Drew Horsell’s Post

The future of surface ship support at Devonport Dockyard In their latest article, Navy Lookout, considers the potential upgrade projects at Devonport to accommodate Royal Navy warships into the next few decades. Devonport is fundamental the operation of the RN and is the largest naval support facility in Western Europe. The site can be divided into two main parts, the Naval Base which is owned by the UK Ministry of Defence and supports active vessels of the Surface Flotilla and ships undergoing Operational Sea Training. The base also includes HMS Drake, home to about 3,000 personnel and has Single Living Accommodation for 1,800 sailors and marines. The Dockyard, the main focus of the article, is a separate entity, owned and operated by Babcock International Group as a centre of deep maintenance and upkeep for surface ships, submarines and amphibious vessels as well as providing Fleet Time Engineering Support. The ‘One Devonport’ blueprint was published in 2021 and outlines proposed changes that may take place over a long period, equipping the base until the 2050s. The biggest element of the development work is the £750M Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure (SWIF) project which is now underway. What is still less certain is exactly how frigate and other major warship support will be conducted although there are a few options that are under consideration, subject to costs and feasibility. #smes #shipbuilding National Shipbuilding Office #socsea24 #ISeaSMEs #maritimeconnection

The future of surface ship support at Devonport Dockyard In their latest article, Navy Lookout, considers the potential upgrade projects at Devonport to accommodate Royal Navy warships into the next few decades. Devonport is fundamental the operation of the RN and is the largest naval support facility in Western Europe. The site can be divided into two main parts, the Naval Base which is owned by the UK Ministry of Defence and supports active vessels of the Surface Flotilla and ships undergoing Operational Sea Training. The base also includes HMS Drake, home to about 3,000 personnel and has Single Living Accommodation for 1,800 sailors and marines. The Dockyard, the main focus of the article, is a separate entity, owned and operated by Babcock International Group as a centre of deep maintenance and upkeep for surface ships, submarines and amphibious vessels as well as providing Fleet Time Engineering Support. The ‘One Devonport’ blueprint was published in 2021 and outlines proposed changes that may take place over a long period, equipping the base until the 2050s. The biggest element of the development work is the £750M Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure (SWIF) project which is now underway. What is still less certain is exactly how frigate and other major warship support will be conducted although there are a few options that are under consideration, subject to costs and feasibility. #smes #shipbuilding National Shipbuilding Office #socsea24 #ISeaSMEs #maritimeconnection https://lnkd.in/ewNpfjmg

Great things come in small packages, and nowhere is that more true than the small vessels projects supported through the #NationalShipbuildingStrategy. These construction projects for vessels with less than 1,000 tons of displacement, help leverage Canada’s defence and security spending to generate economic benefits for the country. Small vessel projects are currently underway in shipyards across Canada. From survey, rescue and research vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, to the Naval Large Tugs for National Defence, these projects aren’t only ensuring our marine industry remains top notch, they’re also providing economic benefits for businesses across Canada. Now you can easily search our inventory of National Shipbuilding Strategy projects to find information about their status, their purpose and where they’re being built. https://lnkd.in/gK9_N-5q

The Government of Ireland has commenced the process of developing master infrastructure plans for each military installation in the State with the Minister for Defence Micheál Martin TD requesting tenders to produce a master plan for the Irish Naval Service Headquarters at Haulbowline in Cork Harbour. The infrastructure plan for the Naval Service base at Haulbowline will include consideration of whole life cycle costs, maintenance, and delivery models, with a 20-year timeframe. Encouraging signs of a step change in the approach to how we develop our military infrastructure with consideration of the investment levels needed and best-in-class infrastructure delivery expertise that Ireland needs urgently and the Irish Defence Forces deserve. It is also timely as the groundbreaking public-private partnership that is the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) marks 20 years and provides a visible demonstration of what step changes in infrastructure delivery and best-in-class delivery look like. It is also encouraging signs of a step change in the approach to investing in and securing national critical infrastructure assets for the Port of Cork Company Ltd. and other critical infrastructure assets across Cork Harbour.

When naval capability is minimal, it’s also brittle 16 Oct 2024 | Jennifer Parker The sinking of HMNZS Manawanui should be a wake-up call for Australia and New Zealand. A conflict in the Indo-Pacific region is no longer a distant hypothetical. Regional tensions are rising and our naval forces are likely to be at the forefront of any confrontation. The ability to prevail in such a conflict depends not just on major warships and submarines but also on the enabling capabilities that underpin maritime operations: replenishment, hydrography, mine warfare and other niche but vital domains.

US Navy quick assault submarine breaks by means of Arctic ice https://lnkd.in/djWUnqWc The Commander, U.S. Navy Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) formally launched Operation Ice Camp (ICE CAMP) 2024 within the Arctic Ocean, marking the start of a three-week operation geared toward researching, testing and consider operational capabilities within the area. The Los Angeles-class assault submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) broke by means of the meter-thick ice of the Arctic Ocean and raised the nationwide ensign at Ice Camp Whale within the Arctic Ocean, throughout ICE CAMP 2024. ICE CAMP 2024, previously often known as Train on Ice (ICEX), has grow to be a significant multinational effort involving personnel from varied branches of the US navy, in addition to allied forces from Canada, France, the UK and Australia. – ADVERTISING – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Arctic Submarine Laboratory, underscores the Navy's dedication to sustaining an enhanced presence within the Arctic, strengthening alliances, and constructing a extra succesful Arctic naval power. Because the Arctic is experiencing a decline within the extent and thickness of sea ice, ICE CAMP goals to arrange for elevated maritime exercise within the area. Serving as a brief command middle for the operation, Ice Camp Whale offers a novel setting to conduct analysis and check underwater programs. The camp, named after the united statesWhale, a submarine that made historical past by reaching the North Pole in 1969, facilitates important coaching important to working within the difficult circumstances of the Arctic. The U.S. Submarine Forces think about ICE CAMP essential to sustaining proficiency in navigation, communication and maneuver within the demanding Arctic maritime setting. Supply hyperlink

The inaugural steel cut marks a pivotal step in Australia's commitment to enhancing naval capabilities through the multi-billion Hunter Class program. Defence and BAE Systems Australia has now signed the construction phase for the first three Hunter Class frigates, which is vital for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to address new threats and bolster regional security. Despite previous setbacks, it's imperative that government, defence, and industry stakeholders collaborate to keep the project on course. The program also offers the Australian defence industry substantial opportunities to grow its shipbuilding expertise. The 20-year Hunter Class Frigate Program will create around 3,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs across the Australian supply chain. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasised the program's commitment to supporting Australian workers and industry, stating, "This first milestone isn't just about cutting steel; we are supporting Australian workers to build frigates in an Australian yard, supporting Australian industry." These jobs complement the thousands already needed for the #AUKUS submarine program and the Collins Class submarine extension, all of which will be built at Osborne in South Australia. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gR6d-_aS #DefenceIndustry #DefenceCapability #DefencePartnership #IndustryEngagement #DefenceInnovation #NationalSecurity #DefenceInnovation #AUKUS 

US Navy quick assault submarine breaks by means of Arctic ice https://lnkd.in/d-ugXMDG The Commander, U.S. Navy Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) formally launched Operation Ice Camp (ICE CAMP) 2024 within the Arctic Ocean, marking the start of a three-week operation geared toward researching, testing and consider operational capabilities within the area. The Los Angeles-class assault submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) broke by means of the meter-thick ice of the Arctic Ocean and raised the nationwide ensign at Ice Camp Whale within the Arctic Ocean, throughout ICE CAMP 2024. ICE CAMP 2024, previously often known as Train on Ice (ICEX), has turn out to be a significant multinational effort involving personnel from varied branches of the US army, in addition to allied forces from Canada, France, the UK and Australia. – ADVERTISING – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Arctic Submarine Laboratory, underscores the Navy's dedication to sustaining an enhanced presence within the Arctic, strengthening alliances, and constructing a extra succesful Arctic naval pressure. Because the Arctic is experiencing a decline within the extent and thickness of sea ice, ICE CAMP goals to arrange for elevated maritime exercise within the area. Serving as a brief command middle for the operation, Ice Camp Whale gives a novel setting to conduct analysis and check underwater methods. The camp, named after the usWhale, a submarine that made historical past by reaching the North Pole in 1969, facilitates important coaching important to working within the difficult situations of the Arctic. The U.S. Submarine Forces contemplate ICE CAMP essential to sustaining proficiency in navigation, communication and maneuver within the demanding Arctic maritime setting. Supply hyperlink

The Australian Government is investing in a world-class shipbuilding and sustainment precinct in Henderson, Western Australia. This will serve as the biggest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere, while also delivering important progress towards Australia’s AUKUS commitments. The Defence Precinct will optimise Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment industry over the next two decades supporting 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled local jobs and establish an industry only rivalled by mining. WA Minister for Defence Industry, Paul Papalia stated “This historic agreement will result in generations of jobs and diversify the economy like never before.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g_QqZy9i Picture courtesy of The West Australian, Jessica Page Katina Curtis Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation Defence West #AUKUS #diversifyWA #defenceindustry

In the past, with an assessed decade of warning, we had the luxury of being able to focus principally on the economics of our force structuring. If it cost more to do something in Australia (itself a contestable point), then it was difficult to justify doing it here on national security grounds. That is, we were content that the international suppliers would take care of it. If that didn’t quite work, then any pain would be confined to late delivery. Little consequence, minimal harm, low risk. This is no longer the case. But nothing seems to have changed. It is no longer appropriate that the primary focus for industry for defence is on economic benefits (as measured by jobs), but that is where the government has remained: witness announcements on submarines, continuous naval shipbuilding, etc. If we are serious about deterrence, and about being able to fight in the near term, then we need to reverse this trend. Our local industry needs to significantly participate in the defence effort. We need to get serious about what the latest rhetoric actually implies. We need to substantially invest in domestic capability and capacity. The secondary benefit will be in jobs. At the moment our ambition does not even match that of 1998 when the intention was that “Defence will use the widest possible range of industrial support in peace because that is what will be needed in war”.