Naval News From Across the World

It has been slow for naval news in the US, and because this week will almost certainly revolve around Iraq with the upcoming testimony I thought I'd pass on a few stories making headlines behind the firewalls, both domestic and international.

There are new reports in foreign media discussing the USS Nashville (LPD 13) going to India. While it could be just a bit of old news being reported, that it has surfaced again in the news is worth keeping an eye on.

The Italian press is reporting India has ordered a new 27,500-ton oiler worth $400 million from Fincantiere to be delivered in 2010. There are no reports yet from the Indian press, but that will likely change this week.

The Royal Danish Navy commissioned its new Arctic Patrol Vessel on February 18th, 2008 called HDMS Knud Rasmussen (P570) (See picture top right). She reported departed mid-March for trials off Greenland where she will stay deployed until Mid-May, when she is expected to return for soe modifications before returning to Greenland for the next five years.

Finally, HMS Torbay (S90) has returned from her Revalidation Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP). The upgrades included a updated communications suites, an upgraded sonar system, and an upgrade to the Tomahawk weapon system to support Block IV missiles. Most importantly though for those of us who observe such things, she has her new "all blue" paint look. Should look pretty sassy when she deploys later this year.