Top News of the Week Feb. 2 – 9, 2014

General Dynamics NASSCO Starts Construction of USNS John Glenn

General Dynamics NASSCO today began construction of the future USNS John Glenn, the second ship of the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) program. The 765-foot long ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the first quarter of 2014. 

Ex-USS Forrestal Heads for Scrap

The first of the U.S. Navy’s supercarriers, the decommissioned USS Forrestal (AVT 59), lead ship of 56,000 ton-class aircraft carriers, is setting sail today, February 4, on its final voyage. Weather permitting, the ship will be heading for recycling at the All Star Metals facility in Brownsville, Texas.

Keel Laid for Australian Navy’s Second AWD

The keel for the Australian Navy’s second Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) HMAS Brisbane was laid today at Australia’s premier naval industry hub, Techport Australia. The ceremony was presided by the Australian Minister of Defence Senator the Hon David Johnston. 

Chinese Subs to Come within Striking Range of US

The Chinese Navy is gearing up to send two Jin-class submarines, carrying nuclear missiles, to patrol through the northern Pacific Ocean, according to USNI News.

Indian Navy Ship Runs Aground

An Indian Navy ship has run aground off the coast of Vishakapatnam, India sustaining damages, the Press Trust of India reports.   The ship is said to be a Magar-class Landing Ship Tanker (LST), used for amphibious warfare.

US Warships Enter Black Sea ahead of Olympic Games

he US Navy warship, USS Mount Whitney sailed into the Black Sea today, the Voice of Russia reports.