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:
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.
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New Commanding Officer USCG’s Cutter Narwhal
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.
Navy to Christen Submarine Iowa
“A Virginia-class attack submarine is readied for its christening ceremony at the General Dynamics Electri Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. Credit: General Dynamics
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.
U.S. Coast Guard patrol enhances partnerships, interoperability in the Pacific ahead of Typhoon Mawar
<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.
GDIT Awarded $383 Million U.S. Navy Training Support Services Contract
Company will train over 100,000 U.S. and allied sailors globally
FALLS CHURCH, Va.– General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today that it was awarded a $383 million training support services contract by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. The contract, awarded on behalf of Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC), has a one-year base period and four option years.
SCSTC provides the Navy and its allies with highly trained warfighters to maintain, operate, and tactically employ surface combat systems across the spectrum of operations. Over the life of the contract, GDIT will train more than 100,000 U.S. and allied sailors in classroom and simulation settings ashore and aboard Navy warships around the globe. Specifically, the company will provide instructor support, curriculum development, training aids and program management services.
“For over 30 years, we have supported a wide range of Navy training activities,” said Brian Sheridan, GDIT’s senior vice president for Defense. “We are looking forward to continuing to provide the Navy with modern training services to strengthen its overall fleet operations and warfighting readiness.”
The contract expands the company’s training support services portfolio across the Department of Defense. In April, GDIT was awarded a $1.7 billion Flight School Training Support Services contract to support the U.S. Army. The company’s experience with delivering modern training environments spans live, virtual and constructive solutions and multi-domain operations training.
USS PORTER RETURNS FROM DEPLOYMENT
NORFOLK, Va. – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) returns to Naval Station Norfolk following a four-month deployment, June 16, 2023. Porter deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anderson W. Branch)
16 June 2023
NORFOLK, Va. — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, June 16, 2023, following a four-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations.
Porter spent two months of its patrol in the Baltic Sea, participating in passing exercises and joint operations with NATO-Allied and partner navies from Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Estonia.
“Over the last four months, Porter lived up to its nickname of ‘Freedom’s Champion’,” said Cmdr. Joe Hamilton, Porter’s commanding officer. “The crew was outstanding in every warfare area and truly set the standard. From presence operations in the Baltic Sea, to port visits in allied nations, to large-scale exercises with our Allied and partner nations, Porter demonstrated we’re ready to execute any mission, any time.”
Following its time in the Baltic Sea, Porter steamed to the North Atlantic Ocean to participate in exercise Formidable Shield 2023, a biennial integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise, which included more than 20 ships and 35 aircraft; eight ground units consisting of radars, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS); and nearly 4,000 personnel from across the Alliance.
During Formidable Shield 2023, Porter conducted two live-fire missile events from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides Range, successfully firing three Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) interceptor missiles and destroying all targets.
“The amount of preparation poured into an exercise like this is incredible, and the Porter crew performed superbly from laying the groundwork to executing missiles on target,” Hamilton said about Formidable Shield. “The opportunity to conduct live-fire missile exercises like this isn’t one we get every day, and we made the most of the opportunity.”
Throughout the deployment, the crew conducted scheduled port visits to Rostock, Germany; Funchal, Portugal; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Tallinn, Estonia; Kalundborg, Denmark; Gdynia, Poland; Kiel, Germany; Rota, Spain; and Faslane, Scotland. During these port visits, Porter Sailors were able to experience local cultures and forge bonds with their hosts. Porter also hosted a number of distinguished visitors during its time in ports, including President of Estonia Alar Karis; U.S. Consul General Jason Chue, U.S. Consulate General in Hamburg, Germany; German Navy Rear Adm. Jürgen zur Mühlen, Commander, German Maritime Forces Staff, Director of Operations, and Deputy Fleet Commander, German Navy Headquarters; and U.S. Ambassador to Estonia George P. Kent.
“We’re always grateful for an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with NATO-Allied and partner nations,” said Hamilton. “Visits like these give the crew the opportunity to experience cultures, customs, and traditions that they may not have been able to otherwise.”
After arriving at Naval Station Norfolk, the crew was greeted by Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8 and Capt. Edward Pledger, deputy commander of Destroyer Squadron 22. Pledger presented a plaque recognizing Porter as the 2022 Destroyer Squadron 22 Battle Effectiveness award winner. The Battle “E” is presented to units whose crews consistently exhibit excellence in wartime capabilities and optimal mission readiness. Porter’s Battle ‘E’ is a result of a clean sweep of all CEAs for maritime warfare (Black ‘E’), engineering/survivability (Red ‘E’), command and control (Green ‘E’), safety (Yellow ‘E’), and health and wellness (Green ‘H’).
Porter’s deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations came months after a homeport shift from Naval Station Rota, Spain to Naval Station Norfolk in October 2022. Porter spent seven years in Spain as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe force, conducting eleven patrols in that time period. The patrols took Porter throughout the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, including the Baltic, North, Norwegian, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
KIEL, Germany – Nineteen NATO Allies and one NATO partner nation, Sweden, concluded the 52nd iteration of exercise Baltic Operations 2023 (BALTOPS 23) in Kiel, Germany, June 16, 2023.
During their time in port, participants will pause to reflect on the accomplishments and bonds forged throughout the 13-day Baltic regional exercise involving 50 ships, over 45 aircraft, and 6,000 personnel.
While addressing BALTOPS 23 participants and media in Kiel, Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, Commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and U.S. Sixth Fleet, spoke to the dynamic and critically important milestones achieved during BALTOPS 23.
“After two weeks of intense, combined operations across the Baltic region, we have grown as a team by operating as a team,” said Ishee. “BALTOPS 23 has lived up to its intent by validating our collective defense capability, proving that NATO’s maritime readiness is stronger than ever. Our strength is built on the mutual trust between Allies and Partners developed in operations, activities, and exercises such as BALTOPS 23. The seamless interoperability demonstrated over the last two weeks proves that NATO is ready to deter and defend, if necessary.”
Participating nations include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
These nations, working alongside each other not only at-sea and across the Baltic Region but also at the STRIKFORNATO headquarters in Oeiras, Portugal, collaborated to deliver a realistic training scenario designed to test the flexibility, adaptability, and capabilities of the participating combined forces.
The milestones represented by BALTOPS 23 were significant. While Finland has routinely participated in previous iterations of BALTOPS, this year marked the first time Finland joined the exercise as a NATO Ally. Additionally, BALTOPS 23 incorporated new ways of working cooperatively with civilian merchant mariners to ensure NATO’s maritime cooperation adroitness with international stakeholders.
“Preserving freedom of navigation and protecting trade in the Baltic Sea remains central to the defense of Europe and to preserving our way of life,” said Ishee. “The opportunity to exercise the important role of the NATO Shipping Centre as our principal connection with maritime industry has yet again brought context and additional challenges for the preparation of our warfighters at sea in a complex and potentially contested environment.”
As the exercise culminated on June 14th, Germany celebrated the 175th anniversary of its Navy. An important ally within both BALTOPS and NATO, Germany significantly contributed to this year’s success. NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG-1), led by Rear Adm. Thorsten Marx, hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz aboard the German frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (F218), highlighting the international scope of BALTOPS 23 and the complex NATO defensive capabilities it brings to all participating nations.
On land, international teams conducted explosive ordnance disposal training, sharing tactics and national capabilities in bomb-disposal and remote-controlled explosive defusing. Simultaneously, on shore, U.S., British, Romanian, Italian, Polish and Lithuanian forces conducted combined amphibious-landing operations across Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Separately, land and sea-based mine countermeasure ships and teams honed their skills by conducting real world unexploded historical mine clearance from wars past, continuing to use BALTOPS 23 as both a training opportunity while also clearing real dangers from the Baltic Sea.
During the exercise at-sea, ships conducted tactical maneuvering drills, anti-submarine warfare training, gunnery and small caliber live fire events, mine countermeasures operations, and air defense exercises. Notable participants included the Swedish submarine HSwMS Uppland (Upd), the U.K.’s HMS Albion (L 14) landing platform dock (LPD), the Italian Navy ITS San Marco, and aircraft from other nations including, Poland, Portugal, Türkiye, and the United States.
One of this year’s major milestones was the incorporation and effective usage of Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles (USV/UUV). Like previous iterations, UUV’s were deployed throughout the Baltic Sea to test and evaluate the latest advancements in mine hunting technology and sea-floor mapping. The deployment of UUV’s demonstrated their effectiveness at creating a comprehensive under-sea picture and enhance operational capabilities of NATO mine countermeasure teams. The USV, deployed for the first time in BALTOPS, also conducted joint personnel recovery exercises. Teams utilized the USV’s for patient transport between ships, as well as direct recovery and rescue operations at-sea.
While operating in one of the most dynamic waterways in the world, training in BALTOPS 23 incorporated additional areas of focus. Representatives from the U.S. Space Force and other national space agencies evaluated combatant-commanders’ decision-making skills when presented with unique space-domain obstacles. Simulating complications like solar flares and adversary space-domain actions, commanders were tasked with responding to jamming, space weather, and GPS accuracy.
Though still prioritizing the training inherent in BALTOPS 23, as well as the dynamic challenges of maritime navigation, the exercise recognized the importance of pastoral and spiritual support strategies. These strategies, augmented by a combined team of chaplains from multiple participating nations, were executed to strengthen participants’ decision-making abilities during crucial moments. The successful integration of chaplain support within the intricate maritime environment demonstrated the Alliance’s capacity to overcome obstacles and limitations, regardless of the warfighting domain it operates within.
Looking towards the future, preparations have already begun for next year’s exercise, which will take into account the valuable lessons gleaned from BALTOPS 23 and aim to expand upon its achievements in BALTOPS 24.
STRIKFORNATO, headquartered at Oeiras, Portugal, is a rapidly deployable and scalable headquarters, under the operational command of SACEUR, capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime operations including maritime Ballistic Missile Defence, primarily through integration of U.S. and other nations’ carrier and amphibious forces into NATO operations to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defence for the Alliance.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office Approved in HASC Chairman’s NDAA Mark
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ARLINGTON, Va.— A rapid capabilities office for U.S. naval aviation is included in the chairman’s mark for the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in order to speed up development and delivery of critical technologies and systems to naval aviation forces by using “alternative or rapid acquisition pathways for procurement.”
The Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office, to be co-located with the Naval Air Systems Command headquarters at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, would have the following missions, according to the draft legislation:
‘‘(1) to contribute to the development and testing of low-cost, rapid reaction targeting and weapon systems, electronic warfare and other non-kinetic capabilities, and integrated targeting solutions to fulfill naval and joint military operational requirements;
(2) to contribute to the rapid development, testing, and fielding of new unclassified and classified naval air warfare capabilities.
The office would be led by a designee of the secretary of the Navy and would report to the chief of naval operations. The office would be overseen by a board of directors to include the secretary of the Navy, the chief of naval operations, the commander, Naval Air Systems Command, and the commander, Naval Air Forces.
‘‘The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that the head of the Office may use available alternative or rapid acquisition pathways for procurement,” the draft said. “The Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System process shall not apply to acquisitions by the Office.”
Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Flying Test Bed Demonstrates Targeting Capability During Northern Edge 2023
Triton integral in joint force exercise focused on data collection and dissemination ahead of initial operational capability this year
SAN DIEGO – June 15, 2023 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) MQ-4C Triton flying test bed (FTB) recently completed a demonstration of persistent long-range targeting during this year’s Northern Edge 2023 military training exercise. Conducted around the Gulf of Alaska, this demonstration highlighted Triton’s potential to enhance joint, distributed maritime operations, and further support sea-control in contested environments. Triton is preparing for initial operational capability (IOC) later this year.
“Northern Edge strengthens the readiness and operational capabilities of joint forces so the ability to test and demonstrate critical long-range targeting capabilities with Triton helps ensure we’re ready to effectively operate and respond to contingencies in the Pacific or anywhere in the world,” said Capt. Josh Guerre, Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems program manager.
The Triton FTB exercise scenarios, executed during multiple flights over seven days, focused on tasking, collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination of information to help maintain a robust common operating picture. During the exercise, the Triton FTB tracked and monitored all maritime traffic within its broad visual field. Upon receipt of the data, ground operators at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage were able to process and disseminate the Gulf of Alaska maritime common operating picture to command and control units using Triton’s Minotaur mission interface.
“Northern Edge helps the joint force integrate platforms like Triton to outpace emerging threats,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, global surveillance, Northrop Grumman. “Testing and demonstrating Triton’s developing technologies, along with its unprecedented maritime multi-intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability, helps ensure our warfighters can prevail in complex environments.”
The exercise showcased Triton’s developing technologies involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, edge processing and enhanced communications.
Triton’s participation in Northern Edge was executed in collaboration with the U.S. Navy’s Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262) as well as operational commands.
PUTLOS, Germany – As in previous years, U.S. Sixth Fleet is partnering with the U.S. Naval research enterprise to bring the latest advancements in emerging unmanned technologies to conduct mine countermeasures (MCM) operations. To forward these efforts, Sailors and Marines are experimenting and integrating with Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).
As an ideal setting for experimenting and testing new capabilities and technologies in a cooperative maritime environment, exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 23 showcases growing U.S. Sixth Fleet unmanned systems capabilities.
As in previous years, U.S. Sixth Fleet is partnering with the U.S. Naval research enterprise to bring the latest advancements in emerging unmanned technologies to conduct mine countermeasures (MCM) operations. To forward these efforts, Sailors and Marines are experimenting and integrating with Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).
“The BALTOPS exercise series is a great opportunity to experiment,” said Anthony Constable, an Office of Naval Research science advisor to U.S. Sixth Fleet. “BALTOPS is well-supported by Allies and partners, and because the exercise has such a strong history, it gives us ample opportunity to collect operator feedback on how they can best utilize the systems. Additionally, it allows us to showcase new technology to our NATO partners for future collaboration.”
Unmanned systems provide additional warfighting capability at sea and become a force multiplier to traditional manpower. Also, unmanned systems allow navies to take on greater operational risk by removing or distancing warfighters from high threat areas while maintaining a tactical and strategic advantage.
For this year’s BALTOPS, planners primarily focused experimentation on four capabilities:
In-Stride Detect to Engage Sequence. UUVs with automatic target recognition technology and advanced communications capabilities conducted real-time mission analysis and sent a sonar image of a potential underwater mine to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians within minutes of traveling over the item. This capability significantly reduces MCM operational timelines from hours to minutes.
Launching UUVs using a USV. UUVs, which scan the ocean floor for potential mines, are currently delivered to contested areas by operators using rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) or other manned small vessels. Using USVs to deliver UUVs reduces the risk of fatalities or injury by ordnance and allows operators to stay safe while the UUV scans the area.
Very Shallow Water and Surf Zone Operations. Shallow water areas represent some of the most hazardous areas to operate for marines and sailors. In this scenario, members of the experimentation task unit facilitated an autonomous collaboration test using a UAV and USV to map an underwater area, allowing boats and personnel to approach a beach site safely.
Joint Personnel Recovery. The JPR scenario involves sending the USV out to a distressed pilot, recovering the personnel, and bringing them back to a safe location – all unmanned, and remotely controlled from a nearby vessel.
Joe Klein, the Joint Personnel Recovery Program Manager for BALTOPS 23, emphasized the unique aspects of implementing a USV in a JPR scenario.
“I thought this was a great opportunity,” Klein said, referencing the USV. “This is the first time that we’ve done (JPR) with a USV, and it’s a relatively simple scenario, but we’re interested in the communications aspect, like ‘How do you vector the USV into positions,’ and ‘how do we strap the recovery target into the vehicle, as an unmanned system?’ So we’re working through those dilemmas, while also testing it as a solution to some of our problems… You can assume more risk with a USV – it has a pretty low profile, it’s not easy to spot compared to our usual, larger recovery force… it adds resources to recovering in high-threat areas.”
U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) and STRIKFORNATO-led BALTOPS 23 is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise uniting 19 NATO Allies and one NATO to provide complex training designed to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. U.S. European Command and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) have promoted the traditional U.S.-led or bi-lateral exercises as opportunities for NATO to improve interoperability as a collective force, using NATO command and control systems as a foundation for the exercise design.
For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF forged strategic relationships with our Allies and Partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. SIXTHFLT is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
STRIKFORNATO, headquartered at Oeiras, Portugal, is a rapidly deployable and scalable headquarters, under the operational command of SACEUR, capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime operations including maritime ballistic missile defense, primarily through integration of U.S. and other nation’s carrier and amphibious forces into NATO operations to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defense for the Alliance.
