Release from mtu 

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mtu Series 4000 marine gensets to be manufactured in the US; adding facility upgrades, additional jobs at two production locations 

Seamless transfer of state-of-the-art naval genset technology from Germany to US 

The Power Systems division of Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR., ADR: RYCEY) has been selected to supply a further four of its mtu naval generator sets for the USS Congress (FFG-63), the second ship in the U.S. Navy’s Constellation Class Guided-Missile Frigate program, previously known as the FFG(X) program. Rolls-Royce has made significant investment at its production facilities in Aiken, S.C. and Mankato, Minn. to support the program and manufacture the gensets in the US. 

Rolls-Royce is currently supplying mtu gensets for the lead ship in the Constellation Class program, the USS Constellation (FFG 62), relying on its established team in Friedrichshafen, Germany, to fulfil the project. For the second ship, the FFG-63, the company has successfully transferred advanced technology and detailed manufacturing processes to the US, investing in new facility improvements and creating new jobs to enhance its Aiken and Mankato plants. This investment will not only accommodate the specific needs of the FFG(X) program but also support future potential US naval business. Among the significant investments made at the facilities are new assembly tooling and material handling equipment, upgraded hoist systems, adapted test cells and building expansion, in addition to the creation of up to 20 new jobs. 

Adam Wood, Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions America, said: “We’re not only proud to continue our support of our partners in the U.S. Navy but are also thrilled to bring the manufacturing of our mtu naval gensets to the US. Working with our colleagues in Germany for a seamless technology transfer to our Aiken and Mankato facilities has strengthened our ability to meet the high expectations of this project and better position us to compete for future government programs.” 

The USS Congress (FFG-63) is a multi-mission warship designed for operation in littoral and blue water environments to conduct air, anti-submarine, surface and electronic warfare, in addition to information operations. The four generator sets, each rated at 3000 kWe, are based on the proven and most power-dense mtu 20V 4000 M53B engine and will provide a total power output of 12 MW for propulsion and on-board power supply. 

Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) of Marinette, Wisc. was awarded the build contract for the project. The completed vessel will be powered by a combined diesel-electric and gas turbine, allowing for energy-efficient diesel power generation for propulsion at normal cruising speeds with extended range, while enhancing anti-submarine capability in its extremely quiet diesel-electric configuration. When completed, the ship will be nearly 500 feet in length, accommodate up to 200 crew and be capable of speeds in excess of 26 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 16 knots. 

Imagery is available for download from: Media Center (mtu-solutions.com) 

Release from U.S. Department of Defense 

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

Navy Rear Adm. Daniel L. Cheever for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as commander, Naval Air Forces; and commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.  Cheever is currently serving as chief of staff, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Navy Rear Adm. James P. Downey for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Downey is currently serving as program executive officer for Aircraft Carriers, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Vice Adm. Daniel W. Dwyer for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Development, N7, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.  Dwyer is currently serving as commander, Second Fleet; and commander, Joint Forces Command Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia. 

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Marine Corps Updates Logistics Doctrine 

21 March 2023 

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS — 

The Marine Corps has officially updated its logistics doctrine with the publication of Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 4, Logistics, March 21, 2023. This publication provides Marines a conceptual framework for understanding how logistics is an essential aspect of every military operation. 

This publication is a revision of the 1997 version by the same name. It places the time-tested, combat-proven principles outlined in the previous version in an updated warfighting context.  This updated publication draws on the increasing importance of information and data, and highlights the global challenges associated with sustaining an expeditionary force. 

“Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 4, Logistics represents a significant update to our logistics doctrine,” said Lt. Gen. Edward Banta, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics. “It provides a common framework for all Marines involved in logistics operations and will help ensure that we are able to sustain our operations in the most effective and efficient manner possible.” 

The future fight requires Marines to operate when logistics is contested, thereby requiring the force to innovate and leverage new technologies for comparative advantages against potential adversaries. Both strategic- and operational-level logistics is critical and requires a fundamental understanding of logistics limitations and opportunities in the information age. 

Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 4, Logistics is available online at MARADMIN 146/23. 

SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard and Federated States of Micronesia National Police conducted a successful at-sea engagement to combat illegal fishing in Yap State on March 16, 2023. 

The crews of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) and the FSS Tosiwo Nakayama (P901) conducted a joint patrol near Yap State in support of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Operation 365, part of the FFA’s regional monitoring control and surveillance operations to stop illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Pacific. 

“The crew enjoyed conducting a professional exchange including navigation and seamanship training during a close-quarters formation steaming with our colleagues aboard the FSS Tosiwo Nakayama before they pulled into Yap,” said Lt. Freddy Hofschneider, commanding officer of the Oliver Henry. 

The Tosiwo Nakayama is currently FSM’s only active Guardian-class patrol boat. Under the Australian Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia is delivering 22 Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Lesté. They also provide additional training to enable nations to make the most out of this capability. 

The FSM is a sovereign nation with full diplomatic relations, deep ties, and a cooperative relationship with the United States. They participate in an amended Compact of Free Association with the U.S., under which the FSM and the United States agreed that the U.S. has full authority and responsibility for defense and security matters relating to the FSM. Many FSM citizens also live, work, and study in the U.S. and voluntarily serve in the U.S. Armed Forces at per capita rates higher than many U.S. states. 

“The ongoing partnership between the FSM and the U.S. Coast Guard seeks to enhance FSM’s sovereignty and capability to combat illicit maritime activity, particularly illegal fishing, to the benefit of all Pacific partners but with a focus on the people of the FSM and their economic and food security needs,” said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “We appreciate the efforts of the National Police, the U.S. Embassy, and our Australian Pacific Maritime Security Program partners to make these shared multilateral operations possible to increase regional security and prosperity.” 

The crew also leveraged time underway while on patrol in the FSM Exclusive Economic Zone for maintenance, Basic Engineering Casualty Control Exercises or BECCEs, and cutter boat training. The crew is on a four-week expeditionary patrol throughout Western Oceania. 

The Oliver Henry is the 40th 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter named for Oliver T. Henry, Jr., an enlisted African American Coast Guard member first to break the color barrier of a then-segregated Service. 

It homeports in Guam, working with U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, which comprises nearly 300 personnel to provide a significant portion of the U.S. Coast Guard’s enduring regional presence in Oceania. 

Operation 365 is the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre’s overarching plan for Regional Monitoring Control and Surveillance operations. OP365 provides comprehensive support to regional surveillance and enforcement efforts in Pacific Island Countries on an ongoing basis. OP365 requires the concerted and consistent effort of all 17 Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency member nations and the four members of the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group countries, Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States, to be successful. 

For more U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam news, visit us on DVIDS or subscribe! You can also visit us on Facebook or Instagram at @USCGForcesMicronesia or Twitter @USCGFMSG.  

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

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From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs 

MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) transferred three patrol craft to the Egyptian Navy, March 21, during a formal ceremony in Alexandria, Egypt. 

The transfer ceremony represents the culmination of weeks of preparation, training and professional exchanges between Egyptian and U.S. Navy Sailors. The U.S. Navy turned over former patrol coastal ships USS Hurricane (PC 3), USS Sirocco (PC 6), and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12) after sailing from Bahrain to Egypt during a month-long journey around the Arabian Peninsula, January through February. 

“The Egypt-U.S. maritime partnership has been a fundamental pillar of our bilateral defense cooperation for decades,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “This transfer is yet another major milestone in our strong relationship that will enhance regional maritime security for years to come.” 

During the 4,000-mile transit to Alexandria, U.S. and Egyptian crewmembers worked side-by-side safely navigating the three ships on a voyage that included port visits to Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates; Duqm, Oman; Djibouti; and Berenice, Egypt. 

U.S. and Egyptian service members continued training after the ships arrived in Alexandria, Feb. 12. Classroom lessons included discussions on engineering, search and rescue, damage control and weapons handling.  

“This transfer process was an incredible opportunity for our crews. It enabled us to strengthen our bilateral ties while enhancing our interoperability with a highly capable regional maritime partner,” said Capt. Anthony Webber, commander of Task Force 55, which oversees operations for U.S. 5th Fleet’s surface forces. 

The Egyptian Navy currently commands Combined Task Force 153, one of four multinational task forces organized under U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The task force coordinates multinational maritime security efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden.    

NAVCENT and CMF are headquartered in Manama, Bahrain. They include maritime forces operating in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb. 

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ARLINGTON, Va. — The suppliers of components and materials to the nation’s submarine shipyards praised the AUKUS agreement’s plan for building three or potentially five Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs).  

The AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to provide nuclear-powered attack submarines for Australia will involve supplying three Virginia-class SSNs to Australia (with an option for two more) starting in the early 2030s, followed by a new class of SSNs — the SSN-AUKUS — built in the United Kingdom in the late 2030s, followed by further SSN-AUKUS submarines built in Australia in the early 1940s. 

Steven Dobos, chairman of the Submarine Industrial Base Council, said in an interview with Seapower that the timing of when the three-to-five Virginia-class SSNs are slotted in the production presents a challenge and an opportunity. 

“It’s a good problem,” Dobos said. “For years it was, are they going to fund a boat? Are they going to fund two boats? Are they going to put two Virginias in the same year? What are we going to do with Columbia? … It comes with an extensive set of challenges, but they are all opportunities. The defense industry, and particularly the submarine industrial base, they have met the challenges of the past and I don’t think there’s anything in the future preventing it from doing it in the future with adequate planning.” 

Dobos said that Congress is “extremely” supportive of the submarine industrial base, “probably more than ever.” 

“I would expect to see some plus-ups put in there, but I think everybody would be happy if it went in at the president’s budget [level],” he said.  

“Everything is pie in the sky until the contract is awarded,” he said. “The supply chain now is being told that they’re going to go to a larger block buy for most of this, where they’re going to package five Columbias and seven Virginias gives you visibility as to what your cadence is going to be, and that allows you to accurately staff your work force and give you the time to build up what you need.” 

As with the submarine-building shipyards, the submarine suppliers face the challenges of recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce. 

“As fast as we can hire skill, we lose skill for varying reasons,” said Dobos, whose own company in Cameron, Texas. “Texas is in the middle of the oil field. You’re fighting with oil and gas [industry] for your welders, your fitters and your machinists.” 

Dobos said the SIBC was pleased with the $636 million proposed in the president’s 2023 budget for supplier and workforce development.  

Dobos is the president and CEO of Butler Weldments in Cameron, Texas. His company produces components for the prime contractors that build submarines, HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics’ Electric Boat. The products include foundations for heavy machinery such as turbine sub-bases for the main propulsion unit for the Virginia-class, numerous components for the Columbia-class, large fixtures for Newport News and Electric Boat to support the Columbia construction, and large power-generation frames. 

The SIBC’s membership includes approximately 2,000 suppliers.  

Release from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

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17 March 2023 

From USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs 

BREMERTON, Wash. – The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Bremerton, Washington, March 17, after completing an 18-month docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The ship is shifting its homeport back to San Diego, California, and will return to Naval Air Station North Island next week.  

The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Bremerton, Washington, March 17, after completing an 18-month docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The ship is shifting its homeport back to San Diego, California, and will return to Naval Air Station North Island next week.  
 

Theodore Roosevelt began DPIA on Sep. 10, 2021. 

The DPIA achieved significant modernization to the ship’s combat efficiency while also ensuring sustained operational readiness throughout its 50-year lifespan. Upgrades included a flight deck systems retrofit, expanding the ship’s air dominance capabilities to support the F-35C Lightning II, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, and CMV-22B Osprey, as well as future platforms such as the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aircraft system. Other combat systems modernization efforts included installation of the Mark 38 Mod III Machine Gun System and upgrades to the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite; Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES); ship self-defense system (SSDS); surface search radar; and AN/SPQ-9 Fire Control System. The availability also involved a full restoration of crew habitability areas, including crew living quarters and onboard bathrooms; and preventative maintenance and restoration of the ship’s hull, rudders and rudder shafts. 

“I’m so grateful for the unrelenting work our crew and our shipyard teammates put into this milestone,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Brian Schrum. “Their sacrifices have enabled us to rejoin the Fleet and to get back to being a warship for our nation. Thanks as well to our Sailors and their families for their resiliency, and to the Puget Sound communities for their unwavering support.” 

Prior to DPIA, Theodore Roosevelt was homeported in San Diego and was deployed from December 2020 to May 2021 in the Indo-Pacific region in support of maritime security operations. 

Release from HII

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted commencement exercises today, celebrating 200 graduates of the company’s Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). The ceremony was held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton. 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the keynote commencement address. 

“Newport News Shipbuilding graduates: You build America, you run America, you are the backbone of America, and we are so proud of you,” Youngkin said. “As Governor of Virginia, it’s never been clearer that the road to American exceptionalism runs right through your classrooms and dry docks. Congratulations on honing your skill and your relentless dedication, you are the pride and future of Virginia.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-celebrates-200-graduates-of-the-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school/ 

Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of human resources and trades, addressed the graduates as the shipyard’s newest leaders. 

“You chose to answer the noble call to become a shipbuilder, to give of yourself to build the world’s most powerful nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines,” Beale said. “You completed thousands of hours of rigorous classroom and on-the-job training to become experts in your fields. You graduate today, armed with the craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership necessary to become our next generation of shipbuilding leaders.” 

Jasmine Tutt received the Homer L. Ferguson Award, which recognizes the apprentice graduating with the highest average in combined required academic and craft grades. Tutt is the first African American woman to receive the award. She is an electrical engineer at NNS and has supported a variety of programs, including Virginia-class submarine and Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier construction, since joining HII in 2014. 

Tutt first graduated from William & Mary with a degree in chemistry. During her time at The Apprentice School, she earned an associate’s degree in engineering from Tidewater Community College and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Old Dominion University. 

During her address, Tutt asked graduates to reflect on the experiences that have shaped their apprenticeships and set them up for success as shipyard leaders. 

“We’re stronger together than we are alone. Don’t forget those feelings as you help guide the next generation of apprentices and shipbuilders, because we’ll leave today as new members of a unique community of graduates unlike any other,” Tutt shared. “Within this community exists a bond of hard work, dedication, and sheer grit that is unique to having been an apprentice.” 

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

The following is a profile of the graduating class: 

Thirty-two completed an optional, advanced program, earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The program includes coursework in subjects such as marine design, production planning, modeling and simulation, and marine engineering. 

Seventy-nine earned honors, a combination of academic and craft grades that determine overall performance. 

Two 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-three completed Frontline FAST, an accelerated skills training program for potential foremen. 

Thirty-three inducted into The National Society of Leadership Success. 

Six completed the World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum and advance optional program with a perfect 4.0 GPA 

Six are military veterans or are currently serving in the armed services as reservists and guardsmen, representing every branch of the military. 

Twenty-two earned athletic awards. 

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. 

About HII 

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. 

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 43,000 strong. For more information, visit: 

Release from the Department of Defense

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March 16, 2023 | By David Vergun  

Providing global logistics to sustain the force and provide humanitarian aid over air, land and sea is a capability the Defense Department enjoys, unmatched by any other nation, said Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, who spoke yesterday at a McAleese-sponsored event in Washington, D.C. 

“Mission success depends on the nation’s capacity and capability to transport and supply its forces,” she said. 

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Transcom has delivered large quantities of munitions and weaponry to Ukraine from the U.S., allies and partners, she said. 

Spotlight: Support for Ukraine 

“The entire enterprise proudly continues to enable Ukraine’s national defense, and that in turn delivers success for our allies and partners,” she said. 

Despite the significant demands of the European theater, Transcom continues to execute its global mission in support of joint and combined exercises with geographic combatant commands, she said.  

Global power projection relies on accessible basing and overflights overseas, she said, requiring diplomatic alignment with allies and partners.  

Within the United States, mobilization and logistical movement depends on a good network of highways, railways and pipelines, she said.  

“The combination of our organic logistics and commercial capabilities must continue to present a credible deterrent for delivering,” she added. 

Achieving this requires proactive effort, she said. “In 10 years, more than 50% of the U.S. government’s sealift ships will reach the end of service life. For this reason, Transcom supports the Navy’s strategy to recapitalize the fleet by acquiring used sealift vessels on the commercial market, and to provide the secretary of defense discretionary authority to purchase new ships.”  

Joint force global projection also relies on air refueling as the backbone of rapid global mobility, she said. To meet this requirement, Transcom supports modernization of the tanker fleet, along with upgrades to existing aircraft.  

Transcom is also embracing secure artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to accelerate decision making in the transportation space, she said. 

Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific

Van Ovost noted that the Indo-Pacific region is the most challenging theater, with vast ocean distances to be crossed and a scarcity of logistics hubs. 

Release from Naval Air Systems Command 

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Mar 16, 2023 

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the final Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS) unit March 16 marking another on-time or ahead of schedule delivery for increased capability at sea. 

JPALS is a ship-relative GPS-based system that provides aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships with precision approach and landing capability, surveillance, and over-the-air inertial alignment in all weather and mission environments. 

“This is a significant milestone for the JPALS team and highlights the incredible efforts of hundreds of our teammates over the past decade who developed and now have fully delivered these critical systems that our Warfighters and International Partners need,” said Capt. Kevin Watkins, Naval Air Traffic Management Systems (PMA-213) program manager. “This team overcame many barriers over the past several years, successfully achieving the required outcome to deliver all of the capabilities needed, on time and affordably.” 

JPALS is currently being deployed on all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, and is on the United Kingdom Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour. Japan became the third foreign military sale customer in December and is scheduled to be deployed on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Izumo in 2024. 

JPALS has been supporting F-35B deployments on U.S. Navy LH-class amphibious assault ships since 2016 and F-35C deployments on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers since 2021. Initial operational capability was reached in May 2021 with full operational capability scheduled for fiscal year 2026.