General Dynamics NASSCO Launches USNS Charles Drew

General Dynamics NASSCO Launches USNS Charles Drew
February 27, 2010 12:20:15 PM

SAN DIEGO, -- General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today launched the U.S. Navy's newest supply ship, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), during a christening ceremony at the shipyard. The ship is named in honor of Dr. Charles R. Drew, the African American surgeon and hematologist who pioneered the procedures for the safe storage and transfusion of blood. Vice Adm. Regina Benjamin, the Surgeon General of the United States, was the ceremony's principal speaker. Mrs. Bebe Drew Price, the eldest daughter of Dr. Drew and the ship's sponsor, christened the ship by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow before the 689-foot-long ship slid into San Diego Bay. More than 1,300 people attended the ceremony.

In 1938, while on a fellowship at Columbia University's medical school in New York, Dr. Drew (1904-1950) worked on a blood chemistry and transfusion research team that sought methods to preserve blood over long periods of time. Red cells, one of the four elements of blood, begin to break down after 24 hours and cause stored blood to be unsafe for use after one week. Dr. Drew achieved success using the plasma element of blood which, since it does not contain red cells, could be safely stored for months and given to anyone regardless of their blood type. In 1941, Dr. Drew set up the first blood bank for the American Red Cross in New York City. The program became a model for blood banks nationwide, which became increasingly necessary after the United States entered World War II several months later.

USNS Charles Drew is the tenth ship of the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of dry cargo-ammunition ships for the Navy, and the first U.S. Navy ship to be named after Dr. Drew. NASSCO began constructing the ship in October 2008 and is scheduled to deliver it to the Navy's Military Sealift Command in the third quarter of 2010. When the Charles Drew joins the fleet, its primary mission will be to deliver nearly 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships on the move at sea.

General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,300 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. NASSCO has delivered nine T-AKE ships to the Navy and is under contract to build five additional T-AKE ships, including the Charles Drew, for a total class of 14 vessels. The shipyard is also building commercial product carriers for American Petroleum Tankers, a shipbuilding joint venture led by the Blackstone Financial Group.

Technorati Tags:
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Naval Systems

Raytheon Wins $886 Million Contract to Develop Next-Generation GPS Control Segment

Raytheon Wins $886 Million Contract to Develop Next-Generation GPS Control Segment
February 26, 2010

Program to improve security, accuracy and reliability of GPS satellites

AURORA, Colo., -- The U.S. Air Force has selected Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) for an initial contract of $886 million to develop a new element of the Global Positioning System to improve the accuracy of information from GPS satellites.

The contract represents the first two development blocks of the advanced control segment (OCX), which will have a significant impact on GPS capabilities. The OCX system will include anti-jam capabilities and improved security, accuracy and reliability and will be based on a modern service-oriented architecture to integrate government and industry open-system standards.

"We are excited to partner with the Air Force to provide the best-value GPS control system for the future," said Lynn Dugle, president of Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. "Raytheon's broad experience in delivering satellite-to-ground command and control systems will ensure that our nation's military and civil GPS users worldwide are provided new capabilities."

The OCX will dramatically affect GPS command, control and mission capabilities and make it easier for the operations team to run the current GPS block II and all future GPS satellites.

"Raytheon is proud to deliver innovative technologies to help the Air Force meet its mission of protecting GPS operational services," said Bob Canty, GPS OCX vice president and program manager for Raytheon. "The advanced control segment is a critical program for our nation's combat forces, coalition partners, as well as domestic and international civil users. By selecting Raytheon, the Air Force recognizes our experience and commitment to take GPS to the next level."

The GPS, a satellite-based radio navigation system for the military and the public, comprises three major segments: the user segment, the space segment, and the control segment, which includes a master control station and ground antennas.

"The OCX concept was created to separate the control and space segments," Canty said. "Technologies were evolving so rapidly and were so critical to execution that specialized skills were needed. The GPS wing saw the same need for specialized expertise on GPS OCX."

Raytheon brings more than four decades of experience in command and control systems for satellites to the OCX program. Teammates include The Boeing Company, ITT, Braxton Technologies, Infinity Systems Engineering and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The contract was awarded by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base.

Note to Editors:

Raytheon will hold a GPS OCX press conference webcast at 11 a.m. EST Feb. 26. For more information about Raytheon's GPS OCX program, visit www.raytheon.com/gpsocx.

Technorati Tags:
Contract $500m+, Contract Win, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), Space Systems

Raytheon Targeting System Achieves 750,000 Flight-Hour Milestone

Raytheon Targeting System Achieves 750,000 Flight-Hour Milestone
February 26, 2010

MCKINNEY, Texas, -- A Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) airborne targeting system whose video imagery helps soldiers, intelligence analysts and commanders in the field make critical operating decisions recently exceeded 750,000 hours of flight.

The Multi-Spectral Targeting System employs a full-motion video camera for long-range surveillance and high-altitude acquisition, tracking and laser designation from a manned or unmanned aircraft. In October 2008, C4ISR Journal magazine ranked the sensor among devices making "the biggest difference on the battlefield."

"Our solid partnership with the U.S. Air Force has enabled us to develop this unique system to meet defense requirements," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. "With 750,000 operational flight hours, this electro-optical infrared system offers proven reliability and capability that support the warfighter in operations around the world."

Raytheon developed the system for use by the Air Force on the Predator unmanned aircraft system. The company also supplies it to military forces throughout the world.

Technorati Tags:
C4ISTAR, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), UAV

Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. General Services Administration Contract

Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. General Services Administration Contract
February 26, 2010

HERNDON, Va. – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a contract to provide integrated business, technical and programmatic support for management, execution and process refinement initiatives within the U.S. Department of Defense.

Under the terms of the five-year, $70 million GSA Mission-Oriented Business Integration Services - Integrated Title III Support program task order, Northrop Grumman will provide highly differentiated professional services and technical analytical support in conjunction with the Defense Production Act Title III, Defense-Wide Manufacturing Technology, Foreign Comparative Test, and Defense Acquisition Challenge Programs. These programs are managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Northrop Grumman was the prime contractor on the previous iteration of this task order, which was awarded in 2004, and will
primarily perform work in Dayton, Ohio, and Arlington, Va.

Northrop Grumman's teammates for the program include SENTEL Corporation and Tiburon Associates Inc., both of Alexandria, Va., and
General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va.

"We believe that, as the incumbent, our tremendous support staff of highly experienced professionals and our demonstrated superior
past performance set us apart in this competition," said Chuck Walton, Northrop Grumman Technical Services program manager for the program. "We instill a performance culture at Northrop Grumman that is committed to excellence and generates the highest level of confidence from our valued customers across the globe."

# # #

Technorati Tags:
Contract $50m, Contract Win, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of March 1 – March 5, 2010

House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of March 1 – March 5, 2010
House Armed Services Committee
February 26, 2010

The House Armed Services Committee announces the following schedule for the week of March 1 – March 5, 2010:

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – 2:00pm – HVC 210 – Open

The Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee will meet to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Budget Request for Department of the Navy shipbuilding acquisition programs.

Witnesses:

Panel 1:
Honorable Sean Stackley
Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition

Vice Admiral John Terence Blake, USN
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources

Lieutenant General George J. Flynn, USMC
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration

Panel 2:
Mr. David Heebner
Executive Vice President, Marine Systems
General Dynamics Corporation

Mr. Mike Petters
Corporate Vice President and President
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding


Wednesday, March 3, 2010 – 2:30pm – 2118 Rayburn – Open

The Military Personnel Subcommittee will meet to receive testimony on a review of the Department of Defense process for assessing the requirements to implement repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Witnesses:

General Carter F. Ham, USA
Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
Co-Chair Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Working Group

Honorable Jeh C. Johnson
General Counsel of the Department of Defense
Co-Chair Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Working Group

###

Technorati Tags:
HASC (House Armed Services Committee)

Military Communications Satellite Built by Lockheed Martin Achieves 10 Years in Service

Military Communications Satellite Built by Lockheed Martin Achieves 10 Years in Service
February 26, 2010 1:23:00 PM

SUNNYVALE, Calif., -- The U.S. Air Force's Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) B8 satellite, built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), has surpassed its 10-year design life of on-orbit service in providing secure and reliable communications capabilities for the warfighter.


Launched from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 20, 2000, the B8 satellite is one of 14 DSCS III spacecraft designed and built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems for the MILSATCOM Systems Wing at the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.


The satellite is also the first of four DSCS III satellites to feature Service Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) upgrades that enabled a 200-percent increase in communication capacity over original DSCS III spacecraft with its 50-watt Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers.


"The high performance and longevity of the DSCS III constellation is direct testimony to a joint U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin team dedicated to providing the warfighter with secure and reliable satellite communications," said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems. "The DSCS III constellation has provided the Department of Defense with its core communications capability for over two decades and will continue to make a significant contribution to our national security well into the future."


The system provides uninterrupted secure voice and high-data rate communications to Department of Defense users; essential tools in monitoring events and deploying and sustaining forces anywhere in the world. In 2009, the overall DSCS III constellation surpassed 200 years of on-orbit operations, the longest total operational experience of any U.S. military communications satellite constellation.


Lockheed Martin is also progressing on the Department of Defense's highly secure communications satellite system, the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) program. As the successor to Milstar, AEHF will increase data rates by a factor of five, permitting transmission of more tactical military communications, such as real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data. The first AEHF spacecraft has completed final testing and is planned for delivery to the Air Force in second quarter 2010.

Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Space Systems, USAF (US Air Force)

DOD CONTRACTS: Navy & Army

DOD CONTRACTS: Navy & Army
February 26, 2010

NAVY

General Dynamics, National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, is being awarded an $824,642,437 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-2300) for construction of T-AKE 13 and T-AKE 14, which shall include design and construction, technical manuals, special studies, analyses and reviews, engineering and industrial services, and data. Work will be performed in San Diego, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2013 for T-AKE 13 and Nov. 2014 for T-AKE 14. Contract funds will not expireat the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $114,003,000 letter contract for long-lead time material in support of the anticipated construction of DDG 115 under the DDG 51 class destroyer program. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio (32.6 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (23.7 percent); Coatesville, Pa. (12.3 percent); Charlottesville, Va. (10.9 percent); Erie, Pa. (6.9 percent); Walpole, Mass. (5.4 percent); Bath, Maine (1.2 percent); Warminster, Pa. (1 percent); and various other locations (6 percent). Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-2311).

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $67,308,982 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5301) for the fiscal 2010 Standard Missile II (SM-2) option for the production of 46 SM-2 Block IIIA and 16 SM-2 Block IIIB missiles and associated data. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (2.07 percent), and the governments of Korea (96.15 percent), Taiwan (1.16 percent), Japan (.19 percent) and Canada (.43 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (74 percent); Andover, Mass. (18 percent); Camden, Ark. (5 percent); and Farmington, N.M. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $14,788,646 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5103) to exercise an option for fiscal 2010 Aegis Platform Systems Engineering Agent activities and Aegis Modernization Advanced Capability Build engineering. The Platform Systems Engineering Agent manages the in-service combat systems configurations as well as the integration of new or upgraded capability into the CG57 class of ships and the DDG 51 class of ships. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Rogers, Lovelock & Fritz, Inc., Winter Park, Fla., is being awarded a $14,515,155 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N40080-10-C-0151) to increase the dollar value of the contract for the dental clinic replacement at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility. The work to be performed provides for engineering, architectural and comprehensive interior design services as necessary to support the design effort for the ambulatory care center which will be constructed in two phases. Phase I will provide a diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic services center, a parking structure, and ambulance shelter. Phase II will provide a primary and specialty care center and renovation of Building 1058 with a building connector between the new and renovated facility. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $15,529,753. Work will be performed in Camp Springs, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Better Built + Clark, LLC*, Middletown, Ohio, is being awarded an $11,300,000 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of a new Armed Forces Reserve Center at the Akron-Canton Airport. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a concrete and steel facility. The project will be a replacement for both Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center Akron and Navy Reserve Center Cleveland. The contract also contains two unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $12,050,000. Work will be performed in Akron, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site,with 17 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-10-C-0021).

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, is being awarded a $10,400,000 modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N40085-07-C-1900) for the design-build and construction for the Academic Instruction Facility expansion at the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) complex, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a single-story building with reinforced concrete footings and floors, exterior stud walls with brick veneer, and standing seam metal roof. The work will include complete mechanical/electrical systems as well as paving and site improvements. The facility will consist of classrooms, offices, instructor workspace, library, instructor lounge, student break area, rest rooms, and staff locker room. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Progeny Systems Corp.*, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $10,394,565 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-6278) to exercise an option for Navy-wide implementation of portal technology for internal and external information sharing requirements and to design, prototype, and demonstrate a common technical architecture for a non-tactical data processing sub-system information automation and reduced manning system or engineering development models. The processes and prototype products developed will apply to submarines, surface ships, surveillance and air platforms. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $640,122,400 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1460 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles and 1460 basic issue items. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).

KDH Defense Systems, Inc., Johnstown, Pa., was awarded a $87,000,003 firm-fixed-fee contract for 150,000 improved outer tactical vests. Work is to be performed in Eden, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. U.S. Army Research Development & Engineering Command, Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-D-0049).
Alliant Techsystems Inc., Plymouth, Minn., was awarded a $53,542,304 firm-fixed-price contract for 30,000 M865 120mm cartridges; 15,000 M1002 cartridges; and container handling efforts for the M865 cartridge. Work is to be performed in Middletown, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 2011. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-C-0011).

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded a $46,257,600 firm-fixed-price contract for 30,000 M865 120mm cartridges and 15,000 M1002 cartridges. Work is to be performed in Middletown, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 2011. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-C-0010).

Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp., Germantown, Md., was awarded a $13,750,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the satellite bandwidth, engineering, services and support for Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) and Blue Force Tracking (BFT) systems. This is for the continued support of all FBCB2/BFT channels employed worldwide for six months, with one new channel spanning nine months, and support of new software version 6.5. Work is to be performed in Germantown, Md., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth., N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-D-J402).

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $10,729,252 cost-plus-fixed fee contract. This contract is related to the TRUST in Integrated Circuits program to advance science and technology for ensuring integrated circuits can be trusted regardless of their origin and fabrication process. In Phase III, Raytheon will further refine their techniques to protect all stage of the application specific integrated circuits design process. Work is to be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (39 percent); San Jose, Calif. (3 percent); Lexington, Mass. (9 percent); Albuquerque, N.M. (25 percent); Burlington, Mass. (15 percent); and Santa Clara, Calif. (9 percent), with an estimated completion date of Feb. 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 29 bids received. Defense Advances Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0005).

*Small business

Technorati Tags:
Contract Win, US Army, US Navy (USN), USN (US Navy)

Flag Officer Announcement: US Navy

Flag Officer Announcement: US Navy
February 26, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Navy Reserve Capt. Thomas E. Beeman has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Beeman is currently serving as deputy chief of staff for wounded, ill, and injured, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C.

Navy Reserve Capt. Paula C. Brown has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Brown is currently serving as deputy chief of staff for engineering, U.S. Naval Forces Korea.

Navy Reserve Capt. Charles D. Harr has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Harr is currently serving as commanding officer for Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, New Orleans, La.

Navy Reserve Capt. Gregory C. Horn has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Horn is currently serving as deputy chaplain, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Arlington, Va.

Navy Reserve Capt. Margaret A. Rykowski has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Rykowski is currently serving as reserve fleet surgeon, Third Fleet, San Diego, Calif.

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, US Navy (USN)

CVF Construction begins at Royal Navy's new carriers' Portsmouth base

Construction begins at Navy's new carriers' Portsmouth base
February 26, 2010

Steel-cutting on a section of the hull of the first of the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers began at Portsmouth yesterday, Thursday 25 February 2010.

Portsmouth, which will be the future home of both Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, became the fifth UK shipyard to be involved in construction on the programme.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth pushed the button to start the laser cutter. He said:

"Here in Portsmouth work is just beginning but across the country in Devon, Newcastle, Glasgow and Rosyth work is already under way.

"In all, six shipyards across the UK will be involved in the manufacture of the ships' hulls, supporting up to 8,000 jobs in the construction and up to another 3,000 throughout the supply chain.

"The progress already being made to deliver these assets, which will be a cornerstone of future defence policy, is a testament to the skill and professionalism of UK industry."

The steel-cutting which began yesterday is for the first of three blocks that BAE Systems Surface Ships will build for the ships in Portsmouth.

At 70m long and 40m wide, the block will use 6,000 tonnes of steel. It will house space for machinery and supplies as well as switchboards and some accommodation.

"The progress already being made to deliver these assets, which will be a cornerstone of future defence policy, is a testament to the skill and professionalism of UK industry."
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth

BAE Systems' role in the carrier build programme at Portsmouth is in the order of £800m, forming a substantial element of the workload at the naval base, where the company employs over 3,000 people, including around 200 apprentices.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, said:

"The two ships of the Queen Elizabeth Class will be the largest and most powerful warships ever built for the UK, each equalling four acres [16,000 square metres] from which to project air power anywhere in the world.

"With eighty per cent of the world's land mass within 500 miles [800km] of the ocean, the carriers will provide unparalleled access and flexibility. They are vital joint assets for the future of defence."

Managing Director of BAE Systems Surface Ships, Alan Johnston, said:

"This is a very proud day for our workforce here in Portsmouth and comes on the back of our work on the Clyde, where another large part of the carrier's hull is already taking shape.

"The design and build of ships of this magnitude is a massive engineering feat and a real testament to skills harnessed in our industry across the UK.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners in the Aircraft Carrier Alliance and to invest in the skills of our employees and our facilities not only to deliver the Royal Navy's future flagships, but also to secure the long-term future of the UK's warship building industry."

Construction of the ships is progressing, and a national project that draws on the skills of shipyards throughout the UK is underway.

This includes the shipyards at Glasgow, Rosyth, Newcastle, Devon and Birkenhead, as well as around a further 100 contracts throughout the supply chain.

Some of the sections of the first ship's flight deck, called sponsons, have already been delivered to Rosyth, where the ships will be assembled.

In spring, the first of the blocks of hull are also due to leave for the Scottish shipyard from Appledore in Devon. Many of the key components for the ships, such as the diesel generators and the turbines, have also already been manufactured.

Six shipyards will together construct the nine blocks that make up the hull:

BAE Systems, Glasgow
Babcock, Appledore
Babcock, Rosyth
A&P, Newcastle
BAE Systems, Portsmouth
Cammell Laird, Birkenhead (due to begin summer 2010).
The innovative Aircraft Carrier Alliance is a single integrated team in which the MOD acts as both partner and client. Formed from the MOD, BAE Systems, Babcock and Thales UK, it is responsible for delivering the Queen Elizabeth Class ships on time and to cost.

Technorati Tags:
Babcock International Group PLC (London: BAB), BAE Systems (London:BA), Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF), Royal Navy

Northrop Grumman’s Estimates, Target Boosted at Citigroup (NOC)

Northrop Grumman’s Estimates, Target Boosted at Citigroup (NOC)
www.Dividend.com
February 26th, 2010

Security specialist Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) saw its earnings estimates and price target raised on Friday by analysts at Citigroup.

The firm said it now sees shares of NOC, which had closed at $61.12 on Thursday, reaching $62. Citigroup also raised its earnings estimates for the company 2011, citing Northrop’s recently raised guidance.

Northrop Grumman shares were mostly flat in premarket trading Friday.

The Bottom Line
We have avoided shares of NOC since our early June 2008 coverage began, when the stock was trading at $71.70. The company has a dividend yield of 2.81%, based on last night’s closing stock price of $61.12. The stock has technical support in the $55 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $65 price level. We would remain on the sidelines for now.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Technorati Tags:
Financial Results, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

House Armed Services Committee: Skelton Statement on Joint Strike Fighter/F-35 Competitive Engine

House Armed Services Committee: Skelton Statement on Joint Strike Fighter/F-35 Competitive Engine
House Armed Services Committee
February 25, 2010

Skelton Statement on Joint Strike Fighter/F-35 Competitive Engine

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) released the following statement on the Department of Defense’s update of the Joint Strike Fighter/F-35 competitive engine cost-benefit analysis:

“Yesterday, I was finally provided with a copy of the ‘business case’ upon which Secretary Gates based his decision to oppose the development of the competitive engine for the F-35. While the committee is still reviewing the analysis, it appears that the Department’s approach focuses on near-term costs to the exclusion of what the committee sees as the long-term benefits of this program. The costs of the second engine in the next few years must be balanced against the fact that life-cycle costs of having two engines are comparable to having only one. The Department’s analysis does not consider the risk that a single engine would present not only to our fighter force, but to our national security, given that the F-35 will account for 95 percent of our nation’s fighter fleet. With this program, as with all others, we cannot use near-sighted vision when long-term security is at stake. I look forward to continuing the dialogue on this program with my colleagues and the Department of Defense. But I remain unconvinced that terminating the alternate engine program makes sense.”

###

Technorati Tags:
F-35 Lightning II, HASC (House Armed Services Committee), JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) Program

U.S. Army Completes Field Testing of Northrop Grumman-Developed Next-Generation FBCB2 Software

U.S. Army Completes Field Testing of Northrop Grumman-Developed Next-Generation FBCB2 Software
February 25, 2010

RESTON, Va. –– The U.S. Army has completed formal evaluation of the next-generation software version of the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC). Field testing of the new software, called Joint Capabilities Release (JCR), was conducted at Fort Hood, Texas, from Sept. 28 to Nov. 20, 2009.

FBCB2 is the key situational awareness and command-and-control
system used by U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The
JCR upgrades include a significant increase in the network's bandwidth,
allowing the combat-proven system to get more information to more users
within seconds rather than minutes. It also provides a joint forces
platform solution for both the Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

The Army and Marine Corps continue conducting a series of
planned tests at Fort Hood's Central Technical Support Facility and at
Camp Pendleton, Calif., in the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support
Activity. Testing of the improved data throughput will continue
throughout 2011, after the Army awards a production contract for an
improved Blue Force Tracking 2 (BFT2) transceiver.

The services expect to decide whether to field JCR in late
summer 2010.

"JCR will provide soldiers and Marines with powerfully enhanced
capabilities in command-and-control and situational awareness," said
Joe G. Taylor, Jr., vice president of the Ground Combat Systems
operating unit within Northrop Grumman's Information Systems sector.
"We are very optimistic a positive decision will be reached, and JCR
will be fielded to operational units starting as early as October."

During last fall's field testing, evaluators examined the
effectiveness, reliability and performance of the system for both Army
and Marines, in various military vehicles, tactical operations centers,
called TOCs, and combat operations centers. The test was conducted in a
distributed environment and supported by active-duty military and
civilian personnel from several government agencies.

Northrop Grumman completed system segment acceptance testing
and delivered JCR to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command,
Fort Monmouth, N.J., in September 2009.

Northrop Grumman developed JCR using an approach based on a
common set of core assets, making it more modular, reusable,
interoperable and easier to upgrade. This Battle Command Product Line
architecture is capable of supporting multiple products for a variety
of users, including aviation, dismounted soldiers, logistics and fires.

JCR will be fielded to 96 percent of all Army and Marine Corps
platforms that are scheduled to receive digital battle command systems.
To date, more than 85,000 FBCB2 systems have been deployed worldwide.

FBCB2 links communication devices, sensors, vehicles,
rotary-wing aircraft and weapons platforms in a seamless digital
network to provide a clear, continuous and common picture of the
battlefield. Most FBCB2 systems communicate via a satellite-based
network; about 30 percent use the Enhanced Position Location Reporting
System, or EPLRS, tactical radio network.

The company was awarded the first FBCB2 software development contract in January 1995.


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Technorati Tags:
Information Technology, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), US Army, USMC (US Marine Corps), USMC United States Marine Corps

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Army Budget Request

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Army Budget Request
House Armed Services Committee
February 25, 2010

Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Army Budget Request

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) delivered the following opening statement during today’s hearing on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget request of the Department of the Army:

“Today, the House Armed Services Committee meets to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget request of the United States Army. Our witnesses are: The Honorable John McHugh, Secretary of the Army; and General George Casey, Chief of Staff of the Army. We particularly welcome the Secretary back home and hope he enjoys the view from that side of the witness table.

“Thank you both for appearing here, and of course please convey my gratitude to all those you lead —Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers, and the civilian members of your team. But most of all please make sure that your Army families know that we are grateful for their continued sacrifice as they again and again send their loved ones off to do their duty.

“The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to drive a relentless tempo and although we hope to see some relief soon, the pace has not slackened perceptibly yet. To support this level of activity, the administration has requested a $2.5 billion increase over last year’s base budget level for the Army. This would support a 1.4 percent across-the-board military and civilian pay raise and support the Army’s continued focus on providing support to military families. I am pleased to see the continued, sustained attention paid to the well-being of our soldiers.

“The Army expects to end FY11 with an end strength of 562,400 with the potential to grow to approximately 570,000 to compensate for the wounded warriors and other soldiers who are not deployable. This will ensure units are deploying to combat 100 percent filled.

“If all goes well, and the number of soldiers deployed to Iraq recedes and Afghanistan maintains a steady state, I hope that the Army will be able to provide units with a reasonable amount of dwell time between deployments. This dwell time is important as it gives them time to recover, and then to train to the full range of tasks required of them – something that I fear we’ve neglected over time.

“Therefore, I remain concerned that this temporary increase in end strength will not really solve the problem. We saw this before, when the Army began its temporary growth in 2005. In the end, we made that temporary growth permanent. That was the right thing to do. I remain concerned with the size of the Army as it remains in persistent conflict for the foreseeable future.

“With regard to the Army’s readiness levels, I am deeply troubled by what I see. While units deployed overseas are, for the most part, properly equipped, manned, and trained, this deployed readiness has come at the expense of the rest of the Army.

“Despite billions in additional funding provided by Congress, these elements of the US Army that are not deployed overseas remain woefully unprepared should another conflict arise on short notice. In almost all cases, non-deployed units lack the full complement of people, equipment, and training necessary to conduct full-spectrum operations.

“Even for units about to deploy, many are configured for non-standard missions that are appropriate for Iraq and Afghanistan, but may be less useful should the Army be called upon to fight a more conventional enemy.

“As a result, the nation is assuming a great amount of risk. While I am sure the Army would eventually be able to deploy the required forces, I worry that it may take so long to do so that critical national objectives in a future conflict may not be achieved or can only be achieved at much higher human and financial cost.

“Just as important, I am concerned that the Army’s unreadiness for another conflict reduces our strategic deterrence. Any leader considering a conflict with the United States must be assured of swift and decisive response, yet in terms of land combat power, I fear such a response may not today be what we expect and require.

“Let me be clear that my concerns do not lie in the area of the professionalism, skill, and devotion to duty of the members of the US Army. Those qualities have never wavered in 235 years, and are not wavering now.

“However, any troops, no matter how experienced and dedicated, must be properly equipped and trained in order to carry out their mission. Improvisation can only take a military unit so far. I do not raise this issue to level criticism at anyone. I raise this issue because I want to understand what more can be done to reduce the risk the nation faces.

“With that, let me turn to the Ranking Member, Buck McKeon, for any opening comments he might care to make.

“Before we proceed with the testimony, there is one more point of business at hand. Today is the last full committee hearing for one of our most long-standing and active members—Congressman Neil Abercrombie. I want to express my gratitude to Neil Abercrombie for serving Hawaii and our country for more than 19 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“On the House Armed Services Committee, Neil’s hallmark has been making sure our troops have the equipment they need to protect our country and stay safe. He has been an outstanding member of this committee and an exceptional Chairman of the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. His leadership helped prompt the Pentagon to speed up the delivery of life-saving body armor and MRAP vehicles to our forces on the frontlines.

“I have been honored to serve with Neil, and I will greatly miss his wise counsel, his good humor, and his loyal friendship. I know Congressman Abercrombie will continue to be a forceful and effective advocate on behalf of Hawaii’s needs and interests. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Neil and wishing him best as he moves to his next challenge.”

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Technorati Tags:
Defense Budget, Defense budget, HASC (House Armed Services Committee), US Army

Northrop Grumman's Bat(TM) Unmanned Aircraft System Successfully Completes First Flight

Northrop Grumman's Bat(TM) Unmanned Aircraft System Successfully Completes First Flight
February 25, 2010

SAN DIEGO – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that it has flown the first in a new series of Bat™ unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in January. Configured with a 12-foot wingspan, the Bat™-12 incorporates a highly-reliable Hirth engine as well as a low acoustic signature five-blade propeller. The new configuration increases the mission portfolio of Northrop Grumman's scalable Bat™ UAS product line. Northrop Grumman has been engaged in the development of unmanned systems for more than sixty years, delivering more than 100,000 unmanned solutions to military customers across the world.

Since acquiring the Bat™ product line from Swift Engineering in April 2009, Northrop Grumman has implemented an aggressive demonstration schedule for the Bat™ family of aircraft to expand flight operations and military utility for numerous tactical missions. During recent testing, the 12-foot and 10-foot wingspan Bat™ were each successfully launched from an AAI Shadow® UAS launcher and autonomously operated from a single ground control station before recovery via net. As a communications relay using Northrop Grumman's Software Defined Tactical Radio, Bat™ has also demonstrated its capacity to provide beyond line-of-sight tactical communications relay for ground forces in denied environments, a critical role in irregular warfare.

Recently, the Bat™ UAS has been integrated and tested with new
payloads and systems including a T2 Delta dual payload micro-gimbal
from Goodrich Corporation's Cloud Cap Technology Inc., Sentient Vision
Systems' Kestral real-time moving target indicator, and short wave
infrared camera from Goodrich. In February, payload integration and
testing was expanded to include ImSAR's Nano-SAR-B fused with Cloud
Cap's T2 gimbal in a cursor-on-target acquisition mode.

Ideally suited to an irregular warfare environment, Bat™offers
real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, communications
relay, and future capabilities in a modular system that is affordable,
organic, persistent, runway independent, and fully autonomous.

Bat™ is a wholly owned trademark of Northrop Grumman Corporation.

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Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)

Northrop Grumman to Unveil Concept Design for NASA’s Next Generation X-ray Telescope at High Energy Astrophysics Conference

Northrop Grumman to Unveil Concept Design for NASA’s Next Generation X-ray Telescope at High Energy Astrophysics Conference
February 25, 2010

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. –- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will showcase its innovative hardware design for NASA’s International X-Ray Observatory (IXO) during the premier conference of the world’s leading high energy astrophysicists. IXO is the next generation X-ray telescope slated for development by the space agency.

The design's public debut will be at the conference of the American Astronomical Society’s High Energy Astrophysics Division at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s big island March 1-4, 2010.

“To create this concept design, our Northrop Grumman team draws on our considerable experience building and operating Chandra and other NASA premier astrophysics observatories, such as the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope,” said Bob Burke, vice
president of Civil and Military Systems for Northrop Grumman Aerospace
Systems. “Our perfect record pioneering the technology of deployable
space structures is also a significant capability that can assure the
success of the IXO mission.”

The IXO design features an optical bench concept that has the potential to increase the telescope’s focal length while staying within current mass and stability requirements. An instrument and system layout increases the telescope’s field of view. The deployable optical bench concept uses only technologically mature components and flight-proven elements that reduce cost and risk. The overall design is based on existing elements, can be fully tested on the ground and does not require any new technology.

The company's hardware display will feature a 1/10th-scale model of the deployment structure, including a prototype of a telescoping boom, similar to that used for the Webb telescope’s sunshield deployment. The Webb deployment design has successfully completed a review certifying that it meets mission requirements.

Three of the company's scientists will present papers at the conference: Dr. Rolf Danner will speak on "Enhancing the International X-ray Observatory,” Dr. Suzi Casement will present "A Tower Concept for the Off-Plane X-ray Grating Spectrometer for the International X-ray Observatory,” and Dr. Charles Lillie will deliver "Design Concepts for
the Generation-X Mission."

A successor to the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the International
X-ray Observatory (IXO) features a collecting area 50 times larger than
Chandra's. IXO will let scientists see objects that are farther away
and observe in detail what happens close to the event horizon of black
holes, where gas and dust are heated to extreme temperatures under the
crushing forces of gravity.

IXO, a joint effort of NASA, the European Space Agency and
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, combines a large X-ray mirror with
powerful new instrumentation that will explore the high energy
Universe. IXO could be launched as early as 2021.


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Technorati Tags:
NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), Space systems

Northrop Grumman Receives U.S. Government’s Highest Award for Exemplary Workplace Health and Safety

Northrop Grumman Receives U.S. Government’s Highest Award for Exemplary Workplace Health and Safety
February 25, 2010

NEWPORT NEWS -– Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received the U.S. government’s highest rating for excellence in workplace health and safety.

The company’s Shipbuilding sector located in Newport News, Va., recently achieved the prestigious STAR status, the highest level of recognition, from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

VPP is an OSHA program designed to promote effective worksite-based safety and health. It is a partnership between companies and OSHA to establish and improve safety and health programs. Acceptance into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.

“The STAR rating recognizes the continuing efforts of our employees to maintain a healthy and safe work environment,” said Jim Thornton, director of Environmental, Health and Safety for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. “Safety comes first for our employees.”

Since 1995, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is the largest STAR site in the U.S. with a consistently declining accident rate over the past two decades and the lowest accident rate in the public shipbuilding industry.

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Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

Raytheon Delivers 2,000th Tomahawk Block IV Cruise Missile to U.S. Navy

Raytheon Delivers 2,000th Tomahawk Block IV Cruise Missile to U.S. Navy
February 25, 2010

TUCSON, Ariz., -- In a significant production milestone, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) delivered the 2,000th Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile to the U.S. Navy.

"Tomahawk Block IV provides the Navy with a combat-proven weapon that plays a critical role in hybrid warfare operations," said Capt. Dave Davison, the U.S. Navy's program manager for the Tomahawk weapon system. "The Navy's receipt of the 2,000th Tomahawk Block IV provides the commander with a powerful tactical weapon to shape the battlespace and prosecute time-critical targets."

Tomahawk Block IV's technologies provide a tactical capability while reducing acquisition, operation and support costs. Tomahawk Block IV employs a two-way satellite datalink that enables a strike controller to flex the missile in flight to preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield and await a more critical target.

"The Tomahawk program continues to provide the U.S. Navy with the capability to project precision firepower across the breadth and depth of the battlespace while delivering unprecedented flexibility to the commander," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems product line. "With the dedication of our employees and suppliers, the Tomahawk program has set the standard in cruise missile capability."

Technorati Tags:
Missiles, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout Deploys Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout Deploys Unmanned Ground Vehicles
February 25, 2010

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS) demonstrated how the U.S. Army and other land forces could rely on its ability to ferry unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) and other logistics items into combat zones during the Army's recent Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) at Fort Benning, Ga.

Fire Scout demonstrated how the soldier can rely on its multifunctional capability for force protection, reconnaissance surveillance target acquisition (RSTA) and communications relay that only a VUAS of its caliber can provide.

During the AEWE, Fire Scout flew to a named area of interest,
surveyed the area to ensure it was clear, and landed autonomously
within its pre-planned landing point. When Fire Scout's on-board skid
sensors detected contact with the ground, a command was sent to release
the unmanned ground vehicle. Seconds later, Fire Scout ascended and
then loitered at a higher altitude to observe and provide a relay for
commands between the UGV and its controller.

"Use of an unmanned system to carry other unmanned systems into
battle could improve the speed of operations while protecting U.S.
lives," said Al Nikolaus, program manager of land-based Fire Scout at
Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "This demonstration
provides another example of Fire Scout's maturity, reliability,
flexibility, and its ability to operate successfully with currently
deployed systems."

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Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), US Army

Editorial: Defence Green Paper: British Army employs stealth tactics to seek integration of the Royal Marines

Editorial: Defence Green Paper: British Army employs stealth tactics to seek integration of the Royal Marines
February 24, 2010

It would appear that a brace of retired senior Army officers speaking from the Lords or else advising a potential Conservative administration are busy making noises to undermine the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force ahead of a British defence review. One of potential casualties could be an amalgamation of the Royal Marines into the regular British Army - which would represent a significant mistake in terms of the long term 'British way of war'.

Most recent Chief of the General Staff (CGS) Gen. Richard Dannatt spelled out a case against a replacement for the nuclear deterrent force in the Financial Times (Feb 23, Dannatt queries need for Trident subs) , representing the latest manoeuvre to put the case that future conflicts will be like those of the present (Iraq and Afghanistan) and therefore the Army will have primacy and the RAF and Royal Navy might, if they are lucky, be able to contribute. Coincidentally Dannatt is a fully paid up Conservative peer and defence adviser to the Party.

More worryingly the Times newspaper ran a series of articles in early February looking at the issue of a defence review from the perspective of each of the armed services. Award winning Times journalist and Defence Editor Deborah Haynes wrote a piece which could have been penned by CGS's spin team at the Ministry of Defence (Feb 4, The future of defence part four: The Army). In the article Ms. Haynes articulates on behalf of the British Army the argument for integrating the Royal Marines under Army control;

"A more controversial proposal would be to see the Royal Marines taken into the infantry. The Marines, who have a separate budget, have been conducting an infantry role in Afghanistan, a land-locked country, alongside soldiers. Despite doing the same job, they have developed different armoured vehicles, such as the Viking, to counter the roadside-bomb threat, arguably duplicating similar efforts by the Army.

“It is a waste of money,” the former officer said. “I don’t think you need Royal Marines on board a ship any more and if you do need Royal Marines on a ship then why not put infantry on board?”

UK PLC seems to forget that if you ignore Iraq, The Western Front in WWI and Waterloo that Naval and amphibious operations involving the Royal Marines have been the crucial determinant in maintaining and protecting UK national interests since Henry VIII - and instrumental in maintaining Britain's place in the World in terms of trade, secure access to resources etc.

'Boots on the ground' do not protect the Straits of Malacca from closure or recapture the Falkland Islands.

Given how compact the Royal Marines are and how operationally committed it is worrysome that they do not seem to have the lobby which their US counterparts possess. One can only hope that influential US Marine Corps "brothers" across the Atlantic have the time to help their bretheren make the case for their continued independence to make a crucial contribution to national and indeed, international security.

An Aide Memoir for the Royal Marines with regard to the USMC lobby in Washington

Influential former USMC officers include;
- Senator Jim Webb
- Edward James 'Jim' Dyer (former state Senator CO)
- Congressman Frank Ryan (33 year veteran USMC)

Prominent Democrats
Rick Noriega, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Texas -- joined the U.S. Army in 1979; currently Lt. Colonel in Texas Army National Guard, served in Afghanistan.
Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) -- rifle platoon and company commander with the Fifth Marine Regiment in the An Hoa Basin west of Danang; was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts.
Former Senator Bob Kerrey... Democrat... Lt. j.g., U.S. Navy 1966-69; Medal of Honor, Vietnam.
Senator John Kerry, Lt., U.S. Navy 1966-70; Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V, and three awards of the Purple Heart for his service in combat
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) - Lt., U.S. Navy, 1962-67; Naval Reserve, 1968-74.
Bill McBride, Democratic Candidate for Florida Governor - volunteered and served as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam; awarded Bronze Star with a combat "V."

Prominent Republicans
Senator John McCain - McCain's naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.
Former Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld - served in the U.S. Navy (1954-57) as an aviator and flight instructor.
Representative Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), served in USMC in Vietnam; wounded in action.

Technorati Tags:
Royal Marines, USMC (US Marine Corps)

Department of Defense: Today: Feb 25, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome Israeli Minister of Defense Ehud Barak to the Pentagon today at 3 p.m. EST. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.

Secretary of the Navy Raymond E. Mabus Jr, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway testify at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on the Department of the Navy in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2011 and the Future Years Defense Program at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Chief of Staff U. S. Army General George W. Casey Jr. testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Army at 10 a.m. EST.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell will conduct a press briefing at 1 p.m. EST in the DoD Briefing Room.

Technorati Tags:
US DoD (Department of Defense)

Fox News story: Missile Defense Agency, Obama Campaign Logos Cause Internet Stir

Missile Defense Agency, Obama Campaign Logos Cause Internet Stir
February 24, 2010

By Joshua Rhett Miller - FOXNews.com
The Internet is abuzz with comparisons of the "strikingly similar" logos of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the ubiquitous Obama 2008 campaign.

The Internet is abuzz with comparisons of the "strikingly similar" logos of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the ubiquitous Obama 2008 campaign.

The Missile Defense Agency, which is part of the Defense Department, now features a circular red, white and blue logo on its Web site that has been characterized in some reports as "scarily" similar to President Obama's former campaign symbol. Others have noted that it has a crescent and star design, evoking a common symbol for Islam.

The logo, which first appeared on the Missile Defense Web site in the fall, was designed by TMP Government, a marketing and communications firm that has managed Web site redesigns and logos for numerous government agencies, including recovery.gov and more than a dozen Defense and intelligence-related sites.

But this particular one has caught the eye of critics of the Obama administration.

"I'm having trouble seeing past the crescent and star in the new logo," one critic posted on WashingtonTimes.com. "Is this our signal to the muslim world that we're not going to shoot down their missiles?"

Another poster on WeaselZippers.net likened the logo to that of a "corny science fiction movie."

But others said it was all in the eye of the beholder, and that they saw little or no similarity between the Obama and Missile Defense logos.

Richard Lehner, a spokesman for the Missile Defense Agency, dismissed the comparison entirely.

"It's ridiculous," Lehner told Fox News. "It isn't a new logo to replace the official logo. It's a logo developed for recruiting materials and for our public Web site. Also, it was used prior to the 2008 election and it has no link to any political campaign."

Brian Collins, chairman and chief creative officer at COLLINS:, a New York-based design and innovation firm, said both logos use the "same visual language," complete with two circles and three stripes.

"The Obama logo is filled with messages of hope, it's about looking toward an optimistic future," he said. "They've taken those exact elements and they've made them more technical."

Collins said the newer Missile Defense Agency logo simply took on more patriotic colors to convey its message more quickly and simply. But he doesn't think the creative minds at TMP Government had Obama in mind when they produced their governmental branding.

"I wouldn't buy the argument that it's an evolution of the Obama identity," Collins said. "There are similarities but I don't see the genesis in the Obama logo."

Northrop Grumman Brings Internet to the Skies of Army Exercises

Northrop Grumman Brings Internet to the Skies of Army Exercises
February 24, 2010

Company's Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial System Delivers Critical Communications, Enhanced Situational Awareness to Remote Ground Troops

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -– Soldiers participating in the U.S. Army's recent Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE), Ft. Benning, Ga., were able to acquire unprecedented levels of knowledge about their surroundings thanks to the battlefield imaging and communications relay capabilities of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Fire Scout vertical unmanned aerial system (VUAS).

Hovering 4,000 feet above the battlefield, Fire Scout offered
soldiers both high fidelity video imagery produced by its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and assured, Internet-like chat, file sharing and data transfers enabled by a Raytheon-produced communications payload.

"Fire Scout's delivery of assured communications to AEWE participants demonstrated yet another benefit of using vertical unmanned aerial systems to support warfighters, particularly those operating in remote, rugged territory," said Al Nikolaus, Northrop Grumman's Land-based Fire Scout program manager.

AEWE is an annual Army exercise designed to give soldiers a look at emerging battlefield technologies and concepts of operation. In addition to Fire Scout's communications relay demonstration, the VUAS was used to support cargo resupply missions and to ferry other types of unmanned systems to troops operating in remote areas.

For the communications relay missions, Fire Scout was equipped with a Mobile Ad hoc Interoperability Network GATEway (MAINGATE) communications payload. Installed in a pod attached to Fire Scout, the payload relayed communications among ground troops, allowing them to share high quality video, voice and data communications in real time.

Northrop Grumman also fed Fire Scout's EO/IR surveillance imagery into the MAINGATE network in real time, allowing soldiers to benefit from the VUAS' "perch and stare" view of the AEWE battlefield.

According to Nikolaus, one of the most significant aspects of the communications relay demo was how fast the payload was integrated on Fire Scout and flown successfully on multiple AEWE missions: from start to finish, the process took less than three months; installation, check-out and first flight of the MAINGATE hardware at AEWE took just one day.

"The success of the MAINGATE demo reinforces the maturity and versatility of Fire Scout's modular design," said Nikolaus. "Backed up by Northrop Grumman's expertise in unmanned systems, the system can deliver a lot of capability to the warfighter in very short order."

Fire Scout is an autonomous, unmanned helicopter based on a Sikorsky Aircraft commercial airframe. Equipped with a variety of EO/IR and communications payloads, it can provide high levels of situational awareness and precision targeting support to U.S. armed forces for more than five hours at a time. Fire Scout can take off and land autonomously on any aviation-capable warship, and at prepared and unprepared landing zones in proximity to ground troops. Its ability to operate at low ground speeds allows it to move with warfighters in the field, and easily acquire and track targets in complex and urban terrain. It can also perform 'dull, dirty, or dangerous' missions, thereby protecting soldiers from harm's way. Northrop Grumman is developing Fire Scout vertical unmanned systems for a variety of U.S. and international military customers.


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Technorati Tags:
Information Technology, US Army

Technorati Tags:
Information Technology, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), US Army

General Dynamics NASSCO Delivers USNS Matthew Perry

General Dynamics NASSCO Delivers USNS Matthew Perry
February 24, 2010 3:31:44 PM

SAN DIEGO, -- General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today delivered USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry (1794-1858), the U.S. Navy officer who established American trade with Japan in the mid-19th century.

NASSCO began construction of USNS Matthew Perry in April 2008. The 689-
foot-long supply ship will serve under the Navy's Military Sealift Command. The ship is capable of delivering almost 10,000 tons of dry cargo and petroleum products at one time to U.S. Navy and allied ships underway at sea.

Including the Matthew Perry, NASSCO has delivered nine T-AKEs, which are
also known as Lewis and Clark-class ships. Later this week, NASSCO will
host a christening and launch ceremony for the tenth ship of the class,
USNSCharles Drew. In addition, the San Diego shipyard is now building the eleventh and twelfth Lewis and Clark-class ships, and soon expects to receive a Navy contract for the final two ships of the class, T-AKE 13 and 14.

General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,300 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. In addition to T-AKE construction, the San Diego shipyard is also building two commercial product carriers for American Petroleum Tankers, a shipbuilding joint venture led by the Blackstone Financial Group.

Technorati Tags:
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Naval Systems

Statement From Northrop Grumman on Receipt of Tanker Final RFP

Statement From Northrop Grumman on Receipt of Tanker Final RFP
February 24, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following is a statement from Randy Belote, vice president of strategic communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), concerning today's release of the final Request For Proposals (RFP) for the U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker modernization program.

"Northrop Grumman acknowledges that today it has received the final Request for Proposals for the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker Modernization Program.

"Northrop Grumman will analyze the RFP and defer further public comments until its review of the document has been completed."

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Technorati Tags:
KC-45A Tanker, KC-767 Tanker, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, with support elements from the Dutch forces and the United States Marine Corps, carry out an amphibious landing on the peninsular of Trondenes, Harstad, Norway

3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, with support elements from the Dutch forces and the United States Marine Corps, carry out an amphibious landing on the peninsular of Trondenes, Harstad, Norway
February 24, 2010

3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, with support elements from the Dutch forces and the United States Marine Corps, have carried out an amphibious landing on the peninsular of Trondenes, Harstad, Norway, as part of their cold weather warfare training. The landings began from HMS Albion and RFA Mounts Bay, with a small contingent of Royal Marines coming ashore in offshore raiding craft. They were then followed by landing craft vehicle personnel which carried the main body of seventy troops from Zulu Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines (pictured). During the landings the Marines had overhead support from the Lynx helicopters of 847 Naval Air Squadron, the Sea King helicopters of 845 Naval Air Squadron, and the Commando Helicopter Force Royal Marines. Also, during the landings, the guns of 7 (Sphinx) Commando Battery Royal Artillery were brought ashore by air and sea in the larger landing craft utility.

Technorati Tags:
Norway, Royal Marines, USMC (US Marine Corps)

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Navy Budget Request

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Navy Budget Request
House Armed Services Committee
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2010

Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton: Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Navy Budget Request

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) delivered the following opening statement during today’s hearing on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget request of the Department of the Navy:

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Today the House Armed Services Committee meets to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2010 budget request for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Appearing before the committee are the Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations; and General James T. Conway, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.

“Mr. Secretary, I note that this is your first time testifying before this committee, welcome. Admiral Roughead and General Conway, thank you for your continued service as you lead the wonderful Sailors and Marines in the active duty and reserve forces of our sea services.

“Today the United States Navy has 194 ships underway; of those, 143 are deployed. These numbers equate to over 53,000 Sailors deployed in support of the Navy’s missions worldwide. To support current ongoing combat operations, the Navy has 15,600 Individual Augmentees deployed in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

“The United States Marine Corps has almost 30,000 Marines deployed. A little over 15,000 Marines are on the ground in Afghanistan. Many of those are currently engaged in hostile combat in and around the town of Marja in the Helmand province. I am sure I speak for all Members of the committee when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with all the deployed Sailors and Marines, and with their families, with particular concern for those Marines who are currently engaged in combat operations.

“I have said this before, but it bears repeating. Our sea services are this nation’s fast response force, the Navy power base is ‘maneuver from the sea’, and our Marine Corps is, and should remain, an amphibious assault force and a crisis aversion force. Current operations over the last seven years have stressed our Marine Corps and fashioned them more to a medium-heavy ground combat force. I am concerned about that.

“We remain committed to providing our Sailors and Marines with the equipment they need to accomplish the tasks before them. However, there are challenges. The Navy must recapitalize the main battle fleet to numbers which can support the COCOMs requirements. The 30-year shipbuilding plan submitted with the budget request only partially accomplishes this task. From that plan it appears the cost associated with replacing the Ohio Class ballistic missile submarines is so high that efforts to restore numbers in the surface force and the attack submarine force may have to be sacrificed to pay for the national strategic deterrence mission of the ballistic missile submarine.

“The shipbuilding plan does not address the requirement of a 38 ship force of amphibious assault ships; at best the shipbuilding plan provides a force of amphibious ships in the low 30s. It seems to me that might be an unacceptable risk. I am sure that this committee will carefully review the Navy shipbuilding plan.

“I am very concerned about the looming strike fighter shortfall in Naval Aviation. In short, I do not understand why the F/A 18 strike fighter program has not been extended. By any analysis, more Navy and Marine Corps fighters will be needed to meet validated inventory requirements by the middle of this decade. Delays in the Joint Strike Fighter program only exacerbate the problem of a near-term strike fighter shortfall. Just as worrisome, internal Navy analysis estimates that it will cost 40 percent more to operate JSF than what the current fleet of strike aircraft now costs.

“The Navy and Marine Corps continue to be challenged in maintenance and recapitalization. I am pleased to see an increase in the Navy’s request for operations and maintenance funds. I note that in Admiral Roughead’s response to the Ranking Member’s request for the Navy unfunded priority list, the CNO lists spare parts and deferred maintenance as his three most vital shortfalls.

“Year after year, deferred maintenance seems to pile up. If we cannot seem to find the funding to maintain our ships, planes, and equipment, I am deeply concerned about the additional costs of replacing them prior to the end of their expected service life.

“Deployments have always been a part and parcel of the sea service. The sea services have always lived in a reality of deployment, reset, re-training, and then re-deployment. However, I am very concerned that the average Navy deployment cycle has gradually increased from the traditional 6 month deployment with an 18 month maintenance and re-training period to deployments averaging 8 months with comparable reduction in the maintenance and re-training period. The stress on the force seems to be increasing.

“Finally, I would like to address the relocation of Marines from Okinawa. It is essential that we preserve the unique, strategic relationship that exists between Japan and the United States. At the same time, it is imperative that we reduce our force structure in Okinawa and retain the strategic capabilities associated with the third Marine Expeditionary Force. While I understand the desire of the new Government of Japan to review the current basing agreements, we need to move forward with the overall realignment that includes a Futenma Replacement Facility and the Guam relocation. In the end, we need to ensure that the Marine Corps and the supporting communities are in a better position. We need to get this right.

“I now turn to my good friend, the Ranking Member of this committee, Buck McKeon for any opening comments he might care to make.”

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Defense budget, HASC (House Armed Services Committee), USN (US Navy)

Northrop Grumman Doubles Production Capacity for Key Components of In-demand U.S. Army Infrared Countermeasures Systems

Northrop Grumman Doubles Production Capacity for Key Components of In-demand U.S. Army Infrared Countermeasures Systems
Feburary 24, 2010

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the company has more than doubled the production capacity for its Viper(TM) laser and pointer/tracker assembly, integral components for several different infrared countermeasures (IRCM) systems designed and produced for the U.S. and allied nations to protect aircraft from MANPADS (man portable air defense system) threats.

The Viper(TM) laser manufacturing capacity expansion began in mid-2008 at the company's Rolling Meadows, Ill. facility. Leveraging
existing engineering documentation, manufacturing processes and capital equipment designs, the company quickly ordered materials while training laser technicians and manufacturing process personnel at the company's Apopka, Fla., facility. In 2008 the Rolling Meadows team completed 77 lasers in just five months, including equipment set-up and training. In 2009, the team further increased manufacturing output with 400 lasers completing the manufacturing cycle at the new facility. In parallel, the Apopka facility produced 750 Viper(TM) lasers throughout 2009.

"We have invested a lot of energy and resources to develop our Viper(TM) laser supply chain while expanding our production capability
to ensure state-of-the-art lasers are delivered to our troops in the the field in a timely manner," said Carl Smith, vice president of
Infrared Countermeasures Programs at Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division.

With the two Viper(TM) laser production facilities, Northrop Grumman now has a combined monthly capacity of greater than 180
infrared countermeasure lasers, twice the level that existed previously. As a result, we are delivering these critical IRCM
components ahead of contractual requirements and have approximately 50 percent capacity still available."

In addition to the Viper(TM) laser, Northrop Grumman has also significantly increased the monthly production output of miniature
pointer tracker (MPT) assemblies by leveraging its co-manufacturing relationship with SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica Company. The two
companies have worked closely for more than a decade producing greater than 1,000 small laser transmitter assemblies. The team is now
co-producing the MPT assemblies.

"The co-manufacture of the MPT assemblies is running at a comfortable 35 Directional IRCM (DIRCM) transmitters per month with the
ability to increase production to 50. The co-manufacturing team has delivered more than 600 MPT assemblies, and we are delivering three
months ahead of contract now as a result of the added capacity from our strategic partner," Smith added.

"From the conclusion of the development phase right through to the delivery of the 1000th DIRCM transmitter, our collaborative
partnership has been characterized by our shared commitment to incorporating improvements, which will deliver benefits to the
warfighter," said Alex McLoughlin, Business Development manager for SELEX Galileo.

The Northrop Grumman-SELEX Galileo team looks to leverage its airborne DIRCM self protection design and manufacturing expertise in
the pending competition for the U.S. Army's Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) program. A similar co-production approach is
being taken for the next generation lightweight pointer tracker, designed specifically for the rotary wing market.

"The Northrop Grumman-SELEX Galileo team represents the most experienced laser IRCM development and production capability in the
industry with five generations of DIRCM systems developed, and over 1,600 pointer trackers and 1,500 lasers produced for 450 aircraft
installations on 50 different aircraft types including large and small fixed wing, rotary wing and tilt wing platforms," said Smith.

# # #

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Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), US Army

House Armed Services Committee: Skelton Statement on New KC-X Tanker Request for Proposal

House Armed Services Committee: Skelton Statement on New KC-X Tanker Request for Proposal
House Armed Services Committee
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2010

Skelton Statement on New KC-X Tanker Request for Proposal

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) released the statement below following a briefing from Deputy Secretary of Defense Bill Lynn on the new KC-X Tanker request for proposal:

“The Air Force has made a strong case for recapitalizing our nation’s aging airborne tanker inventory, and I support this requirement. The tanker replacement process has gone on for eight years, and we need to move forward this year to award a contract to provide our service members with the tools that they need to succeed in today’s conflicts.

“The Department of Defense has worked diligently to set the stage for a fair and open competition for the KC-X Tanker contract, and I hope the process moves quickly to provide the best tanker for our Air Force.”

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HASC (House Armed Services Committee), KC-X Tanker Program

Defence Committee Press Notice - Publication of Report: Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2008-09

Defence Committee Press Notice - Publication of Report: Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2008-09
Session 2009-10, Wednesday 24 February 2010

Publication of Report: Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2008-09

MOD'S CONTINUED POOR ACCOUNTING IS UNACCEPTABLE, SAYS DEFENCE COMMITTEE
Failures in the administration of service personnel and sensitive equipment are unacceptable, says the Defence Committee in its Report on the MoD's Annual Report and Accounts, published today. The National Audit Office qualified the Department's resource accounts for the third year in a row.

The main area of concern with the MoD's accounting related to problems associated with the recently introduced Joint Personnel Administration system (JPA). Last year the Committee had made a number of recommendations for JPA's improvement. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General was forced to qualify the Department's accounts again this year due to further complications with the system, including errors in delivering specialist pay to the tune of £268 million and a lack of evidence to show that the errors in accommodation and food charges, amounting to £83 million, had been made good.

Chairman of the Committee, the Rt Hon James Arbuthnot MP, said "Even after last year's assurance given to us by both the Secretary of State and the Permanent Under Secretary, the MoD still fails to provide accurate and sufficient audit evidence to support their accounts. This cannot be acceptable."

A key worry for the Committee was the inability of the MoD to account for certain items of expensive and sensitive equipment. The National Audit Office had carried out a selective audit of the army's relatively new £1.3 billion BOWMAN tactical communications system which provides integrated secure radio, intercom and internet services. Only 89% of these assets could be accounted for by the end of the year, due to the problems encountered with accounting for radios in use on the battlefield.

Chairman of the Committee, James Arbuthnot, said "That the MoD could not, at a given time, account for the whereabouts of radios worth £155 million is unacceptable. The security implications associated with losing equipment such as this are significant; having an effective audit trail is the only way to ensure that all equipment is accounted for. "

The Committee recommends that the National Audit Office should continue to monitor closely the MoD’s management of stock, perhaps giving consideration to undertaking a broader analysis of this problem at some future date. The Committee believes that the failures in the MoD’s accounting have the potential to threaten the long-term capability of the Department.

The Committee also expresses concern in relation to the MoD’s compliance with data protection laws, noting a significant increase in the number of data loss incidents over the last year. The Committee suggests that unless the MoD can prove that it has made progress over the next year, it may be necessary to appoint a “champion” to lead the way in improving data security.

NOTE FOR EDITORS:

The Committee was nominated on 13 July 2005. The Defence Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies.

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HCDC (House of Commons Defence Committee)

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Air Force Budget

House Armed Services Committee: Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton - Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Air Force Budget Request
House Armed Services Committee
February 23, 2010

Opening Statement of Chairman Ike Skelton- Hearing on the FY 2011 Department of the Air Force Budget Request

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) delivered the following opening statement during today’s hearing on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget request of the Department of the Air Force:

“Today, the House Armed Services Committee meets to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget request of the United States Air Force. Our witnesses today are: The Honorable Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force; and General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

“Thank you both for appearing here, and let me take the opportunity to thank all those you lead—the Active Duty, Reserve, and Air Guard personnel and the Air Force civilian employees.

“Every day, the Air Force flies well in excess of 200 sorties a day in Iraq and Afghanistan, totaling over 570,000 sorties since September 11, 2001. Additionally, about 29,000 personnel are currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, including over 4,000 serving in Joint Expeditionary Task billets—that is, in nontraditional billets, often outside the wire. This continues to be an exceptionally busy Air Force and one that is contributing greatly to the current joint fight.

“To support this level of activity, the administration has requested a $5.3 billion increase over last year’s base budget level. This would support a 1.4% across-the-board military and civilian pay raise and support the Air Force’s continued focus on providing support to military families. As someone who has often commented that if ‘momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,’ I strongly approve of the continued emphasis on personnel and family issues.

“Nonetheless, there are aspects of this budget request that cause me concern. For starters, I see we’re back to square one on building a new bomber. Two years ago, Secretary Gates gave his blessing for the Air Force to begin a new, well thought-out bomber program. As I understand it, the direction is now to reconsider where to go with this program—going back to first principles. I find this confusing as these issues were recently studied in depth over a five year period.

“I hope the witnesses will explain to us why redoing this study is a good use of taxpayer dollars. Our national security will continue to require bombing capability and the smart design engineering workforce—a national treasure in my opinion—should not be lost.

“I also hope the witnesses will discuss the F136 alternate engine issue. We have long funded the development of an alternate engine for the Joint Strike Fighter as an insurance policy for our national security. Twenty five years from now, the F-35 will comprise 95% of all U.S. fighter aircraft.

“It seems to me then that relying simply on one engine means accepting a potential single source of failure. The Secretary of Defense promised us, starting on February 1st, that he would provide us the analysis on which this year’s decision was made. We have still not received this analysis and remain deeply concerned about receiving it quickly.

“I also have questions about the status of the F-35 program more generally. This is a critical program for us and for our allies, but three recent reviews of the F-35 program have challenged the current development schedule, cost increases in the F135 engine, and the future production schedule. Given this, I ask our witnesses to help us understand how we can stay on target for a 2013 initial operating capability and—in the absence of full testing—why the Air Force wants to buy 23 in 2011, an increase from 13 in 2010.

“There are many other important issues that I hope we can get to in during questions--including our strike fighter force structure requirements, cyber attack and defense, and future plans for a light attack aircraft, to name a few. In addition, I will say that I am pleased that OSD and the Air Force will soon be issuing the final request for proposal for our next tanker. We must get a new tanker contract awarded and start replacing current planes as soon as possible.

“I now turn to my good friend, our Ranking Member, Buck McKeon for any opening comments he might care to make.”

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Defense Budget, HASC (House Armed Services Committee), USAF (US Air Force)

Royal Navy's new mine hunter enters service

Royal Navy's new mine hunter enters service
February 23, 2010

To tackle the abundant and significant threat of sea mines, the Royal Navy's new unmanned, underwater 'robots' have entered service following successful trials at the end of last year.

Modern mines are capable of being triggered by just the sound of a ship passing above so equipment for detecting them needs to be state-of-the-art.

The Mine Countermeasures Reconnaissance Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (known as 'Recce') can hunt sea mines remotely down to 200 metres and is now fully integrated into service, having been handed over to the Royal Navy's Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Unit.

The new, fully autonomous Recce system can scan the sea bed for mines for over 20 hours at a time, using an advanced system of sensors to pin-point their exact location.

This data is fed back to the onboard operators for analysis, considerably reducing the risk to naval divers who traditionally carried out these operations.

High resolution imagery also gives operators a sharper, clearer picture of the sea bed, enhancing their ability to identify the mines.

The system is a step-change for the mine hunting capability of the Navy's Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Vessels, but its adaptability allows it to be deployed from any ship or even a jetty with a suitable davit.

Defence Equipment and Support's Underwater Systems Programme Manager, Phil Jenkin, said:

"The system builds on the success of the REMUS technology of smaller, shallow water vehicles, which the Navy has used over the last few years.

"The new vehicle is not intended to replace the existing systems but extend the Navy's remote mine hunting capability, boasting improved sonar technology, allowing it to cover larger areas of water and to dive deeper."

As well as hunting mines, the system is capable of conducting remote assessment of the marine environment such as mapping the ocean floor and measuring ocean currents.

While finely tuned to the Royal Navy's requirements, Recce was a low risk procurement, as Lieutenant Commander Paul Guiver, of the Underwater Warfare Systems Capability Development Group, explained:

"It is a fine example of using low technological risk, commercial off-the-shelf equipment and will provide the operational experience to the user that will help to de-risk future MCM capability programmes.

"REMUS technology is already used by a dozen navies worldwide, however the Royal Navy was the first to formally accept unmanned, underwater vehicle systems into service.

"The delivery of Recce and initial operating capability could not have been achieved without the considerable efforts of Hydroid Inc working closely with the Underwater Systems team. This marks a very important milestone in the development of our MCM and remote environmental assessment capability."

The Royal Navy has welcomed the new capability; Lieutenant Commander Kev Giles, the Navy's Fleet Mine Warfare Capability Manager, said:

"It is a leap forward from the smaller vehicles it already operates which have a shorter range, fewer sensors, and dive to a maximum 100-metre depth. This is why the Royal Navy is very enthusiastic about this. It gives us a look into the future."

Two systems, each consisting of two 3.9-metre long, torpedo-shaped vehicles, were bought by Defence Equipment and Support in a £5m contract placed with Hydroid Inc in 2007.

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Naval Systems, Royal Navy