On 15 July, ThysssenKrupp Marine Systems' Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft shipyard (HDW) in Kiel, Germany, launched the first of Portugal's new Type 209PN air-independent propulsion-equipped submarines. The vessel, named Tridente, is expected in service late next year and a second unit of the class is planned for delivery in 2010. A contract for the two submarines, along with the option for purchase of a possible third boat, was awarded in 2004 at a total cost of approximately 800 million Euros ($1.225 billion). The Tridente will use an air-independent propulsion system consisting of two 120kW polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules and a Permasyn propulsion motor. Two diesel generators and a propulsion battery are also fitted. Displacing roughly 1,800 tons and measuring 68 meters long, Portugal's Type 209PN submarines fitted with eight torpedo tubes are expected to sail with a complement of 32 enlisted crewmembers and 5 officers.
This summer the Brazilian frigate Greenhalgh became the first ship from that nation to fully integrate into a U.S. Navy strike group. While taking part in exercises with the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) Expeditionary Strike Group, the Greenhalgh sailed with the USS Carter Hall (LSD-50), USS San Antonio (LPD-17), USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), USS Ramage (DDG-61), USS Roosevelt (DDG-80), USS Hartford (SSN-768), and the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Greenhalgh is an ex-British Royal Navy Broadsword-class (Type 22) frigate displacing some 4,000 tons and capable of carrying Exocet antiship missiles, Sea Wolf surface-to-air missiles, and up to two Lynx helicopters. Originally named HMS Broadsword, the ship was commissioned in 1979 and transferred to Brazil in June 1995. The Greenhalgh's strike group participation highlights continued efforts by the United States and allied nations to integrate their naval forces, turning the new maritime strategy and its emphasis on collective security into an emerging reality.
Another naval first of sorts took place this past July when the Italian Navy's Type 212A submarine Salvatore Todaro arrived in Mayport, Florida, becoming the first Italian submarine to visit the United States since World War II. Commissioned in 2006, this advanced air-independent propulsion-equipped submarine was launched in 2003 and built to a German design by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. Her sister, Sciré, entered Italian service in 2007. Two additional Type 212A units are to be built for the Italian Navy with delivery planned for about 2014. The Salvatore Todaro's visit supports joint task force exercises with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) Carrier Strike Group and provides the U.S. and Italian navies with specialized operational testing and training opportunities.