View Full Version : Subsim's Continuing USS TEXAS coverage
Onkel Neal
08-14-06, 10:16 AM
I’m scheduled to meet Wednesday in a media conference with the CO of the TEXAS, latest US Virginia class fast attack. I would like to check with you nuke subsim experts and see if you have any good questions I should add to my interview. The web is an interactive media, we should take advantage of that and have the readers help shape the interview. Thanks!
Neal
Cool deal. Do you get to go to the Commissioning ceremony for the USS Texas in Galveston too?
Here's my question: What does a civilian have to do to get a tour of his boat :D:huh: :lol:
Onkel Neal
08-14-06, 07:27 PM
Wha --? No, no, real questions :) Don't make me think the DW crowd doesn't have questions about the Virginia class:hmm:
Sea Demon
08-14-06, 07:42 PM
1. Are Seawolf and Virginia technologically at the same level, other than just the few differences in the different configurations we've seen in public reports (VLS, new sub control interfaces, etc.)?
2. What strengths does Virginia improve over Seawolf?
3. Is Virginia easier to maintain than Seawolf?
I know the CO may not have total answers for these as the info may be classified. I don't want to compromise national security, but I'd like to know these things.
PeriscopeDepth
08-14-06, 09:24 PM
I'm sure if it's classified stuff he won't be talking about it. Alright Neal, here are some from me:
1) What do you like the most about the Virginia boats?
2) If you're not already, I'd ask him to tell a funny/interesting sea story.
3) Is the Virginia class an evolutionary or revolutionary step in SSN design? Explain.
4) Are living conditions on the Virginias better/worse than previous classes?
PD
Honestly... every question that I can think of either sounds pretty cheesy, or sounds like something that he wouldn't be able to tell us anyway...:hmm:
How about this:
1. In your experience, how will this deployment differ from your previous deployments. Does the fact that the Texas is of a brand new ship class change or alter the experience any?
2. Being that the Texas is a brand new ship and only the 2nd of its kind, is there any paticular vibe from the crew that you feel is different than what you've experienced in the past?
3. Are you a Texas native yourself? What does it mean to you that your ship is named after the very best state in all America? :yep: :lol: :up:
4. Are there any special or paticular words that you would choose to characterize the "feel" of the ship itself?
5. In general what are your hopes in regards to the future of the Virginia class subs? What would you like to see in terms of the future of the class?
That should do the trick. :)
Some Edits to wording
Onkel Neal
08-14-06, 10:24 PM
Now we're talking! Thanks, anyone else?
I think it's always more interesting to hear what you think.
Camaero
08-14-06, 10:42 PM
Hey, I can't really think of any questions, but I can't wait to read the answers! Looking forward to it.:know:
If you want to be a smartass ask him how two people can safely drive and trim the boat in the event of a catastrophic loss of electircal power.
Please don't really ask that, but I AM curious to know how they justified the new ships control party (pilot/copilot...how Seaquest is that??). The whole pilot/copilot thing intrigues me, but the learning process from helmsman --> COW --> Dive seems like it will get short-circuited somewhere and we're going to lose some proficiency at shiphandling. I'm not normally a traditionalist, but...we're not australians. :know: 5 drivers made me feel safer.
Sea Demon
08-14-06, 11:45 PM
Please don't really ask that, but I AM curious to know how they justified the new ships control party (pilot/copilot...how Seaquest is that??). The whole pilot/copilot thing intrigues me, but the learning process from helmsman --> COW --> Dive seems like it will get short-circuited somewhere and we're going to lose some proficiency at shiphandling. I'm not normally a traditionalist, but...we're not australians. :know: 5 drivers made me feel safer.
Actually, that's a very interesting point you have there Henson. Sounds like a good question to me. Are U.S. submarine sailors going to lose shiphandling proficiency as a result of the new ship control configuration?
goldorak
08-15-06, 03:48 AM
Actually, that's a very interesting point you have there Henson. Sounds like a good question to me. Are U.S. submarine sailors going to lose shiphandling proficiency as a result of the new ship control configuration?
That question seems a bit on the secret side. :arrgh!:
Anyway not being a sailor i'll just put in my .02 € maybe they designed it that way because its more efficient and not less efficient ? :hmm:
XabbaRus
08-15-06, 05:34 AM
Here's mine.
If they really wanted too, say they got bored, can they load DW up onto the system and play multistation multiplayer? Ya know, they can get bored and at least they could pretend to shoot stuff and see it getting blown up too. :)
As it is the USS Texas, ask him, where's the Bar-B-Q compartment, also what's his policy on illegal Mexicans trying to sneak in?
Sub Sailor
08-15-06, 07:06 AM
I would like to know about the Reactor Plant-what model and also about noise reduction, especially compared to the Seawolf.
What is the weapon load out.
I would enjoy hearing about living conditions. I made a lot of patrols on older boats and we use to carry movies. I would enjoy hearing if now the boats have DVD players instead of movies, and about the ships entertainment system. We used to have four channels and it was cassettes. I would assume it is the newest around. Neal ask if they have room for books, we use to really be kept up to date on reading material. We also had colleges classes all of it could and helped fill in time.
Thanks,
Ron Banks MMCM(SS), USN(Ret):know:
As it is the USS Texas, ask him, where's the Bar-B-Q compartment, also what's his policy on illegal Mexicans trying to sneak in?
mmmmm.....bar-b-q. Now I'm hungry.
*goes* to warmup some bar-b-q leftovers from last week* :)
CapnSteph
08-15-06, 11:03 AM
I have a few questions, some of them he may just stare at you and not answer, but I'll post them anyway.
1. Operational/Crush depth. The Seawolves were HY-100 steel, and the LA were HY-80 steel, curious to see if they reverted back to old hull material on the Texas, or if they kept the same hull material that was used on the 'Wolf.
2. Weapons loadout. I know that they reverted back to the 4 21 inch tubes in the Virginia class, but it would be interesting to see if they somehow managed to load a larger complement of torpedoes in the same given volume as a 688.
3. Whether the Virginia is good enough to warrant cancellation of the Seawolf class. This is a question he will obviously be biased about, but it would be interesting to see an actual Captains take on this debate. In my very insignificant opinion, the Seawolf is the queen of the deep water, and I believe that national security is worth the 1-2 Billion per boat. Jesus, we bought 25 or so B-2 bombers, which are 2.6 Billion a pop.
That's all I can think of for now, if I come up with more questions, I'll post them.
Thanks.
Driftwood
08-15-06, 06:40 PM
3. Are you a Texas native yourself? What does it mean to you that your ship is named after the very best state in all America? :yep: :lol: :up:
Some Edits to wording
I completely agree! :D That is.......Right after North Carolina! Which I believe is getting commissioned in the next year! AND we have great barbeque up here too!:up: :D Sorry, couldn't resist!;)
Actually, that's a very interesting point you have there Henson. Sounds like a good question to me. Are U.S. submarine sailors going to lose shiphandling proficiency as a result of the new ship control configuration?
That question seems a bit on the secret side. :arrgh!:
Anyway not being a sailor i'll just put in my .02 € maybe they designed it that way because its more efficient and not less efficient ? :hmm:
There's no question in my mind that it is MUCH more efficient to have 2 guys driving rather than 5. My question is whether we are as SAFE. I'm not convinced, but those guys are supposedly a lot smarter than I am, and I'm sure they have it figured out.
On a US submarine the COW/DOOW team has godlike powers, and is integral to the safety of the ship, the mission, and the crew both in normal evolutions and especially during casualties. IMO that knowledge and experience they have is a direct result of the time they have had as junior guys 'sitting sticks' in control and seeing how we operate the ship. The new system takes the junior guys out of the equation, and instead we have a couple of chiefs with touch screens and joysticks. I'm sure it looks really cool and all, but I want to know when it is they're supposed to get all of that experience and learn how to drive the boat.
On a US submarine the COW/DOOW team has godlike powers, and is integral to the safety of the ship, the mission, and the crew both in normal evolutions and especially during casualties. IMO that knowledge and experience they have is a direct result of the time they have had as junior guys 'sitting sticks' in control and seeing how we operate the ship. The new system takes the junior guys out of the equation, and instead we have a couple of chiefs with touch screens and joysticks. I'm sure it looks really cool and all, but I want to know when it is they're supposed to get all of that experience and learn how to drive the boat.
Playstation? Maybe they've made a PS2 game for the Junior Officers called "drive the boat".:huh: :rock:
3. Are you a Texas native yourself? What does it mean to you that your ship is named after the very best state in all America? :yep: :lol: :up:
Some Edits to wording
I completely agree! :D That is.......Right after North Carolina! Which I believe is getting commissioned in the next year! AND we have great barbeque up here too!:up: :D Sorry, couldn't resist!;)
Them's fighting words!:arrgh!:
Onkel Neal
08-16-06, 05:32 PM
Great questions, thanks, fellows. I asked several of your questions during the media conference. Afterwards, I was asked by the President of the Navy League (Houston) to join him and the CO for lunch at the Yacht Club. What a day!
http://www.subsim.com/articles/articl11.jpg (http://www.subsim.com/articles/articl12.jpg)
Commander Litherland was outstanding, his command presence filled the room & he was courteous and interesting as well. Full report in the works, watch the Subsim main page tonight.
Thanks for your help.
Neal
Hey! I know that guy on the far left. http://www.subsim.com/house/articl14.jpg
And the Commander's XO grew up 15miles from me. Greenville was one of our school rivals. Just goes to show you... Small world...or at least small state (until you have to drive across it)
Hey Neal, do you get to go to the commissioning ceremony?
hyperion2206
08-17-06, 03:04 PM
Commander Litherland was outstanding,...
I know that I'm a bit narrow minded;) but isn't Litherland actually a Captain? Or do you mean by calling him "Commander" that he is commanding the USS Texas?
Neal would it be possible to you to arrange a meeting for us too? :hmm: Let me explain lol... I mean, for example 1 hour chat meeting for all of us interested, in the (virtual) presence of the commander...
Here in Switzerland we have similar "virtual meetings" with different personalities, up to the highest politicians and so on, where anyone can ask anything, and some moderator to be sure that all works smoothly...
Maybe this is a ridicolous idea... but to ask costs nothing... and it would be great :yep: :yep: :yep:
Commander Litherland was outstanding,...
I know that I'm a bit narrow minded;) but isn't Litherland actually a Captain? Or do you mean by calling him "Commander" that he is commanding the USS Texas?
While he is the captain of that ship, his rank is that of Commander. All US Submarines (with the exception of the 4 SSGNs) are led by Commanders.
Sea Demon
08-17-06, 09:04 PM
Actually, if you look at his shoulders, he shows the rank of 0-6 which is Captain. Not Commander.
Onkel Neal
08-17-06, 10:04 PM
Actually, if you look at his shoulders, he shows the rank of 0-6 which is Captain. Not Commander.
Yep, he's a full Captain as well as captain of the ship. I thought he was a Commander, but the shoulder boards don't lie.
Onkel Neal
08-17-06, 10:07 PM
Neal would it be possible to you to arrange a meeting for us too? :hmm: Let me explain lol... I mean, for example 1 hour chat meeting for all of us interested, in the (virtual) presence of the commander...
Here in Switzerland we have similar "virtual meetings" with different personalities, up to the highest politicians and so on, where anyone can ask anything, and some moderator to be sure that all works smoothly...
Maybe this is a ridicolous idea... but to ask costs nothing... and it would be great :yep: :yep: :yep:
It's a great idea, I don't think it is possible with Capt. Litherland at present because the commissioning is coming and I got the impression there are a million details and responsibilties he has to attend to. But, at some future point, I think it would be a marvelous idea to get a sub captain chat set up.
Sorry you missed the 2005 Subsim meeting in Galveston, we had Capt. Zeb deliver a lecture. He was captain of the USS Shark and USS Sam Houston, a real man's sub skipper.
cheers
Neal
All US Submarines (with the exception of the 4 SSGNs) are led by Commanders.
What rank leads the SSGNs? Rear Admiral?:o
Onkel Neal
08-17-06, 10:29 PM
Hey Neal, do you get to go to the commissioning ceremony?
Yeah, baby!:yep:
Camaero
08-17-06, 11:50 PM
Neal gets to do the coolest things:|\\
All US Submarines (with the exception of the 4 SSGNs) are led by Commanders.
What rank leads the SSGNs? Rear Admiral?:o
Captain (O-6)
Hey Neal, do you get to go to the commissioning ceremony?
Yeah, baby!:yep:
Nice. You know, I can't really see any place in Galveston that would be able to host such a big event on the water (though I've never really walked the docks). Is it going to be at the Yacht club on maybe near the cruise terminals?
Onkel Neal
08-20-06, 10:10 PM
Nice. You know, I can't really see any place in Galveston that would be able to host such a big event on the water (though I've never really walked the docks). Is it going to be at the Yacht club on maybe near the cruise terminals?
I'm going to report that after the commissioning. Security is going to be tight, so I'll avoid specifics. If you are in the Houston/Galveston area, send me a note, maybe we can meet.
Neal
Onkel Neal
08-27-06, 09:03 PM
Update: The Navy invited the media out to Cape Canaveral for an embark. I attended for Subsim, got to meet the crew, tour the sub. I will have an article out tomorrow.
http://www.subsim.com/articles/images/articl43.jpg
Onkel Neal
08-28-06, 10:21 AM
Article posted: www.subsim.com (http://www.subsim.com)
Any of you who live in Texas and you want to attend the arrival of Texas, give me a shout. We will be saluting the sub from Seawolf Park Monday Sept. 4.
Driftwood
08-28-06, 11:40 AM
Great job on the story Neil! She certainly is a fine boat!
simsurfer
08-28-06, 12:08 PM
How was I NOT suprised that Neal was on that boat :p
Article posted: www.subsim.com (http://www.subsim.com)
Any of you who live in Texas and you want to attend the arrival of Texas, give me a shout. We will be saluting the sub from Seawolf Park Monday Sept. 4.
I live in Galveston actually. But alas, school has started back and I'm now in the cluthes of one of the most feared and intimidating medical professors in the entire campus:huh: :dead: . No free time for me for a while :(
Neal,
That was an Outstanding story and great pics. I'm ready to get underway again!!! That last picture troubled me though, WERE IS YOUR USS TEXAS HAT:D :D :D Keep up the great work and enjoy every minute
Tim
Onkel Neal
08-28-06, 10:18 PM
Thanks, Tim. I enjoyed the time aboard Texas, it was very special for me. The officers and crew were real champs, I was very impressed. I was also glad to get a chance to show Texas and the Virginia class to Subsim readers.:yep:
I got the biggest kick late in the cruise when I came across Petty Officer Granito. He asked, "Who are you with?"
I said, "Subsim.com".
His mouth dropped open. He asked, "what's your name?"
When I said, "Neal Stevens," his eyes lit up :o and he exclaimed "Hi Neal, I'm Ping Jockey!"
Ha ha, it was great meeting a Subsim regular on the embark.:rock:
http://www.subsim.com/images/kc2006/1_1can1.jpg
nikimcbee
08-28-06, 10:29 PM
Article posted: www.subsim.com (http://www.subsim.com)
Any of you who live in Texas and you want to attend the arrival of Texas, give me a shout. We will be saluting the sub from Seawolf Park Monday Sept. 4.
I went to Texas at the wrong time.:oops:
Sea Demon
08-29-06, 01:50 AM
I got the biggest kick late in the cruise when I came across Petty Officer Granito. He asked, "Who are you with?"
I said, "Subsim.com".
His mouth dropped open. He asked, "what's your name?"
When I said, "Neal Stevens," his eyes lit up :o and he exclaimed "Hi Neal, I'm Ping Jockey!"
Ha ha, it was great meeting a Subsim regular on the embark.:rock:
:cool: Thanks for sharing Neal. What a great time you must of had. I can truly say we are all envious of your experience. :yep:
Very much appreciate the story and pics. :up:
Onkel Neal
08-29-06, 09:57 AM
Thanks, SD.
And if it looks like I'm bragging, well, I guess Texans have been known to indulge in that. But really, I was just pretty excited and wanted to share the experience with you guys.:ping:
Neal
Skybird
08-29-06, 10:22 AM
"My name is Com. Subsim Com."
:lol: Sounds as if you have had a great time!
Must become an administrator myself, I guess. www,spacetrek,com (http://www.spacetrek.com). :)Maybe that will get me aboard the ISS one day... :hmm:
sonar732
08-29-06, 06:44 PM
Thanks, Tim. I enjoyed the time aboard Texas, it was very special for me. The officers and crew were real champs, I was very impressed. I was also glad to get a chance to show Texas and the Virginia class to Subsim readers.:yep:
I got the biggest kick late in the cruise when I came across Petty Officer Granito. He asked, "Who are you with?"
I said, "Subsim.com".
His mouth dropped open. He asked, "what's your name?"
When I said, "Neal Stevens," his eyes lit up :o and he exclaimed "Hi Neal, I'm Ping Jockey!"
Ha ha, it was great meeting a Subsim regular on the embark.:rock:
Looks thru private messages....where was the job information he gave me?????
Onkel Neal
09-04-06, 10:28 PM
Arrival pics:
http://www.subsim.com/articles/article_usstexas3.php (http://www.subsim.com/articles/article_usstexas3.php)
Onkel Neal
09-09-06, 07:28 PM
Commissioning video! (http://origin.eastbaymedia.com/%7Ewebcast/asx/texas/player-hi.html)
After First Lady Laura Bush gives the go-ahead to man the ship, the roaring sound are F-16 jets ripping overhead.
Neal
Pingjockey
09-10-06, 09:30 AM
Hey neal, guys.... Looks like you got a nice pic of us. I have no problems answering questions as long as there not classified. I would love to also help with a DW mod based on the USS Texas so anyone have any plans for this.
STS1(SS) Michael Granito
USS Texas SSN-775
IT Division
Pingjockey
Is the Texas passing through Mayport on her way back? I'd love to poke my head in...I'm supposed to start teaching BYG-1 TI-04/APB-05 to an SSGN crew in a month and have never actually seen how people are employing it.
How do you feel about sonar's new location? Does it work for you as a sup?
-FT1
Pingjockey
09-10-06, 08:21 PM
Well the BYG-1 works pretty good although its a older rev and still has issues (like spontainous warm starts right in the middle of uploading missions). Allot of people have thought that having sonar in control would make things tough but so far it seems to be working ok. As a SUP, I don't know really because I have not requalifed sonar sup here although I am previously qualified on the AN/BQQ-10 suite (ARCI Phase 4) which is about the same as this system. I stand Lan Tech of the Watch (LTOW) I am in IT Div......
-STS1
Pingjockey
sonar732
09-11-06, 05:59 AM
I only wish that I could've stayed in back in '95! To see Pingjockey's signature with IT and STS would've been a dream come true for me!
:cry::damn:
Pingjockey
09-11-06, 07:01 PM
I guess it would have huh 732. I forwarded your info to the folks we talked about. I assummed they contacted you and i never did hear from ya again. Did they not contact ya...???
Anyway, thanks for all the cool comments...
Fire_Spy
09-27-06, 05:45 AM
Watched two interesting documentaries on the USS Virginia and the USS Texas. Was very interesting. Especially the modular design of the sub. This sub would be a very good inclusion for DW.
Driftwood
09-27-06, 06:46 AM
Well the BYG-1 works pretty good although its a older rev and still has issues (like spontainous warm starts right in the middle of uploading missions). Allot of people have thought that having sonar in control would make things tough but so far it seems to be working ok. As a SUP, I don't know really because I have not requalifed sonar sup here although I am previously qualified on the AN/BQQ-10 suite (ARCI Phase 4) which is about the same as this system. I stand Lan Tech of the Watch (LTOW) I am in IT Div......
-STS1
Pingjockey
Hey Ping, I'm sure I can probably be put up before a firing squad for even asking this but I don't suppose you can get us some pics of the control Room or Sonar Station can you? It would make for some really nice wallpaper! :D
Pingjockey
09-27-06, 05:02 PM
Well I will see what I can do. I will talk to the XO and COB and see what they think. I maybe able to do something
Driftwood
09-28-06, 06:48 AM
:D :D :D :D :D Thanks for the effort! I'm running two PC's side by side (so I can play with myself :rotfl: ). Got a high res wallpaper of the SW dive station in operation on one and a high res wallpaper of an LA class sonar shack on the other. Really adds some great ambiance to my "Conn." Sure hope your XO and COB can work something out! Either way, thanks for looking into it! :up:
It would appear that somebody has not been very careful with their new submarine!
http://bubbleheads.blogspot.com/2006/10/there-shall-be-groundings-and-rumors.html
Molon Labe
10-04-06, 10:15 AM
It would appear that somebody has not been very careful with their new submarine!
http://bubbleheads.blogspot.com/2006/10/there-shall-be-groundings-and-rumors.html
Until and unless the pics are posted, I think we can easily put this in the "bull****" file
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