Page 8. MAINE COASTAL NEWS July 2014 UNITED STATES NAVY NEWS
Future USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Keel Authenticated
From Team Ships Public Affairs PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The keel laying and authentication ceremony for the amphibious assault ship, the future USS Tripoli (LHA 7) was held at the Hunting- ton Ingalls Industries Pascagoula shipyard June 20.
Ship Sponsor Mrs. Lynne Mabus and retired Lt. Cmdr. Steve Senk, the chief engi- neer of the previous Tripoli (ex-USS Tripoli, LPH 10) served as the keel authenticators. The laying of the keel traditionally marked the fi rst step in ship construction. With to- day’s advanced modular shipbuilding, the keel laying ceremony now recognizes the joining together of a ship’s components and is a major milestone in the ship’s construc- tion. Fabrication of Tripoli started in July 2013.
“We’re honored to have Mrs. Mabus with us today to confi rm the ship’s keel is truly and fairly laid. Mrs. Mabus is a part of this ship’s history and together we can look forward to many more ship milestones,” said Capt. Christopher Mercer, Amphibious Warfare Program Manager within Program Executive Offi ce, Ships. “This keel laying ceremony marks a signifi cant fi rst step in bringing shape to the Navy’s next amphibi- ous assault ship.”
Like the recently delivered America
(LHA 6), LHA 7 incorporates key com- ponents to provide the fl eet with a more aviation centric platform. The design of the future Tripoli features an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a signifi cant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. The ship will also be the fi rst LHA replacement ship to deliver fully ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the Marine Corps to include the Joint Strike Fighter. “Like America, Tripoli boasts a very credible and capable aviation centric design that replaces the Tarawa class of amphibious assault ships,” said Mercer. “The design brings with it increased capabilities and will maximize the Navy’s investment in future aircraft.”
Along with its pioneering aviation ele-
ment, LHA 7 incorporates the fuel effi cient gas turbine propulsion plant, zonal electrical distribution, and electric auxiliary systems fi rst installed on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). LHA 7 will be 844 feet in length, will have a displacement of approximately 44,971 long tons, and will be capable of operating at speeds of over 20 knots. “We look forward to working with the professional shipbuilders of Huntington Ingalls Industries as LHA 7 takes shape
here in Pascagoula,” said Capt. Joe Tuite, commanding offi cer of Supervisor of Ship- building Gulf Coast. LHA 7 is the third Navy ship to be
named Tripoli. The name honors and com- memorates the force of U.S. Marines and approximately 370 soldiers from 11 other nationalities who captured the city of Derna, Libya during the 1805 Battle of Derna. The battle resulted in a subsequent peace treaty and the successful conclusion of the com- bined operations of the First Barbary War. As one of the Defense Department’s
largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the develop- ment and procurement of all destroyers, am- phibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs man- aged by PEO Ships are benefi ting from serial production effi ciencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.
New Submarine Squadron Commodore Assumes Command in Groton
By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- A new com- modore assumed command of a Connecti- cut-based attack submarine squadron June 13 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London. Capt. Leonard Dollaga relieved Capt.
Vernon Parks, becoming the 39th command- er for Submarine Development Squadron 12.
More than 300 family, friends and naval personnel attended the outdoor event, in- cluding Submarine Forces commander Vice Adm. Michael Connor, the keynote speaker. “It’s nice to have this ceremony for the guests, but it’s really for the Sailors,” said Connor. “It represents the continued recognition of who we are and what we truly value as a Navy - that absolute nature of accountability and responsibility in the art of leadership.”
Parks, who led Squadron 12 since May 2012, was credited for the operational suc- cess of nine submarines assigned to the unit. His “aggressive training philosophy and mentorship of commanding offi cers were critical factors,” according to an award Parks received.
He also oversaw the development of tactical capabilities for submarines through- out the force.
“There are missions that must be done that only submarines can do,” said Connor. “The fact that we are in such high demand and have the success rate that we do has a lot to do with the work that goes on right here.” Parks will next report to the Joint Staff
in Washington, D.C., the same command Dollaga reported from.
KUSTOM STEEL
An artistic rendition of the USS TRIPOLI, whose keel was laid 20 June.
“It has been an honor to serve. I’m so proud of this team and what they do for the waterfront,” Parks said before turning over command to his successor. Dollaga, a native of Vallejo, California, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He also holds a master’s in engineering management from George Washington University.
He thanked Parks for turning over a
“fi ne institution at the leading edge of front- line operations and submarine force tactical development.”
In his new role, Dollaga oversees 45 naval personnel assigned to Squadron 12’s staff, eight attack submarines, and a new Virginia-class attack submarine under con- struction. He also leads a tactical analysis group responsible for improving submarine tactical doctrine in multiple mission areas.
Navy Awards Contract to Dismantle Constellation
From Naval Sea Systems Command Offi ce of Corporate Communication WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy com- petitively awarded a contract to Internation- al Shipbreaking Limited of Brownsville, Texas, for the towing, dismantling and re- cycling of conventionally powered aircraft carriers stricken from service, June 13. Under the contract, the company will be paid $3 million for the dismantling and recycling of the decommissioned aircraft
carrier Constellation (CV 64). The price refl ects the net price proposed by Interna- tional Shipbreaking, which considered the estimated proceeds from the sale of the scrap metal to be generated from dismantling. The Navy continues to own the ship during the dismantling process. The contrac- tor takes ownership of the scrap metal as it is produced and sells the scrap to offset its costs of operations.
This is the third of three contracts for conventional aircraft carrier dismantling. All Star Metals of Brownsville was award- ed the fi rst contract Oct. 22, 2013, which included the towing and dismantling of ex-USS Forrestal (AVT 59). ESCO Marine of Brownsville was awarded the second contract May 8, 2014, for the scrapping of ex-USS Saratoga (CV 60).
After the initial award of one carrier to each successful offeror, the Navy has the capability of scrapping additional con- ventionally-powered aircraft carriers over a fi ve-year period under delivery orders competed between the three contractors. International Shipbreaking will now
develop its fi nal tow plan for the Navy’s approval for the tow of Constellation from its current berth at Naval Base Kitsap, Wash- ington, to the company’s facility in Browns- ville. The ship is expected to depart Kitsap this summer. Navy civilian personnel will be on site full time to monitor the contractor’s performance during dismantling of the ship. Constellation was the second Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier to be built. She was laid down Sept. 14, 1957, at New York Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn, New York, and was the last U. S. aircraft carrier to be built at a yard outside of Newport News Shipbuild- ing and Drydock Company. The ship was commissioned Oct. 27, 1961. After nearly 42 years of commissioned service, Constel- lation was decommissioned at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego Aug. 6, 2003. In September 2003, she was towed to the inactive ship maintenance facility in Bremerton to await its eventual disposal.
Navy Lays Keel for PCU Illinois
From Team Submarine Public Affairs NORTH KINGSTON, RI (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy held a keel-laying ceremony for Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Illinois (SSN 786) at General Dynamics Electric Boat, June 2.
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The initials of the submarine’s sponsor, First Lady Michelle Obama, were welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affi xed to the submarine’s hull. Obama is a Chicago native and long-time supporter of military service members and their families. Her husband, President Barack Obama, is a
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