CV32

Related news ... From Aviation Week Ares Blog JSF - Buy Now Or Else (Reprise) Posted by Bill Sweetman at 7/19/2010 7:50 AM CDT Lockheed Martin and the US government are getting ready to send a "strong message" to international partners on the F-35 program, warning them of sharply increased costs if they delay placing firm orders for the fighter, according to F-35 executive vice-president Tom Burbage. "We will be looking for reaffirmations over the next few months," Burbage said. "It's very important that partners keep to the program of record. They need to understand that a large movement of quantities can have a big effect on the total cost of the buy." Eight international partners are expected to account for more than a third of F-35 orders between 2011 and 2015 and some (like Denmark) have delayed their commitment to the project. This is the second time that the JSF office has played this card, having made similar comments in 2008. It has also emerged that the under-negotiation contract for the fourth F-35 production batch will be a fixed-price incentive (FPI) contract, and Lockheed Martin could still make a profit even if the ultimate cost is closer to what government auditors estimate, as Burbage confirmed here today. Lockheed Martin has cited its bid prices as proof that the aircraft is on track to a $60 million unit recurring flyaway cost, comparable to an F/A-18 and much less than the numbers produced by the Pentagon's Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation (CAPE) group. As detailed today, though, the company's numbers are "target" prices. The FPI includes both a target price and a ceiling price, which historically has been as much as 30 per cent above the target. Typically, under a formula called the "incentive ratio", the government picks up the greater part of the difference between the target and the ceiling, and the contractor retains a positive margin until the ceiling price is reached. Burbage declined to disclose the price-to-ceiling ratio or the incentive ratio, but said that those numbers would be revealed when the contract was signed. The FPI also limits the contractor's risk in the event that test flights reveal problems that have to be fixed, expensively, on the production line. The contract includes a certain allowance for these "engineering change orders", he said, but if that allowance is exceeded the changes would be paid for separately as an engineering change proposal or ECP. Risk on both sides is a big factor in the long contract negotiations surrounding the fourth low-rate initial production (LRIP-4) batch, Burbage said. "We want to make sure that we don't assume a contract that we can't execute."

CV32: Now some commentary from the F-35's "number one" fan , who appears to have returned to covering his seemingly favorite topic ... Aviation Week Ares Blog Canada Commits To JSF Posted by Bill Sweetman at 7/16/2010 2:50 AM CDT Canada is expected to announce today that it will "commit" to buying 65 Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighters. Just to save the fans time and effort, here's how it will be presented: another world-class military has decided that the JSF is the world's best fighter, proving the critics wrong. First, some facts: The commitment will not be a contract. Even under the most recent version of the production, sustainment and follow-on development (PFSD) memorandum of understanding, which pre-dates the slippage of the JSF development program announced in March, Canada is not expected to sign a contract for its first JSFs until 2014. By that time, today's duel of JSF price projections will be long settled by reality. However, it's interesting to note that the New York Times - a newspaper whose overweening pride in its own journalism seems to get in its eyes like smoke - swallows LockMart's price estimates whole in its report of the Canada deal, basing its "$4 billion" estimate on the lowest Fort Worth projection of the unit recurring flyaway cost. Canada's Liberal-led opposition - not in a strong political position today - is criticizing the expected announcement on the grounds that there has been no competition. The response from the office of defense minister Peter McKay is illuminating: "Contrary to Liberal myths, this was a competitive process. Canada participated in an extensive and rigorous competitive process where two bidders developed and competed prototype aircraft." It might be worth asking the minister to explain how much of a vote Canada had in the outcome of the JSF competition a decade ago. This is mainly a setback for Boeing, which of all competitors probably considered that it had the best chance in Canada. Unless Boeing can sell more Super Hornets to the US Navy or elsewhere, production will be running down by the time Canada revisits this decision.

CV32: Being the good neighbours we are, Canada has dived head first into a commitment to buy 65 F-35A JSF ... first, the "touchy feely" news releases ... From Defense Aerospace Government of Canada Strengthens Sovereignty While Generating Significant Economic Benefits (Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued July 16, 2010) (All monetary amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated) OTTAWA --– The Government of Canada today announced it is acquiring the fifth generation Joint Strike Fighter F-35 aircraft to contribute to the modernization of the Canadian Forces, while bringing significant economic benefits and opportunities to regions across Canada. “The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is the best aircraft we can provide our men and women in uniform to face and defeat the challenges of the 21st century,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “This multi-role stealth fighter will help the Canadian Forces defend the sovereignty of Canadian airspace, remain a strong and reliable partner in the defence of North America, and provide Canada with an effective and modern capability for international operations.” “A lengthy and intense competition was completed in 2001 for who would build the F-35,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “Canadian companies and the Canadian government helped develop the F-35, and now we are exercising our option under the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of understanding to acquire it.” “Canadian participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program will bring high-value jobs and other economic benefits to our country,” said Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. “This government is delivering on our plan to strengthen Canada’s defence industry, leverage Canada’s competitive advantage and work with industry to help position Canadian companies for success in the global marketplace.” The Government of Canada has committed approximately $9 billion to the acquisition of 65 F-35 aircraft and associated weapons, infrastructure, initial spares, training simulators, contingency funds and project operating costs. Delivery of the new aircraft is expected to start in 2016. To date, Canada has invested approximately $168 million in the Joint Strike Fighter program. Since 2002, the Government’s participation in the program has led to more than $350 million in contracts for more than 85 Canadian companies, research laboratories, and universities – a clear demonstration of the significant benefits this program has for Canada. “The Joint Strike Fighter program allows Canadian companies to build on existing strengths and establish strategic capabilities,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. “Canadian companies will have direct involvement in the design of equipment in the short term, while also setting in motion opportunities for decades to come.” The Canada First Defence Strategy identifies Canada’s need for a next generation fighter aircraft to protect the safety and security of Canadians, while supporting foreign policy and national security objectives. The acquisition of the F-35 helps the Canadian Forces defend against the threats of the 21st century at home, across vast distances and in harsh environmental conditions, and abroad. The F-35 Lightning II has been developed by Lockheed Martin and partners through the Joint Strike Fighter program, a multinational effort to build and sustain an affordable, multi-role, next generation stealth fighter aircraft. Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Norway, and Australia are all partners in the program. As a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997, Canada participated in the extensive and rigorous US-led competitive process, which led to the selection of Lockheed Martin and its partners as the Joint Strike Fighter manufacturer in 2001. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Canada is the first JSF partner country to commit to buying the aircraft. Other prospective buyers, such as the U.K. (Level 1, risk-sharing partner) and the Netherlands have postponed their decision until the flight test program is more advanced and confirms the promised technical performance. Prospective buyers also have expressed doubts about the prices promised by Lockheed Martin, but the Canadian government obviously takes these figures at face value.) (ends) Canada’s Next Generation Fighter Capability – The Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Lightning II (Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued July 16, 2010) (All monetary amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated) The Canada First Defence Strategy states that the Canadian Forces will acquire a next-generation fighter capability that will help them carry out their core missions of defending the sovereignty of Canadian and North American airspace through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and providing Canada with an effective and modern capability for international operations. Canada will acquire an aircraft fully interoperable with our key allies to effectively conduct joint operations through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or a coalition. At home, the Canadian Forces will acquire a robust aircraft, capable of operating across Canada’s vast geography and under harsh and varying weather conditions. A next generation fighter with stealth technology is an extremely effective deterrent against challenges to Canadian sovereignty. In July 2010, the Government of Canada announced it is acquiring the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35, a fifth generation fighter jet, to replace its fourth generation fleet of CF-18s, which are expected to reach the end of their operational life in the 2017-2020 timeframe. Delivery of the new aircraft is expected to start in 2016. The F-35 is the only available fifth generation aircraft that meets the Canadian Forces’s need for a next-generation fighter. The acquisition of the F-35 will help the Canadian Forces operate effectively to defend against the threats of the 21st century at home and abroad. The F-35 is less visible to radar, providing very low observable stealth, has integrated sensor fusion that provides the pilot with all available information at a glance, and high-capacity, secure net-enabled operations that allows all F-35 aircraft to communicate with each other and share data in a secure environment. What constitutes a fifth generation fighter? There are three key capabilities that distinguish a fifth generation fighter aircraft from a fourth generation: -- Interoperability: a fifth generation aircraft provides a unique combination of stealth, long-range high-resolution sensors, and secure high-capacity networks that allow all F-35 aircraft to communicate with each other and share data in a secure environment; -- Sensors/Data fusion: fifth generation incorporates a system that consolidates tactical information from the sensors and off-board sources to provide pilots with a clear understanding of the tactical situation at a glance; -- Survivability: the survivability of a fifth generation aircraft is significantly increased by very low observable stealth, advanced sensors and secure data-link, which means a fifth generation aircraft can accomplish more in a mission with fewer supporting assets required. A fourth generation aircraft cannot be upgraded to a fifth generation; the capabilities of a fifth generation aircraft, such as stealth technology, long-range high-resolution sensors, automated data fusion and secure high-capacity networks, must be built in. A fifth generation fighter provides Canada with the highest probability of mission success, as well as the highest probability that the Canadian Forces pilot and aircraft will return home safely from the mission. The Joint Strike Fighter Program and Canada’s History of Participation The F-35 has been developed by Lockheed Martin and partners through the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, a multinational effort to build and sustain an affordable, multi-role, next generation stealth fighter aircraft. Partners in the program include: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Norway, and Australia. Purchasing the F-35 will ensure Canada remains interoperable with these major allies – including the US, our NORAD partner – well into the middle of this century. JSF is the single largest fighter aircraft program in history. The total value of the program is expected to exceed US$383 billion, with production expected to top 5,000 aircraft; JSF partners are anticipated to acquire more than 3,000 aircraft, and export sales are estimated by Lockheed Martin at more than 2,000 aircraft. Based on these predictions, royalties from the export sales amounting to approximately $130 million will accrue to the Government of Canada’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. The JSF program is comprised of three distinct phases: the Concept Demonstration Phase (1997 – 2001) which involved two competing bidders developing prototype aircraft (Lockheed Martin was selected as the prime contractor); the System Development and Demonstration Phase (2001 – 2013), developing and testing the aircraft systems and components to be used; and finally, the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Phase (2007-2051), initiating production of the aircraft and sustaining parts for the serviceable life of the aircraft and follow-on development. Canada has been a participant in the JSF program since 1997, when the Department of National Defence signed on to the Concept Demonstration phase with an investment of US$10 million. As part of this phase, Canada participated in the extensive and rigorous U.S.-led competitive process where two bidders, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, developed and competed prototype aircraft. This process led to the selection of Lockheed Martin as the JSF manufacturer in 2001. In 2002, Canada joined the System Development and Demonstration phase with a monetary investment of U.S. $100 million, with an additional U.S. $50 million contributed through federal Canadian technology investment programs. The System Development and Demonstration phase runs through 2015. In 2003, the United States invited the current partners to participate in the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development phase of the program. In December 2006, Canada signed the JSF Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The cost for Canada to participate in this phase is approximately U.S. $551 million over the course of the 2007-2051 timeframe. This contribution will be used to cover Canada’s portion of production, sustainment and follow-on development costs, including common tooling, sustainment, and follow-on development activities. Acquiring a Next Generation Fighter Capability In 2008, the Government of Canada announced its intent to replace the CF-18 fleet with a Next Generation Fighter Capability (NGFC). This was announced as a key commitment under the Canada First Defence Strategy. In 2010, the Government of Canada exercised its options under the JSF program memorandum of understanding with the partner nations to acquire the F-35 to meet Canada’s operational requirement, while providing the best value for Canada. By acquiring a next generation fighter aircraft through the JSF program, Canada will see a significant reduction in the cost of acquisition and savings throughout the life-cycle of the aircraft, due to the collaborative approach to the sustainment and follow-on development. The Government of Canada has committed approximately CAD$9 billion to the acquisition of 65 F-35 aircraft and associated weapons, supporting infrastructure, initial spares, training simulators, contingency funds and project operating costs. This is funded through the Canada First Defence Strategy and the National Defence Investment Plan. The majority of the expenditures will not be required until the 2015-2020 timeframe, when Canada will begin to take delivery of the aircraft. Canadian industry will begin to benefit immediately, providing a near-term boost to the Canadian aerospace and defence sector. Sustained Economic Benefits for Canadian Industry Canada’s participation in the JSF program brings significant benefits to Canada. This program is delivering on the Canada First Defence Strategy’s commitment to a renewed relationship with Canada’s defence industry, leveraging Canada’s competitive advantage and working with industry to help position Canadian companies for success in the global marketplace. With a long-term investment in this aircraft, Canada’s defence industry has a rare and unique opportunity to be a part of the JSF global supply chain, advancing its technology, while bringing jobs and sustained economic benefits to regions across Canada. In order to maximize industrial benefits and minimize costs, partner countries agreed to a best-value approach to industrial participation in the JSF program. In accordance with the JSF memorandum of understanding and in support of Canadian industry, Industry Canada has signed agreements with Lockheed Martin and partners. These industrial participation agreements have provided unprecedented access to a significant multinational defence program for companies across Canada, including small and medium enterprises. Participation in the JSF program has already provided Canadian industry with long-term, high technology industrial opportunities, such as advanced composite manufacturing, mission systems and high speed machining. To date, Canada has invested approximately CAD$168 million in the JSF program. Since 2002, the Government’s participation in the JSF program has led to more than CAD$350 million in contracts for more than 85 Canadian companies, research laboratories, and universities—meaning that Canada has already seen a two-to-one return on its investment. Now that Canada has committed to purchasing the F-35, Canadian industrial opportunities could exceed CAD$12 billion for the production of the aircraft. Sustainment and follow-on opportunities for Canadian industry are emerging and will be available over the 40-year life of the program. For instance, in accordance with the industrial participation agreements, all 19 Canadian companies manufacturing items for the F-35 will also repair and overhaul those components for the entire global fleet. Not only does the F-35 meet all of the Canadian Forces operational requirements for a next generation fighter aircraft, the F-35 offers the best value by providing exceptional capability at the lowest cost with excellent benefits and opportunities for the Canadian defence industry. This acquisition will equip the Canadian Forces with the aircraft it needs to defend Canada’s sovereignty and contribute to the defence of North America and international security.

CV32: Ouch! From Jane's RAF offers to cancel Nimrod MRA.4 programme as part of defence cuts By Tim Ripley 16 July 2010 UK Royal Air Force (RAF) chiefs have offered to cancel the GBP3.65 billion (USD5.57 billion) BAE Systems Nimrod MRA.4 programme just weeks before the first production aircraft are due to be delivered to the service. The offer, made in the RAF submission to Phase 2 of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) earlier this month, also includes the early retirement within five years of all of the service's Panavia Tornado GR.4 strike aircraft and the closure of three main operating air bases. It is hoped these cuts would allow the RAF to reduce its payroll by 5,000 personnel and cancel long-term support contracts with BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce worth in excess of GBP3 billion, according to UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials involved in the SDSR process. Hundreds of millions of pounds would also be saved by reduced aircrew and groundcrew training requirements for the slimmed-down RAF. The Nimrod cut would not save significant amounts of money from the GBP3.65 billion procurement costs of the aircraft because almost all of this amount has been spent, except for around GBP200 million to cover the final delivery of the nine aircraft during the next two years.

From Flight Global DATE: 14/07/10 SOURCE: Flight International PICTURES: Royal Navy offered AEW-configured AW101 By Craig Hoyle AgustaWestland and Thales have stepped up their efforts to promote a development of the AW101 to replace the UK Royal Navy's venerable Sea King 7 airborne surveillance and control (ASaC) aircraft. As the incumbent suppliers of the RN's organic airborne early warning capability, the companies have joined forces to offer the AW101 Merlin equipped with Thales's Searchwater 2000 radar and Cerberus mission system. The RN's current 11 Sea King ASaC helicopters are due to be retired from use in 2016, and a new type is needed to operate from its two Queen Elizabeth-class future aircraft carriers. The selected type will be deployed alongside the UK's Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighters, as part of an embarked air wing of up to 40 aircraft. AgustaWestland says the Searchwater system's distinctive radar "bag" will be deployed through a rear ramp aperture during operations, providing 360° surveillance coverage, or else stored inside the aircraft when not in use. The Cerberus payload will be installed on a pallet, and two mission crew stations located towards the front of the aircraft's cabin. New capabilities would include the integration of a Link 16 datalink. "The solution we have developed capitalises on the substantial investment already made by the MoD in both the helicopter and the Cerberus mission system and radar," says Nick Whitney, senior vice-president for AgustaWestland's UK government business unit. Thales UK chief operating officer Ed Lowe says the design offers "a low-cost, low-risk method of delivering ASaC with no capability gap". The RN's current rotorcraft inventory includes 37 Merlin HM1s, as listed in Flightglobal's HeliCAS database. These are used for multi-mission tasks, including anti-submarine warfare operations. Meanwhile, AgustaWestland will give a show debut to its AW159 Lynx Wildcat at the Farnborough air show. The new model is being developed for use by the RN and British Army.

If there are four missiles incoming simultaneously, it will depend on whether your air defence guns have sufficient directors (as you have intimated) or can operate under local control. There is no reason otherwise why multiple AA guns cannot engage multiple incoming missiles, to my knowledge.

Congrats to Spain for their victory, or "things I learned at the World Cup" ... An octopus might be a great travel companion on a trip to Las Vegas.

While all of that is generally true, it isn't what kcdusk is driving at. As I understand him, he is saying that under H4 rules, "large targets are picked up via ESM at greater ranges than small targets".

Is that all the way around Europe or shipyard-->Black Sea--->Suez? I believe the Iranian Project 877EKM submarines were constructed by the Admiralty (Sudomekh) yard in St Petersburg. How exactly they were delivered, I do not know, but at least one was apparently photographed during delivery, under tow in the Med.

Towed there through the Suez.

Ok, thanks, we'll look into that.

From Ares KC-X Bids in: And the Race Begins, Again Posted by Amy Butler at 7/9/2010 12:45 PM CDT Another year is halfway through, and another round of tanker bids is in. A winner is expected Nov. 12, though Air Force officials simply say fall. Don't expect much out of the Pentagon. It appears to be in lock down mode. Air Force spokeswoman Col. Debra Millett says the service will not even disclose how many bidders offer proposals. Clearly, the name of the game is protest avoidance. Here's Millett's statement: "The KC-X program is presently in the source selection process, and in order to protect the integrity and independence of this process, we are prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) from providing further detail. However, the Department continues to be committed to a free, fair and open competitive process within the parameters of those rules and regulations. We expect a contract award sometime in the fall." EADS North America turned in its 8,819 pg. proposal a day early on July 9. Company officials were clearly confident in their A330-200-based proposal, but didn't miss an opportunity to point out what they see as public rhetoric from rival, Boeing, which EADS North America Chairman Ralph Crosby calls "crap." He and his colleagues also flatly rejected the notion that a recent WTO finding that Airbus accepted illegal subsidies in developing its commercial product line should have bearing on the KC-135 replacement program. Boeing announced today it submitted its 8,000-pg bid as well. Though, its design remains shrouded in some mystery. Officials reiterate that the 767-based proposal will feature a 787 Dreamliner cockpit and an "advanced" KC-10 boom with an expanded flight envelope and fly-by-wire controls. Each company must meet 372 mandatory requirements to compete; the winner will largely be determined by a price shootout. Adjustments to the price will be made to account for fuel burn, efficiency and facilities associated with each bid. Meanwhile, the only wild card left is whether California-based US Aerospace will propose three Antonov models. The little-known company filed papers last week with the SEC indicating an intent to bid, but it is largely being met with skepticism. Any company wishing to compete must meet a "financial viability" requirement that can be proven with documentation. It is unclear whether US Aerospace meets this, and company officials have not returned repeated calls and emails for comment.

Stratsims' CIC Warfare Plotter. More about that here.

That would be a 'win' for everyone.

CV32: useful info here for all the scenario designers From Jane's Euro Hawk UAV makes first flight By Gareth Jennings 08 July 2010 The Northrop Grumman/EADS RQ-4E Euro Hawk high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) signals intelligence (SIGINT) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) made its maiden flight from Palmdale, California, on 29 June. The flight, which lasted approximately two hours, began at Northrop Grumman's Palmdale manufacturing facility and concluded at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California, some 36 km away. The aircraft flew to an altitude of 32,000 ft. James Kohn, Euro Hawk programme manager, told Jane's that, with the ground trials having already been successfully concluded, one of the final issues that needed to be resolved before the first flight could be made was that of obtaining diplomatic clearance for the German government-owned aircraft to operate in US airspace. Markus Heller, senior manager for Euro Hawk ISIS Military Air Systems at EADS, said that for the first flight the aircraft was fitted with mock-ups of the aircraft's SIGINT mission systems - ISIS stands for Integrated SIGINT System - and radomes. However, he stressed that these "are not just ballast" but mission-representative harnesses and connections. Based on the Block 20 Global Hawk, the Euro Hawk will be equipped with a new SIGINT mission system developed by EADS Defence and Security (D&S), providing standoff capability to detect electronic and communications emitters. A ground station, comprising mission control and launch and recovery elements, will be provided by Northrop Grumman. EADS will also provide a SIGINT ground station, which will receive and analyse the data from the Euro Hawk as part of an integrated system solution. The German Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a contract in January 2007 to EuroHawk GmbH for the development, test and support of the Euro Hawk SIGINT surveillance and reconnaissance system. Under this contract, EuroHawk GmbH will also provide aircraft modifications, mission control and launch and recovery ground segments, flight-test and logistics support. Formed as a 50-50 joint venture company by Northrop Grumman and EADS D&S, EuroHawk GmbH acts as the national prime contractor for the German MoD throughout the lifecycle of the Euro Hawk system. With a 35 m wingspan, endurance of 30 hours and a maximum altitude of more than 60,000 ft, the Euro Hawk is billed by Northrop Grumman as a cost-effective replacement for Germany's ageing fleet of manned Breguet Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft, which have been in service since 1972 and are due to be retired later this year. Subsequent Euro Hawk systems are anticipated for delivery between 2016 and 2017 following successful testing and introduction in German operational service. German Air Force pilots and ground crews are currently training on a US Air Force (USAF) Block 20 Global Hawk at Beale AFB in California before transitioning to what Northrop Grumman terms 'Delta training' on the Euro Hawk. With this successful first flight under its belt, Northrop Grumman and EADS plan a series of flights at Edwards AFB to expand the aircraft's flight envelope. The aircraft will then be ferried to Germany in March 2011. The German Air Force intends to operate five Euro Hawks out of Schleswig-Jage Air Base, near the country's Baltic coast.

From CBC News U-boat captain’s daughter visits St. John’s 29 men died when Marita Collings's father sank two ships near Bell Island Last Updated: Thursday, July 8, 2010 | 9:42 PM NT The daughter of a Nazi U-boat captain who sank ships near St. John's during the Second World War struggled with mixed emotions on a pilgrimage to Newfoundland this week to make peace with her father's past. Marita Collings says the difficult trip brought her closer to her late father, Rolf Ruggeberg. "I have felt very close to my father these past few days," she said. "I think in many ways he would've been proud that I brought up the courage to come over here and do these things in his name." But it also brought her closer to the devastating impact her father had on Newfoundland during the Second World War. "I'm on the bad side," she said. "I'm alone, and it's my father That was quite hard." Ruggeberg's torpedo attacks sank two ships near Bell Island, close to St John's, where an iron mine operated. Twenty-nine men died when the S.S. Lord Strathcona and the S.S. Saganaga plunged to the bottom of Conception Bay, where their wrecks remain. For sinking the iron ore supply ships, Ruggeberg received two Iron Cross medals. After the war, Ruggeberg was tried at Nuremberg for war crimes, but he was cleared. He returned to naval service in Germany. In 1960, Ruggeberg became a diplomat based in London. He was Germany's naval attaché to Great Britain for many years until he retired and moved home to Germany, where he died in 1979 at the age of 72. Collings was born after the war and knew nothing of her late father's missions. "Basically, the only thing I knew was that he was a captain on a U-boat," she said. My first reaction, when I heard, was, 'I don't want anything to do with it.'— Marita Collings Then five years ago, while clearing out her mother's house in Germany, her husband Barry Collings discovered a small box containing military documents, slide photos of icebergs, and two Nazi-era Iron Crosses. "My first reaction, when I heard, was, 'I don't want anything to do with it.' I didn't know anything about it, and it wasn't anything I wanted to bring back," said Marita. Despite her reluctance, Collings's husband continued to research Ruggeberg's military past: "It's like a jigsaw," said Barry Collings. "Once we got hold of a copy of the logbook and started to work on the logbook, it all started to come together. The pictures matched some of the positions of the boat. The story started to unfold." It was a fascinating connection to history for Barry Collings, but not so for Marita. "I think that was one of the first things I said to my husband. I said, 'It's all very well for you. You were on the good side,'" she said. Marita and her husband had no connection to Newfoundland, but a few months after they learned about her father's connection to Canada, Barry went to a trade show in Britain and stumbled on a Newfoundland outfitter who offers diving trips to the wrecks of the ships Ruggeberg torpedoed. "And I said 'Oh my goodness, come on into my booth, have a drink of Screech," said outfitter Rick Stanley, laughing. A friendship was born and eventually Stanley persuaded Marita and Barry to be his guests in Newfoundland. "I also said to Barry at that same time, 'I know a great home for [your father-in-law's] artifacts.' Now five years later, here they are. It's very special to us," said Stanley. Artifacts delivered to Bell Island In early July, Barry and Marita Collings visited Bell Island, and Ruggeberg's artifacts were warmly received by the local historical society. "It's world history here that we're speaking of, and what Barry and Marita have brought to Newfoundland and to Bell Island is a nucleus for us to build around … and to bring this story to not only to Canadians, but to the world," said Stanley. "It's part of their history." There are hopes the wrecks in Conception Bay will become a national historic site. Marita Collings said she wants to return to Newfoundland to see that happen.

Yeah, I believe they do, and while the original plan was to have two boats each covering the Atlantic and Pacific, we're a pretty peaceful folk in the Atlantic those days.

People are quite free to make a counter-argument if they should so desire.

China has been grumbling in recent days about the as-yet-unscheduled US-ROK wargames, but given their locations, I don't see the appearances of the Ohio SSGNs as anything much more than normal contingency deployments. USS Ohio at Subic Bay : for contingencies in the Taiwan Strait and Westpac generally USS Michigan at Pusan : for contingencies on the Korean peninsula USS Florida at Diego Garcia : for contingencies in the Middle East/Persian Gulf Certainly nothing directed at China per se.

So, Spain vs Netherlands in the final. Two hungry teams, eager for their first World Cup win. Should be exciting. (Or, at least, as exciting as soccer/football can be. )

There is one ongoing right now - called Mach 2 Vampires - on the Myth Weavers site. I am sure if you had a particular scenario in mind, you would likely find folks willing to get involved.

Awesome. I'm glad someone found the gumption to take this on. I am sure it was no small task.

You may not be terribly concerned about precise accuracy, either.