From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, July 1, 2025 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report Tuesday. 

The report records the fewest boating fatalities since the Service began collecting statistics more than 50 years ago. 

Fatalities fell 1.4% to 556 from 564 in 2023, while overall incidents increased by 1.1% from 3,844 to 3.887. Nonfatal injuries increased 2.1% from 2,126 to 2,170. Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2024, accounting for 92 deaths, or 20% of total fatalities. 

The fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, a 2% decrease from last year’s rate of 4.9 deaths per 100,000. In 1971, when the Safe Boating Act was first passed, the rate was 20.6 deaths per 100,000. Property damage totaled $88 million, and operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, machinery failure and navigation rules ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. 

“Boating under the influence is not only illegal but it is also dangerous,” said Capt. Robert Compher, inspections and compliance director. ”The effects of alcohol can be magnified when boating in the sun and on a moving vessel. Staying sober protects you and those around you.” 

Deaths occurred predominantly on vessels operated by individuals who had not received boating safety instruction, accounting for roughly 70% of fatalities. Open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats were the vessel types most involved in reported incidents.  

There was an increase in deaths on standup paddleboards. Drowning accounted for three-quarters of deaths, with 87% of victims not wearing life jackets. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to wear serviceable, properly sized and correctly fastened life jackets, and encourages boaters to check the weather and water conditions before getting underway. 

The data in the report is based on incidents that resulted in at least one of the following: death, disappearance, injury that required medical treatment beyond first aid, damage to the vessel(s), or other property equal to or greater than $2,000 or a loss of vessel. 

“We thank our federal, state and nonprofit partners who strive to make the nation’s waterways safer. We also thank recreational boaters who follow safe boating,” said Compher. 

In addition to wearing a life jacket and taking a boating safety course, the Coast Guard recommends all boaters attach the engine cutoff switch, get a free vessel safety check and boat sober. 

The full 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report is available at USCGBoating.org. 

From Anna Eisenberg, Disruptive Capabilities Office, July 1, 2025 

Current conflicts across the globe prove that the way we engage in war is changing daily – and that winning requires scalable, attritable systems that can adapt to evolving mission landscapes in real-time. 

Captain Colin Corridan, Acting Director, U.S. Navy Disruptive Capabilities Office (DCO), heard this live from the watch floor of the Maritime Operation Center in Bahrain, where he was stationed 2022-2024. As he listened to the Captains of U.S. Navy ships take Houthi drone fire, “Hearing the urgency in our warfighters’ voices – I realized everything was changing, and that we have to continue to focus on mastering this attritable side of warfare,” he said. 

On 21 May, Rear Admiral Michael Mattis, Director, Strategic Effects, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Commander, Task Force-SIX SIX, and Corridan joined a panel discussion to discuss these lessons learned. 
Industry partner Insitu hosted the panel, “UxS Exquisiteness to Attritability: How Ukraine has provided insight into how UxS should be deployed for the next conflict in INDOPACOM,” as part of the Combined Naval Event (CNE) 2025. CNE brings together international navies, the defense industry, and academia to power the future of naval environments by helping align the strategic, operational, and technological opportunities and demands of the future. 
 
Three major themes emerged from the panel: 
1: “We must get to autonomous systems at size and scale,” Mattis said. Accelerating testing, fielding, and scaling of these new technologies will help the U.S. Navy maintain its critical edge. By leveraging existing platforms that industry partners can advance quickly, we will get to that next level of autonomy. “Ukraine has been an evolution, autonomous will be a revolution,” said Mattis. 
 
2: “Low-cost. Attritable. No regrets,” Mattis said. Rather than thinking in terms of lifetime investment, the Navy should consider these new weapons in terms of their short-term use. A symbiotic relationship with industry partners is critical here. Innovation is happening in the private sector, and the Navy can benefit from their speed, agility, and ingenuity. On the other side of the coin, the Navy should be able to provide feedback to industry partners to generate real-time iteration. 
 
3. “The whole ocean may soon be a weapons engagement zone,” Corridan said. Our allies and partners are important now more than ever – because no one Navy can or should keep every sea safe. Information is power, and we need to be able to quickly and easily speak with and share data with our allies. We have the technology – the next step is to enable interoperability. When drones can talk to each other – and allow us to talk to our partners – we will have upper hand. 

Simply put: if we are not conquering the attritable space as well as the exquisite, we are not doing enough. 

The DCO was stood up to marry these three major themes. With the mantra that “speed in this space is our new reality,” DCO takes specific challenges provided directly by the Fleets and accelerates the acquisition of technology to address them. DCO is focused on a minimal viable product that delivers one capability at a lower cost. While speed is in DCO’s DNA, a careful assessment process considers everything from the engineering design and costs of a proposed solution to its legal and policy implications. Along the way, DCO is gathering lessons learned that can be applied to improve the entire Navy’s capability. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, 27 June 2025 

In alignment with the mandate from the President and the Secretary of Defense to restore the warrior ethos to the military, the Secretary of the Navy has renamed the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T-AO 206). USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T-AO 206) honors U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Oscar Verner Peterson, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty during World War II. 

Peterson was born on August 27, 1899, in the small town of Prentice, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 8, 1920, and over two decades at sea, rose to the rank of chief water tender. At the time of his final act of courage, he was assigned to USS Neosho, a fast fleet oiler that sustained American warships in the midst of heavy battle. 

On May 7, 1942, during the Battle of Coral Sea, Japanese dive bombers struck Neosho, setting her ablaze. Peterson, wounded and lacking assistance, manually closed four bulkhead steam line valves to keep the ship operational. In so doing, he suffered third-degree burns on his face, arms, shoulders and hands. He died six days later from his injuries and was buried at sea, leaving behind his wife Lola and two sons Fred and Donald. His actions helped keep the oiler afloat for another four days, saving the lives of 123 of his shipmates who were later rescued. For his act of profound courage, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Today, the Navy will carry forward his legacy by naming a John Lewis-class oiler in his honor. This vessel will quietly and powerfully sustain those on the front lines, like Peterson himself. 

General Characteristics 
John Lewis-class oilers are operated by Military Sealift Command and are designed to provide diesel fuel and lubricating oil and small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions, stores and potable water to U.S. Navy ships at sea, as well as jet fuel for aircraft. The oilers can carry a load of 162,000 barrels of oil and maintain significant dry cargo capacity. 

Launch and Christening: Nov 2021 

Ship Delivery: July 2023 
 
First Sail Date: March 2024 
 
Length: 745.7 feet (227.3 meters) 
 
Beam: 105.6 feet (32.2 meters) 
 
Load: 7,520,731.9 gallons of fuel, fresh water, and other supplies 
 
Speed: 20 knots (23 mph) 
 
Crew Today: 125-129 Merchant Mariners (CIVMARS) 
 
Additional resources 
https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2222909/fleet-replenishment-oilers-t-ao/ 
 
https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files 

From HII

POCASSET, Mass., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced the order from Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) for more than a dozen REMUS 300 small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) under a program that will deliver the vehicles over multi-years. 

HII’s REMUS 300 platform is a modular, open-architecture SUUV engineered for multi-mission adaptability and was the commercial basis for the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish program. 

The procurement by Hitachi builds on a long-standing relationship with Japan, an important U.S. ally in the Pacific region. The REMUS 300 platform is in service with several nations worldwide and offers critical interoperability with partner and allied forces. 

“This procurement represents a key sale milestone for the REMUS 300 commercial program,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of Mission Technologies’ Uncrewed Systems business group. “We greatly appreciate the confidence Hitachi has placed in us. The success of our commercial REMUS 300 vehicles is a result of our work in the international markets and the high confidence our customers place in REMUS products. These vehicles deliver critical mine-hunting capabilities and flexible payload options to our allies and partners.” 

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-and-hitachi-lock-in-multi-year-remus-300-uuv-production-agreement/. 

About the REMUS UUV 

The REMUS UUV family delivers critical advantages across modern naval operations and the autonomous systems have been proven to operate independently or in conjunction with crewed platforms — such as Virginia-class nuclear submarines — to extend mission range, reduce detection risk and limit personnel exposure. 

The REMUS open-architecture design allows rapid payload integration, enabling mission-specific configurations and future tech insertions — key factors in maintaining operational relevance and cost efficiency over time. 

To date, HII has sold more than 700 REMUS vehicles to over 30 countries, including 14 NATO members. Notably, over 90% of REMUS units delivered in the past 23 years remain in service, demonstrating platform durability and lifecycle value — both critical in defense acquisition decision-making. 

From HII 

 
PASCAGOULA, Miss., June 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) christened today the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division. 

The ship’s name honors former U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism as a prisoner of war. Denton spent 34 years as a naval aviator, including eight years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He is known for his act of genius during a televised broadcast in captivity, when Denton spelled out the word “torture” through Morse code using his eyes to blink the code. Following his Navy career, Denton was elected to the U.S. Senate representing his home state of Alabama in 1980. 

“Today, we honor the skilled work of our Ingalls shipbuilders and the enduring spirit of Adm. Jeremiah Denton, a man who, under unimaginable pressure, exemplified strength, sacrifice, leadership and resilience,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “When we christen a ship, we celebrate a joint mission with our Navy industry partners, one that connects the work we do here in Pascagoula to the safety and security of our nation and the free world.” 

Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development and Acquisition Brett Seidle was the keynote speaker. He highlighted the importance of naval ships, the legacy of the ship’s namesake, and recognized the shipbuilding workforce as a vital national asset. 

“Today we christen not just a ship, but we make a statement — a powerful steel forged testament to America resolve,” Seidle said. “The future USS Jeremiah Denton will sail as a reminder to the world, much like her namesake, the United States does not back down. The United States does not break and we do not forget our heroes. That is the legacy that this warship carriers forward.” 

The ship’s co-sponsors and daughters of the namesake, Madeleine Denton Doak and Mary Denton Lewis, performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony against the bow to formally christen the ship. Madeline represented the family by providing remarks and paying tribute to her late father and mother who were Alabama natives. 

“This magnificent ship was built by their neighbors (Mississippi), men and women who understand their skills, hard work and precise attention to detail that are vital in keeping our world safe.” 

Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers represent the next generation of surface combatants and incorporate a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability. Upgrades include the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System required to keep pace with the threats well into the 21^st century. 

Ingalls has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), in June of 2023. In addition, Ingalls Shipbuilding has five Flight IIIs currently under construction including Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-christens-guided-missile-destroyer-jeremiah-denton-ddg-129/. 

Video of the ceremony, along with additional information on DDG 129, and the Arleigh Burke-class program, can be found at Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) Christening – HII. 

From HII 
 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII), America’s largest military shipbuilder, and C3 AI (NYSE: AI), the Enterprise AI application software company, have announced a strategic partnership to expand digital technologies and apply artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate shipbuilding throughput at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding divisions. 

“Increasing shipbuilding throughput is a critical priority for HII and the U.S. Navy,” HII CEO Chris Kastner said. “We’re proud to partner with C3 AI to leverage data and digital capabilities like artificial intelligence in the urgent work of delivering ships to the U.S. Navy.”  

“C3 AI is proud to team with HII to ensure its vision in maintaining the nation’s maritime industrial dominance through the adoption of next-generation shipbuilding technologies. This collaboration underscores our growing role as a strategic provider to the U.S. government and defense sector,” said Thomas M. Siebel, chairman and CEO, C3 AI. “By deploying Enterprise AI across planning, operations, and the supply chain, we are powering a modern, intelligent infrastructure to ensure America’s edge in naval readiness.” 

HII is broadening an existing partnership with C3 AI to integrate AI solutions across its shipbuilding operations, including in the areas of planning, operations, supply chain and labor allocation. These efforts are expected to accelerate production and support the U.S. Navy’s fleet readiness needs. The collaboration will also include opportunities in uncrewed vehicle production and sustainment. 

The collaboration builds on a six-month initial Enterprise AI production deployment program conducted at Ingalls Shipbuilding, where shipbuilding teams leveraged complex algorithms to adjust and optimize work schedules. The initial deployment of the C3 AI application — powered by the C3 Agentic AI Platform — demonstrated significant improvements in schedule performance, an effort which will now be scaled across HII shipyards. 

Initial efforts will focus on leveraging AI to enhance planning and scheduling at HII’s two shipbuilding divisions: Ingalls Shipbuilding, which builds amphibious ships and destroyers for the U.S. Navy; and Newport News Shipbuilding, which constructs U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. 

This alliance marks a significant milestone in the digitization of America’s defense industrial base and reflects the commitment of both companies to strengthening U.S. naval capabilities through innovation. 

An image accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-and-c3-ai-forge-strategic-artificial-intelligence-partnership-to-support-us-navy-shipbuilding/. 

From the office of Representative John Garamendi, June 30, 2025   

Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.), and his Democratic and Republican colleagues including Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system.  

Garamendi is a leader in ocean shipping legislation and helped spearheaded the most significant update to ocean shipping laws for the first time in more than two decades. 

“America’s economy depends on a reliable and efficient shipping and freight system,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), senior member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committtee. “That’s why I’m proud to lead the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act, which will ensure continued funding for the Commission, strengthen our maritime infrastructure, and build upon my previous work on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. I’m grateful to Representative Johnson for partnering with me on this critical legislation.” 

“Ocean shipping is a critical aspect of America’s national, food, and economic security. That’s why our Federal Maritime Commission must be equipped with the proper tools to keep the industry operating above bar,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD). “Ocean shipping is integral to our economy, from farmers to phones, critical minerals to cars. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Rep. Garamendi to ensure our ocean transportation system is working to the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and consumers.” 

“Ensuring the strength, security, and transparency of our maritime supply chain is not just an economic issue, it’s a matter of national interest. The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 gives the Commission the tools and oversight needed to hold bad actors accountable, and protect American shippers. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to modernize and empower the FMC for the years ahead,” said Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. 

“American businesses need access to a robust maritime supply chain to stay competitive,” said Rep. Salud O. Carbajal (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “This bipartisan bill ensures the Federal Maritime Commission remains a strong, independent watchdog and gives American exporters and importers a fairer, more efficient playing field in the global marketplace.” 

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 is: 

Tough on China 

• Establishes a formal process to report complaints against shipping exchanges, like the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, to the FMC for investigation. 

• Directs the FMC to report on anticompetitive business practices or nonreciprocal trade practices. 

• Codifies the definition of “controlled carrier” under the Shipping Act to encompass state-controlled enterprises in non-market economies like the People’s Republic of China. 

Good Government   

• Updates and improves the purposes of the Shipping Act to better reflect current federal policy governing international ocean shipping. 

• Prohibits the FMC from requiring ocean carriers to report information already reported to other federal agencies. 

Sustains the FMC Mission  

• Reauthorizes the FMC through fiscal year 2029. 

• Expands FMC Advisory Committees, ensuring non-government stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their insight and expertise to the Commission. 

• Reinforces the FMC’s independent nature by requiring a majority vote of the Commission to disclose FMC investigation efforts to outside parties.  

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) Mike Ezell (R-Miss.), and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.). 

Click here for bill text. 

By U.S. Naval Forces Southen Command / U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs, June 27, 2025 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  –  U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet hosted the UNITAS 2025 final planning conference (FPC) from June 23-27, building upon the momentum established during the main-planning conference held in April and initial planning conference held in February. The FPC brought together representatives from the U.S. and partner nations to finalize plans for UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise.  

UNITAS 2025, scheduled for Sept. 15-Oct. 6, will take place off the East Coast of the United States, with shore-based events at Naval Station Mayport, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex. The exercise will feature a variety of maritime and littoral operations, including a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) and amphibious landings.  

“The final planning conference has allowed us to solidify the objectives and operational details for UNITAS 2025, which will precede the year-long events commemorating the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “The collaborative spirit and dedication displayed by all participating nations ensures that this exercise will further strengthen our maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability.”  

More than 250 representatives from over 20 countries and all branches of the U.S. military participated in person and virtually, including Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Singapore, Spain, and the United States.  

During the conference, participants finalized the desired training events, confirmed participating units and personnel, and reviewed logistics and communications plans. UNITAS is designed to enhance relationships and improve interoperability among participating nations.  

UNITAS 2025 will showcase maritime technology, including unmanned and hybrid fleet systems, building on last year’s integration of unmanned undersea vehicles. The exercise will culminate in high-end war fighting events.  

“The final planning conference exceeded expectations, setting the stage for UNITAS 2025 to be our most ambitious and comprehensive exercise yet,” said Patrick Cooper, UNITAS 2025 planner. “While coordination will continue leading up to the exercise, the next time we all come together in person will be at the opening ceremony when we put all this hard work into action.”  

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet serves as the maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South American maritime forces, working to improve unity, security and stability in the region.  
 
For more USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet 

By U.S. Naval Forces Europe Public Affairs, June 29, 2025 

SOUND BAY, Greece  –  Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Commander, Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) during a port call in Souda Bay, Greece, June 29.  

During the visit, the senior leaders met with Thomas Hudner Sailors, who have been conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean for the past two weeks with four other U.S. Navy destroyers. They thanked the crew for their operational activities in support of Department of Defense and U.S. Navy taskings.  

“I am incredibly proud of these sailors and grateful for their service. They have made tremendous contributions to America’s, and the region’s, security.” Caine said. “No other military in the world can do what we can do, and we’re blessed to have Sailors like these around the globe who make it possible.”  

U.S. 6th Fleet positioned five Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to provide defensive support to Israel against Iranian attacks and promote regional stability.  

The destroyers, including USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), are equipped with the Aegis Weapon System designed for ballistic missile defense and intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles since June 14. 

“Thomas Hudner represents the best and the highest standard of our Navy,” Munsch said. “Deploying from our homeland and operating forward to defend our nation and our interests abroad has been a hallmark of our Navy for over two centuries. The naval forces operating in the European theater and beyond have shown that our Navy is prepared, postured, and ready for the challenges we face.” 

Since departing Mayport, Florida, in February, Thomas Hudner and its crew have been conducting various operations including integrated exercises, theater security engagement,  and maritime security operations. 

Included in Thomas Hudner’s previous operations which have already spanned four geographic theaters in a single deployment, the ship represented the Navy during the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy earlier this month. 

For over 80 years, NAVEUR/NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR/NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. 

From Communication Strategy and Operations Office, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing 

Jun2 27, 2025 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. – Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224 redesignated to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224 during a change of command and redesignation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, on Thursday, June 26. 

The event marked the squadron’s historic transition from operating the F/A-18D Hornet to becoming an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron, concluding more than 32 years as a Hornet squadron and as a Marine all-weather fighter attack squadron. 

In addition to the redesignation, the ceremony also served as a change of command, representing a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen, the former commanding officer, VMFA(AW)-224, to Lt. Col. John Stuart, the current commanding officer of VMFA-224. 

“For over 30 years, the Fightin’ Bengals have superbly executed the mission of a Marine all-weather fighter attack squadron,” said Allen. “As the Bengals redesignate, it ends an era of the All-Weather designation that began with the Night Fighter designation in 1943. I could not be prouder of the Marines and Sailors who upheld the high standards of excellence during the final days of this chapter.” 

With origins dating back to 1942, the “Bengals,” or “Fightin’ Bengals,” have a storied legacy in Marine Corps aviation. The squadron supported operations in World War II, the Vietnam War, Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, and the Global War on Terror. Throughout its history, the squadron consistently adapted to emerging aviation technologies to meet evolving modernization demands, including numerous hardware and software upgrades to the F/A-18 Hornet. After conducting its final F/A-18 flight on April 28, 2025, the Bengals now look ahead as they transition to the F-35B. 

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet with advanced stealth, agility and maneuverability, sensor and information fusion, and provides the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to meet an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. The F-35B Lightning II is the short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35 variant. This capability allows the aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2,000 feet long. 

Stuart also reflected on the squadron’s legacy.  

“The newly unfurled battle colors of VMFA-224 are adorned with streamers that represent the unit’s history, accomplishments, and the legacy left by those who came before,” said Stuart. “As the squadron transitions into the fifth generation of fighter aircraft with the F-35B, that legacy will be an omnipresent reminder of why we must constantly prepare for whatever comes next.” 

As the Marine Corps’ newest F-35B squadron, VMFA-224 continues to prepare its personnel, equipment, and procedures for F-35 operations. The squadron expects to receive its first F-35B in late 2025 and is working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification. 

“The next thing for the Fightin’ Bengals is to build upon the rock-solid foundation we’ve inherited and produce a stealth fighter squadron unmatched in tactical excellence, maintenance efficiency, quality, and Marine Corps ethos,” said Stuart. “Rest assured, when our nation calls upon the Bengals to do its bidding, the adversaries of our country and her allies will understand what it means to ‘Fear the Ambush.’” 

VMFA-224 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. 

For photos of the ceremony, please visit:  

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9134988/vmfa-224-change-command-and-redesignation-ceremony