US Navy News and updates

gazzzwp

Member
Even so, What was it doing being so close that a steering failure resulted in collision?
I was thinking more of a cyber attack. Loss of control for a prolonged period would better explain the collision imho rather than negligence or incompetence.
 

StingrayOZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
I was thinking more of a cyber attack. Loss of control for a prolonged period would better explain the collision imho rather than negligence or incompetence.
Still a lot of questions.

Seems like the collision alarm didn't sound either (or not for long if at all).
A hack may have contributed to it, but there would be multiple systems on top of eyes and radio.

Pretty sure she went back under her own power.

Pirates are also known to operate in the area. There are also known muslim extremist training areas in Aceh which is part of the straits. There was some fear that they might hijack a oil tanker and cause trouble or directly attack shipping..

Singapore raises security alert after Malacca threat | Reuters

https://www.cnbc.com/2014/09/15/worlds-most-pirated-waters.html

The US was pushing for greater US patrols in the area to improve security. This incident won't help that.

A 30,000t oil tanker is a bit big for pirates, but not big enough the crew wouldn't have been worried about it.
 

ASSAIL

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
I was thinking more of a cyber attack. Loss of control for a prolonged period would better explain the collision imho rather than negligence or incompetence.
It is a twin screw ship, it can be controlled and rudders can be controlled by secondary means if the primary fails.
Cyber is not plausible for ship control, it is plausible though doubtful for situational awareness.
 

ASSAIL

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
In the latest news I note that PACOM ADM Scott Swift has removed 7th Fleet Commander VADM Aucoin from his post.
When I have a workable link I'll post.

He has also implemented a retraining programme for all watchkeeping personnel across the forward deployed ships in the Western Pacific.

This latter gives you some clue as to where the USN believes the problems lie.

And the link below.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/22/politics/uss-mccain-7th-fleet-commander-dismissal/index.html
 

gazzzwp

Member
It is a twin screw ship, it can be controlled and rudders can be controlled by secondary means if the primary fails.
Cyber is not plausible for ship control, it is plausible though doubtful for situational awareness.
Good to know. Thanks.
 

swerve

Super Moderator
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.
Absolutely right.

I have a cousin who was in the RN for 20 years, & off Kuwait in early 1991. I recall him talking about watchkeeping, which he did spells of in addition to his main duties (cooking - retired as a CPO cook) when they were in busy waters or there was thought to be any high risk from something that more eyes on watch might help counter, e.g. mines.

They had big binoculars on mounts, apparently, so your arms don't get tired. And IIRC night vision binoculars.
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
Again, not knowing all the facts, it seems incredibly bizarre that increased watch capabilities weren't being utilized in one of the highest traffic volume straights in the world. I suspect there would numerous crew members who would welcome this alternative duty to pick up a pair of binoculars and help out as a diversion from their normal duties.
 

DaveS124

Active Member
Chinese media are making nonstop merry with this.

From news to comedy shows it's almost a loop of FITZGERALD and MCCAIN footage.

You know, America's decline clearly visible while China's ascent is inevitable, with ships that aren't holed.

To which I say, okay, then, take on the 7th Fleet and PACOM, for real, and let me know how it went.
 

DaveS124

Active Member
Attempts to solve the USN's frigate quandary have taken an interesting turn. In July a very heavyweight delegation from the Pentagon, USN and industry types visited the Muggiano shipyard, Italy, where the FREMMs are built. They're back this week, for more long briefings.

For some useful background to all the activity, this article in Defense News is decent. Here - https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...s-keeps-an-eye-overseas/#.WayqyKHulXA.twitter

If they're serious about any sort of frigate project, then it's hard to see how they have time generate a US clean-sheet design.
 

StingrayOZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
If they're serious about any sort of frigate project, then it's hard to see how they have time generate a US clean-sheet design.
I would have thought the Fridtjof Nansen-class would be an easier fit/lower risk for US weapons and systems. The FREMM is also pretty nice as well supporting two helicopters.

Personally I don't think the origin of the design is that important. Many designs have been heavily influenced by the US, and design with US assistance. The US designs many ships, so it is not like it is putting the design teams at risk.

Being able to pick up something existing would certainly accelerate the project. It would also stop a lot of time wasting about what should and shouldn't be in it. You pick a design and go for it.
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
Attempts to solve the USN's frigate quandary have taken an interesting turn. In July a very heavyweight delegation from the Pentagon, USN and industry types visited the Muggiano shipyard, Italy, where the FREMMs are built. They're back this week, for more long briefings.

For some useful background to all the activity, this article in Defense News is decent. Here - https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...s-keeps-an-eye-overseas/#.WayqyKHulXA.twitter

If they're serious about any sort of frigate project, then it's hard to see how they have time generate a US clean-sheet design.
The reverse engineering metric measurement is amusing. Perhaps joining the world standard 30 years ago or so like Canada did would help. Then again, considering our defence procurement record, perhaps not!:D
 

rockitten

Member
The reverse engineering metric measurement is amusing. Perhaps joining the world standard 30 years ago or so like Canada did would help. Then again, considering our defence procurement record, perhaps not!:D
I wonder, if RAN picked the same hull for Sea5000, how about we Aussie build some hull for USN until their shipyard is tune-up-ed for the job?
 

John Fedup

The Bunker Group
Using an offshore design will be a struggle for the USN but building offshore is a bridge too far, in fact I am not sure if US law allows warships to be foreign built.
 

Ranger25

Active Member
Staff member
I would have thought the Fridtjof Nansen-class would be an easier fit/lower risk for US weapons and systems. The FREMM is also pretty nice as well supporting two helicopters.

Personally I don't think the origin of the design is that important. Many designs have been heavily influenced by the US, and design with US assistance. The US designs many ships, so it is not like it is putting the design teams at risk.

Being able to pick up something existing would certainly accelerate the project. It would also stop a lot of time wasting about what should and shouldn't be in it. You pick a design and go for it.
I agree Oz, advantages to both IMO. FREMM offers substaially grater capabilities, range, weapons load etc. vs a hull already using SPY-1.
 
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