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
Gulfstream banner
Dstl trials AI-powered drones for rapid explosives detection

Defence

Dstl trials AI-powered drones for rapid explosives detection

13 April 2026

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has led a major trial on behalf of the British Army, using AI-powered drone technology to identify landmines and explosive ordnance, which allowed bomb-disposal experts to conduct their mission faster through rapid detection.

Maritime Multi Link programme reaches Phase 2c milestone

Defence

Maritime Multi Link programme reaches Phase 2c milestone

13 April 2026

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) National Armaments Director (NAD) Group has reached a key milestone in the Maritime Multi Link (MML) programme, achieving the Equipment Delivery Date for Phase 2c, a significant step forward in how Royal Navy ships share critical battlefield information.

NAD fully established as Andy Start retires

Defence

NAD fully established as Andy Start retires

13 April 2026

The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group is marking a year since interim NAD (Deputy) Andy Start established it in March 2025 and who is now retiring after 37 years in defence.

NAD contract secures future of Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft

Defence Events

NAD contract secures future of Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft

13 April 2026

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's (BBMF) five Spitfires and two Hurricanes will remain airworthy until at least December 2035 through a new contract awarded by the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock secures FMSP contract extension with MoD

Defence

Babcock secures FMSP contract extension with MoD

13 April 2026

Babcock has agreed a two‑year extension of its Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), ensuring the continued delivery of vital fleet and infrastructure support for the Royal Navy’s surface ships, to sustain capability that remains critical to the UK’s operational readiness.

GKN Aerospace and AFRL launch TITAN-AM

Aerospace Defence

GKN Aerospace and AFRL launch TITAN-AM

13 April 2026

GKN Aerospace today announced the launch of TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialisation and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), an $8.4 million programme in partnership with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner