Page 37: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (March 2006)

March 2006 37 based on demonstrated performance, much like Submariners have to do to qualify for their Dolphins. Early on, the

CMC and PCO recognized the need for a comprehensive new program that expects more performance and real knowledge.

Despite the challenge of an LCS assignment, Lt. Cmdr. Kris Doyle,

Freedom's prospective executive officer, said many Sailors are very interested in

LCS. "I've had a lot of people contact me about how they can get involved in

LCS."

Everyone will participate in seaman- ship evolutions such as underway replenishment and launching and recov- ering of aircraft and unmanned systems.

Everyone will be fully qualified with weapons. Most will be qualified and participate in boarding parties. "If the .50 cal. gun jams, you can't step back and wait for a Gunner's Mate to come and fix it," said Gabrielson.

There won't be any special insignia for

LCS qualified Sailors. But LCS Sailors will stand out. "The proof will be in their assignment history," said Doran.

Adds Doyle, "It will say USS Freedom on your rocker." — Edward Lundquist

Circle 219 on Reader Service Card

Circle 209 on Reader Service Card

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Navy

DRS Receives $34M Navy Deal

DRS Technologies was awarded sev- eral new contracts with a combined value of approximately $34 million to design and produce power conversion, distribution and control equipment, and advanced propulsion equipment for next-generation and existing classes of

U.S. Navy combatant surface ships and submarines.

The contracts were awarded to DRS by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Washington, D.C.,

Defense Advanced Research Projects

Agency (DARPA) in Arlington,

Virginia, and various U.S. Navy ship- yards and prime defense contractors.

For these orders, DRS will design, man- ufacture and test advanced instrumenta- tion and control, power distribution and shipboard propulsion equipment for both low- and medium-voltage ship- board conventional and nuclear pow- ered electric plants supporting U.S.

Navy combatant submarines and sur- face ships.

DRS also will perform significant after-market repair activity for electric plant control and monitoring system components. "The receipt of these new contracts supports our strategic intent to become a full line supplier of complete shipboard electric power plant systems, including control, distribution and propulsion equipment and all associated integration and support services for new and updat- ed legacy fleets," said Steven T.

Schorer, president of DRS's C4I Group. "The systems and components built by

DRS under these and other contracts are vital to current and future classes of sur- face and submarine combatants.

As a key supplier of integrated power systems equipment to the U.S. Navy shipbuilding industry, DRS is a leading force in shaping the future of the Navy's high-performance, integrated electrical systems and in providing critical power technology refresh for the existing fleet."

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