U.S. Navy to Complete Acquisition of 515 Super Hornets and 114 Growlers by 2013

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DOD Certifies F/A-18 Multi-year Procurement
UNITED STATES - 14 MAY 2010

Today, the undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics certified to Congress that the proposed F/A-18 multiyear procurement met statutory requirements, including substantial savings, for 124 F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The proposed agreement will run for four years, from fiscal 2010 through 2013.

Now that the Department of Defense has certified the multiyear procurement request, the Department of the Navy will continue to work with Congress to gain necessary legislative authorities required before the Navy may enter into a multiyear contract.

With this multiyear procurement, the Navy Department intends to acquire the remaining program of record for the 515 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and 114 EA-18G Growlers.

The Navy's fiscal 2011 budget request, sent to Congress Feb. 1, includes $1.9 billion to buy 22 Super Hornets and $1.1 billion for 12 Growlers. In fiscal 2012, the Navy plans to buy 24 more Growlers and one Super Hornet, with 25 more Super Hornets in fiscal 2013.

The Department of the Navy is committed to reducing acquisition costs in delivering capability to the warfighter.

 

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F/A-18E/F Super Hornet:

420 Super Hornets have been delivered to the U.S. Navy as of May 2010:
- 186 E-model Super Hornets
- 234 F-model Super Hornets

Both the Super Hornet single seat E and two-seat F models convert quickly from one mission type to the next with the flip of a switch to provide consistent air dominance:

*Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
*Anti-air warfare
*Fighter escort
*Close air support
*Suppression of enemy air defense
*Maritime strike
*Reconnaissance
*Forward air control
*Tanker
*Payload Flexibility

The Super Hornet's versatility applies to its weapon stations and payload types:

*11 weapon stations
*Supports a full complement of smart weapons, including laser-guided bombs
*Carries a full spectrum mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance

The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines:

*Distinctive caret-shaped inlet to provide increased airflow and reduced
radar signature
*22,000 pounds (98 Kn) of thrust per engine, 44,000 pounds (196 Kn) per
aircraft

Flight qualities:

*Highly departure resistant through its operational flight envelope.
*Unlimited angle-of-attack and carefree flying qualities for highly effective
combat capability and ease of training.
*Reconfigurable digital flight-control system detects and corrects for battle
damage.
*Upgradeability
*Long-term designed in versatility ensures the Super Hornet's investment
value.

Current upgrades delivered in the Block Two configuration include:

*Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The revolutionary AN/APG-79 AESA radar provides F/A-18 E/F aircrews with powerful new capabilities.

*Advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) system. The ATFLIR pod system offers the warfighter advanced integrated diagnostic, tracking and targeting capabilities. Raytheon’s Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod delivers pinpoint accuracy and reliability for air-to-air and air-to-ground mission support.

*Joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS). This highly accurate cueing system provides pilots with “First look, First shot” high off-boresight weapons engagement capabilities.

*Multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS)

*Advanced aft crew station

*Fibre channel switch for increased data processing capability

*Fully integrated weapons systems and sensors for reduced crew workload
and increased capability.

U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet

 

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EA-18G Growler:

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet.

EA-18G Capabilities:

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses: The EA-18G will counter enemy air defenses using both reactive and pre-emptive jamming techniques.

Stand-off and Escort Jamming: The EA-18G will be highly effective in the traditional stand-off jamming mission, but with the speed and agility of a Super Hornet, it will also be effective in the escort role.

Non-Traditional Electronic Attack: Dramatically enhanced situational awareness and uninterrupted communications will enable the EA-18G to achieve a higher degree of integration with ground operations than has been previously achievable.

Self-protect and Time-Critical Strike Support: With its Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, digital data links and air-to-air missiles, the EA-18G will have self-protection capability and will also be effective for target identification and prosecution.

Growth: High commonality with the F/A-18E/F, nine available weapon stations and modern avionics enable cost-effective synergistic growth for both aircraft, setting the stage for continuous capability enhancement.

Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Capabilities:

Full Spectrum: The EA-18G's ALQ-218 wideband receiver combined with the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System will be effective against any radar-guided surface-to-air threat.

Precision Airborne Electronic Attack: Selective-reactive technology enables the EA-18G to rapidly sense and locate threats with a significantly higher degree of accuracy than was previously possible. This improved accuracy enables greater concentration of energy against threats.

Advanced Communication Countermeasures: Its modular ALQ-227 Communication Countermeasure Set enables the EA-18G to counter a wide range of communication systems and is readily adaptable to an ever-changing threat spectrum.

Interference Cancellation System (INCANS): INCANS dramatically enhances aircrew situational awareness by enabling uninterrupted communications during jamming operations. (Boeing)

U.S. Navy's newest electronic attack (AEA) platform EA-18G Growler

 

[K^se]

I love my country

 

[ptldM3]

Beautiful bird.

 

[navtrek]

^^^ i agree

 

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U.S. Navy Continues to Equip F/A-18 with M-PACT
UNITED STATES - 11 MAY 2010

Montville, NJ (May 11, 2010) - Marotta Controls announces that the US Navy has placed an additional order for over 350 M-PACT-3000 high-pressure pure air generation systems (PAGS). The M-PACT systems will be used in the F/A-18A/F. Valued in excess of $6 million dollars, this follow-on order brings the number of M-PACTs purchased by the US Navy for this contract to over 1,000 systems.

M-PACT is a complete airborne compression and dehydration system designed to provide a continuous flow of pure, dry air for the cooling of infra-red missiles. Installed in either the LAU-7 or LAU-127 missile launcher on the F/A-18A/F, M-PACT serves as a direct replacement for the current nitrogen receiver assembly.

From missile load to launch, the M-PACT system provides a continuous flow of pure, dry air to cool the infrared seeker. Because the air is virtually free of moisture and other impurities, M-PACT reduces fouling or freezing of the seeker, which increases missile efficiency as well as combat readiness.

“We are delighted that the U.S. Navy has chosen to continue to equip its F/A-18A/F’s with our M-PACT systems,” said Michael Leahan, vice president and chief sales officer of Marotta. “We have dedicated our facility to meeting and exceeding the Navy’s expectations on this program, and this additional order reflects our achievement. We look forward to continuing to work with the Navy on future programs.”

Production of the M-PACT system is ongoing in Marotta’s new dedicated lean manufacturing cell featuring state-of-the-art fixtures and procedures.

The integration of M-PACT technologies into other platforms is proceeding at a rapid pace and on many fronts. Marotta is working with the Boeing Company to integrate its M-PACT system into the P-8A Poseidon Navy reconnaissance aircraft, and will provide the high-pressure compressed air required for weapon ejection on both the forward fuselage and wing pylon weapon stations.


Source: Marotta Controls, Inc.

 

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Powerful Past, Promising Future Mark 1000th F414 Engine Milestone
UNITED STATES - 5 MAY 2010

The F414-GE-400 builds upon the excellent reliability, operability and readiness of the F404 engine. The F414 delivers 35% more thrust than the original F404, significantly improving the Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's range, payload and survivability. Advanced technology features such as a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) improve operational characteristics of the engine while the latest materials and cooling techniques allow for higher temperatures and pressures without sacrificing component life.

May 05, 2010 -- LYNN, Mass -- The F414 Turbofan Program celebrated delivery of its 1,000th production engine today, capping a decade of providing power to a growing range of applications and demonstrating critical technologies that deliver significant increases in mission capability.

"We look at this milestone as a tribute to the past ten-plus years, as well as a springboard for future technical innovation," said Tony Mathis, vice president and general manager of the Lynn Turbofan Department. "We are pleased with the track record we have compiled to date, and we look forward to continuing to produce one of the most versatile and reliable powerplants in military aviation history."

The F414-400 engine (22,000 lb/fn) has achieved an outstanding record of performance to date. With more than 1 million engine flight-hours of experience in Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler aircraft, the F414 continues to exceed United States Navy (USN) goals for reliability and time on wing. The USN plans to purchase more than 1,200 engines, including spares, to power 594 twin-engine F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Individual F414 high-time production engines have accumulated 3,800 EFH.

In addition to operation with the USN, the F414-400 engine is now operational with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The first five F/A-18E/F Super Hornets arrived in Australia on March 26 with 19 additional aircraft planned for delivery through 2011.

The F414G, a single-engine variant of the F414-GE-400, delivers 20 percent more thrust for the Gripen Next Generation aircraft than previous powerplants. The NG Demonstrator first flew in May 2008 and has completed more than 100 flights, exhibiting excellent operability and performance in both subsonic and supersonic operation.

In anticipation of evolving and more demanding requirements, the F414 family is continuing on an ambitious growth path to increase thrust, improve durability and satisfy environmental considerations. The Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) is focused primarily on durability improvement and life-cycle cost savings for the USN customer, while the Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE) - with increased thrust - is targeted for potential international customers.

The EDE incorporates an advanced high pressure turbine (HPT) and six-stage high pressure compressor (HPC) that offers a 2-3X hot-section durability gain and reduced fuel consumption, which could equate to a $1-2 billion savings over the life of the USN fleet. The EPE includes EDE improvements plus a new fan for greater airflow, resulting in a 20 percent thrust improvement and greater operational flexibility.

Demonstrator versions of both the EDE and EPE have been successfully run, laying the groundwork for a USN-funded specific fuel consumption (SFC) reduction effort. This initiative, geared toward developing near- and long-term energy strategies, is aimed at showing a 3 percent SFC gain compared with the current F414-GE-400 configuration. An F414-powered Super Hornet operating on a biofuel blend successfully flew in April 2010 -- the first tactical USN aircraft to use a biofuel blend.

GE is also working with the USN to develop a retrofittable noise reduction kit for the F414 that features chevron exhaust nozzle technology. These nozzles have serrated edges where each "lobe" penetrates into or out of the primary flow and generates a secondary flow, significantly reducing jet noise. To date, results show a 2-3-decibel noise reduction -- or about half the sound energy. The USN has identified funding for a program to further test and mature the technology to prepare it for incorporation in the USN F414 fleet, with work scheduled to continue through 2011.


Source: General Electric Company

 

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Raytheon Delivers 4,000th AIM-9X Sidewinder
UNITED STATES - 19 MAY 2010

The Sidewinder logged another milestone earlier this year with the delivery of the 4,000th AIM-9X Block I missile.

A ceremony was held Feb. 25 at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. where U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Angus, representing NAVAIR’s PMA- 259, accepted delivery of the 4,000th weapon from Raytheon.

“We have a long history of Sidewinder work here at China Lake,” said Dr. Mark Lambert, lead for the Sidewinder technical project office in the NAWCWD Weapons and Energetics Department. “Our systems engineering support and our high level of technical expertise are significant contributions to the success of the program.”

In addition to the production milestone, the AIM-9X Block I Sidewinder reached another major milestone when it completed one million operational flight hours by the United States and allied Air Forces.

"This is a significant milestone because it demonstrates the reliability of the world's most capable infrared-guided air-to-air missile," said Harry Schulte, of Raytheon Missile Systems.

The conception, design and development of Sidewinder began at China Lake with Dr. William B. McLean in the ‘40s. Maintaining its role as technical design agent for Sidewinder, NAWCWD had to be flexible and evolve as the acquisition strategy changed significantly for the AIM-9X.

“The ‘modern’ acquisition strategy, with the contractor taking the lead, was a philosophical struggle for us,” Lambert said. “But, China Lake still has a very impressive systems engineering capability in terms of understanding how the missile works. Our technical contributions are unmatched.”

The underlying technology for 9X’s thrust vector control system, infrared imagining seeker technology, warhead, fuze and rocket motor were all based on China Lake research and development efforts.

“There wouldn’t be an AIM-9X without China Lake,” Lambert said. “Ninety percent of the real estate on the missile is all China Lake-developed technology.”

The AIM-9X offers the warfighter maneuverability, high off-boresight capability, and reliability. The missile's ability to defeat infrared countermeasures and its digital reprogramming capability allow it to defeat ever-changing threats. AIM-9X is preparing to begin production of the Block II missile, which will further enhance warfighting capabilities with a new fuze offering a data link and lock-on-after-launch capability.

The AIM-9X is a joint program between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. The Navy is the lead service and Raytheon is the prime contractor. NAWCWD China Lake provides integration support for AIM-9X, and performs test and evaluation work on its ranges.

“Raytheon did a great job on the front end,” Lambert said. “Their design brings a significant increase in capability to the warfighter regarding countermeasure capability and processing. We at China Lake work hard to stay technically sharp and remain relevant to the science and technology development of weapon systems now and into the future.”

AIM-9X Sidewinder

AIM-9X is a launch and leave, air combat missile that uses passive infrared (IR) energy for acquisition and tracking, which can be employed in near beyond visual range (NBVR) and within visual range (WVR) arenas. Complimented with the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), the warfighter has unparalleled offensive firepower compared to any other weapon system in the world.

It has extremely high off-boresight capability which gives a pilot first-shot, first-kill dominance. It provides greatly enhanced acquisition ranges in blue sky and clutter and IR countermeasures deliver the capacity to resist ever-changing threats. The AIM-9X has a highly agile airframe and its fifth-generation seeker and thrust vectoring control provide unprecedented performance.

AIM-9X, the next-generation Sidewinder missile, has truly changed the rules of air combat.

File Photo: An AIM-9X Block 1 Sidewinder is fired from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet during a recent test

 

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Northrop Grumman's Inertial Measurement Unit Selected for Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems Program
UNITED STATES - 20 MAY 2010

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. | Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been selected by Raytheon Company to supply the inertial measurement solution for the Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS) Shipboard Reference program.

Under this contract, Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division will deliver 18 LN-270 inertial navigation systems (INS) for the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the JPALS Increment 1A Shipboard Reference System (SRS). Future production orders are anticipated to be considerable. The first LN-270 unit will be delivered in early 2011.

JPALS, designed and developed by Raytheon under a U.S. Navy contract, is an all-weather, all-mission, all-user landing system based on local area differential Global Positioning System (GPS). JPALS works with GPS to provide accurate, reliable, landing guidance for fixed and rotary wing aircraft and supports fixed-base, tactical, and shipboard applications. For the SRS, each JPALS-equipped ship will employ three Northrop Grumman fiber optic gyro-based LN-270 INS units to measure the ship's motion.

"Northrop Grumman's LN-270 is a versatile solution for any application that requires highly accurate navigation, pointing or dependable stabilization—whether it be on land or sea," said Gorik Hossepian, vice president of navigation and positioning systems for Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division.

The in-production LN-270 INS is a highly reliable navigation system with low lifecycle costs because it requires no scheduled maintenance during its rated lifetime.

Northrop Grumman offers its customer more than 50 years of navigation experience. Besides fiber-optic gyro-based systems, the company produces navigation products utilizing a range of technologies including Northrop Grumman's exclusive hemispherical resonator gyro, unique ZLG(tm) gyros, spinning mass gyros, ring laser gyros, and micro-electro-mechanical-system gyros.

Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation

 

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Cobham wins US$46 Million U.S. Navy Contract for Low Band Transmitter
UNITED STATES - 27 MAY 2010

LANSDALE, PA | Cobham has been awarded a contract for some US$46 million from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to manufacture the AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Transmitter- Antenna Group for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps EA-6B and E/A-18G electronic warfare aircraft. The new contract continues funding for a third full rate production lot. The contract’s initial award procures 60 Low Band Transmitters and an associated number of antenna assemblies in a variety of configurations. This award brings the total number of production transmitters ordered to 217 of 292 required transmitters. To date 80 transmitters have been delivered.

The AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Transmitter-Antenna Group (LBT-AG), developed by Cobham Sensor Systems, has been in production since 2005. The LBT is designed to protect strike aircraft, ships, and ground troops by disrupting enemy radar and communications. It is flown on U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G aircraft and Marine Corps EA-6B aircraft, and is heavily used in current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“This award continues a long tradition of Cobham support to the Navy’s mission success,” said Andy Humen, Vice President of Cobham Sensor Systems. “Our support to the Navy extends beyond Airborne Electronic Warfare. This Low Band Transmitter award complements our other ALQ-99 work, our success on the Next Generation Jammer, the Next Generation Airborne Electronic Attack study, and the fleet’s Integrated Topside (InTop) and Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP).”

This $46 million firm fixed price contract was competitively procured. Deliveries will continue immediately beyond the currently contracted Full Rate Production Lot 1 and 2 efforts, and are expected to continue through 2012. The contract also allows for up to four annual options to procure the balance of LBT-AG systems and associated spares.

Source: Cobham Defense Systems

 

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Lockheed Martin Delivers 100,000th Paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round To the U.S. Navy
UNITED STATES - 6 JULY 2010

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] celebrated a production milestone recently with the delivery of the 100,000th Paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round (ELGTR) to the U.S. Navy. Lockheed Martin has produced ELGTRs for the U.S. Navy and international customers since 1992. Current production is part of a five year, $114 million contract awarded in April 2005.

The ELGTR is recognized worldwide as the only live-fire training solution for Warfighters, and is compatible with F/A-18, AV-8B, F-16 and multiple international aircraft. ELGTR provides cost-effective training for all Paveway II laser guided weapons, maintaining aircrew proficiency without depleting the Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) tactical inventory.

“For two decades, the U.S. Navy/Lockheed Martin team has fully embraced the concept of continuous product improvement, providing the highest fidelity, cost effective live-drop trainer to the Warfighter,” said Joe Serra, senior manager for Precision Guided Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Upon reaching this milestone, ELGTR users have realized a combined savings in excess of $1.3 billion when compared to training with Paveway II tactical weapons.”

The ELGTR emulates the release envelope, flight characteristics and accuracy of Paveway II laser guided weapons. Live-fire training permits aircrews to practice delivery tactics in a real-mission environment and experience actual weapon characteristics within today’s range limitations.

“The ELGTR is a reliable and cost-effective tactical employment tool that enables our aircrews to efficiently train for and maintain combat readiness,” said Capt. Carl Chebi, U.S. Navy Precision Strike Weapons program manager.

In addition to the Paveway II ELGTR, Lockheed Martin’s 350,000-square foot production facility, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, designs and manufactures Paveway II LGB kits, Paveway II Dual Mode Laser Guided Bomb kits, specialized instrumentation and control systems, and provides manufacturing services, such as state-of-the-art metal crafting and electro-mechanical assemblies.

Paveway II Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round (ELGTR):

Paveway II Dual Mode Laser Guided Bomb:

Source: Lockheed Martin

 

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Raytheon Consolidated Manufacturing Center Delivers 200th AESA Radar
UNITED STATES - 21 JULY 2010

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered its 200th APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar to Boeing for installation on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft and the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet.

"As we celebrate our 200th APG-79 AESA delivery, it is also significant to note that the U.S. Navy has now flown Raytheon's AESA radars for more than 115,000 operational flight hours," said Fred Lanes, business development executive for the company's Tactical Airborne Systems business division. "Our service members have now received 200 critically needed, combat-proven radars. These milestones are a testament to how our AESA technology has revolutionized fighter combat capabilities and dramatically improved situational awareness for aircrews."

The APG-79 AESA is in operation with more than a dozen U.S. Navy squadrons. Internationally, the Royal Australian Air Force has received its first five aircraft ahead of schedule, marking the delivery of the first foreign military sale of Super Hornets equipped with an APG-79 radar.

"The combat-proven Block II Super Hornet with its fully integrated APG-79 AESA radar is delivering unmatched capability for the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. It is also a core component of the EA-18G, which will deploy for the first time in 2010," said Kory Mathews, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president. "Raytheon's continued outstanding performance in delivering the APG-79 has been a vital component that has enabled every Super Hornet and Growler to be delivered on schedule for the warfighter and on budget for America."

In full rate production, the APG-79 is produced at Raytheon's Forest, Miss., facility. The Consolidated Manufacturing Center meets the domestic and international needs of radar production for platforms such as the F-15, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and Global Hawk. The APG-79 is one of the most reliable radars available today, delivering 1000-1500 percent more uptime than mechanically scanned array radars, which results in lower life-cycle cost.

"Raytheon utilizes the country's best-in-class AESA consolidated manufacturing center in Forest, Miss., to produce the APG-79 AESA radar," said Lanes. "As Super Hornet fleets grow and experience the operational advantages of the APG-79 AESA, we're confident that our facility has the capacity to meet immediate and future customer requirements."


Source: Raytheon Company

 

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Navy Commissions New Guided Missile Destroyer Jason Dunham
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

he Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, during a 10 a.m. EST ceremony Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The new destroyer honors Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Debra Dunham will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”

Dunham was born in Scio, N.Y., Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps. On April 14, 2004, Dunham’s squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander’s convoy was ambushed. When Dunham’s squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand and immediately alerted his fellow Marines. When the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.

Designated DDG 109, Jason Dunham, the 59th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Jason Dunham will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”

Cmdr. M. Scott Sciretta, born in South Amboy, N.J., will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Jason Dunham was built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The commissioning ceremony will be webcast live at the following location: The U.S. Navy.