U.S. Navy Takes Delivery of ASDS

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.