From Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs, Dec. 16, 2024 

MANAMA, Bahrain – The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) entered the U.S. Central command area of responsibility, Dec 14. 

The carrier strike group consists of the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with nine embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).  

The HSTCSG last deployed in the U.S. Central command area of responsibility in March 2020.  

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is ready, if called upon, to execute the full spectrum of carrier operations essential to U.S. national security, including the defense of U.S. and partner forces and personnel and freedom of navigation to ensure maritime security and stability in the U.S. Central command area of responsibility.  

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, Dec. 16, 2024

NEWPORT, R.I. – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future Constellation-class Guided Missile Frigate, FFG 69, will be named USS Joy Bright Hancock, Dec. 16.  

Secretary Del Toro made the announcement at the 11th Women, Peace and Security Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. 

The future USS Joy Bright Hancock honors her namesake’s trailblazing service beginning as a Yeoman in World War I, and her integral role in passage of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948.  This will be the first U.S. Navy vessel named for Hancock. 

“We—men and women alike—must contribute to the meaningful participation of women in the armed forces to increase combat readiness and operational effectiveness. Captain Joy Bright Hancock was a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of women to proudly serve this great Nation,” said Secretary Del Toro. “That is why, I am incredibly pleased to announce that a Constellation-class frigate, FFG 69, will be named the USS Joy Bright Hancock.” 

The naming selection honors Captain Joy Bright Hancock (1898–1986). Born in New Jersey, Hancock received degrees from the George Washington University and the Crawford School of Foreign Service in Washington, DC; the Pierce School of Business Administration in Philadelphia; and the Paris Branch of the New York School of Fine Arts.  

During World War I, Hancock was a Yeoman (F) First Class on duty at the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. By then end of the war she was Chief Yeoman at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Cape May, New Jersey. Between 1934 and 1942 she was the civilian head of Editorial and Research Section of the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics and the Special Assistant to the Bureau’s Chief. In the first year of World War II she was commissioned Lieutenant, Women’s Reserve, U.S. Naval Reserve, also known as WAVES. In February 1946 she became the director of WAVES and advanced through rank to Captain in the Naval Reserve by 26 July 1946.  

Captain Hancock, who was instrumental in the passage of the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act of 1948, was one of eight women to be sworn into the regular Navy and was subsequently appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Women. She retired from active duty in June 1953. During her long career, Captain Hancock received commendations for her service to the Bureau of Naval Aeronautics and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air) during WWII, as well as for her assistance in expanding opportunities for women in the Navy. In recognition of her trailblazing career, the Navy now annually awards the Joy Bright Hancock Award to honor the visionary leadership of officers whose ideals foster an inclusive culture while furthering the integration of women in the Navy. There have been no previous Navy vessels named for Joy Bright Hancock. 

The future USS Joy Bright Hancock will be the tenth of the new Constellation-class frigates. The other ships in the class are USS Constellation (FFG 62), USS Congress (FFG 63), USS Chesapeake (FFG 64), USS Lafayette (FFG 65), and USS Hamilton (FFG 66). Secretary Del Toro named the future USS Lafayette (FFG 65) in 2023, and the future USS Hamilton (FFG 66) and future USS Galvez (FFG 67) in 2024.  FFG 68 will be named in 2025. 

The Constellation-class guided-missile frigate represents the Navy’s next generation small surface combatant. This ship class will be an agile, multi-mission warship, capable of operations in both blue-water and littoral environments, providing increased combat-credible forward presence that provides a military advantage at sea. 

The Constellation-class will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations. 

More information on guided missile frigates can be found here.  

Read Secretary Del Toro’s full remarks online.  

From Skydweller Aero, Dec. 16, 2024 

OKLAHOMA CITY | 16 December 2024 – Skydweller Aero Inc., a global leader in Perpetual Flight® uncrewed solar aircraft (USA), continues its Autonomous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (AMPA) flight tests of the Skydweller unmanned aerial system (UAS) with operational military payloads integrated onboard. 

 
“Skydweller is equipped with a variety of sensor systems and is conducting flight tests out of Stennis International Airport in preparation for operations during 2025,” said Dr. Robert Miller, CEO and Co-founder of Skydweller Aero. “The resilience and robust design of our aircraft allow us to operate a multi-INT sensor suite of payloads throughout the winter, and we expect to conduct multi-day demonstrations in early 2025 over operationally relevant areas.” 

 
These flights build upon Skydweller Aero’s successful autonomous flight trials conducted in late summer and fall 2024. Despite the challenging Gulf Coast weather—including two hurricanes—the company completed six flights between August 22 and September 22, four of which were fully autonomous. The longest missions lasted 16 and 22.5 hours respectively, demonstrating the aircraft’s operational effectiveness over land and offshore environments, as well as at altitudes of up to 33,000 feet. 

 
“The aircraft maintained an impressive operational tempo, flying on average one mission every five days,” Dr. Miller added. “This performance showcases the reliability and ease of maintenance of our platform.” 

 
Operating amid peak Atlantic hurricane season, Skydweller’s Flight Operations, Weather Scientists, and Ground Support teams worked together to fine-tune the aircraft’s autonomous capabilities, ensuring a rapid response to shifting weather conditions. 

 
“Flying in close proximity to Mississippi thunderstorms allowed us to test and enhance our weather-avoidance systems. Skydweller’s ability to navigate these conditions highlights its operational value, especially in tropical regions during hurricane and typhoon seasons.” explained Dr. Miller. “This ability to navigate around dynamic weather patterns is vital for missions that require flight in challenging environments; avoiding sudden thunderstorms is similar to evading air defenses.”  

 
“And unlike many other uncrewed aircraft, we are not limited to clear-sky operations in controlled environments, like the Arizona or New Mexico deserts, but will operate in operationally relevant theaters,” he added. 

The Skydweller is distinguished by its durable design, exceptional payload capacity and substantial power output for mission-critical systems, offering kilowatts of continuous power for payloads. This unique combination enables Skydweller to undertake extreme duration missions across diverse and challenging environmental conditions. 

“Skydweller’s capabilities have been consistently validated through rigorous flight testing, achieving significant milestones without any safety incidents,” said Barry Matsumori, President & COO of Skydweller Aero. “By leveraging our team’s deep expertise in aeroelastics, flight control systems, mission systems, and autonomy, we are developing what we believe to be the world’s first operationally viable perpetual flight platform—designed to serve the needs of both government and commercial markets.”

From Rite-Solutions, Dec. 16, 2024 

MIDDLETOWN, RI (December 16, 2024)—Rite-Solutions was recently awarded a four-year, $13.5 million task order by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport Undersea Warfare Platform and Payload Integration Department (Code 45).  

Rite-Solutions will continue supporting Code 45’s Topside Command, Control and Communications (Topside C3) software system, autonomy and vehicle control software services for unmanned systems— an innovative and emerging payload control software being developed for Navy submarines.  

“We are very excited to continue our support to Code 45. We have grown a highly effective technical team supporting our customer’s expanding role as the Navy’s software support activity for unmanned undersea vehicles as they approach fleet introduction, bringing a new dimension of intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance to the submarine mission,” said Laura Deady, Rite-Solutions Senior Vice President and head of the Engineering Systems Business Unit.  

Under the new task order, awarded under the Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) family of Systems Multiple Award Contract, Rite-Solutions will collaborate with teammate McLaughlin Research Corporation (MRC) to provide software support services in maintaining, upgrading and distributing UUV mission command/control/communications capabilities to the fleet. 

“Rite-Solutions is committed to developing our employees’ impact on current and future defense workforce. We make significant training and educational investment in our people to ensure they are positioned to deliver the best possible support to our warfighters’ needs,” said Joe Marino, Rite-Solutions Co-founder and CEO. “This win demonstrates our commitment to deploying our talented workforce to assist Code 45 and all our customers with mission-critical solutions that are focused on delivering new technical capabilities to the fleet.” 

From U.S. Pacific Fleet, Dec. 13, 2024 

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) returned to their homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Dec. 12, after a five-month deployment assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG). 

The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is the most capable CSG comprised of the air wing of the future, the most advance Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121) as Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander, and the Arleigh Burke destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, representing more than 6,000 Sailors, deployed from their homeports of San Diego and Pearl Harbor since July 2024. 
 
ABECSG initially deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment, highlighted by the first-ever U.S.-Italy multi-large deck event (MLDE) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Cavour Carrier Strike Group held in the Indo-Pacific on Aug. 9, 2024. 
 
The strike group was ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to bolster U.S. military force posture in the Middle East, deter regional escalation, degrade Houthi capabilities, defend U.S. forces, and again sailed alongside our Italian allies and other partners to promote security, stability and prosperity. Assigned destroyers of the ABECSG, to include Frank E. Petersen Jr. and Michael Murphy, were essential to providing a layer of defense to U.S. forces and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels and partner nations transiting in international waterways like the Red Sea, Bab-al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. 
 
The destroyers worked alongside other U.S. Central Command forces in successfully repelling multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks during transits of the Bab el-Mandeb strait. During the transit, the destroyers were attacked by one-way attack uncrewed Aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles which were successfully engaged and defeated. The vessels were not damaged and no personnel were hurt. The ships were well prepared, supported, and the well-trained Sailors performed admirably to successfully defend the ship. 
 
“What the crew of USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. achieved during this deployment was extraordinary. We did not have many port visits or downtime, but what was achieved could only be done through the spirit and drive of exceptional Sailors. This deployment will be remembered by its impactful operations and what our Sailors experienced by adapting and overcoming to meet all challenges,” said Capt. Kevin Louis, commanding officer, Frank E. Petersen Jr. “What we accomplished as a team and with support from our Carrier Strike Group and the Joint Force will set a standard for future operations. We can return home to our loved ones with a great deal of pride and satisfaction knowing we made a difference.” 
 
Throughout deployment, Frank E. Petersen Jr. completed over 475 hours of flight quarters, 10 hours of small boat operations, conducted 17 replenishments-at-sea, 15 sea and anchor details, qualified 60 Sailors in small craft action team (SCAT) and 17 Sailors in Security Reaction Force Basic (SRF-B). Frank E. Petersen Jr. also welcomed six new chief petty officers, six new first class petty officers and 18 new second class petty officers. 
 
“This deployment has been filled with so many first of its kind type events. I can proudly say Michael Murphy was repeatedly called upon to ‘Lead the Fight’ due to this crew’s amazing reputation and success,” said Cmdr. Jonathan B. Greenwald, commanding officer, Michael Murphy. “To say I am proud of this team is an understatement. This deployment has been an opportunity of a lifetime to serve alongside 360 amazing Sailors. It is so good to be home and I know our Sailors are so happy to return to their families and friends,” 
 
Michael Murphy traveled 44,689 nautical miles throughout U.S. 3rd, 7th, 5th, and 6th Fleet, completed 748 hours of flight operations, transferred 3,524,527 gallons of F-76, executed 21 replenishments-at-sea, and completed 11 strait transits, totaling 75 hours in restricted waters. 
 
Frank E. Petersen Jr. was led by their commanding officer, Capt. Kevin Louis, executive officer, Cmdr. Sean Standen, and Command Master Chief, Command Master Chief Justin Bowen. 
 
Michael Murphy was led by their commanding officer, Cmdr. Jonathan B. Greenwald, executive officer, Cmdr. Caitlin E. Cunningham, and Command Master Chief, Command Master Chief Johnetta L. Heckard. 
 
Deploying units of the strike group include the flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), DESRON 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and Frank E. Petersen Jr. While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, assigned to DESRON 21, USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) returned to its homeport, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations. 
 
As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. 

From HII 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program, partnered to host a two-day recruiting event to offer students a direct career path to a job in the shipbuilding industry. The event attracted over 120 students from across 20 states who interviewed for positions in key trades, including welding, electrical, and machining. By the event’s conclusion, 68 students received job offers to begin their careers at HII. 

The recruiting event began on Fri., Dec. 6, with representatives from Ingalls Shipbuilding visiting the Mississippi Job Corps Center in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, where they interviewed students from across the country. Students who received job offers were invited to Ingalls the next day, where they completed onboarding activities and received a tour of the shipyard. 

“Our partnership with Job Corps is a vital component of our overall workforce pipeline strategy and allows us to engage directly with students who are interested in shipbuilding careers,” Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President of Human Resources and Administration Susan Jacobs said. “I am confident that these Job Corps students are joining our Ingalls team fully equipped with the training and skills needed to support the mission of our nation’s military.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-and-job-corps-partner-to-build-careers-at-ingalls-shipbuilding/. 

With a nationwide network of more than 120 centers and 43 nationally accredited training pathways in advanced manufacturing, construction, renewable resources and energy, and transportation, Job Corps partners with employers in communities across America to develop their talent pipelines. 

“For 60 years now, Job Corps has been committed to empowering students with the skills and education needed to succeed in high-demand jobs,” Job Corps National Director John E. Hall said. “The Ingalls recruiting event provided the perfect opportunity for our students to connect with a renowned shipbuilding contractor that is looking for well-trained employees to address the needs our country’s shipyard workforce and contribute to our nation’s defense.” 

The recruiting event further solidifies the partnership between HII and Job Corps, demonstrating how employers can work with Job Corps to provide direct career opportunities for students while also establishing a workforce pipeline to meet the country’s shipbuilding needs. 

For more information about careers and available jobs at Ingalls Shipbuilding, visit hii.com/careers. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, Dec. 12, 2024 

WASHINGTON DC (Dec. 12, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the sponsors of the future USS Charles J. French (DDG 142) will be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young and the late French’s great niece, Ms. Vanessa French Wilson. 
 
Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming celebration held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, in Washington DC, on Dec. 12. 
 
Sponsors are selected by the Secretary of the Navy and hold a unique role of maintaining a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. 
 
“The bond forged between a sponsor and their ship is a testament to the enduring spirit of the sea and the unwavering dedication of those who serve upon its waters,” said Del Toro. “I am honored to announce, today, that Director Shalanda Young and Ms. Vanessa French Wilson have accepted the invitation to serve as sponsors of this great ship.” 
 
Shalanda Young, Director of OMB, joined Secretary Del Toro for the announcement. 
 
“It is a profound honor to be named the sponsor of the USS Charles J. French,” said Director Young. “This ship will carry an important legacy, marking French’s bravery, resilience and duty after his vessel was attacked during the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Without hesitation, French rescued his fellow sailors and swam through the night to bring them to safety, risking his life to ensure fifteen others could live theirs. For too long, French was denied the recognition he deserved from the government. But today, I am proud to immortalize the memory and service of one of America’s most courageous heroes.” 
 
In January, Secretary Del Toro named the ship after Charles J. French during remarks at the Surface Navy Association 36th National Symposium. The ship’s naming honors the tradition of naming Arleigh Burke-class DDGs after Navy and Marine Corps heroes. 
 
Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the WWII Battle of Guadalcanal. French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. 
 
For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William “Bull” Halsey, then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. In May 2022, he was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions. The award was presented at Naval Base San Diego, during a ceremony dedicating the base’s rescue swimmer training pool in French’s honor 
 
“The naming of the USS Charles J. French (DDG 142) is a joyful, yet humbling experience for the French family,” said Ms. Wilson, the newly named co-sponsor of the future DDG 142. “Thank you, Secretary Del Toro, for choosing to acknowledge the heroism of Charles Jackson French.” 
 
Fabrication of the ship is projected for 2026 with a projected keel laying set for 2027, projected christening in 2029, and delivery projected for 2031. 
 
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, built around the Aegis Combat System, are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet providing protection to America around the globe. They incorporate stealth techniques, allowing these highly capable, multi-mission ships to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface domains. These elements of sea power enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad. 

Advanced tactical radio system enhances battlefield situational awareness and mission effectiveness 

From BAE Systems 

WAYNE, N.J. — Dec. 11, 2024 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award with a ceiling value up to $1 billion for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS). The contract includes continued production, retrofits, development, and sustainment of MIDS JTRS terminals for future growth. MIDS JTRS provides situational awareness and enables Link 16 connectivity with jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications for sea, ground, and air assets. 

The U.S. and its allies operate in network-centric, information-intensive environments where communications, navigation, and identification are missionessential capabilities. Warfighters must make well-informed, interoperable decisions swiftly, requiring large volumes of data to be exchanged in real-time. MIDS JTRS enables the interoperability across forces using Link 16.  

“MIDS JTRS brings different generations of platforms onto a common communications network. It provides more stable and secure gateways in the most contested scenarios,” said Amber Dolan, director of Data Link Solutions. “This award enables Data Link Solutions to modernize thousands of MIDS JTRS terminals and provide new capabilities that support a variety of missions for the U.S. Navy and coalition forces.” 

MIDS JTRS is a four-channel software-defined radio designed to run the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols. Link 16 is a standardized communications system used by NATO, the U.S., and its allies to share real-time tactical data. It is a scalable and flexible solution to tailor networks to mission needs. Tactical Targeting Networking Technology offers a low latency, high communications capability that provides critical platform connectivity and throughput within contested environments. The Department of Defense is fielding MIDS JTRS on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 aircraft, as well as ship and command and control assets. 

DLS is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well as logistics and support services for air, land, and sea-based platforms. With more than 25 years of experience providing affordable, high-performance, high-reliability data link terminals for forces, DLS has delivered more than 9,000 Link 16 systems worldwide to more than 50 nations. 

Development, production, and integration of MIDS JTRS will take place in Wayne, New Jersey and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and MIDS Program Office, as well as purchases for NATO nations under the Foreign Military Sales program. As part of the IDIQ, the first task order of $116 million has already been awarded to provide terminals and spares, with follow-on production awards expected. 

By Team Ships Strategic Operations, Dec. 11, 2024 

SAN DIEGO – John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) delivered to the Navy on Dec. 10. 

Delivery follows the completion of Integrated Sea Trials where the ship’s readiness and capabilities are tested and validated to delivery requirements. 

“This delivery is a significant milestone as we bring another oiler to our fleet and increase our replenishment underway capabilities,” said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “This is the final stepping stone in getting this essential ship to our civilian mariners in need of its tools. 

John Lewis-class ships (T-AOs) are operated by Military Sealift Command and feature substantial volume for oil; significant dry cargo capacity; and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and are a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system. 

General Dynamics NASSCO, the shipbuilder, is also in production on T-AOs USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), and USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212). The future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213) and USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) are under contract. Additionally, a Block Buy contract was issued in September 2024 for the detail design and construction of T-AO 214-221. 

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

From U.S. Central Command, Dec. 10, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10. 

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval. 

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. 

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.