By Team Ships Public Affairs, Dec. 9, 2024 

NEW ORLEANS – The latest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), LCAC 111 was delivered to the Navy from Textron Systems on Nov. 27. 

The delivery of LCAC 111 comes after completion of Acceptance Trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, which evaluated the readiness and capability of the craft to effectively meet requirements. This new addition to the fleet enhances Navy amphibious capability, providing a vital asset for rapid deployment and logistical support. 

“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “The introduction of LCAC 111 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.” 

LCACs are built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the legacy LCACs they replace – ensuring that this latest air cushion vehicle is fully compatible with existing well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock . LCACs are capable of carrying a 60 to 75-ton payload. They primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and assault element personnel through a wide range of conditions, including over-the-beach. 

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships, and support ships. 

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa / U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs 

Dec. 9, 2024 

ROTA, Spain – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned home Dec. 7 after a four-month patrol, its fifth since shifting homeport to Rota. 

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned home Dec. 7 after a four-month patrol, its fifth since shifting homeport to Rota. 

Arleigh Burke departed Rota, Spain Aug. 15 on patrol in support of regional Allies and partners, and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. The ship began its patrol transiting east through the Strait of Gibraltar. 

“Arleigh Burke Sailors continuously amaze me with their hard work and dedication, no matter the challenges thrown their way,” said Cmdr. Tyrchra Bowman, the ship’s commanding officer. “I could not have asked for a better crew, and I am immensely grateful for having the opportunity to command America’s Lead Destroyer.” 

Burke’s patrol included many significant milestones, including deterrence operations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea; numerous gunshoot qualifications utilizing the MK 15 – Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), the MK 38 25 mm machine gun system (MGS), and the 5-inch (127 mm)/54-caliber (Mk 45) lightweight gun; the pinning of eight new Chief Petty Officers; and a visit by Italian Navy Rear Admiral Andrea Petroni, Commander of Second Naval Division and Commander of Italian Maritime Forces, along with crew members of the Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo (F 595) for a passenger exchange; and seven underway replenishments, 11 flight quarters, and 14 small boat operations. 

Arleigh Burke closed out its fifth patrol by joining the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to serve as Air and Missile Defense Commander while the strike group transited to the Mediterranean Sea. The ship then returned to Rota, where the crew was welcomed by friends, family, and volunteers from the USO on Dec. 7, 2024 after 115 days away from home and 22,450 miles traveled. 

Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with Allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. 

From HII, Dec. 7, 2024 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) today christened Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division. 

“Today we celebrate the mighty submarine Arkansas, and we honor bravery and impact: the heroes and heroic moments that shape our future and make us who we are,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. “As high school students, the Little Rock Nine exhibited courage, and showed the American people what determination and perseverance look like. Their spirit guided them then, and today SSN 800 will be instilled with this same spirit of courage, determination, and resilience.” 

The ship’s sponsors are the six women of the historic group known as the Little Rock Nine, the first African American students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas during desegregation. NNS honored all nine members during Saturday’s ceremony. 

The Little Rock Nine made history in 1957 with their response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Faced with shouting mobs, threats of violence and hostile state leaders who blocked their way, the teenagers were escorted into the school by federal troops at the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-christens-virginia-class-attack-submarine-arkansas-ssn-800/. 

On behalf of the other members, sponsor Carlotta Walls LaNier performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine’s bow during the ceremony. She also addressed the assembled crowd in-person and those joining virtually from around the world, thanking the shipbuilders who have helped construct Arkansas. 

“You are part of the crew who built Arkansas,” LaNier said. “Your craftsmanship, your attention to detail, and your support for each other in the workplace made today a reality. Being able to point to something you have done that will outlast and outlive you is a worthy achievement. We offer a grateful nod to each of you who had some part in building Arkansas. Surely, this is an achievement to which you can point with pride.” 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro provided the keynote address. 

“Arkansas represents the very best of our submarine force capabilities and will operate confidently with her crew at sea,” Del Toro said. “She will always be propelled by the proud legacy of her namesake, represented here today by three of her courageous sponsors, who overcame tremendous adversity as members of the Little Rock Nine.” 

Arkansas is the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the 13th to be delivered by NNS. 

“The christening of Arkansas demonstrates the power of innovation and the dedication of our shipbuilders,” said Cmdr. Michael Huber, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. “Today, Arkansas is one step closer to sailing away from our shores, building on the brave example set by her sponsors, defending American ideals and protecting freedom around the world.” 

NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth. 

A video of the ceremony, along with additional information on Arkansas, the Little Rock Nine, and the Virginia-class submarine program, can be found at: www.HII.com/SSN800. 

From U.S. Coast Guard 7th District, Dec. 9, 2024 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) returned home to Cape Canaveral, Thursday, following a 60-day patrol in the Florida Straits. 

This marked the cutter’s first patrol since it shifted home ports from Astoria, Oregon to Cape Canaveral in June of this year. 

The crew deployed in support of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast (HSTF-SE) and Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) while operating in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. Throughout the patrol, the crew of Alert conducted maritime safety and security missions to protect life at sea and enforce U.S. maritime law. 
 
While on patrol, the crew rescued four Cuban migrants in the south Florida Straits after they were discovered adrift after several days in the water. After embarking the migrants, Alert’s crew provided care to include treating signs and symptoms of severe sunburn and attending to dehydration.  

Amidst an active hurricane season, the crew maneuvered throughout the South Florida Straits to evade Hurricane Milton. Alert avoided storm damage to ensure response readiness after the hurricane. 

Working alongside other Coast Guard units, Alert’s crew provided care to additional migrants who were transferred to the cutter. Once on board the cutter, 7 Cuban and 13 Ecuadorian migrants all received medical and humanitarian care. 
 
During the patrol, the crew of Alert worked with Coast Guard Cutters Margaret Norvell (WPC 1105), William Trump (WPC 1111), Paul Clark (WPC 1106) and William Flores (WPC 1103). 

“Coast Guard Cutter Alert is a legacy 210-foot medium endurance cutter that is currently maintaining a vital stopgap ahead of final delivery of the next generation offshore ships,” said Cmdr. Lee K. Crusius, commanding officer of Alert. “America’s Coast Guard is sustaining this current fleet but will be superior at executing missions aboard our future cutters.” 

HSTF-SE serves as the Department of Homeland Security lead for operational and tactical planning, command and control, and acts as a standing organization to interdict unlawful maritime migration attempts with federal, state and local partners. HSTF-SE continues to enhance enforcement efforts in support of OVS, which is the 2004 DHS plan to respond to mass maritime migration in the Caribbean Sea and the Florida Straits. 

The next generation of Coast Guard cutters is the Offshore Patrol Cutter, a 360-foot ship designed for sustained offshore presence and capabilities. Coast Guard Cutter Argus (WMSM 915), the first cutter produced in this class of ships, was launched in October of 2023. 

Alert is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Cape Canaveral. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-narcotic and migrant interdiction operations, 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 www.GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.  

From the 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), reactivated during a ceremony on Thursday aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, following a four-year, seven-month hiatus.  

VMFA-251, known as the “Thunderbolts” or “T-Bolts,” was previously deactivated during a ceremony on April 23, 2020, aboard MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, after returning from deployment in 2020 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Thunderbolts’ deactivation concluded its 34 years as an F/A-18 Hornet squadron. The squadron was then relocated to MCAS Cherry Point to begin its transition to the F-35.  

VMFA-251 received its first F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter delivery on Sept. 17, 2024, marking a key milestone in the squadron’s transition process. VMFA-251 is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast-based operational F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron.  

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet with advanced stealth, agility and maneuverability, sensor and information fusion, and provides the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to meet an advanced threat, while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. The F-35C is designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational maneuverability and persistence to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Superior internal fuel capacity results in a significantly increased combat radius and longer on-station times as compared to the F-35B, the F-35’s short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant. 

“Today, almost 83 years to the day after it was founded, VMFA-251 reactivates as an F-35C Lightning II squadron. The T-Bolts are humbled and honored for the privilege of carrying that proud legacy forward,” said Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, commanding officer, VMFA-251. “Our immediate focus is working towards initial operational capability, which means that VMFA-251 has enough operational F-35C Lightning II aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. Following that, we will turn our attention towards reaching full operational capability to ensure that, when called upon, the T-Bolts will stand ready to serve our great nation.” 

VMFA-251 is a subordinate unit of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.   

By Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | December 06, 2024 

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS — The boarding team discovered and seized 5,316.1 kilograms of hashish, 181.4 kilograms of heroin and 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine and, after documenting and weighing the illicit haul, properly disposed of it. Total estimated market value of the narcotics is $4.6 million. 
 
Glen Harris was supporting a Task Force (TF) 51/5 mission at the time of the seizure. 
 
U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot, commanding general of TF 51/5, said operations such as these help maintain freedom of the seas and is part of a larger effort with partner nations in the region. 
 
“The collaboration between our Coast Guardsmen, Marines and Sailors is outstanding,” Lightfoot said. “I’m proud of our interoperability. We are disrupting criminal acts at sea and keeping over five tons of narcotics from hurting more people.” 
 
“Glen Harris is one of six U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters performing maritime security operations throughout the region,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Murphy, commodore of TF 55, also known as Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50, which has tactical control of Glen Harris. “The U.S. Coast Guard brings expertise and flexibility to the wide range of missions we execute.” 
 
Glen Harris is forward deployed to Bahrain as part of a Patrol Forces Southwest Asia under tactical control of TF 55, consisting of surface forces, including U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats and independently deployed ships in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. 
 
Task Force 51/5 executes operations, responds to contingencies and crises, and conducts theater security cooperation at sea, from the sea and ashore in support of U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet and Marine Forces, Central Command theater objectives. 

By Team Ships Strategic Operations, Dec. 5, 2024 

SAN DIEGO – The keel for the future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), a John Lewis-class Replenishment Oiler, was laid during a ceremony on Dec 5 at General Dynamics (GD) NASSCO. 

The ship’s namesake, former Justice Thurgood Marshall, was the first African American justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As an Associate Justice for nearly 25 years, Marshall fought for affirmative action, opposed the death penalty, and supported a woman’s right to choose. Prior to becoming a Justice, Marshall was a civil rights lawyer, who argued cases against racial disparity. Marshall argued a variety of civil and human rights cases including; Smith v. Allwright, which found that states could not exclude Black voters from primaries; Shelley v. Kraemer, which struck down race-based restrictive housing covenants; and Brown V. Board of Education where the Supreme Court ruled that racially segregating children in public schools was unconstitutional. 

“Thurgood Marshall’s legacy is one of unwavering courage, intellectual brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to justice,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “His efforts helped to shape a more equitable society—and the future USNS Thurgood Marshall will carry that legacy forward.” 

Each keel laying ceremony represents the joining together of the ship’s modular components at land level. During the ceremony, the keel will be authenticated by the ship’s sponsors welding their initials into the keel plate. The ship’s sponsors are Justice Marshall’s granddaughters, Cecilla L. Marshall and Melonie Tibbs, and his granddaughter-in-law, Alissa Kamens Marshall. 

“USNS Thurgood Marshall honors the legacy of an extraordinary civil and human rights leader who is an example of perseverance to all,” said John Lighthammer, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships) program manager for Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships. “This keel laying marks the first of many significant milestones for this ship and we will work with a sense of urgency to deliver this ship to the Fleet.” 

John Lewis-class ships (T-AOs) are operated by Military Sealift Command and feature substantial volume for oil; significant dry cargo capacity; and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and are a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system. 

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships. 

by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, 6 December 2024 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The first crop of Robotics Warfare Specialists (RW) is contributing to the stand-up of their rating as they support MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft worldwide operations. The Robotics Warfare Specialists rating was created in March 2024.  

Chief Robotics Warfare Specialist Ryan Fox, assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida, highlighted the need to build the team for the future. 
  
“In the history of the Navy, there are moments where you can start something new – be on the leading edge and make a big impact,” Fox said. “The United States Navy is working concept and requirements analysis for larger robotic systems, as well as the artificial intelligence applications that elevate the Navy’s lethality in an information-centric battlespace, and we have a seat at the table to experience these advances in technology.” 
  
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Navigation Plan 2024, Navy’s strategic guidance from the 33rd CNO, specifically calls out the operationalization of robotic and autonomous systems. Additionally, CNO Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Project 33 sets priorities for accelerated implementation and seeks to move proven autonomous systems into the hands of the warfighters like Fox and Robotics Warfare Specialist 1st Class Brandon Walker. 
  
Prior to converting into the RW rating, Walker served as an Information Systems Technician and joined the RW Community in May 2024. Walker emphasized how the Navy now leads the joint force in operationalizing robotic and autonomous systems. 
  
“It is incredible that we can take a multi-million-dollar aircraft flown on another side of the world and manage it from Jacksonville,” Walker said. 
 
The primary source ratings for RW conversions will be for those currently or previously assigned to billets in unmanned vehicle divisions, such as Fox and Walker and who hold an RW-identified specialty or Navy Enlisted Classification. 
 
The RW rating requires technicians to manage everything from deskwork to managing the operations required for the aircraft as well as trouble shooting and technical experience, servers, and equipment. The Navy will command and integrate distributed manned and robotic platforms across enormous distances in contested information warfare environments through resilient Maritime Operations Centers. 
 
Falling under Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (CPRG), headquartered in Norfolk Virginia, VUP-19 is part of the Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) which is administratively organized into two continental U.S. units, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington: including 14 Patrol and Reconnaissance squadrons, one Fleet Replacement Squadron and over 45 subordinate commands. The forward-deployed MPRF consists of three Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings in Manama, Bahrain, (CTF-57); Sigonella, Sicily, (CTF-67) and Atsugi, Japan (CTF-72). The MPRF is the Navy’s premiere provider for airborne anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. 

From RTX Raytheon, Dec. 5, 2024 

System plays critical role delivering revolutionary combat capability 

MCKINNEY, Texas, Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded a $590 million follow-on production contract from the U.S. Navy for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. 

NGJ-MB is a cooperative development and production program with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The contract includes delivery of shipsets, support equipment, spares and non-recurring engineering support.  

“NGJ-MB is a revolutionary offensive electronic attack system for the joint force that puts a critical combat capability in the hands of our Navy warfighters,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “We’re working with the U.S. Navy to ensure NGJ-MB provides the advanced electronic warfare solution needed as quickly as possible.” 

The U.S. Navy and RAAF will employ NGJ-MB on the EA-18G GROWLER® to target advanced radar threats, communications, data links and non-traditional radio frequency threats. The system reduces adversary targeting ranges, disrupts adversary kill chains and supports kinetic weapons to target. NGJ-MB allows naval crews to operate effectively at extended ranges and attack multiple targets simultaneously with advanced techniques. 

Work under this contract will take place in McKinney, Texas; Forest, Mississippi; El Segundo, California; and Fort Wayne, Indiana through 2028. 

Updated data link is the first to incorporate the BE-CDL waveform, which enables faster communications 

From Northrop Grumman 

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – Dec. 5, 2024 –Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) in LITENING electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting pods on F/A-18 aircraft. ATDL’s technology allows for faster transfer speeds compared to previous waveforms, enabling more rapid decision making. 

The LITENING pod’s ATDL is the first tactical aircraft data link to use the Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL) waveform, which enables faster communications. 

ATDL’s secure, two-way, multi-band link allows for the transmission of video, still images and metadata to enhance mission precision. 

Operators in the air and on the ground can view the same live video feed simultaneously. 

Expert:  

James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman: “LITENING’s high-definition sensors on the advanced EO/IR targeting pod gather critical information, enabling more rapid decision making. The ATDL enhancement is like upgrading to better Wi-Fi by building on LITENING’s already proven data links, making live feeds immediately available on the ground – a critical capability in our modern environment.” 

Details:  

The ATDL is a replacement for the Plug-and-Play II data link and can be added to any fourth generation or newer LITENING pod, including the G4, SE, LDP, Color and Large Aperture variants. It incorporates an updated processor, software-defined radio, wideband antenna and improved data recorder. LITENING is the first targeting pod to include the BE-CDL waveform, which enhances interoperability and increases data transfer rates for video, still images and metadata. Previous LITENING data link integrations include NET-T, which functions like a secure airborne Wi-Fi router, and other data terminals including the Mobile Ad-hoc Network and Freedom 550 radios which can connect multiple users across aircraft generations and domains. 

LITENING is an electro-optical/infrared targeting pod on aircrafts that detects, acquires, identifies and tracks targets at extended ranges. LITENING enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, air superiority, close air support, surveillance and humanitarian assistance. The pod’s modular design allows for upgrades over time to keep pace with evolving mission needs. Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 900 LITENING pods to U.S. and international customers.