GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Airbus has signed a follow-on contractor logistics support contract with the U.S. Army to provide spare parts, material, and engineering support for the Army’s entire UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota fleet of 482 utility and training helicopters….
HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding Hiring Thousands
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Global defense and technologies partner HII announced May 23 that the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division plans to hire approximately 5,000 people this year to meet the shipbuilding needs of the Navy. The shipyard anticipates hiring…
Navy’s MQ-8C Fire Scout Operating in Westpac; MQ-8Bs to Be Retired
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy’s MQ-8C version of its Fire Scout unmanned helicopter is now operating on its first deployment to the Western Pacific, the second deployment of the type so far. Meanwhile, the Navy is proceeding with plans to…
Austal USA Launches the Future LCS USS Augusta
MOBILE, Ala. — On May 23, Austal USA successfully launched the 17th Independence-variant littoral combat ship, the future USS Augusta (LCS 34), the company said in a release. Assisted by tugs, the ship was escorted out of Austal USA’s floating…
U.S. Marine Corps C-UAS Program Kicks Off U.S. Production
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Production of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Remote Weapon Station (RWS) has successfully moved from Kongsberg, Norway, to Kongsberg Protech Systems USA in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with the inaugural system completing assembly and testing in March….
Littoral Combat Ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul Commissioned
DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest littoral combat ship, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), in Duluth, Minnesota, May 21, 2022, said Commander, Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet, in a release. Rep. Betty McCollum, of Minnesota’s 4th District,…
Ishee Nominated for Vice Admiral and Command of U.S. 6th Fleet
ARLINGTON, Va. — Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III announced May 20 that the president has made the following nomination: Navy Rear Adm. Thomas E. Ishee for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as commander, 6th Fleet;…
Phillips Sworn In as 20th Maritime Administrator
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced May 16 that retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ann Phillips has been confirmed and sworn in as the 20th administrator of the Maritime Administration. Nominated by President Biden on Oct. 21, 2021,…
Second Iwakuni-Based F-35B Squadron Achieves Full Operational Capability
IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, Japan — On May 17, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 achieved full operational capability and is now ready to support the full complement of its missions, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing said May 19. A significant part of this…
USS Ronald Reagan CSG Departs Yokosuka for 2022 Deployment
YOKOSUKA, Japan — The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and its strike group departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka on May 20 to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, said Lt. Cmdr. Joe…
