Navy Tests High Energy Laser on USS Portland in Gulf of Aden

In 2014, we posted about the deployment of a prototype 30-kilowatt-class Laser Weapon System (LAWS) on the USS Ponce, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock, for field testing in the Persian Gulf. Last week, the Navy announced that the amphibious transport … Continue reading

USS New York Calls in New York for Veterans Day – Are the San Antonio Class Problems Fixed?

The USS New York called in New York harbor over the weekend to help celebrate Veteran’s Week.  The ship is the fifth of the San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock ships.  The ship’s bow includes 7.5 tonnes of salvaged steel from … Continue reading

New York/New Jersey & Super-storm Sandy – Disaster from the Sea & Relief from the Sea

The super-storm Sandy swept in from the Atlantic on Monday night, leaving millions without power, destroying thousands of homes, killing scores and dramatically rearranging the landscape of the Jersey shore. Many New York subways went underwater. Fuel supplies are extremely … Continue reading

Mine-Detecting Dolphins and USS Ponce, Commando “Mothership” in Persian Gulf?

As Iranian saber-rattling raises tensions around the Straits of Hormuz, the US Navy has cancelled plans to decommission the 40 year old USS Ponce (LPD-15), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock ship.  Instead the ship is reported to be being refitted to operate as a “mothership” … Continue reading