PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Navy’s Specialized and Proven Aircraft program office (PMA-226) recently delivered the first F-5N aircraft to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, to begin ground and flight test of the F-5 block upgrade prototype project, the Naval Air Systems Command said in a Sept. 20 release.  

Aligned with the Navy’s strategic imperative of increasing capability and enhancing lethality, the newly redesigned tactical fighters will include features found on modern aircraft that improve both safety and readiness. 

The F-5 aircraft, performing for many years as a high-altitude, high-speed tactical fighter used by the Navy and Marine Corps as an adversary aggressor, lacks modern safety systems, avionics and common tactical capabilities found in modern aircraft. This F-5N aircraft is one of three F-5Ns that will be used as prototypes of the modernized cockpit, avionics and supporting aircraft architecture. These upgrades improve safety, capability and reliability, while resolving increasing obsolescence issues. 

Upon successful completion of test, the program office will use these upgrades as a major element in the conversion of the 16 F-5E and six F-5F aircraft the Navy recently acquired from the Swiss air force. The program office will convert these 22 aircraft under the Avionics Reconfiguration and Tactical Enhancement/Modernization for Inventory Standardization (ARTEMIS) program. PMA-226 successfully completed the independent logistics assessment for the ARTEMIS Program in June and anticipates reaching a Milestone C decision in early fiscal 2022. 

“Constructive collaboration with our partners, the fleet and the PMA-226 team drove mission success despite the technical, schedule and management challenges of integrating 21st-century technology into a 1970s airframe during the pandemic,” said Boyd Forsythe, PMA-226 adversary team lead.     

The F-5 aircraft receiving the block upgrade prototype modifications will be designated F-5N+/F+. The potential risk of loss of a pilot and/or aircraft will be reduced by adding necessary instrumentation that provides air-to-ground warning, severe weather protection and fuel level warnings. This upgrade will also add tactical capabilities designed to improve “friendly” force air-to-air training.  

Given the significant use of commercial-off-the-shelf components with well-defined maintenance and support equipment requirements for the block upgrade prototype configured aircraft, the product support strategy will be organizational level (O-level) to original equipment manufacturer. The block upgrade O-level preventive maintenance will consist of inspections, cleaning and scheduled maintenance tasks. Additionally, the O-level maintainers will load system software using currently fielded commercial off-the-shelf portable electronic maintenance aids. 

“This program will provide modernized aircraft with exceptional avionics and tactical capabilities which are needed to allow pilots to practice the tactics and techniques employed against a near-peer threat. Delivery of these improvements will ensure realistic and relevant tactical training the pilots need to win in combat,” said Capt. Ramiro Flores, PMA-226 program manager. 

PMA-226 is responsible for life cycle cradle-to-grave management of several legacy and out-of-inventory aircraft and engines, assigned by Naval Air Systems Command and contracted air services. Assigned platforms and services include: Adversary Aircraft (F-5, F-16); Contracted Aircraft Services; U.S. Naval Test Pilot School/Naval Postgraduate School T-38, H-72, X-26, U-6, NU-1B, O-2 and OH-58C; and Out of Active Navy Inventory aircraft T-2, H-2, H-3 and A-4, in support of the Naval Aviation Enterprise and international partners. 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) KC-130J integrated product team successfully completed full operational capability of the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit (HAWK) Plus (HH+), Naval Air Systems Command said in a Sep. 20 release. The 10^th and final aircraft modified to the HH+ configuration was delivered to the Fleet Marine Forces Aug. 26. 

The aircraft modifications were part of the Marine Corps KC-130J Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) / Weapons Mission Kit program that began in 2015. The program improved the existing Marine Corp KC-130J Harvest HAWK system by integrating the MX-20 electro-optical/infrared multi-sensor imaging system and adding door-mounted missile employment capability. 

Harvest HAWK+ aircraft modifications began in 2015 with the first aircraft delivering in October 2015.  NAVAIR’s aircraft prototype systems division at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, modified the first six aircraft while Sierra Nevada Corp. in Colorado Springs, Colorado, modified the last four aircraft. 

Five HH+ aircraft were delivered to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport (VMGR) 352 in Miramar, California, and four aircraft were sent to VMGR-252 in Cherry Point, North Carolina. One HH+ aircraft will remain at VX-20 in Patuxent River for Block 8.1 and future HH+ testing. 

“We are proud to provide the Marine Air-Ground Task Force with an updated intra-theater Close Air Support and Multi-Sensor Imagery Reconnaissance capability,” said Capt. Steve Nassau, PMA-207 program manager. “I couldn’t be prouder of my government and contractor team for delivering this critical weapon system to our warfighters.” 

BEIRUT — Expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County (T-EPF 2) arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 20, to participate in U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s (NAVCENT) first-ever Central Partnership Station (CPS) mission, the command said in a Sept. 21 release.

The CPS mission in Lebanon is designed to build partner capacity through subject-matter-expert exchanges, enhancing interoperability and the military-to-military relationship between the U.S. Navy and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

“This is a new opportunity for the U.S. Navy to work with our Lebanese counterparts,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “We are ushering in a new era of strengthening and expanding capacity building across the region.”

The mission includes a series of subject matter expert exchanges between LAF and NAVCENT personnel on mine countermeasures, disaster response, public health and construction capabilities.

U.S. forces working alongside their LAF counterparts include the Choctaw County, explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Navy divers, a medical and health engagement team, and a Seabee construction battalion. Seabees are constructing a maritime security support facility with LAF engineers.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The region is comprised of 21 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab-al-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A U.S. Navy T-45C Goshawk jet trainer aircraft crashed Sept. 19 in Lake Worth, Texas, approximately two miles northeast of Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, the service said in a release.

The two pilots ejected from the aircraft. The instructor pilot was reported in stable condition; the student naval aviator was reported in serious condition — his injuries were not life threatening. Both were transported to local medical facilities for treatment.

The aircraft impacted the ground in a civilian neighborhood causing damage to at least three homes. Emergency services responded to the scene. The Navy is cooperating fully with local authorities.

The T-45C was assigned to Training Air Wing Two based at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. The pilots were conducting a routine training flight that originated at from Corpus Christi International Airport.

Safety and environmental teams have been sent to the crash site for scene assessment. The incident is under investigation.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy conducted a scheduled, two-missile test flight of unarmed life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missiles from USS Wyoming (SSBN 742), an Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine, on the Eastern Test Range off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, Sept. 17, the From U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs office said in a Sept. 18 release. 

This successful test was part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, designated DASO-31. The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of the SSBN’s Strategic Weapon System (SWS) and crew before operational deployment following the submarine’s engineered refueling overhaul. 

“The DASO test, and others like these, underscore our readiness and capability for 21st Century Strategic Deterrence,” said Rear Adm. Thomas E. Ishee, U.S. Strategic Command’s director of Global Operations. “SSBN crews undergo constant training and regularly planned testing to ensure the weapons systems remain ready and reliable. The Sailors and support element who make up the silent service prove every day they are capable and prepared to protect America and its allies.” 

This launch marks 184 successful missile test flights of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) SWS. 

“Today’s [Sept. 17] test demonstrates the unmatched reliability of our sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is made possible by a dedicated team of military, civilian and industry partners who bring expertise and dedication to the mission that is truly extraordinary,” said Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. Further, “This same team is now developing the next generation of the Trident Strategic Weapon System, which will extend our sea-based strategic deterrent through 2084.” 

The Trident strategic weapon system is highly accurate and reliable, according to the release. The Trident II (D5) missiles recently underwent a life extension program to address potential impacts from aging and obsolescence. The life-extended missiles – Trident II (D5LE) – are now being deployed to the Fleet and will serve for the remaining service life of U.S Ohio-class and United Kingdom Vanguard-class SSBNs, and as the initial load-out for the U.S. Columbia-class and U.K. Dreadnought-class SSBNs. 

USS Maine (SSBN 741) successfully executed the Navy’s last DASO in February 2020 off the coast of San Diego, California. The Navy’s most recent flight test – a Commander’s Evaluation Test – was a series of four launches in February 2021 off the coast of Florida.  Each of these flight tests were of the life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missiles. 

Flight test missiles are not armed, and safety of the public and the crew conducting the mission is paramount, the release stated. The launches were conducted from the sea, the missile flew over the sea and landed in the sea. At no time did the missile fly over land.  

The missile test was not conducted in response to any ongoing world events, nor as a demonstration of power. Test launches – including DASOs – are scheduled years in advance. 

A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies. Deterrence remains a cornerstone of national security policy in the 21st century.   

Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the Navy’s strategic weapon systems. This includes training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security- and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II (D5LE) strategic weapon system.  

SLBMs are the sea-based leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent Triad that also includes the U.S. Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and nuclear-capable bombers.  Each part of the Triad provides unique capabilities and advantages.    

The sea-based leg makes up the majority — approximately 70% — of the U.S.’s deployed strategic nuclear deterrent Triad. The SLBM is the most survivable leg of the triad, provides a persistent presence, and allows for flexible concepts of operations. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — Just five weeks into his tour as secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Carlos Del Toro has checked up on the training and readiness of the Navy’s surface warfare ship crews and likes what he sees. 

“Crew readiness and training is incredibly important. It is the utmost responsibility of the commanding officer at sea, and I would argue that it is the utmost responsibility of the secretary of the Navy in the Pentagon,” Del Toro said, speaking Sept. 17 at a media virtual roundtable after his return from Newport, Rhode Island, where he attended the 24th International Seapower Symposium. 

As a former destroyer commanding officer, Del Toro was asked by Seapower about whether he had concerns about issues with surface warfare crew training and readiness that came to light in 2017 with the collisions of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald and USS John McCain, both of which resulted in the deaths of crew members. 

“I’ve taken a hard look at this over the last five weeks,” the SECNAV said. “I’ve even gone up to Surface Warfare Officers School as well to meet with the leadership and junior officers up there. I have a lot of experience in this arena being a former commanding officer that sailed in those Pacific waters. 

“I am overly impressed with the major investments that have been made subsequent to those two horrific disasters that we had,” he said. “It’s really apparent to me that the entire surface community has come together — I would argue that the entire Navy has come together — in very serious ways with major, major investments in technology, in training [and] in trying to understand the cultural impacts of decisions that have been made in the past on the surface warfare community. We have come out of this like a shining star. When I look at the professionalism of our junior officers, our mid-grade officers today, the changes that were made to the executive officer pipeline [and] commanding officer pipeline, I have really been blown away these past two weeks, really taking a deep dive into all those issues.” 

Del Toro said that while in Newport this week he “spent a substantial amount of time up there taking a look at their curricula, their training, their simulators. For example, just alone in the world of simulators for their training — the pilot house, the combat information center — it was so impressive.”  

The SECNAV said that he is “really of the belief that we’ve come a long way here and that we have largely corrected the deals of the past that have been made and we’re on the right path moving forward. And of course, we will continue to give this our utmost attention because the safety and the effect of our operation of out Navy vessels is of utmost importance.” 

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division has completed the final round of sea trials for Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), the company announced Sept. 17. 

“The successful completion of acceptance trials is an extremely rewarding accomplishment for Ingalls and for our partners who work closely with us to ensure we achieve this milestone together,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “We are proud of our shipbuilders for working as a team to move DDG 121 one step closer to delivery.” 

DDG 121 is named for Frank E. Petersen Jr., the U.S. Marine Corps’ first African-American aviator and general officer. After entering the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1950, Petersen would go on to fly more than 350 combat missions during the Korean and Vietnam wars. 

Ingalls has delivered 32 destroyers to the Navy and currently has four more under construction including Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), Ted Stevens (DDG 128) and Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129). 

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management, to sea control and power projection. The guided missile destroyers are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense well into the 21st century. 

The World War II Foundation held a world premiere for its newest production, “Elvis and the USS Arizona,” and honored the late Sen. John Warner at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this past week.  

Warner received the foundation’s Senator Bob Dole World War II Leadership Award, presented annually to “an individual of the Greatest Generation or their family who as an individual reflects the values of self-sacrifice, public service and everlasting commitment to our nation’s principles of freedom and democracy.”

The presentation was made to Warner’s wife, Jeanne, by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, with keynote remarks by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. CNN’s Jake Tapper served as master of ceremonies.

The film, produced by Tim Gray and narrated by Jim Nantz with Kyle Chandler, will air on public televisions this fall. It recounts the contribution made by the wildly popular performer, Elvis Presley, and his sold-out performance on March 25, 1961, at Bloch Arena on Naval Station Pearl Harbor to raise money to complete the USS Arizona Memorial. Presley was in Hawaii filming his movie, “Blue Hawaii.”

The Elvis Presley benefit raised over $60,000 for the USS Arizona Memorial and brought awareness of the fundraising effort. The memorial was completed and officially dedicated in 1962. Presley would visit the Arizona Memorial every time he performed in Hawaii.

Today, the USS Arizona Memorial is the most visited location in Hawaii, thanks in large part to Elvis Presley.

The mission of the nonprofit World War II Foundation is to tell the personal stories of those who were swept up in the most devastating conflict known to man and make these films accessible for free to students, educators, classrooms and the global public.

“Our documentaries rank in the top five of most requested programs nationally on American Public Television stations,” said Gray.

SAN DIEGO — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) arrived in its new homeport of Naval Base San Diego after 25 years as a forward-deployed ship in Yokosuka Japan, Sept. 16, the commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a release. 

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) directed Curtis Wilbur to return to San Diego for scheduled maintenance. Following routine repairs and upgrades, the ship will join U.S. 3rd Fleet, which leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. 

“Following 25-plus years of service in the forward-deployed naval forces Japan, Curtis Wilbur, her crew, and our families are excited to arrive to our new homeport of San Diego,” said Cmdr. Anthony Massey, commanding officer of USS Curtis Wilbur. “We bring with us our ‘Steel Hammer’ professionalism and proud history of service and look forward to preparing for, and executing, operations in support of 3rd Fleet and [the Indo-Pacific].” 

In the months leading up to the ship’s change in homeport, Curtis Wilbur deployed to the South China Sea and conducted anti-submarine warfare tasking, a bilateral exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, and freedom of navigation operations, including two transits of the Taiwan Strait. 

Curtis Wilbur was commissioned in 1994 and joined U.S. 7th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan in September 1995, making it the longest forward-deployed naval asset in recent history. In its previous area of operations, Curtis Wilbur is known for forging and strengthening relationships with like-minded naval forces, as well as its demonstrated lethality in warfare exercises. 

With an advanced Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense suite as the mainstay of Curtis Wilbur’s capabilities, the ship will be a unique asset to U.S. 3rd Fleet. While Curtis Wilbur’s primary mission set provides defense against hostile ballistic missiles, the ship is also proficient in multiple warfare missions including anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and strike warfare. Curtis Wilbur’s capabilities are amplified by the training and readiness of the crew, many of which are veterans of the high operational tempo found in U.S. 7th Fleet. 

YOKOSUKA, Japan — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) departed Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 17 as part of a scheduled homeport shift to Naval Station Everett, Washington, said Lt. j.g. Marion Bautista, USS John S McCain Public Affairs, said in a release. 

While forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, John S. McCain has operated independently and with carrier strike groups in the region since arriving to U.S. 7th Fleet in the summer of 1997. 

“John S. McCain and her Sailors have proven time and time again our Navy’s resolve to answer the call-in support of our nation and our allies,” said Cmdr. Tin Tran, USS John S McCain’s commanding officer. “After 24 years of faithful overseas service, we are ready to head back home to America, back to Washington state. Our Sailors will forever remember the bonds of friendship and hospitality Japan has shown us.” 

During 24 years of forward-deployed service, John S. McCain operated across the region from the Indian Ocean to the Sea of Japan supporting joint and multinational exercises and operations to strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships, maritime security, and promote regional stability toward a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

 John S. McCain also participated in several surge deployments to U.S. 5th Fleet in support of the USS Independence battle group in 1998 and USS Kitty Hawk strike group in 2002 and again in 2003 supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. 

During the most recent seven-month deployment, John S. McCain participated in the annual multinational exercise MALABAR alongside the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Navy, focusing on anti-submarine and anti-surface operations. 

In March, 2011, John S. McCain responded in support of Operation Tomodachi to provide humanitarian assistance following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.  

“It is definitely a changing of the guard with USS John S. McCain and her crew departing the 7th Fleet after over 24 years in Japan,” said Capt. Chase Sargeant, commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15. “The contributions of the current and all previous crews in defending peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific cannot be overstated, and the entire forward-deployed fleet wishes John S. McCain fair winds as she transfers to her new homeport of Everett, Washington.” 

John S. McCain is scheduled to join U.S. 3rd Fleet, which leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet works consistently with U.S. 7th Fleet to complement one another and provide commanders capable, ready assets across the spectrum of military operations in the Indo-Pacific.