Release from U.S. Fleet Forces Command 

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BY LT. J.G. MARTIN CAREY 

13 December 2023 

CONTANTA, Romania – East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces (ROUSOF) conducted training on maritime interdiction operations, special reconnaissance, and special operations tactics to enhance allied defense throughout the European region. The joint effort was conducted November 4-17, and enhanced maritime expertise and strengthened the capacity to respond to maritime crises in the Black Sea region. 
 
“Our partnership with the Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces is in direct alignment with the U.S. National Defense Strategy’s emphasis on strengthening alliances and partnerships. Together, we prepare for the challenges posed by the unique operational environment here as we work in tandem to preserve security during this critical time,” said Maj. Gen. Steven G. Edwards, Commander of Special Operations Command Europe. 
 
During the evolution, SEALs and ROUSOF conducted a multitude of interoperability and training iterations including close quarters combat techniques, urban patrol movements, breacher training and integrated visit, board, search and seizure tactics. The ability for U.S. and NATO special operations forces to integrate seamlessly across multiple operating areas further refines their capabilities to deploy in support of real-world operations in the area. 
 
“Working alongside our allied Romanian special operators provides us the ability to further enhance our capabilities in order to meet operational demands,” said the senior Naval Special Warfare Operator on site. “These opportunities are not only invaluable for the SEALs, but also the numerous support personnel who enable us to complete our mission in a joint environment.” 
 
In the spirit of solidarity and shared commitment to regional security, the collaboration between SEALs and ROUSOF serves as a testament to the vital importance of international partnerships within the European Command Area of Responsibility. Strengthening alliances through joint training initiatives bolsters the capabilities of both nations’ special operations forces and underscores the collective dedication to preserve peace and security in the Black Sea region. 
 
The 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces are a highly specialized unit of the Romanian Navy who conduct direct action missions, special reconnaissance, and maritime operations to safeguard the interests of Romania and promote regional security. 
 
Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/ 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

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Dec. 14, 2023 

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence (WMEC 616) returned to homeport in Pensacola on Thursday after a 52-day counterdrug patrol in the Caribbean Sea.   

During the patrol, Diligence’s crew worked in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) within the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of responsibility to interdict and deter the smuggling of illicit narcotics. Diligence’s crew disrupted approximately 700 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $20.3 million dollars and apprehended six suspected smugglers.   

Diligence also conducted a joint training exercise with the Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). During the exercise, the Diligence crew and pilots from SOAR completed daytime and nighttime helicopter landing evolutions. This exercise strengthened the interoperability of the Coast Guard and the U.S. Army.    

“Stopping the flow of drugs to the United States is a challenging mission that requires a significant amount of teamwork,” said Cmdr. Nolan Cain, Diligence’s commanding officer. “The Diligence crew had the opportunity to work alongside our Department of Defense and international partners in this unified effort. The dedication and hard work of the Diligence crew and our partners is incredibly inspiring.”   

Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. JIATF-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 process. 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.  

Diligence is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter with 78 crewmembers. The cutter’s primary missions are counterdrug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcing federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.  

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.  

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area 

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Dec. 13, 2023 

HONOLULU – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) and crew arrived at its new homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wednesday, after transiting more than 8,000 nautical miles over 36-days from Portsmouth, Virginia. 

The Harriet Lane is U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area’s newest Indo-Pacific support cutter and spent more than 15 months in a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) in Baltimore, Maryland, to prepare for the transition in missions and operations. Following reconstitution of the crew in July and returning to Portsmouth in August, the crew went through an extensive dockside period, ensuring the cutter was ready for the transit from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. 

“Re-homeporting U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane is indicative of the Coast Guard’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific – the most dynamic region in the world,” said Rear Admiral Brendan McPherson, deputy commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area. “Harriet Lane will work by, with, and through allies and partners within the Indo-Pacific region to promote capacity building and model good maritime governance.” 

“The crew and I look forward to building partnerships in Oceania to enhance our capabilities, strengthen maritime governance and security while promoting individual sovereignty,” said Cmdr. Nicole Tesoniero, commanding officer of the Harriet Lane. “We plan to build upon many decades of enduring support, operating in concert with the needs of our partners.” 

Harriet Lane and crew departed Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, November 2023, and during the transit, the crew conducted trainings for upcoming operations along with professional development for crewmembers. Harriet Lane transited through the Panama Canal, and had port calls in Golfito, Costa Rica and San Diego. 

Harriet Lane, commissioned in 1984, is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter now homeported in Honolulu to support Coast Guard missions in the Pacific region. The service’s medium endurance cutter fleet supports a variety of Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime defense, and protection of the marine environment. 

Release from SECNAV Public Affairs 

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14 December 2023 

Calling it a strategic imperative, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro urged industry and academia to join efforts to restore the Nation’s competitive shipbuilding and repair landscape. Secretary Del Toro delivered the remarks at the NDIA Delaware Valley Chapter (NDIA-DVC) Naval Nuclear Submarine and Aircraft Carrier Suppliers’ Conference at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Dec. 14.  

“I’m here at this conference today because I believe in the potential of our joint efforts to get shipbuilding and maintenance right. It is my number one priority,” said Secretary Del Toro. “While the vision is ambitious, it is achievable. We are a nation accustomed to taking on ambitious endeavors, and restoring our maritime strength is no exception.” 

To do so, requires a multi-pronged approach, Secretary Del Toro stated, including investing in the revitalization of our shipbuilding industry and merchant marine fleet, developing innovative technologies to maintain our naval edge, strengthening partnerships with key allies to counter China’s growing influence, and promoting fair competition.  

Call to Action  

The Department of the Navy’s commitment to innovation and rapid technology development presents an attractive opportunity for industry participation, stated Secretary Del Toro. For example,  

Pennsylvania alone boasts more than 570 vital submarine industrial base suppliers, 39 of which are classified as critical. In the past five years, the Department of the Navy (DON)invested more than $250 million to build capacity, increase capability, and add resiliency to these suppliers. 

The Department of the Navy added 1,000 new small businesses by investing nearly $2 billion dollars through initiatives led by the Office of Small Business Programs to the Navy-industry team.  

“Now, the key is to help find and train the right people, and our Talent Pipeline Initiative has been instrumental in addressing workforce shortages,” said Secretary Del Toro. 

Philadelphia, for instance, was the first location for the DON’s pilot program, which it has since expanded to Pittsburgh and other locations. Since its launch in 2021, this initiative has placed more than 1,200 skilled workers with Pennsylvania suppliers, with over 698 placed in fiscal year 2023 alone. 

 “We are also committed to expanding apprenticeship programs, as evidenced by the recent reinstatement of the Philadelphia Shipyard’s program—previously suspended since 2017—currently training over 100 workers,” said Secretary Del Toro. 

High-paying, high-skilled “new-collar” jobs that restore America’s manufacturing prowess are a priority of this Administration, added Secretary Del Toro, combining traditionally blue-collar trades with cutting-edge technologies. 

 “We must establish programs that build capacity in fields like naval architecture, engineering, and lifecycle management, as well as technical expertise in nuclear welding, robotics, software management, and additive manufacturing,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Your work on these programs will be invaluable to developing and rebuilding our nation’s shipbuilding landscape. Everyone here has a part to play in these efforts—and it is a strategic imperative that we rise to the occasion.” 

Release from Lockheed Martin 

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BETHESDA, Md. Dec. 12, 2023 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) supported a successful government test of the Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) system’s electronic attack capabilities while installed on a U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopter. This marked the first time in the program’s development the system was able to perform engagement testing, demonstrate the ability to deter threats, and quantify system performance, while integrated and controlled by the target platform.  

In partnership with the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, this integration event tested the capabilities of the system and operability on the MH-60R helicopter platform. While the system is designed for both the MH-60R and MR-60S host platforms, only the MH-60R was used for this test. 

Strategic Perspectives 

“The AOEW system is one of the most advanced, complex electronic warfare systems ever developed,” said Deon Viergutz, vice president of Spectrum Convergence at Lockheed Martin. “AOEW is a force multiplier for our Sailors that will help them dominate and control the battlespace without ever firing a single shot. It is designed with evolutionary capabilities, set up to be completely programmable so that it can develop, deliver and deploy new techniques as the threat landscape changes.”  

Dive Deeper 

AOEW is a pod-based electronic warfare missile defense system that will provide U.S. Navy with enhanced electronic surveillance and attack capabilities against anti-ship missile threats. To date, the system has successfully undergone a series of incremental developmental and operational tests at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Syracuse, New York. 

AOEW can be fully integrated with Aegis Baseline 9C.2+ and the Surface Warfare Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block II. 

The system can work independently or with other systems onboard ships and other assets. 

AOEW leverages open-systems architected solutions, allowing for rapid upgrades, interoperability, reduced lifecycle costs and prompt insertion of new hardware. 

The architecture and technologies of AOEW lay the groundwork to deliver similar capabilities on other assets such as small ships or unmanned aerial and surface vehicles.  

What’s Next 

More tests and demonstrations of the AOEW pod on host platforms are planned in 2024. The team will use the results to continue to refine system performance. Currently, AOEW is under a low-rate initial production contract and deliveries of the first AOEW units are expected in the next year.  

Release from Naval Sea Systems Command 

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Dec. 12, 2023 

By SERMC Public Affairs 

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. — Additive Manufacturing (AM) 3D printers continue to enable sailors across the Navy with continuity of operations of the fleet’s warships.  New high-resolution 3D printers at Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) are adding the capability to manufacture intricate replacement parts on-site, directly impacting the command’s ability to meet established availability deadlines and increase a naval ship’s presence at sea. 

Recently, USS Farragut (DDG 99) was nearing completion of a maintenance period at SERMC, when the ship’s personnel discovered an irregularity with a radar system. LTJG Anton Tyree, USS Farragut Electronics Material Officer and ship’s personnel identified a malfunctioning part, and as the solution, decided to consult with SERMC to produce a replacement part. 

“I felt this part was a great candidate for my first 3D print design for SERMC, said Tyree. “I went to work providing as much detail as possible on the form about the part.” 

SERMC’s Additive Manufacturing coordinator Chief Machinist Mate Nicholas Heinrich reverse-engineered the part in about 40 minutes and added the data into a computer aided design program for printing. A replacement part was produced from conception to completion in a total of 3.5 hours. 

“The original part was injection molded and the 3D printed version was made with more rigidity than the original,” said Heinrich, who also printed an additional replacement part so the ship would have an extra while at sea. 

“If any ship on the waterfront needs the same part, we can manufacture a new one in about two hours,” added Heinrich. 

“This accomplishment is another historical first for our 3D Lab here,” said Capt. Justin Dowd, SERMC commanding officer. “Today we demonstrated that if a customer on the waterfront needs something quickly, they can rely on SERMC’s talented workforce and new printers to deliver a high-quality solution to the warfighter in a short period of time.” 

This new part has been underway for several weeks and is proving its ability to stand up to the demands of naval ships operating at sea. 

Release from AeroVironment Inc. 

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ARLINGTON, Va., December 12, 2023 –  AeroVironment, Inc. today announced it received a $16,098,922 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the U.S. Navy for the advancement of video analytics and computer vision research to support multi-domain robotics initiatives. This contract is in support of the Small Business Innovation Research Phase III “Automated Entity Classification in Video Using Soft Biometrics” and will be managed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Lakehurst, New Jersey. 

AeroVironment’s focus is on developing a video analytics software ecosystem for the government that can be used across platforms (both internal and external to AeroVironment) to provide enhanced situational awareness and capabilities for the warfighter in a wide range of mission areas.  

“This is a multi-year effort that will allow us to explore and implement new research initiatives and provide critical processing capabilities to AeroVironment products, integration partners, and other research organizations,” said Jeff Rodrian, senior vice president and general manager for the MacCready Works Segment.  “This investment will allow us to optimize how current Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) and Targeting are performed throughout the United States DoD.” 

Building on 50 years of innovation, AeroVironment draws from a legacy in multi-domain robotic systems; its pioneering autonomy and advanced perception capabilities serve as a force multiplier for warfighters today and tomorrow. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

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Dec. 13, 2023 

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless (WMEC 624) returned to their homeport in Pensacola Tuesday following a 25-day counterdrug deployment in the Caribbean Sea.  

While underway in the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of operations and in support of Joint Interagency Task Force–South, Dauntless’s crew spent 25 days patrolling the Caribbean, where their primary mission was detecting and interdicting go-fast and other vessels suspected of smuggling illegal narcotics into the U.S.   

During the patrol, Dauntless’s crew interdicted one go-fast vessel smuggling illegal narcotics, seizing over 670 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated 19.4 million, and apprehended three suspected drug smugglers.   

“This interdiction truly showcased the impressive skill and relentless perseverance of the Dauntless crew,” said Cmdr. Aaron Kowalczk, commanding officer of Dauntless. “Their ability to complete the seizure despite challenging conditions highlights the Coast Guard’s important role in countering transnational criminal organizations. The crew’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking is emblematic of their dedication to service.”  

In addition to interdicting illegal narcotics, Dauntless’s crew conducted joint operations with the USS Farragut and its embarked Law Enforcement Detachment to transfer 433 kilograms of illegal narcotics and six suspected traffickers, strengthening interoperability with Department of Defense partners and promoting maritime security and safety.  

Dauntless is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-narcotics operations, migrant interdiction, living marine resources protection, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.    

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit www.GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found at www.uscga.edu.  

Release from BlastOne 

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Premier shipbuilder launches facility to accelerate delivery of new Constellation-Class Frigates to US Navy 

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — BlastOne International, a leader in industrial sandblasting and coating solutions, announces the completion of its advanced naval blast and paint booths for Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) in Wisconsin. The new facility significantly enhances FMM’s shipyard efficiency as it was designed to specifically eliminate the most pervasive bottleneck in production: the surface preparation and coating phase. 

The state-of-the-art installation delivers the highest blast and paint capacity in North American shipyard manufacturing, which now boosts FMM’s delivery of Constellation-Class frigates to the maritime defense capabilities of the US Navy. The Constellation-Class Frigates embody the United States’ dedication to modernize the American Fleet. 

BlastOne’s role in helping FMM expedite the delivery of these vessels as quickly as possible is a proud achievement , as expressed by CEO Matthew Rowland: “As speed and deliverability are critical to FMM’s success, contracting BlastOne in a Design-Build capacity allowed us to streamline processes and deliver the facility at a 25% lower cost and in a 30% faster time-frame than traditional Design-Bid-Build projects. The faster we delivered for them, the faster they can continue to deliver for the US Navy.” 

Key Features of the Modernized Blast and Paint Facility: 

• Optimized Space: 25,000 square feet of climate-controlled finishing space with two dedicated painting bays and two blast and paint combination bays. 
• Maximum Output: Capacity for 16 blasters and eight paint sprayers across four modules. 
• Enhanced Safety: Each of the four process areas are equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation systems with continuous air quality monitoring as well as camera systems to increase the safety of FMM personnel. 
• Maximum Energy Efficiency: Utilization of heat from the compressed air plant for winter heating. 

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, highlights the facility’s impact: “This improved facility allows for larger portions of ships to be prepared and painted with modern environmental controls, ensuring our shipyard remains one of the safest, most efficient, and environmentally responsible in America.” 

The deployment of Constellation-Class Frigates, equipped with cutting-edge technology, helps deliver on the Navy’s commitment to ensure global peace and stability. 

Release from Insitu 

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BINGEN, Wash., Dec. 12, 2023 – Insitu, A Boeing Company, announced today the first successful drop of inert GPS-guided Shryke munitions from the Integrator Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) in collaboration with Corvid and L3Harris Technologies.  

Shryke, developed by Corvid Technologies with L3Harris, is known for its multi-mission precision strike and versatility and is another option in a long line of highly sought-after strike capabilities that Insitu is offering to its customers. 

“We were able to demonstrate a low signature munition with a safe separation sensor, fuze, and warhead on Integrator,” said Kyle Bowen, Corvid Technologies Director of Business Development. “Integrator delivered the munitions within 1-2 meters of the target in each test flight. We couldn’t have asked for a more successful demonstration,” Bowen said.  

Integrator, a NATO Class 1 Small UAS (DoD Group 3 UAS) offers endurance of more than 24 hours and carries up to 40lb of payload capacity. Payload integrations are accommodated in the center CG bay, two wing trays, and two wing-mounted hardpoints. Integrator’s multi-payload capacity provides our customers the ability to carry multiple munitions and/or transition between kinetic and non-kinetic objectives as the mission requires. 

“The two rounds of munitions were seamlessly fitted into Integrator’s CG payload bay and several mission sorties were executed demonstrating advanced navigation, targeting, and payload delivery systems,” said Justin Pearce, Insitu Vice President of Programs, Engineering & Flight. “Pairing kinetics with Insitu’s proven endurance and range gives our customers flexibility in how they address a dynamic battlefield.” 

The Integrator was equipped with a MIL-STD-1316 Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD) from L3Harris to provide safety-critical energetic systems initiation-on-command and to safely support the post-flight recovery of munitions still installed. 

“The ESAD was designed for applications that require a reliable arming and firing sequence with precise timing events, as well as vital personnel safety precautions,” said Steve Stasiak, General Manager, L3Harris Technologies. “We were able to validate this capability on Integrator and are very pleased with the way the ESAD configurations performed during the flight test.” 

Insitu continues to work with customers and industry partners in testing and integrating additional munition payloads.   

With three decades of experience, more than 3,500 uncrewed aircraft manufactured to date, and more than 1.4 million operational flight hours, Insitu continues to deliver the most advanced capabilities available to our global customer base in more than 35 countries. Visit Insitu.com to learn more about the most capable, reliable, and combat-proven small tactical UAS on the market.