Release from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

*****

July 19, 2023

By Chief Petty Officer B. Biller, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on July 3, following a seven-month deployment.

Illinois deployed from Pearl Harbor in December 2022, during which the submarine and its crew performed a full spectrum of operations, to include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The Illinois crew demonstrated the extreme resiliency and endurance required to operate at sea,” said Illinois Commanding Officer Cmdr. Daniel McNab, from Brewster, Minnesota. “Operating a deployed submarine through the most remote parts of the Pacific is incredibly challenging. The strength of our families and support from home was essential to accomplishing our mission of defending a free and open Indo-Pacific region. It has been the highest honor of my career to serve at sea with this amazing crew. I could not be more proud of my Sailors, their families, our Illinois supporters, and the dedication each of them has to our nation.”

During the deployment, the crew traveled approximately 35,000 nautical miles under the sea. The Sailors aboard Illinois trained to be combat-ready prior to departure and maintained those standards throughout the deployment.

“The grit and positive attitude displayed by the entire Illinois crew has been extraordinary,” said Illinois Chief of the Boat Master Chief Fire Control Technician (Submarines) Mark Walter, from Burke, Virginia. “Every day, Illinois Sailors demonstrated our ability to maintain a sustained presence at sea. Special thanks are owed to all the families for keeping our home front secure. Our nation is stronger and our loved ones are safer because of your sacrifice.”

During the deployment, 41 Illinois Sailors became fully qualified in submarines and earned their Submarine Warfare Specialist designation known as “dolphins”.

“The most unforgettable moment of deployment was when I qualified in submarines, especially because I was pinned on my birthday,” said Torpedoman Fireman Apprentice Jeremiah J. Bruce from Montgomery, Alabama. “Earning my silver dolphins was tough and it took a lot of sleepless nights of studying. It was achievable with help from the entire crew along the way. I’m extremely proud and appreciative to be a part of the Illinois team.”

Illinois was commissioned Oct. 29, 2016, and is the 13th Virginia-class submarine. It is 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet. USS Illinois is the second ship to be named for the nation’s 21st state, the first being the battleship USS Illinois (BB 7) which was in service from 1901 to 1920, serving as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet”.

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command

*****

July 19, 2023

Caribbean Sea  –  The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Little Rock (LCS 9) with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) has made its presence known in the fight against illicit drug-trafficking since entering the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).
 

In early April, the team interdicted a go-fast vessel (GFV), detained four suspected drug smugglers, and recovered 50 kilograms of cocaine. Based on observations from the deployed helicopter, the suspected smugglers had jettisoned an estimated 650 kilograms of cocaine.

Later that month, while on patrol in the Caribbean, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted a suspected drug smuggling GFV and vectored Little Rock in for an intercept. In response, Little Rock deployed a helicopter and a sea asset. LEDET members saw a package get tossed into the water before the GFV stopped and the LEDET gained positive control of the vessel. After receiving permission to conduct a boarding, the LEDET detained three suspected drug smugglers and recovered an estimated 570 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth an approximate street value of more than $14.25 million. This was just the beginning.
 
In early May, the Little Rock team interdicted another GFV, detained two suspected drug smugglers, confiscated one firearm, and recovered an approximated 652 kilograms of cocaine. Later that month, the Little Rock had two more interdictions amounting to the detainment of six suspected drug smugglers and a recovery of an estimated 2,530 kilograms of cocaine overall.

“Little Rock is here to bring down the hammer on illicit trafficking in the Caribbean,” said Cmdr. Mike Chesnut, commanding officer of the USS Little Rock. “Together with JIATF-S (Joint Interagency Task Force – South) and our embarked team, we will pursue and disrupt Transnational Criminal Organizations to support stability at home and throughout the Americas.”

The USS Little Rock has had six GFV interdictions to date and Little Rock will continue to raise this number. As long as the ship is assigned to Commander, Task Force 45 (CTF-45), she will continue interdiction operations. CTF-45 is the 4th Fleet task force charged with executing combined naval operations, building and strengthening Latin American, south of Mexico, and Caribbean maritime partnerships, and acting as a DoD ready service provider to JIATF-S in support of counter illicit-drug trafficking operations in the Central and South American waters.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports USSOUTHCOM’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

LEDETS are deployable specialized forces of the U.S. Coast Guard that enforce U.S. laws and treaties in the maritime domain. LEDETs conduct counter-smuggling operations as their primary mission from U.S. and allied platforms. The U.S. Coast Guard is simultaneously a member of the Joint Force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency, and a member of the intelligence community. The U.S. Coast Guard’s wide suite of specialized maritime capabilities, competencies, and authorities enhances the Joint Force’s comparative advantage at sea.

Release from HII

*****

MCLEAN, Va. (July 19, 2023) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Mission Technologies division has been awarded a $41 million contract to provide integrated training systems installation and sustainment (ITSIS) for the U.S. Navy.

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

The work expands upon HII’s existing support of training systems to the customer.

“HII is excited to continue our partnership with NAVSEA and deliver shipboard and shore-site integrated training system hardware and software installation and life-cycle sustainment services,” said Ryan Norris, president of Mission Technologies’ Fleet Sustainment business group. “We have built a strong team with extensive experience installing, configuring, maintaining, modernizing and securing Navy networks, tactical systems and C6ISR systems. We look forward to supporting the systems that are critical to training naval warfighters and improving fleet readiness.”

With more than 30 years of experience delivering shipboard and shore-based installation and sustainment services to the U.S. Navy, HII’s team will provide hardware and software upgrades, system maintenance, training system integration, curriculum development and fleet training, cybersecurity, lab support, integrated logistics support, configuration management and life-cycle sustainment of integrated training systems.

Release from Commander, Navy Region Southeast

*****

By CNRSE PAO

18 July 2023

MIAMI (July 14, 2023) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro joined with Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to announce the inaugural Fleet Week Miami in 2024.
 
The two dignitaries made the announcement July 14 at PortMiami along with other military and civilian officials.  Fleet Week Miami will be held May 7-14, 2024 at PortMiami, and will bring in excess of 800 service members to south Florida whose primary mission will be to contribute to a growing understanding of the Navy’s importance in our country’s national defense.  The week-long event is expected to feature both US Navy and US Coast Guard vessels to showcase military technology to the public.
 
“We are honored the U.S. Navy has accepted Miami-Dade County’s invitation to host Fleet Week at PortMiami in 2024,” Levine Cava said. “Residents and visitors will be able to see ships up close, board them and take tours as well as participate in community events. We are also excited the visiting sailors and marines will be able to enjoy our attractions, engage in community projects and experience all of Miami-Dade’s unique cultural offerings.”
 
Other speakers at the news conference included the Honorable Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Chairman, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners; the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy; and Hydi Webb, PortMiami Chief Executive Officer.  
 
Senior military present for the announcement included: Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, Coast Guard Commander District 7; Rear Adm. Allan Thomas, Director of Operations SOUTHCOM; and Capt. Ian Johnson, Commander Navy Region Southeast.
 
The U.S. Navy visited Miami through its Navy Week program in January. The successful event was one of 15 Navy Weeks nationwide to take place in 2023, and it brought a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Miami Navy Week gave the community an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its sailors and its importance to national security and prosperity, and its success helped spur the Fleet Week Miami initiative.
 
“Thank you Mayor Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami for continuing to host our service members, and for opening up your port to our fleet,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “Fleet Week in Miami will be an unforgettable opportunity for Miamians and tourists alike to learn about the incredible people who make up our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and their importance to our national security and prosperity.”  

Release from SAIC

*****

Heavyweight Torpedo Contributes to U.S. Navy’s Undersea Dominance

• The MK48 torpedo is the U.S. Navy’s sole submarine-launched anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare weapon.
• SAIC serves as the prime integrator for the MK48, providing integration as well as test support for the torpedo’s subsystems.  
• Integration of the MK48’s afterbody/tailcone involves more than 500 piece parts.

The MK48 torpedo is the U.S. Navy’s sole submarine-launched anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare weapon. All classes of Navy submarines use it for achieving sea control and neutralizing or destroying threats to high-value vessels.

As the prime integrator of the MK48 torpedo, SAIC builds, integrates and tests the afterbody/tailcone sections and fuel tanks of the MK48 Mod 7 heavyweight torpedo for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

Often considered the torpedo’s engine room, the afterbody/tailcone controls the torpedo’s propulsion, starts and applies the power necessary to drive it from the time it is launched until it reaches its target, and steers it on its course to the mark.

The afterbody/tailcone comprises 26 major sub-assemblies requiring the integration of greater than 500 piece parts.

SAIC‘s team of MK48 subject matter experts works primarily in Bedford, Ind., near Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, where the majority of the torpedo integration work takes place. The contract’s program and engineering management team is based in Middletown, R.I., near Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport. SAIC completed the design, development and delivery of an automated electrical power system test set, which is used to test the torpedo’s alternator/regulator assembly, in Indianapolis. 

Building on past success

For more than a decade, SAIC has provided engineering, technical and management services in support of NUWC’s propulsion test facility. Our team performs facility operations, maintenance, upgrades and testing in support of the Navy’s only land-based torpedo testing facility. In this capacity, SAIC’s engineers and technicians routinely integrate MK48 afterbody/tailcones in preparation for tests.

The facility can test torpedoes across their full speed and depth envelopes. Our team runs these tests to capture very unique performance data for NAVSEA.

Release from Bell Textron

*****

Jul 19, 2023

Bell Expands H-1 Advanced Maintenance Training Academy for USMC

What does Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, MCAS Futenma, Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center, and Bell’s Repair and Overhaul Center have in common? They are all locations where U.S. Marine Corps aircraft maintainers come to receive top-of-the-line maintenance training for the Bell H-1 aircraft line.

Bell has launched its H-1 Advanced Maintenance Training Academy (AMTA) to provide long-term fleet support through a week-long, interactive training program taught by Bell H-1 maintenance instructors and specialists. The training is an immersive experience coupled with 3-D courseware and hands-on technical instruction for routine maintenance repairs on items such as flight controls, gearboxes, swashplates, and both rotor blades.

“Through the H-1 AMTA, Marine maintainers can take the training knowledge that they receive here and implement it directly on the H-1 flight line, ensuring mission-focused fleet readiness at all times,” said Steve Rudat, H-1 AMTA instructor, Bell.

Marine maintainers from various Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons (MALS) and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons (HMLA) located around the world, including MALS-29, MALS-39, HMLA-167, HMLA-169, HMLA-267, HMLA-367, HMLA-369, and HMLAT-303, have attended the H-1 AMTA offered at one of the participating locations.

Most recently, MCAS Camp Pendleton was added to the list of locations that host the H-1 AMTA.

“The goal of the AMTA is for Marines to develop a deeper understanding of the H-1 platform and how the different aircraft systems function together. Whether they are at their home squadron or deployed on a mission, our AMTA program provides H-1 Marine maintainers with the skills to keep their aircraft on the flight schedule,” said Bryan Riley, H-1 fleet support manager, Bell.

Since its launch, over 100 Marine maintainers have successfully completed the training program.

“At Bell, we are committed to providing top-tier after-market support to our customers, and this is one of the key ways that we can support the mission of the HMLA community,” said Nate Green, H-1 program manager, Bell.

The Bell H-1 line is purpose-built to support the U.S. Armed Forces. Bell continues to modernize the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom to serve the future generations of warfighters. The current line of the Viper and Venom have proven to be two of the most agile, dependable, and interoperable aircrafts on the market.

Release from the U.S. Coast Guard 11th District

*****

July 17, 2023

USCG District 11 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast (WMEC 623) offloaded more than 11,600 pounds of cocaine and 5,500 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $158 million in San Diego, Monday.

The interdictions were conducted during counter-narcotics patrols in the Eastern Pacific Ocean between May and July by crews of the Coast Guard Cutters Vigilant (WMEC 617), Mohawk (WMEC 913) and Steadfast.

“The crews of the Coast Guard Cutters Vigilant, Mohawk and Steadfast worked diligently to combat transnational organized crime, disrupt drug flow and prevent a significant amount of drugs from reaching the U.S.,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard Eleventh District. “Their unwavering commitment while interdicting drug smugglers at sea is not only commended, but their continued efforts are unmatched.”

Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperated in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), contributed to this counter-narcotic operation. These coordinated efforts underscore the strong collaboration between the U.S. and SEMAR.

“Nothing is guaranteed when a Coast Guard crew says ‘goodbye’ to loved ones and embarks on a multi-month patrol,” said Cmdr. Brock Eckel, commanding officer of the Steadfast. “However, our team worked incredibly hard, day-and-night, to stop three smuggling vessels, preventing more than five tons of illicit narcotics from reaching American soil. I am honored to serve with the amazing Steadfast crew and share in their success.”

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring, and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in districts across the nation. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda. U.S. Coast Guard members lead and conduct the interdictions, including the actual boardings.

The Steadfast is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Astoria, Oregon. This multi-mission platform falls under the operational command of the Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander. As a Coast Guard resource, Steadfast deploys in support of the Coast Guard’s Eleventh and Thirteenth Districts as well as Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-S). During deployments, Steadfast patrols along the western seaboard of the United States, Mexico and North and Central America conducting search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, living marine resource protection, and homeland defense operations.

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense

*****

General Officer Announcement

July 17, 2023

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James H. Adams, III, for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.  Adams is currently serving as deputy director, Requirements and Capability Development, J-8, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Release From Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE Public Affairs Office

Courtesy Story, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE Public Affairs

SYDNEY (July 18, 2023) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived in Sydney, Australia, July 18, ahead of the ship’s ceremonial commissioning.

USS Canberra entered Sydney Harbour in formation with Canberra-class landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra before mooring pierside at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East.

“We are thrilled to be here in Sydney this week, and to show this city our fast, optimally-manned ship that sails across the seas as a symbol of our navies’ dedication to each other,” said Capt. Marc Crawford, Commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE. “For more than one hundred years, our nations have stood side-by-side; today is no different.”

The U.S. ship is named for Australia’s capital and the original HMAS Canberra that was sunk at the Battle of Savo Island during World War II while fighting alongside the U.S.

“To sail last night and rendezvous with USS Canberra was an absolute privilege, not just for myself but for the Army, Navy and Air Force crew members on HMAS Canberra,” said. Capt. Brendan O’Hara, commanding officer of HMAS Canberra. “Having another ship named Canberra, there is an automatic bond as mariners between those ships straight away. We look forward to supporting their ship’s company throughout the course of this week, particularly for the commissioning ceremony this Saturday.”

While in Sydney, the ships’ crews will partake in sports competitions, community relations activities, and learn more about the other country’s culture and traditions.

Those interested in viewing the ceremony live may do so on DVIDS at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32033 beginning at 10:00 a.m. AEST on July 22, 2023.

Homeported in San Diego as a part of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, USS Canberra is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS like USS Canberra integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

For more information on the USS Canberra commissioning, please visit
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/CanberraCommissioning and http://images.defence.gov.au/S20232084.

Release from Naval Sea Systems Command

*****

By Team Ships Public Affairs

Washington Navy Yard – Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushions (LCAC) 105-107 received a lift of opportunity (LOO) aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), on July 14.

LCACs 105-107 have been at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division for post-delivery test and trials following their delivery to the Navy by Textron Systems.

The leadership on the USS Gunston Hall worked with Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, and Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4) as LCACs 105-107 entered the well deck for transport.

“SSC LCACs are in serial production and actively providing much-needed agility and speed to our fleet,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager, Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, PEO Ships. “The flexibility of LCACs, combined with their technology, provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with capability for today and the future fight.”

Later this month, the Gunston Hall team will offload these three crafts to their new home at ACU 4 in Little Creek, Virginia. ACU 4 is the parent unit for LCACs on the east coast. LCACs 101-104 arrived at ACU 4 in February 2022.

SSC LCACs are built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the legacy LCACs they replace – ensuring that this latest air cushion vehicle is fully compatible with existing, well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base, and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock. LCACs are capable of carrying a 74-ton payload. They primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and assault element personnel through a wide range of conditions, including over-the-beach.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats, and craft.