Marine Link
Monday, March 18, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Namesake City News

03 May 2021

HMS Glasgow Forward and Aft Blocks Come Together

(Photo: BAE Systems)

The aft block of the first City Class Type 26 frigate being built for the British Royal Navy has been rolled out of the build hall to join the forward block at BAE Systems' shipyard on the River Clyde.Teams at the Govan shipyard prepared and completed a series of complex maneuvers to bring the aft block out of the HMS Glasgow block and outfit hall and into position to meet the forward block.The aft block contains the versatile mission bay and hangar which is capable of supporting helicopters…

09 Dec 2020

Austal USA Delivers the Future USS Mobile

(Photo: Austal USA)

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA said Wednesday it has delivered the future USS Mobile, the 13th Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) for the U.S. Navy.Mobile (LCS 26) is one of 16 ships Austal has delivered to the Navy over the last five years, including four deliveries in 2020.“We’re especially excited for Mobile to join the fleet to pay tribute to a great community which has contributed to our success in so many ways over the years,” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said.

29 Jun 2020

Austal USA Delivers USS Oakland, the US Navy's 300th Ship

The future USS Oakland (LCS24) is the 12th Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship to be delivered by Austal USA (Image: Austal)

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Oakland (LCS 24) Friday during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. The delivery marks the final milestone prior to the ship's scheduled commissioning in early 2021.Oakland is the 22nd littoral combat ship (LCS) and the 12th of the Independence variant to join the U.S. Navy fleet. Its delivery marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy, bringing the service's inventory up to 300.“This is a great day for the Navy and our country with the delivery of the future USS Oakland,” said LCS program manager Capt.

07 Oct 2019

GE Marine Turbines Power USS CINCINNATI

Shown is the USS CINCINNATI at its commissioning on October 5, 2019 in Gulfport, 
Mississippi. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Rosalie Chang

GE Marine’s LM2500 gas turbines now power the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS CINCINNATI (LCS 20), which was commissioned into the United States Navy’s fleet on October 5 in Gulfport, Mississippi. “GE’s skilled and diverse workforce built the LM2500 marine gas turbines used to power this sophisticated surface combatant at GE Aviation’s manufacturing facility in Evendale, Ohio, a few minutes-drive from downtown Cincinnati,” said GE’s Kris Shepherd, Vice President, General Manager, Marine Operations.

07 May 2018

GE Engines Power USS Cincinnati

USS Cincinnati (Photo: U.S. Navy)

GE Marine Solutions' LM2500 marine engines power the U.S. Navy’s newest Independence class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), which was christened May 5 at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala.Each of the ship’s two LM2500 engines produce over 29,500 horsepower, propelling the USS Cincinnati to speeds in excess of 40 knots or 46 miles per hour.“Our skilled and diverse workforce proudly manufactures the LM2500 gas turbines used to power this sophisticated surface combatant at GE Aviation’s hometown just a few minutes-drive from downtown Cincinnati…

15 Nov 2017

Huon’s Tassie Homecoming

HMAS Huon capped off a South West Pacific deployment recently with the final of six port visits to Hobart, Tasmania, and her nearby namesake city of Huonville. Having already toured the remote Australian territories of Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, as well as Luganville and Port Vila, Vanuatu, and as far east as Nelson, New Zealand, Huon finally made her way to the southern capital for a four-day visit. Whilst in Hobart, Huon hosted an official reception with dignitaries from the two cities, including a ceremonial sunset with a volley of blank cartridges to wow the guests on the wharf. Commanding Officer, HMAS Huon, Lieutenant Commander Jason Mullen said the occasion couldn’t be more fitting for his last visit as Commanding Officer.

06 Nov 2017

Darwin Farewells Namesake City

HMAS Darwin has completed her final port visit to Darwin, farewelling the city by exercising the right to Freedom of Entry and showcasing her capability to thousands of locals. The six-day port visit included a ceremonial gun salute on arrival, the Freedom of Entry parade, an open day and various public performances by the Royal Australian Navy Band. Commanding Officer Darwin, Commander Phillip Henry, said the ship’s company were overwhelmed and deeply grateful to the community for the support they had received. “We are very proud to sail Darwin and we do so with respect for the officers and sailors who have served in this vessel before us,” Commander Henry said. “The support we saw from the Darwin community is a reminder to all of us why we work so hard to serve this country.

23 Sep 2017

Australian Navy Commissions Hobart (II) – One in a Million

Royal Australian Navy will commission the first of three new destroyers today (On 23 September). In continuing our reflective stories of previous ships that have carried the name HMAS Hobart, this is the story of Hobart (II). The second ship to bear the name Hobart was one of three Perth class guided missile destroyers built in the United States for the Royal Australian Navy. She was commissioned at the Boston Navy Yard on 18 December 1965 under the command of Captain Guy Griffiths. Following sea trials and exercises in the United States and Canadian waters, Hobart arrived in her namesake city on 1 September 1966. She berthed in her home-port of Sydney for the first time on 7 September 1966.

02 Nov 2016

Motor City Welcomes Navy’s Newest Ship

USS Detroit (LCS 7) conducts acceptance trials. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin-Michael Rote)

USS Detroit (LCS 7) was commissioned in its namesake city of Detroit on October 22. Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, officially placed the vessel in commission. "Today is about service. Cmdr. Michael P. Desmond, who command LCS Crew 108 “Ghost Riders,” assumed command of Detroit. "USS Detroit is truly blessed to have the opportunity to commission in its namesake city. Speakers included Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. "Cmdr.

25 Oct 2016

USS Detroit Commissioned

Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) is pierside on Detroit's waterfront. LCS-7 is the sixth U.S. ship named in honor of city of Detroit. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Nearly 6,500 people gathered in front of the General Motors building at the Port of Detroit for the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy’s new Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Detroit (LCS 7), on October 22, when the ship was officially placed in commission by Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “When a ship is commissioned she is placed in service of the American people and is given the charge to do one thing: to execute the Navy's mission – to be prepared to conduct prompt, sustained combat incident to operations at sea,” Davidson said.

29 Jun 2016

Future LCS Charleston’s Keel Authenticated

Official U.S. Navy file photo.

A ceremony was hosted to celebrate the keel authentication of the U.S. Navy's future USS Charleston (LCS 18), the ninth Independence variant littoral combat ship, June 28. Charlotte Riley, wife of former Charleston mayor Joseph Riley, serves as the ship's sponsor and honorary member and advocate for the crew. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne served as the honorary keel authenticator during the ceremony and was present to weld his initials into the keel plate. “The future USS Charleston stands as a testament to the strong and resilient spirit of her namesake city,” said Capt.

04 May 2016

This Day In Naval History: May 4

Anchorage (LPD-23) (U.S. Navy photo by Christopher Lindahl)

1917 - Destroyer Division 8, commanded by Cmdr. Joseph K. Taussig, arrive at Queenstown, Ireland, to protect convoy escorts against German U-Boats. 1942 - Battle of the Coral Sea begins when TF 17 attacks the Japanese Tulagi Invasion Force at Tulagi, Solomons. 1945 - Marine Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser throws himself upon a grenade during the Okinawa Campaign and saves his fellow Marines. He is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 1945 - During the Okinawa Campaign, the Japanese attempt to land on Okinawa but are repulsed by the Allied naval forces.

04 Nov 2015

Keel Laid of US Navy’s Future LCS Billings

A welder authenticates the keel by welding the initials of the ship's sponsor, Sharla D. Tester, onto the keel plate of the U.S. Navy's fifteenth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Billings (LCS 15), in a ceremony held at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Keel Laying is the formal recognition of the start of the ship and module construction process. (U.S. Navy photo by Lockheed Martin)

A keel laying ceremony was held Monday for the U.S. Navy’s future USS Billings (LCS 15) at Marinette Marine Corporation shipyard in Wisconsin. Sharla Tester, Billings' sponsor and wife of Sen. Jon Tester, authenticated the ship's keel. As the ship's sponsor, Tester serves as an advocate and honorary member of the crew. "Much like her namesake city, the future USS Billings stands as a testament to the spirit of the American pioneers. She will be a pillar of strength in an uncertain world," said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager.

20 Aug 2015

Next US Littoral Combat Ship Named Oakland

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus announces the name of the Independence-class littoral combat ship LCS 24 as USS Oakland during a major league baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers. (U.S. Navy photo by Armando Gonzales)

The U.S. Navy’s next Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship will be named USS Oakland (LCS 24), U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced August 18. The future USS Oakland will be named to honor its namesake city’s long-standing history with the Navy. It will be the third naval ship to bear the name. The first, commissioned in 1918, was largely used to transport cargo; the second, commissioned in 1942 during the height of World War II, was only in service for seven years…

25 Feb 2014

SS United States: Leading Lady to Damsel in Distress

This is now ... United States seen from S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

Once queen of the express liners, and the fastest, safest and biggest passenger liner in history, the SS United States today quietly awaits rescue from a pending cruise to the scrapyard. The Big Ship the Big U, the one that didn’t sink. The S.S. She is waiting for a rescue that may never come from an appointment with the scrap yard looming large on her summer schedule. And that would be a shame according to her many supporters, not the least of which was the late newsman and sailor, Walter Cronkite.

12 Sep 2013

Navy's Latest LCS Comes Up to the Mark on Acceptance Trials

LCS 4 on sea trials: Photo credit USN

Rear Adm. Jim Murdoch, 
Program Executive Officer for Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) comments on the recent sea trial of the future 'USS Coronado', which as with all new construction ships in the Navy was conducted by the Board of Inspection and Survey. This was INSURV’s second acceptance trials of an Independence-variant littoral combat ship. Key at-sea demonstrations included main propulsion full power, steering, anchoring, launch and recovery operations with both the 7- and 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, and surface detect-to-engage demonstrations.

31 Jul 2013

USS Santa Fe Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a deployment to the western Pacific. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor/Released)

Family and friends bid farewell to the crew on the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) departed July 29, for a deployment to the Western Pacific region. Santa Fe's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Timothy Poe said the submarine and her crew are excited to get underway to the Western Pacific and train on numerous mission areas as well as participate in theater security cooperation engagements. "Santa Fe is in excellent condition.

21 Nov 2012

New US Warship 'Anchorage' Homeports for Thanksgiving Day

PCU 'Anchorage': Photo credit USN

The amphibious transport dock Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) 'Anchorage' (LPD 23) arrives at her new homeport of San Diego. Anchorage, under the command of Capt. Brian Quin, departed Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La. Oct. 30 to sail to its new home port. During its journey, the ship transited the Panama Canal. With a beam measuring 105 feet, Anchorage, a San Antonio-class LPD, is among the largest class of ships able to safely pass through the canal, whose locks measure 110 feet across. The ship completed the transit in 13 hours.

14 Nov 2012

USS Anchorage Maiden Voyage Panama Canal Transit

USS Anchorage in Panama Canal: Photo credit USN

Amphibious ship 'USS Anchorage' (LPD 23) transits the Panama Canal while in 4th Fleet's area of operations for the first time. USS Anchorage departed the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La. Oct. 30, 2012 to sail to her future homeport of San Diego. With a beam measuring 105 feet, Anchorage, a San Antonio-class LPD, is among the largest class of ships able to safely pass through the canal, whose locks measure 110 feet. She completed the transit in 13 hours.

20 Jan 2010

USS Los Angeles to be Decommissioned

USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) will arrive at the Port of Los Angeles, Wednesday, Jan. 20, for a final visit that includes a decommissioning ceremony Jan. 23. USS Los Angeles departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Jan. 14, and is stopping in Los Angeles en route to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for inactivation. The visit will include participation by the crew in numerous public events ongoing throughout the weekend. The Jan. 23 decommissioning ceremony will feature many former Los Angeles crewmembers, former Los Angeles Commanding Officer Rear Adm. (ret) John Shipway, Commodore of Submarine Squadron One Capt. Stan Robertson, Representative for the U.S. 46th District Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

22 Dec 2008

USS Tucson Returns to Pearl Harbor

USS Tucson (SSN 770) returned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor Monday, Dec. 15, following a 23-month absence that included a modernization period in Norfolk, numerous sea trials and a port visit in San Diego. "Everybody is happy to be back in Pearl Harbor," said Cmdr. Paul Spear, USS Tucson commanding officer. The submarine just completed a major overhaul in Norfolk. "Tucson has a new fire control system and a totally refurbished engine room as well as a lot of new gear on board," said Ensign John Chester Jr., Tucson junior officer.

12 Jun 2008

USS Providence Visits Namesake City

The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) and residents celebrated their namesake relationship during "USS Providence Day" June 9. "USS Providence Day" is a one-day community outreach effort designed to foster the relationship between residents and their namesake submarine. "We've enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship with the city of ," said Cmdr. Michael Holland, commanding officer. "USS Day" was composed of numerous outreach events, including engagements with area business and civic leaders and visits to local organizations. During a visit to the , crew members toured the facility and spoke with patients. "This is just a great day for me," said Army veteran and patient Thomas Quartino.

05 Sep 2003

Rickmers Singapore Christened in Namesake City

Rickmers Singapore, one of nine new Superflex Heavy Multi-Purpose Container (MPC) vessels being built in China for Rickmers-Linie, Hamburg, was christened on September 5, 2003 in its namesake city Singapore. Rickmers Singapore is employed on Rickmers' Round-The-World Pearl String Service having been delivered to the company in March 2003. The ship has since proven its reliability and is now performing its second circumnavigation. On its christening call, the vessel discharged among other cargo 12 modules, each of which had a unit weight between 130 and 145 tons. Karin Gänger, wife of Ulf Gänger, former Director of the Hamburgische Landesbank (now HSH Nordbank), acted as the vessel's godmother.

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week