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03-12-2005, 11:02 AM
SHIP OF WAR: USS Nitze, the Navy's Most Advanced Destroyer
http://images.military.com/pics/SoldierTech_Nitze-3.jpg
Bearing the name of a true American hero, the USS Nitze is a member of the elite Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers, and is tough enough to step into harm's way and make it out unscathed.
Ahead of the game: As the most advanced destroyer ever built, the USS Nitze will play an important role in protecting U.S. forces at sea.
The Navy commissioned its most advanced guided missile destroyer to date, USS Nitze (DDG 94), in a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on Saturday.
Cmdr. Michael Hegarty took command of Nitze in a ceremony that included remarks from former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman, Undersecretary of the Navy Dionel Aviles, Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton II, Program Executive Officer, Ships, and Rear Adm. Michael Nowakowski, Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott, 3rd District of Virginia, and Randy Forbes, 4th District, were among the honored guests.
Lehman congratulated Nitze's inaugural crew, saying they are privileged to serve on a ship that will project U.S. power during wartime. "Our enemies seek weapons of mass destruction to kill as many Americans as possible," he said. "In 90 percent of cases, we will have to act from the sea. This ship will play a major part in that."
Must-Have Gear
Calling Nitze, "the most technologically advanced warship ever put to sea," Hamilton praised sailors for their hard work preparing Nitze for commission. "Never before has such a Navy crew taken on the spirit of its namesake," said Hamilton.
Home to a crew of 300, Nitze is a Flight IIA Aegis destroyer. Significant upgrades include the addition of two helicopter hangars to house the SH-60 Seahawk Light Airborne Multi-Purpose helicopter. Located aft of the after Vertical Launching System (VLS), the hangar will be large enough to accommodate two SH-60s, support equipment, repair shops and store rooms. Modifications were also made for additional crew required for a helicopter detachment to deploy with the ship. As a result of the increased elevation of the after section of the ship, the aft facing AN/SPY-1D arrays were raised 8 feet to provide visibility over the hangar.
The ship's Recovery, Assist, Securing, and Traversing (RAST) system is utilized to move the helicopter into and out of the port and starboard hangars. Helicopter facilities including the following: dual hangars with bridge cranes and Navy standard helo hangar doors, Helo Control Station, RAST Control Station, Torpedo, Missile and Rocket Magazine with bridge crane and weapons hoist, Landing and Helo In-Flight Refueling (HIFR) facilities for LAMPS MK III SH-60B helicopters.
The new design also features a zonal electrical distribution system and other shipboard improvements. Starting with Winston Churchill (DDG 81), DDGs will have the 5"/62 cal. gun and dual SH-60R helicopter facilities. They also will have LASM, NFCS and Link 16. The forward fit of the 5 inch 62 caliber gun aboard DDG81, USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG81), which commissions in 2001, marks the beginning of the evolution of the highly successful Arleigh Burke class destroyer design to meet the rapidly expanding littoral war fighting mission.
Mine Sweeper
One of the greatest threats to today's naval battle group is mines. In fact, of the 18 U.S. Navy ships destroyed or damaged in conflicts since 1950, mines caused no fewer than 14 of those casualties. To give the modern battle group the optimum chance of survival in hostile "brown water" regions, the Program Executive Office for Mine & Undersea Warfare (PEO MUW) began the development of an organic mine-hunting capability to be carried aboard the Navy's Aegis destroyers.
These ships are traditionally among the first surface combatants to enter the littorals ahead of a battle group. Once launched from the host ship, the vehicle deploys a towed variable depth sensor (VDS) designed to detect, localize, classify and identify moored and bottom mines in deep and shallow water. The 23-foot long vehicle searches for the mines under the surface of the water. A streamlined combination snorkel and antenna mast, which draws air to the vehicle's 370 hp Cummins diesel engine, will be its only visible feature above the surface. The remote mine hunting vehicle can search for mines autonomously along a pre-programmed track, or can be controlled manually in real-time from the host ship by a single operator. All control and display functions will be integrated with the ship's AN/SQQ-89 undersea warfare combat system, with mine contact data linked to the Aegis combat system.
Homeported in Norfolk, Va. the 509.5-foot, 9,300-ton vessel is equipped with four gas turbine propulsion plants that power the ship to speeds above 30 knots.
True American Hero
Named for former Secretary of the Navy and presidential adviser Paul H. Nitze, the ship is the newest of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, boasting the AEGIS weapons system and an MK 41 Vertical Launch System that fires a combination of up to 96 surface-to-air and Tomahawk missiles as well as vertically launched ASROC torpedoes. In addition, the Nitze is outfitted with a remote control minehunting vehicle able to operate without a tether to detect, localize and identify mines in deep and shallow water.
"It is perhaps the first ship built from the keel up with the sailor in mind," Lehman said. "This ship can go into harm's way and not only survive, but see that all its sailors survive."
"This warship bears the name of a true American hero," Nowakowski said. "We honor his memory here today. Welcome, Nitze, to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet."
Elisabeth Scott Porter, Nitze's wife and ship's sponsor, said her late husband was quite proud of the vessel. During its construction in Bath, Maine, Nitze often visited the shipyard, signing autographs for workers. "His strong spirit is with her today," Porter said, urging the ship's crew to man the rails and "bring her to life."
Nitze, who died Oct. 20, 2004, advised eight presidents and for more than 40 years was one of the chief architects of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union. As secretary of the Navy from 1963 to 1967, Nitze is credited with lengthening commanding officer tours and greatly improving quality of life for sailors and Marines. He is also the primary founder of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
On awarding him the Medal of Freedom in 1985, President Reagan called Nitze "the wisest of counselors, exemplifying the powers of mind, commitment and character needed to fulfill America's world responsibilities."
"Paul Nitze always had the long view in mind. He did not focus just on the last war or the crisis at hand," Lehman said. "His wisdom is needed now more than ever."
USS PAUL H. NITZE (DDG 94) -- SPECIFICATIONS
Power Plant
4 - LM2500 GE Marine Gas Turbines (100,000 shp) 3 Allison 2500 KW Gas Turbine Generators
2 Shafts with CRP (Controllable Reversible Pitch) Propellers 2 Rudders
Length
509.5-513.0 feet overall
Beam
Max 66 Feet waterline 59 feet (18 meters)
Navigational Draft
31 feet
Displacement
9,192-9,217 tons full load
Speed
31 knots (36 mph, 57 kph)
Aircraft
Two multi-purpose Light Airborne Multipurpose System LAMPS MK III helicopters
Armament
Two MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (96 Cells) [Standard missile and Tomahawk ASM/LAM] (NATO) Evolved Sea Sparrow
Sensors
AN/SPY-1D 3-D Radar AN/SPS-67(V)3 Radar AN/SPS-64(V)9 Radar AN/SQS-53C(V) Sonar AN/SQQ-28(V) LAMPS III
Crew
32 Officers, 348 enlisted (including helicopter detachment of 4 officers and 14 enlisted)
Source (http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_Nitze,,00.html?ESRC=soldiertech.nl)
http://images.military.com/pics/SoldierTech_Nitze-3.jpg
Bearing the name of a true American hero, the USS Nitze is a member of the elite Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers, and is tough enough to step into harm's way and make it out unscathed.
Ahead of the game: As the most advanced destroyer ever built, the USS Nitze will play an important role in protecting U.S. forces at sea.
The Navy commissioned its most advanced guided missile destroyer to date, USS Nitze (DDG 94), in a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on Saturday.
Cmdr. Michael Hegarty took command of Nitze in a ceremony that included remarks from former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman, Undersecretary of the Navy Dionel Aviles, Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton II, Program Executive Officer, Ships, and Rear Adm. Michael Nowakowski, Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott, 3rd District of Virginia, and Randy Forbes, 4th District, were among the honored guests.
Lehman congratulated Nitze's inaugural crew, saying they are privileged to serve on a ship that will project U.S. power during wartime. "Our enemies seek weapons of mass destruction to kill as many Americans as possible," he said. "In 90 percent of cases, we will have to act from the sea. This ship will play a major part in that."
Must-Have Gear
Calling Nitze, "the most technologically advanced warship ever put to sea," Hamilton praised sailors for their hard work preparing Nitze for commission. "Never before has such a Navy crew taken on the spirit of its namesake," said Hamilton.
Home to a crew of 300, Nitze is a Flight IIA Aegis destroyer. Significant upgrades include the addition of two helicopter hangars to house the SH-60 Seahawk Light Airborne Multi-Purpose helicopter. Located aft of the after Vertical Launching System (VLS), the hangar will be large enough to accommodate two SH-60s, support equipment, repair shops and store rooms. Modifications were also made for additional crew required for a helicopter detachment to deploy with the ship. As a result of the increased elevation of the after section of the ship, the aft facing AN/SPY-1D arrays were raised 8 feet to provide visibility over the hangar.
The ship's Recovery, Assist, Securing, and Traversing (RAST) system is utilized to move the helicopter into and out of the port and starboard hangars. Helicopter facilities including the following: dual hangars with bridge cranes and Navy standard helo hangar doors, Helo Control Station, RAST Control Station, Torpedo, Missile and Rocket Magazine with bridge crane and weapons hoist, Landing and Helo In-Flight Refueling (HIFR) facilities for LAMPS MK III SH-60B helicopters.
The new design also features a zonal electrical distribution system and other shipboard improvements. Starting with Winston Churchill (DDG 81), DDGs will have the 5"/62 cal. gun and dual SH-60R helicopter facilities. They also will have LASM, NFCS and Link 16. The forward fit of the 5 inch 62 caliber gun aboard DDG81, USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG81), which commissions in 2001, marks the beginning of the evolution of the highly successful Arleigh Burke class destroyer design to meet the rapidly expanding littoral war fighting mission.
Mine Sweeper
One of the greatest threats to today's naval battle group is mines. In fact, of the 18 U.S. Navy ships destroyed or damaged in conflicts since 1950, mines caused no fewer than 14 of those casualties. To give the modern battle group the optimum chance of survival in hostile "brown water" regions, the Program Executive Office for Mine & Undersea Warfare (PEO MUW) began the development of an organic mine-hunting capability to be carried aboard the Navy's Aegis destroyers.
These ships are traditionally among the first surface combatants to enter the littorals ahead of a battle group. Once launched from the host ship, the vehicle deploys a towed variable depth sensor (VDS) designed to detect, localize, classify and identify moored and bottom mines in deep and shallow water. The 23-foot long vehicle searches for the mines under the surface of the water. A streamlined combination snorkel and antenna mast, which draws air to the vehicle's 370 hp Cummins diesel engine, will be its only visible feature above the surface. The remote mine hunting vehicle can search for mines autonomously along a pre-programmed track, or can be controlled manually in real-time from the host ship by a single operator. All control and display functions will be integrated with the ship's AN/SQQ-89 undersea warfare combat system, with mine contact data linked to the Aegis combat system.
Homeported in Norfolk, Va. the 509.5-foot, 9,300-ton vessel is equipped with four gas turbine propulsion plants that power the ship to speeds above 30 knots.
True American Hero
Named for former Secretary of the Navy and presidential adviser Paul H. Nitze, the ship is the newest of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, boasting the AEGIS weapons system and an MK 41 Vertical Launch System that fires a combination of up to 96 surface-to-air and Tomahawk missiles as well as vertically launched ASROC torpedoes. In addition, the Nitze is outfitted with a remote control minehunting vehicle able to operate without a tether to detect, localize and identify mines in deep and shallow water.
"It is perhaps the first ship built from the keel up with the sailor in mind," Lehman said. "This ship can go into harm's way and not only survive, but see that all its sailors survive."
"This warship bears the name of a true American hero," Nowakowski said. "We honor his memory here today. Welcome, Nitze, to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet."
Elisabeth Scott Porter, Nitze's wife and ship's sponsor, said her late husband was quite proud of the vessel. During its construction in Bath, Maine, Nitze often visited the shipyard, signing autographs for workers. "His strong spirit is with her today," Porter said, urging the ship's crew to man the rails and "bring her to life."
Nitze, who died Oct. 20, 2004, advised eight presidents and for more than 40 years was one of the chief architects of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union. As secretary of the Navy from 1963 to 1967, Nitze is credited with lengthening commanding officer tours and greatly improving quality of life for sailors and Marines. He is also the primary founder of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.
On awarding him the Medal of Freedom in 1985, President Reagan called Nitze "the wisest of counselors, exemplifying the powers of mind, commitment and character needed to fulfill America's world responsibilities."
"Paul Nitze always had the long view in mind. He did not focus just on the last war or the crisis at hand," Lehman said. "His wisdom is needed now more than ever."
USS PAUL H. NITZE (DDG 94) -- SPECIFICATIONS
Power Plant
4 - LM2500 GE Marine Gas Turbines (100,000 shp) 3 Allison 2500 KW Gas Turbine Generators
2 Shafts with CRP (Controllable Reversible Pitch) Propellers 2 Rudders
Length
509.5-513.0 feet overall
Beam
Max 66 Feet waterline 59 feet (18 meters)
Navigational Draft
31 feet
Displacement
9,192-9,217 tons full load
Speed
31 knots (36 mph, 57 kph)
Aircraft
Two multi-purpose Light Airborne Multipurpose System LAMPS MK III helicopters
Armament
Two MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (96 Cells) [Standard missile and Tomahawk ASM/LAM] (NATO) Evolved Sea Sparrow
Sensors
AN/SPY-1D 3-D Radar AN/SPS-67(V)3 Radar AN/SPS-64(V)9 Radar AN/SQS-53C(V) Sonar AN/SQQ-28(V) LAMPS III
Crew
32 Officers, 348 enlisted (including helicopter detachment of 4 officers and 14 enlisted)
Source (http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_Nitze,,00.html?ESRC=soldiertech.nl)