[tgs]

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php...68&c=MID&s=SEA
From news article:
The first of four new fast missile craft for Egypt was dedicated Oct. 25 at a shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the ship's name was announced.

The S. Ezzat is named after Soliman Ezzat, the admiral who founded and led the modern Egyptian Navy from 1953 to 1967, shipbuilder VT Halter Marine said in a press release.

Construction of the ship began in a newly built fabrication facility at VT Halter in November 2009 under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales program managed by the U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command.

The original contract for the program was awarded to VT Halter in November 2005. Since then, the U.S. has awarded the shipbuilder more than $800 million for the ships.

Also known as the Ambassador III class, the stealthy, 550-ton ships are 207 feet long. They are powered by three MTU diesels and designed for a top speed of 41 knots. The ships are armed with eight Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles and an OTO Melara 3-inch gun, with self-defense provided by a Rolling Airframe Missile launcher and a Close-In Weapon System Block 1B. They are designed to operate at sea for up to eight days.

The Egyptian Navy operates several classes of fast missile ships, built in the Soviet Union, Germany and Britain, but the last was delivered in 1982.

The Ezzat is expected to leave Mississippi for Egypt during 2012.

Construction continues on the other three ships: F. Zekry, M. Fahmy and A. Gad. The last ship is contracted for delivery in December 2013.

[Lt_Apple]

Now, this scares the hell out of me... there is only one reason these warships are being sold to Egypt and it isn't defense. Under which presidency was the contract signed mediocrates? I presume it is Obama's; however, if I am out in left field, please tell me.

Obama's alliances are transparent; Israel is not amongst his chosen, this is a certainty. Obama’s loathing of Israel was as plain as the nose on his arrogant face before he was elected to the Oval Office; nothing has changed. In fact, his loathing of America, also, was unambiguous.

Sorry, I’m off the point. In my opinion, this USS Obama fiasco ultimately jeopardizes Israel, which is an understatement. Then again, this is precisely Obama’s intent; the eventual defeat of Israel. I’m sure there are those in disagreement with me, who to this day see Obama as the messiah – some messiah, some president.

[NeroASERCH]

8 × RGM-84 Boeing Harpoon SSM Block 1G in 2 quad canister launchers The Harpoon was first introduced in 1977 after the sinking of the Israeli destroyer Eilat in 1967 by a Soviet-built Styx anti-ship missile from an Egyptian missile boat.
So they're obviously sticking with the tried and tested.
The Harpoon has also been adapted for carriage on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
And it's one size fits all?

[radikal]

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/149209
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza to Widen Terror Axis
The new Egyptian regime has allowed the Muslim Brotherhood to visit Gaza, a move that widens the Iranian-Hamas-Hizbullah terror Axis. Will they be flying there or sailing? Thanks to Obama they will have a choice now.

[PhillipHer]

Now, this scares the hell out of me... there is only one reason these warships are being sold to Egypt and it isn't defense. Under which presidency was the contract signed mediocrates? I presume it is Obama's; however, if I am out in left field, please tell me.

From Wiki
Design and RFS work was in the 1990's. Initial downselect was in 1999. Final downselect was in January 2001. Technical development was stalled through 2004. Program first phase started in Jan 2005. System design validation completed 12/2006. Phase 2 (current tranche) started September 2008. TCV is now estimated @ $1.3 billion.