Release from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam 

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Oct. 23, 2023 

TACLOBAN, Philippines — In a historic first, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) visited partners in Tacloban, Philippines, from Oct. 19 to 23, 2023, and the crew conducted engagements marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between the United States and the Philippines. 
 
This visit of several days coincided with the observance of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a crucial event in World War II history where U.S. Coast Guardsmen were a significant part of the U.S. forces and among the first to hit the beaches as the U.S. sought to retake the Philippines. 
 
“We are deeply honored to be part of this observance and to strengthen the bond between the United States and the Philippines,” said Lt. Patrick Dreiss, commanding officer of the USCGC Frederick Hatch. “It is a privilege to bring a U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter to the Philippines for the first time and to visit the historic city of Tacloban. My crew was excited to collaborate with the Philippine Coast Guard to deepen our connections with our fellow seagoing Service and explore this unique city and island.” 
 
An advance team from U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam held planning meetings in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to prepare for this visit and the Battle of Leyte Gulf observance. Discussions revolved around mutual capabilities, training opportunities, and community engagement, part of the Coast GGuard’sOperation Blue Pacific mission. 
 
While in Tacloban, the crew, with support from the Maritime Security Response Team West, hosted a subject matter expert exchange on maritime law enforcement with Philippine Coast Guard colleagues, observed the 79th Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary, hosted local school children and government officials, held working meetings, and experienced the culture of the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. 
 
“The expanded capabilities of the Fast Response Cutter represent more than just advanced technology; they symbolize the bridge of cooperation and goodwill between nations. The FRCs and their dedicated crews regularly play a pivotal role in international diplomacy. These vessels, along with their highly trained and professional crews, are ambassadors of peace and collaboration, said Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “They foster understanding and trust across borders, making the seas safer not only for our own nations but for all nations that rely on the freedom of navigation and maritime security.” 
 
This visit is part of the USCGC Frederick Hatch’s regularly scheduled expeditionary patrol as part of the ongoing Operation Blue Pacific. It follows previous interactions between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, including the recent arrival of the USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) in Manila for professional exchanges and joint operations. 
 
The visit of Pacific Area commander Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson in April to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for partnership further exemplifies the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to the region. The Service’s role as a federal law enforcement agency and an armed forces branch uniquely positions the agency’s teams to conduct security cooperation operations supporting combatant commanders, upholding governance, and ensuring regional stability. Through Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavor, the Service seeks to promote security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania while strengthening relationships between partner nations in the Pacific. 
 
The Tacloban visit underscores the shared strategic efforts toward a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and aligns with the Pacific Area Commander’s goals to prepare a ready force, generate combined effects, and uphold governance. It also supports U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s commitment to be a trusted partner in Oceania and deliver operational excellence. 

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense 

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Oct. 20, 2023 | By David Vergun  

By December, the Defense Department hopes to issue its first-ever National Defense Industrial Strategy, which will be followed by DOD’s implementation plan, said Laura D. Taylor-Kale, assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy.  

Taylor-Kale, who spoke yesterday at the 2023 Defense Conference, was confirmed by the Senate in March as the first assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy.   

She advises the undersecretary of defense and other senior defense leaders on all matters pertaining to industrial base resilience, workforce development, innovation, investment and policy. And, she also is shepherding the strategy’s development.  

That strategy will focus on creating a clear road map for how the department will prioritize and modernize the U.S. industrial base, she said.  

“We’ve seen in the response to COVID and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that our industrial ecosystem needs to be ready to provide the capabilities … that the department needs,” Taylor-Kale said.  

The goal, she said, is to work in partnership with industry, with the inter-agencies, with Congress and with allies and partners to make defense industrial policy work much more smoothly and strategically, she said.  

“This strategy is meant to catalyze a generational change that will guide the department’s focus and policy development and programs and investment in the industrial base for the next three-to-five years,” she said.  

The key areas of the strategy, she said, are:  

Creating resilient supply chains  

Having an industrial base that can produce capabilities, services and technologies that are needed at speed, scale and cost  

Ensuring workforce readiness and development  

Delivering flexible acquisitions  

Building in metrics for measurable outcomes  

Taylor-Kale said her office hopes to attract new, innovative, non-traditional companies into the industrial base, particularly those that connect dual-use technologies with the emerging needs of the warfighter.   

“I want to emphasize that the task before us is really critical. Creating a modern defense industrial ecosystem will take all of us working together. Please come to us with your ideas. We want to partner with you. I want to partner with you to make this work. We in government cannot do this alone. And frankly, we’re not trying to do this alone,” she said, speaking to industry representatives in attendance. 

Release from the U.S. Department of  Defense 

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Oct. 19, 2023 | By Jim Garamone  

DOD assets in the Red Sea, Iraq and Syria responded to missile and drone attacks over the past two days, as U.S. service members look to deter groups from using the Israel-Hamas war as an opportunity to launch conflict that could engulf the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today. 

Ryder also spelled out the steps Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has taken to strengthen DOD posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts. 

Ryder said the crew of the guided missile destroyer USS Carney operating in the northern Red Sea earlier today shot down three land attack cruise missiles and several drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen. “This action was a demonstration of the integrated air and missile defense architecture that we built in the Middle East and that we are prepared to utilize whenever necessary to protect our partners and our interests,” he said.  

There were no casualties.   

“We cannot say for certain what these missiles and drones were targeting, but they were launched heading north along the Red Sea potentially towards targets in Israel,” the general said.   

Ryder also detailed drone attacks on U.S. facilities in Syria and Iraq. The al-Tanf garrison in Syria was targeted by two drones on Oct. 18. “U.S. and coalition forces engaged one drone destroying it while the other drone impacted the base resulting in minor injuries to coalition forces,” Ryder said. All of the injured returned to duty.  

At the same time, early warning systems indicated a possible threat approaching the airbase at al-Assad. Base personnel sheltered in place as a protective measure. “Though no attack occurred, sadly, a U.S. civilian contractor suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering and passed away shortly thereafter,” Ryder said. 

Separately in northern Iraq, U.S. forces engaged and destroyed a drone resulting in no injuries or damage.  

Ryder said he will not detail what the American response to these provocations will be. “I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend U.S. and coalition forces against any threat,” he said. “Any response, should one occur, will come at a time in a manner of our choosing.”  

Ryder said U.S. forces deployed to the region are meant to deter any government or group from launching attacks under cover of the Israeli-Hamas war. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is crossing the Atlantic to join the Ford. The Air Force has also bumped up fighter presence to the region.  

“By posturing these U.S. naval assets and advanced fighter aircraft in the region, we aim to send a strong message intended to deter a wider conflict, to bolster regional stability, and, of course, to make it clear that we will protect and defend our national security interests,” Ryder said. 

Secretary Austin is continuing engagements with counterparts in the region and beyond. Just today, the secretary spoke with officials in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel. “During these calls, he reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorist attacks, and also underscored the importance of safeguarding innocent civilians — both Palestinian and Israeli,” Ryder said.   

Finally, Ryder said that systems the Israelis requested continue to flow into the country. These include precision-guided munitions, such as joint direct attack munitions, small-diameter bombs, 155-millimeter artillery ammunition and other categories of critical equipment. In addition, the United States is providing Iron Dome interceptors from stocks the United States has in Israel. In the days ahead, “we’ll be flying additional Iron Dome interceptors so that Israel has the capabilities they need to sustain their defense systems and protect their citizens and from rocket attacks,” Ryder said. 

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense

Oct. 19, 2023 | By Jim Garamone  

The People’s Republic of China is continuing its efforts to overturn the international rules-based order and is building an increasingly effective military to further these aims, said a senior defense official speaking on background.  

Spotlight: 2023 China Military Power Report 

The official gave reporters a preview of the 2023 China Military Power Report that DOD delivered to Congress today. The annual report to Congress is based on the National Defense Strategy’s premise that China is the only competitor with the intent, will and capability to reshape the international order, said the official. “The 2022 National Defense Strategy identifies the PRC as increasingly capable military as the department’s top pacing challenge,” he said.   

The report “charts the current course of the PRC’s national economic and military strategies, and offers insight into the strategy, its current capabilities, some of its operational activities, as well as its future modernization goals,” he said.  

Communist leaders seek “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” by 2049 – the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s takeover of the world’s largest country.  

Part of this effort is China is increasing military coercion, the official said. An example of this is the increasing numbers of unsafe intercepts of U.S., allied and partner vessels and aircraft operating in international air and seaways of the Indo-Pacific region. “Between the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2023, the United States documented over 180 instances of coercive and risky air intercepts against U.S. aircraft in the region,” the official said. When allies and partners are included, this jumps to more than 300 instances.  

Spotlight: Focus on Indo-Pacific 

The report also covers China’s intensifying pressure campaign against Taiwan including Chinese ballistic missile overflights of Taiwan, increased flights into Taiwan’s self-declared air defense identification zone and the large-scale simulated joint blockade and simulated joint firepower strike operations done after a visit to the island by a U.S. congressional delegation.  

Additionally, China’s deepening security ties with Russia are covered. In fact, as the official was detailing the content of the report, Chinese President Xi Jinping was meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative in China. The senior defense official said China sees its emergence as a great power as tied to the alliance with Russia.  

The report also looks at the continued development of the Chinese military’s nuclear, space and cyberspace capabilities. “We see the PRC continuing to quite rapidly modernize and diversify and expand its nuclear forces,” he said. “They are expanding and investing in their land, sea and air-based nuclear delivery platforms, as well as the infrastructure that’s required to support this.”   

The report estimates the Chinese had more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023. “That is on track to exceed some of our previous predictions,” he said.  

China is developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles. These may also be conventionally-armed missiles. “If developed and fielded, such capabilities would allow the PRC to threaten conventional strikes against targets in the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska,” the official said.  

According to the report, Chinese leaders are seeking to modernize People’s Liberation Army capabilities in all domains of warfare.   

On the land, the PLA continues to modernize its equipment and focus on combined arms and joint training, the official said. The Chinese military is still a conscript force with two intakes a year. The military is working to field long-range fires and incorporate the capability into their doctrine.  

At sea, China has the world’s largest navy with a battle force of more than 370 ships and submarines. The Chinese launched their third aircraft carrier in the past year and commissioned their third amphibious assault ship.  

The PLA Air Force “is rapidly catching up to western air forces,” the official said. The air force continues to build up manned and unmanned aircraft and the Chinese announced the fielding of the H-6N – its first nuclear-capable, air-to-air refueled bomber.  

The Chinese military has not been involved in a shooting war since 1979 and “this actually is one of the shortcomings that the PRC highlights and a lot of their own self assessments,” the official said. “They tried to address that, I think, by attempting to make their training and their exercises more realistic, to more closely approximate … actual combat type conditions.   

“I think they tried to address it as well, by learning whatever lessons they can from other countries’ involvement in military conflicts,” he continued.   

Chinese military leaders carefully studied military conflicts involving U.S. forces, Russian forces and others over the years. That is one of the key sources they draw upon to better understand how they need to prepare themselves for future combat operations. “Certainly, they’re watching very closely Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine,” the official said.  

The Chinese military is looking for bases overseas and looking to develop the resources needed to be a globally relevant force. They have established an overall logistics command and they are working hand-in-glove with the Belt and Road Initiative to gain access.  

Finally, the report also discusses the dearth of contacts between U.S. and Chinese defense officials. “The PLA’s refusal to engage in military-to-military communications with the United States, combined with the PLA’s increasingly coercive and risky operational behavior, raises the risk of an operational incident or miscalculation spiraling into crisis or conflict,” the official said. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam 

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Oct. 19, 2023 

SANTA RITA, Guam — Following the signing of an expanded bilateral law enforcement agreement in August, during the Joint Heads of Pacific Security conference, representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Republic of Palau embarked on a series of meetings and initiatives to advance maritime partnership and promote regional stability Oct. 6 to 13, 2023. 
 
“Our work with Palau goes beyond signatures on an agreement; it’s about the actions we take together. It’s about standing side by side to safeguard our shared maritime environment and ensure regional security,” said Capt. Nicholas Simmons, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. 
 
In a strategic effort to deepen collaboration and build stronger bonds, members of U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Legal and Intel, along with members of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s Intel and Compact of Free Association departments, conducted an Enhanced Shiprider Tabletop Exercise in Palau with members of the government and local enforcement agencies. This tabletop exercise served as a platform for key stakeholders from both sides to lay the groundwork for future endeavors. They also met with the governor of the northernmost state, Ngaraard, Governor Sharp Sakuma, and the president of Palau Community College, Dr. Patrick Tellei.  
 
Near future initiatives include: 
 
– Palau Search and Rescue Exercise – Set to take place in early 2024, demonstrating our joint commitment to the safety of life at sea. 
– Enacting the Enhanced Agreement –U.S. Coast Guard asset crews in the region will seek to employ the enhanced bilateral agreement.  
– Ngaraard State Projects – Focusing on improving maritime safety by developing a better marking system for vessel traffic in Palauan waters. 
– Palau Community College – U.S. Coast Guard Academy presentation aimed at recruiting and fostering education among young talent while building skills for local residents to bring back to Palau.  
 
The U.S. Coast Guard will also participate in the Palau Joint Committee Meeting scheduled for Nov. 15 to 17 in Palau, where, in addition to other items, discussions will consider the practical implementation of U.S. Coast Guard support to Palauan partners. 
 
The Republic of Palau, known for its rich culture and stringent marine conservation laws, is committed to protecting its marine environment. With this partnership, the U.S. aims to support Palau’s efforts while also enhancing regional security.  
 
About the Agreement  
 
The enhanced bilateral agreement empowers the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce regulations in Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without a Palauan officer present. It represents a significant step forward in our shared commitment to regional maritime security. However, it is essential to clarify that this agreement does not replace joint work with physical shipriders; instead, it augments enforcement capabilities. 
 
This collaborative bilateral effort follows a similar agreement signed with the Federated States of Micronesia in October 2022. It is part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional security, including a bilateral defense agreement and bilateral maritime law enforcement with Papua New Guinea in May 2023, which enabled U.S. Coast Guard boarding officers alongside their Papua New Guinea counterparts to conduct boardings in PNG’s EEZ for the first time in over ten days at sea in August and September yielding four bilateral boardings, six observation reports, the identification of a vessel monitoring system violation and subsequent fine to the vessel operator by the PNG National Fisheries Authority.  
 
Operation Blue Pacific 
 
Through Operation Blue Pacific and Operation Rematau, led by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, the U.S. actively exercises maritime law enforcement agreements with Pacific Island Countries. These agreements reinforce maritime law enforcement operations, bolster maritime domain awareness, and contribute to security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity throughout Oceania. 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard’s shiprider program is a cornerstone of these efforts, aligning with the Pacific Partnership Strategy and embodying our commitment to maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. 
 
“With this historic agreement and the ongoing collaboration, the U.S. reaffirms its presence in the Pacific, contributing to regional stability, security, and resilience. Collaborating with partners like Palau amplifies our ability to protect resources and maintain a free and open Blue Pacific for all nations that uphold the rule of law,” said Simmons.  

Release from the VCNO Public Affairs 

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Oct. 19, 2023 

Newport, R.I. – Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti traveled to Newport, R.I., to tour Navy facilities and visit with Sailors and defense industry leaders, Oct. 19. 

Franchetti started her trip at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Quonset Point, where she received updates from company leadership on submarine manufacturing, modular construction, and outfitting for future Columbia and Virginia-class submarines. 

The Columbia-class will replace the Ohio-class as the Navy’s contribution to the nuclear triad, which remains the most survivable leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent force. 

“Ensuring that these submarines are produced on time and on budget is a national strategic imperative,” said Franchetti.  “The Navy is 100% committed to partnering with Congress, industry, and the New England community to fulfill this mission.”   

Franchetti then traveled to Naval Station Newport to speak with prospective command master chiefs at the Navy Leadership and Ethics Center.  

“This is an exciting time to be in the Navy and to lead our teams operating around the world,” she said.  “As you prepare for the next level of leadership, I expect all of you to view everything through a warfighting lens and to remember that our people are the foundation of our warfighting effectiveness.”   

Her next stop was to the Navy Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), where she met with NUWC scientists, engineers, and leadership to discuss multiple initiatives taking place in Newport, to include advanced communication techniques for submarines at depth known as the Submarine Launched Over the Horizon Buoy. 

While at NUWC she was able to see the software that Sailors are currently operating on submarines and discuss the ongoing upgrades to those systems, as well as the Snakehead unmanned under water vehicle.   

“The NUWC team is developing innovative concepts and cutting-edge technology that will help expand the enduring advantage we have in the undersea domain,” said Franchetti.  “They are finding creative solutions to operational challenges and delivering results at the speed of relevance.” 

VCNO’s last stop was at Surface Warfare Schools Command, where she engaged with prospective commanding and executive officers, and observed Sailors training to navigate high-density maritime traffic areas in the schoolhouse simulators.  

“As we see in the events of today, our Navy ships are forward and ready, providing options and decision space to our nation’s leaders. Operating them safely is job number one,” Franchetti commented.  “These simulators enable our Sailors, both officer and enlisted, to undergo rigorous, realistic, and repeated training in an environment designed to accelerate their mastery of seamanship.”   

Naval Station Newport is home to 50 different commands and is the Navy’s premier site for training and educating officers, officer candidates, senior enlisted personnel and midshipman candidates into future leaders, as well as testing and evaluating advanced undersea warfare and development systems. 

Release from Draper 

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Draper, a company with decades of service to the U.S. Navy, announced today a $2.2 billion contract to continue the support of the Trident II D5 weapon system while also beginning development on the next generation. Under the award, Draper will support the mission of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs to provide credible sea-based strategic deterrence. The company currently serves in that role as prime contractor for the Trident II D5 guidance system under a previous contract. 

Dr. Jerry M. Wohletz, President and CEO at Draper, remarked, “Draper is proud of its long-standing relationship with U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs, and is excited to strengthen that partnership by supporting the modernization of the Trident weapon system to ensure its effectiveness in an era of great power competition for generations to come.” 

Draper, as strategic guidance system prime contractor for Trident, provides critical domain knowledge and cradle-to-grave responsibility for the design, production, and sustainment of the Guidance component for both the U.S. and U.K. Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Systems.  For more than 60 years Draper has played a critical part in ensuring that the Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBMs) deployed by the Navy’s submarines are accurate, reliable and survivable to adversarial threats. Every FBM deployed by the Navy—from Polaris A1 to Trident II D5—has been equipped with Guidance Systems designed by Draper engineers.  

“This award enables us to continue to deliver on legacy while also marking the beginning of a multi-decade development for the next generation system that will ensure the nation has a credible nuclear deterrent for generations to come,” said Robert Bacon, Vice President of Navy Strategic Systems at Draper. “With an increasingly complex geopolitical environment our expertise will once again be called up to ensure we deliver credible capabilities that outpace the advancing threats from our adversaries”. 

Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass.; Pittsfield, Mass.; Washington, D.C; Odon, Ind.; El Segundo, Calif.; Cape Canaveral, Fla,; and St. Petersburg, Fla; and is expected to be completed by October 2028. 

This contract is a sole source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and was previously synopsized on the Systems for Award Management website. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

Release from HII 

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MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Mission Technologies division was awarded a $134 million contract to provide readiness and training software development support for the U.S. Navy. 

The task order was awarded under the Naval Sea Systems Command’s SeaPort Next Generation (SeaPort-NxG) contract to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Dam Neck Activity (NSWCDD DNA). It has a one-year base period plus four one-year options. 

“Realistic training scenarios help prepare warfighters for any situation,” said Glenn Goodman, president of Mission Technologies’ LVC Solutions business group. “For more than 20 years, that has been the foundation of HII’s live, virtual and constructive training systems. We are proud to continue our support of the U.S. Navy, providing software development and engineering that contribute to combat readiness.” 

A photo accompanying this news release is available at https://hii.com/news/hii-to-provide-readiness-and-training-software-development-support-for-the-u-s-navy/ 

HII will provide requirements analysis, software engineering, development, integration and test support for the Advanced Training Domain (ATD), Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT), BFTT Electronic Warfare Trainer (BEWT), Trainer Stimulator/Simulator Systems (TSSS) and the Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Anti-Submarine Warfare Trainer (CIAT) platforms. 

In addition to this contract, HII was recently awarded the NSWCDD $242 million shore-based training, engineering and development support (SBEDS) contract. 

Release from Ocean Aero 

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GULFPORT, Miss.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ocean Aero announces the opening of their new headquarters and manufacturing facility located at the Port of Gulfport on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With 63,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production capacity, the new Ocean Aero facility represents America’s latest addition to the industrial manufacturing base. The facility opens with 60 employees and will hire another 15 full-time positions before the end of the year. 

Representing the first phase of Ocean Aero’s manufacturing expansions, the facility will enable the production of up to 150 Tritons per year. Annex options adjacent to the facility have the opportunity to produce another 450 Tritons per year. 

“We’re very proud of what the team has accomplished in our two years located in Mississippi and are looking forward to an even brighter future,” said Ocean Aero CEO Kevin Decker. “The timing couldn’t be better to add to our production base given the recent announcement of Replicator and other ongoing programs championed at both the U.S. Navy and DoD levels.” 

Ocean Aero has been consistently working with the U.S. Navy and many of its constituents around the world since moving to Mississippi. It is an international exporter and has engaged with NOAA as well as a number of universities to conduct scientific services. 

“The talent of our employees from the Mississippi area, the support we have received from the Gulf Blue ecosystem, and the unwavering dedication of the Mississippi elected officials have exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re honored to be citizens of the local community,” said Decker. 

The company drew support from a host of Mississippi’s political leadership, including the Mississippi Development Authority, the Harrison County Development Commission, Mississippi Power, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the Port of Gulfport. This opening culminates a years-long process championed by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Roger Wicker. 

“The opening of Ocean Aero’s state-of-the-art facility on the Mississippi Gulf Coast marks a significant milestone in the journey toward a sustainable and thriving blue economy. By harnessing the potential of our coastal resources, Ocean Aero exemplifies the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship,” said Mississippi Development Authority Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp. “The company’s commitment to advancing marine technology not only positions Mississippi as a leader within the blue economy, it underscores the crucial role of our oceans in R&D and in shaping the future of our economy as a whole. MDA congratulates the Ocean Aero team on the opening of this new facility and looks forwards to the company’s continued progress on the Gulf Coast.” 

About Ocean Aero 

Ocean Aero creates, manufactures, and distributes advanced unmanned ocean systems technology. Its signature product—The Triton—is the world’s first and only environmentally-powered Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). The Triton both sails and submerges for unparalleled ocean data collection with ready-to-deploy packages and custom payloads for an array of applications. Ocean Aero brings the ocean and its data to you, with novel hardware and software that is revolutionizing maritime exploration. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

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Oct. 16, 2023 

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Reliance (WMEC 615) returned to their home port in Pensacola, Monday, following a 60-day patrol in the Florida Straits and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.  

 
During the patrol, Reliance enforced fishery laws to ensure the safety of commercial fishing vessels and marine resources in the Coast Guard’s Eighth District. 

 
On Sept. 29, 2023, Reliance partnered with the crew of the Mexican Navy vessel ARM Uxmal near Cozumel, Mexico, for a joint training exercise under the North American Maritime Security Initiative. NAMSI, launched in 2008, aims to enhance maritime operations and training collaboration among U.S., Mexican, and Canadian forces. The exercise included maneuver and communication drills, ending with two Uxmal crewmembers touring the Reliance. 

 
Additionally, Reliance trained with aircraft crews from Coast Guard Air Stations Corpus Christi and Houston and offered over 400 public ship tours in Galveston, Texas, near where the Reliance was constructed six decades ago. 

 
“This crew demonstrated professional expertise, versatility, and technical skill beyond expectations during this patrol,” said Cmdr. Brian Chapman, Reliance’s commanding officer. “They have trained hard, performed superbly, and are truly ‘Semper Paratus—Always Ready’ for the next mission. I could not be prouder of this team of professionals.”  

 
Reliance is a 210-foot, medium endurance cutter homeported in Pensacola with a crew of 73. The cutter’s primary missions are counterdrug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of 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.