The U.S. Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM)
Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS), developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation, has been turned over to the
U.S. Navy.
In ceremonies held today in Annapolis, Md., Capt. Joe Fallone, program manager
(PMS395), Deep Submergence Systems Program and the ASDS program manager
for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), signed the DD250, the official
document that delivers the ASDS into the hands of the Navy.
"This first-of-its-kind system provides a new level of
operational capability to SEAL forces in high-threat areas," said Capt.
Fallone. "The delivery of ASDS marks a major milestone in ensuring
that our Naval forces have the most technologically advanced equipment
for today's critical missions."
The ASDS is a combat submersible intended to clandestinely
carry Navy SEALS and their combat gear to and from hostile shores,
enabling a number of special operations missions. The boat was
designed and developed by a team composed of Northrop Grumman's Oceanic
& Naval Systems business unit, NAVSEA, USSOCOM and Naval Special
Warfare Command.
"The men and women of Northrop Grumman are proud to be involved
in the development of such an innovative and important program," said
Mr. Bob Iorizzo, president of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems
sector. "The teamwork on this program was exemplary. From design
through finished product, ASDS Team 1 has paved the way for a new
generation of war fighting capability."
Currently, ASDS is deployable from some modified Los
Angeles-class fast-attack submarines. However, the four Trident-class
SSBN fleet ballistic missile submarines, once converted to SSGN cruise
missile and special forces carriers, will be capable of carrying ASDS,
as will Virginia-class attack submarines and the last of the
Seawolf-class, Jimmy Carter. The ASDS is a key element in the
transformational capabilities of the SSGN.