AMARILLO, Texas — The first Bell AH-1Z set to receive the Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade (SIEPU) modification to be provided by Bell Textron Inc. under a contract with the U.S. Marine Corps has arrived at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center.

SIEPU modifications optimize the aircraft to improve mission capabilities, aircrew safety and interoperability by increasing the electrical power capacity on the aircraft and supporting the integration of additional cabin capabilities. SIEPU marks the start of the next chapter in the life of domestic H-1 helicopters, following the completion of the U.S. Marine Corps Program of Record in November 2022. 

“The Bell AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom provide the backbone of attack and utility aviation support in the various battlespaces in which they are used, so SIEPU comes at an important time for the future strategic implementation of this platform,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 senior vice president and program director. “SIEPU will be immediately beneficial for today’s operations, and also sets the H-1 up to quickly support future operational needs, some that may not even be conceived of yet.”

With SIEPU, H-1s will be able to upgrade to current weapons systems with next-generation capabilities, including kinetic long-range munitions and air launched effects as well as new non-kinetic capabilities. These upgrades greatly extend reach and range while simultaneously enhancing standoff distance.

While the H-1s have already demonstrated their capability to counter enemy unmanned aerial systems, SIEPU will also allow for there to be enough on-board power capacity for future weapons that are yet to be implemented.

“We are confident that SIEPU will help the Marine Corps expand mission essential tasks with more mission flexibility,” said Danielle Markham, SIEPU program manager. “The important thing is to make sure the H-1 is in a position to take advantage of those opportunities as they become available.”

Prior to arriving at the Bell Amarillo Assembly Center, the AH-1Z and UH-1Y completed datalink capabilities testing with the Marine Corps modifications at Camp Pendleton and testing with VMX-1 in Yuma. Bell plans to continue supporting the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom through the 2040s in alignment with the Marine Corps Aviation Plan.

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy’s use of unmanned systems in the U.S 4th Fleet area of operations (AOR) is enabling the fleet to move from experimentation to operationalization of the unmanned systems, even discovering unanticipated advantages of those systems. 

The stability of the region and the relatively benign environment — from high-end threats — of the fleet’s AOR has enabled the fleet to experiment with unmanned systems and develop trust in them, said Rear Admiral James Aiken, commander, U.S. 4th Fleet and commander, Naval Forces, U.S. Southern Command, in a March 27 Defense One webinar conversation.  

“This is a take-risk AOR,” Aiken said, noting that the environment allows the fleet to experiment in “creative ways” with unmanned systems. 

“We want to take unmanned systems and operationalize them,” he said. 

For one example, he said that unmanned surface vessels can identify ships and boats engaged in illegal fishing. 

The admiral said that leasing unmanned systems for experimentation — as opposed to procuring them — enables the fleet to more easily discontinue use of systems that prove inadequate. He mentioned one system — which he did not name — that proved to be deficient for its role in high sea states. 

Aiken said that during the last UNITAS exercise with regional navies, a representative from the U.S. 5th Fleet attended as an advisor. The 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59 has for several years conducted experimentation with unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the Missile East.  

Aiken said that one surprising discovery was the deterrent value of USVs. He said that the very presence of Saildrone USVs north of the northern coast of Haiti served as a deterrent to migrants seeking to reach another shore, including the United States. 

Story by Maj. Zachary Leuthardt, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command   

OKINAWA, Japan — Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyber Command deployed to Okinawa, Japan as part of the inaugural iteration of a new cyber rotational force concept. 
 
The cyber rotational force concept brings experts in defensive cyber operations to assist tactical and operational units stationed with geographic combatant commands. 
 
“Cyber defense is crucial, and as our capabilities continually mature, it is important that we support the warfighters and units tasked with ensuring our competitive edge throughout the globe,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Ryan P. Heritage, the commander of MARFORCYBER. “Ensuring we have the skills and resources to maintain resilient, reliable networks to support rapid decision making at every level is at the heart of what we do. This is just another step in realizing that goal.” 
 
The team, made up of defensive cyber operations professionals assigned to MARFORCYBER, will join with defensive cyber operations Marines assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force. 
 
Their mission will be to harden Marine Corps and joint networks in order to better enable the maneuver of units throughout the Western Pacific, knowing that critical infrastructure, networks and systems are effectively monitored and secured. 
 
The forward deployment of cyber forces to operational theaters such as the INDO-PACIFIC, is one way MARFORCYBER is assisting units’ operational and tactical network resiliency in challenging environments. 
 
“Protecting critical networks located inside the weapons engagement zone of several regional adversaries is essential to our ability to physically and virtually maneuver,” said Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “We are excited to work with MARFORCYBER on the cyber rotational force concept and, look forward to the resilience and flexibility their experts can provide our force.” 
 
While the cyber rotational force’s immediate mission is to harden the networks units in the Western Pacific rely upon to complete their mission, it is also a chance to refine the tactics that will be needed in future conflicts against sophisticated adversaries. 
 
“As the threat to our critical cyber infrastructure evolves, it is essential that the Marine Corps be able to defend our forward deployed networks,” Jurney said. “This will be crucial to the Marine Corps’ development of the expeditionary advance basing and stand-in force concepts.” 

BALTIMORE – A Unified Command and Joint Information Center have been established in Baltimore Wednesday to coordinate response and disseminate information for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on Tuesday morning. 

The Key Bridge Response 2024 Unified Command includes the:  

• U.S. Coast Guard  
• Maryland Department of the Environment  
• Maryland Transportation Authority 
• Maryland State Police 
• Synergy Marine  

A website with incident response information can be found at the following URL:  

https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com

The media is requested to call the Joint Information Center at 410-631-8939 for interview response inquiries and interviews.  

The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, protecting the environment, incident stabilization, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, and supporting the investigation.  

Story by Capt. Brian Tuthill, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit began MV-22B Osprey reintegration training March 21, transporting a platoon of Marines across Camp Pendleton to regain proficiencies in foundational skills for pilots and infantry Marines. 
 
The training was conducted at two sites and involved a section of MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 (Reinforced), part of the aviation combat element of the 15th MEU, and Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, the 15th MEU’s ground combat element. 
 
Bravo Company is BLT 1/5’s airborne assault company for the 15th MEU. 
 
“This type of reintegration training is an important step in returning our pilots and enlisted aircrew to full proficiency and readiness to support the 15th MEU,” said Lt. Col. Drew Bossart, the commanding officer of VMM-165 (Rein.). “We continue to follow the Marine Corps’ deliberate, three-phased approach as our pilots regain basic flight currency, rebuild our instructor cadre, and achieve proficiencies. I am fully confident in our aircraft and that our pilots and aircrews will soon achieve a high state of operational readiness.” 
 
Pilots first landed Ospreys at Camp Pendleton’s helicopter outlying landing field, or HOLF, in the San Mateo area. The HOLF has a section that matches the flight deck dimensions of a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship, which allows pilots to simulate landing on a ship. The pilots exited their aircraft to meet with leaders from Bravo Company on the ground and provided instructions to the Marines waiting to board the aircraft. Bravo Company Marines then conducted multiple boarding and disembarking drills at the HOLF in the same manner they did previously during at-sea training aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4). 
 
Following the landing zone drills in San Mateo, VMM-165 (Rein.) pilots transported Bravo Company Marines to a confined area landing site in the Las Flores area. The CAL site is a landing zone that that requires pilots to maneuver around obstacles such as trees, powerlines, or buildings to land. These types of landings prepare pilots and crew chiefs for unpredictable terrain and situations they may encounter in an expeditionary environment. Bravo Company Marines exited the aircraft and established security to simulate how they would insert and extract at a landing zone during a mission before reembarking the aircraft. 
 
Following the training at the CAL site, Bravo Company’s Marines were flown back to San Mateo for their final landing and the Ospreys returned to their squadron headquarters at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. 
 
“MV-22s are the cornerstone of the 15th MEU’s Marine Air-Ground Task Force, providing us unrivaled flexibility for expeditionary operations across the spectrum of military operations and movement from ship to shore,” said Col. Sean Dynan, the commanding officer of the 15th MEU. “VMM-165’s pilots and aircrews have the full support of the 15th MEU as they take a measured approach to progress through all requirements carefully and deliberately.” 
 
VMM-165 (Rein.) and the 15th MEU will continue to conduct progressive training events over the coming weeks, both ashore and at sea. 
 
MV-22B Ospreys are multi-engine, dual-piloted, self-deployable, medium lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tiltrotor aircraft designed for combat assault support, combat service support, and special operations missions worldwide. Ospreys have the ability to carry 24 Marines and Sailors twice as fast and five times farther than previous helicopters, flying at 240 knots and up to 200 nautical miles. 

UVision Inc. and SAIC (Science Applications International Corp). announced a collaboration agreement for manufacturing of the Hero 120 Loitering Munition system. This cutting-edge defense solution will be produced in Charleston, South Carolina, significantly enhancing rapid response capabilities for all UVisionUSA clients in the United States. 

The collaboration with SAIC is aimed at establishing a fully independent domestic supply chain, ensuring that UVision’s USA clients benefit from reduced dependency on international supply chains, faster delivery times, local training by expert teams, and comprehensive post-sale support and maintenance. 

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, Chairman of the board of directors of Uvision USA, said, “UVisionUSA Inc.’s business activity has expanded significantly in the second half of 2023, with several new contracts signed with the US military and other government bodies. Our collaboration with SAIC stems from the need to provide a complete solution to our US clients, independent of the international supply chain. We are proud to announce that the manufacturing facility itself will commence operations in March 2024.”  

The Hero 120 Loitering Munition System is a state-of-the-art, mid-range, anti-tank system designed to address the complexities of the modern battlefield. It offers high-precision strikes against anti-armor, anti-material, and anti-personnel targets, including tanks, vehicles, and soft targets in urban environments. With its ability to cause minimal collateral damage and equipped with a range of multi-purpose warheads, the Hero 120 provides operational users with an unparalleled effective engagement solution. 

From U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Detachment Jacksonville 

March 26, 2024 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Dog (WPB 87373) sustained damage during the crew’s inbound transit from sea to the St. Marys River, Monday.   

The cutter Sea Dog safely moored in Fernandina Beach, Florida, with assistance from additional Coast Guard assets and a commercial towing vessel.  

There were no injuries to personnel, no damage to other vessels in the area, no impediments to the navigable waterway, and no reported environmental impacts as a result of the incident.   

The incident is under investigation. 

The Sea Dog is an 87-foot marine protector-class cutter assigned to Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay in the Coast Guard’s Seventh District.

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, March 26, 2024 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Venturous (WMEC 625) crew returned to their homeport in St. Petersburg, Friday, after a 60-day Caribbean patrol supporting Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast’s Operation Vigilant Sentry and Joint Interagency Task Force – South’s counterdrug missions.   

While on patrol, the crew of Venturous repatriated 65 migrants. The migrants were safely transferred to Venturous from Coast Guard cutters Dauntless, Forward and Vigilant. Aboard Venturous, the migrants were given food, water, and basic medical care before being repatriated to the Haitian coast guard in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti.  

Venturous patrolled the South Florida Straits and Windward Passage within the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of responsibility to conduct maritime safety and security missions while working to detect, deter, and intercept unsafe and unlawful migrant ventures bound for the United States.   

The Venturous also hosted the commandant and chief of naval operations of the Dominican navy during their port call in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to discuss capabilities, training, and partnerships in the region.   

“Our highest priority is to prevent the tragic loss of life at sea,” said Cmdr. Karen L. Kutkiewicz, commanding officer of Venturous. “Often, interdicting migrants attempting to illegally enter the southeast maritime border turns into urgent rescue when homemade, overloaded, and dangerously unsafe vessels attempt passage. This mission is challenging both mentally and physically on our crew. I am proud of the crew’s care and professionalism displayed in this humanitarian mission.”  

OVS was first established in 2004 as the operational plan to prevent, deter, prepare for, respond to, and recover from maritime migration events in the Caribbean.  

Venturous is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter drug operations, migrant interdiction, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.   

For more information about OVS and the cases mentioned in this release, please click here.   

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.  

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District, March 26, 2024 

BALTIMORE — The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies in response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore Tuesday morning. 

Coast Guard watchstanders received a report into the Coast Guard Sector Maryland – National Capital Region command center at 1:27 a.m. reporting a 948-foot Singapore-flagged containership collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge.  

Additionally, it was reported that the bridge collapsed and there were reports of persons in the water. 

Response boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Curtis Bay and Annapolis have crews deployed to the incident for active search and rescue.  

A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Coast Guard investigators and pollution responders are also en-route to the incident.  

An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast is issued regarding the incident and there has been a 2000-yard safety zone issued for the surrounding waters. Mariners are urged to avoid the area.  

From HII, Mar. 25, 2024 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted commencement exercises today, celebrating 133 graduates of the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. The ceremony was held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., NNS leadership, and local shipbuilding supporters, alongside family and friends of the graduates. 

Thomasina Wright, NNS vice president of fleet support programs, and a 1986 graduate of The Apprentice School, delivered the keynote commencement address. 

“Newport News Shipbuilding is the best place to be to support our national defense and become a leader,” Wright said. “Graduates, please focus on continuous learning, setting goals and priorities, and giving back to your community.” 

NNS President Jennifer Boykin addressed the graduates as the shipyard’s newest leaders. 

“You were chosen to complete a truly rigorous program — and you succeeded,” Boykin said. “Hold your head high, and consider your impact on those around you. Our future is brighter with you in it.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school-graduation-2024/. 

The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School has been accredited since 1982. Students can earn academic degrees through its partnerships with institutions of higher education. Certification to grant associate degrees and confer degrees on its own came in July 2020, after the school was approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate as a postsecondary institution. 

This year’s commencement exercises marked the first time the school has conferred an associate’s degree in the field of applied science maritime technology. Adam Ryan West, a welding equipment repairer, is the first to earn the degree, which became an option at the same time he was accepted to the school. 

West initially chose welding equipment repair for his apprenticeship, but through his shipyard work and classroom study, he was able to expand his scope of skills to earn the degree. 

“There is a satisfaction in fixing something that wasn’t working,” West shared. “It is an honor to be the first to earn this degree from The Apprentice School and I am thankful I get to apply what I learned every day while working in the shipyard.” 

Scott Sinowitz received the Homer L. Ferguson Award, which recognizes the apprentice graduating with the highest average in combined required academic and craft grades. 

Sinowitz joined NNS in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from James Madison University and currently serves as an electrician supporting the refueling and complex overhaul of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). 

During his address, Sinowitz asked graduates to reflect on the knowledge and craftsmanship learned in their apprenticeships that set them up for success as shipyard leaders. 

“Those skills take time to develop and even longer to refine. So, while we continue to improve ourselves, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a strong work ethic, good attitude, desire to learn, and preparedness,” Sinowtiz shared. “With one another’s support, we create the culture Newport News Shipbuilding deserves.” 

Replay coverage of the ceremony is available at: https://hii.com/events/apprentice-school-graduation/ 

• The following is a profile of the graduating class: 

• Fourteen graduates completed an optional advanced program, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree. The program includes coursework in subjects such as marine design, modeling and simulation, production planning and marine engineering. 
• Fifty-nine graduates earned honors, a combination of academic and craft grades that determine overall performance. 
• Two graduates completed the Advanced Shipyard Operations Program, allowing them to continue their postsecondary education, expand their experience in waterfront operations and develop leadership skills to improve the quality and efficiency of production, manufacturing and maintenance processes. 
• Forty-five graduates completed Frontline FAST, an accelerated skills training program for potential foremen. 
• Twenty-seven graduates were inducted into The National Society of Leadership Success. 
• Nine graduates completed the World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum and advance optional program with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. 
• Seven graduates are military veterans or are currently serving in the armed services as reservists and guardsmen. 
• Twelve graduates earned Gold Athletic Awards. One graduate, Logan David Mize, earned a Gold Athletic Award in two sports. 

The Apprentice School accepts more than 200 apprentices per year. The school offers four- to eight-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and eight optional advanced programs. Apprentices work a 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes. 

Through partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, The Apprentice School’s academic program provides the opportunity to earn associate degrees in business administration, engineering and engineering technology and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering.