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December 2014 Maritime Defense Industry and World Naval Forces News
 
 

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Babcock to Deliver, Convert Phalanx 1B CIWS for Royal Navy Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier
 
Babcock, in association with Raytheon, is to deliver four Phalanx 1B kits and convert four land Phalanx Weapons Systems to their original marinised configuration to provide naval Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) capability (the UK's primary defence for ships against anti-ship missiles), under a contract awarded by the UK MoD, with three of the four Phalanx kits adding to the defensive capability of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
Babcock, in association with Raytheon, is to deliver four Phalanx 1B kits and convert four land Phalanx Weapons Systems to their original marinised configuration to provide naval Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) capability (the UK's primary defence for ships against anti-ship missiles), under a contract awarded by the UK MoD, with three of the four Phalanx kits adding to the defensive capability of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
 

  1. Russia started Construction of Second Landing Ship Project 11711 "Pyotr Morgunov"
  2. Indian Navy Selects Sikorsky’s S-70B SEAHAWK for Multi-role Helicopter Requirement
  3. Infrared Search and Track IRST for US Navy Super Hornets to enter Low-Rate Initial Production
  4. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK ACTAS Towed Sonar System selected by Indian Navy for Frigates & Destroyers

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EC725 Helicopter Tested with Exocet Anti-Ship Missiles & AN/APS-143V Radar for Brazilian Navy
 
A specialized team of Helibras and Airbus Helicopters experts tested for future Brazilian Navy needs a prototype of the EC725 Caracal carrying two MBDA Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles and a chin mounted Telephonics AN/APS-143 maritime imaging radar system. Eight of the Sixteen EC725 helicopters belonging to the Brazilian Navy will receive this configuration. As part of "Project H-X BR" 50 EC725s were ordered by the Brazilian Ministry of Defense for the three Army corps.
A specialized team of Helibras and Airbus Helicopters experts tested for future Brazilian Navy needs a prototype of the EC725 Caracal carrying two MBDA Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles and a chin mounted Telephonics AN/APS-143 maritime imaging radar system. Eight of the Sixteen EC725 helicopters belonging to the Brazilian Navy will receive this configuration. As part of "Project H-X BR" 50 EC725s were ordered by the Brazilian Ministry of Defense for the three Army corps.
 

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Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate HMS Richmond Successfully Tested its Seawolf Missile System
 
Rheinmetall has won a multimillion-dollar ammunition contract from the US armed forces. The Department of the Navy recently announced the award of three framework contracts worth a total of $127.8 million (€95.7 million) to American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc. (ARM) – a wholly owned US subsidiary of Germany’s Rheinmetall Defence AG – for advanced infantry and screening smoke munitions.
The Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond F239 (Duke class) recently tested its Seawolf surface-to-air missiles. The Type 23 frigate destroyed two fast sea skimming targets while on a live firing exercise off the South coast exercise areas, demonstrating the power Royal Navy warships wield.
 

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Rheinmetall to supply USMC and US Navy with advanced infantry and screening smoke munitions
 
Rheinmetall has won a multimillion-dollar ammunition contract from the US armed forces. The Department of the Navy recently announced the award of three framework contracts worth a total of $127.8 million (€95.7 million) to American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc. (ARM) – a wholly owned US subsidiary of Germany’s Rheinmetall Defence AG – for advanced infantry and screening smoke munitions.
Rheinmetall has won a multimillion-dollar ammunition contract from the US armed forces. The Department of the Navy recently announced the award of three framework contracts worth a total of $127.8 million (€95.7 million) to American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc. (ARM) – a wholly owned US subsidiary of Germany’s Rheinmetall Defence AG – for advanced infantry and screening smoke munitions.
 

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Lockheed Martin Selected To Continue Building MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems For U.S. Navy
 
Lockheed Martin has provided its MK 41 Vertical Launching System to the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years. The combat-proven system has been deployed by the U.S. and 12 allied navies on 21 ship classes.
The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $235 million contract to continue building MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) with options that, if exercised, would increase the value to $356 million. The VLS fires a wide range of missiles, primarily off of U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers.
 

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BAE Systems to Upgrade the Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedo for the Royal Navy’s Submarines
 
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded BAE Systems a £270 million contract to upgrade the Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedo for the Royal Navy’s submarines. Following the completion of the design phase, existing torpedoes will be upgraded by BAE Systems at its Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth to the new design with initial deliveries in 2020 continuing until 2024.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded BAE Systems a £270 million contract to upgrade the Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedo for the Royal Navy’s submarines. Following the completion of the design phase, existing torpedoes will be upgraded by BAE Systems at its Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth to the new design with initial deliveries in 2020 continuing until 2024.
 

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C-40A Clipper Transport Aircraft delivered to U.S. Naval Reserve ahead of schedule
 
Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) and industry partner, Boeing delivered a C-40A Clipper to the U.S. Naval Reserve Nov. 21, one month ahead of schedule. “The C-40 has been successfully serving the fleet since 2001, and I am very proud that we were able to deliver the 13th plane ahead of schedule,” said Doug Dawson, PMA-207 program manager. “In today’s fiscally constrained environment, it speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of our industry partner.”
Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) and industry partner, Boeing delivered a C-40A Clipper to the U.S. Naval Reserve Nov. 21, one month ahead of schedule. “The C-40 has been successfully serving the fleet since 2001, and I am very proud that we were able to deliver the 13th plane ahead of schedule,” said Doug Dawson, PMA-207 program manager. “In today’s fiscally constrained environment, it speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication of our industry partner.”
 

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DCNS tests real-time demonstrator for asymmetric response to terrorist and piracy attacks
 
DCNS has just successfully tested, in the Toulon harbor, a real-time demonstrator for an asymmetric response to terrorist and piracy attacks. This DCNS system is the fruit of several years of research and development and integrates cutting-edge technologies: ultra-high-definition and high-sensitivity video, augmented reality, powerful algorithms for the detection of threatening behavior… The goal is to accelerate decision taking and prevent collateral damage in close-quarter defense situations.
DCNS has just successfully tested, in the Toulon harbor, a real-time demonstrator for an asymmetric response to terrorist and piracy attacks. This DCNS system is the fruit of several years of research and development and integrates cutting-edge technologies: ultra-high-definition and high-sensitivity video, augmented reality, powerful algorithms for the detection of threatening behavior… The goal is to accelerate decision taking and prevent collateral damage in close-quarter defense situations.
 

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FINCANTIERI Launched The fifth multipurpose FREMM frigate "Alpino" for the Italian Navy
 
Today Riva Trigoso (Genoa) shipyard celebrated the launch of the frigate “Alpino”, the fifth of a series of 10 FREMM vessels - Multi Mission European Frigates, ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy within the framework of an Italo-French program of cooperation.
Today Riva Trigoso (Genoa) shipyard celebrated the launch of the frigate “Alpino”, the fifth of a series of 10 FREMM vessels - Multi Mission European Frigates, ordered from Fincantieri by the Italian Navy within the framework of an Italo-French program of cooperation.
 

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U.S. Navy Tests the GhostSwimmer: A Shark-Like Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)
 
The U.S. Navy completed tests on the GhostSwimmer unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Dec. 11. GhostSwimmer is the latest in a series of science-fiction-turned-reality projects developed by the chief of naval operations' Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) project, Silent NEMO.
The U.S. Navy completed tests on the GhostSwimmer unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Dec. 11. GhostSwimmer is the latest in a series of science-fiction-turned-reality projects developed by the chief of naval operations' Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) project, Silent NEMO.
 

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DCNS celebrates the inauguration of the Brazilian Navy’s submarine construction shipyard
 
On 12 December, the President of the Brazilian Republic, Dilma Rousseff, officially inaugurated the main hall of the submarine construction shipyard, located in Itaguaí in the Bay of Sepetiba. This industrial facility brings together specific resources and tools for the assembly and equipping of Scorpene submarine sections in the frame of the Brazilian Navy submarine programme. DCNS also provides support for the non-nuclear part of the first nuclear-powered Brazilian submarine.
On 12 December, the President of the Brazilian Republic, Dilma Rousseff, officially inaugurated the main hall of the submarine construction shipyard, located in Itaguaí in the Bay of Sepetiba. This industrial facility brings together specific resources and tools for the assembly and equipping of Scorpene submarine sections in the frame of the Brazilian Navy submarine programme. DCNS also provides support for the non-nuclear part of the first nuclear-powered Brazilian submarine.
 

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Thales successfully delivers Collins submarine simulator upgrade to Royal Australian Navy
 
Thales Australia has successfully delivered a significant upgrade to the Collins submarine Platform Training Simulator (PTS), which now has the highest levels of reliability and availability since entering service in 1993. Thales completed the complex upgrade of the dual simulator on time and with an accelerated installation schedule in order to minimise simulator downtime.
Thales Australia has successfully delivered a significant upgrade to the Collins submarine Platform Training Simulator (PTS), which now has the highest levels of reliability and availability since entering service in 1993. Thales completed the complex upgrade of the dual simulator on time and with an accelerated installation schedule in order to minimise simulator downtime.
 

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U.S. Defense Secretary: Future US Navy Small Surface Combatant SSC to be based on LCS
 
According to a statement by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel released on December 11th, the future Small Surface Combatant (SSC), a more lethal and survivable ship being considered as a follow-on to the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), will be based on the two existing LCS: The Freedom class designed by Lockheed Martin and the Independence class designed by Austal.
According to a statement by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel released on December 11th, the future Small Surface Combatant (SSC), a more lethal and survivable ship being considered as a follow-on to the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), will be based on the two existing LCS: The Freedom class designed by Lockheed Martin and the Independence class designed by Austal.
 

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US Navy upgrading its old TACAN tactical air navigation systems with the new digital AN/URN-32
 
The tactical air navigation (TACAN) system used by all military aircraft recently received extensive upgrades, bringing the system state-of-the-art functionality. The new TACAN system, with its modern, digital, solid-state technology, replaces legacy, vacuum tube technology, which was developed in the 1950s to provide bearing and slant-range distance to aircraft for more than 200 ships and 41 shore stations.
The tactical air navigation (TACAN) system used by all military aircraft recently received extensive upgrades, bringing the system state-of-the-art functionality. The new TACAN system, with its modern, digital, solid-state technology, replaces legacy, vacuum tube technology, which was developed in the 1950s to provide bearing and slant-range distance to aircraft for more than 200 ships and 41 shore stations.
 

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US Navy's NAWCWD delivers additional EW capability to Marines with Interpid Tiger II Pods
 
NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER WEAPONS DIVISION POINT MUGU, Calif. - In-house government work performed at NAWCWD improved an electronic warfare pod that provides the Marine Corps uninterrupted control within the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as the ability to disrupt enemy threats and command-and-control whenever and wherever a combat commander chooses, all at a reduced cost and schedule.
NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER WEAPONS DIVISION POINT MUGU, Calif. - In-house government work performed at NAWCWD improved an electronic warfare pod that provides the Marine Corps uninterrupted control within the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as the ability to disrupt enemy threats and command-and-control whenever and wherever a combat commander chooses, all at a reduced cost and schedule.
 

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Video: ROC Navy Catamaran Corvette "Tuo River", first Taiwanese LCS, Conducting Sea Trials
 
The ROC Navy (Republic of China - Taiwan) released a video showing its first catamaran corvette "Tuo River" conducting trials at sea. The sea trials started in September 2014. According to ROC Navy officials, the corvette already demonstrated its ability to reach the required top speed of 38 knots during the ongoing sea trials.
The ROC Navy (Republic of China - Taiwan) released a video showing its first catamaran corvette "Tuo River" conducting trials at sea. The sea trials started in September 2014. According to ROC Navy officials, the corvette already demonstrated its ability to reach the required top speed of 38 knots during the ongoing sea trials.
 

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DRDC technology supports safer and smoother landings at sea for the Royal Canadian Navy
 
Conducting helicopter operations from Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships is a complex and dangerous procedure requiring the highest degree of safety. Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has developed a specialized system which has the potential to increase the safety of complex at-sea operations and ensure safer and smoother helicopter landings on RCN ships.
Conducting helicopter operations from Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships is a complex and dangerous procedure requiring the highest degree of safety. Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) has developed a specialized system which has the potential to increase the safety of complex at-sea operations and ensure safer and smoother helicopter landings on RCN ships.
 

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U.S. Navy LaWS Laser Weapon System now Operational on board USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf
 
Officials at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced December 10th the laser weapon system (LaWS) - a cutting-edge weapon that brings significant new capabilities to America's Sailors and Marines - was for the first time successfully deployed and operated aboard a naval vessel in the Arabian Gulf.
Officials at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced December 10th the laser weapon system (LaWS) - a cutting-edge weapon that brings significant new capabilities to America's Sailors and Marines - was for the first time successfully deployed and operated aboard a naval vessel in the Arabian Gulf.
 

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QinetiQ to provide support for Artful, the 3rd and latest Astute-class SSN of the Royal Navy
 
QinetiQ will support four separate work packages addressing a variety of trials to support Acoustic, Magnetic signatures, weapon discharge and electronic warfare calibration which will be conducted on QinetiQ managed ranges and in the open sea. QinetiQ has a long and successful history of providing extensive test and evaluation services for ships and submarines including the previous two Astute class and the Type 45 Destroyers.
QinetiQ will support four separate work packages addressing a variety of trials to support Acoustic, Magnetic signatures, weapon discharge and electronic warfare calibration which will be conducted on QinetiQ managed ranges and in the open sea. QinetiQ has a long and successful history of providing extensive test and evaluation services for ships and submarines including the previous two Astute class and the Type 45 Destroyers.
 

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New Norwegian Intelligence Service ELINT vessel "Marjata" Christened
 
On December 6th, the Norwegian Prime Minister christined the new electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) "Marjata". The vessel, which will replace an existing one bearing the same name in 2016, will be operated by the Norwegian Intelligence Service. The christening took place at the shipyard Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord Romsdal.
On December 6th, the Norwegian Prime Minister christined the new electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) "Marjata". The vessel, which will replace an existing one bearing the same name in 2016, will be operated by the Norwegian Intelligence Service. The christening took place at the shipyard Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord Romsdal.
 

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Defense Conseil International (DCI) opens a new international military diving school
 
The DCI-NAVCO military diving school takes possession of a new infrastructure and opens a brand new international military diving school (CIFPM) in Saint-Mandrier. The DCI diving school has already trained 360 foreign trainees of 5 different nationalities (Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Slovenia, Malaysia) in 11 years.
The DCI-NAVCO military diving school takes possession of a new infrastructure and opens a brand new international military diving school (CIFPM) in Saint-Mandrier. The DCI diving school has already trained 360 foreign trainees of 5 different nationalities (Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Slovenia, Malaysia) in 11 years.
 

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Royal Canadian Navy Submarine HMCS Chicoutimi back in the Fleet following Sea Trials
 
Diesel electric submarine (SSK) HMCS Chicoutimi was handed over to the Royal Canadian Navy on December 3rd following its last set of sea acceptance trials. In 2004, a serious fire broke out onboard HMCS Chicoutimi during her transit sail from the United Kingdom to Canada.
Diesel electric submarine (SSK) HMCS Chicoutimi was handed over to the Royal Canadian Navy on December 3rd following its last set of sea acceptance trials. In 2004, a serious fire broke out onboard HMCS Chicoutimi during her transit sail from the United Kingdom to Canada.
 

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US Navy tests Joint High Speed Vessel USNS Choctaw County JHSV 2 as Expeditionary Medical Unit
 
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) joint high-speed vessel USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) moored for the first time at Naval Weapons Station Cheatham Annex Dec. 1 for a weeklong proof of concept trial. The trial is a collaborative effort between Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 (NCHB 1) and Navy Expeditionary Medical Support Group (NEMSCOM) in setting up an expeditionary medical unit (EMU) on board.
The Military Sealift Command (MSC) joint high-speed vessel USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2) moored for the first time at Naval Weapons Station Cheatham Annex Dec. 1 for a weeklong proof of concept trial. The trial is a collaborative effort between Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 (NCHB 1) and Navy Expeditionary Medical Support Group (NEMSCOM) in setting up an expeditionary medical unit (EMU) on board.
 

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BAE Systems, Navantia & Raytheon Given Increased Roles in the RAN Air Warfare Destroyer Program
 
The Australian Government has taken the next major step to put the $8.5 billion Air Warfare Destroyer program back on track to deliver critical capability for the Royal Australian Navy. Following a competitive procurement process, BAE Systems, Navantia SA and Raytheon Australia will take on increased roles in the Air Warfare Destroyer program for an interim period. Their increased involvement will drive immediate improvements in shipbuilding performance.
The Australian Government has taken the next major step to put the $8.5 billion Air Warfare Destroyer program back on track to deliver critical capability for the Royal Australian Navy. Following a competitive procurement process, BAE Systems, Navantia SA and Raytheon Australia will take on increased roles in the Air Warfare Destroyer program for an interim period. Their increased involvement will drive immediate improvements in shipbuilding performance.
 

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GDUK to provide mission system equipment for Royal Navy AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopter
 
General Dynamics UK has been awarded a contract by AgustaWestland to provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters. This contract is part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), which was awarded to AgustaWestland by the UK Ministry of Defence in January 2014 to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations.
General Dynamics UK has been awarded a contract by AgustaWestland to provide mission system equipment for UK AW101 Merlin Mk4/4a helicopters. This contract is part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), which was awarded to AgustaWestland by the UK Ministry of Defence in January 2014 to convert 25 AW101 Merlin helicopters for maritime operations.
 

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French Navy Evaluated the Future F3R Standard of the Rafale with Meteor Missiles
 
From 1st to 4th December 2014, pilots of the French Navy Naval Aviation Practical Experimentation Center (centre d’expérimentations pratiques de l’aéronautique navale - CEPA) participated in the first evaluation campaign of the Rafale's future F3R standard. This campaign allowed the French Navy to test the fire control of the new MBDA Meteor long range air to air missile in an operational context (while in flight) and to propose improvements to the system.
From 1st to 4th December 2014, pilots of the French Navy Naval Aviation Practical Experimentation Center (centre d’expérimentations pratiques de l’aéronautique navale - CEPA) participated in the first evaluation campaign of the Rafale's future F3R standard. This campaign allowed the French Navy to test the fire control of the new MBDA Meteor long range air to air missile in an operational context (while in flight) and to propose improvements to the system.
 

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Saab Receives Order for A26 and Gotland-Class Submarine Sensor Systems
 
SAAB AB Defence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to provide new sensor systems for two A26-type submarines and two Gotland-class submarines. The contract is valued at SEK 420 million.
SAAB AB Defence and security company Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to provide new sensor systems for two A26-type submarines and two Gotland-class submarines. The contract is valued at SEK 420 million.
 

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Aero Surveillance introduces the ASV 100 a new maritime VTOL drone system
 
Aero Surveillance is pleased to announce the addition of a new VTOL remotely piloted aircraft system. The ASV 100 is a small tactical unmanned helicopter capable of carrying an integrated yet modular payload of up to 20 Kg for up to 3 Hours. With a maximum takeoff weight of 40 Kg, the aircraft is powered with a small turbine capable of accepting several type of kerosene fuel.
Aero Surveillance is pleased to announce the addition of a new VTOL remotely piloted aircraft system. The ASV 100 is a small tactical unmanned helicopter capable of carrying an integrated yet modular payload of up to 20 Kg for up to 3 Hours. With a maximum takeoff weight of 40 Kg, the aircraft is powered with a small turbine capable of accepting several type of kerosene fuel.
 

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U.S. Navy Destroyer and French Navy Frigate conduct Passing Exercise in South China Sea
 
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the French frigate FS Vendemiaire (F734) Nov. 28 while operating in the South China Sea. The allied ships conducted weapons and maneuvering exercises, as well as training for the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, during the PASSEX event.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) conducted a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the French frigate FS Vendemiaire (F734) Nov. 28 while operating in the South China Sea. The allied ships conducted weapons and maneuvering exercises, as well as training for the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, during the PASSEX event.
 

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