US Navy News and updates

[John Fedup]

Depends on the power output of the lasers. Certainly the carriers have the power (especially the new Ford class). The Zumwalt can produce close to 80 MW so it too can accommodate large lasers and rail guns. Other naval ships could accommodate smaller lasers depending on what surplus power is available. New modern electronic warfare systems are making huge energy demands on a ship's power system already and energy directed weapons make the situation even more demanding.

The advantage of Zumwalt's IEP system is that it can divert huge amounts of power from propulsion to energy directed weapons, something tradition propulsion systems can't do (except nuclear which can also power generators).

 

[the concerned]

Surely another advantage of using the carriers (at least to start with) is there height would create extra range for the lasers. Also through working in the transport industry I was reading up on how they are looking into solar roads could they not look into solar power on ships at least as an extra source.

 

[John Fedup]

The laser will be used mostly against air threats. The extra height would only be a minimal advantage and defence of the carrier is best left to the escorts which also have the unenviable task of being threat absorbers. Given the limited amount of free surface area on a ship, solar isn't going to provide much addtional power.

 

[Tsavo Lion]

Don't need to blockade China, no if the USA blocked all Chinese made products into the US that alone should hurt the Chinese, but also star a trade war.

China may stop lending $ to US or switch to Euro currency in her foreign transactions- that'll hurt as much, if not more! USA can't bully China anymore; it's a symbiotic relationship & that's why the CJCS Gen. Dunford is there now.

During Dunford's visit, he and Fang signed an agreement to increase operational communication between the U.S. and Chinese militaries and mitigate the risk of miscalculation. "It’s an encouraging step," the chairman said.. "We haven’t had something like that before. It is a framework for us to have a conversation."
The Joint Staff’s director of strategy and policy, Army Lt. Gen. Richard Clarke, will lead the American side of the discussions and the first meeting is scheduled to be in November in Washington.
The dialogue will be most important in lessening the chances of misunderstanding or miscalculation between the two nations, Dunford said.

 

[John Fedup]

Both countries have financial issues albeit different ones and neither needs undo economic stress. A shooting war is an even worse option.

 

[colay1]

Another collision at sea involving a DDG, this time the USS John McCain. The ship is heading for port after sustaining unspecified damage to it's port side. No reports of casualties.

https://news.usni.org/2017/08/20/us...h-china-sea-search-rescue-operations-underway

 

[hauritz]

Another collision at sea involving a DDG, this time the USS John McCain. The ship is heading for port after sustaining unspecified damage to it's port side. No reports of casualties.

https://news.usni.org/2017/08/20/us...h-china-sea-search-rescue-operations-underway

There may have been quite a few casualties with 10 sailors missing. It has been a bad few months for the USN.

 

[colay1]

There may have been quite a few casualties with 10 sailors missing. It has been a bad few months for the USN.

My bad. Hoping for the best.

 

[Ranger25]

Correct, latest report 5 injured 10 missing. USS America aiding in SAR

 

[StingrayOZ]

Correct, latest report 5 injured 10 missing. USS America aiding in SAR

"In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant (97), RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are currently in the area to render assistance."
USS John S McCain: US warship collides with ship near Singapore

USS John McCain collides with merchant ship east of Singapore, 10 sailors missing, US Navy says - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Seems like a pretty big hit, similar to the USS Fitzgerald. I had hoped it was more of a glancing contact. 2nd active BMD ship hit in recent times. It happened at 5.25am local time, so while not quite daylight I would have hoped they were able to get an alarm out and the crew will be found ok.

 

[swerve]

Collided with a 50,000 DWT tanker which was doing 8.9 knots.
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/636017930

I would expect that the DDG would be much more manoeuvrable, & my first thought is that it would be the one which could avoid collision most easily.

 

[AndyinOz]

I am far from an expert, would never claim to be but looking at the damage and the civilian vessel it appears the DDG was for want of a better word T-boned. It does make you wonder how something like that could happen given the size and nature of the ships, it's not like we are talking about 18ft half cabins. I imagine the investigation is going to be interesting.

 

[colay1]

Was the circular hole in the DDG's hull caused by the tanker's bulbous bow impacting it?

 

[Ranger25]

Was the circular hole in the DDG's hull caused by the tanker's bulbous bow impacting it?

Reports say yes. Flooded two compartments.

Updates from USN


https://news.usni.org/2017/08/21/ph...ip-arrives-singapore-10-sailors-still-missing

 

[gazzzwp]

Reports say yes. Flooded two compartments.

Updates from USN


https://news.usni.org/2017/08/21/ph...ip-arrives-singapore-10-sailors-still-missing

Morning guys.

In the popular media today it revealed that the investigation is going to consider cyber attacks as a possible cause (if I heard it correctly).

To be honest I was quite shocked to see another collision making headlines yesterday and this must be no small embarrassment to the USN.

How is it possible with modern guidance and ID systems that a USN vessel collides with an oil tanker of all things???? It defies the imagination.

What could be going on guys. Is it a prozaic explanation or something much more sinister?

 

[colay1]

There was a report on CNN that the DDG lost it's ability to steer just prior to the collision. The crew for some reason were not able to activate the backup steering system.

 

[ASSAIL]

Morning guys.

In the popular media today it revealed that the investigation is going to consider cyber attacks as a possible cause (if I heard it correctly).

To be honest I was quite shocked to see another collision making headlines yesterday and this must be no small embarrassment to the USN.

How is it possible with modern guidance and ID systems that a USN vessel collides with an oil tanker of all things???? It defies the imagination.

What could be going on guys. Is it a prozaic explanation or something much more sinister?

Cyber attacks don't effect a pair of binoculars, the Mk1 eyeball, a pelorus with an azimuth ring and the most effective tool of all, VHF CH 16. Bridge watchkeeping 101.

 

[gazzzwp]

Cyber attacks don't effect a pair of binoculars, the Mk1 eyeball, a pelorus with an azimuth ring and the most effective tool of all, VHF CH 16. Bridge watchkeeping 101.

Do the steering systems rely on computer controls? There is some suggestion that the vessel lost steering at a crucial moment.

 

[StevoJH]

Do the steering systems rely on computer controls? There is some suggestion that the vessel lost steering at a crucial moment.

Even so, What was it doing being so close that a steering failure resulted in collision?

 

[John Fedup]

Cyber attacks don't effect a pair of binoculars, the Mk1 eyeball, a pelorus with an azimuth ring and the most effective tool of all, VHF CH 16. Bridge watchkeeping 101.

Although it is still early days I suspect after a rash of collisions, there may be an admiral worried about his job besides the captain.