QM2 Suites and Restaurants to be Remastered During 2016 Drydocking

ON 29 SEPTEMBER 2015.

Queen Mary 2’s Queens and Princess Grill suites and restaurants will enhancements in May and June, 2016.

Cunard’s iconic flagship will stay true to her classic art deco heritage, while offering updated, crisp, contemporary interiors re-designed, said a company statement. 

The Cunard Grills experience affords the line’s most selective guests the highest standards of comfort at sea with large, well-appointed suites, all with prime locations and private balconies.

"Cunard’s Grill guests always enjoy deluxe accommodations and the opportunity to unwind in the sublime comfort of intimate, sophisticated spaces reserved exclusively for them," said a statement. "Queens Grill guests are treated to the apex of luxury and personalized service, with a butler to tend to every need, including unpacking. Grill accommodation also includes thoughtful extras such as dedicated Grills concierge service for both Princess and Queens Grill guests, an amenity selection from bespoke heritage perfumer Penhaligon’s, and nine choices of pillow types."

Alll 172 Grills suites on Queen Mary 2 will receive a comprehensive restyling, reconfigured to maximize space, with subtle references to Cunard’s history, including soothing muted tones and elegant textures with new carpet throughout featuring design work inspired by rugs from the original Queen Mary.

The Grills dining experience will also be redesigned.

Guests staying in Queen Mary 2’s Grill Suites enjoy open seating in the world-renowned Queens Grill or Princess Grill restaurants, both offering extensive a la carte offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The new Grill restaurants will each display a distinctive character through design, colour scheme and furnishings, and offer more intimate tables for two, increased space between tables for privacy, and additional loose tables.

Spacious, beautifully redesigned dining rooms with rich, updated décor will be complemented by new culinary options and anchored by Cunard’s signature White Star Service.

Source: CruiseIndustryNews.com.

Stranded: Ageing British nuclear submarine in top-secret mission is undergoing repairs off the coast of Iran

• British nuclear submarine spotted at dock in the Emirati dock of Fujairah
• Port is situated less than 100 nautical miles from the coast of Iran 
• A 650ft-long metal barrier covers the submarine to avoid detection
• It is believed to be one of Britain's four Trafalgar Class submarines

By Mark Nicol Defence Correspondent For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 22:32 GMT, 26 September 2015 | Updated: 00:34 GMT, 27 September 2015 

A British nuclear submarine has been caught on camera after it apparently became stricken with technical problems while on a top-secret mission in one of the most dangerous parts of the world.

Satellite images show the Royal Navy vessel undergoing repairs at a port less than 100 nautical miles from Iran.

The nuclear-powered submarine is pictured docked at Fujairah, one of the United Arab Emirates, in the politically sensitive seaway of the Gulf of Oman. 

 

 

The nuclear-powered submarine is pictured docked at Fujairah, one of the United Arab Emirates, in the politically sensitive seaway of the Gulf of Oman

Blue cabling on the quayside apparently provides electrical power to the vessel while it is being repaired.

The images also show a 650ft-long barrier constructed from metal containers which appears to have been erected in an effort to shield the 300ft vessel from public view and protect it from a terrorist attack.

 

The images also show a 650ft-long barrier constructed from metal containers which appears to have been erected in an effort to shield the 300ft vessel from public view and protect it from a terrorist attack

Designed to provide surveillance of enemy installations, it is one of Britain's four Trafalgar Class submarines – HMS Talent, Torbay, Trenchant or Triumph – which entered service 30 years ago and have suffered from increasing problems due to their age.

Last night, nuclear expert John Large said: 'This is a very rare sighting in these waters as they usually remain submerged for thousands of miles while performing their surveillance and listening roles in the Gulf. To be pictured on Google Earth is unfortunate from her commander's point of view.'

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The images also show a 650ft-long barrier constructed from metal containers which appears to have been erected in an effort to shield the 300ft vessel from public view and protect it from a terrorist attack

'Something must have gone seriously wrong with her to port there now, publicly announcing her presence in the Gulf of Oman which is effectively a war zone in these troubled times.

'The lack of a surface support vessel or any Special Boat Service commandos in dinghies patrolling the waters around her, or a boom separating her from the rest of the harbour, suggests this visit was forced upon her.

'She has what seems to be an emergency electrical and ventilation hook-up from the quayside, with all of her hatches open.'

The image has been stamped with a 2015 copyright marking on Google Earth, and a UK defence official admitted last night that a Royal Navy submarine had visited Fujairah earlier this year. The official said it was 'routine' for submarines to obtain shore services such as electricity and air-conditioning.

In 2013, The Mail on Sunday revealed how the ageing Trafalgar submarines had been issued with 'Code Red' safety warnings after inspectors found radioactive leaks.

The report by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator found that cracks in reactors and nuclear discharges were directly attributable to the Trafalgars remaining in service beyond their design date.

The Trafalgars are powered by nuclear reactors and are supposed to stay at sea for up to three months. They are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles and sonar equipment that can hear enemy vessels sailing more than 50 miles away.

The submarines have a typical complement of 120 to 130 personnel, up to 20 of them officers. The Trafalgars are being replaced by Astute Class nuclear submarines.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'We do not comment on submarine operations.'

'Something must have gone seriously wrong with her to port there now, publicly announcing her presence in the Gulf of Oman which is effectively a war zone in these troubled times.

'The lack of a surface support vessel or any Special Boat Service commandos in dinghies patrolling the waters around her, or a boom separating her from the rest of the harbour, suggests this visit was forced upon her.

'She has what seems to be an emergency electrical and ventilation hook-up from the quayside, with all of her hatches open.'

The image has been stamped with a 2015 copyright marking on Google Earth, and a UK defence official admitted last night that a Royal Navy submarine had visited Fujairah earlier this year. The official said it was 'routine' for submarines to obtain shore services such as electricity and air-conditioning.

In 2013, The Mail on Sunday revealed how the ageing Trafalgar submarines had been issued with 'Code Red' safety warnings after inspectors found radioactive leaks.

The report by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator found that cracks in reactors and nuclear discharges were directly attributable to the Trafalgars remaining in service beyond their design date.

The Trafalgars are powered by nuclear reactors and are supposed to stay at sea for up to three months. They are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles and sonar equipment that can hear enemy vessels sailing more than 50 miles away.

The submarines have a typical complement of 120 to 130 personnel, up to 20 of them officers. The Trafalgars are being replaced by Astute Class nuclear submarines.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'We do not comment on submarine operations.'

Source: Daily Mail, UK.

EN ISLA DEL CERRITO

Inició la tercera etapa de la Campaña Socio-Sanitaria

28-9-2015 | El buque multipropósito ARA “Ciudad de Rosario” se encuentra en Isla chaqueña, donde da continuidad a la actividad que realizó hace dos semanas atrás en las localidades correntinas de Yahapé e Ituzaingó.

 

Chaco - El buque multipropósito ARA “Ciudad de Rosario” está en aguas de Isla del Cerrito en Chaco para proseguir con la Campaña Socio-Sanitaria, tras dar por concluida la segunda semana de trabajo interministerial en Ituzaingó.

En el puerto de Ituzaingó se brindó atención a gran cantidad de lugareños y de la Isla Apipé Chico, las cuales recibieron atención médica, oftalmológica, odontológica y asesoramiento del personal de ANSES.

Julieta Zavalla, coordinadora de la campaña y perteneciente a la Secretaría de Coordinación Militar de Asistencia en Emergencias, expresó: "realizar esta campaña a bordo de un buque de la Armada permite dimensionar aquello que el Estado tiene como recurso y proyectar nuevos horizontes de trabajo". Agregó que el balance de esta segunda semana fue muy positivo más allá que por momentos se vieron “desbordados” por la gran concurrencia de los pobladores tanto de la ciudad como de las islas aledañas.

La campaña aún tiene dos semanas más por delante, que incluyen Isla del Cerrito e Isla Soto; ambas ubicadas en el litoral de la provincia de Chaco. Durante el fin de semana, el buque estuvo amarrado en el puerto de Corrientes donde se reaprovisionaron los víveres y se embarcó personal de los Ministerios de Salud, Desarrollo Social, Defensa y ANSES. 

Como balance general, el comandante del multipropósito ARA “Ciudad de Rosario”, Capitán de Corbeta Gastón Vega, afirmó: "La campaña sanitaria es una tarea grata que nos llena de orgullo, que llena de orgullo a la dotación ya que muchos son de esta zona". Además expresó que “es gratificante ponerse al servicio de la comunidad en una tarea de tal magnitud, donde además se logra un trabajo coordinado y colectivo con personas de diferentes Ministerios”.

La dotación del buque multipropósito desempeñó un papel importante durante esta segunda semana en particular. Muchas personas se acercaban no solo por la atención médica sino también por la curiosidad que despierta el hecho de recorrer una embarcación. El personal de la Armada, estuvo a disposición de todo aquel que quisiera conocer cómo es la "vida en el mar".

Debido al excelente trabajo realizado, el Municipio de Ituzaingó realizó una recepción a modo de agradecimiento. Allí, el personal del buque y de los Ministerios disfrutó junto a los ciudadanos una cena con comida típica del lugar y tuvieron la posibilidad de compartir las experiencias vivenciadas durante esos últimos días.

Fuente: Gaceta Marinera, Armada Argentina.

USS Cowpens to Get Capabilities Upgrade

The guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) was inducted as the first ship to undergo a modernization effort that will significantly upgrade its capabilities in multiple mission areas, Sept. 25, at Naval Base San Diego.

 

The CG Phased Modernization Program is designed to balance the Navy’s long-term requirement for a carrier strike group air defense commander (ADC) platform and its future shipbuilding requirement.

The modernization process will include major upgrades, including the AEGIS weapon system with naval integrated fire control-counter air (NIFC-CA) capability, SPQ-9B multipurpose radar, electro-optical sight system, AN/SQQ-89A(V)-15 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) suite with multi-function towed array (MFTA), and significant hull mechanical and electrical (HM&E) upgrades.

Upon completion of the modernization, Cowpens will have a 29-year-old hull but the most modern and capable combat system available, and an extended life from 35 to 44 years.

The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) is also scheduled to be inducted and undergo the same phased modernization as Cowpens on Sept. 30th.

As a part of the transfer, the ship also underwent a change of command. Lt. Cmdr. Horst Sollfrank assumed command, relieving Capt. Michael Sciretta.

Sciretta graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in administration of justice, and was commissioned in 1992 through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corp. He is scheduled to take command of the USS Lake Erie (CG 70) later next month.

Sollfrank is a native of Cortland, New York, and graduated from Hawaii Pacific University in 2001, receiving a degree in diplomacy and military studies. He previously served as the commanding officer of Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Crew Dominant.

Source: navaltoday,.com

PRIMERA ESCUADRILLA AERONAVAL DE HELICÓPTEROS

Un Fennec participó en la calibración de sensores y armas del “Sarandí”

25-9-2015 | El destructor de la Armada fue sobrevolado en la dársena de la Base Naval Puerto Belgrano.

 

Puerto Belgrano – Ayer, una aeronave de la Fuerza Aeronaval N°2 participó con el Taller de Óptica del Arsenal Naval Puerto Belgrano, de tareas de alineación de sensores y armas de los sistemas del destructor ARA “Sarandí”.

Esta actividad consistió en el vuelo del helicóptero AS 555SN Fennec, de la Primera Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Helicópteros, bajo control cerrado de la unidad de superficie. La aeronave le brindó al buque información que éste requería con el propósito de cumplir la misión.

La tarea se pudo cumplir satisfactoriamente quedando demostrada una vez más la importancia del trabajo coordinado de un medio aeronaval con unidades de superficie de la Flota de Mar.

“La actividad permitió cumplimentar procedimientos específicos para este tipo de operaciones e implicó una eficiente coordinación entre el destructor ARA ‘Sarandí’ y el helicóptero”, evaluó el comandante de la Escuadrilla, Capitán de Corbeta Fabián Cersofios.

El proceso de alineación y nivelación

Por parte del Taller de Óptica del Arsenal Naval Puerto Belgrano, el Capitán de Fragata Jorge Costanzo y el ingeniero Daniel Pace fueron parte de estas tareas.

El Capitán de Fragata Costanzo explicó en qué consistió el procedimiento: “El objetivo es que todos queden, primero, nivelados –que respondan al mismo plano de nivelación– y, posterior a eso, alinearlos. La alineación consiste en introducir diferentes parámetros en cada uno de los sensores y armas del buque para que miren el mismo punto, que en este caso va a ser un helicóptero”.

Fuente: Gaceta Marinera, Armada Argentina.

Orchestrated manoeuvres in the dark

25/09/2015RFA Fort VictoriaHMS Richmond as she approaches RFA Fort Victoria

Royal Naval vessels orchestrated manoeuvres in the dark during a particularly tricky transfer at sea.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort Victoria met up with frigate HMS Richmond in the Gulf for a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) – but the ships chose to do it at night rather than during daylight hours.

Even in daylight RAS serials are challenging because the ships gets so close during the refuelling and stores transfer.

Fort Victoria’s Navigating Officer, Second Officer Mark Bongartz, said: “Although we are experts at replenishment at sea, undertaking the serial in darkness adds a new dimension to it. 

"We have to be extra careful with the safety and the seamanship at night.”

We have to be extra careful with the safety and the seamanship at night.

Second Officer Mark Bongartz, RFA

As well as providing essential supplies to the Portsmouth-based Type 23, the RAS provided a great learning opportunity for RFA apprentice seafarers gaining experience with the ship’s Deck Department.

Chief Officer Angus Bissell, who supervises the training, said: “The RAS was a great chance for the trainees to get hands-on experience of this complex serial.

“It’s good for them to see the hazards for themselves and to learn to work safely under the supervision of our training team.”

Since her arrival East of Suez three months ago, RFA Fort Victoria has maintained a busy RAS schedule.

In addition to her role supporting the Royal Navy, RFA Fort Victoria has furthered the Royal Navy’s work with international partners by conducting replenishment serials with the navies of coalition partners in the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

Source: Royal Navy.

Russia-China Naval Drill 2015: Sends Strong Message to Obama - Russian Armed Forces 2015 

 

Source: Youtube.

 

Russia announces naval drills in 'east Mediterranean'

 

 

Russia is planning navy drills in the Mediterranean, adding to concerns about its military build up 

in Syria (AFP Photo/) 

 Moscow (AFP) - Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said it will hold naval drills in the "east Mediterranean" in September and October, as the West frets over a military buildup by Moscow in Syria. 

The exercises include three warships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet, including the Saratov landing ship, the Moskva guided missile cruiser and the Smetlivy destroyer, the ministry said in a statement.

The drills will involve "40 combat exercises, including rocket and artillery fire at sea and airborne targets," the statement said.

The ministry said that the Mediterranean drills -- which were restarted in early 2013 -- had been planned since the end of last year and did not link them to the conflict in Syria.

The United States has accused Moscow of sending troops, tanks and fighter jets to Syria in recent weeks, sparking fears that Russia could be preparing to join in fighting alongside its long-standing ally President Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian officials said this week that they have received new warplanes and sophisticated missiles from Russia and some reports in Russia alleged that Moscow has dispatched soldiers to the war-torn country.

In an interview with Interfax news agency, the Syrian ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad that Russia's support on the ground "will happen if it is needed."

"Russia's help will help Syria finally win over terrorist groups," he said, adding that there is a "high level of cooperation" between Syria, Russia and Iran on the conflict.

Russia officially alerted the airport in Cyprus earlier this month through the international aviation authorities to divert aircraft from the area between Syrian port of Tartus, where Russia has a naval facility, and Cyprus.

The Moskva cruiser, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, left its base in Crimea on Thursday and is now heading to the exercises, the ministry added separately.

Russia, which has supported the Syrian regime throughout the four-and-half year conflict that has claimed some 250,000 lives there, says any support is in line with existing military contracts and that personnel have been sent to train the Syrian forces.

Source: AFP.

Royal Navy demonstrates powerful array of firepower

  HMS Iron Duke alongside Gdynia, Poland with the French tanker FS Somme in the background

 

24/09/2015

Two Royal Navy frigates have demonstrated their awesome spectrum of firepower capability with firings at separate ends of the country.

Portsmouth-based HMS Iron Duke blasted through five different weapon systems – her General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), the Minigun, 30mm Cannon, 4.5” Medium Range Gun and the Seawolf missile system – in the English Channel.

And up in Cape Wrath, Scotland, Devonport-based HMS Somerset became the first ship to fire new infra-red illumination rounds which are designed to light up the battlefield for friendly forces wearing appropriate eyewear.

Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset Commander Michael Wood said: “These firings have pushed forward our capability to support marines and other land forces ashore. 

Getting to do this in my last week onboard was a real thrill and a fantastic way to end a really enjoyable time in Iron Duke.
Chief Petty Officer Lowe

he continued, “Delivering devastating naval gunfire from our warships is just one facet of our contribution to the nation’s defences.”

HMS Somerset worked with spotters from 148 (Meiktila) Battery Royal Artillery whose job was to direct the ship’s fire accurately and safely on to a target at distances over 21 kilometres.

148 Battery is part of the Royal Marines’ 3 Commando Brigade, drawing personnel from the RN, RM and Army.

Over two days and nights the ship fired in excess of 100 rounds of 4.5in ammunition – with each shell weighing over 40kg.

The firing was watched by Keith Mayo from the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support organisation.

He said: “This marks a significant milestone for the team who have worked tirelessly to bring the new ammunition into service, providing value and a capability that will make our troops more effective and ultimately save lives.”

Next it was the turn of HMS Iron Duke to rev up the tempo with all five weapons tested in just one day. 

Starting in the morning with target tracking runs on the Seawolf missile system, the ship then moved into a gunnery shoot against an inflatable target, finishing with firing a Seawolf missile.

A spectacular and deadly sight – if you could catch a glimpse - Seawolf can strike a target at two-and-a-half times the speed of sound at a distance of up to six kilometres.

HMS Iron Duke’s Missile Director Petty Officer (Above Water Warfare) John ‘Arthur’ Lowe is in charge of the Seawolf system from the Operations Room and, as the Close Range Weapon Instructor, he oversaw the close range guns from the upper deck.

Recently selected for promotion to Chief Petty Officer, PO Lowe will leave the ship at the end of the week, with the successful firings a fitting send-off.

“Being in the seat as missile director is always a great experience for a live missile firing,” he said. 

“Getting to do this in my last week onboard was a real thrill and a fantastic way to end a really enjoyable time in Iron Duke.”

Source: Royal Navy.

Royal Navy leads HMS Pickle to her new home in Hull

24/09/2015

The Royal Navy will lead a replica of the historic schooner HMS Pickle into her new home in Hull tomorrow (Friday 25 September).

Patrol vessel HMS Explorer will escort the recently- restored HMS Pickle – the first ship to bring news of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar to the UK – into Hull Marina.

Explorer – which is based in the marina - will rendezvous with HMS Pickle three miles up river before leading her into her berth.

Lieutenant Anthony Kane, 29, Explorer’s Commanding Officer, said: “This will be one of my proudest moments in my Royal Navy career. Explorer is the first ship I have commanded and to be involved in an event such as this is fantastic - HMS Pickle’s arrival is creating a lot of interest in the area.”

  

 The replica of the historic schooner HMS Pickle

Explorer is the first ship I have commanded and to be involved in an event such as this is fantastic
Lieutenant Anthony Kane, Commanding Officer of HMS Explorer

Today Pickle Night is still a big event in the Navy’s calendar, being celebrated each year on November 6.

Among Explorer’s crew is Chief Petty Officer Paul Tock who hails from Hull. The 46-year-old is among five full-time sailors on board.

HMS Explorer is one of 14 patrol vessels are attached to universities to give students an understanding of the Royal Navy’s global role. Explorer is linked to the universities of Hull, Sheffield, Leeds and York.

Last month the vessel returned from a two-month deployment to the Baltic where she flew the flag for the UK at various events across ten countries. 

A total of 50 students spent ten days each on board as part of their navigation and sea awareness training.

Source: Royal Navy.