Top News of the Week July 8 – 13, 2013

US Navy Delivers Final 35-Meter Patrol Boat to Iraqi Navy

The U.S. Navy delivered the final 35-meter patrol boat (PB 312) to the Iraqi navy at the Umm Qasr naval facility July 5th, after successfully completing reactivation in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia Eyes 30 Mark V Patrol Boats

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress July 9 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of 30 Mark V patrol boats and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $ 1 .2 billion.

USNS Montford Point Departs San Diego

USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) departs San Diego today for Naval Station Everett, Wash. Montford Point is the Navy’s first mobile landing platform, delivered to the Navy in San Diego May 14 and expected to be fully operational in fiscal year 2015.

Russian Navy to Get 36 Warships This Year

The Russian Navy will receive 36 warships in 2013, an unprecedented number in Russia’s history, Navy Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Vice Admiral Alexander Fedotenkov said.  “During this year, 36 combat ships, fast attack crafts and support vessels will join the Russian Navy.

USS Bonhomme Richard Docks in Brisbane, Australia

The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Brisbane Australia July 9, for a scheduled port visit. The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is in Australia to participate in the biennial combined-joint exercise Talisman Saber.

USA: Lockheed Martin Conducts LRASM Captive Carry Tests

Lockheed Martin recently completed a series of Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) captive carry flight tests at the Sea Range in Point Mugu, Calif., advancing the research program toward its first missile release and free flight test later this year.