From RTX, June 04, 2025  

Award represents largest production contract to date 

TUCSON, Ariz., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, was awarded a $1.1 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce AIM-9X Block II missiles. This is the largest contract awarded for the program and will increase production to 2,500 missiles per year. 

“This award represents a historic milestone for the AIM-9X program, further emphasizing its importance to the U.S. and partnered nations,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Through our partnership with the U.S. Navy, we are well-positioned to support this increased demand.” 

AIM-9X is the most advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air and surface-to-air missile that is combat proven in several theaters around the world. It is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft and provides proven layered defense with ground-launched capabilities, including the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS. 

A U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force, AIM-9X is used by over 30 allied and partner nations and continues to gain international interest. 

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs, June 4, 2025 

SAN DIEGO – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) departed Naval Base San Diego, June 3, 2025, to support operations in the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) area of responsibility. 

Sampson is relieving littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), continuing the Navy’s role in maritime operations that support national security priorities. 
Sampson will conduct operations in direct support of USNORTHCOM’s mission to protect the homeland by enhancing maritime domain awareness and deterring illicit activities in coordination with U.S. interagency and law enforcement partners. 
 
The deployment is part of the Department of Defense’s support to national objectives along the U.S. southern border, following Presidential directives and ongoing interagency efforts to improve border security and homeland defense. 
 
During this deployment, Sampson will operate with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET). This joint presence strengthens the ship’s ability to conduct maritime interdiction operations, contribute to border security, and support counter-narcotics efforts and humanitarian missions as needed. 
 
As a surface combatant assigned to Destroyer Squadron 9, Sampson brings robust multi-mission capabilities to the task of defending U.S. sovereignty and supporting homeland defense operations in coordination with USNORTHCOM. 
 
USFFC is responsible for manning, training, equipping and employing more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active-duty service members and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe in support of U.S. national interests. 
 
USFFC also serves as the Navy’s Service Component Commander to both USNORTHCOM and U.S. Strategic Command, providing naval forces in support of joint missions as Commander, Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH) and Commander, Naval Forces Strategic Command (NAVSTRAT). USFFC is the Strategic Command Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC STRAT) and executes Task Force Atlantic in coordination with U.S. Naval Forces Europe. 

From BAE Systems, June 4, 2025 

IFF technical refresh positions the Department of Defense to meet future cyber and crypto requirements and eliminates obsolescence 

GREENLAWN, N.Y. — June 4, 2025 — The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems $30 million to refresh the AN/APX-123A(V) Common Transponder (CXP), which provides time-critical insights that help prevent friendly fire incidents. The refreshed CXP will support the U.S. Navy fleet and joint forces for air defense, weapon systems, air traffic control, and range instrumentation. 

The upgrade will serve as a replacement option for currently installed Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders on existing and emerging platforms including unmanned aerial vehicles, ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. As a form, fit, and function replacement, its design will address obsolescence and processing capacity to support future needs. The open-system architecture design and high-density field programmable gate array technology ensures ongoing versatility and future utility through software upgrades, without the risk and cost associated with hardware modifications.  

“Common transponders provide our service men and women with a reliable and secure solution to help them identify friendly forces and make decisions in a variety of threat environments,” said Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products program area director at BAE Systems. “The level of speed, security, and accuracy matters to support interoperability across U.S. forces. This modernization effort enables us to deliver a critical capability to thousands of existing applications and equip emerging platforms.” 

The AN/APX-123A(V) CXP will be Mark XIIB IFF certified with Mode S and Mode 5 for secure and encrypted data exchange – meeting latest Department of Defense standards. It will also include additional receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In, enhancing situational awareness for warfighters. It will provide high-performance, multi-function capabilities while supporting the latest crypto requirements. 

With more than 80 years of IFF experience, BAE Systems has delivered over 1,500 interrogators, 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems, and 16,000 transponders. 

The AN/APX-123A(V) CXP technical refresh work will be performed at BAE Systems’ Greenlawn, New York and Austin, Texas facilities. Production hardware is expected to be qualified for flight and delivered to users in 2027. 

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on June 3 released the text of the defense portion of the reconciliation bill, named the One Big Beautiful Bill.

 The defense portion was negotiated by members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees in coordination with the White House and the Department of Defense.

“This bill is a landmark down payment toward the modernization of our military and our defense capabilities,” Wicker said in a statement. “It represents a generational upgrade for our national security with historic funding for Golden Dome, American manufacturing, innovative unmanned technology, and new shipbuilding efforts.”

Among other things, the bill would:

• Approve $9 billion to improve servicemember quality of life, including housing modernization, childcare and education improvements, and health care.
• Authorize $29 billion for shipbuilding to expand the maritime industrial base, build 13 battle force ships, and rapidly grow an unmanned fleet.
• Provide $25 billion for the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system, including space-based missile interceptors.
• Provide $23 billion to re-stock crucial munitions, rebuild U.S. supply chains for critical minerals and expand advanced manufacturing capacity.
• Authorize $16 billion to scale production of innovative low-cost and next-gen weapons like drones, counter-drone tech, cheap munitions, and artificial intelligence.
• Provide $9 billion for air superiority, including accelerating delivery of next-generation aircraft and autonomous systems.
• Authorize $12 billion for Pacific deterrence, including expanding military exercises in the region, building infrastructure to defend forces and conduct military operations in the Western Pacific and improving Taiwan’s defense.
• Provide $3.3 billion for border security and funds Department of Defense personnel and logistics support to help carry out the administration’s border, immigration and counterdrug enforcement agenda.

“The House and Senate Armed Services Committees are committed to implementing President Trump’s peace through strength agenda with a generational investment in our national defense,” said Mike Rogers (R-Alabama), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

According to numerous reports, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the renaming of USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO-206), a John Lewis-class oiler named after the Navy veteran and gay rights activist.

First reported by Military Times, a memorandum has ordered the changing of the name and the timing of the action, right at the beginning of Pride month, was on purpose, part of the Department of Defense objective of re-establishing a “warrior culture.”

Fox News reported that further name changes may be coming pending internal reviews.

Milk served four years in the Navy in the early 1950s, serving aboard the submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake as a diving officer and later as a diving instructor at Naval Station San Diego. He resigned at the rank of lieutenant junior grade, leaving service rather than face a court martial for being gay, according to Wikipedia.

Later, he became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In late 1978, Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were shot to death by a disgruntled member of the board of supervisors, according to Wikipedia. Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

The USNS Harvey Milk, the second in the John Lewis class of oilers, was officially named in 2016 and launched in 2021. The ship is operated by Military Sealift Command.

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has selected NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services LLC, a company with facilities in Mobile, Alabama, to scrap the former USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the Navy’s — and the world’s — first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. 

The Defense Department said in a May 30 contract announcement that NorthStar, headquartered in Vernon, Vermont, was being awarded a $536.7 million firm-fixed-price contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command for “the dismantling, recycling, and disposal of Ex-Enterprise (CVN 65). 

“Under this contract CVN 65 will be dismantled in its entirety, and all resulting materials will be properly recycled or disposed of. Specifically, hazardous materials, including low-level radioactive waste, will be packaged and safely transported for disposal at authorized licensed sites,” the announcement said. “Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by November 2029.” 

The Ex-Enterprise, commissioned in 1961, served the nation in numerous crises and conflicts, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, and Operations Frequent Wind, Earnest Will, Desert Fox, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.  

The carrier was deactivated in December 2012 and, when its nuclear reactors were defueled, it was decommissioned in February 2017. The hull remained at Newport News Shipbuilding at Newport News, Virginia, awaiting the Navy’s plans for disposal. 

“NorthStar is partnered with Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services, LLC (MARRS) in Mobile, Alabama, where the dismantlement work will take place,” the Naval Sea Systems Command said in a June 2 release posted on linkedin.com. “Waste Control Specialists LLC, of Andrews, Texas, will serve as the licensed facility for disposal of low-level radiological and mixed hazardous waste. Non-hazardous materials will be recycled or disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.” 

The Navy’s selection of a commercial company to dismantle nuclear-powered ship is a change from its normal practice of scrapping nuclear-powered ships, which heretofore included nuclear-powered submarines and cruisers. In recent years, the Navy’s Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, has been the facility that has handled the tasks. 

“By leveraging private-sector expertise in commercial nuclear power plant decommissioning, the Navy is achieving an estimated $1 billion in cost savings compared to conducting the effort in public shipyards, the Navy release said. “This approach enables the Navy to prioritize public yard resources toward fleet readiness and modernization – while upholding its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and nuclear safety.” 

From BAE Systems, June 2, 2025 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — June 2, 2025 — BAE Systems unveiled its new shiplift and land-level repair complex during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s Jacksonville, Florida shipyard. This marks a significant milestone in the $250 million investment to transform its ship repair capabilities and solidify its role as a key partner to the U.S. Navy and commercial maritime industry. 

The ceremony brought together approximately 500 attendees, including BAE Systems employees, subcontractors, Navy personnel, shipyard neighbors, local community members, and other distinguished guests, including Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby and BAE Systems, Inc. President and CEO Tom Arseneault.    

“Today marks an important milestone as we celebrate the completion of a world-class ship repair facility upgrade here in Florida. The introduction of our new shiplift and land level repair facility represents more than just progress for BAE Systems Ship Repair—it reflects a shared commitment to innovation, growth and collaboration,” Arseneault said. “Together with the United States Navy, and other key industry partners that depend on this port, we are building a stronger foundation for the future, to help maintain our maritime superiority.” 

The shiplift and land level repair complex will support the maintenance and repair of Mayport-based Navy vessels and commercial ships sailing into the Port of Jacksonville. With the capacity to lift ships displacing up to 25,000 tons and accommodate multiple vessels for maintenance simultaneously ashore, the new complex expands the shipyard’s capabilities threefold.  

BAE Systems’ new facility will significantly enhance production efficiency, strengthen regional maritime capabilities, and advance environmental stewardship. Its completion represents the company’s long-term initiative to bolster support for the U.S. Navy while also accommodating a broader range of commercial vessels at competitive scales.  

“From my vantage point, this shiplift and land level facility is contributing to the national movement that is making America safer and more secure,” said Admiral Kilby. “It’s a necessary element to forging a defense industrial base able to support, sustain and generate our fleet.”  

The project, together with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation, Foth Engineering, and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., replaces an 80-year-old drydock that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The state-of-the-art shiplift system’s platform spans 492 feet by 110 feet, offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional drydocks. It will be one of the ten largest shiplift systems in the world and the largest in the Americas. 

The first vessel lift in the facility is anticipated later this month.  

BAE Systems is a leading provider of ship repair, maintenance, and modernization services to the U.S. Navy’s fleet of combatant ships in their homeports; refit and hauling services for commercial and privately held vessels; and fabrication services for the submarine industrial base. The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida, and Virginia, and offers a highly skilled, experienced workforce; a large team of suppliers and subcontractors; seven dry docks and railways; and significant pier space and ship support services. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced June 3 that the president has nominated Navy Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. 

If confirmed by the Senate, Bradley would succeed Army General Bryan P. Fenton.  

Bradley currently serves as commander, Joint Special Operations Command/commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

Below is Bradley’s official biography from the Navy’s website: 

“Vice Adm. Frank M. Bradley is a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer and a native of Eldorado, Texas. Bradley is a 1991 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he studied physics and was a varsity gymnast. He began his career as a SEAL after completing Basic Underwater Demolition school (BUDs/SEAL) Class 179 in 1992. Bradley earned a Master’s in Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he received a provisional patent for his research in 2006. 

“He has commanded at all levels of special operations, including Special Operations Command Central, leading joint special operations throughout the Middle East and South Asia. He commanded Naval Special Warfare Development Group, has multiple tours in command of joint task forces, and was among the first to deploy to Afghanistan following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Additionally, he has served with SEAL Team FOUR, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO, and the Italian Incursori (Italian SEALs) as an international exchange officer. 

“His staff duty has included service as assistant commander, Joint Special Operations Command, JSOC’s J-3 Technical Operations Division Chief and Deputy J-3, vice deputy director for Global Operations for the Joint Staff J-3; executive officer for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., and deputy director for CT Strategy for the Joint Staff J-5.” 

Contract provides continued integration and test support for the U.S. Navy’s most advanced maritime radar 

From RTX, June 3, 2025 

ANDOVER, Mass. (June 3, 2025) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded a $536 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the SPY-6 family of radars. The contract is a follow-on to the previously awarded Integration and Production Support contract and includes upgrading Flight IIA destroyers with the SPY-6(V)4 variant. 

Under the sole source award, Raytheon will provide continued support for the SPY-6 family of radars through training, engineering services, ship installation, integration and testing, as well as software upgrades to enhance radar capabilities. 

“SPY-6 is the most advanced radar in the U.S. naval fleet, providing ships a new level of defense against evolving threats,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “This contract highlights the essential role of this technology in supporting the U.S. Navy’s technology roadmap for several decades to come.” 

SPY-6 is now installed on two new U.S. Navy ships, with three additional ships slated for installation and undergoing various stages of testing in 2025. Over the next decade, SPY-6 is expected to be deployed on more than 60 U.S. Navy ships, enhancing defense against air, surface, and ballistic threats. 

Work on this contract is expected to be completed by May 2026. 

The Honorable John Phelan, 79th Secretary of the Navy, visited the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, May 29.

“We were very pleased to host Secretary Phelan and show him all that NPS has to offer in support of his priorities,” said retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, NPS president. “A more lethal and ready naval force includes cognitive readiness, and NPS graduates effective, innovative, technologically competent leaders necessary to ensure U.S. seapower.”

Phelan met with NPS senior leaders and faculty, and toured the campus engaging with the school’s mid-career military students to hear about their studies and applied research whose recent operational experience informs their work.

“The Naval Postgraduate School is one of the world’s preeminent institutions of military education.” said Phelan. “I want our best warfighters coming to NPS to develop their intellectual edge and turn their insights into real-world solutions for our Navy and Marine Corps.”

Several NPS students had an opportunity to present their research to Phelan showcasing their innovative work in ship systems engineering, acquisition reform, artificial intelligence, ocean sensing, autonomy, space and additive manufacturing.

“I am looking for ways to adapt and adopt industry innovation at greater speeds to modernize our Navy,” Phelan said to the students. “We need to equip our leaders with the knowledge and skills to help evolve technology solutions at the pace of modern combat, and I see this happening now at NPS.”

Modernization was another key theme of Phelan’s visit, and from information technology to labs, the NPS modernization plan aims to completely overhaul aging buildings and outfit them with technology upgrades. Phelan also toured the recently completed Bullard Hall, home to NPS’ System Engineering and Space Systems programs.

Reflecting on his visit, Phelan said, “It was a real pleasure meeting NPS students and faculty yesterday and seeing how they’re working with industry to bring innovation, capability and cost control to our warfighting domains. We need to do things faster, smarter and cheaper, and NPS has the ability to play a major role in that mission.”

Established in 1909, NPS provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership and warfighting advantage of the Naval service. Located in Monterey, California, NPS offers master’s and doctoral programs for U.S. military and civilians, federal agencies, allied militaries and partner nations.