David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:49am
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Patriot PAC-3 ERINT
Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) is a high/medium advanced surface-to-air guided missile air defense system. PAC-3 is a major upgrade to the Patriot system. The PAC-3 Operational Requirements Document (ORD) represents the Army Air Defense need to buy back required battlespace lost against the current and evolving tactical missile and air breathing threat. PAC-3 is needed to ounter/defeat/destroy the 2008 threat and to extend Patriot's capabilities to accomplish new/revised missions. In tandem with the upgraded radar and ground control station, PAC-3 interceptors can protect an area about seven times greater than the original Patriot system.
The PAC-3 Program consists of two interrelated acquisition programs - The PAC-3 Growth Program and the PAC-3 Missile Program. The Growth program consists of integrated, complementary improvements that will be implemented by a series of phased, incrementally fielded material changes. The PAC-3 Missile program is a key component of the overall improvements of the Patriot system, it will provide essential increases in battlespace, accuracy, and kill potential.
PAC-3 is a much more capable derivative of the PAC-2/GEM system in terms of both coverage and lethality. The PAC-3 has a new interceptor missile with a different kill mechanism--rather than having an exploding warhead, it is a hit-to-kill system. The PAC-3 missile is a smaller and highly efficient missile. The canister is approximately the same size as a PAC-2 canister but contains four missiles and tubes instead of a single round. Selected Patriot launching stations will be modified to accept PAC-3 canisters.
The Battalion Tactical Operations Center (BTOC) is an M900 series 5-ton expandable van that has been modified by the addition of data processing and display equipment, and utilized by the battalion staff to command and control the Patriot battalion. The BTOC allows the staff to perform automated tactical planning, communications link planning, and to display situational awareness information.
In the 1997 budget DOD added about $230 million for the PAC-3 through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) and established a realistic schedule to lower the program execution risk by extending the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program by ten months. System performance will be improved by re-phasing the missile and radar procurements; upgrading three launchers per battery with Enhanced Launcher Electronics Systems; and extending the battery's remote launch capability. PAC-3 Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) will begin in the second quarter of fiscal year 1998, and the First Unit Equipped (FUE) date is planned for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1999. The FUE capability will consist of 16 missiles and five radars which will be placed in one battalion. As of 1996, in addition to funds being programmed for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, the Army planned to spend $9.6 billion for all planned purchases of Patriot missiles, $490 million for modifications and $335 million for product improvements.
The Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) began in 2002. The two major objectives of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) are: (1) To assess the improvements in system performance provided by modifications in terms of operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability; (2) to verify that modifications do not degrade the existing capabilities. The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) will be the first operational integration and assessment of the complete Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Configuration 3 system.
The 2nd Battalion 43rd Air Defense Artillery/108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade serves as the test unit for the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE). The unit is equipped with the complete package of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Configuration 3 hardware, PDB-5+ software and the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile. The Patriot Project Office has issued the upgraded equipment to 2-43 Air Defense Artillery. 2-43 has completed New Equipment Training (NET) and supports testing necessary to obtain material release of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile equipment.
The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) is conducted in four phases: (1) The Sustained Operations Phase is a five-day deployment to McGregor Range using approved tactics and doctrine. 2-43 Air Defense Artillery will defend against live aircraft in accordance with threat test support package in a simulated combat environment; (2) The Interoperability Phase is a six-day demonstration of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) interoperability with current Army and Joint Theater Missile Defense Systems. This phase is conducted using the Joint Common Simulated Missile Defense System Exerciser or actual tactical equipment; (3) The Flight Mission Simulator (FMS) Phase is a 22-day test of simulated air battles. The mobile Flight Mission Simulator (FMS) is a Patriot missile system simulation used to stimulate and evaluate radar performance, engagement decision and weapon assignment (EDWA) processing and test the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3)’s capabilities against a full spectrum of threat targets; (4) The Missile Flight Test Phase consists of four live missile tests conducted at White Sands Missile Range and Kwajalein Missile Range.
The Air Defense Artillery Directorate of the Operational Test Command conducts the planning and execution of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE). Once Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) is complete, the Army Evaluation Center prepares the system evaluation report. This report provides input for the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile Milestone III decision (full rate production) and the materiel release for the complete Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) system.
Four PAC-3 operational tests [some involving more than one interceptor launch] between February 2002 and May 2002 resulted in three launch failures, two misses and one hit that failed to destroy the incoming warhead. A malfunctioning radar and software problems led to the misses, and the launch failures resulted from electrical problems.
The Army received the first 16 PAC-3s -- a full launcher load -- in September 2001. The Army is authorized to produce the missiles at a rate of 72 a year, and Congress authorize an increase to 96 per year in fiscal 2003. The plan is to eventually produce 144 a year, leading to a total inventory of 1,159 interceptors. Unable to certify that the PAC-3 interceptor was ready for stepped-up production, in mid-2002 Pentagon put off the decision for at least a year, and planned on further testing once fixes are in place.
By early 2000 the cost of each PAC-3 missile had increased from $1.9 million to over $4 million, and the estimated total program cost had risen from $3.9 billion to $6.9 billion. After design and manufacturing modifications were initiated to control costs, the estimted cost per missile dropped to about $3 million, and as of mid-2002 program officials expected to reduce the unit cost to $2 million.
Initial reports of a successful intercept of a Patriot missile-as-target by a Pac-3 missile on 25 April 2002 have sinced proven to be incorrect. A US Army statement said that subsequent analysis showed that the Pac-3 impacted the target missile but failed to destroy the warhead, so the intercept was unsuccessful. A second Pac-3 in the same test failed to launch. A PAC-3 missile successfully intercepted a target ballistic missile over Kwajalein Atoll on 30 May 2002. A second missile, however, failed to launch for unknown reasons. A failure to launch also occurred in the last test on 25 April. The target was a modified Minuteman missile with a separating reentry vehicle. This was the last test in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) program, prior to a Pentagon assessment of PAC-3’s readiness for full-rate production.
As of late October 2002 the Army had taken delivery of 38 PAC-3 missiles, with another 15 due for delivery by December. The military is under contract to receive an additional 126 missiles over the 2003-2004 period. Congress increased the fiscal year 2003 budget request for PAC-3 of 72 missiles by an additional 48 missiles. In late November 2002, DOD approved plans to double PAC-3 monthly production rates, with the number of missiles increasing from four to eight per month after more manufacturing equipment and a second shift of personnel were added. DOD will acquire 108 PAC-3 missiles in FY 2004.
The overall procurement objective of 1,159 PAC-3 missiles remains unchanged. The larger purchases in FY-03 and FY-04 may be offset by lower production in FY-08 and FY-09. Instead of buying 216 missiles in each of those years, DOD would receive 184 units annually.
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David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:49am
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Patriot PAC-3 ERINT
Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) is a high/medium advanced surface-to-air guided missile air defense system. PAC-3 is a major upgrade to the Patriot system. The PAC-3 Operational Requirements Document (ORD) represents the Army Air Defense need to buy back required battlespace lost against the current and evolving tactical missile and air breathing threat. PAC-3 is needed to ounter/defeat/destroy the 2008 threat and to extend Patriot's capabilities to accomplish new/revised missions. In tandem with the upgraded radar and ground control station, PAC-3 interceptors can protect an area about seven times greater than the original Patriot system.
The PAC-3 Program consists of two interrelated acquisition programs - The PAC-3 Growth Program and the PAC-3 Missile Program. The Growth program consists of integrated, complementary improvements that will be implemented by a series of phased, incrementally fielded material changes. The PAC-3 Missile program is a key component of the overall improvements of the Patriot system, it will provide essential increases in battlespace, accuracy, and kill potential.
PAC-3 is a much more capable derivative of the PAC-2/GEM system in terms of both coverage and lethality. The PAC-3 has a new interceptor missile with a different kill mechanism--rather than having an exploding warhead, it is a hit-to-kill system. The PAC-3 missile is a smaller and highly efficient missile. The canister is approximately the same size as a PAC-2 canister but contains four missiles and tubes instead of a single round. Selected Patriot launching stations will be modified to accept PAC-3 canisters.
The Battalion Tactical Operations Center (BTOC) is an M900 series 5-ton expandable van that has been modified by the addition of data processing and display equipment, and utilized by the battalion staff to command and control the Patriot battalion. The BTOC allows the staff to perform automated tactical planning, communications link planning, and to display situational awareness information.
In the 1997 budget DOD added about $230 million for the PAC-3 through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) and established a realistic schedule to lower the program execution risk by extending the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program by ten months. System performance will be improved by re-phasing the missile and radar procurements; upgrading three launchers per battery with Enhanced Launcher Electronics Systems; and extending the battery's remote launch capability. PAC-3 Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) will begin in the second quarter of fiscal year 1998, and the First Unit Equipped (FUE) date is planned for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1999. The FUE capability will consist of 16 missiles and five radars which will be placed in one battalion. As of 1996, in addition to funds being programmed for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, the Army planned to spend $9.6 billion for all planned purchases of Patriot missiles, $490 million for modifications and $335 million for product improvements.
The Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) began in 2002. The two major objectives of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) are: (1) To assess the improvements in system performance provided by modifications in terms of operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability; (2) to verify that modifications do not degrade the existing capabilities. The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) will be the first operational integration and assessment of the complete Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Configuration 3 system.
The 2nd Battalion 43rd Air Defense Artillery/108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade serves as the test unit for the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE). The unit is equipped with the complete package of Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Configuration 3 hardware, PDB-5+ software and the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile. The Patriot Project Office has issued the upgraded equipment to 2-43 Air Defense Artillery. 2-43 has completed New Equipment Training (NET) and supports testing necessary to obtain material release of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) Missile equipment.
The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) is conducted in four phases: (1) The Sustained Operations Phase is a five-day deployment to McGregor Range using approved tactics and doctrine. 2-43 Air Defense Artillery will defend against live aircraft in accordance with threat test support package in a simulated combat environment; (2) The Interoperability Phase is a six-day demonstration of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) interoperability with current Army and Joint Theater Missile Defense Systems. This phase is conducted using the Joint Common Simulated Missile Defense System Exerciser or actual tactical equipment; (3) The Flight Mission Simulator (FMS) Phase is a 22-day test of simulated air battles. The mobile Flight Mission Simulator (FMS) is a Patriot missile system simulation used to stimulate and evaluate radar performance, engagement decision and weapon assignment (EDWA) processing and test the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3)’s capabilities against a full spectrum of threat targets; (4) The Missile Flight Test Phase consists of four live missile tests conducted at White Sands Missile Range and Kwajalein Missile Range.
The Air Defense Artillery Directorate of the Operational Test Command conducts the planning and execution of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE). Once Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) is complete, the Army Evaluation Center prepares the system evaluation report. This report provides input for the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile Milestone III decision (full rate production) and the materiel release for the complete Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) system.
Four PAC-3 operational tests [some involving more than one interceptor launch] between February 2002 and May 2002 resulted in three launch failures, two misses and one hit that failed to destroy the incoming warhead. A malfunctioning radar and software problems led to the misses, and the launch failures resulted from electrical problems.
The Army received the first 16 PAC-3s -- a full launcher load -- in September 2001. The Army is authorized to produce the missiles at a rate of 72 a year, and Congress authorize an increase to 96 per year in fiscal 2003. The plan is to eventually produce 144 a year, leading to a total inventory of 1,159 interceptors. Unable to certify that the PAC-3 interceptor was ready for stepped-up production, in mid-2002 Pentagon put off the decision for at least a year, and planned on further testing once fixes are in place.
By early 2000 the cost of each PAC-3 missile had increased from $1.9 million to over $4 million, and the estimated total program cost had risen from $3.9 billion to $6.9 billion. After design and manufacturing modifications were initiated to control costs, the estimted cost per missile dropped to about $3 million, and as of mid-2002 program officials expected to reduce the unit cost to $2 million.
Initial reports of a successful intercept of a Patriot missile-as-target by a Pac-3 missile on 25 April 2002 have sinced proven to be incorrect. A US Army statement said that subsequent analysis showed that the Pac-3 impacted the target missile but failed to destroy the warhead, so the intercept was unsuccessful. A second Pac-3 in the same test failed to launch. A PAC-3 missile successfully intercepted a target ballistic missile over Kwajalein Atoll on 30 May 2002. A second missile, however, failed to launch for unknown reasons. A failure to launch also occurred in the last test on 25 April. The target was a modified Minuteman missile with a separating reentry vehicle. This was the last test in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) program, prior to a Pentagon assessment of PAC-3’s readiness for full-rate production.
As of late October 2002 the Army had taken delivery of 38 PAC-3 missiles, with another 15 due for delivery by December. The military is under contract to receive an additional 126 missiles over the 2003-2004 period. Congress increased the fiscal year 2003 budget request for PAC-3 of 72 missiles by an additional 48 missiles. In late November 2002, DOD approved plans to double PAC-3 monthly production rates, with the number of missiles increasing from four to eight per month after more manufacturing equipment and a second shift of personnel were added. DOD will acquire 108 PAC-3 missiles in FY 2004.
The overall procurement objective of 1,159 PAC-3 missiles remains unchanged. The larger purchases in FY-03 and FY-04 may be offset by lower production in FY-08 and FY-09. Instead of buying 216 missiles in each of those years, DOD would receive 184 units annually.
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Marissa
Tue March 25, 2003 5:43pm
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A flight deck director ma
A flight deck director marshalls an F-14D Tomcat onto the catapult as final checkers conduct their inspections before launch March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein.
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Marissa
Wed March 26, 2003 8:10am
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An Aviation Boatswain's M
An Aviation Boatswain's Mate Director, signals an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One One Five (VFA 115), prior to launching from USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) on March 20, 2003. LINCOLN and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are conducting combat operations in support of Operaton Iraqi Freedom.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:33pm
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BB61 - Iowa Class Battles
Function: Last of the world's Surface Action capital ships.
History: Following a legacy established by the HMS Dreadnaught, the Iowa class battleships represent the ultimate personification of the Ship of the Line. Originally designed as the flagship of the United States fleet, the battleships were overshadowed by the emergence of the aircraft carrier in World War II. Despite this, however, battleships played an indispensable role during that war, their enormous firepower serving to protect not only the carriers but the rest of the fleet from enemy surface and air action as well as providing unequaled fire support during amphibious operations. Despite their age, no other ship currently afloat can deliver the same degree of firepower with the same accuracy over an extended period of time as the Iowa class battleships. Commissioned in the 40's the Iowa class battleships have participated in every major conflict the United States has been involved in since World War Two. Following their peacetime recommissioning in the 1980's the four Iowa battleships were able to serve supporting roles in carrier or amphibious battlegroups, or in low air threat environments, serve as flagships for Surface Action Groups.
General Characteristics, Iowa Class
Ships:
USS Iowa (BB-61), Decommissioned, Inactive
USS Wisconsin (BB-64), Decommissioned, Inactive
Builders:
BB 61 - New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y.
BB 64 - Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA
Power Plant:
Eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, four General Electric or Westinghouse steam turbines, four shafts, 212,000 total shaft horsepower
Length, Overall:
888 feet (273 meters)
Beam:
109 feet (33.5 meters)
Displacement:
Approximately 57,353 tons full load
Speed:
35 knots (40 mph)
Dates Deployed:
February 22, 1943;
Decommissioned October 26, 1990 (USS Iowa)
April 16, 1944; Decommissioned September 30, 1991 (USS Wisconsin)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 1,515
Armament:
Guns:
9 Mk 7 16"/50 caliber naval cannons
12 Mk 12 5"/38 caliber general purpose cannons
1 Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (4 mounts)
Missiles:
32 Tomahawk cruise missiles in Armored Box Launchers (ABL)
4 Mk 141 Harpoon Missile Quad-Cannister Launcher
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPQ-9 gunfire control radar
Four Mk 37 gunfire control radar
Two Mk 38 gun director
One Mk 40 gun director
Countermeasures:
One AN/SLQ-29 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixie)
Aircraft:
Four SH-3 or SH-60 helicopters
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:33pm
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CV59 - Forrestal Class Ai
Function: America's first class of "super" carrier.
History: Built in 1959, the Forrestal class carriers were the first of the "super" carriers, built specifically to accommodate modern jet aircraft. In addition to her many other special features, the Forrestal class sported an angled flight deck deck which permitted continual flight operations and multiple steam driven catapults for launching aircraft. Four ships of the Forrestal class were built; Forrestal (CV-59), Saratoga (CV-60), Ranger (CV-61), and Independence (CV-62.) All of the Forrestal carriers supported combat operations in Vietnam. On July 29th, 1967, while operating off the coast of Vietnam a weapons malfunction caused a combination fire and explosion chain reaction that would cause the greatest loss of life since the Franklin (CV-13) was bombed by the Japanese during World War II.
General Characteristics, Forrestal Class
Builders:
CV 61 - Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, VA
CV 62 - New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, NY
Power Plant:
Eight Foster & Wheeler boilers, four Westinghouse steam turbines, four shafts, 260,000 shaft horsepower (Forrestal) 280,000 shaft horsepower (all others)
Date Deployed:
August 10, 1957; decommissioned July 10, 1993 (USS Ranger)
January 10, 1959; decommissioned September 30, 1998 (USS Independence)
Length, Overall:
1076 feet (323.85 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
130 feet (39.62 meters)
Displacement:
Approx. 79,300 tons full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,019 - Air Wing: 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-29 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixie)
Aircraft:
75
Ships:
USS Ranger (CV-61), Decommissioned, in Reserve
USS Independence (CV-62), Decommissioned, in Reserve
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:33pm
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CV67 - John F. Kennedy Cl
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. Though powered by eight conventional boilers, the Kennedy was originally supposed to be nuclear powered, but budget constraints forced its conversion to conventional boilers. The USS John F. Kennedy became the first active carrier assigned to the Naval Reserve fleet in September of 1995, where she supports active Navy training.
General Characteristics, John F. Kennedy Class
Builders:
Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
Power Plant:
Eight Foster & Wheeler boilers, four Westinghouse steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 total shaft horsepower
Date Deployed:
September 7, 1964
Length, Overall:
1052 feet (320.65 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
130 feet (39.62 meters)
Displacement:
82,000 long tons (83,315.95 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,117
Air Wing: 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-32(v)3 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixiee)
Aircraft:
Approximately 85
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:33pm
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CVN68 - Nimitz Class Airc
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awsome amount of firepower, they lack the flexability of the carrier air wing. By swaping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. The Nimitz-class carriers, eight operational and one under construction, are the largest, most powerful, warships in the world. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) underwent its first refueling during a 33-month Refueling Complex Overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., in 1998.
General Characteristics, Nimitz Class
Cost:
About $4.5 billion each
Builders:
Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
Power Plant:
Eight Westinghouse A2W nuclear reactors, four geared steam turbines, four shafts
Date Deployed:
May 3, 1975 (USS Nimitz)
Length, Overall:
1,092 feet (332.85 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
134 feet (40.84 meters)
Displacement:
Approx. 97,000 long tons (98,556.67 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and 4 mounts on Carl Vinson and later ships of the class)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-32(v)3 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixiee)
Aircraft:
85
Ships:
USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Norfolk, VA
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), Norfolk, VA
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Bremerton, WA
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), Norfolk, VA
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Everett, WA
USS George Washington (CVN 73), Norfolk, VA
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), San Diego, CA
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), Norfolk, VA
Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) (under construction)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:34pm
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CV63 - Kitty Hawk Class A
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the Navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near-shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. Deployed in 1961, The Kitty Hawk and the Constellation are the only conventional carriers still on active duty with the U.S. Navy, with the Kitty Hawk also being the only forward-deployed conventional carrier. These carriers are expected to remain in service until 2008.
General Characteristics, Kitty Hawk Class
Builders:
CV 63 - New York Ship Building Corp., Camden, NJ
CV 64 - New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, NY
Power Plant:
Eight Foster & Wheeler boilers, four Westinghouse steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 total shaft horsepower
Date Deployed:
April 29, 1961 (USS Kitty Hawk)
Length, Overall:
1062.5 feet (323.85 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
130 feet (39.62 meters)
Displacement:
Approx. 80,800 long tons (82,096.69 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,150 - Air Wing: 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-29 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixie)
Aircraft:
85
Ships:
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Yokosuka, Japan
USS Constellation (CV-64), San Diego, CA
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:34pm
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CVN65 - Enterprise Class
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her air wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. The Enterprise is the first American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is expected to remain in service until 2013, when it will be replaced by the CVX-78.
General Characteristics, Enterprise Class
Builders:
Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
Power Plant:
Eight Westinghouse A2W nuclear reactors, four geared steam turbines, four shafts
Date Deployed:
November 25, 1961 (USS Enterprise)
Length, Overall:
1,040 feet (335.64 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
133 feet (40.54 meters)
Displacement:
89,600 long tons (91,037.91 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,350 - Air Wing 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-32(v)3 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixiee)
Aircraft:
85
Ship:
USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Norfolk, VA
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:51pm
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T-AG Navigation Research/
Function: The USNS Vanguard (TAG 194) is a navigational test launch ship which perform assorted tests related to research on various missile navigational systems.
History: The USNS Vanguard supports sponsor programs in navigation research by providing a platform for testing fleet ballistic missile guidance and missile systems. Reclassified as AG 194 in September 1980, this ship is under the operational control of Director, Strategic Systems Program. In May 1997, equipment was installed to enable the ship to serve as a range instrumentation ship in support of the fleet ballistic missile program.
Description: The USNS Vanguard (TAG 194) is one of 30 special missions ships operated by Military Sealift Command providing operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military and federal government missions. Special missions ships work for several different U.S. Navy customers, such as the Naval Sea Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy.
General Characteristics, USNS Vanguard
Builders:
Marine Ship Corporation, Sausalito, CA
Power Plant:
Turbo-electric; two boilers; eight Westinghouse turbo-generators; 10,000 horsepower; one motor, one shaft
Length, Overall:
595 feet (181.36 meters)
Beam:
75 feet (22.86 meters)
Displacement:
13,882 long tons (14,104.78 metric tons) light
24,761 tons (25,158.37 metric tons) full load
Speed:
14 knots (16.11 mph, 25.93 kph)
Crew:
45 civilians, 18 scientists plus 141 spare
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David
Sat January 10, 2004 2:12am
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Tech. Directorate Special
Tech. Directorate Special Forces Patch 1958-1975
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David
Tue June 14, 2005 6:39am
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MEDICAL DIRECTORATE
MEDICAL DIRECTORATE
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David
Tue June 14, 2005 6:58am
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ANCILLARY DIRECTORATE
ANCILLARY DIRECTORATE
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David
Tue August 9, 2005 12:35pm
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USS Franklin CV 13 31 Jan
USS Franklin CV 13 31 Jan 1944 17 Feb 1947
In the Elizabeth River, off Norfolk, Virginia, 21 February 1944.
displacement: 27,100 tons
length: 872 feet
beam: 93 feet; extreme width at flight deck: 147? feet
draft: 28 feet 7 inches
speed: 33 knots
complement: 3,448 crew
armament: 12 five-inch guns
class: Essex
The fifth Franklin (CV 13) was launched by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va., on 14 October 1943; sponsored by Lt. Cmdr. Mildred A. McAfee, USNR, Director of the WAVES; and commissioned on 31 January 1944, with Captain James M. Shoemaker in command.
Franklin cruised to Trinidad for shakedown and soon thereafter departed in Task Group (TG) 27.7 for San Diego to engage in intensive training exercises preliminary to combat duty. In June she sailed via Pearl Harbor for Eniwetok where she joined TG 58.2.
On the last day of June 1944 she sortied for carrier strikes on the Bonins in support of the subsequent Marianas assault. Her planes scored well against aircraft on the ground and in the air as well as against gun installations, airfield and enemy shipping. On 4 July strikes were launched against Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima and Ha Ha Jima with her planes battering the land, sinking a large cargo vessel in the harbor and firing three smaller ships.
On 6 July she began strikes on Guam and Rota to soften up for the invasion forces, and continued until the 21st when she lent direct support to enable safe landing of the first assault waves. Two days of replenishment at Saipan permitted her to steam in Task Force (TF) 58 for photographic reconnaissance and air strikes against the islands of the Palau group. Her planes effected their mission on the 25th and 26th, exacting a heavy toll in enemy planes, ground installations, and shipping. She departed on 28 July en route to Saipan and the following day shifted to TG 68.1.
Although high seas prevented taking on needed bombs and rockets, Franklin steamed for another raid against the Bonins. The 4th of August 1944 bode well, for her fighters launched against Chichi Jima and her dive bombers and torpedo planes against a convoy north of Ototo Jima rained destruction against the radio stations, seaplane base, airstrips and ships.
A period of upkeep and recreation from 9 to 28 August ensued at Eniwetok before she departed in company with carriers USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) and USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) for neutralization and diversionary attacks aga inst the Bonins. From 31 August to 2 September spirited and productive strikes from Franklin inflicted much ground damage, sank two cargo ships, bagged numerous enemy planes in flight, and accomplished photographic survey.
On 4 September 1944, she onloaded supplies at Saipan and steamed in TG 38.4 for an attack against Yap (3-6 September) which included direct air coverage of the Peleliu invasion on the 16th. The group took on supplies at Manus Island from 21-25 September.
Franklin, as flagship of TG 38.4, returned to the Palau area where she launched daily patrols and night fighters. On 9 October she rendezvoused with carrier groups cooperating in air strikes in support of the coming occupation of Leyte. At twilight on the 13th, the Task Group came under attack by four bombers and Franklin twice was narrowly missed by torpedoes. An enemy plane crashed Franklin's deck abaft the island structure, slid across the deck and into the water on her starboard beam.
Early on October 14, a fighter sweep was made against Aparri, Luzon, following which she steamed to the east of Luzon to neutralize installations to the east prior to invasion landings on Leyte. On the 16th she was attacked by three enemy planes, one of which scored with a bomb that hit the after outboard corner of the deck edge elevator, killing three and wounding 22. The tenacious carrier continued her daily operations hitting hard at Manila Bay on 19 October when her planes sank a number of ships, damaged many, destroyed a floating drydock, and bagged 11 planes.
During the initial landings on Leyte (20 October 1944), her aircraft hit surrounding air strips, and launched search patrols in anticipation of the approach of a reported enemy attack force. On the morning of 24 October her planes sank a destroyer and damaged two others. Franklin, with Task Groups 38.4, 38.3, and 38.2, sped to intercept the advancing Japanese carrier force and attack at dawn. Franklin's four strike groups combined with those from the other carriers in sending to the bottom four Japanese carriers, and battering their screens.
Retiring in her task group to refuel, she returned to the Leyte action on 27 October, her planes concentrating on a heavy cruiser and two destroyers south of Mindoro. She was underway about 1,000 miles off Samar on 30 October when enemy bombers appeared bent on a suicide mission. Three doggedly pursued Franklin, the first plummeting off her starboard side; the second hitting the flight deck and crashing through to the gallery deck, showering destruction, killing 56 and wounding 60; the third discharging another near miss at Franklin before diving into the flight deck of Belleau Wood.
Both carriers retired to Ulithi for temporary repairs and Franklin proceeded to Puget Sound Navy Yard arriving 28 November 1944 for battle damage overhaul.
She departed Bremerton on 2 February 1945 and after training exercises and pilot qualification joined TG 58.2 for strikes on the Japanese homeland in support of the Okinawa landings. On 15 March she rendezvoused with TF 58 units and 3 days later launched sweeps and strikes against Kagoshima and Izumi on southern Kyushu.
Before dawn on 19 March 1945 Franklin who had maneuvered closer to the Japanese mainland than had any other U.S. carrier during the war, launched a fighter sweep against Honshu and later a strike against shipping in Kobe Harbor. Suddenly, a single enemy plane pierced the cloud cover and made a low level run on the gallant ship to drop two semi-armor piercing bombs. One struck the flight deck centerline, penetrating to the hangar deck, effecting destruction and igniting fires through the second and third decks, and knocking out the combat information center and airplot. The second hit aft, tearing through two decks and fanning fires which triggered ammunition, bombs and rockets.
Franklin, within 50 miles of the Japanese mainland, lay dead in the water, took a 13? starboard list, lost all radio communications, and broiled under the heat from enveloping fires. Many of the crew were blown overboard, driven off by fire, killed or wounded, but the 106 officers and 604 enlisted who voluntarily remained saved their ship through sheer valor and tenacity. The casualties totaled 724 killed and 265 wounded, and would have far exceeded this number except for the heroic work of many survivors. Among these were Medal of Honor winners, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph T. O'Callahan, S. J., USNR, the ship's chaplain, who administered the last rites organized and directed firefighting and rescue parties and led men below to wet down magazines that threatened to explode, and Lt. (j.g.) Donald Gary who discovered 300 men trapped in a blackened mess compartment, and finding an exit returned repeatedly to lead groups to safety. USS Santa Fe (CL-60) similarly rendered vital assistance in rescuing crewmen from the sea and closing Franklin to take off the numerous wounded.
Franklin was taken in tow by USS Pittsburgh (CA 72) until she managed to churn up speed to 14 knots and proceed to Pearl Harbor where a cleanup job permitted her to sail under her own power to Brooklyn, N.Y., arriving on 28 April. Following the end of the war, Franklin was opened to the public for Navy Day celebrations and on 17 February 1947, the ship was placed out of commission at Bayonne, N.J. On 15 May 1959 she was reclassified AVT 8.
Franklin received four battle stars for World War II service.
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