Top News of the Week Feb 24 – Mar 2, 2014

Ukrainian Frigate Hetman Sahaidachny Heads Home

Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaidachny has successfully completed an operational tour with the EU Naval Force and is now sailing towards her home port of Sevastopol in the Ukraine.

USS Taylor’s Commander Relieved of Duties

Capt. Jim Aiken, commander, Task Force 65, relieved Cmdr. Dennis Volpe, commanding officer of the Mayport-based frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Feb. 25, due to loss of confidence in Volpe’s ability to command.   The relief occurred following a preliminary inquiry into a Feb. 12 grounding incident in Samsun, Turkey.

USA: Lockheed Martin Gets LCS Contract Modification

Lockheed Martin Corporation has received a USD 23.5 million modification to previously awarded contract for the accomplishment of fleet maintenance sustainment support for the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ships.   

Fire Aboard Australian Navy Submarine

A fire broke out today onboard the Royal Australian Navy’s submarine, HMAS Waller, while sailing near the West Australian coast, according to the Australian Defence Magazine.   The accident passed without causalities due to timely emergency response actions, which were undertaken to extinguish the fire. 

Indian Sub Catches Fire, Seven Seriously Injured

Another accident, after numerous suffered during this and last year, has occurred today in the Indian Navy’s fleet, this time involving the Sindhuratna submarine, according to DNA India.   The submarine was undergoing sea trials 50 km off the Mumbai coast, after being subjected to a refit two months ago, when the accident occurred.

Italian Navy Gets Third FREMM Frigate

Two months after the final acceptance of the FoC ASW Virginio Fasan the Italian Navy has enlarged the existing fleet with the third FREMM Frigate, Carlo MARGOTTINI.   The ceremony was held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia (Italy). The FREMM Margottini is in Anti Submarine Warfare configuration as well as Fasan.