Release from General Atomics 

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PARIS – 20 June 2023 – As General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) continues towards its development goal of earning Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization from the FAA for its internally developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system, the company has selected Belgium-based ScioTeq to supply a certified processor and display for its DAA solution. ScioTeq is a proven avionics supplier that was identified as a possible strategic partner at GA-ASI’s Blue Magic Belgium event in 2020. 

Earning FAA certification for its DAA system will help GA-ASI’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) achieve authorization to operate in non-segregated airspace, which will provide greater access for GA-ASI customers to conduct both military and civil missions. Certification of GA-ASI’s DAA capability is an important milestone for its new MQ-9B certifiable UAS. MQ-9B is designed to integrate safely and operate seamlessly in civil airspace, and the aircraft is fitted for the DAA system. 

“GA-ASI’s DAA system is a key capability for our latest MQ-9B SkyGuardian^® and SeaGuardian^® platforms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We have made a significant investment in developing a core DAA capability, which distinguishes us from our competitors. This includes an air-to-air radar that enables flexible operations in all classes of airspace for our MQ-9B customers. We are pleased to work with ScioTeq and continue our close relationship.” 

The partnership will introduce a new generation of visualization computing by incorporating ScioTeq’s certified Next-Gen PU-5200 Avionics Display Computer platform and Projected CAPacitive (PCAP) touch-based Rugged Display Unit RDU-4047 into GA-ASI’s Ground Control Station. ScioTeq’s unique MOSArt^® software platform facilitates the integration of GA-ASI’s DAA application on the ScioTeq hardware. 

“ScioTeq has long been delivering 24-inch mission displays for the MQ-9B Certifiable Ground Control Systems, and we are now excited to expand our long-term partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical through this latest collaboration,” said Robb Gibbs, CEO of ScioTeq. 

MQ-9B SkyGuardian is revolutionizing the long-endurance RPAS market by providing all-weather capability and certification with full compliance to STANAG 4671, the NATO UAS airworthiness standard. SeaGuardian is the maritime derivative of the MQ-9B and remains the first UAS that offers multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and depths in support of Fleet Operations.  

GA-ASI is striving to obtain the first ever TSO-C211/212 authorization by the end of 2025 using the latest guidance published in RTCA/DO-365/366, Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Detect and Avoid Systems.   

Release from Leidos 

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WALLOPS ISLAND, VA (June 18, 2023) – Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a Fortune 500® technology, engineering and science solutions and service leader, announced its Dynetics team has successfully completed a large-scale test for its MACH-TB program. The Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program is meant to increase the speed of testing for all commercially available hypersonic systems. The program also called for the creation of an experimental glide body (EGB) that will allow the team to gather data on and validate performance of hypersonic glide body components. 

“This successful test has demonstrated first hypersonic insertion of a payload from a commercial launch vehicle and the team is ready to move forward into the next phase of this program,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “It took our MACH-TB team only 49 days to create this innovative technology demonstration, which highlights our ability to deliver on promises.”

The inaugural launch took place on June 17 at 9:24 p.m. UTC from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Rocket Lab was selected by Leidos to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities under the MACH-TB project awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS)

“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to pushing forward the boundaries of hypersonic innovation,” said Dr. Angie Lewis, NSWC Crane Technical Director. “Our approach will accelerate progress so that the nation has the right capabilities to counter and address the threat landscape today and throughout this decisive decade.”

The next phase of the program will expand upon this successful test to develop additional opportunities to increase the U.S.’ cadence of hypersonic flight testing in support of technology maturation.

“This cutting-edge technology has yet to be developed and is breaking new ground for an important and necessary sector of our industry,” concluded Bell.” Leidos is proud to manufacture a test bed that can provide the U.S. with an advantage in the great power competition.”

Release from Raytheon Missile and Defense

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June 19, 2023 

TUCSON, Ariz., June 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — RTX (NYSE: RTX) was awarded a $264 million modification to a production Lot 23 contract originally awarded in December 2022. Under the modification, Raytheon, an RTX business, will produce and deliver 571 AIM-9X® SIDEWINDER® missiles and associated parts for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and foreign military sales customers. 

“AIM-9X is the world’s most advanced, combat-proven infrared missile, providing advanced capabilities to the U.S. and our international allies,” said Kim Ernzen, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “The weapon’s versatility and inherent growth potential makes it a triple-threat missile offering an unmatched level of lethality and survivability to counter threats.” 

Included in the modification, Raytheon will also provide captive air training systems, containers, spare assets, and related kits and support equipment. The majority of work will be performed within the continental U.S. and is expected to be completed in August 2026. 

The AIM-9X SIDEWINDER missile is a triple-threat missile that can be used for air-to-air engagements, surface-attack, and surface-launch missions without modifications. A U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force, the AIM-9X SIDEWINDER also has 31 Foreign Military Sales partners. The advanced infrared-tracking, short-range missile is combat proven in several theaters around the world. 

Release from General Dynamics Electric Boat 

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GROTON, Conn. (June 17, 2023) – General Dynamics Electric Boat christened the Virginia-class submarine Iowa (SSN 797) today at its shipyard in Groton, Conn. Electric Boat is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). 

“I am proud of Electric Boat’s shipbuilders, and thank them for the skills, capabilities and commitment they bring to their work every day, resulting in this magnificent ship,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “Along with their dedication and hard work, Electric Boat’s shipbuilders have a long history of innovation. We invest in cutting-edge tools and technology to deliver advanced capabilities in acoustic superiority, enhanced stealth, innovative weapons and new missions. We are committed to helping the U.S. Navy outpace our adversaries and ensure our nation’s continued dominance in the undersea domain.”  

Christie Vilsack, an Iowa educator and advisor with a 50-year career in education and public service, serves as the ship’s sponsor.  

“In the name of the United States, I christen thee Iowa. May God Bless her and all who sail in her,” she declared before breaking a bottle of sparkling wine from Iowa on the ship’s hull to commemorate the christening.  

The christening took place in the shipyard’s Virginia-class assembly building in front of an audience of more than 3,000 people, including Electric Boat shipbuilders, members of the ship’s crew, U.S. Navy personnel and government officials. The event was viewed live at numerous watch parties across the state of Iowa. 

The keynote address was delivered by Under Secretary of the Navy Eric Raven. 

“The Iowa will join the fleet at a critical time when our nation will need the most capable, most ready, most agile, and most lethal undersea fighting force to strengthen our nation’s ability to keep the peace, or restore it, through decisive action,” he told the crowd. “Iowa will add next-generation capabilities to our Joint Force. She will also be one of the first specifically designed and built to accommodate female and male service members, a commitment to supporting a culture of inclusion.” 

Iowa is the 24th submarine in the Virginia class, designed for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support.  

Electric Boat and its partner Newport News Shipbuilding share constriction of the Virginia class in a teaming agreement. Iowa is the 12th submarine in the class to be delivered by Electric Boat. 

The submarine will be the fourth U.S. Navy warship to carry the name Iowa and succeeds the battleship USS Iowa (BB 61). Commissioned in 1943, the ship transported President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to numerous international conferences before transferring to the Pacific Theatre to support the island-hopping campaigns and the Japanese Surrender at Tokyo Bay. The ship is now a museum vessel at the Port of Los Angeles.   

A video of the ceremony along with more information on the Iowa is available at ebchristenings.com. 

General Dynamics Electric Boat designs, builds, repairs and modernizes nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. Headquartered in Groton, Connecticut, the company employs more than 20,500 people. More information about General Dynamics Electric Boat is available at www.gdeb.com. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area 

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June 16, 2023 

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert returns home after 61-day counternarcotics patrol in Eastern Pacific 

ASTORIA, Ore. – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) and crew returned to homeport Friday, after a 61-day counternarcotics patrol in the Eastern Pacific. 

On May 26, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Marine Patrol Aircraft crew notified the Alert crew of a suspected “go-fast” vessel. The Alert crew launched the deployed Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew along with the cutter’s small boat and law enforcement boarding team. 

The Alert’s law enforcement boarding team interdicted the suspected go-fast vessel and suspected drug smugglers, discovering more than 2,600 kilograms of cocaine with an approximate value of $75 million. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of the Alert’s crew. They fought through significant adversity to complete an outstanding patrol, one that each crewmember can look back at and know that we fully embodied our motto, “Semper Paratus,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kolodica. “As I look back over my years in command, this tour was both challenging and very rewarding, I will miss the Alert and crew as I transfer to the Coast Guard Academy. That said, I know with the arrival of Cmdr. Lee Crusius this summer that the cutter and crew will be in good hands well into the future.” 

Kolodica will depart the Alert and be the director of Professional Maritime Studies at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. 

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys in districts across the nation. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the 11th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, Calif. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard. 

The Alert, commissioned in 1969, is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter stationed on the West Coast, and performs a variety of missions to protect Americans and American interests in the Northern and Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Release from Naval Sea Systems Command 

***** 

June 16, 2023 

NSWC Panama City engineers help Republic of Korea develop air-cushion vehicle 

By Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Public Affairs 

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) is helping cement relationships with U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region via Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Programs that also help our own Navy innovate. 

NSWC PD Expeditionary Systems Division, FMS, Air Cushion Vehicles Program is supporting the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy as they develop an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV). The ROK “Landing Ship Fast II (LSF-II),” shares size and design features of the U.S. Navy’s Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC). 

The LSF-II is a 90-metric ton hovercraft with a top speed of 40 knots. LSF-II crafts 633 and 634 will join two earlier LSFs already in service with the ROK Navy. As first-in-class for the LSF-II, crafts 633 and 634 serve as prototypes of the redesigned LSF concept; a total fleet of 18 LSF-IIs is planned. 

NSWC PCD personnel helped modify the Navy’s LCAC Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Navigation (C4N) System for use on ROK’s domestically produced LSF-II. 

ROK’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) first requested modified Navy C4N systems for LSF-II craft 633 and 634, funded under FMS case KS-P-GRL, from the NAVSEA International Fleet Support Program Office in 2018. Due to similarities between the ROK Navy LSF-II and the U.S. Navy LCAC, the modified C4N system was feasible from a technical perspective. In April 2019, the NSWC PCD team used the mature baseline of the USN’s LCAC C4N system to begin redesigning a C4N system for the LSF-II craft. 

For the ROK variant, the NSWC PCD C4N system team remapped the communication links between the craft’s subsystems and the C4N system, and then modified all of the software to accept and process the inputs. The team also developed LSF-II- specific craft drawings. Even with an established Navy baseline, this extensive work required the USN and ROK teams work together to find and track all the changes needed to make the C4N system fit and operate within the LSF-II. 

Initial component deliveries started in early 2021, while Hanjin Shipbuilding and Construction (HJSC) was still constructing the craft at Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan, ROK. The Panama City C4N system team has provided onsite subject matter expertise to support HJSC with installation, software integration, and startup of the C4N systems since April 2022. The first two C4N systems were completed and delivered in mid-2022. 

Korea’s Hanjin Shipyard successfully initiated the main engines and inflated the bags within the skirting system on LSF-II Craft 633 for the first time December 9, 2022. This significant milestone demonstrated a core C4N capability for controlling the engine functions used to get up “on-cushion,” providing lift and propulsion for the craft. Panama City personnel Bill Chong and Randy Martin were there. 

“One of the more challenging parts of starting this project was more about terminology association. For instance, the USN views the Control, Alarm, and Monitoring System (CAMS) as a subset of the C4N system,” said Martin, NSWC PCD team electrical engineer. “ROK Navy’s CAMS terminology encompassed all of the USN C4N system, in addition to all electrical components inside the command module. It took some time before we saw eye-to-eye in terms of what we were providing to ROK Navy.” 

FMS Program Manager Robert Woodall, also from NSWC PCD, credited one engineer’s Korean language skills with helping overcome potential obstacles. 

“Some of the biggest barriers were language, cultural, and time differences that made communication with the Koreans difficult for reviewing and updating the C4N design package,” said Woodall. “For most of the modification program, we were doing this on a bi-weekly basis. Fortunately, we have an excellent electronics engineer, Chae “Bill” Chong, on the team who also happens to be fluent in Korean.” 

Chong played a vital role as the USN team’s main interpreter – an experience that also taught him about Korean business culture. 

“Working with the Koreans to provide C4N capabilities for their ACV [LSF-II] has been very rewarding and exciting. One of the most striking differences in working with them is the level of respect displayed by Koreans,” said Chong. “They always bowed and shook our hands – using both hands – as they greeted us. They always did their best to show their appreciation and gratitude working with U.S. Navy. Looking at the LSF-II Craft 633 going through a sea trial at Chinhae, Republic of Korea, I saw how far the project has come along with the many challenges we all had to overcome due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m so proud to be representing U.S. Navy support in this FMS effort and to be a part of this amazing NSWC PCD team.” 

With the continued success of the C4N system development, the U.S. / ROK partnership has grown into an expanded FMS purchase agreement for four additional systems; another 12 systems may be added in a follow-on FMS procurement. This long-term working partnership with the ROK team to mature the LSF-II’s C4N system, and the follow-on logistics support needed for continued upgrades, will strengthen collaboration for decades. 

Developing the C4N system for the ROK customer also benefits the USN LCAC program, by addressing hardware obsolescence issues that have been on the horizon for Navy logistics. 

“Obsolescence is a continuous problem we have to deal with,” said USN C4N Technical Area Expert Bill Buffkin. “With the C4N baseline we are using, we had already resolved some of those issues that would have impacted the Koreans, and since then, we have come up with other solutions that will benefit the U.S. Navy. It is much more efficient to have one team keeping up with this technology for both parties.” 

David Mercer, C4N software engineer, explained that this development has enabled exploration of new design alternatives for features and improvements to Navy hovercraft. 

“Working on the Korean system has given us an opportunity to perform improvements to our software implementation and processes,” said Mercer. “We are working with continuously evolving software and cybersecurity requirements, which are present for the Korean system as well, and by working on the Korean applications it has become a multiplier that benefits both Korea and the USN to keep to the forefront for both for performance and maintainability.” 

NSWC PCD will provide in-country technical support for integration and grooming of the C4N systems while the ROK shipyard completes construction and conducts sea trials for LSF-II 633 and 634 throughout Fiscal Year 2023. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard 7th District 

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June 17, 2023 

Coast Guard offloads more than $186 million in illegal narcotics 

Coast Guard Seventh District 

Miami— The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Bear (WMEC 901) offloaded more than 14,153 pounds of cocaine worth more than $186 million in Miami, Friday. 

The offloaded drugs were interdicted during nine separate cases in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean as a result of efforts by crews from: 

• USCG Bear (WMEC 901) 
• USCG Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) 

• USS Little Rock (LCS-9) 
• USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific 
• USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team-South 
• USCG Donald Horsley (WPC-1117) 
• USCG Air Station Borinquen HC-144 aircrew 

• A U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (AMO) aircrew  

“The contraband offloaded today represents the professional expertise and dedication of U.S. defense and law enforcement agencies working together to combat the flow of illicit drugs through the Caribbean Region into the United States,” said Lt. Peter Hutchison, duty enforcement officer at Coast Guard District Seven. ”This teamwork is imperative to the identification, interception, and seizure of vessels engaged in illicit trafficking and a testament to the hard work of these crews.” 

Along with the illicit narcotics, 12 suspected smugglers were apprehended and face prosecution in federal courts by the Department of Justice. 

Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami. 

For breaking news, follow us on Twitter. For additional information, find us on Facebook and Instagram. 

By: Irv Cuevas

The Corona del Mar based Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal (WPB 87335) received a new commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony Thursday June 15. The Narwhal is sponsored by the Newport Beach Navy League Council.

Lt. Dustin Miller, the commanding officer of the Narwhal for the past two-plus years, relinquished command to LTJG Annabella Farrabaugh during a time-honored military tradition that formally transfers and ensures continuity of command. 

Miller moves to Washington, DC as a Congressional Fellow for the USCG. 

Farrabaugh, a 2021 graduate of the USCG Academy,  reports to the Narwhal from her previous tour serving as Deck Watch Officer for the Cutter Mohawk in Key West, FL.  

Captain Ryan Manning, Sector Coordinator of USCG Los Angeles-Long Beach  presided over the ceremony marked by military pomp and circumstance, and exhorted both Farrabaugh and Miller to continue exemplifying  the Coast Guard’s motto of Semper Paratus/Always Ready.

Narwhal is an 87-foot  Marine Protector Class coastal patrol cutter and has been Homeported in Corona del Mar since 2001. Narwhal has participated in a wide-range of at-sea missions, received numerous commendations, and while ashore, its crew has been closely involved in supporting a host of Orange County community projects. 

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense 

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JUNE 16, 2023 

The Navy will christen one of its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, the future USS Iowa (SSN 797), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, June 17, 2023, General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. 

The principal speaker will be the Honorable Erik Raven, Under Secretary of the Navy. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Senator Richard Blumenthal; Vice Adm. Frank Morley, principal military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); Mr. Kevin Graney, president of Electric Boat; Mr. Bryan Caccavale, vice president, Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding; U.S. Representative, Iowa’s 3rd District, Zach Nunn; and U.S. Representative, Connecticut’s 2nd District, Joe Courtney. 

In a time-honored Navy tradition, the submarine’s sponsor, Mrs. Christie Vilsack, will christen the boat by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Vilsack, an Iowa native, most recently served as the education advisor to the chancellor of Colorado State University. She also served as the senior advisor for International Education at USAID during the Obama Administration. As Iowa’s First Lady, she led a focus on education and advocacy for Iowa’s public libraries. She and her husband Mr. Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture, live in rural Iowa. 

The future USS Iowa (SSN 797) is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel and first submarine named in recognition of the state. Previous ships named after the state were battleships, as well as, a converted merchant ship that was never activated. 

Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. These capabilities allow the submarine force to contribute to regional stability and preservation of future peace while operating everywhere international law allows, so everyone else can too. 

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information about the Virginia-class attack submarines is available online at https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/ 

<pRelease from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam 

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June 15, 2023 

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam 

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew completed a patrol from May 7 to 23, 2023, showcasing the invaluable partnerships and enhanced interoperability between the U.S. Coast Guard and its regional allies in the dynamic strategic environment of the Pacific under the ongoing Operation Rematau. 
 
During the patrol, the Frederick Hatch crew engaged in several significant activities, highlighting the commitment to deepening partnerships and safeguarding the Pacific region. These achievements demonstrate the U.S. Coast Guard’s sustained regional presence and dedication to promoting maritime security and cooperation. 
 
Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, emphasized the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard’s sustained regional presence and commitment to deepening partnerships, stating, “Our continued engagement in the Pacific allows us to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones that will be remembered generations from now. The success of the USCGC Frederick Hatch’s patrol demonstrates our dedication to promoting regional security and cooperation in this strategic environment. With most of our operations and facilities reconstituted following Typhoon Mawar, we are continuing our regular patrols and service to the people of the Marianas and the region.” 
 
One of the significant accomplishments was a gunnery exercise conducted with the U.S. Navy Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One Detachment. This joint exercise bolstered the defense capabilities and partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy in the IndoPacom area of responsibilities while supporting the Tri-Service Maritime Strategy. 
 
In addition, the Frederick Hatch crew played a vital role in assistance efforts, transporting donated household goods, clothes, and a generous supply of dog and cat food weighing over 2,500 pounds to support the Saipan Humane Society in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 
 
Furthermore, they facilitated the transportation of the mayor of the Northern Islands of CNMI to visit constituents on Agrihan and Alamagan Islands over 120 nautical miles north of Saipan. The crew also delivered crucial supplies, including outboard engines and a small luxury in the form of a birthday cake to support the needs of the local communities in those areas. At the request of the residents, this also included religious services. A U.S. Navy chaplain accompanied the crew and provided a mass on Agrihan.  
 
The Frederick Hatch crew spent time in Saipan conducting navigation training with the CNMI Department of Public Safety Boating Safety Unit and the CNMI Customs and Biosecurity Marine Unit as part of ongoing training initiatives. These collaborative efforts aim to improve interagency coordination and enhance future regional maritime operations. 
 
This patrol also included two maritime law enforcement boardings under the authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission on the high seas, located 500 nautical miles west of Guam. This enforcement action showcases the extended presence and enforcement capabilities of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam outside of historical or typical patrol regions. The Frederick Hatch’s crew also undertook a joint patrol of Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with the PSS Remeliik II crew, patrolling along Palau’s shared EEZ border with the Philippines to combat illegal fishing.  
 
At the end of the patrol, they met up with USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) and USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), who sortied from Guam in advance of Typhoon Mawar and conducted storm avoidance in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia. This effort and the port’s reopening enabled the cutters to be the first ships to enter port after the storm. Coordinating with U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, all three ships safely avoided Typhoon Mawar and were poised to conduct missions and respond to emergent needs immediately following the storm.  
 
Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of USCGC Frederick Hatch, commended his crew’s performance, stating, “This patrol was another great example of the adaptability of the Frederick Hatch crew, tackling the interesting challenges of Micronesia. Anchoring and coming ashore on sparsely populated islands is not easy, but visiting and supporting those who enjoy living on the islands of their families and ancestors is necessary. The hospitality of the residents and Mayor Taisacan is greatly appreciated, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for myself and the crew to visit Agrigan and Alamagan. The first joint patrol with PSS Remeliik II was short but laid the additional groundwork for future operations between Guam-based FRCs and our partners’ patrol boats across Micronesia. And rounding out our patrol steaming with our fellow Coast Guard cutters as the first ships back into Apra Harbor after Typhoon Mawar made me proud to be a Coast Guardsman in Guam.” 
 
The recent patrol of the USCGC Frederick Hatch highlights the U.S. Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships, fostering interoperability, and promoting regional security in the Pacific under Operation Rematau, furthering the overarching Operation Blue Pacific. The achievements of this patrol underscore the significant role played by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam members in ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment. 
 
For more news on U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and its ongoing efforts, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USCG-FMSG or subscribe to https://www.dvidshub.net/alerts/unit/7900. You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram at @USCGForcesMicronesia.