Northrop Grumman delivers ASDS to Navy

Sea Power, Sep 2003

Ceremonies in Annapolis, Md., marked the delivery of the new Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) to the Navy. Capt. Joe Fallone, program manager for deep submergence systems and the Naval Sea Systems Command's ASDS program manager, officially accepted the ASDS from Northrop Grumman, which turned over the new mini-submarine on 26 June 2003.

The ASDS is a combat submersible intended to carry SEALs and their combat gear to and from hostile shores in a clandestine manner. The craft-piloted by a sub-mariner and a SEAL-is deployable from some modified Los Angeles-class submarines and eventually will be carried by Virginia-class submarines, Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, and the third Seawolf-class submarine, the Jimmy Carter.

"This first-of-a-kind system provides a new level of operational capability to SEAL forces in high-threat areas," said Fallone. "The delivery of ASDS marks a major milestone in ensuring that our naval forces have the most technologically advanced equipment for today's critical missions."

Northrop Grumman Oceanic & Naval Systems-a unit of Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems-developed the ASDS in a teaming arrangement with the Naval Sea Systems Command, the Naval Special Warfare Command, and the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Photo shows the ASDS attached to the deck of the Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine USS Greeneville.