US Navy successfully transfers Mk 41 missile canister at sea
With significant implications for sustaining warships in combat, the US Navy has succeeded in passing a strike-length missile canister from a naval auxiliary to a cruiser at sea.
US Navy
Constellation-class: the US Navy’s struggle to forge a new generation of frigates
After the perceived failure of the Littoral Combat ship programme, the US Navy has shifted its focus back to building traditional frigates. In this piece, we examine the turbulent beginnings of the Constellation-class (FFG-62) project and look at the wider lessons for those involved in warship design and acquisition.
Up close with the world’s largest warship
On 14th November the US Navy’s new aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in UK waters for her first visit to Europe. The 100,000-ton ship is the largest, most expensive and arguably the most powerful warship ever built. Here we report from onboard about her first operational deployment and now this vessel represents a step change in carrier aviation.
Royal Navy participates in SINKEX – destroying a decommissioned US frigate in the North Atlantic.
HMS Westminster, a Wildcat helicopter and three RAF Typhoon jets launched a variety of weapons, sinking the former USS Boone during exercise Atlantic Thunder held on 7th September.
Photo essay – the Carrier Strike Group – from the Pacific to the Arabian Sea
This photo and video essay cover the activities of the UK Carrier Strike Group in September and October. Having gone as far east as planned, the group began its westward journey home, including participation in three major exercises during this period.
Photo essay – 10 hectic days for the Royal Navy’s carrier strike group
Between the 18th and 28th May, the carrier strike group completed exercise Strike warrior, saw the first meeting of two aircraft carriers at sea, returned to port, hosted visits from the Prime Minister and the Queen, re-stored and refuelled, sailed and took centre stage in NATO’s largest exercise of the year.
Photo essay – exercise Strike Warrior
In preparation for the forthcoming deployment, the Carrier Strike Group participated in a much-changed version of the biannual Joint Warrior exercise, renamed Strike Warrior, off North West Scotland. This provided an opportunity to work up the group as well as operate with NATO partners.
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The Integrated Review – a Royal Navy perspective
After more than 3 years in gestation, the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy entitled “Global Britain in a Competitive Age” was published today. This is an ambitious and wide-ranging document that has much merit but for the Armed Forces, the devil will be in the detail that will follow in the Defence Command Paper published next week.
A complex Autumn programme for the Royal Navy begins
The RN is about to start a multi-national Carrier Strike Group exercise while also deploying the Littoral Response Group. Here we round up the plans for the next few weeks.More