Page 21: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (July 2004)

The third and last Seawolf subma- rine is 100-ft. longer to fit its new

Multi-Mission Platform (left).

PCU Jimmy Carter Christened

In early June, the third last Seawolf-class submarine was christened at General Dynamics -

Electric Boat, in Groton, Conn. Mrs. Carter, Former President Jimmy Carter, their daughter

Amy and a crowd of more than 4,500, were on hand to witness. "Five years ago, this vessel's distinguishing characteristic, the Multi-Mission Platform, existed only in the minds of a few," said

Electric Boat President and General Dynamics Vice President John Casey. "Today, this notion has become a reality, providing this ship and submarine force with astounding capabilities."

The Multi-Mission Platform (MMP) is the submarine's most celebrated feature. Specifically, the platform is a hull extension, making the 453-ft.-long PCU Jimmy Carter 100 ft. longer than the other two Seawolf-class submarines, USS Seawolf (SSN 21) and USS Connecticut (SSN 22). "The key to this production has been the Integrated Product and Process Development approach - also known as the Design/Build approach," said Casey. "An entire 100-ft., 2,500-ton hull section, nearly as complex as an entire Los Angeles-class submarine has come from concept to construc- tion and integration with the overall ship in just under five years. That's an amazing accomplish- ment." The MMP provides Jimmy Carter with a wealth of capabilities. It has an ocean interface that allows for the operation of a Remotely Operated Vehicle, which will be able to retrieve and deploy weapons, countermeasures and sensors. It's also Special Operations-friendly. Jimmy

Carter can accommodate a Dry Deck Shelter or an Advanced SEAL Delivery System for Special

Operations Forces (SOF). It has a Reconfigurable Cargo Area, which allows for stowage of SOF supplies, and it features a Command Center Suite for mission planning. The Jimmy Carter can also berth up to 50 SOF personnel. (By Journalist 3rd Class Steven Feller, Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs) 6,000 nautical miles.

Circle 31 on Reader Service Card

VTMD Ride Control for

Fast Patrol Boats

VT Maritime Dynamics, Inc. (VTMD) won the contract to supply the stabiliza- tion systems for the Skjold-Class fast patrol boats being built for the Royal

Norwegian Navy. VTMD supplied and fitted the ride control system (RCS) for the first-of-class vessel that spent four years undergoing evaluation. Following the success of this initial craft, a further five Skjold-Class surface effect ships (SES) will be built by Umoe Mandal in

Norway. The RCS monitors and regu- lates the pressure of the air cushion by controlling vent valves, which is designed to reduce accelerations and mitigate crew fatigue. The stern fan sys- tem controls the stern seal pressure.

During high speed operation incorrect pressure in the stern seal can result in instability that can decrease vessel per- formance. VTMD's scope of supply includes the RCS controller, vent valves, stern boot fans and hydraulic actuation mechanisms.

Circle 2 on Reader Service Card 1

V . receiving smp-~

High Capacity At-Sea Transfer

System Under Development

A Rolls-Royce led team was chosen to develop and deliver an integrated high-capacity ship-to- ship cargo transfer system concept for the U.S.

Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR). This high-capacity alongside sea-based sustainment (HiCASS) award is the first of several phases and is valued at $1 million. Ultimately, HiCASS could be worth as much as $20 million as the project moves through demonstra- tion and initial production phases over three years. The team will combine ship motion control and positioning systems with tendering and crane and load control technologies into a single system concept designed specifically for high-capacity at-sea transfer of materials, personnel and equipment in heavy seas. Other team members include: Mooring Systems Limited; Craft Engineering Associates:

NSWC - Panama City; Fentek Americas; National Steel and Shipbuilding

Company; The Glosten Associates; NSWC Carderock; Michigan Technological

University; and MacGregor (USA) Inc.

Circle 32 on Reader Service Card

CRANKSHAFT GRINDING

While Installed in Engine • CRANKPIN AND MAIN

JOURNAL REFURBISHING

While crankshaft is in engine • ALL TYPES OF ON-BOARD

MACHINING Cylinder boring, engine top decks, horizontal joints, couplings, journals • LINE BORING OF MAIN

BEARING POCKETS

Laser and Optical

Alignment • METALSTITCH®

Only Lloyd's approved

USA company for repair of cracked or broken cast iron engine blocks

IN-PLACE MACHINING COMPANY

USA: International: FAX: 800-833-3575 414-562-2000 414-562-2932 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE., day or night, 365 days a year email: help®inplace.com Website: www.inplace.com

Circle 228 on Reader Service Card

Corrosion Control * *

SALT REMOVING TREATMENT 100% Non-Hazardous21|s—^Sfsr sSSr'Ss?!! i _ . «:;S»B I 100% Non-Toxic 100% Blifleiralsblo

Reduce part and repair labor costs and down-time for everything where salt causes maintenance and operational problems.

The favorite salt corrosion control maintenance product of thousands of users.

Concentrate available in case packs and drums.

Salt-Away Products, Inc. • P.O.Box 8797 • Newport Beach, CA 92658 (714)754-7700 • Toll Free: 888-SALT-AWAY(725-8292) e-mail: [email protected] • www.saltawayproducts.com

Circle 246 on Reader Service Card

July 2004 21