Release from Marine Corps Communications Directorate 

***** 

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES 

04.19.2023 

Story by Capt. Ryan Bruce  

HEADQUARTERS MARINE CORPS – A Marine Corps-established Transition Training Unit at the Assault Amphibian School is developing a rigorous and standardized program to ensure that Amphibious Combat Vehicle Marines possess the technical knowledge, skills, and proficiency required to safely operate, maintain, supervise, and employ the ACV. 
 
The decision to stand up the TTU came after the Marine Corps identified significant differences between the safe operating procedures of the ACV and its predecessor, the Assault Amphibious Vehicle. Preliminary findings from recent mishap investigations recommend that ACV operators receive more training focused on the internal mechanical systems of the ACV and how the platform differs from the AAV. 
 
“We are clear eyed about the need to get this right,” said Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps. “Our Marines deserve no less, and our Nation depends on it. Amphibious operations, to include the use of ship-to-shore connectors, are a foundational aspect of the Marine Corps. Our Marines will be trained safely and to the highest standard to ensure we remain the Nation’s premier expeditionary force in readiness.” 
 
The TTU is staffed by a hand-selected cadre of experienced and proficient ACV operators, maintainers, and trainers, augmented by other subject-matter experts from across the Marine Corps. 
 
The TTU is currently consolidating ACV lessons learned and best practices into an updated, continuous skills validation program. Upon program approval, the TTU will evaluate and re-certify ACV operators and maintainers previously trained on the ACV platform. 
 
“We are developing a program focused on performance-evaluated measurements associated with the safe operation of the ACV both on land and in water,” said Col. Howard Hall, the TTU officer-in-charge who is leading actions on the ground to stand up the unit. “The exceptional intensity and professionalism exhibited by the Marines of the TTU combined with the coordination and support of leaders at all levels across the Marine Corps is a testament to our commitment to facilitating the ACV transition and leveraging its impressive capabilities. This training will lay the foundation for future Assault Amphibian School and assault amphibian battalion proficiency.” 
 
The TTU’s proficiency evaluation and validation standards developed by the TTU will be sustained on an enduring basis through entry-level ACV operator, maintainer, and unit leader training and advanced training for Marines as they progress through their career. 
 
“It is not enough to put a check in a box when it comes to safe operation and maintenance of the ACV,” added Maj. Jim Agostino, the TTU operations officer, and a former 3d AABn company commander. “We are looking to certify Marines in the technical operation of the vehicle from each crew station, to ensure they possess the requisite skills of operating the ACV safely and have a firm foundation to enhance their capability in follow-on training.” 

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs 

***** 

27 April 2023 

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs 

GULF OF OMAN – On April 27 at approximately 1:15 p.m. 1ocal time, Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Advantage Sweet was seized by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy while transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman. The oil tanker issued a distress call during the seizure. U.S. 5th Fleet is monitoring the situation. 

Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability. The Iranian government should immediately release the oil tanker. 
 
Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are a threat to maritime security and the global economy. In the past two years, Iran has unlawfully seized at least five commercial vessels sailing in the Middle East. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

***** 

April 26, 2023 

USCGC Tampa returns home following 88-day multi-mission Caribbean Sea patrol 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902) returned to their home port in Portsmouth, Wednesday, following an 88-day patrol in the Florida Straits and Caribbean Sea. 

Patrolling in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry and Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility, Tampa’s crew worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, federal agents from throughout the U.S., partner nations in the Caribbean Sea and the Royal Netherlands Navy conducting maritime safety and security missions to detect, deter, and intercept unsafe and illegal migrant ventures as well as drug trafficking voyages bound for the United States.  

During the patrol, Tampa’s crew contributed to the interdiction, care, and repatriation of 428 migrants from Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, Tampa and its embarked MH-65E Dolphin helicopter crew collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to detect and intercept two suspected drug smuggling vessels, leading to the arrest of six suspects, possession of the vessels and a seizure of $100,000.  

While moored in Cartagena, Colombia, Tampa’s crew hosted a United States congressional delegation, working with JIATF-S to present information regarding the various methods transnational criminal organizations use to traffic drugs from South America to the United States and how Tampa and other interagency assets achieve at-sea interdictions. Furthermore, Tampa leveraged the time in Colombia to enhance partnerships with the Colombian Navy and the Colombian Coast Guard, boosting maritime security within the Americas.    

“This is my last patrol on Tampa, and once again, this crew impressed with exceptional teamwork and superb dedication across a wide variety of missions,” said Cmdr. Sky Holm, commanding officer of Tampa. “They persevered to keep themselves and this 39-year-old asset in the highest state of readiness while thoughtfully caring for each other in the process. I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to serve with them these past two years. Additionally, I want to acknowledge all our loved ones ashore, who provide us strength while we are deployed – we could not accomplish our mission without their support!” 

Tampa is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-narcotics operations, migrant interdiction, living marine resources protection, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here. 

Release from Silver Ships 

***** 

The Explorer 26   

Mobile, Ala. (April 25, 2023)- Silver Ships announces the recent delivery of a custom-built Explorer 26 designed for the Mobile District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The 26-foot marine surveying vessel, Miss Agnes, will conduct hydrographic survey analyses along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. 

The Explorer 26 workboat is powered by twin 200HP Mercury SeaPro Outboards and includes a double jack plate which simultaneously controls both engines when lifting or lowering them within the water. The 26-foot vessel is a multibeam and single beam capable vessel that features an enclosed center console, a three-monitor survey station and an air conditioner unit that is paired with a generator. 

Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, also known as the Tenn-Tom, is a 234-mile stretch of waterway that connects the Tennessee River at Pickwick Lake in Tennessee to the Blake Warrior River at Demopolis, Alabama. Completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1985, the Tenn-Tom has 10 lakes and 10 dams and locks which provide a direct navigable route between the eastern Gulf Coast to the mid-continental United States. The waterway’s federally authorized purposes are navigation, wildlife mitigation and recreation. 

The Tenn-Tom is located in the USACE Mobile District whose mission is to maintain and operate key infrastructure projects that contribute to the Nation’s economy, environment, safety and quality of life. Miss Agnes is custom designed for the USACE Mobile District to survey inland waterways and shallow draft operations in the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. This mission-specific vessel provides a stable work platform allowing the USACE Mobile District to efficiently collect and document accurate data when conducting hydrographic surveys of the waterway. 

“Silver Ships is committed providing our customers with the ideal vessel to meet their needs. Our team designed and constructed Miss Agnes for the USACE Mobile District to best equip their team in daily operations on the water,” said Dave Hunt, Business Development at Silver Ships. 

The vessel’s name honors Agnes G. Zaiontz who was a member of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority since its opening in 1985. Agnes began her time with the Authority as local volunteer to help coordinate the waterway’s inauguration in June 1985. Shortly after the waterway’s grand opening, Agnes became a full-time employee where she ultimately served 34 years reaching the position of Office Manager. Her unassuming title does not capture the enormous influence she had on the development of the waterway. Revered as the continuity that held the Authority together during a series of leadership changes, she has forever left a mark on the Development Authority and an influence that is felt today. 

For more information about Silver Ships vessels and recent survey vessel projects, visit silverships.com. 

Release from the Navy Office of Information 

***** 

The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations announced today the following assignments: 

Rear Adm. Thomas J. Moreau will be assigned as vice director, J-4, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.  Moreau is currently serving as director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division, N4L, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Rear Adm. Christopher J. Sweeney will be assigned as director, Warfare Development, N72, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.  Sweeney is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN, Everett, Washington. 

Rear Adm. Thomas S. Wall will be assigned as deputy chief of staff, Submarines, Maritime Command Headquarters, Northwood, Great Britain/Commander, Submarines, North Atlantic Treaty Organization/Deputy Commander, Submarine Group EIGHT, Northwood, United Kingdom.  Wall is currently serving as deputy/reserve deputy commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Tracy L. Hines will be assigned as deputy director, Information Warfare, U.S. Space Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.  Hines is currently serving as navy cyber security division director, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Gregory C. Huffman will be assigned as senior military official, Guam/Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Island/Federated States of Micronesia/Republic of Palau/U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Apra, Guam.  Huffman is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group TWELVE, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher D. Stone will be assigned as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group SEVEN/Commander, Task Force SEVEN SIX/Commander, Amphibious Force, SEVENTH Fleet, Okinawa, Japan.  Stone is currently serving as special assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Derek A. Trinque, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as director, Strategy, Policy, Programs, and Logistics, J5/4, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  Trinque is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group SEVEN/Commander, Task Force SEVEN SIX/Commander, Amphibious Force, SEVENTH Fleet, Okinawa, Japan. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Kurt J. Rothenhaus will be assigned as chief of naval research, Arlington, Virginia.  Rothenhaus is currently serving as program executive officer, Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael S. Sciretta will be assigned as director, Maritime Operations, United States Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.  Sciretta is currently serving as commander, Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization Maritime Group TWO, Naples, Italy. 

Release from Raytheon Technologies

********** 

April 24, 2023 

RAIVEN reduces pilot workload while accelerating engagement decisions much faster than adversaries 

ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) today announced the launch of RAIVEN, a revolutionary electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability, which will enable pilots to have faster and more precise threat identification. 

RAIVEN can identify objects optically and spectrally simultaneously in real-time — a single electro-optical/infrared, or EO/IR, system has never been able to do this before. 

RAIVEN’s ‘intelligent-sensing’ capability uses artificial intelligence, hyperspectral imaging, and light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, to enable operators to see up to five times farther and clearer than traditional optical imaging. This helps increase platform survivability and gives the warfighter decision advantage over peer threats. 

“The future battlespace will consist of a myriad of threats from all directions evolving at an unprecedented pace,” said Torrey Cady, vice president of Surveillance and Targeting Systems at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. “RAIVEN improves platform survivability and keeps the warfighter safe by providing accurate, persistent target observation coupled with accelerated information sharing. This combination enables a decision-making process that simultaneously reduces pilot workload while accelerating engagement decisions to prosecute targets much faster than adversaries.” 

Paired with AI, RAIVEN synthesizes reams of data into a detailed picture of the battlespace and the threats within it. The AI automatically detects and identifies threats, delivering a level of automation for the operator to choose what decisions need to be made – providing a critical capability while drastically reducing operator workload. 

RAIVEN is a modular, open system that builds upon the successes of Raytheon Technologies’ combat-proven Multi-Spectral Targeting System family of sensors. RAIVEN provides more mission versatility and capability than ever before – all within the same size, weight and power specifications. 

The first version of RAIVEN, RT-1000, can support a wide array of missions, including the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift modernization effort, with the first flight test being conducted in 2024. 

Work for this program is being done in McKinney, Texas.  

Release from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

**************** 

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment (EI&E) and Chief Sustainability Officer Meredith Berger announced a key commitment of $6 million to an historic Oahu community that the Navy long called home. Working with Hawaiian Electric (HECO), Hawaii Community Development Authority, Hawaii Congressional delegations, local elected officials, and other community partners, the Department of the Navy’s commitment of funding will modernize the electrical grid supplying the Kalaeloa community.   

Specifically, this financial support will enable the design and construction of a new distribution system to improve reliability, facilitate the transition of all utility customers to become part of the Hawaiian Electric system – a first step towards the Hawaii Community Development Authority’s Kalaeloa Master Plan and other revitalization, and resilience efforts for this area and its people.   

“This community has history and significance, and is one that our institution and our people have called home. We believe in the vision for its future,” said Berger. “The commitment we announce today, the planned collaboration with key partners, and the potential we see in the long-term plan here are all efforts we are proud to support.”    

With the commitment of initial funding, the Navy and HECO will create and assess a work plan to support the planning, development, approval processes and affiliated phased timing to achieve this critical first step towards the planned revitalization.    

“We are grateful to share the common goal of community building with the Navy, and are thankful for the work of our congressional delegation, state and county lawmakers, Secretary Berger, the Navy, Community members and everyone else involved, because this will ensure the Kalaeloa community has the reliable electricity it needs to thrive,” said Craig Nakamoto, executive director of Hawaii Community Development Authority.  “This critical infrastructure improvement will encourage long needed growth and revitalization, including housing and mixed-use development, in the Kalaeloa community.”   

Kalaeloa is located on the site of former Naval Air Station Barbers Point that was active for 57 years of service from 1942 until 1999 when it was closed as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process and transferred to the state of Hawaii.  

“In my portfolio I focus on three ‘Cs’: communities, critical infrastructure, and climate action,” Berger said. “Strong critical infrastructure is foundational to a community and today we take a first step toward making a more resilient Kalaeloa.”  

Secretary Berger is visiting Hawaii as part of a series of visits across the country from Earth Day to Arbor Day to demonstrate the work of the Department of the Navy and the EI&E portfolio to highlight the importance of Communities, Climate Action, and Critical Infrastructure.  

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/443364/navy-announces-commitment-6-million-kalaeloa-community-revitalization

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs 

***** 

By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs 

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN  –   

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) conducted a brief stop for supplies and personnel off Iceland’s west coast while operating in the High North, April 26, 2023. 

San Juan’s presence in the region comes after the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs informed the United States that U.S. Navy submarines will be allowed to make such short visits in Iceland to receive supplies and exchange crew members, as the Allies work to increase monitoring and response capacity in the North Atlantic. 

This visit enhances regional maritime domain awareness and increases the safety of underwater infrastructure such as submarine cables. It also paves the way for future stops as needed and as supportable. 

“We thank our Icelandic Allies for allowing San Juan to conduct this brief stop for supplies and personnel in Icelandic waters,” said Capt. John Craddock, Commander Task Force 69. “This visit demonstrates the strength of the Iceland-U.S. strategic relationship and our mutual commitment to maritime domain awareness and increased response capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The ability to conduct these stops out of Iceland greatly increases our operational flexibility in the Greenland-Iceland-U.K. Gap.” 

Iceland and the United States, both founding members of NATO, enjoy a decades-long strategic relationship built on a foundation of shared values and common approaches to regional challenges and opportunities. Iceland has provided host country support to U.S. and Allied maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) from Keflavik Air Base. 

Iceland also hosted exercise Northern Viking in April 2022, a joint and coalition live exercise which strengthened interoperability and force readiness among Iceland, the U.S., and Allied nations, and is currently supporting NATO’s annual anti-submarine warfare exercise Dynamic Mongoose. 

Allowing U.S. submarines in Icelandic waters is part of Iceland’s defense commitments and an important contribution to the common defense of the NATO member states. San Juan does not carry nuclear weapons and its visit comes in cooperation with Iceland’s Radiation Protection Authority, Coast Guard and the Office of the Inspector General of Police. 

For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. 

Release from Navy Region Southeast 

***** 

24 April 2023 

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – For the next week, Southeast Florida residents will have the opportunity to see and tour Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships as the 32^nd Fleet Week Port Everglades kicks into gear. 
 
U.S. Navy destroyer, USS Cole (DDG 67), a ship commissioned in 1996 in Fort Lauderdale, was the first to arrive followed by the amphibious dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), expeditionary fast transport USNS Newport (T-EPF-12) and the fast attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN 789) early, Sunday morning, April 23.  USCGC William Flores (WPC-1103) will arrive Monday. 
 
Reservations were taken to tour the ships and more than 9,000 slots were filled in advance of the arrival for Monday through Saturday tours.  
The Navy Band will perform at more than 15 venues across the city including performing the national anthem for the Florida Panthers playoff game April 23 and the Miami Marlins Friday, April 28.  
 
“We look forward to being in Port Everglades to spend time with the outstanding citizens of South Florida,” said Rear Adm. Tom Williams, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO. “We are proud to be able show the community our ships as well as the outstanding Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Merchant Mariners who make our Naval Service – Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command – the very best in the world.” 
 
In addition to the ships; equipment displays, Marine and Navy recruiting information and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see as they wait for their tours. 
 
More than 100 servicemembers will also endeavor to say “thank you” to the local community through volunteer efforts at various locations across Fort Lauderdale. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen will mentor and visit with students from several area schools, help refurbish areas around the Naval Air History Museum, visit veterans at a senior facility, and support youth fitness at two separate YMCA events. 
 
Monday brings a new event where the ships will host more than 800 JROTC students from Broward County Schools for tours as part of a Fleet Week STEM summit.  About 300 JROTC cadets from Miami will visit Tuesday morning as part of the youth VIP tours. 
 
The Sailors will also participate in a series of other events including: an all-hands welcome ceremony involving the mayor; a salute to veterans event and a salute to women in the military;  a traditional chili cook-off against local fire and police teams; and a Damage Control Olympics competition which will pit teams of Sailors from each ship and the USCG against each other through a series of challenging events at a damage control trainer. 
 
Arleigh Burke-class Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer, USS Cole is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. USS Cole is named in honor of Marine Sgt. Darrell S. Cole, a machine gunner who was killed in action at the Battle of Iwo Jima, Japan, on Feb. 19, 1945, during World War II. 
 
USS New York is the fifth ship in the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, and the sixth ship of the U.S. Navy to be named after the great state of New York. A special tribute to the people that died on 9/11 is the 7 and ½ tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center and cast as USS New York’s bow stem. 
 
USS Indiana was the 16^th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine built.  Fast-attack submarines like USS Indiana are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. 
 
USNS Newport is a 338-foot-long aluminum catamaran designed to be fast, flexible and maneuverable, even in austere ports, making it ideal for rapidly transporting troops and equipment within a theater of operations. The ship can be tasked with, anything from carrying containerized portable hospitals to support disaster relief to transporting tanks and troops. The ship is the twelfth Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport and operated by Military Sealift Command 
 
Information on events and activities may be found by visiting Https://Browardnavydaysinc.Org/ or on Facebook at Https://Www.Facebook.Com/FleetWeekPortEverglades 

Release from the Department of Defense 

***** 

APRIL 24, 2023 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 

Navy Vice Adm. Charles B. Cooper II for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Cooper is currently serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command; commander, Fifth Fleet; and commander, Combined Maritime Forces, Manama, Bahrain. 

Navy Rear Adm. Yvette M. Davids for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.  Davids is currently serving as director, Learning to Action Board, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Rear Adm. Christopher S. Gray for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C. Gray is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Navy Rear Adm. John E. Gumbleton for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Gumbleton is currently serving as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Budget; and director, Fiscal Management Division, N82, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Rear Admiral Brendan R. McLane for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Naval Surface Forces; and commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California. McLane is currently serving as commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Navy Rear Adm. James E. Pitts for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9, Office of the Chief of Naval Operation, Washington, D.C. Pitts is currently serving as director, Warfighting Integration, N9I, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.