RESTON, Va. (Oct. 17, 2024) – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE 500® innovation leader, was recently awarded a follow-on contract by the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC) to support unmanned and automated systems for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). This single-award task order has an estimated value of $248 million with a five-year period of performance. 

“This award enables Leidos to accelerate the technology needed to enhance ISR capabilities and harden the foundation for Navy operations,” said Dave Lewis, Leidos senior vice president for sea systems. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with NIWC PAC and addressing their needs with artificial intelligence and autonomy, integrated sensing, and cyber solutions.” 

Under the contract, Leidos will continue to perform a range of support services, including research and analysis for the collection and processing of ISR capabilities to develop multi-sensor, unmanned underwater vehicles and other unattended and unmanned systems  platforms. Additionally, the company will provide technology assessment and development, software and hardware design, rapid prototyping, integration, lab- and sea-based testing, and recovery and repair activities. 

This contract was awarded under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoDIAC) multiple-award contract vehicle. DoDIAC, sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), provides technical data management and research support for DOD and federal government users. These contract task orders are awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the DTIC repository and its users. 

Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DOD science and technology and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination. 

WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro highlighted a site selection ceremony for the future of the National Museum of the United States Navy on Oct. 18.

“This is a moment of immense pride and anticipation for the Navy, for our nation, and for all who cherish maritime heritage,” Del Toro said, standing near two dilapidated buildings that will be part of the new museum campus.

The site is adjacent to the Navy Yard in Washington and a short walk from the current Navy museum, housed in an aging facility largely off-limits to the general public. The new museum is intended to be a state-of-the-art look at the U.S. Navy, will be open to the public and is near a vibrant neighborhood that also boasts the stadiums for the Washington Nationals baseball team and the DC United, DC Power FC and Washington Spirit soccer teams. It’s expected to attract up to two million visitors annually, well over the 100,000 annual attendance of the current museum, most of whom are already in the Navy.

Del Toro said he is well aware of the draw of Nationals Stadium, and said “I want half of them over here before the game and after the game.”

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district’s congressional representative, highlighted the city’s historic ties to the Navy. She said 30,000 city residents are veterans and “deserve the full equality of statehood,” as district residents don’t have voting rights in Congress.

A Long Road Ahead

While service officials now know where the museum will be located, they haven’t yet raised the money, don’t know what it will look like and don’t yet know what artifacts will be in it. All of those efforts are underway by the organizations that will create it: the Navy Museum Development Foundation that will raise the money ($475 million or more) and construct the building and the Naval History and Heritage Command that will select what goes in it. Once the museum is built, the foundation will give it to the Navy, which will staff and operate it.

Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox (retired), director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, gently poked fun at the museums of the Marine Corps and Army, which he described as being “out in the wilds of Virginia” while the new Navy museum will be next to an all-hours neighborhood.

The new museum, still years away — a groundbreaking is tentatively planned for next October and the first phase likely won’t open until 2030 — has already been a long time coming. Nina Albert, D.C.’s deputy mayor for planning and economic development, was one of the speakers at the event and noted she had served on a Navy museum site selection committee 17 years ago.

“The vision will be worth the work and it will be worth the wait,” she said.

Part of the delay was a prolonged and what Cox called “tortuous” process to acquire the land from the city in a swap that saw the Navy Yard give up some of its land on the other side of the base near the river to acquire the plot that will house the new museum.

The museum will ultimately be 240,000 square feet and filled with meaningful artifacts, such as the bell from the USS Jacob Jones, sunk in 1917 off the coast of Cornwell, England, by a German U-boat and rediscovered in 2022. It was the first U.S. Navy destroyer sunk by enemy action. The bell, recovered by the British Ministry of Defence and transferred to the U.S. Navy earlier this year, is being prepared for display, said Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James J. Kilby.

The museum is carrying high hopes for Navy officials. Former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite II said “it will not be a musty old hall with a bunch of old artifacts … it will be the spark that will draw people to the service of our country in the uniform of the United States Navy. This will be a new crown jewel in this city.”

17 October 2024 

From CNAF Public Affairs 

The following are news releases from Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific pertaining to the Growler Mishap near Mt. Rainier in Washington state on Oct. 15, 2024. 

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – The U.S. Navy, along with local law enforcement and partner agencies, continue search and rescue efforts on the mountain where a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler crashed on Oct. 15. 
  
The wreckage rests at approximately 6,000 feet altitude in a remote, steep and heavily-wooded area east of Mount Rainier. 
  
Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord are assisting in the search. 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) brings specialized mountaineering, high-angle rescue, medical, and technical communication skills necessary to navigate the difficult terrain associated with the Cascade Mountain Range that is inaccessible by other means. 
  
The status of the crew cannot be confirmed without a site assessment of the debris area. 
  
“Our priority is to locate our two aviators as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Capt. David Ganci, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Adhering to Dept. of Defense procedure, we cannot identify or confirm the names of aircrew involved in a mishap until 24-hours after their next of kin have been notified of their status. Please remain patient and limit speculation about the incident. That is one of the best ways we can respect the privacy of the loved ones who are impacted by this tragic event.” 
  
There are no known hazards to the public. 
  
“We appreciate the community support as experienced personnel respond around the crash site,” said Capt. Nathan Gammache, commanding officer of NAS Whidbey Island. “We are confident that we have the capability we need at this time, and will request any additional capabilities, if needed, via official channels in coordination with the on-site incident commander.” 
  
The cause of the crash is under investigation. 
  
The U.S. Navy will continue to provide updates. More information is available on NAS Whidbey Island’s website and official social media accounts. 
 
OCT 16, 2024 

4 p.m. PDT │ Update 2                                                                                
  
YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – Just after 12:30 p.m. PDT, aerial search crews located the wreckage of the EA-18G Growler that crashed on Oct. 15. The crash site rests on a mountainside east of Mount Rainier. 
  
The status of the two crew members is unknown while the search effort continues. 
  
An Emergency Operations Center has been established on NAS Whidbey Island to coordinate response efforts, and the U.S. Navy is making preparations to deploy personnel to secure the remote area that is not accessible by motorized vehicles. 
  
“I am thankful for the tremendous teamwork displayed by the NAS Whidbey Island squadrons — VAQ, VP, VQ, TOCRON 10 and SAR — as Team Whidbey continues to respond to our tragic mishap,” said Capt. David Ganci, commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.  “I am also grateful to local law enforcement, responders, and tribal communities whose partnership has been essential in planning our critical next steps for access to the site.”   
  
The cause of the crash is under investigation. 
More information will be released as it becomes available. 
  
  
OCT 16, 2024  
11:10 a.m. PDT │ Update 1 
  
NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. – The U.S. Navy, in coordination with Yakima County tribal and local authorities, continue to search for the EA-18G Growler aircraft that crashed yesterday afternoon. 
  
Aerial operations continued through the night, launching from NAS Whidbey Island and searching in the area 30 miles west of Yakima, Wash. Responders are facing mountainous terrain, cloudy weather, and low visibility as the search is ongoing. 
  
As of 11 a.m. on Oct. 16, neither the crew nor wreckage has been located. 
  
Additional units supporting search and rescue include: U.S. Navy Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), Patrol Squadron (VP-46), NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue, and U.S. Army 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  
  
The cause of the crash is under investigation. 
  
More information will be released as it becomes available. 
  
  
  
OCT 15, 2024 
  
NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. – At 3:23 p.m. PDT, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 crashed east of Mount Rainier during a routine training flight. 
  
Multiple search and rescue assets, including a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter, launched from NAS Whidbey Island to locate the crew and examine the crash site. 
  
As of 7 p.m. on Oct. 15, the status of the two crew members remains unknown. 
  
The cause of the crash is under investigation. 
  
More information will be released as it becomes available. 
  
The “Zappers” of VAQ-130 are based at NAS Whidbey Island, and recently completed a combat deployment on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as the only E/A-18G Growler squadron with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3. 

The EA-18G Growler is a variant in the F/A-18 family of aircraft that combines the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite. All EA-18G squadrons are stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, with the exception of one squadron (VAQ-141) attached to CVW-5, Forward Deployed Naval Force, based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. 
  
The U.S. Navy fact file on the EA-18G Growler can be found at the following link: 
https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2166036/ea-18g-growler-airborne-electronic-attack-aircraft

By USS George Washington Public Affairs. Oct. 17, 2024 

SAN DIEGO  –  The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed the San Diego area for routine operations Oct. 8, beginning its transit to Yokosuka, Japan. 
 
George Washington assumed the role of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed carrier, replacing USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which operated out of Yokosuka for nearly nine years before departing Japan in May. 
 
“USS George Washington departed San Diego to begin the final phase of its redeployment to Japan, where it will once again serve as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5. “It will take up station alongside the always-ready forces postured in the area of responsibility. George Washington, with all its capabilities, represents America’s commitment to stability in the region where it will sail and fly with our partner navies as we strive to move from interoperability to true interchangeability.” 
 
George Washington completed its midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding in May 2023, conducted pre-deployment certifications and inspections over the course of 10 months, and departed Norfolk, Virginia, in April for its Southern Seas deployment around South America, arriving in San Diego in July. 
 
The forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, which recently completed training at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, will embark George Washington to transit the Pacific Ocean and return to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan. 
 
“I am incredibly proud of this team and everything they have accomplished this year,” said Capt. Timothy Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “This crew, alongside Carrier Air Wing 5, is trained, tested, and ready to return to 7th Fleet as the Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier.” 
 
This marks the second time that George Washington has served as the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Japan aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed to Japan before being relieved by Ronald Reagan in 2015. 
 
After operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations, George Washington will arrive in Yokosuka in late fall. 

Oct. 16, 2024 | By Matthew Olay , DOD News 

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti today said that her goal of having 80% of the Navy’s ships and aircraft ready to surge on short notice by 2027 may seem ambitious, but that it will be worth all the progress that can be made in pursuit of that total percentage.   

Franchetti, who recently delivered remarks on her just-released 2024 Navy navigation plan at a local Washington think tank, was asked afterward whether her relatively short-term 80% surge readiness goal was “aspirational, achievable both.”  

“These are stretch goals, but I am confident we’re going to work hard to get after them,” Franchetti said of her plans to increase surge readiness.  

“And if we don’t make exactly 80% ,” she continued, “we’re going to be further along the road than we would be if I hadn’t set such an ambitious goal.”   

Franchetti’s surge readiness goal falls under a portion of the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024 that targets seven areas the CNO sees as vital to fleet readiness.   

Titled “Project 33” in reference to Franchetti being the Navy’s 33rd CNO, the seven core fleet readiness targets the plan seeks to address by 2027 are: 

• Ready the force by eliminating ship, submarine and aircraft maintenance delays. 

• Scale robotic and autonomous systems to integrate more platforms at speed. 

• Create the command centers our fleets need to win on a distributed battlefield. 

• Recruit and retain the force we need to get more players on the field. 

• Deliver a quality of service commensurate with the sacrifices of our sailors. 

• Train for combat as we plan to fight, in the real world and virtually. 

• Restore the critical infrastructure that sustains and projects the fight from shore.  

To illustrate her line of thinking as it relates to how she plans to reach the 80% surge readiness target by 2027, Franchetti gave the example of how the Navy was able to improve the readiness percentages for the F/A-18 Super Hornet in recent years.  

“In 2018, Secretary Mattis challenged our aviation community to get F/A-18 readiness up from 50% readiness availability to 80%,” Franchetti said.   

“And now, six years on,” she continued, “we’ve been able to sustain 80% readiness for the F/A-18s because of the processes we’ve put in place.”   

Franchetti credited “data-driven, daily drumbeats of accountability” to make sure the Navy understood what the actual readiness levels of accountability for the F/A-18 were — as well as what the barriers were to achieving those proper levels — that led to the Navy successfully being able to sustain 80% readiness for the aircraft through 2024.  

The Navy has since been able to scale those methods of upping readiness levels to the submarine force and surface force, Franchetti said.  

“I am committed, and the team is committed to going after that stretch goal,” Franchetti said of the 80% surge readiness by 2027 target.   

“We have all those processes in place now, and I’m really looking forward to that.”     

Franchetti’s navigation plan focuses on 2027 as the year for the Navy to achieve maximized fleet readiness because that’s also the year China’s Xi Jinping has told his military to be ready for armed conflict.  

“As the CNO who will be at the helm into 2027, I am compelled to do more — and do more, faster — to ensure that our Navy is more ready,” Franchetti said.  

“I have a clock in my office that tells me there are 807 days left until 1 January 2027,” she added.  “There is no time to waste, and your Navy is ready to get after it.” 

From U.S. Marine Corps Communications Directorate 

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLA. — The Marine Corps’ XQ-58A Valkyrie completed its latest test flight and first multi-service integration effort during Emerald Flag 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, this October.  

Emerald Flag 2024 is a multiservice and multi-domain test event that incorporates new and developing technology while focusing on the efficiency of joint warfare. The effort includes integrating advanced long-range kill chains – enabling programs through a range of realistic combat training environments on air, space, and cyber space platforms.  

The XQ-58A effectively demonstrated its capabilities as a forward deployed sensing platform – providing critical threat targeting data to Marine Corps fifth-generation aircraft to rapidly close advanced kill chains. Using a common tactical data link, the XQ-58A contributed broad airborne and surface sensor awareness information to multiple ground and airborne joint network participants.   

“This XQ-58A test marked another milestone in the Marine Corps’ unmanned tactical aircraft program. The flight focused on the use of tactical data links to enable digital communication between the XQ-58A and an airborne four-ship of F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 and other joint aircraft. The success of this flight test during Emerald Flag pushed the manned-unmanned teaming concept a step further for the entire Joint Force,” said Col. Derek Brannon, Branch Head for the Cunningham Group, Deputy Commandant for Aviation. 

This joint collaboration was supported by the U.S. Air Force’s 96th Test Wing; the U.S. Air Force’s 96th Cyberspace Test Group; the U.S. Air Force’s 53rd Test and Evaluation Group; the Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory; Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation; Naval Air Systems Command’s Advanced Development Team; Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division AIRWorks; and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. This broad team facilitated ongoing research, development, test, and evaluation throughout the Marine Corps’ Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) program.  

The Deputy Commandant for Aviation’s Cunningham Group, an internal working group responsible for planning and implementing Project Eagle, and MCWL collaborated to see this project through to completion. 

“This test flight marked the capstone event for the PAACK-P Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve project and proved the tactical utility of uncrewed offboard sensing platforms,” said Lt. Col. Bradley Buick, future capabilities officer for Cunningham Group.  

Through this successful joint integration, the XQ-58A continues to provide the Marine Corps with a testable platform for integrating new technologies and concepts in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft program. 

How an autonomous fleet of small, uncrewed platforms can extend maritime reach 

From Northrop Grumman 

The nature of naval warfare is often unpredictable. As near-peer adversaries work to rapidly increase their total number of vessels, uncrewed systems will play an important role in enabling the U.S. Navy to continue to project power and ensure sailors are able to execute missions. 

Northrop Grumman is a proven technology leader with large uncrewed autonomous systems (UAS). The company has now developed two mission-focused autonomous capabilities on the smaller UAS, called Helix and Scion, that will rapidly transform existing commercial uncrewed platforms into resilient and survivable combat and surveillance systems. Executing real-world mission scenarios at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Silent Swarm 2024 exercise, these autonomous technologies demonstrated Northrop Grumman’s readiness to fill existing maritime domain awareness gaps and securely find, fix and track elements in maritime operations. 

Northrop Grumman’s platform-agnostic payload, consisting of an electronic warfare transceiver, a mission integration system and swarming software, loaded onto an uncrewed surface vehicle. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman) 

The Navy is actively exploring emerging technologies that enable uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) to extend the range of its communications and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. Northrop Grumman’s Scion – a multifunction EW payload – was created and tailored specifically to the needs of surface operations and can connect to commercially available USV platforms using a common interface. Helix combines an array of uncrewed platforms, payloads and software, allowing for autonomous, multi-domain and multi-modal operations. Its ecosystem is further complemented by digital twin solutions, providing operators with a three-dimensional, dynamic view of the battlespace in a virtual environment. 

“We developed an initial proof of concept for Scion’s capabilities for the Navy in 2023,” said Matt O’Driscoll, chief engineer for Scion, Northrop Grumman. “Building on last year’s successful demonstration, we added five uncrewed systems in the air and two on the surface for this year’s Silent Swarm exercise and all of the systems worked collaboratively and autonomously to find target vessels.” 

At Silent Swarm 2024, sophisticated EW and autonomy payloads were deployed on a distributed team of uncrewed autonomous vehicles, providing data to the command and control software and an advanced situational awareness tool, as seen above. (Credit: Northrop Grumman) 

The concept of operations Northrop Grumman demonstrated included a USV equipped with the Scion EW payload, which collaborated with UAVs launched and controlled by Helix to find, fix, track and target vessels. Helix provided the autonomy engine for intelligent collaborative uncrewed systems and gave operators a near-real-time, multi-layered view of the mission landscape. Through this exercise, Scion enriched Helix’s ecosystem of uncrewed mission solutions. 

“At Silent Swarm, we showcased the combination of the Helix software and the Scion payload as an EW system capable of finding and locating radio frequency emissions over the water,” said Tyler Dillstrom, chief engineer for Helix, Northrop Grumman. “Our autonomy software in control of the USVs used those detections to correlate, identify and track targets from the air and on the surface.”    

Future mission success in the maritime domain will depend on the ability to command and control diverse fleets of uncrewed vehicles with a wide range of payloads. Northrop Grumman’s efforts at Silent Swarm demonstrate the company’s commitment to model-based digital engineering and our ability to deploy solutions more quickly and affordably. With digital capabilities, Northrop Grumman can simulate scenarios in a digital environment before fielding a system. This contributes to future program affordability and confidence in first-time quality. It also showcases Northrop Grumman’s legacy of trusted autonomous solutions in all domains. 

There will be many approaches to ensuring the United States and its allies increase in capacity and capability. Intelligent autonomous platforms will prove to be force multipliers in naval warfare, extending the warfighter’s reach and freeing up valuable resources for other critical missions. 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. — The U.S. Marine Corps has taken significant strides in enhancing its air defense capabilities since the introduction of the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System in October 2022. This ground-based system is designed to deter and neutralize unmanned aircraft systems, addressing the evolving threats faced in modern warfare. 

The LMADIS consists of two all-terrain Polaris MRZR vehicles — one serving as a command unit, while the other is equipped with advanced sensors and signal-jamming technology. 

For the first time, LMADIS has been integrated into the Marine Corps’ premier advanced aviation school at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) — Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, WTI 1-25 — as an employable capability throughout each evolution, showcasing its operational viability and reinforcing the Marine Corps’ commitment to enhancing air defense.  

“The significance of being out here for the first time is us being able to employ LMADIS in a controlled exercise scenario, safely testing limits and seeing what all the systems can provide to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force at large,” said 1st Lieutenant Gordon Armstrong, LMADIS Platoon Commander, 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion. 

As part of ongoing Force Design initiatives, the Marine Corps is focusing on distributed maritime operations and reintroducing short to medium-range air and missile defense systems to address the need for an organic air defense capability.  

LMADIS systems and teams are typically deployed worldwide, limiting exposure to fleet Marine forces in garrison. The LMADIS team’s integration with WTI 1-25 provides a valuable opportunity for Marines to train hands-on with other units and capabilities, integrating their tactics into a broader operational framework. 

“Having LMADIS teams here at WTI allows us to integrate with the other agencies and into the broader systems that we test here; it allows us to incorporate everyone else’s tactics into our tactics,” Armstrong said. “As we grow, we will be working with other aviation units to mobilize and integrate with the other elements by the final exercise, simulating a larger operational scenario.” 

The WTI 1-25 curriculum offers multiple training evolutions with different scenarios for the LMADIS teams to test when and where the system is most effective. As the course advances, similarly the evolutions and scenarios increase in complexity.  

“With the WTI structure, we are able to start small and work to gradually build the scenarios,” said Major Dusty Blanchard, Ground-Based Air Defense Division Head, MAWTS-1.  

Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Eric M. Smith, emphasizes a realistic, creative approach to training in his recent planning guidance.  

 “We must fully integrate constructive and virtual training into our exercises to complement live force actions so that we can train with the full complement of our new capabilities,” Smith said. 

As the course progresses, the training evolutions begin to incorporate live UAS operations. This live-fire component allows LMADIS operators to practice identifying, tracking, and simulate neutralizing UAS threats in real time, enhancing their tactical proficiency and response capabilities. 

A testament to its mobility and versatility, the LMADIS was rapidly transported on various Marine Corps aircraft platforms throughout the training.  

“For the first time, we will be implementing the LMADIS fully capable and fully transportable via MV-22B Ospreys and CH-53E Super Stallions, demonstrating its versatility and readiness for deployment in various environments,” said Sergeant Angel Lopez, LMADIS team leader with 3rd LAAD Battalion. “This allows us to work with the flying divisions within MAWTS-1 to get us to our target location.”  

The successful integration of the LMADIS in WTI 1-25 represents a pivotal advancement in the Marine Corps’ air defense strategy, ensuring that LAAD Marines are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and experience necessary to operate effectively on an increasingly complex battlefield.  

16 October 2024 

From Courtesy Story 

SAN DIEGO – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), the flagship of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) returned to its homeport of San Diego Oct. 15 after conducting operations in the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation as part of a routine deployment in support of global maritime security operations. 

TRCSG is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft, and more than 6,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe. Deploying units of the strike group include Theodore Roosevelt, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70). While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) also returned to their respective home ports, Lake Erie and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) remain deployed in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations. 

 
TRCSG deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, keep sea lanes open, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to the region. The strike group was later ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to strengthen U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions. 
 
“The strike group’s ability to quickly adjust from operations in 7th Fleet to 5th Fleet is a testament to both the flexibility of our naval forces as well as the strength and training of our Navy Sailors,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander. “We had the distinct honor to strengthen our skills and relationships with 10 allied and partner nations, demonstrating our nation’s commitment to the freedom of navigation.” 
 
The TRCSG strengthened interoperability through dual carrier operations with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, participation in exercise Valiant Shield 2024, and numerous bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises in the Philippine and South China seas as well as in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. 
 
Notable key leader engagements and visits aboard Theodore Roosevelt included the president of the Republic of Korea, chief of naval operations for the Republic of Korea Navy, lieutenant governor of Guam, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, U.S. 7th Fleet commander, Republic of Singapore Navy fleet commander, U.S. ambassadors to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Qatar, and senior officers from the armed forces of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea and Royal Thai Navy, among others. 
 
The deployed Sailors from the TRCSG demonstrated their proficiency in enhanced maritime security operations through more than 9,000 sorties including 21,000 flight hours, 28 replenishments-at-sea, and more than 71,000 nautical miles traveled. 
 
Ships of the TRCSG conducted routine port visits to Bahrain, Diego Garcia, Guam, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand. 
 
“The crew worked incredibly hard and maintained mission focus this entire deployment,” said Capt. Brian Schrum, commanding officer, Theodore Roosevelt. “I am extremely proud of our Sailors and the work accomplished across the world’s oceans to keep our nation safe at home.” 
 
CVW 11 consisted of nine squadrons: the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Flying Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. 
 
As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready forces to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict. 
 
For more information about Carrier Strike Group 9 and USS Theodore Roosevelt visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ccsg9/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMCARSTRKGRU-9; Facebook: www.facebook.com/usstheodoreroosevelt 

16 October 2024 

From Courtesy Story 

SAN DIEGO – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returned to Naval Base San Diego Oct. 15, following an eight-month deployment with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) to the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. 

Russell and its crew, known as the Red Dragons, departed San Diego Feb. 10, 2024, and joined TRCSG to conduct global maritime security operations supporting regional stability. 

“Our Red Dragon team performed superbly on deployment. No matter the challenge, our Sailors rose to the occasion and represented our ship, Navy, and country with honor,” said Cmdr. Mike McInerney, commanding officer of Russell. “Keeping Russell in its highest state of readiness for eight months straight is no easy feat, yet our crew of 300 did this with a self-sufficient mindset, grit, and determination. We have a proud, combat ready, and battle-minded crew. I’m honored to be part of this fantastic team, and the crew is excited for some well-earned time off with loved ones.” 
 
While deployed, Russell provided primary ballistic missile defense support and secondary air and missile defense support to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Additionally, Russell executed 161 MH-60 Seahawk helicopter deck hits, to include refueling and personnel and parts transfers, from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8. 
 
During port visits, the Red Dragons made a point to volunteer their time through community outreach events. While in Singapore, Sailors performed maintenance and cleaning at the Teen Challenge therapeutic center. In Thailand, they volunteered their time at the Father Ray Foundation for underprivileged children. Community outreach events give Sailors a chance to make a positive impact and diversify their cultural knowledge by developing relationships with partner and ally nations. 
 
“It was really cool to be of service to the Father Ray Foundation in Thailand,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Chilee Osuji. “It felt rewarding to provide services to those in need, meet the local people and play soccer with the kids! I’m grateful I had the opportunity to expand my worldview in this way.” 
 
Russell also conducted various exercises with partner navies, strengthening important relationships with allies and partners. Russell participated in a trilateral exercise in April with TRCSG, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy. In September, Russell conducted a bilateral exercise with the Italian Navy, increasing interoperability between the two countries’ navies. 
 
Maintaining crew proficiency was important for the Red Dragons to sustain readiness while underway. Russell’s training schedule included over 150 casualty response drills, integrating tactical and technical scenarios to include anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, engineering, damage control and seamanship. 
 
The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Carrier Strike Group 9 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23 staff, the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and DESRON 23 ships that include guided-missile destroyers USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and USS Russell (DDG 59). 
 
An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
For more information on Russell, please visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ddg59/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSR-DDG59.