BALTIC SEA — A significant focus of BALTOPS every year is the demonstration of NATO mine hunting capabilities, and this year the U.S. Navy continues to use the exercise as an opportunity to test emerging technology, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs said June 14. 
 
In support of BALTOPS, U.S. Navy 6th Fleet partnered with U.S. Navy research and warfare centers to bring the latest advancements in unmanned underwater vehicle mine hunting technology to the Baltic Sea to demonstrate the vehicle’s effectiveness in operational scenarios. 

Experimentation was conducted off the coast of Bornholm, Denmark, with participants from Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport, and Mine Warfare Readiness and Effectiveness Measuring all under the direction of U.S. 6th Fleet Task Force 68. 
 
BALTOPS is an ideal location for conducting mine hunting experimentation due to the region’s unique environmental conductions such as low salinity and varying bottom types. It is also critical to evaluate emerging mine hunting UUV technology in the Baltic due to its applicability with allied and partner nations. This year experimentation was focused on UUV navigation, teaming operations, and improvements in acoustic communications all while collecting critical environmental data sets to advance the automatic target recognition algorithms for mine detection.  

“In prior BALTOPS we demonstrated advanced capabilities to detect, reacquire and collect images of mine contacts, and transfer those images in near real-time to operators through the use of a specialized Office of Naval Research UUV,” said Anthony Constable, Office of Naval Research science advisor to U.S. 6th Fleet. “This year, through the work of NIWC Pacific and NUWC Newport, we are showing that this capability can be integrated into programs of record by executing complex multi-vehicle UUV missions with modified U.S. Navy fleet assets.” 
 
An additional critical objective was to continue to increase the communication range and data transfer capability to give the operators more flexibility in mine hunting operations. Advancements in communication technology, demonstrated this year, have shown a significant improvement in operating ranges over currently used systems. This provides additional standoff flexibility to the U.S. Navy in conducting safe mine hunting operations. 
 
BALTOPS also provides a unique opportunity for the U.S. research, development and acquisition communities to exercise the current and emerging UUV technology in real-world operational environments. This year featured the current and future programs of record for mine hunting UUVs in the Mk18 and Lionfish systems. Both systems were put through the paces over 10 days of mine-hunting operations, collecting over 200 hours of undersea data. 
 
“The major benefit of the BALTOPS experimentation is to provide advanced mine hunting capabilities to the operator in the field. By exercising the future capabilities, U.S. 6th Fleet can provide valuable feedback to help guide the Navy acquisition community responsible for mine hunting UUV development and procurement,” said Lt. Joshua Lynn, U.S. 6th Fleet experimental lead for BALTOPS. “This year we have seen the near- and long-term future in mine hunting UUV technology and we are excited to see how quickly the technology and capabilities are improving.” 

USS Sioux City (LCS 11) has become the first littoral combat ship to deploy to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. 

According to Capt. Rob Francis, the commander of Destroyer Squadron 50 and Task Force 55, the Freedom-class variant is perfect for this AOR.

The Mayport-based Sioux City was commissioned in 2018. It has more varied deployment experience than any other LCS. It deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet last year, supporting interdiction operations in the Caribbean with a U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement embarked, and was served with the U.S. 6th Fleet during most of the month of May or its way to the Middle East.

The ship is equipped with the surface warfare mission package. An embarked detachment of a pair of MH-60S Seahawk helicopters from the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 is assigned to the Sioux City for its deployment.

The ship hasn’t arrived in the Arabian Gulf yet, but is operating in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force 153.

“LCS isn’t like anything that has come out to 5th Fleet,” Francis said. “We recognize that that LCS was built for this AOR. We have a CO and a crew that’s 100% locked on to helping us understand how to integrate the Freedom class into our operations, because this is our future.”

Francis said the plan is to conduct patrols and maritime security operations.

“Right now, she’s conducting boardings, and doing the real-world mission we need her to do. She’s also providing air domain awareness for the CAOC, which is something the ship wasn’t designed for. We’ll exercise all of the ship’s capabilities. We want to find out what she can do.”

Francis also said the deployment is a test of the Navy’s support infrastructure in the region.

“We’ll do a planned maintenance availability when they get to here to Bahrain, and we’ll exercise every one of our support capabilities and facilities.” 

Francis acknowledged the concerns about LCS fuel consumption and readiness.

“We’ve heard the criticism that LCS has short legs. Okay, if you run it around at 40 knots all the time, that may be true. When she’s station keeping, however, it’s at an economical speed that offers good fuel consumption,” he said. “I don’t have an oiler following her around.” 

Francis said Sioux City has met expectations for readiness. 

“I look at all of my ships every single day, and Sioux City is green across the board.  If you ask me, I’d like three or four more out here tomorrow.”

ARLINGTON, Va. — Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced June 10 during the Naval War College commencement that future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer DDG-138 will be named USS J. William Middendorf, the Defense Department said in a release.   

The future USS J. William Middendorf will honor former Secretary of the Navy and U.S. Ambassador J. William Middendorf II. The name selection follows the tradition of naming destroyers after U.S. naval leaders and heroes.   

In 2020, former Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer announced his intention to name a ship after Middendorf but had not dedicated the name to an assigned hull number. Del Toro assigned the name to DDG-138, which was appropriated in the fiscal year 2022 budget.   

“I am pleased to honor Secretary Spencer’s previous decision to name a ship after Ambassador J. William Middendorf and I am incredibly proud to announce it here, at the Naval War College, during the commencement of our future leaders,” said Del Toro. “Middendorf’s spirit of innovation and questioning helped champion programs that are still defending our nation today. This namesake ship will continue to inspire that legacy.” 

Middendorf was born in 1924, in Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout 1944-1946, while serving in the Navy aboard landing craft support ship, USS LCS(L)(3)-53, he earned his Bachelor of Naval Science. After a discharge from naval service he earned an additional B.A. from Harvard University and then an M.B.A. from New York University. In 1969, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands and continued in the position until 1973. He then served as undersecretary of the Navy with an appointment from President Richard Nixon. On April 8, 1974, Middendorf became the 62nd secretary of the Navy. During his tenure as Secretary of the Navy, he championed the Trident submarine program, Aegis Missile system, oversaw the creation of the famed Marine Corps Marathon, and was instrumental in the development of the F/A-18 Hornet. In addition to his career in public service, Middendorf is widely respected philanthropist and an accomplished author, artist, and composer.  

“I met with Middendorf recently, affirming my decision to move forward with the previous naming decision. His ongoing leadership and respect provides a worthy cause for the naming of a destroyer,” said Del Toro. “The men and women who will sail upon this vessel will undoubtedly be inspired and strengthened by legacy of the namesake, ultimately impacting actions and decisions that will further our nation and freedom across the globe.”

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — HII announced June 11 that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division christened the company’s 13^th amphibious transport dock, Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), constructed for the U.S. Navy. 

“For nearly two decades, we have had the opportunity to build these amphibious ships, and we look forward to continuing this journey with such a valued partner,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “Today we reflect on Richard M. McCool Jr.’s bravery and heroism in front of a ship that will carry another generation of brave Sailors and Marines into missions defending our freedom.” 

LPD 29 is named to honor U.S. Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in rescuing survivors from a sinking destroyer and for saving his own landing support ship during a World War II kamikaze attack. His rescue efforts took place exactly 77 years prior to the day Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) was christened.          

Undersecretary of the Navy Erik Raven was the keynote speaker. 

“Richard M. McCool Jr. truly embodied the spirit of service above self,” Raven said. “The Sailors and Marines who will sail on this future ship carry on that legacy following the example of spirit, patriotism and selflessness set by Richard M. McCool Jr.” 

When speaking of America’s defense capabilities, Raven said, “We are able to deploy exquisite capabilities across the globe in great part due to our dedicated shipbuilders and our talented team. These talented Americans are essential to making sure that our naval forces have the ships that they need.” 

Richard M. McCool Jr. is co-sponsored by Shana McCool and Kate Oja, granddaughters of the ship’s namesake. Together, the two sponsors officially christened Richard M. McCool Jr. by smashing a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the ship. McCool spoke on behalf of both sponsors at today’s ceremony. 

When speaking about her grandfather’s heroic acts some 77 years ago, McCool said, “To the commanding officer and future crew of this ship, may she (the ship) keep you safe. And in the words of our grandfather, may you always remember to fight as a unit and not as individuals.” 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. The five deceased Marines from the MV-22B Osprey mishap on June 8 have been identified, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced June 10. 

All were assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and were based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California. The identities of the Marines are:

• Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, a tiltrotor crew chief.  
• Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of New Durham, New Hampshire, an MV-22B pilot.  
• Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, a tiltrotor crew chief. 
• Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, an MV-22B pilot. 
• Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico, a Tiltrotor Crew Chief.  

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family,” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, commanding officer of VMM-364. “This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.” 

At the time of the mishap, the MV-22B Osprey and crew were conducting routine flight training. The mishap is currently under investigation. 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While some students will spend this summer doing odd jobs or hanging out with friends, 20 high-performing 11th and 12th graders from throughout the country will complete an intensive eight-week U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy aviation program at either Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware, or Elizabeth City State University, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Upon completion of the program, each student will earn a private pilot certification/license and five college credits. 

The program was established in 2021 by the Commander, Naval Air Forces to increase diversity in the field of aviation. The Navy partners with select universities throughout the country to provide the flight training to the participating students. The cost of the program is approximately $24,000 per student but is offered at zero cost to the student and with no obligations. The majority of this year’s CNAF Selects are from minority demographic groups, with an equal male-female split for the program.  

The Department of the Navy sponsors the Summer Flight Academy program for students participating in Navy and Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The program is a new STEM initiative that was selected for funding by the Naval STEM Coordination Office — located at the Office of Naval Research — which oversees investments in STEM education, outreach and workforce initiatives. 

“The primary goal of the scholarship program is to expose exceptional minority students to a career path that currently lacks diversity,” says Cmdr. Chris “Frozone” Williams, a Navy fighter pilot, instructor and director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “These 20 students have what it takes to be leaders in the field of aviation, and the Navy is honored to play a part in their personal and professional journey.”  

During the eight-week Summer Flight Academy, each student will receive a minimum of 32 hours of classroom aviation academics and 49 hours of flight training in either a Vulcanair V.10 single-engine aircraft or Piper Warrior (PA-28). As part of the certification process, students are required to complete 17 hours of solo flights. 

2022 CNAF Summer Flight Academy Students 

Scott Aflague – Guam (DSU) 

Rishita Bagga – Richmond, Texas (DSU) 

Samantha Boadu – Dumfries, Virginia (DSU) 

La’Donte Buckhanan – Mandeville, Lousiana (DSU) 

Isaac Carter – Grove City, Ohio (DSU) 

Maya Charlton – Indian Trail, North Carolina (DSU) 

Kennedy Childress – Fort Mill, South Carolina (DSU) 

Ion Ciobanu – Manassas, Virginia (DSU) 

Jadyn Dixon – Statesville, North Carolina (DSU) 

Bonnie Frazer – Bayboro, North Carolina (DSU) 

Zander Hamilton – Mukilteo, Washington (DSU) 

Abby Harwick, Bayboro, North Carolina (DSU) 

Blessings Kibet – Mobile, Alabama (ECSU) 

Camden Korsmo – Corpus Christi, Texas (ECSU) 

Alexander Le – St. Paul, Minnesota (DSU) 

Tyler Smolensky – Highlands, New Jersey (DSU) 

Kaitlyn Stake – Mt. Juliet, Tennessee (DSU) 

Henry Stanley – Corpus Christi, Texas (DSU) 

Xitali Vazquez – Phoenix, Arizona (ECSU) 

Josh Ward – Stockton, California (ECSU) 

WESTMINSTER, London — The United Kingdom-based Tech Bridge hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 13 to celebrate the grand opening of its innovation hub, said Liz Mildenstein of NavalX. 

The London Tech Bridge will leverage partnerships with the U.S. Office of Naval Research Global and the Royal Navy Office of the Chief Technology Officer to foster connectivity, agility and innovation. The location will sponsor dialogue, joint investment and cooperative development between the two navies. 

“The opening of the London Tech Bridge’s innovation hub represents a new way for great minds to come together in a unique atmosphere, share ideas and technologies, and foster more effective research collaboration,” said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Lorin Selby. “This joint U.S.-U.K. partnership is critical to advance new ideas and keep our naval forces dominant.  

“We’re looking for partners with strong curiosity, a passion for action and a commitment to scientific and technological excellence.” 

Initially launched at the end of 2020 during a virtual ceremony, the London Tech Bridge has already made strides in moving the innovation needle.   

For example, it played a critical role in the recent APEX underwater Challenge. The London Tech Bridge coordinated and arranged sponsorship for three research grants to teams from the University of Rhode Island in the United States, Robert Gordon University in Scotland and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) to execute the challenge. These teams helped unmanned underwater vessels sense objects with sonar or optical cameras and communicate what they “saw” to operators. 

“The London Tech Bridge does exactly what it says on the tin,” said Rear Adm. James Parkin CBE, cutting the ribbon on behalf of the Royal Navy. “Being in London, right next to the strategic headquarters of our armed forces, and at the heart of this great global city, allows exposure not only to the latest thinking in defense innovation, but provides physical access to those varied organizations and individuals conducting some of the most exciting technological research and development anywhere in the world.  

“As such, it’s all about tech — sharing our understanding of exciting developments in autonomy, materials, platforms, sensors, processing and concepts, and unlocking the Royal Navy’s connections to those world leading academic, industrial and public sector organizations in the U.K., towards achieving our common goals. 

“And perhaps most importantly, it’s a figurative Bridge, one that permits the Royal Navy to reach across the Atlantic into the U.S. Navy, and vice versa, enabling our great nations to join forces in collaborating ever closer, in order to identify the opportunities, and solve the problems, that either or both of us have identified.” 

The London Tech Bridge’s new location will also conduct its initial “Tea and Tech” in June, kicking off a monthly session with industry in specified technology areas. Tea and Tech will allow companies to pitch their ideas and technology to the U.S. and U.K. navies. 

The Tech Bridge Network 

The Tech Bridge network, powered by NavalX, spans 18 national and international locations. The network is designed to bridge the gap between the Navy and emerging entities like startups, small businesses, academia, nonprofits and private capital that aren’t traditionally part of the Navy’s development and acquisition process.  

Although there is some commonality among them, the Tech Bridges offer unique services and focus areas within their ecosystems, based on the needs of the customers in their respective areas of responsibility. The London Tech Bridge uniquely builds upon the historic relationship between the U.S. and U.K., and seeks innovation and technology in several key focus areas, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, directed energy, green energy, advanced manufacturing and maintenance and sustainment.  

While the Tech Bridge has defined these focus areas to guide its work, it remains open to innovative ideas and game-changing technologies; it remains agile and anticipates its focus areas evolving over time. Its U.K. co-director, Royal Navy Commander Laurence Mallinson, emphasized the need for flexibility in the Tech Bridge.   

“Having started virtually a year ago, it is great to finally have a place to hold those vital face-to-face meetings and collaboration events. We are right in the heart of one of the world’s most advanced tech centers and so able to bring cutting-edge tech solutions to our navies’ problems,” he said. “We will focus on challenging industry with solving some of the most pressing problems that our navies are trying to resolve, and bring to the attention of our sailors and marines some of the greatest new technologies in the U.K.” 

The addition of a physical innovation hub to the London Tech Bridge framework removes the typical meeting barriers of attending events on a military base and allows for the free flow of thoughts and innovation with limited bureaucracy. 

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — HII demonstrated capabilities enabling amphibious warships to launch, operate with and recover large-diameter unmanned underwater vehicles, the company said June 13.  

“HII is committed to advancing the future of distributed maritime operations and demonstrating our capability to support unmanned vehicles on amphibious ships,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, which hosted and partnered in the demonstration between HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding and Mission Technologies, with all of the participating vehicles being built by HII. “I am very proud of our team’s initiative to strengthen the flexibility of the ships we build by anticipating the challenges and opportunities that exist for our customers.” 

HII-built San Antonio-class amphibious warships have unique well decks that can be flooded to launch and recover various maritime platforms. The U.S. Navy has previously demonstrated the ability to recover spacecraft from the amphibious warship well deck. 

HII’s Advanced Technology Group, comprised of employees from across the company, performed the launch and recovery demonstration with a prototype platform called Pharos and HII’s LDUUV Proteus. The demonstration took place in the Pascagoula River. 

The demonstration involved having the LDUUV approach and be captured by the Pharos cradle, while Pharos was being towed behind a small craft that simulated an amphibious ship at low speed. Pharos was put in a tow position, then using a remote control, it was ballasted down in the trailing position allowing the LDUUV to navigate into Pharos. Once the unmanned vehicle was captured, Pharos was de-ballasted back up into a recovery and transport position. The demonstration also included ballasting down to launch the LDUUV after the capture. 

Pharos is outfitted with heavy duty wheels to allow its transport maneuverability within the well deck of an amphibious ship for stowage on the vehicle decks. Pharos can be rolled off the back of an amphibious ship while using the ship’s existing winch capabilities to extend and retract the platform from the well deck. The Pharos design is scalable and reconfigurable to fit various unmanned underwater or unmanned surface vehicles. 

The Pharos design was conducted by HII, and three main partners supported the development. The University of New Orleans, in conjunction with the Navy, performed the initial model testing, and the prototype device was fabricated by Metal Shark in Louisiana. 

HII is currently exploring modifications for other UUVs and participating in live demonstrations with the fleet within the next year. HII will use results from the Pharos demonstration to further mature concepts and continue to develop innovative national security solutions. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy will christen its newest amphibious transport dock, the future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), during a 9 a.m. CDT ceremony Saturday, June 11, at the HII Ingalls Division shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the Defense Department said June 10. 

The principal speaker is Undersecretary of the Navy Erik Raven. Additional speakers include Lt. Gen. David Bellon, commander, United States Marine Corps Reserve and Marine Corps Forces, South; Vice Adm. Randy Crites, deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources; and Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. In a time-honored Navy tradition, the ship’s sponsors and granddaughters of its namesake, Shana McCool and Kate Oja, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. 

The ship is named in honor of Navy veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, retired Capt. Richard Miles McCool Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for the heroism he displayed June 10 and 11, 1945, in coordinating damage control and rescue operations after a series of Japanese kamikaze aircraft attacks during the Battle of Okinawa. On June 10, 1945, his leadership efforts greatly assisted in evacuating survivors from a sinking destroyer. After his ship was struck by a kamikaze June 11, then Lt. McCool Jr., despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, led vigorous damage control efforts to save his ship from destruction and personally rescue Sailors trapped in blazing compartments. McCool passed away on March 5, 2008. 

“Tomorrow we christen the future USS Richard M. McCool Jr., recognizing a Medal of Honor awardee and true American hero for his unwavering devotion to duty and service to our country,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “This historic occasion brings us one step closer to ‘manning the rails’ with the men and women who will carry on the proud naval tradition of defending our nation and working towards a more peaceful world.” 

The future Richard M. McCool Jr. is the 13th San Antonio-class ship, designed to support embarking, transporting, and bringing elements of 650 Marines ashore by landing craft or air-cushion vehicles. A flight deck hangar further enhances the ship’s capabilities, which can support the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. 

San Antonio-class ships can support a variety of amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions, operating independently or as part of Amphibious Readiness Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups or joint task forces. These capabilities allow the U.S. Navy to protect America’s security abroad and promote regional stability and preserve future peace. 

WASHINGTON — The Navy accepted delivery of the next generation landing craft, Ship-to-Shore Connector, Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 104, June 9, Team Ships Public Affairs said in a release. 

LCAC 104’s delivery follows the completion of acceptance trials with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey to test the readiness and capability of the craft and to validate requirements. 

“These next generation craft provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with essential agility and speed to complete their missions,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager, Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, Program Executive Office Ships. “The reliability and flexibility of the LCAC make them an essential asset to the fleet, protecting the maritime domain now and in the future.”  

LCACs are built with similar configurations, dimensions and clearances to the legacy LCAC, ensuring the compatibility of this next-generation air cushion vehicle with existing well deck-equipped amphibious ships. 

The LCAC program is currently in serial production on LCACs 105 – 116 at Textron Systems.