Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • JFD surveys US vessels for US Navy submarine rescue

Defence

JFD surveys US vessels for US Navy submarine rescue

JFD has recently undertaken its first Vessel of Opportunity (VOO) surveys in the United States, on vessels that may be designated Submarine Rescue Motherships (MOSHIPs) operated by - or for - the US Navy.

Image courtesy US Navy

JFD was contracted to complete VOO assessments for the US Navy, including their dedicated rescue training MOSHIP, HOS Dominator and a similar vessel, USNS Black Powder, one of four sister vessels operated by the Navy. Engineers and Naval Architects from JFD conducted the surveys which evaluated the suitability of both vessels to accommodate the compatibility with another Submarine Rescue System (SRS) operating nation.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Ensuring vessels have full technical compliance for embarking international SRS equipment is critical in the event of a Distressed Submarine (DISSUB), where not having a suitable host vessel available will likely result in catastrophic delays.

Greg Cotten, Head of Operational Capability and Technical Authority, JFD said: “As a world leader in the design, build and operation of Submarine Rescue Systems, JFD is proud to have completed our first VOO surveys in the United States.

JFD’s experienced personnel, including Naval Architects, are on hand to help clients take proactive measures and ensure their vessels can host international submarine rescue systems.

Supporting the US Navy with safeguarding against any potential delays in the event of a submarine rescue operation aligns with our commitment to improve submariner safety and preserve life in the event of a submarine incident.”

JFD can provide a range of services in support of MOSHIPs and VOOs, such as Ship Survey and Suitability Assessments, as well as operating a VOO Database Service which tracks and monitors suitable VOOs that can be called upon in the time of need.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Experienced JFD personnel will be taking their vast knowledge of submarine rescue to the Combined Naval Event (CNE), which will be held from 24th - 26th May this year at the Farnborough Exhibition Centre in the UK. JFD are the SMERAS (Submarine Escape, Rescue, Abandonment and Survival) Partner and delivering a presentation on Wednesday 25th May at 9.30am: ‘Capability and requirements of Rescue MOSHIPs and VOOs to host Submarine Rescue Systems in the time of need.’

JFD will also be hosting an exclusive roundtable briefing discussing the opportunities of accommodating a Submarine Rescue System onto a vessel, as well as the challenges faced.
 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Navantia UK debuts autonomous vessel design

Defence Events

Navantia UK debuts autonomous vessel design

19 May 2026

At the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough today, Navantia UK unveiled its large autonomous surface vessel - LASV75 - as an example of the hi-tech capabilities of its four yards, which are undergoing large-scale modernisation.

QinetiQ to test British Army’s remote-controlled artillery systems

Defence

QinetiQ to test British Army’s remote-controlled artillery systems

19 May 2026

QinetiQ has been awarded a contract from the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group to put the British Army’s newly contracted Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) next generation artillery system through rigorous tests to ensure it is safe to use on operations.

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

19 May 2026

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

Apache support drones get £10m boost

Defence

Apache support drones get £10m boost

18 May 2026

Fully autonomous drones which will accompany the British Army’s Apache helicopters are receiving a £10 million investment as Project NYX reaches a new milestone.

Advertisement
ODU RT
RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard