
Beriev A50 ‘Mainstay’ early warning aircraft
Beriev A50 ‘Mainstay’ early warning aircraft
Tupolev Tu22 ‘Backfire’ bomber
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters
Sukhoi Su27 ‘Flanker’ fighters
Antonov An26 ‘Curl’ transport aircraft
Antonov An26 ‘Curl’ transport aircraftThe post Typhoon Intercept appeared first on Think Defence.
↧
↧
Article 9
Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage visited the Eastern Naval Area from 18 to 19 June 2014. He was accompanied by senior officers attached to the Naval Headquarters.
Addressing the officers of the Eastern Naval Command and the Officer Under Trainees at the ‘Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda’ Auditorium on the evening of June 18, the Commander of the Navy emphasized the importance of becoming a maritime professional. He urged the officers to take on professional challenges as golden opportunities and strive hard to realize one’s full potential.
During his visit to the Eastern Naval Area, the Commander of the Navy declared open the newly-constructed engineering school belonging to the NMA building complex and the four-storey building, which houses the MTU workshop, Quality & Testing office and the class rooms for engineering and electrical personnel, at the Naval Dockyard.
He also opened the Navy Seva Vanitha welfare shop, made a fleet inspection and visited the naval ships Sagara, Suranimila, Shakthi, A543, Hansaya, and the naval gun boats Ranajaya, Edithara II, Jagatha and Weeraya and Fast Attack Craft.
Press Release, June 23, 2014; Image: Sri Lanka Navy
↧
Article 8
Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) received a new commander June 20 during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.
Wilkinson assumed command in October 2011 and led Hartford during a successful six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command region of operations the following year.
Wilkinson was also credited with providing inspirational leadership that enabled Hartford’s crew of 16 officers and 127 enlisted members to excel.
Last July, the U.S. Fleet Forces Command presented Hartford with the prestigious Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy, which recognized the submarine as Atlantic Fleet’s most improved navy vessel in 2012.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert stated in a May 2013 message that Hartford “consistently and measurably improved in every warfare area and achieved on-time certification for one of [Commander, Submarine Forces] most challenging deployments.”
The Washington state native’s next assignment is scheduled to be closer to home. He will report to Submarine Development Squadron 5 based in Bangor, Wash., after briefly serving as a deputy commander for Submarine Squadron 4 in Groton.
Aydt, an Illinois native, reports to Groton after finishing a shore tour at Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Aydt enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and served as a missile technician aboard ballistic missile submarines before entering an enlisted commissioning program in 1995.
He later received his officer commission after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Jacksonville University. He also has a master’s in operations management from the University of Arkansas.
USS Hartford was commissioned Dec. 10, 1994 and is the second U.S. naval vessel named in honor of Connecticut’s capital city.
Press Release, June 23, 2014; Image: US Navy
↧
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Andrew McCabe, assigned to EODMU 8, leads the exit from...
via John Currin - Google+ Public Posts http://ift.tt/1nyyF1G
America's Navy originally shared:
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Andrew McCabe, assigned to EODMU 8, leads the exit from the cargo door of a C-130 during free fall training at Naval Station Rota, Spain.
↧
↧
Article 6
The ship’s company of NUSHIP Canberra recently had the opportunity to hear about amphibious operations from some international officers with first hand experience.
Both colonels are currently posted to the Australian Defence Force, where their knowledge has been drawn upon to increase the Royal Australia Navy’s understanding of amphibious operations.
Colonel Hutton spoke about Operation PALLISER, the British intervention into Sierra Leone in May 2000. He explained the situation, mission and execution of the operation which highlighted the flexibility modern amphibious forces require.
Significant challenges were faced; for example Royal Navy personnel were tasked to guard the headquarters in Freetown, requiring selected personnel to receive additional training from their Royal Marine Commandos during the ten day transit from Marseilles, France.
Colonel Hutton said there was also the problem of the 100 year old charts which provided no detail on water depth or safety of critical waterways. The British troops were required to do some quick thinking and a landing craft surveyed these areas under the cover of darkness and provided command with options.
NUSHIP Canberra sailor, Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Dan Lee said Colonel Hutton’s examples highlighted the value of a flexible ship and crew.
“It left me imagining myself in similar situations and I’m sure the rest of the crew were doing the same,” he said.Colonel Mayer discussed a United States regional engagement mission in Cambodia that enhanced relations with the locals, provided medical assistance and rebuilt infrastructure in hard to reach locations.
This presentation was in contrast to the military nature of Operation PALLISER, demonstrating an amphibious ship may often be employed for diplomatic and humanitarian missions rather than combat.
Press Release, June 23, 2014; Image: Australian Navy
↧
Article 5
Ships in the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) completed an undersea warfare exercise (USWEX), June 9-11.
“USWEX allowed GWCSG the opportunity to increase war fighting proficiency and integrate, at the force level, anti-submarine warfare with surface and aviation capabilities,” said Capt. Shan Byrne, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. “This event leveraged the unique capabilities of the P-8 and MH-60R platforms to work in conjunction with DESRON 15 destroyer ships to create a potent anti-submarine warfare (ASW) strike group.”Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS Kidd (DDG 100) participated in USWEX.
“A lot of the ships in our area of responsibility do not get many opportunities to integrate with the strike group to conduct ASW prosecution,” said Lt. j.g. Courtney Keiser, DESRON 15 ASW officer. “This was a great opportunity to bring multiple assets and use planning tools to execute a whole exercise from start to finish. As a result, we know areas we have improved and where we can improve. “Along with these surface ships, a U.S. Navy submarine acted as the opposing force.
“My crew enjoyed the opportunity to train with advanced surface and aerial ASW platforms,” said the submarine’s commanding officer. “This type of training is invaluable for improving both my crew’s combat skills, as well as the skills of our surface and air squadron ASW assets.”PATRECONFOR 7th Fleet is also known as Task Force 72,lead expeditionary maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces in support of 7th Fleet operations ready to engage tomorrow’s adversaries. They promote regional security and enhance theater security cooperation through close interoperation with allied forces, friendly nations and other U.S. military services.
“USWEX allowed us a good baseline to begin USS George Washington 2014 patrol,” said Lt. John Peach, of DESRON 15. “It gave everyone an opportunity to better understand individual roles and responsibilities.”GWCSG is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Press Release, June 23, 2014; Image: Wikimedia
↧
Article 4
HMS Montrose demonstrated NATO Allies’ resolve in the Baltic Sea last week as it tracked a Russian warship off the Danish coast.
Despite high seas and 30 knot winds, the crew of Monstrose identified the unknown ship as the 104m-long Steregushchiy-class corvette RFS Soobrazitelny, making her way west at slow-speed.
As Montrose closed with the Russian vessel a Russian Ilyushin IL-20 “Coot” maritime patrol aircraft was detected over 40 miles away, and soon appeared overhead, circling the two vessels.
Both the Russian vessel and aircraft appeared to be carrying out their normal business.
The HMS Montrose Officer of the Watch, Lieutenant Chloe Lea, said: “After we picked up a vessel on our radar that was not showing any of the normal behaviour expected of merchant vessels or Baltops warships, we were able to identify her as the same Russian Steregushchiy Class corvette that we saw a few days ago.The same Ilyushin IL20-Coot has also been spotted on several occasions, monitoring developments on Baltops 14.
“We have seen the Russians operate a lot in this area but this is the closest we have seen them.”
Commander James Parkin, Commanding Officer of HMS Montrose, said: “After operating very close to Russian warships in the Eastern Mediterranean at the beginning of the year, seeing so many Russian ships and aircraft in the Baltic is normal business for my team.The incident is the latest occasion on which Russian units have approached ships taking part in Baltops, a US led exercise involving warships, submarines and helicopters from 14 different nations.
“All our interaction so far has been professional, and effective, and we have gained huge benefit from working so closely with our NATO and European allies in such a busy and challenging environment.”
Plymouth based HMS Montrose started Baltops 14 on 6 June, alongside in Sweden, and the exercise has now concluded.
Press Release, June 24, 2014; Image: UK Navy
↧
Article 3
A Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class stealth frigate, RSS Intrepid, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, is participating in a Multinational Group Sail from Guam to Hawaii with eight warships from the Royal Brunei Navy, People’s Liberation Army (Navy) and United States Navy from 14 to 24 June 2014.
En route, the navies conducted various naval warfare serials such as manoeuvring exercises and gunnery firings. These interactions, in addition to personnel exchanges across the participating ships, have enhanced interoperability and deepened professional understanding among the four navies.
Commenting on the RSN’s participation in the Multinational Group Sail, Commanding Officer of RSS Intrepid, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Beng said that the Multinational Group Sail had reinforced the relationships among the four navies.
“This sailing has been a good chance for us to exercise with partner navies from Brunei, China and the United States. The interactions at sea have also strengthened mutual trust and understanding between personnel from the different navies,” he said.
Press Release, June 24, 2014; Image: Wikimedia
↧
↧
Article 2
The BOP on board the Maersk Discoverer semisubmersible, image; Maersk DrillingThese giant stacks of milled steel, heavy-duty piping and finely tuned electro-hydraulic equipment will be deployed on board a pair of purpose-built 20k psi drilling rigs that will be delivered at the end of 2018. These rigs will be used as part of an agreement to support BP’s Project 20K™, a joint study that aims to unlock the vast oil reserves within the Paleogene, or Lower Tertiary zones – an area that BP holds a strong position in.
The difficulty with the Paleogene is that it’s very deep and at a very high temperature which limits the recoverable resources to about 10 percent of the reservoir.
In a study by Wood Mackenzie, they estimate that a two percentage point increase in recovery from a typical Paleogene field would add USD $1 billion of value to the field.
In the Gulf of Mexico, BP expects Project 20K technology will play an important role in developing major deepwater discoveries such as Kaskida and Tiber as well as applications in Egypt, Azerbaijan and other deepwater basins around the world. BP has estimated the application of this technology across its own global portfolio alone could potentially access an additional 10-20 billion barrels of resources.
Maersk Drilling has not yet ordered the drillships that will support these BOPs, however CEO Claus Hemmingsen notes in a release today, “the intention and our expectation is to see a 20K™ Rig contract realized next year.”
It’s important to note that the BOP itself is only one part of the system. A 20k psi subsea system on board a drilling rig would also include higher capacity choke and kill lines, a higher rated stack testing systems and new riser system.
The post Maersk Drilling Orders First 20,000 PSI Blow Out Preventers, Rig Orders Planned appeared first on gCaptain Maritime & Offshore News.
↧
Article 1
↧
HMS REVENGE
REVENGE
![]()
↧
Article 24
The Carnival Sunshine is seen docked at the Port of New Orleans, November 18, 2013. Photo courtesy Carnival Cruise Lines
By Sruthi RamakrishnanJune 24 (Reuters) – Carnival Corp, the world’s largest cruise operator, forecast an adjusted profit below market estimates for the current quarter, blaming increased competition in the Caribbean.
Shares of the company, which operates the Carnival, Holland America and Costa cruise lines, fell as much as 3 percent.
“The North American brands are ahead on price but are still behind on occupancy as a result of the large increase in industry capacity in the Caribbean,” Chief Financial Officer David Bernstein said on a conference call.
Carnival forecast an adjusted profit of $1.38-$1.44 per share for the third quarter ending August 31, when the company usually earns a lion’s share of its earnings due to peaking demand in the summer.
Analysts on average were expecting $1.51 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
UBS analyst Robin Farley termed the forecast a “surprise” for a quarter that would have plenty of European and Alaskan cruises to offset weakness in the Caribbean business.
Carnival said the industry was offering more promotions to win passengers for cruises in the Caribbean region.
“Carnival Cruise Lines decided to hold price and give up the occupancy,” Bernstein said.
Smaller rival Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said in April that it had strong bookings for the Caribbean but the environment remained “very promotional”.
About 35 percent of Carnival’s passenger capacity was in the Caribbean in the year ended November.
Industry analyst Stewart Chiron said Carnival and Royal Caribbean were pointing to Europe-based MSC Cruises that is offering 7-night cruises in the Caribbean for as low as $199.
Carnival said it expected third-quarter net revenue yields, which blend ticket sales and money spent onboard, to be flat to down 1 percent on a constant currency basis.
Net revenue yields are expected to be slightly up in the fourth quarter, the company said.
Carnival raised its full-year adjusted profit forecast to $1.60 to $1.75 per share from $1.50-$1.70.
Net income rose to $106 million, or 14 cents per share, in the second quarter ended May 31, from $41 million, or 5 cents per share, a year earlier.
Excluding items, the company earned 10 cents per share.
Revenue rose 4 percent to $3.63 billion.
Analysts on average had expected earnings of 2 cents per share on revenue of $3.61 billion.
Carnival’s shares recouped some of their losses to be down 1 percent at $38.91 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. (Editing by Don Sebastian and Sriraj Kalluvila)
© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
The post Caribbean Competition Drags Down Carnival’s Profit Forecast appeared first on gCaptain Maritime & Offshore News.
↧
↧
Article 23
Today in U.S. Naval History: June 24
Posted by Eric Haun
Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 10:40 AM
USS Constitution (U.S. Navy image)
Today in U.S. Naval History - June 24
1833 - USS Constitution enters drydock at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., for overhaul. The ship was saved from scrapping after public support rallied to save the ship following publication of Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem, "Old Ironsides."
1926 - Office of Assistant SecNav set up to foster naval aeronautics; aircraft building increased
1948 - Berlin airlift initiated to offset the Soviet Union's blockade access of U.S., France and Great Britain to their sectors of Berlin.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.
1833 - USS Constitution enters drydock at Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., for overhaul. The ship was saved from scrapping after public support rallied to save the ship following publication of Oliver Wendell Holmes' poem, "Old Ironsides."
1926 - Office of Assistant SecNav set up to foster naval aeronautics; aircraft building increased
1948 - Berlin airlift initiated to offset the Soviet Union's blockade access of U.S., France and Great Britain to their sectors of Berlin.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.
↧
Article 22
Today’s frigates operate in the most challenging of circumstances. Whether they are fending off enemy submarines, thwarting pirates or carrying out disaster relief and humanitarian missions, these ships need to be effective, efficient, safe and sustainable.
The Type 26 will incorporate the latest in hybrid propulsion technology: at low speeds, it will run on an innovative electric drive system, while at high speeds, it will take power from the gas turbine. GE’s Power Conversion business (NYSE: GE) has won the design, development and assessment (DDA) contract to provide the electric propulsion system.
“We are very excited to have been chosen by BAE Systems,” says Mark Dannatt, naval business leader for GE’s Power Conversion business. “Over the last 25 years, we have supplied electrical power and propulsion systems for the majority of the Royal Navy’s surface warships. We have recently built the electric power and propulsion system for the U.K.’s two new aircraft carriers being assembled at Rosyth, and we are now designing the electric power and propulsion system for the four Royal Fleet Auxiliary MARS tankers to be built in South Korea. The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is the latest chapter in our long naval involvement, and we are especially proud to be associated with the next generation of ships for the Royal Navy.”Under current plans, 13 Type 26 Global Combat ships will be delivered to the Royal Navy.
“This is a good long-term contract for GE Power Conversion,” says Dannatt. “It underlines our strong position in supplying electrical systems to the Royal Navy and many other navies, and it will provide us with an excellent reference for similar projects around the world. It is the latest proof that our power and propulsion technology is not only very energy efficient, but also safe, for instance in the provision of our arc proof, variable-speed drives, as well as being highly cost-effective.”In this particular case, the GE system also is extremely capable. A key requirement was that the ship’s propulsion system had to be very quiet in order to maximize the operability of the 13 Type 26 ships.
“The motors we will be supplying are very quiet, due in large part to the use of patented anti-vibration technology,” Dannatt added. “Reducing radiated noise from the motor makes it exceptionally quiet, which is obviously very important for naval operations. GE is on the cutting edge with this proven, robust technology. It will allow the Royal Navy to operate more efficiently, cost-effectively and safely. Drawing on our extensive experience over decades in the electrical power conversion systems industry, we are moving to provide the latest in motor and drive technology that is at the forefront of operational efficiency.”
Press Release, June 24, 2014; Image: GE
↧
"Sky Bouncer"
via John Currin - Google+ Public Posts http://ift.tt/1phoUdW
↧
http://ift.tt/1pveCEd
via John Currin - Google+ Public Posts http://ift.tt/1phoSmk
↧
↧
28 Engineer Regiment have been saying farewell to Hameln in Germany.
via John Currin - Google+ Public Posts http://ift.tt/1uFB7WR
↧
+UNESCO has delayed a decision on whether Australia's Great Barrier Reef should be declared...
via John Currin - Google+ Public Posts http://ift.tt/1uFB8dp
↧
... VINTAGE - for fans!
via John Currin - Google+ Public Posts http://ift.tt/Ug5U1j
↧