MEYER WERFT - Pressemitteilung - Tage der Region vom 27. - 29.12.2012 - im Besucherzentrum der Meyer Werft

Pressemitteilung - Tage der Region vom 27. - 29.12.2012 - im Besucherzentrum der Meyer Werft

Presseinformation – der MEYER WERFT

„Tage der Region“ auf der MEYER WERFT

Vergünstigte Preise für Werftführungen vom 27. - 29. Dezember 2012

Papenburg, 07.12.2012 - Zwischen den Jahren lädt die Papenburger MEYER WERFT die Bevölkerung aus der Region und Heimaturlauber zu spontanen Besichtigungen der Werft ein.

Veranstaltet werden die „Tage der Region“ von der Papenburg Tourismus vom 27. bis 29. Dezember 2012. Dabei können interessierte Bürgerinnen und Bürger, Nachbarn, Heimaturlauber und sonstige Gäste die Werft zu vergünstigten Eintrittspreisen besichtigen. Im Mittelpunkt des Interesses dürften in diesem Jahr die neuen Kreuzfahrtschiffe „AIDAstella“, für die deutsche Reederei AIDA Cruises und die „Norwegian Breakaway“ für die amerikanische Reederei Norwegian Cruise Line stehen. Die Ausdockung und Überführung der "AIDAstella" ist Ende Januar bzw. Anfang Februar 2013 geplant. Die „Norwegian Breakaway“ wird ihre Überführungsfahrt auf der Ems Anfang März 2013 antreten.

In einem großen beheizten Zelt, in der Nähe des Besucherturms vor dem „Tor 1“ der Werft, direkt am Werfthafen, können sich die Gäste bei wärmenden Getränken, leckerem Essen sowie Kaffee und Kuchen stärken. Hier findet man auch eine große Auswahl an Souvenirs und die Kasse, an der die reservierten Karten abzuholen sind. Ausgangspunkt aller Führungen auf der Werft, zu denen sich die Gäste telefonisch oder im Internet bei der Papenburg Tourismus GmbH voranmelden sollten, ist das „Tor 1“ bzw. der Besucherturm am Werftgelände. Von hier aus starten – soweit genügend Anmeldungen vorliegen – alle 20 Minuten die Besichtigungstouren. Kostenlose Parkmöglichkeiten an der Werft sind entsprechend ausgeschildert. Es wird empfohlen, Tickets für die Werftführung im Voraus zu reservieren.

Nach der Führung auf der MEYER WERFT lädt der „Papenburger Zeitspeicher“ ein: Mit dem Stadtgründer „Dietrich von Velen“ geht es virtuell auf eine Zeitreise durch die Entstehungsgeschichte der Stadt. Außerdem erhalten die Besucher im Zeitspeicher spannende Einblicke in Testaktivitäten auf dem hiesigen Automobilprüfgeländes der Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP).

Weitere Informationen und Ticketbestellungen unter 04961 83960 und www.papenburg-tourismus.de und unter www.meyerwerft.de

Bildnachweis: MEYER WERFT
Gäste und Besucher dürfen sich während der "Tage der Region" neben der "AIDAstella" (Bild) auf die "Norwegian Breakaway" freuen.

______________________________________________________________________

MEYER WERFT GmbH
Firmensitz: 26871 Papenburg
Registergericht: Amtsgericht Osnabrück HRB 12 14 51
Geschäftsführer: Bernard Meyer, Lambert Kruse, Dr. Jan Meyer

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Training and Adventure | HMS Illustrious visits Malta

In:  http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/HmsIllustriousVisitsMalta.htm

Defence

News Article

HMS Illustrious visits Malta

A Training and Adventure news article

22 Nov 12

HMS Illustrious has arrived at the Mediterranean island of Malta for a five-day visit.

Tugs help to guide HMS Illustrious into the port of Valletta
[Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Ray Jones, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

More than 1,500 sailors and marines lined the deck of the Portsmouth-based helicopter carrier as she entered the port of Valletta.
As well as an onboard reception for the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the ship will be holding an affiliation event for representatives from the Maltese cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and L'Isla.
The helicopter carrier is twinned with the three cities due to a previous HMS Illustrious which was bombed during the Second World War and underwent extensive repair at the Grand Harbour in Malta.
Captain Martin Connell, Commanding Officer of HMS Illustrious, said it was a proud moment for him to be sailing HMS Illustrious into Valletta:

Sailors line the deck of HMS Illustrious as she enters the port of Valletta
[Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Ray Jones, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

"We are very much aware of not just the history of this ship but also the previous Illustrious and what the people of Malta did to help save her in 1941," he added.

The Maltese Government also allowed the Grand Harbour in Valletta to be used for berthing by HMS Cumberland and HMS York following their evacuation of British nationals from Libya in 2011.
This time in Grand Harbour, sailors and marines from HMS Illustrious will be helping out with a variety of worthy causes including a clean-up of outdoor spaces in collaboration with the Nature Trust.
Later in the week HMS Illustrious will be joined by the Royal Navy fleet flagship, HMS Bulwark, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Mounts Bay.
HMS Illustrious is part of the Cougar 12 deployment - a three-month work-up of the Royal Navy's Response Force Task Group (RFTG).

HMS Illustrious enters Malta's Grand Harbour
[Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Ray Jones, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The deployment is a test of the RFTG's capability should it be called into action at short notice.
The force is designed to respond to rapidly unfolding world events - the last time being Libya in 2011.
As part of Cougar 12, the ships have been working with Royal Marines commando units and the Fleet Air Arm to put their amphibious capability to the test - the power to transfer marines from ships onto the beaches of hostile nations.
As well as exercising the 3,000 British sailors, marines and airmen, the task force has worked alongside French and Albanian forces to ensure the nations could co-operate on a military level in the future.

The US Navy -- Fact File: Aircraft Carriers - CVN

The US Navy -- Fact File: Aircraft Carriers - CVN

Great suumary of the USN:
In: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=200&ct=4
 

Aircraft Carriers - CVN

Description Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America�s Naval forces. On any given day, aircraft carriers exercise the Navy core capabilities of power projection, forward presence, humanitarian assistance, deterrence, sea control and maritime security.

Features The aircraft carrier continues to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence. In times of crisis, the first question leaders ask in a crisis is: �Where are the carriers?� Often the presence of an aircraft carrier has deterred potential adversaries from striking against U.S. interests. Aircraft Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea; and engage in sustained power projection operations in support U.S. and coalition ground forces in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The aircraft carrier and its strike group also engage in maritime security operations to interdict threats to merchant shipping and prevent the use of the seas as a highway for terrorist traffic. Aircraft also provide unique capabilities for disaster response and humanitarian assistance. The embarked carrier air wing provides helicopters for direct support and C4I assets to support them and ensure aid is routed quickly and safely. The 10 Nimitz class aircraft carriers are the largest warships in the world, each designed for an approximately 50 year service life with one mid-life refueling. USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) have all completed their Refueling Complex Overhauls (RCOH) at Newport News, Va., with USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) scheduled to return to the Fleet in 2013. The next generation of aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford class (CVN 78) was ordered in 2008 and is slated to be delivered in 2015 to replace USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Gerald R. Ford class The Gerald R. Ford class is the future aircraft carrier replacement class for USS Enterprise and CVN 68, or Nimitz class aircraft carriers. Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was ordered from Newport News Shipbuilding on Sept. 10, 2008, and is scheduled to be delivered in 2015. The Gerald R. Ford class will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups will provide the core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance. The class brings improved warfighting capability, quality of life improvements for our Sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs. Each ship in the new class will save $4 billion in total ownership costs during its 50-year service life, compared to the Nimitz-class. For comparison, the total ownership cost for a Nimitz-class ship is $39.2 billion in FY 12 constant year dollars, and the total ownership cost for CVN 78 is expected to be $35.6 billion. Half of the total ownership cost for an aircraft carrier is allocated to the direct and indirect costs of manpower for operations and maintenance of the ship. The CVN 78 is being designed to operate effectively with nearly 800 fewer crew members than a CVN 68-class ship. Improvements in the ship design will allow the embarked air wing to operate with 663 fewer personnel. Technologies and ship design initiatives that replace maintenance-intensive systems with low maintenance systems are expected to reduce watch standing and maintenance workload for the crew. Gerald R. Ford is the first aircraft carrier designed with all electric utilities, eliminating steam service lines from the ship, reducing maintenance requirements and improving corrosion control efforts. The new A1B reactor, Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) and Dual Band Radar (DBR) all offer enhanced capability with reduced manning requirements. The Gerald R. Ford class is designed to maximize the striking power of the embarked carrier air wing. The ship�s systems and configuration are optimized to maximize the sortie generation rate (SGR) of attached strike aircraft, resulting in a 25 percent increase in SGR over the Nimitz class. The ship�s configuration and electrical generating plant are designed to accommodate any foreseeable requirements during its 50- year service life. The Gerald R. Ford class builds upon the Navy�s legacy of aircraft carrier innovation stretching back to the first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV 1) and continuing to the present day. The introduction of jet aircraft, angled decks and nuclear power were all innovations that kept the fleet relevant for Cold War needs. Gerald R. Ford continues the aircraft carrier history of innovation and adapatability that will enable her to serve our country for decades to come.

Point Of Contact Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications Washington, D.C. 20376

General Characteristics, Nimitz class

Builder: Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Va.

Date Deployed: May 3, 1975 (USS Nimitz).

Unit Cost: About $8.5 billion in constant year FY 12 dollars.

Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts.

Length: 1,092 feet (332.8 meters).

Beam: 134 feet (40.8 meters); Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters).

Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons (98,560 long tons) full load.

Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour).

Crew: Ship's Company: 3,000-3,200, air wing: 1,500, other: 500.

Armament: Multiple NATO Sea Sparrow, Phalanx CIWS, and Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) mounts.

Aircraft: Approximately 60+.

Ships:

USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Everett, WA.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Norfolk, VA.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), San Diego, Calif.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Norfolk, VA.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Norfolk, VA.

USS George Washington (CVN 73), Yokosuka, Japan

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Bremerton, WA.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Norfolk, VA.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), San Diego, CA.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Norfolk, VA.

General Characteristics, Enterprise class

Builder: Huntington INgalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Va.

Date Deployed: November 25, 1961 (USS Enterprise).

Propulsion: Eight nuclear reactors, four shafts.

Length: 1,101 feet 2 inches (335.64 meters).

Beam: 133 feet (39.9 meters); 252 feet (75.6 meters).

Displacement: 89,600 tons (91,040 long tons) full load.

Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour).

Crew: Ship's Company: 3,350 - Air Wing 2,480.

Armament: Multiple NATO Sea Sparrow, Phalanx CIWS, and rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) mounts.

Aircraft: Approximately 60+.

Ships:

USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Norfolk, VA

General Characteristics, Gerald R. Ford class

Builder: Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va.

Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts.

Length: 1,092 feet

Beam: 134 feet, Flight Deck Width: 256 feet.

Displacement: approximately 100,000 long tons full load.

Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour)

Crew: 4,539 (ship, air wing and staff).

Armament: Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Rolling Airframe Missile, CIWS.

Aircraft: 75+.

Ships:

PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

Last Update: 23 October 2012

F-14 Tomcat fighter, The US Navy -- Fact File

The US Navy -- Fact File: F-14 Tomcat fighter

In:  http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1100&ct=1

Grumman F-14 Tomcat fighter

Description The F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, variable sweep wing, two-place strike fighter manufactured by Grumman Aircraft Corporation. The multiple tasks of navigation, target acquisition, electronic counter measures (ECM), and weapons employment are divided between the pilot and the radar intercept officer (RIO). Primary missions include precision strike against ground targets, air superiority, and fleet air defense.

Features As a Strike Fighter, the Tomcat is capable of deploying an assortment of air-to-ground ordnance (MK-80 series GP bombs, LGBs and JDAM) in various configurations, while simultaneously carrying the AIM-7, AIM-9 and AIM-54 air-to-air missiles. The F-14 also has the LANTIRN targeting system that allows delivery of various laser-guided bombs for precision strikes in air-to-ground combat missions and for battle damage assessment. With its Fast Tactical Imagery (FTI) system the F-14 can transmit and receive targeting/reconnaissance imagery in-flight to provide time sensitive strike capability. A number of F-14s also carry the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) providing in-theater tactical reconnaissance.

Background The F-14 has completed its decommissioning from the U.S. Navy. It was slated to remain in service through at least 2008, but all F-14A and F-14B airframes have already been retired, and the last two squadrons, the VF-31 Tomcatters and the VF-213 Black Lions, both flying the "D" models, arrived for their last fly-in at Naval Air Station Oceana on March 10, 2006. The F-14 Tomcat was officially retired on September 22, 2006 at Naval Air Station Oceana.

Point Of Contact Naval Air Systems Command PEO-T Public Affairs Officer 47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272, Rm 454 Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547  (301) 481-6263

General Characteristics

Contractor: Northrop Grumman.

Date Deployed: First flight: December 1970.

Propulsion: F-14A: (2) TF30-414A Afterburning Turbofans with over 40,000 lb Total Thrust F-14B/D: (2) F110-GE400 Afterburning Turbofans with over 54,000 lb Total Thrust.

Length: 62 feet 9 inches (18.9 meters).

Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters).

Wingspan: 64 feet (19 meters) unswept; 38 feet (11.4 meters) swept.

Weight: 43,600 lb (19,777 kg) (F-14B).

Airspeed: Mach 2+.

Ceiling: 50,000+ feet.

Range: 1600 nautical miles.

Crew: Two (pilot and radar intercept officer).

Last Update: 17 February 2009

P-3 Team Protects the Fleet, One flight at a Time, US Navy Videos

US Navy Videos
 

P-3 Team Protects the Fleet, One flight at a Time

November 14, 2012

P-3 Team Protects the Fleet, One flight at a Time

USS Nimitz Completes Joint Training Phase

In: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=70615

USS Nimitz Completes Joint Training Phase

---

Story Number: NNS121113-15Release Date: 11/13/2012 8:53:00 PM

A  A  A     

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nichelle N. Whitfield, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 successfully completed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) Nov. 12.

JTFEX is designed to test a strike group's ability to operate in hostile and complex environments with other U.S. and coalition forces.

The integrated exercise combines specific warfare areas with the purpose of making preparations for the strike group's upcoming deployment.

"Nimitz, CSG 11 and CVW 11 displayed enormous resilience and competence while being tested as an integrated force in the Joint Task Force Exercise," said Commander, CSG 11 Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao. "I am confident with the integrated training we received we are now fully capable and combat ready to quickly respond to any maritime operation."

More than 8,000 Sailors worked together to hone their operational skills in preparation for their upcoming deployment. Upon completion of the exercise, U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman certified the CSG as "major combat operations ready" and ready to deploy. The Nimitz CSG is now postured and capable of supporting any of the Navy's maritime strategy missions prior to its deployment.

"I'm very proud of Warrior Team 11's performance during these past two months of integrated and joint training," said Gumataotao. "We are ready to support our Navy's mission anywhere, anytime."

The Nimitz CSG includes Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, Carrier Air Wing 11 and Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. Ships assigned include: USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Antietam (CG 54).

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and is responsible for providing realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Training and Adventure | Royal Navy Lynx joins French frigate for counter-piracy ops

In: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/RoyalNavyLynxJoinsFrenchFrigateForCounterpiracyOps.htm

Royal Navy Lynx joins French frigate for counter-piracy ops

A Training and Adventure news article

14 Nov 12

The first Royal Navy Lynx helicopter to join a French frigate for a full counter-piracy deployment has arrived on board the ship in Toulon, on France's south coast.

The Royal Navy Lynx Mk8 helicopter from 217 Flight is guided in to land on the Marine nationale frigate FS Surcouf
[Picture: Second maître Sebastien Chenal, Marine nationale]

As part of the initiative for the UK and French Armed Forces to work more closely together, a Lynx Mk8 aircraft and 12 UK personnel from 217 Flight, based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, will deploy with the French frigate FS Surcouf as part of Operation ATALANTA, off the Horn of Africa.
Before the Surcouf deploys at the end of November, the detachment of Royal Navy personnel have started a four-week training period, which includes an exercise to assess the warship's operational capabilities.
Flight Commander Lieutenant Mike Curd said:

"To be given the opportunity to learn the language and then spend an entire deployment operating with the French Navy is fantastic, and my team is very excited, not only to be contributing to counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, but also to be doing it in such unusual circumstances."

Lieutenant Mike Curd greets a French flight deck operator on board the FS Surcouf
[Picture: Second maître Sebastien Chenal, Marine nationale]

Lt Curd and helicopter pilot Lt Chris Southworth are part of a team comprising senior maintenance rating Chief Petty Officer Matthew Eccles and seven aircraft engineers, along with two Royal Marines snipers.
Their training for this deployment included a 15-week French language course earlier this year to prepare them for life on board the French vessel.
This deployment falls under the terms of the Anglo-French Treaty signed at the Lancaster House summit in November 2010 in which the UK and France agreed on military co-operation to assure their international commitments and strengthen their capabilities.

The Royal Navy Lynx Mk8 on the flight deck of the FS Surcouf
[Picture: Second maître Sebastien Chenal, Marine nationale]

Op ATALANTA is part of the European Union's ongoing naval effort to disrupt and deter piracy in a bid to reduce its impact on international trade and maritime security and on the economic activities and security of countries in the region.
The Commanding Officer of the FS Surcouf, Capitaine de Frigate Hughes Laine, said:

"I am very pleased to welcome 217 Flight to Surcouf and look forward to having the world-renowned capability of the Lynx Mk8 at my disposal for the deployment."

217 Flight will be away over Christmas and the New Year, returning to RNAS Yeovilton in March 2013.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA): New fleet of RFA tankers named

Equipment and Logistics

In:  http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/NewFleetOfRfaTankersNamed.htm

Defence

News Article

New fleet of RFA tankers named

An Equipment and Logistics news article

14 Nov 12

Four new Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tankers, which will be bought as part of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme, will be called the Tide Class.

Artist's impression of one of the new Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers carrying out a replenishment at sea with a Type 45 destroyer
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The 37,000-tonne ships will come into service from 2016 to replace the RFA's single-hulled tankers, and will maintain the Royal Navy's dedicated bulk fuel replenishment at sea capabilities.
The 200-metre long tankers will also be able to carry helicopters and will support Royal Navy warships deployed around the world.
Head of the RFA, Commodore Bill Walworth, said:

"I am delighted that the MARS fleet tankers will be called the Tide Class.
"The original Tides were the first purpose-built fleet tankers to support aircraft carriers and were highly successful and popular ships.
"The new Tides promise to be better still. A large number of people have worked hard to get us to this point, with the ships on contract and the first to be delivered into service in 2016.
"Tidespring, Tiderace, Tidesurge and Tideforce, which is a new name, will be superb ships that will reflect the successful past and a confident future for the RFA service."

The ships will be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering to a design provided by UK company BMT Defence Services.

The new Tide Class Royal Fleet Auxiliary tankers will come into service from 2016
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

In addition, UK companies will benefit from up to £150m of associated spending on key equipment, systems, design and support services, and on the customisation and trials package which will take place in the UK once the ships have been built.
The original Tide Class fleet tankers served in the RFA from 1954 until 1991, operating worldwide in support of numerous operations and exercises.
Developed using the lessons of the Pacific Campaign in the Second World War, these versatile ships were the first purpose-designed replenishment tankers for the RFA.
Carrying bulk fuels, oil and fresh water they replenished aircraft carriers and warships, both British and Allied, enabling task groups to remain at sea for extended periods:
• Tidespring - the original Tidespring was awarded a battle honour in 1982
• Tiderace - after service in the Suez Crisis, the Tiderace was renamed the Tideflow to avoid confusion with another ship name
• Tidesurge - originally launched as RFA Tiderange in 1954, she spent many of her early years east of Suez and served until 1976
• Tideforce - a new name in the RFA service.

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | Huge section of HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves shipyard

In:  http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/HugeSectionOfHmsQueenElizabethLeavesShipyard.htm

News Article

Huge section of HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves shipyard

An Equipment and Logistics news article

6 Nov 12

The largest section of future carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is now complete and on its way to join the rest of the ship.

The largest section of future carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth begins its journey to join the rest of the ship
[Picture: BAE Systems 2012]

This gigantic segment - officially known as Lower Block 04 and weighing 11,300 tonnes - was towed on a barge down the Clyde on Sunday to begin a 1,230-nautical-mile (2,278km) journey around the south of England to Rosyth.

Originally the shorter route around the north of Scotland had been planned. However, bad weather in the north of the UK forced reconsideration and the route was changed to around the south of England and up to Rosyth through the North Sea.
Employees at BAE Systems' Govan shipyard, where the section was pieced together, and members of the public watched as a large seagoing barge carrying the aft section of hull made its way along the Clyde, past new destroyer HMS Duncan in the final stages of completion at Scotstoun, and under the Erskine Bridge.
Travelling around the south coast of England, the block - the final section of the hull to be finished - is scheduled to arrive at Rosyth early next week where it will be joined to the rest of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Lower Block 04 being transported on a large seagoing barge under the Erskine Bridge
[Picture: BAE Systems 2012]

Lower Block 04 is 86 metres long, 40 metres wide and 23 metres high and contains the carrier's two main engine rooms, the sick bay and quarters for some of the 1,500 sailors and air group personnel who will serve in her later this decade.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:

"Our next generation of aircraft carriers is on track, with HMS Queen Elizabeth due to begin sea trials in 2017 and flight trials from her deck using our Lightning II fast jets in 2018. We are regenerating our carrier strike capability with the largest aircraft carriers Britain has ever had and fifth-generation stealth jets.

"Scotland has a world class shipbuilding industry that has benefited to the tune of around £1.3bn from the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers. More than 2,000 people work on the carriers at Rosyth, with a further 2,000 on the Clyde."

BAE Systems' Angus Holt, in charge of block delivery for the Queen Elizabeth Class, said:

"There's a real sense of pride here in the yard and across the Aircraft Carrier Alliance.
"This is the final hull section of HMS Queen Elizabeth and her arrival in Rosyth will mark an exciting and significant phase in the programme when we will really see the immense scale of the nation's flagships."

Employees at BAE Systems' Govan shipyard watch as the aft section of hull makes its way past new destroyer HMS Duncan in the final stages of completion at Scotstoun
[Picture: BAE Systems 2012]

The giant block was edged out of the firm's shipbuilding hall at Govan a fortnight ago and prepared for its journey by being firmly secured to the seagoing barge. The carrier team closely monitored weather forecasts to plan a smooth journey to the east coast.
On its arrival in the Firth of Forth, the block will be floated off the specialist barge and moved into position in dry dock, ready to join the other sections already in place.
Around 250 employees from the Clyde will follow the block to Rosyth where they will work in partnership with Babcock to complete the assembly phase.
Meanwhile, production on both Lower Blocks 03 and 04 of Queen Elizabeth's sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, continues to progress at Govan, while the aft island for the first ship is under construction at the company's Scotstoun yard.
Half-a-dozen yards around the UK are involved in the carrier project, with some 10,000 people directly or indirectly involved in building sections and parts or providing equipment for the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales.
With the Olympics now over, the construction of the aircraft carriers is the biggest and most complex engineering project in the UK.

US NAVY: Warfighting First – Expanding the Navigation Plan

Warfighting First – Expanding the Navigation Plan
 

By

sburns

– November 2, 2012Posted in: Inside the Navy, readiness, Sailing Directions, Sailors, ships, submarine, Surface, Undersea, Warfighting First

USS George Washington Completes Good Will Visit to Philippines. US Navy Videos

US Navy Videos

Guerra Armadas Hispanas vs Inglaterra por Gibraltar - YouTube

Guerra Armadas Hispanas vs Inglaterra por Gibraltar - YouTube

Guerra España vs. Inglaterra 2 - YouTube

Guerra España vs. Inglaterra 2 - YouTube

Harrier II Plus or "Bravo", Armada Española.. Desde el aire - YouTube

Desde el aire - YouTube

Harrier II Plus or "Bravo",  Armada Española.
Vista de la Bahía de Cádiz desde un Harrier "Bravo" de la Octava Flotilla de Aeronaves de la Armada Española.

El Arma Aérea de la Armada Española

Enterprise Transits the Suez Canal for the Final Time

Enterprise Transits the Suez Canal for the Final Time

The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) moves through the Suez Canal for the last time.

Enterprise Transits the Suez Canal for the Final Time

Story Number: NNS121015-04

10/15/2012

image: Top News Story

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) has been the first to do a lot of things. The "Big E" was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the first carrier to respond to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

On April 29, 1986, Enterprise did something that no other nuclear-powered carrier had ever done - she transited the Suez Canal, the world's largest man-made canal, adding another first to an already long list of accomplishments.

The 1986 transit brought Enterprise back into the Mediterranean for the first time in 22 years, as she shifted homeports from Alameda, Calif., back to Norfolk, Va., where she was originally commissioned in 1961.

Twenty-six years later, on Oct. 12, the "Big E" passed through the Suez Canal for the final time as she transitioned from the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) to U.S. 6th Fleet AOR, entering the Mediterranean Sea for the last time.

The transit marks the beginning of the last leg of the carrier's historic 25th and final deployment, after seven months of operations at sea.

The Suez Canal is a 120-mile long, 79-foot-deep canal that runs through Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, allowing mariners to transit from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and vice versa.

Because the canal is so shallow and narrow, the transit puts the skills of even the most seasoned helmsman to the test, as the canal was not originally designed to accommodate ships the size of an aircraft carrier. In fact, the evolution usually takes anywhere from 14-20 hours to complete.

"Planning for this type of evolution starts months out to try to minimize any hiccups," said Chief Quartermaster Craig J. Bowman. "We (Navigation department) lay out the ship's planned track with proposed or planned times to be at certain places. Other departments on the ship take the information we provide and plan when and where they can or can't do evolutions - or when they need to shut off or stop certain services."

Because Enterprise was the first to make the historic journey through the Suez Canal, those involved in its current transit believe that there is a bit of reverence in having the honor to take the "Big E" through "the Ditch" for the final time.

"To bring Enterprise through the Suez Canal for the last time is certainly an honor," said Cmdr. Donald Kennedy, Enterprise's navigator. "For more than 50 years, Big E Sailors have expertly stood the long watches required to navigate Enterprise safely. To be among the last to see her through the Suez Canal will no doubt be one of the most memorable experiences of my career."

Many "Big E" crewmembers agree that it is an honor to be involved with the final cruise and Suez Canal transit of the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The cruise marks a milestone in not only their careers, but their lives as well.

"Being involved in the planning of the transit is something that no one can take away from me or anyone else on the Navigation team," said Bowman. "I went through as a QM1 (quartermaster first class) and I am coming out as a QMC (chief quartermaster). Just adding that to the transit makes this that much more memorable for me."

Enterprise is scheduled to return to its homeport of Norfolk at the end of its current deployment to begin its inactivation process after 51 years of service.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

in. http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=70146&VIRIN=&imagetype=1&page=0

Presseinformation - Ems - Überführung "Celebrity Reflection"

Presseinformation - Ems - Überführung "Celebrity Reflection"


Presseinformation

Ems - Überführung der Celebrity Reflection

Überführung startet voraussichtlich Sonntag früh

Papenburg, 12. September 2012 – Die Celebrity Reflection wird voraussichtlich in der Nacht von Samstag auf Sonntag (16.09.2012), Papenburg verlassen und auf der Ems in Richtung Eemshaven (Niederlande) überführt. Nach einem kurzen Stopp in Emden wird das Schiff zu einer kurzen Einstellungsfahrt starten bevor es in Eemshaven (NL) ankommt.
Die Passage der Celebrity Reflection über die Ems wird voraussichtlich mit einem kurzen Zwischenstopp am und mit Unterstützung des Emssperrwerkes erfolgen. Weitere Informationen zum Sperrwerk, dem Betretungsverbot der Deiche und der Vogelschutzgebiete unter www.nlwkn.niedersachsen.de

Für die Überführung gilt folgender Zeitplan, der sich entsprechend den Wetterbedingungen kurzfristig weiter verschieben kann:

ca. 03.45 Uhr Passieren der Dockschleuse (Papenburg)
ca. 05.45 Uhr Passieren der Friesenbrücke (Weener)
ca. 07.40 Uhr Passieren der Jann-Berghaus-Brücke (Leer)
ca. 10.15 Uhr Ankunft Emssperrwerk (Gandersum)
ca. 13.15 Uhr Passieren Emssperrwerk (Gandersum)
ca. 14.30 Uhr Emden (Schiff drehen)
ca. 16.00 Uhr Emskai/Emspier Emden
ca. 17.00 Uhr Ablegen zur erste Einstellungsfahrt

!! Alle Angaben sind vorbehaltlich der Wind- und Wetterlage, der Wasserstände

und somit ohne Gewähr. Zeitverschiebungen sind möglich !!

Das Ablegen des Schiffes im Papenburger Hafen und das Passieren der Dockschleuse werden live im Internet übertragen. Die Webcam ist auf der Homepage der MEYER WERFT unter: www.meyerwerft.de zu finden.
Die Überführung des Schiffes wird erneut vom Team der Lotsenbrüderschaft Emden durchgeführt. Die Emslotsen haben auch in den Vorjahren die Schiffe der MEYER WERFT überführt. Das gesamte Überführungsteam trainierte dieses Manöver am computergesteuerten Simulator in Wageningen (Niederlande), um so noch besser vorbereitet zu sein.

Die Celebrity Reflection wird die Emsfahrt in Richtung Nordsee wieder rückwärts zurücklegen. Diese Art der Überführung hat sich aufgrund der besseren Manövrierfähigkeit bewährt. Die Überführung bewältigt das Schiff mit Unterstützung zweier Schlepper.
Das 126.000 BRZ große Kreuzfahrtschiff Celebrity Reflection hat eine Länge über alles von 319 Metern und ist 37,4 Meter breit. Es verfügt über 1523 Kabinen für mehr als 3046 Passa-giere und erreicht eine Geschwindigkeit von 23 Knoten.

Auf der MEYER WERFT geht die Arbeit an den weiteren Schiffen unterdessen mit Hoch-druck weiter: Im Dock II der Werft wird zurzeit das erste neue Kreuzfahrtschiff für Norwegian Cruise Line, die „Norwegian Breakaway“, gebaut. Das siebte Schiff für AIDA Cruises die AIDAstella, die im Frühjahr 2013 fertiggestellt wird, befindet sich bereits im Baudock I der Werft in der Ausbauphase.

Here the address of the company:

________________________

Unternehmenskommunikation

MEYER WERFT GmbH

Industriegebiet Süd

26871 Papenburg, Germany

Tel:      04961 81 4262

Fax:     04961 81 4373

www.meyerwerft.de

Royal Navy: HMS Diamond joins forces with USS Enterprise

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Military Operations | HMS Diamond joins forces with USS Enterprise

HMS Diamond joins forces with USS Enterprise

A Military Operations news article

15 Aug 12

HMS Diamond has joined the USS Enterprise to exercise with US Carrier Strike Group 12 in the Middle East and demonstrate the Type 45's outstanding air defence capabilities.

Members of HMS Diamond's ship's company observe flight deck operations being conducted on the USS Enterprise
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

During the exercise warfare specialists in Diamond's operations room helped to choreograph sorties of F-18 Super Hornets and other aircraft, which add to the Carrier Strike Group's potency.
As her sister ship Daring did just a few months ago, Diamond joined forces with the 'Big E' to show how a Type 45 destroyer can shield a task group from air attack - exactly what she was built for.
The £1bn Royal Navy warship can track multiple targets courtesy of her Sampson radar and take them out, if necessary, at ranges of up to 70 miles (113km) away courtesy of the Sea Viper missiles in the silo on her forecastle. And she can also direct strike missions by guiding aircraft onto targets as well as generally co-ordinating friendly air activity.
The Portsmouth-based warship took her place alongside Enterprise's more usual escorts, the cruiser Vicksburg and the destroyer Nitze. Whilst providing protection to the Carrier Strike Group, Diamond was able to close in to just 500 metres of the Enterprise, giving her ship's company a 'ringside seat' to US carrier operations.

Royal Navy and US Navy personnel work alongside each other in the Middle East
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Diamond's crew observed as the F-18s were catapulted off the deck of the Enterprise - which is the longest warship in the world, longest-serving carrier in the world and the world's first nuclear-powered carrier - and, when their missions were complete, touch down safely, brought to a halt by arrestor wires.
The exercises also allowed for an exchange of US and UK sailors, known in international naval circles as cross-pollination, sharing knowledge and experience among the ships.
Lieutenant Commander Mark Headley, Diamond's Air Warfare Officer who hosted the American visitors on the British ship, said:

"Working with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group has been a fantastic opportunity to build on Royal and US Navy understanding. The knowledge gleaned will help the Royal Navy maximise the exciting opportunities offered by the Type 45 destroyers."

Chief among those visitors was Rear Admiral Walter Carter, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 12.

Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond (foreground) with US Navy carrier the USS Enterprise
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The Admiral liked what he saw aboard Diamond during a comprehensive tour of the 8,500-tonne warship, and what her ship's company did during the destroyer's time in the company of the Enterprise. He sent a signal to Diamond's Commanding Officer, Commander Ian Clarke, which read:

"Bravo Zulu to HMS Diamond on an outstanding performance. You have integrated brilliantly and I am looking forward to working with you again in Carrier Strike Group 12."

The USS Enterprise is in the final months of her active life (her first major mission was the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962) and is due to decommission in December 2012.
HMS Diamond has resumed her maiden deployment duties, helping to provide security and stability in the Gulf region.
For that wider maritime security mission the Type 45 warship carries a Royal Marines team from 43 Commando who, together with members of Diamond's own company, specialise in boarding operations - a task which can put them in harm's way.

An F-18 aircraft takes off from the USS Enterprise
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

To prepare them for every eventuality, the combined boarding team undergoes weekly first aid training courtesy of the medical team and the impressive sickbay facilities.
Every week a different topic is covered - anything from minor accidents while undertaking normal duties to injuries that could be sustained during boarding operations. The team are coached through scenarios and then offered the chance to critique one another's performance.
Captain Richard Hughes Royal Marines, in charge of the commando detachment aboard Diamond, said:

"This invaluable training instils the confidence within the Royal Marine and Royal Navy Boarding Team that every member is able to effectively carry out lifesaving treatment."

Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded $2.38 Billion Contract for Detail Design and Construction of LHA 7 - Huntington Ingalls Industries News Releases

Huntington Ingalls Industries News Releases

 

Photo Release -- Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded $2.38 Billion Contract for Detail Design and Construction of LHA 7

Photo Release -- Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded $2.38 Billion Contract for Detail Design and Construction of LHA 7 PASCAGOULA, Miss., May 31, 2012 -- The U.S. Navy today awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) a $2.38 billion fixed-price-incentive contract for the detail design and construction of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LHA 7). The ship will be built at the company's Ingalls Shipbuilding division. An artist's rendering of an America-class amphibious assault ship. Tripoli (LHA 7) will be 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and will displace 44,971 long tons. A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/hii/mediagallery.html?pkgid=13102 "Large-deck amphibious ship construction is an important component of our business plan, and we are pleased to have reached agreement with the Navy on this contract," said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Irwin F. Edenzon. "We are also pleased to continue providing such an important asset to the sailors and Marines who are being called on to perform an ever-increasing list of tough missions. Ingalls shipbuilders understand the importance of building these ships safely and efficiently while all the while focusing on delivering a quality product. LHA 7 will be a great ship built by great shipbuilders." LHA 7 and LHA 6 are the first two ships in the new America class of amphibious assault ships. Tripoli will be 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and will displace 44,971 long tons. The fuel-efficient gas turbine propulsion system will drive the ships in excess of 20 knots. She will accommodate 1,059 crew (65 officers) and 1,687 troops. She will be capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marine helicopters, MV‐22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F‐35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. Carrying a complement of F‐35s allows her to serve the role of a small aircraft carrier, as demonstrated by LHD‐class ship operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. "We have an excellent build plan in place for LHA 7, and we will continue to develop fresh ideas through the knowledge and experience our shipbuilders have in large-deck construction," said Brian Cuccias, Ingalls' vice president, large deck amphibious ships. "The multi-mission capability of these ships has been proven in the fleet, and LHA 7 will further the technological advancements set forth by previous ships." Like the future USS America (LHA 6), LHA 7 has an increased aviation capacity to include an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. Similar to its predecessors, the ship will be able to operate as the flagship for an Expeditionary Strike Group. Ingalls has built five Tarawa (LHA 1) class ships as well as eight Wasp (LHD 1) class ships. The first of the America class (LHA 6) is currently under construction and is scheduled to launch in June. Tripoli will be the third ship to bear the name which commemorates the capture of Derna in 1805 by a small force of U.S. Marines and approximately 370 soldiers from 11 other nations. The battle, memorialized in the Marines' Hymn with the line "to the shores of Tripoli" brought about a successful conclusion to the combined operations of the First Barbary War. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) designs, builds and maintains nuclear and non-nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and provides after-market services for military ships around the globe. For more than a century, HII has built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. Employing nearly 38,000 in Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana and California, its primary business divisions are Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding. For more information, visit: HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries The Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=9418

Royal Navy's largest warship visits Sunderland

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | Navy's largest warship visits Sunderland

Navy's largest warship visits Sunderland

An Equipment and Logistics news article

25 May 12

The Royal Navy's largest warship HMS Ocean arrived in her 'spiritual home' of Sunderland yesterday morning.

HMS Ocean alongside at Corporation Quay in the Port of Sunderland
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Guy Pool, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The amphibious assault ship, which will soon play a central role in providing security support for the London 2012 Olympics, berthed alongside the Port of Sunderland's Corporation Quay yesterday. She will spend a busy few days in the north east city before she leaves on Monday, 28 May 2012.
This is HMS Ocean's seventh visit to the city, that the ship has been affiliated to since she was commissioned in 1995, and although it has been almost three years since her last visit to the port due to operational commitments, the depth of welcome has been no less warm.
Captain Andrew Betton, HMS Ocean's Commanding Officer, said:

"It is a huge honour to bring HMS Ocean back to our affiliated city, and we have certainly been made to feel very welcome.
"We are now making the last minute preparations for our Freedom of the City parade on Saturday and our open ship on Sunday.
"I know from my discussions with the Mayor this morning that there is a huge interest amongst the people of Sunderland to get onboard 'their' ship.

HMS Ocean alongside at Corporation Quay in the Port of Sunderland
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Guy Pool, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

"We are going to be inundated with visitors, but we are greatly looking forward to welcoming them all onboard."

HMS Ocean recently completed a pre-Olympics security exercise in London. During the games, she will return to the Thames, mooring at Greenwich, and will play a central role in the Armed Forces support to the police in ensuring the Games are safe and secure for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to being a platform for Royal Navy and Army Air Corps Lynx helicopters, the ship will also accommodate military personnel who are providing security for the equestrian events at Greenwich Park.
The weekend's activities kicked off this morning, when around 100 young people joined the Royal Marines Commando Recruitment Team on board the ship. The day's events gave everyone a small taste of life as part of the elite Royal Marines.
Participants had the opportunity to try out skills such as unarmed combat, using a climbing wall and some rigorous physical training packages, which the commandos use to hone, and then maintain, peak fitness.

HMS Ocean in the Mediterranean during Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, the UN-mandated and NATO-led operation to protect civilians in Libya from the forces of the Gadaffi regime (stock image)
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Guy Pool, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Saturday will dawn as a day of honour for all the crew when they take to the streets of Sunderland to exercise their Freedom of the City, bestowed upon them in 2004. A ceremonial spectacle with "drums beating and bayonets fixed", it promises to be a visual treat for locals lining the route.
Led by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the ship's company begins the parade through the city at 1600hrs, up Fawcett Street and left onto High Street West.
On Sunday, locals will have an opportunity to visit HMS Ocean when she opens her gangway to visitors from 1000hrs – 1600hrs. Access to the ship on Corporation Quay will be via the Low Street entrance. Families with vehicles are advised to seek parking away from the immediate vicinity of the port, which will be open to pedestrians only. Parking on Low Street will be for residents only.
The ship will head back to her base at Plymouth on Monday, less a group of sailors and Royal Marines who will join local Sunderland people at the start of the city's Big Bike Ride on Sunday morning before continuing to cycle the remaining 481 miles (775km) to Plymouth, over five days, in an attempt to beat HMS Ocean home.

Two of the Royal Marines cyclists who will race HMS Ocean home to Plymouth from Sunderland train onboard the warship
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

The Reverend Jon Backhouse, HMS Ocean's Padre, said:

"Rather than just a fun outing (at least for people who enjoy that sort of thing!), they have a much more serious aim in mind: raising as much money as they can for the ship's local Sunderland charity, Grace House North East children's hospice, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
"They have already raised over £1,000, but are hoping that that is just the beginning of what they can do to help these worthy causes."

If you would like to help, it's easy to give a donation, either by visiting the My Donate page (see Related Links), or by texting 70070 with the message "SHIP12 £5" replacing the final number with the amount you would like to give (between £1 and £10).