General Dynamics NASSCO Launches USNS Charles Drew
Filed under: General Dynamics, Syndicated Industry News
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
US Navy Stands Up Fleet Cyber Command, Reestablishes U.S. 10th Fleet
NNS100129-24. NNS100129-24. Navy Stands Up Fleet Cyber Command, Reestablishes U.S. 10th FleetFrom Fleet Cyber Command/10 Fleet Public Affairs
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) officially established U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC) and recommissioned U.S. 10th Fleet during a ceremony at Fort George G. Meade, Md., Jan. 29.
At the ceremony, Adm. Gary Roughead, CNO, also named Vice Adm. Bernard J. McCullough III the commander of both FCC and 10th Fleet.
The new FCC and 10th Fleet are headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, taking advantage of existing Naval Network Warfare Command infrastructure, communications support and personnel already in place.
FCC and 10th Fleet have been created as part of the CNO's vision to achieve the integration and innovation necessary for warfighting superiority across the full spectrum of military operations in the maritime, cyberspace and information domains. This initiative will help raise information to the forefront of the Navy's 21st century arsenal.
U.S. 10th Fleet was first established in 1941 as the lead for anti-submarine warfare. During World War II, the United States needed a command in charge of protecting Allied merchant vessels and military convoys and against German U-Boats in the Atlantic, and 10th Fleet successfully fulfilled that mission until it was disestablished in 1945.
Roughead compared the global responsibility of today's 10th Fleet to that of its predecessor, which protected American forces through the use of intelligence and information.
"[Tenth Fleet] had a global responsibility to protect American forces and American trade. It was a command who success depended less on manned and massed fire power than on intelligence and information," he said. "Today, we recommission this fleet to confront a new challenge to our nation's security in cyberspace. It is a mission for which, even more so than before, victory will be predicated on intelligence and information rather than fire power."
Roughead emphasized that the information we use and must protect is markedly different from what we have protected in our past.
"The cyber domain is a domain all its own - one of great opportunity, new discoveries and vexing challenges. It is one into which Fleet Cyber Command must forge boldly ahead," Roughead said.
FCC is responsible for global Navy cyberspace operations designed to deter and defeat aggression and to ensure freedom of action to achieve military objectives in and through cyberspace. McCullough is also tasked with organizing and directing Navy cryptologic operations worldwide, supporting information operations and space planning and operations.
As 10th Fleet commander, McCullough maintains operational control of Navy cyber forces to execute the full spectrum of computer network operations, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, information operations and signal intelligence capabilities and missions across the cyber, electromagnetic and space domains. U.S. 10th Fleet will partner with and support other fleet commanders to provide guidance and direction to ensure coordinated, synchronized and effective preventative and response capability in cyberspace.
"To execute our defined mission we must be able to exercise command and control over our networks with dynamic, real time defense and information assurance enabled by intelligence collection. When called upon, we must be able to provide non kinetic effects in support of regional combatant commanders' assigned missions," McCullough said. "To do this, and do it well, we must work with our sister services, academia, agencies, industry, allies and partners, for the challenge is so large, to go it alone is not possible."
McCullough said we face a situation similar to the early Battle of the Atlantic where we are engaged in a domain under stress – a domain where the potential exists for devastating consequences if the challenge is not addressed.
"Cyberspace is a unique domain with a totally different set of challenges. To operate successfully in this newly defined domain the Navy must first think differently about cyberspace operations," McCullough said. "This world travels at the speed of light and requires real time command and control. We must ensure seamless alignment and integration with fleet operations."
In the same fashion that the historic 10th Fleet enabled the prosecution of the German U-Boat threat and ensured access to the shipping lanes of the Atlantic, FCC and the modern 10th Fleet will enable the prosecution of threats in cyberspace and ensure the Navy has access to it.
From Fleet Cyber Command/10 Fleet Public Affairs
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) officially established U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC) and recommissioned U.S. 10th Fleet during a ceremony at Fort George G. Meade, Md., Jan. 29.
At the ceremony, Adm. Gary Roughead, CNO, also named Vice Adm. Bernard J. McCullough III the commander of both FCC and 10th Fleet.
The new FCC and 10th Fleet are headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, taking advantage of existing Naval Network Warfare Command infrastructure, communications support and personnel already in place.
FCC and 10th Fleet have been created as part of the CNO's vision to achieve the integration and innovation necessary for warfighting superiority across the full spectrum of military operations in the maritime, cyberspace and information domains. This initiative will help raise information to the forefront of the Navy's 21st century arsenal.
U.S. 10th Fleet was first established in 1941 as the lead for anti-submarine warfare. During World War II, the United States needed a command in charge of protecting Allied merchant vessels and military convoys and against German U-Boats in the Atlantic, and 10th Fleet successfully fulfilled that mission until it was disestablished in 1945.
Roughead compared the global responsibility of today's 10th Fleet to that of its predecessor, which protected American forces through the use of intelligence and information.
"[Tenth Fleet] had a global responsibility to protect American forces and American trade. It was a command who success depended less on manned and massed fire power than on intelligence and information," he said. "Today, we recommission this fleet to confront a new challenge to our nation's security in cyberspace. It is a mission for which, even more so than before, victory will be predicated on intelligence and information rather than fire power."
Roughead emphasized that the information we use and must protect is markedly different from what we have protected in our past.
"The cyber domain is a domain all its own - one of great opportunity, new discoveries and vexing challenges. It is one into which Fleet Cyber Command must forge boldly ahead," Roughead said.
FCC is responsible for global Navy cyberspace operations designed to deter and defeat aggression and to ensure freedom of action to achieve military objectives in and through cyberspace. McCullough is also tasked with organizing and directing Navy cryptologic operations worldwide, supporting information operations and space planning and operations.
As 10th Fleet commander, McCullough maintains operational control of Navy cyber forces to execute the full spectrum of computer network operations, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, information operations and signal intelligence capabilities and missions across the cyber, electromagnetic and space domains. U.S. 10th Fleet will partner with and support other fleet commanders to provide guidance and direction to ensure coordinated, synchronized and effective preventative and response capability in cyberspace.
"To execute our defined mission we must be able to exercise command and control over our networks with dynamic, real time defense and information assurance enabled by intelligence collection. When called upon, we must be able to provide non kinetic effects in support of regional combatant commanders' assigned missions," McCullough said. "To do this, and do it well, we must work with our sister services, academia, agencies, industry, allies and partners, for the challenge is so large, to go it alone is not possible."
McCullough said we face a situation similar to the early Battle of the Atlantic where we are engaged in a domain under stress – a domain where the potential exists for devastating consequences if the challenge is not addressed.
"Cyberspace is a unique domain with a totally different set of challenges. To operate successfully in this newly defined domain the Navy must first think differently about cyberspace operations," McCullough said. "This world travels at the speed of light and requires real time command and control. We must ensure seamless alignment and integration with fleet operations."
In the same fashion that the historic 10th Fleet enabled the prosecution of the German U-Boat threat and ensured access to the shipping lanes of the Atlantic, FCC and the modern 10th Fleet will enable the prosecution of threats in cyberspace and ensure the Navy has access to it.
Technorati Tags:
Information Technology (IT), USN (US Navy), cyber warfare
Two Tanker Buy Pushed Again
Filed under: Alabama, Boeing, EADS, KC-X, KC-X Tanker News, Northrop Grumman Corp., Syndicated Industry News
The Mayor of Mobile, AL was recently on Capitol Hill raising the issue of buying the new KC-X tanker from both Boeing (BA) and Northrop Grumman (NOC). Northrop and its partner EADS (EADS:P) plan to assemble the A330 aircraft in Mobile and then fit them out with the necessary equipment at a Northrop plant. The idea of awarding contracts to both companies has been discussed before. The primary benefit besides avoiding a protest and delaying the program again would be to more quickly replace the KC-135 aircraft.
The U.S.A.F. and Defense Department have not been positive about this idea in the past due to the larger, more expensive logistics tail required to support two dissimilar systems. During World War II and the Cold War the U.S. often did invest in multiple systems for a mission often operated by separate services. The U.S. military has not had the resources to afford this kind of commitment.
The new RFP is expected to be released within a matter of weeks. For the Air Force to do a dual award it would require development and approval of a whole new acquisition strategy. This would lead to even further delays in this contract. The chances of buying the two aircraft in the next year or so are very slight.
U.S Military’s Move From Japan To Guam Underway
The U.S. is committed to reducing its military footprint in Okinawa. An island that is part of Japan conquered during World War II. Now Guam is...Logistical Costs Burden Operations In Afghanistan
Filed under: Business Line, Congress, Countries, DLA, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, logistics
Wars are expensive there is no doubt. As part of the planning for adding troops to Afghanistan the U.S. Department of Defense was asked why it costs about a $1 billion a year for a 1,000 soldiers to operate there. One of the main expenses it turns out is fuel. To get one gallon of JP8 to a soldier or airman who needs it costs about $400 if all related costs are taken into account. This figure alone is giving Congress second thoughts.
That is because the gas is shipped to Pakistan and then trucked to Afghanistan. To get it to the various outposts and bases sometimes requires aircraft and helicopters. For a helicopter to carry a gallon of gas probably takes a few gallons of gas and at a high maintenance rate. There is also the cost of all the personnel and contractors to handle the gas and supplies.
This should not really surprise anyone. In John Ellis’ book about World War II soldiers, On The Front Lines, he estimated it took about eleven personnel to support one front line soldier in the Pacific and almost ten in the European. That counted everyone who touched a ton of supplies as it moved from the U.S. to the actual soldier. That cost alone was fairly high. Take into account the gas used to move it and the maintenance of the ships, trucks and aircraft and the costs go up even more. Afghanistan is remote and costs even more.
Army Continues Clean Up Of Old Training Site On Hawaii
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Environet, Events, Hawaii, Services, States, U.S. Army, logistics
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded Environet a $70 million contract to continue the clean up of the Waikoloa Maneuver Area on Hawaii. This contract will continue the next phase of removing unexploded ordnance and hazardous material from the former World War II training site.
Environet will work on about 4,000 acres of the site which at its peak utilized almost two hundred square miles of the island. The large site is rated one of the highest priorities for clean up. The Army spent $82 million over the last seven years on the last contract and the total clean up could take another thirty-eight and cost hundreds of million of dollars. As part of these contracts it is hoped that many Hawaii residents will be hired to conduct the work.
Henley-Putnam To Offer Scholarships For Service Members
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Press Releases, Promotions, logistics, training
In Honor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Henley-Putnam Unveils Scholarship Contest for Service Members
Through Sharing Their Stories, Service Men and Women Can Win a Scholarship from Henley-Putnam University
(San Jose, CA, August 24, 2009) On the heels of the passing of the Post-9/11 GI Bill the most comprehensive education benefit for veterans offered since World War II Henley-Putnam University announced a new contest offering service men and women a chance to earn a scholarship toward a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree in a Strategic Securityrelated field.
Henley-Putnam University was founded by men and women who have served this nation and know what that sacrifice means, said Michael Corcoran, PhD, Henley-Putnam University president and former U.S. Secret Service agent. We are so proud of our military students. Through this contest, we hope to give back to these brave individuals by offering an additional opportunity for career advancement.
The Share Your Service Story contest invites former and active service men and women to share their stories through one-page essays reflecting on their service experience and career aspirations. Beginning August 24, 2009, prospective students can visit http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu/829-185.htm and submit an essay answering one of the following questions:
1. What does service mean to you? Share with us your most defining moment in serving your country, town or community, and how that moment contributed to who you are today.
2. What do you want to accomplish through your life of service? Please include three ways in which you’d like to impact your community, country or world.
3. What could you accomplish in your life with a degree in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, or the Management of Personal Protection? What would be possible if you had increased knowledge and skills in these areas?
Students may submit an essay only once. A one-time, $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to the contest participant judged to best fulfill the spirit of service and who wishes to earn a degree with Henley-Putnam University. To enter, participants must email their essay to contest@henley-putnam.edu by September 15th, 2009. The $5,000 scholarship prize may be combined with military benefits.
Henley-Putnam offers bachelors and masters degrees in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection, as well as a doctorate degree in Strategic Security. A degree in Strategic Security will prepare contest applicants for high-level managerial and leadership positions in government agencies, the private defense sector, nonprofits, think tanks, the military, and the protection/security field. Henley-Putnam also offers numerous certificate courses where students can earn transferrable credits in areas such as Intelligence Analysis, Counterterrorism Studies, and Intelligence and Terrorism Profiling.
To participate in Henley-Putnams Share Your Service Story contest, please visit http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu/829-185.htm and email your entry to contest@henley-putnam.edu. For information on Henley-Putnams degree programs, as well as additional scholarship opportunities, please call admissions at 888.852.8746 or visit www.Henley-Putnam.edu.
ABOUT HENLEY-PUTNAM UNIVERSITY
Founded in August 2001, Henley-Putnam University is a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. The University offers accredited online Bachelor, Master of Science Degrees in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection, a Doctoral Degree Program in Strategic Security, and most recently added new Certificate Programs. Henley-Putnam prepares law enforcement, military, intelligence community, and private industry professionals with the network, skills, and insights to advance in their careers and protect the future. Henley-Putnam University, which is committed to building a student and alumni network that will serve its community, is an accredited member of DETC (www.detc.org) and offers 125 courses taught by hands-on faculty members from renowned organizations such as the CIA and FBI. For more information on Henley-Putnam University, call 888.852.8746.
McCain’s contracting proposal makes no sense
Filed under: Congress, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Federal Budget Process, S&T, development program, production program
In the first Presidential Debate on Friday, Senator McCain restated one of his favorite reforms of government spending – require Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts for all work. Currently FFP contracts are used to buy hardware and services when the price and schedule are known. The contractor agrees to this as they will make profit on each unit sold. Cost Plus contracts are used for development or for things where the cost is not known. During World War II Cost Plus contracts were used almost exclusively and some abuse did occur. For R&D contracts it is hard to do a FFP as the total time and cost required to develop a system or new capability has often proved to be beyond the estimation capability of the best government or contractors can do. Senator McCain’s proposal will not work, as you will have a situation where no one will bid on the work as they know they won’t make any money on it.
See FCW.com for the story.
Boeing’s role in defense aviation shrinks
Filed under: Boeing, Military Aviation, commercial aviation, development program
This good article in The Seattle Times summarizes how defense aviation is playing a less-and-less role in Boeing’s business. See the article here. It traces how from World War II on Boeing built large transports, tankers and bombers for the US Army Air Corps and Air Force. Now, with the loss of the KC-45 contract, they really are not doing any such business. They obviously rely primarily on their civil aircraft for the bulk of their earnings and profits. Boeing defense business is starting to be more and more in the area of engineering services and total program development and management. They were the Lead System Integrator (LSI) on what used to be called National Missile Defense (NMD) in the Nineties. They have also had similar roles in other major contracts.
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