Robert Natter News

Admiral Robert Natter, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Vice Adm. Thad Allen, Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, jointly announced the assignment of four Cyclone-Class Navy Patrol Coastal (PC) ships in support of the nation’s homeland security Operation Noble Eagle. Two additional PCs will be assigned to the Pacific Coast. For the first time, U.S. Navy ships will be employed jointly with the U.S. Coast Guard to help protect our nation’s coastline, ports and waterways from terrorist attack. “The Atlantic Fleet is working closely with the Coast Guard to ensure the security of our Gulf and east coast ports,” said Admiral Natter. “These ships will be used for coastal patrol and interdiction efforts with the Coast Guard.

As increasing attention is paid to ensuring the nation is secure from attacks - whether direct or covert - via the waterways, companies that supply vessels and equipment to the Coast Guard and Navy are quickly planning for an expected upturn in business. Last month Admiral Robert Natter, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Vice Adm. Thad Allen, Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, announced the assignment of four Cyclone-Class Navy Patrol Coastal (PC) ships in support of the nation's homeland security Operation Noble Eagle. Two additional PCs will be assigned to the Pacific Coast. For the first time, U.S. Navy ships will be employed jointly with the U.S. Coast Guard to help protect the nation's coastline, ports and waterways from terrorist attack.

Yesterday in Washington, D.C., leaders from the Senate, the military and business met to discuss strategies to increase FY 03 procurement funding by at least $2.9 billion to build more new navy ships. Concerned that funding is inadequate to maintain the Federally mandated 300-ship navy as required by the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review, leaders sought to bring publicity to their plight, magnifying the depth of their need while celebrating the success of the navy in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The current budget requests $6.1 billion for five new ships, a figure that is $5 billion below the previous administrations FY ‘01 shipbuilding procurement budget.

Port and maritime security matters continue to dominate the agenda list of marine companies and organizations. While an unprecedented international effort to thwart terrorist attacks has seemingly had some positive impact, the heightened awareness has exposed fissures in the system. At a meeting of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee's Intersessional Working Group on Maritime Security (ISWG), the group fast-forwarded a number of topical matters, including an agreement to discuss the accelerations of the implementation schedule for the mandatory fitting of Automatic Identification Systems for all ships of 500 gross tonnage and above, on international voyages.

The Australian marine industry is noted for building large, fast, efficient vessels, primarily for commercial ferry purposes. But as coastal patrol needs grow, so too do the military applications for these amazing breeds. Following is a brief review of some of the recent news from Down Under. Hobart-based shipbuilder Incat is emerging from a challenging year with news of not one, but two orders for the United States military. Just three weeks after the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) announced the lease of their first Theater Support for the Army from Bollinger/Incat USA. Military Sealift Command (MSC), Washington, D.C., also announced a contract for a 322-ft. (98-m) craft from Bollinger/Incat USA, to support U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Command.

MR/EN had the opportunity to speak with Admiral Robert Natter, Commander, Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Forces Command, who is not only responsible for one of the largest fleet of Navy ships in the world, but directs the effort to design the Navy of the future, including development of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The U.S. Atlantic Fleet is a naval force comprised of approximately 183 ships, 1,200 aircraft and 112,000 sailors. Admiral Robert Natter, Commander, Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Forces Command, is the man at the top responsible for ensuring these forces are ready to successfully carry out the mission as dictated by the President. As if that is not enough, Adm.