Hmmm... my latin is a bit rusty, but I think that slogan means "Always Wrong", IIRC...
Posted on 11/17/2004 5:37:17 PM PST by SmithL
Groton — Jimmy Carter, the third and final Seawolf-class submarine that has been heavily modified for special operations, departed Electric Boat on Tuesday for the first phase of its sea trials.
Under Navy policy the departure was not publicly announced, but Navy and EB sources said the Carter finished its most intensive in-port test last week without any major problems and was deemed ready for Alpha trials, as they are known.
Last week the crew had conducted a “fast cruise,” in which they simulate submarine operations, including running the reactor up to full power, while tied alongside the pier.
It had been slated to leave just after dawn, but a slew of last-minute issues delayed its departure for a few hours and it was seen pulling out of the shipyard just before noon.
Alpha trials will include taking the ship to its maximum speed and depth and testing its electronics, radar, sonar and other systems, as well as conducting emergency maneuvers such as going from all ahead full to backing up quickly and forcing air into the ballast tanks to rise rapidly to the surface.
Navy spokesman Lt. Philip R. Rosi said the service does not, as a matter of policy, discuss submarine operations, so he could not comment on when the Carter might return.
But Alpha trials typically take about three days, which would put the Carter back into port by Friday. Navy and EB sources said barring any unforeseen problems, Carter would likely head back to sea again within days for Bravo trials, which typically last about three weeks and can involve thousands of hours of additional equipment checks.
The Carter was supposed to be delivered to the Navy by the end of the year, and although in recent months it looked like that schedule might slip, it now appears that the turnover could happen in late December.
“It's expected the Jimmy Carter will be delivered in late December '04 and commissioned in February '05,” said Lt. Jon D. Spiers, a spokesman for the Navy News Desk at the Pentagon.
Rosi said he could not confirm a specific date, but added, “we're obviously very close, and I think it would be fair to say (the commissioning will take place) in early 2005.”
The ship originally was slated to be delivered in 2001, but shortly before the pressure hull was finished the Navy decided to heavily modify it for special operations, and the delivery date slipped by three years because of the complexity of the task.
EB designed an $887 million, 104-foot section that was inserted into the middle of the boat that gives it a “bomb bay” — a free-flooding area, and a large-diameter access hatch that will allow materials to be moved in and out of the boat without surfacing.
It also got special maneuvering devices at the bow and stern that, coupled with the Seawolf-class hovering system, will allow it to maintain a fixed position in the ocean, as well as an upgraded radio room and communications suite, improved combat systems and better sonar processing.
The special section will also have room for up to 50 commandos, including a Special Forces command center and exercise space.
In addition to special operations, Carter will likely be a test ship for a variety of new capabilities, such as underwater, surface and aerial drones, that could be incorporated into other submarines eventually.
I pity the guys who will have to work on the USS BJ Klinton
Does this boat:
(a) Have one slow speed in forward and 12 in reverse?
(b) Fly a white flag?
Hmmm... my latin is a bit rusty, but I think that slogan means "Always Wrong", IIRC...
No, but it can only sail between Cuba and Nicaragua, and the only ass it can kick is Ted Kennedy's.
nah, "Always the Best"
You mean the USS Slick Willy?
I've heard it is equipped with a super-secret defense against attacking killer rabbits.
Going to be a lot of bars busted up after jeers directed at the "USS Peanut".
The "Jimmeh 'Dogbutt' Cahtuh" is likely to raise some hackles, as well.
Shhh... The "Swamp Rabbit" Missile System is still Classified!!!!!!!!
jimmy carter is bound for infamy - I would not want to be a member of the crew named after a communist traitor.
Ask jimmy, to his face, how many Cuban Expatriates DIED for his love of fidel!
200 sailors go to sea. 100 couples return.
I'm not sure which would be worse, being a northern serving on a ship (stationed in the Puget Sound) named after the President of your enemy, or a modern submariner sailing on a boat named for this idiot.
Lets hope a jinx hasn't been put on this submarine by hanging that name on it. Jimmie doesn't even deserve to have a dead end street in Plains, Georgia named after him.
The only submarine in existence that has Prozac as standard issue. It must be depressing defending your country on a Carter sub.
Pray for the boys on this boat, There IS such a thing as a cursed ship.
Well, at least Jeff Davis was a gentleman . . .
How many Amy Carter centerfolds will be on wall locker doors? Barf Alert!
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