WASHINGTON — The Navy’s top officer said that he is concerned about the agility of the Navy to outpace its potential adversaries in the current era of great power competition. “This is a strategic Achilles’ heel for us,” Chief of…
Wittman: Third SSN in Budget Helps Reduce Risk for Columbia SSBN
WASHINGTON — The addition of a third Virginia-class attack submarine (SSN) in the proposed 2020 defense budget is a long-sought goal of the leaders of the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. If approved, the…
Navy Requests $205.9 Billion Fiscal 2020 Budget
The Department of the Navy (DoN) is requesting $205.6 billion for fiscal 2020 — $159.7 billion for the Navy and $45.9 billion for the Marine Corps. The 2020 request represents a significant increase over the fiscal 2019 budget of $196.1…
Surge Sealift Force in Need of Urgent Recapitalization, Officials Say
WASHINGTON — The nation’s seaborne logistics capability is atrophying and in need of rejuvenation, senior government officials said in testimony before Congress. Maintaining older ships is proving more costly than anticipated, driving officials to seek new or used ships to…
Navy Awards AARGM-ER Development Contract to Northrop Grumman
ARLINGTON, Va. — The extended-range version of the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) is proceeding into engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) with the March 7 Defense Department contract announcement of a contract award to Northrop Grumman….
EA-6B Prowler Naval Electronic Attack Aircraft Set for Retirement
ARLINGTON, Va. —The Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler electronic attack aircraft will be retired from naval service on March 8 in ceremonies at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. The last squadron to operate the Prowler, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare…
With Order, Trump Eases Path for Transition to Merchant Marine
ARLINGTON, Va. — President Trump has issued an executive order easing the path for active-duty military personnel and veterans who want to transition to service as merchant mariners, a move designed to open jobs to veterans while strengthening national security….
Navy Issues Draft RFP for New Guided-Missile Frigate
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy has posted a draft Request for Proposals for its next warship design, the FFG(X) next-generation guided-missile frigate. “The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) intends to issue a solicitation under full and open competition in the…
Navy Orders Materials for 16 P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy has awarded a $429 million contract modification to Boeing for long-lead material and activities for 16 P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The contract modification, awarded by Naval Air Systems Command, will support the procurement of…
Navy Undersea Warfare Director: ‘We Cannot Be Out-Escalated’ in Nuclear Deterrence
WASHINGTON — The Navy’s director for undersea warfare said the nation’s nuclear submarine-based strategic deterrent is more important than ever and that the 12 planned Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) are needed to sustain a credible strategic triad for the future….
