Top News of the Week of Mar 4 – Mar 9, 2013

Two More Littoral Combat Ships for US Navy

Austal USA’s order backlog has grown by approximately US$681.7 million as a result of two additional Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) contract options being exercised by the United States Navy.

US Navy Announces Response to Sequestration

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced March 2 that the Navy will go ahead with reductions in spending in order to meet the fiscal constraints imposed by sequestration. In ALNAV 014/13, Mabus outlined a variety of reductions in operations, training and maintenance.

UK: Two Island Class Patrol Boats Join Royal Marines’ Fleet

Royal Marine Commandos at HM Naval Base Clyde have a new tool to help protect high-value shipping. 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (43 Cdo FPGRM) have recently taken delivery of two Island Class Patrol Boats.

South Korea Launches 2.300-ton Frigate Incheon

South Korea on Friday launched a new 2,300-ton frigate that will play a central role in naval operations to deal with security threats including those from North Korea.

Philippine Coast Guard to Step Up Its Standards

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) this coming Monday will once again hold a joint maritime enforcement curriculum development course as part of the agency’s aim to prioritize maritime security in the country.

USS Arlington Conducts Fast Cruise

USS Arlington (LPD 24) conducted a fast cruise Feb. 27, at Huntington-Ingall’s Industries’ shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., to determine if the ship is ready to go to sea.