Top News of the Week Sept 30 – Oct 5, 2013

US Navy’s New Submarines Go Electric

he next-generation US Navy’s submarines will be outfitted with an electric propulsion system, as reported by the Engineering news portal.   The Ohio-class submarines currently in use will be replaced with the new submarines in 2029. These new submarines, also called Ohio Replacement Programs’ (ORP) subs, are going to enter fabrication in 2021.

Australian Ships Enter into Sydney Harbour, International Fleet Review Kicks Off

Australian Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston today announced the entry of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet into Sydney Harbour for the International Fleet Review.

Indian, Chinese Warships Exercise near Australian Coast

Indian and Chinese warships are taking part in a multilateral exercise off Australian coast, Deccan Herald reports.   The exercise, which started on Monday in Jervis Bay, involves INS Sahyadri and People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Luhu-class destroyer Quindago. 

USS Gerald R. Ford Gets 30-Ton Propellers

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced yesterday that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has put on significant weight in the dry dock at its Newport News Shipbuilding division with the installation of four 30-ton bronze propellers.

Commanding Officer of USS Bonhomme Richard Relived

The commanding officer (CO) of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) was relieved of his duties on Oct. 2 due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.   Capt. Daniel Dusek was relieved by Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald. 

Russian Navy’s New Ship Launched

The Russian Navy’s new ship Yury Ivanov was launched by Severnaya Verf in St. Petersburg two days ago, according to RIA Novosti.   The ship is going to conduct sea trials and join the Northern Fleet. The Yury Ivanov is a combination of an intelligence ship / communications vessel / training ship.