Build Navy News

Austal USA Advanced Technologies is working with the US Navy on technical solutions that will power the next-gen of navy assets. Don Hairston recently took the helm of the AAT team, and discusses how additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence are powering the future of naval asset design, construction and lifecycle maintenance.Don, what specifically attracted you to the position as GM of Austal USA Advanced Technologies?I liked Austal USA as an up-and-comer; it offers tremendous growth opportunities.

The United States is planning to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives approval to the U.S. Navy for $211.5 million, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Tuesday.The plans for a bigger U.S. footprint in Australia come at a time when the Western allies have become increasingly concerned by China's efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific."The development of facilities will support the Force Posture Initiatives," Payne told Sky News…

Gulf Island Fabrication (GIFI), an American manufacturer of specialized structures and marine vessels used in the energy sector, announced that it received an award for the construction of two additional towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS) for the U.S. Navy.The award represents the Navy’s execution of its second and third options for Gulf Island’s construction of three T-ATS vessels that will be built in the Company’s shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. The Navy has remaining options for five additional vessels, said a press release from the fabricator of complex steel structures, modules and marine vessels used in energy extraction and production…

The Australian Government has thrown domestic shipbuilders an A$89 billion (US$ 66 billion) lifeline. It plans to deliver a long-term plan for a strong and sustainable naval shipbuilding industry. Over the next 20 years the Government will invest the $89 billion in ships and submarines for the Navy. It's also still unclear whether local yards will benefit from a submarine program that accounts for a hefty chunk of the promised funding. This critical investment will generate significant economic growth and sustain several thousand Australian jobs over decades. It is a key part of our commitment to a safe and secure Australia. The Government will implement a continuous build of surface warships in Australia.

The Government of Canada and Irving Shipbuilding today marked the installation of the final piece of steel frame for the Assembly and Ultra Hall Production facility that will produce the Navy’s newest combat fleet starting in September 2015. The Honorable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Honorable Peter MacKay, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Canada and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia joined Irving Shipbuilding’s executive…

Today in U.S. Naval History - June 28 1794 - Joshua Humphreys appointed master builder to build Navy ships at an annual salary of $2,000. 1814 - USS Wasp captures HMS Reindeer 1865 - CSS Shenandoah captures 11 American whalers in one day 1970 - USS James Madison (SSBN-627) completes conversion to Poseidon missile capability For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center website at www.history.navy.mil.

1794 - Joshua Humphreys appointed master builder to build Navy ships at an annual salary of $2,000. 1814 - USS Wasp captures HMS Reindeer 1865 - CSS Shenandoah captures 11 American whalers in one day 1970 - USS James Madison (SSBN-627) completes conversion to Poseidon missile capability (Source: Navy News Service)

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. and its subsidiary, Marinette Marine Corporation, part of the Manitowoc Marine Group, have been awarded a $40.5 million contract by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Department of the U.S. Navy, to build the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS). The contract contains additional fixed options that can be exercised over the next five years for a maximum amount of $404.8 million. As part of the initial contract, Marinette Marine will build 29 barges that can be assembled into floating platforms or causeway systems to transport heavy materials such as tanks, trucks, and cargo between ship and shore. Each barge will be approximately 80 ft. by 24 ft., will weigh between 75 and 124 tons, and will be capable of carrying approximately 150 tons of cargo.

Minister for Defense, Senator the Hon Robert Hill, announced that Austal Ships, in conjunction with joint tender partner, Defense Maritime Services (DMS), has been short-listed to design, construct and provide through-life service for the Royal Australian Navy’s new patrol boats, due to replace the existing Fremantle class patrol boats. If ultimately successful, Austal’s role in the SEA 1444 project will be the design and construction of the patrol boats, while DMS will provide logistic and maintenance support through the operational life of the vessels, in addition to training of naval crews. Austal Ships’ managing director, Bob McKinnon, said Austal’s inclusion on the short-list was a reflection of the company’s worldwide success with both commercial and military vessels.

On January 10, 2005 a contract was signed between the Royal Netherlands Navy and Damen Shipyards Gorinchem for the design and construction of a Logistic Support Vessel (LSV). Following a tender procedure the initial award took place at the end of 2004 after which the contract was signed early January. The 65 m long Support Vessel will be based in the Caribbean and will be deployed for the transport of equipment and personnel, mainly within the Netherlands Antilles. A large cargo area is located at main deck level and can accommodate a range of different vehicles…

1794 - Joshua Humphreys appointed master builder to build Navy ships at an annual salary of $2,000. 1814 - USS Wasp captures HMS Reindeer. 1865 - CSS Shenandoah captures 11 American whalers in one day. 1970 - USS James Madison (SSBN 627) completes conversion to Poseidon missile capability.

From the Navy News Service 1794 - Joshua Humphreys appointed master builder to build Navy ships at an annual salary of $2,000. 1814 - USS Wasp captures HMS Reindeer. 1865 - CSS Shenandoah captures 11 American whalers in one day. 1970 - USS James Madison (SSBN 627) completes conversion to Poseidon missile capability. Source: NavNews

According to the Chronicle Herald, a deal to save Quebec’s Davie shipyard hasn’t changed Irving’s plans to bring a $2.1b navy shipbuilding project to Halifax. But one of the new owners of the Quebec City yard isn’t ruling out the possibility that the three 28,000-ton joint support ships will be built in Quebec. Navamar and its senior Norwegian partner, Teco Management Group, announced a deal Thursday to purchase Davie. The transaction is slated to be completed by the end of June, allowing Davie, to resume operations. Davie is the largest shipyard in Canada and could build the vessels without making changes needed at the Halifax facility. Two groups, Canadian North Atlantic Marine Partnerships and BAE Systems Inc., are seeking to build the three ships in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Titan Corporation has been awarded a $59.9 million contract by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop and build the Navy's "X-Craft." The X-Craft will be a high-speed aluminum catamaran consisting of an advanced hull geometry, designed to give the craft speeds of 50 knots or more. Initially it will be used by ONR for purposes of hydrodynamic experimentation to include the addition of advanced lifting bodies and polymer drag reduction techniques. The X-Craft's deck will have two helicopter landing spots capable of handling a variety of aircraft up to the size of the H-60 helicopter series. With a design displacement of approximately 1,100 long tons, the X-Craft will be self-deployable and of flexible design for spiral technology insertion.