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The USS Heron (MHC-52), second of a new class of GRP-hulled U.S. Navy minehunters built by Intermarine USA, Savannah, Ga. Intermarine USA Launches Second Navy Minehunter The Savannah, Ga., shipyard of Intermarine USA recently launched the U.S. Navy ship Heron (MHC- 52), the second in a series of advanced minehunter vessels. The Heron is constructed entire- ly of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) to a design first developed for the Italian Navy Lerici Class minehunt- ers. The technology was transferred to the U.S. Navy Coastal Minehunt- er Program under a unique arrangement managed by Interma- rine USA, a subsidiary of Intermarine SpA, a Ferruzzi Group company. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Georgia Senator Wyche Fowler, Boris Biancheri, the Italian Ambassador to the U.S., and several senior-ranking U.S. Navy personnel and Ferruzzi Group officials. The ship's sponsor was Mrs. Le- onard McRoskey, wife of the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs. The ship is a larger version of the successful Lerici Class Italian Mine- hunters that were so effective in the Persian Gulf mine clearance during Operation Desert Storm. The Her- on is 188 feet long, 890 metric tons in weight and built entirely of flexi- ble and resilient fiberglass to ensure her survival in the event of a close mine explosion. Her crew of 51 sail- ors will search for mines with a high definition, variable depth sonar and neutralize them with a remotely controlled robot submarine. Sys- tems on board include the Raytheon minehunting sonar AN/SQQ-32 and Alliant Techsystems mine neutral- ization system. Propulsion for the vessel is pro- vided by two Isotta Fraschini 8V AM ID36 amagnetic diesel engines, rated at 800 hp each at 1,800 rpm, and two Voith-Schneider cycloidal propellers. Heron is the second ship of the Osprey (MHC-51) Minehunter Class. The design integrates modern mine countermeasures tech- nology proven in the Persian Gulf into a unqiuely designed platform with exceptionally low magnetic and acoustic signatures to protect against mine detonations during minehunting operations. Heron will be commissioned by the U.S. Navy and join her sister ship Osprey following an extensive test and trials program in 1993. Intermarine's third Navy mine- hunter, Oriole, is also under construction in Savannah. The program to transfer Italian designer and construction technolo- gy to U.S. Navy Mine Warfare shipbuilding programs began in 1986 with the award of a design contract to Intermarine SpA. Inter- marine USA was established in 1987 to build these ships for the U.S. Navy. The construction contract for Heron was awarded to the company by the Naval Sea Systems Command in 1989. For free literature on the boat- building services of Intermarine USA, Circle 28 on Reader Service Card Two Yards Awarded Deactivation Contracts The Maritime Administration (MarAd) has awarded two contracts worth a total of $5.2 million for deac- tivation and voyage repairs on the breakbulk vessels SS Santa Ana and SS Banner. Mobile, Ala.-based Bender Ship- building & Repair Co., Inc., has been contracted under a $2.3 million award for the SS Santa Ana, and Stevens Technical Services, Brook- lyn, N.Y., has received $2.41 million for the SS Banner. KOBELCO KOBE STEEL, LTD. COMPACT SEALS Kobelco Compact Seals, made by Kobe Steel, offer proven and unique state-of-the-art design. Kobelco Sterntube Seals provide shipowners and shipyards with: • Superior quality • Reliable, efficient operation • Ease of installation • Competitive pricing • Worldwide service Kobe Steel, manufacturer and supplier of Sterntube Seals since 1966, offer the optimum performance of: • Standard (3 ring) and Double Security (4 ring) Compact Seals • Leak-prevention, double security Compact Seals • NBR and Viton Sealrings • Special alloy high grade Chrome Steel Liners • Replacement parts suitable for Simplex and Simplex Compact Seals 72 Roland Marine INC 90 BROAD STREET. NEW YORK. NY 10004, TELEPHONE (212) 269-1076 FAX (212) 943-4346, TELEX 222197 EXCLUSIVE A6ENTS FOR SALES AND SERVICE FOR NORTH AMERICA OFFERING EXPERIENCED TECHNICAL STAFF, ROUND-THE-CLOCK CONSULTING AND SERVICE. AND COMPLETE INVENTORY OF ALL TYPES OF BONDING DEVICES. Circle 283 on Reader Service Card HYDRASEARCH PRODUCTS Designed & Built For A life At Sea Hydrasearch products are built to withstand the punish- ment of the hostile ocean environment providing years of dependable service. Most are built in accordance with Military Specifications to provide U.S. and foreign navies with the quality and reliability they demand. STAR Latch Assembly Underway Replenishment at Sea Equipment: Products include probes and probe receivers, saddles, hose, couplings, trolleys, transfer chairs, pelican hooks, and slings utilized in Fueling, Solid Cargo, and Vertical transfer-at-sea ER12 End Fittings and Hose: Qualified Under Military Specification MIL-H-24136/1 Products include 5, 6, and 8 inch bronze hose end fittings and synthetic rubber hose utilized in shipboard fresh water, salt water, fuel, and oil systems. End fitting con- figurations include straight and 90 degree flange ends, split clamp ends, and hose doglegs. 120 Admiral Cochrane Dr.. Annapolis, MD 21401 USA Phone (410) 224-3821 FAX (410) 266-3054 Circle 232 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter/Engineering News Intermediate Ring Flange Ring Flange Ring Intermediate Ring _ I Cover Ring FORWARD SEAL Cover Ring Clamp Ring Liner Sealing Ring