Aviation and Marine USA Maritime Archives

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Australia Department of Defence Media Mail List
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CPA 009/08 Saturday, 19 January 2008

HMAS ADELAIDE DECOMMISSIONS

HMAS Adelaide was decommissioned at Garden Island in Western Australia
today.

The time-honoured tradition marked the end of 27 years of service for
what was the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) oldest frigate.

The ship’s Australian White Ensign was lowered for the last time and
handed to the Adelaide’s Commanding Officer, Commander Robert Slaven.

“Today is an historic occasion, one which the the crew of Adelaide is
proud to be a part of,” Commander Slaven said.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, the Hon Dr Mike
Kelly MP; Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders; Commander Australian
Fleet, Rear Admiral Nigel Coates; and a number of other distinguished
guests joined Adelaide’s crew, past and present, for the ceremony.

Adelaide is the second of the Adelaide-class frigates to be
decommissioned, the first being HMAS Canberra in November 2005. Their four sister
ships Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne and Newcastle remain in service.

Adelaide was constructed by Todd Pacific Shipyard in the United States
and commissioned into the RAN on 15 November 1980. She was the second
ship in the RAN to bear the name: Her predecessor Adelaide I was a
light cruiser that served from 1922-1946.

Adelaide has proudly represented Australia in a number of theatres of
conflict during her years of service. She was one of the first
Australian warships to be deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1990. Adelaide was
again deployed to the Gulf on two more occasions in 2002 and 2004. She
also participated in both major East Timor operations in 1999 and 2006.

In peacetime, one of Adelaide’s more notable achievements was her
involvement in the high profile search and rescue of solo yachtsmen
Thierry Dubois and Tony Bullimore from the Southern Ocean in 1997.

The name Adelaide will not be missing from the Australian fleet for
long, with one of the forthcoming Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Docks
to bear the name.

Adelaide will be gifted to the NSW Government and sunk off the NSW
Central Coast at Terrigal as an artificial reef and dive attraction.

Online Now: http://www.defence.gov.au

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WARSHIP TO BE SUNK OFF NEW SOUTH WALES CENTRAL COAST

I am pleased to announce I have selected New South Wales to be gifted the Royal Australian Navy Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Adelaide for sinking as a dive wreck.

The New South Wales Government has indicated that the preferred location for HMAS Adelaide is off the New South Wales Central Coast, near Terrigal.

I thank my colleagues, Mr Jim Lloyd MP and Mr Ken Ticehurst MP, who have been strong and persistent advocates for the Central Coast community. Their continued support has undoubtedly assisted the NSW Government in its efforts to secure the ship, such that I am now able to gift HMAS Adelaide to NSW.

HMAS Adelaide will decommission late in 2007 at her home port in Rockingham, Western Australia with handover to the New South Wales Government expected in early to mid 2008.

In addition to the warship, the Howard Government will contribute up to $3 million in funding toward the costs of preparing the ship for sinking.

HMAS Adelaide was built in the United States and commissioned in the Royal Australian Navy on 15 November 1980 and is the second ship to carry this name. The first was a light cruiser that served from 1922 to 1945. HMAS Adelaide was the first guided missile frigate to be home ported in Western Australia.

HMAS Adelaide participated in the 1990/91 Gulf War as part of Operation DAMASK, Australia’s participation in the international coalition against Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. More recently, the ship was deployed for peacekeeping operations in East Timor in 1999 and to the Persian Gulf as part of the International Coalition against Terrorism in 2001 and 2004. HMAS Adelaide is 138 metres long, displaces 4100 tonnes and has a crew of 184 as well as helicopter aircrew and maintainers.

Tourism projects which have previously used former RAN warships to establish dive wrecks have reportedly accrued annual revenues ranging from $2.4 million to $23 million to the significant benefit of local communities.

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Navy Commander takes charge of NATO maritime force

16 Jan 08

Royal Navy Commander Chris Davies has taken command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, a multi-national force of five survey ships, minehunters and minesweepers.

Commander Davies relieved Belgian Commander Serge Ots who has commanded the force since January 2007. A change of command ceremony took place in Zeebrugge on Thursday 10 January 2008 with the Devonport Royal Navy survey ship HMS Roebuck assuming flagship duties for the force from the Belgian BNS Godetia.

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, Royal Navy, Commander of the Allied Maritime Component Command, Northwood, Middlesex, said:

"The concept of the Standing Naval Mine Countermeasures Group 1 is without doubt a notable success and an exemplary demonstration of NATO's true value in today's changing world. The group this year has had a highly successful year marking, identifying and disposing of dangerous ordnance. This ordnance is a direct threat to seafarers and economic lifelines that the maritime sector provides our nations."

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 is an integral part of the NATO Response Force and consists of HMS Roebuck, HMS Hurworth, FGS Weilheim (Germany), HMLMS Urk (Netherlands), and LVNS Imanta (Latvia). This year's schedule includes live mine clearance operations in the North and Baltic seas and demanding exercises including Loyal Mariner 2008 off the Spanish coast in June, bringing together ships, aircraft and submarines in a joint exercise under the responsibility of Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope.

Bulwark takes on high readiness role

Meanwhile Devonport-based Royal Navy amphibious warship HMS Bulwark has relieved her sister ship, HMS Albion, as the Fleet Amphibious Flagship and high readiness assault ship. In a short ceremony the Commander of the UK Maritime Force, Rear Admiral George Zambellas, witnessed the transfer of responsibilities between the two ships.

During her 18 months as the flagship HMS Albion had a busy and demanding period including time on operations and exercises with allied navies in the Baltic.

HMS Bulwark's first job in her new role will be to act as the flagship for the staff of Plymouth-based units Commodore Amphibious Task Group (COMATG) and 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines during Exercise Armatura Borealis due to take place in Norway in February and March.

Commander of the Amphibious Task Group, Commodore Phil Jones, said:

"The handover ceremony serves as a fitting tribute to the hard work of HMS Albion over the last 18 months as the Fleet Amphibious Flagship, which has seen activity from the west coast of Africa to the Baltic, whilst formally welcoming HMS Bulwark back to the very heart of the amphibious task group after a busy period of upkeep and sea training.

"To the ship's company of HMS Albion I would like to say thank you for all your efforts and in particular the support you have given to my staff during your tenure as the flagship. To HMS Bulwark I would like to say congratulations on your successful return to operational status. I look forward to the imminent first embarkation of the full COMATG and HQ 3 Commando Brigade staffs for amphibious exercises in Norway, as we hone our capability and readiness for a range of contingent expeditionary operations."

HMS Bulwark is the Royal Navy's newest commando assault and command and control ship. Launched in November 2001, she has a ship's company of 390, a quarter of whom are made up from 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines. The ship can carry up to 700 troops and her flight deck can take two Chinook or two Merlin helicopters. A large floodable dock holds four large landing craft - with another four carried on davits on the ship's side.

Online Now: UK Ministry of Defense

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IN PICTURES: Endurance breaks the ice

16 Jan 08
Royal Navy Ice Patrol ship HMS Endurance, currently deployed in the South Atlantic, is breaking through the ice and it's all being done in the name of science.

Endurance has been transferring scientists to Mount Haddington where they will be carrying out ice drilling for the next two months.

Endurance's first task when she arrived in the South Atlantic focused on the South Shetland Islands and the difficult to reach James Ross Island in Erebus and Terror Gulf (Weddell Sea). The ship has been operating in dense areas of ice, in some of the most extreme weather conditions on earth.

Embarked on Endurance are five separate scientific teams from the British Antarctic Survey, working on five independent projects, including the sampling of ice cores from the summit of the volcano Mount Haddington.

Each day the teams are flown out from the ship to different locations all over the Antarctic peninsula and returned from their data gathering by two Lynx Helicopters, which are also deployed with Endurance.

See Related Links>>> to view more pictures of HMS Endurance breaking the ice in the Antarctic peninsula

Endurance set out on what is expected to be her longest ever deployment in November 2007. Her function is to support British interests in Antarctic waters, especially around the Antarctic peninsula. In addition she assists the British Antarctic Survey in carrying out its scientific research programmes.

She is fitted with modern hydrographic surveying equipment which is put to good effect in waters which are still largely uncharted, and the data gathered is subsequently processed by the Hydrographic Office at Taunton and drawn into charts that are used by mariners around the world.

HMS Endurance displaces 2,500 tonnes, and is 91m long with a beam of 17.9m. The red hull colour is for easy recognition in the ice, most especially from the air. Powered by twin diesel engines she has a top speed of 15 knots and a long range capability. The ice breaker bow enables the ship to cut through 0.9m thick ice at 3 knots. Her bridge is fitted with some of the most sophisticated navigation and manoeuvering aids in the world.

A Class 1 Icebreaker she was originally built in Norway in 1990 as MV Polar Circle. The RN chartered her in 1991 before she commissioned as HMS Polar Circle on 21 November 1991. She was subsequently renamed HMS Endurance. Her base port is Portsmouth, which is also the ship's affiliated town.
The Ship's motto is "Fortitudine Vincimus" - 'By Endurance We Conquer'. The motto originates from that of the great Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton who made history in his ship, 'Endurance' in his expedition south in 1914-15.

Online Now: UK Ministry of Defense

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Endurance all set for 18-month mission

Royal Navy ice patrol ship, HMS Endurance, set out on what is expected to be her longest ever deployment when she set sail for the South Atlantic today, 28 November 2007.

28 Nov 07

Endurance is heading to the Antarctic for the next 18 months. En route she will first head to the Atlantic to fulfil her usual task of survey work and support for scientific research throughout the Antarctic summer.

When that is complete she will not return home, but will be employed to reinforce Britain's maritime security operations in the warmer areas of the Atlantic during the Antarctic winter.

Endurance will then return to her more traditional duties during the Antarctic summer of 2008-9, before finally returning home to Portsmouth 18 months after her departure.

During this time members of the ship's company will be rotated so that they will not be away from home for more than a few months at a time.

When she reaches the Antarctic, Endurance will continue to support the work done by the British Antarctic Survey, breaking ice with her specially-designed bow to take members of the survey team and their supplies to remote areas that can only be reached by ships or helicopters.

The ship’s Commanding Officer, Capt Bob Tarrant, said:

"We are looking forward to a busy 18 months during which the ship and her two Lynx helicopters will be working extremely hard. We will be doing a range of tasks from surveying the seabed around Antarctica on behalf of the UK Hydrographic Office to supporting the work of scientists working in the region for the British Antarctic Survey."

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HMS Endurance to the rescue

Ice patrol ship HMS Endurance has assisted with the rescue of 280 passengers and 50 non-essential crew from a cruise ship damaged off the Antarctic peninsula.

1 Feb 07

Currently, HMS Endurance is operating in the Antarctic Peninsula in the Erebus and Terror Gulf around James Ross Island.

On Wednesday 30 January 2007, on the penultimate day of this season's third work period, she received an urgent call for help and responded without hesitation.

The cruise ship MS Nordkapp had sustained damage to her hull as she transited out of Deception Island through Neptunes Bellows and requested the support of Endurance's dive team.

Overnight, Endurance made passage up to Deception Island and sent in one of her Lynx helicopters with a liaison team to establish the level of assistance required.

The 280 passengers of the Nordkapp are now safe and well and have been transferred to her sister ship the MS Nordnorge for their passage back to Ushuaia in Argentina.

The 50 non-essential crew members were temporarily accommodated onboard Endurance before being transferred to Maxwell Bay, South Shetland Islands.

Luckily there were no injuries and all aboard were very fortunate. There were lots of shocked people but all were pleased to see the Royal Navy's arrival.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Endurance, Captain Nick Lambert, described the passengers as "Pretty upbeat. The cruise ship had done a good job of looking after its passengers and in the end it was a pleasure to help."

Endurance's dive team are now investigating the level of damage sustained by the vessel's hull. Current estimates by HMS Endurance's ship's staff onboard Nordkapp indicate a 25m gash along the hull of the vessel which has ruptured several tanks and damaged the hull's outer plating.

There is currently a minor fuel leak from a ruptured fuel tank which is being contained by a boom, and Marine Pollution precautions are being taken by Nordkapp. Once the underwater survey has been conducted by Endurance's divers, Det Norske Veritas, the Nordkapp's insurers, will decide what actions are to be taken to ensure her safety and onward passage.

On the environmental impact of the fuel leak, Captain Nick Lambert said:

"In this hugely sensitive environment even a drop of oil has a major impact and we can't pretend it's not leaking out. But the ship is doing its best to contain the leak with a boom and, luckily, a lot of organisations are now clicking in to help minimise any impact. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to measure any long term effects."

Events such as the damage sustained by MS Nordkapp highlight the importance of Endurance's surveying role within the Antarctic. Captain Lambert explained:

"This is absolutely the reason we have Endurance. Antarctica is a pristine enivironment and HMS Endurance is a key global change driver. Our work is crucial in understanding global change and climate warming.

"Our presence here in Antarctica also enabled us to assist those who visit this area but get into trouble."

In light of the growing trend for tourism in Antarctica, where visitor numbers are increasing exponentially from about 2,000 in 1989, to around 12,000 in the year 2000, to more than 35,000 during the 05/06 Austral summer, it is essential that all areas visited by cruise ships are surveyed to a modern standard to provide a safe navigational route in and out of the most popular tourist sites.

During her Antarctic work periods Endurance conducts a number of key roles. She supports four of the eight British Antarctic Survey core scientific projects (Global Science in the Antarctic Context) utilising her two Lynx helicopters for load-lifting and the deployment of scientists into the field, and also hydrographic surveying using a state-of-the-art Multi Beam Echo Sounder (MBES).

Under the patronage of the Antarctic Treaty, Endurance enables the UK to contribute to the enormous surveying requirement in the many poorly charted areas of the Peninsula.

Using her MBES, her surveyors produce extremely accurate, colour coded, three dimensional pictures of the seabed that are converted into modern charts for safer navigation by the many cruise ships that operate in the region.

Endurance also routinely deploys her two Survey Motor Boats, fitted with Single Beam Echo Sounders, to conduct shallow water surveys in areas inaccessible to the ship.

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Worship: Steve Parselle leads a service aboard Endurance
[Picture: HMS Endurance / Crown Copyright]

Enduring the cold down south

HMS Endurance proudly flies the Royal Navy's White Ensign, but, as a UK national asset, her work is not limited to defence.

17 Feb 06

This southern summer, she has been tasked to carry out work for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the UK British Hydrographic Office, the Met Office, and The British Geological Society. During the deployment, Endurance will also be assisting the BBC with the filming of its series The Blue Planet, working with the British Schools Expedition Society and the photographers Kevin Schafer and Andy Rouse. MOD chaplain Steve Parselle is resident chaplain on HMS Endurance, the ice patrol ship which is currently on a tour of the southern hemisphere. Here he gives an account of the ship's latest mission to the south polar region.

"The Foreign Office considers the role of Endurance as vital in maintaining British interests in the South Atlantic and Antarctica. In addition to the normal diplomatic role of flying the flag, Endurance is helping officials police the Antarctic Treaty, according to which 44 countries agree that they will preserve the pristine nature of Antarctica for the peaceful benefit of all mankind.

"Fitted with the most advanced sonar equipment, the ship is assisting the Hydrographic Office, surveying poorly charted areas in the region and collecting data which will be used to improve the reliability of existing charts. Given the increased number of cruise ships visiting the region (24,000 people visited the region in 2004-05) this work is critical in contributing to their safety.

"The Foreign Office has an interest in the possible impact of Antarctic tourism and will soon embark a team to inspect the procedures for landing visitors at popular sites, and audit the protocols of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.

"Antarctica is of global scientific importance to scientists monitoring environmental change affecting the world. Many believe that global warming is causing the region's massive ice shelves to break up. Endurance's 125 crew are assisting the British Antarctic Survey's world-leading scientists by enabling them to visit some of the most remote areas of this massive continent, often using the ship's Lynx helicopters.

"What about my own involvement in all of this? I joined the Navy and HMS Endurance after almost 20 years of Army chaplaincy, during which my feet were firmly on the ground. So adapting to life at sea was something of a challenge. Endurance is constructed primarily to force her way through thick ice, and she is very good at that. However her flat bottom means she tends to pitch and roll a good deal, as she makes her way over the water rather than cutting through it. This is not good for landlubbers like me.

"The weather forecast for the notorious Bay of Biscay, which we passed through some three months ago, was poor. Indeed, it was so bad that many merchant ships turned around. Endurance, though, ploughed on, taking all in her stride. But many of the ship's company could be seen changing colour, and having to take extended lie-downs until they found their sea legs or the weather improved.

"It was the little things I found difficult to cope with and adjust to. Taking a shower, for example is usually a simple enough activity, but in our pitching ship it became a major challenge. I became convinced that the Almighty had made a design error. If only one had been blessed with an extra pair of hands. As it was, one hand was required to simply remain standing in the shower, while the other was needed to prevent the shower curtain from clinging to my body, open the shower gel and apply it. If I let go of the rail I would be sent in a naked dance across the bathroom, covered in foam from head to toe.

"I discovered that new skills were also required to accomplish other supposedly simple tasks, such as dressing. Putting on trousers and socks required a major feat of balance and much ingenuity, as did simply manoeuvring around the ship. But I got there in the end, as did Endurance. We are now in the ice and enjoying this wonderful and white wilderness."

This article first appeared in Focus - the newspaper for people in defence.

HMS Endurance in the southern ocean
[Picture: HMS Endurance / Crown Copyright]

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HMS Exeter steals the show in London
14 Jan 08
Portsmouth-based warship HMS Exeter has been playing a starring role at this year's London Boat Show currently taking place at the ExCel centre.

The Type 42 destroyer - a veteran of the Falklands conflict of 1982 - will host several high-profile receptions, lunches and dinners on behalf of show organisers during the ten-day event at ExCel which began on Friday 11 January 2008.

And the vessel is also open daily to visitors - more than 25,000 are expected to go on board over the ten days to learn about the role of the modern Royal Navy and how it fits in with the UK maritime community. Royal Navy frigates have been popular attractions at the show since 2004 but this year is the first time a destroyer has been involved.

Exeter's Commanding Officer, Commander Paul Brown, said:

"I am delighted and extremely proud that HMS Exeter has been given the opportunity to represent the Royal Navy at one of the country's most important maritime events.

"The RN is as relevant today as any point in its history and it is fitting that we are at the show as an integral part of the UK's maritime community."

He added:

"I hope that we will be able to give the public a flavour of life on board a warship and some idea of what the RN does when we are out of sight over the horizon."

Type 42 destroyers form the backbone of the Royal Navy's anti-air capability. They are equipped with the Sea Dart medium range air defence missile system, designed to provide area air defence to a group of ships whilst being effective against surface targets at sea. In addition to their role as an air defence platform, Type 42 destroyers operate independently carrying out patrol and boarding operations.

Online Now: UK Ministry of Defense

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Falklands' warship reunited with veterans

22 May 07

HMS Exeter, the only remaining Falklands warship still on active service with the Royal Navy, has paid a visit to London, reuniting a group of Falklands veterans in the process.

The veterans embarked on HMS Exeter at Gravesend in Kent, via a RNLI lifeboat, for the final leg of the Type 42 Destroyer's journey into London.

The ship's visit to the capital is part of the 25th anniversary events of the Falklands conflict. Moored alongside HMS Belfast, the day after her arrival she opened her doors to the public. Around 500 people took the opportunity for a tour of the ship.

The eight veterans included sailors who were aboard HMS Exeter during the conflict 25 years ago. For some of them it was the first time they had been aboard the ship since 1982.

Ex-leading seaman Ron Hearn, who left the Royal Navy in 1986, worked in the Operations Room of the ship 25 years ago. Visiting his old workplace he said:

"It's wonderful to be back after all this time. There are one or two differences that I've noticed but by and large things have pretty much stayed the same.

"This trip has been a unique occasion which was more emotional than I expected. Whilst no one was killed on board Exeter, the day invariably brought back memories of others killed during the conflict."

Former marine Eric Barber said:

"I immediately recognised the loud noise and the smell of the engine. It's like going back in time. It feels strange to be onboard after all this time as a lot of things look the same."

Former engineer Adrian Butler added:

"Coming onboard has brought many memories back for me and the others as well.One of my most vivid recollections was at Bluff Cove where I remember lying on the floor and grabbing a mattress as the ship tried to avoid missiles. But the biggest memory for me was the homecoming to Portsmouth, with the crowds of well-wishers and families who made it such an unbelievable day for us."

HMS Exeter is now based at Portsmouth. She entered service in 1980 and is the fifth ship to bear the name Exeter. She was awarded her sixth battle honour in the Falklands' conflict.

The primary role of the Type 42 Destroyer is to provide air defence to a group of ships. Secondary roles include the provision of naval Gunfire Support. They also take part in anti-surface operations and provide an anti-submarine capability. As well as these aggressive capabilities, the Type 42 is also capable of providing aid to civilian powers, disaster relief and any similar peace time duty that they may be called upon to perform.

HMS Exeter was involved in defence activities again when she was employed as an escort for a US Battleship and Mine Counter-Measures Units off the Kuwait coast during the Gulf War of 1991. She has visited most areas of the globe, been involved in countless exercises and in 1997 she was admitted into Rosyth Dockyard to begin an extensive refit programme which she competed on 11 September 1998.

The veterans were joined on the voyage into London by current members of the ship's company and officers, including Commanding Officer Gavin Young who said:

"Being the only remaining warship from the Falklands still in service, it is fantastic to be able to welcome back some of the people who served on her. It's a poignant reminder of the events this ship has been through in her history, and we warmly welcome the people back who helped play a part in that."

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Navy MQ-8B Fire Scout Flight Test Initiated by Northrop Grumman Using New Ship Control Segment

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) initiated the next phase of the Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) MQ-8B Fire Scout development program with the first flight test using a Test and Training Control Segment. This control segment is a shelterized version of the exact consoles and other equipment being integrated into Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for operational use of the MQ-8B Fire Scout.

The first MQ-8B Fire Scout flight using this production control segment took place Dec. 15 at the Webster Field annex of Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. The control segment integrates the latest Tactical Control Segment (TCS) software designed and produced by Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. This new software release, known as B2V4, incorporates updates from RQ-8A Fire Scout flight experience and incorporates provisions for both the baseline FLIR Systems BRITE Star II electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payload and the Northrop Grumman COBRA multi-spectral mine detection payload.

Additional payloads will be integrated into the air vehicle and control segment in the future. The plug and play capability of TCS software and the air vehicle interface software will allow seamless integration of future payloads with MQ-8B Fire Scout. "This is yet another significant milestone for the VTUAV program and demonstrates the continuing maturation of the capability to land and deploy from a ship," said Doug Fronius, Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout VTUAV program director.

The current phase of flight test for the VTUAV program covers operations with the new control segment and land based shipboard recovery system testing using UCARS (UAV Common Automatic Recovery System) in preparation for the sea trials next year. The next major phase of flight test in early 2008 will include operations with EO/IR payloads using the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) data link.

Besides flight test, the shipboard control segment has undergone system network integration testing at the U.S. Navy's Dahlgren facility. Additionally, the first shipboard control segment was installed onboard the LCS USS Independence. Additional control segment ground integration testing is planned for early 2008 with full integration with all systems installed on the ship in the first quarter of 2008.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Online Now: Northrop Grumman

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Northrop Grumman Awarded Planning Contract Option for USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Work

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Jan. 4, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a planning contract option from the U.S. Navy for the refueling and complex overhaul of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). This option is valued at $186.4 million and continues work awarded in 2006. The total estimated value of the contract is $558.2 million.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is the fourth Nimitz-class carrier built by Northrop Grumman's Newport News sector. The carrier is scheduled to arrive at the Newport News shipyard in 2009 for its first and only refueling during a service life expected to span approximately 50 years.

The company's Newport News sector will perform the work, which includes planning, design, documentation, engineering, material procurement, shipboard inspections, fabrication and preliminary shipyard or support facility work. The carrier is scheduled to arrive at the Newport News shipyard in 2009 for its first and only refueling during a service life expected to span approximately 50 years.

"Our shipbuilders and Navy teammates are working together as a team to plan USS Theodore Roosevelt's refueling and complex overhaul," said Ken Mahler, vice president of aircraft carrier overhaul programs for Northrop Grumman's Newport News sector. "This collaboration continues our partnership with our Navy teammates and will help to ensure successful accomplishment of this major program."

Launched in 1984 and delivered to the Navy in 1986, the USS Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class carrier built by Northrop Grumman, the nation's sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. It will also be the fourth ship of the class to undergo this major life-cycle milestone. More than 1,300 employees will support the planning effort.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Online Now: www.northropgrumman.com

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LOCKHEED MARTIN DELIVERS THIRD PRODUCTION REMOTE MULTI-MISSION VEHICLE (RMMV) TO U.S. NAVY

Provides Significant Capability on Arleigh Burke Destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships

RIVIERA BEACH, FL, January 14th, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently delivered the third production Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) to the U.S. Navy, increasing the mine countermeasures capability for both DDG 51 Arleigh Burke class destroyers and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The first and second RMMV were delivered to the Navy in April and August 2007, respectively.

The RMMV is a robust unmanned, semi-submersible, semi-autonomous vehicle that can be adapted to a broad spectrum of applications and missions, including towing variable-depth sensors to detect, localize, classify and identify undersea threats at a safe distance from friendly ships. The RMMV provides all-weather, low-observable operations, high endurance, interchangeable mission system electronics, and real-time data transfer capability beyond line of sight.

The RMMV is the integral mobile subsystem of the Navy’s AN/WLD-1 Remote Minehunting System (RMS), which includes the RMMV, a launch and retrieval system for the RMMV, the RMMV-towed sonar sensor, advanced communications equipment and software that integrates RMS into the host ship’s combat system. Launched and controlled remotely from forward-deployed ships, the RMMV gives carrier and expeditionary strike groups real-time, over-the-horizon mine reconnaissance capability, keeping the Sailor out of harms way.

In 2005, the Naval Sea Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin a low-rate initial production contract for three RMMVs; a contract for four more RMMVs was awarded in 2006. The RMMV is produced at Lockheed Martin’sRiviera Beach, FL facility.

“The Navy now has a steadily growing capability to detect and classify mines at safe distances because of the RMS program,” said Gary Humes, Mine Warfare Program Manager, U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Littoral and Mine Warfare. “This increasing capability keeps the Sailor out of the minefield and helps protect the fleet against the devastation caused by sea mines.”

“I am extremely proud of our Lockheed Martin team for successfully reaching this milestone,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Riviera Beach business unit. “The delivery of this technologically advanced product significantly enhances ship and crew safety sending the vehicle into the danger zone instead.”

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD , Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Online Now: Lockheed Martin

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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC Wins $4 Billion Contract for Management of Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site

Fluor-Led Team with Northrop Grumman and Honeywell Wins Site Management and Operations Contract

AIKEN, S.C. – Jan. 10, 2008 – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC has won a U.S. Department of Energy contract for site management and operations of the Savannah River Site in Aiken, S.C. The contract is worth an estimated $4 billion over a five-year period and includes five one-year option periods, bringing the total contract value to approximately $8 billion.

The Savannah River Site is a Department of Energy facility dedicated to environmental management and cleanup of legacy materials, facilities, and wastes left from the Cold War. Work performed at the site includes supporting and maintaining the enduring nuclear weapons stockpile and processing and storing nuclear materials in support of U.S. nuclear non-proliferation efforts. The Savannah River National Laboratory, a federally-funded research and development center, is also located at the site.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions was formed by Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR), with partners Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) and Honeywell (NYSE: HON). Key members from each company make up the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions leadership team, under the leadership of president and chief executive officer Chuck Munns. Munns formerly served as a vice admiral in the U.S. Navy, where he ran the U.S. Submarine Force.

“The Savannah River Site’s long and distinguished history and reputation for safe and effective nuclear operations and environmental management is highly regarded worldwide,” said Munns. “We will honor that heritage and work to create an even more exciting future for our employees, our customers and for the community. It is a future that includes a safe, open and efficient workplace, a renewed and revitalized focus on our people, continuous process improvements and transformation of the Savannah River National Laboratory into a world-class facility.”

The Savannah River Nuclear Solutions parent organizations of Fluor, Northrop Grumman and Honeywell, together with supporting subcontractors, earns more than $120 billion in collective annual revenues and employs more than 420,000 employees worldwide. The team brings together knowledge, skills and expertise in every dimension of the nuclear fuel cycle, including complex nuclear cleanup, nuclear leadership, large government project management and innovation.

“This is a significant win for our joint team and we feel strongly that our combined knowledge, expertise and track record will help us meet the expectations of the DOE, the site employees and the surrounding communities in South Carolina and Georgia,” said John Hopkins, Group Executive of Fluor Corporation. “We, along with our partners, look forward to turning the Savannah River Site and Savannah River National Lab into catalysts for job growth and innovation in the region.”

“We are pleased to be part of such a talented and dynamic team of nuclear management professionals who are committed to safety and quality in every aspect of the Savannah River Site operation,” said Mike Petters, president of Northrop Grumman Newport News. “The Savannah River site can play an important role in achieving energy independence in the United States, and we are excited and privileged to be a member of the forward-thinking team and helping to reach this goal.”

“Honeywell is excited to be working with such outstanding partners as Fluor and Northrop Grumman in satisfying the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration’s national security mission at the Savannah River Site,” said Vince Trim, president of Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies. “We look forward to working with the employees at the site to execute Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ vision for growth. As always, delighting our customers is paramount to the success of this new company and we plan to do so from the start.”

The Savannah River Site occupies approximately 310 square miles, and is located 12 miles south of Aiken, S.C. on the Savannah River, forming the boundary between South Carolina and Georgia. Established in 1950 by the Atomic Energy Commission, the Savannah River Site has been involved in the production of tritium and plutonium in support of the nation's nuclear stockpile.

About Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
Following a 90-day transition period, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions will be responsible for site management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site and its 7,000 employees. Headquartered in Aiken, S.C., Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is a limited liability company formed by defense, energy, technology and manufacturing industry leaders Fluor, Northrop Grumman and Honeywell. For additional information, visit www.savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com

About Fluor
Fluor Corporation provides services on a global basis in the fields of engineering, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance and project management. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Fluor is a FORTUNE 500 company with revenues of $14.1 billion in 2006. For more information, visit www.fluor.com

About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide. For additional information, visit www.northropgrumman.com

About Honeywell
Honeywell International is a $34 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For additional information, please visit www.honeywell.com

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MARITIME TOP STORIES

Northrop Grumman Receives Type Approval for Ship Navigation Systems

LONDON - Jan. 3, 2008 - Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine business unit has received type approval from the U.K. certification body, QinetiQ, for its new-generation VisionMaster FT(tm) suite of marine navigation systems.

The QinetiQ type approval certifies that the VisionMaster FT electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) conforms to the International Electrotechnical Commission technical specifications and International Maritime Organization (IMO) performance standards. The type approval also authorizes Sperry Marine to mark the products with the European Union Wheelmark insignia, signifying compliance with applicable European Council directives. Sperry Marine's VisionMaster FT radar and chart radar systems also received QinetiQ type approval last year.

"With this type approval from QinetiQ, the entire VisionMaster FT family of products is now certified to meet international standards for installation on ships subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention," said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Sperry Marine. "This includes Sperry Marine's unique TotalWatch multi-function bridge workstation, which integrates all critical navigation functions in a single console. The TotalWatch technology has the potential to improve safety at sea by enhancing situational awareness for watchstanders."

The VisionMaster FT ECDIS complies with all IMO carriage requirements for navigating without paper charts when a backup ECDIS is installed. The split-screen capability permits two independent charts to be shown simultaneously, and a unique, picture-in-picture window allows the user to view specific areas of the chart at different scales. The ECDIS can be integrated with the radar and automatic identification system for common target identification and overlay of data on the ECDIS screen. The QinetiQ Group PLC is a body authorized by the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency and European Commission to conduct conformity assessment procedures on marine equipment and issue certificates of type approval.

Sperry Marine, headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., and with major engineering and support offices in New Malden, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

For commercial sales inquiries, contact Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine by phone, +1 (434) 974-2656 or by e-mail, sales_commercial@sperry.ngc.com. For military sales inquiries, call +1 (434) 974-2134 or e-mail sales_military@sperry.ngc.com. Visit our Web site at www.sperrymarine.northropgrumman.com

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