From U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia

KEY WEST — The U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 62nd Fast Response Cutter, USCGC Vincent Danz (WPC 1162), on Thursday in Key West. 

The Vincent Danz is the fourth FRC to be homeported to Guam. 

“Accepting delivery of the Vincent Danz, Guam’s newest Fast Response Cutter, demonstrates the Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to the security of our Nation, the Pacific, and our partners throughout Oceania,” said Capt. Jessica Worst, commander, Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam. “Vincent Danz exemplified selfless service as a New York police officer and Coast Guard reservist. This cutter will honor his legacy by protecting lives, combating illicit activity, and ensuring maritime security of our coasts, across Micronesia and beyond.” 

The Sentinel-class FRCs replace the 1980s Island-class 110-foot patrol boats and possess 21st-century command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment, with improved habitability and seakeeping. 

The U.S. Coast Guard ordered a total of 77 FRCs to date to perform a range of missions, including countering illicit maritime activities, search and rescue, bilateral and multilateral international operations, and the national defense of ports, waterways, and coastal areas. 

Each FRC is named after an enlisted U.S. Coast Guard hero who performed extraordinary service in the line of duty. Vincent Danz was a New York City police officer and U.S. Coast Guard reservist who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001, while responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Danz was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and joined the New York City Police Department in 1987, while continuing to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve as a Port Security Specialist 2nd Class. 

Danz was serving in the New York City Police Department, Emergency Services Unit, ESU Truck 3, when he responded to the World Trade Center as part of a massive emergency response and was killed when the World Trade Center collapsed. He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department’s Medal of Honor for his heroic deeds. His actions that day embodied the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. 

“It’s an honor, and we’re all incredibly proud to carry on the legacy of heroes like Vincent Danz,” said Petty Officer David Somera, the engineering petty officer and a proud son of Guam. “This third time I’ve been part of such a commissioning crew, and there’s a deeper appreciation for what it takes to bring a cutter to life. You start with this perfectly new ship, and it’s our job as the first crew to turn it from a steel vessel into a living, breathing part of the Coast Guard. It’s more than the mechanics; we’re building a team and a home that will serve and protect the people of Guam and the Pacific.” 

The FRCs homeported in the U.S. territory of Guam extend the U.S. Coast Guard and Oceania District’s operational reach across the Pacific, conducting maritime security operations, combating illegal fishing, supporting search and rescue missions, and strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island nations and Allies. These cutter crews are essential to maintaining a safe, secure, and prosperous Pacific in one of the world’s most expansive maritime regions. 

Vincent Danz will join the Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139), Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), and Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143), commissioned in 2021 in Guam. Since their 2021 commissioning, Guam’s FRC crews distinguished themselves across the region. 

USCGC Myrtle Hazard became the first to operationalize the bilateral maritime law enforcement agreement with Papua New Guinea, conducting joint patrols and boardings in 2023. USCGC Oliver Henry saved mariners in the Federated States of Micronesia, delivered humanitarian assistance during the Yap drought, and towed the 500-ton yacht Black Pearl to Palau, rescuing 11 people in 2024. USCGC Frederick Hatch became the first FRC to visit numerous Pacific ports, including Tacloban, Philippines, for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and operationalized the enhanced bilateral agreement with Palau in 2024. In the Marianas, the crews of all three cutters saved multiple lives, delivered critical supplies, and suppressed asymmetric migration. 

Sixty-one FRCs are in service: 13 in Florida; seven in Puerto Rico; six each in Bahrain and Massachusetts; five in Alaska; four in California; three each in Hawaii, Guam, Texas, New Jersey, and Mississippi; and two each in North Carolina and Oregon. 

From Coast Guard Southeast District, Feb. 27, 2026 

MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge’s crew interdicted a suspected smuggling vessel, Saturday, at approximately 2:15 p.m., about 8 miles offshore of Miami. 

During the boarding, the joint law enforcement crew found approximately 17 pounds of marijuana and 174 pounds of cocaine, later confirmed through laboratory testing, worth an estimated $1.3 million. 

The two suspected smugglers were taken into custody for further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. 

“Our crew is committed to keeping drugs off the streets and protecting America’s borders,” said Lt. Zane Carter, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge. “I could not be prouder of my crew’s professionalism and their seamless integration with our partner agencies.” 

Agencies involved in the interdiction: 

• Coast Guard Southeast District 

• Coast Guard Sector Miami 

• Coast Guard Cutter Richard Etheridge 

• Coast Guard Investigative Service 

• Homeland Security Investigations 

• Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations K9 unit 

• Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations 

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has announced its plan to retire 13 ships during fiscal 2026, including two ships held over from last year. 

In a Feb. 20 message released by Rear Admiral M. D. Behning, acting deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, the planned retirements included six warships and seven auxiliary ships. Most of the retirements are planned for the summer.  

The two Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers on the list, USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Lake Erie (CG 70), originally were to be decommissioned in fiscal 2025. Shiloh had transferred to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from Yokosuka, Japan, but was kept in commission with the change in presidential administrations. Lake Erie was deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet supporting Operation Southern Spear and had remain deployed as fiscal 2025 expired. The ships will be stored as support assets and their retirement by September will leave the fleet with five cruisers. 

One Los Angeles-class attack submarine, Newport News (SSN 750), was inactivated in January. Its inactivation will be followed in August by that of USS Alexandria (SSN 757), leaving the fleet with 18 Los Angeles-class boats. The submarines will be scrapped. 

One of the early Freedom-class littoral combat ships, USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), will be decommissioned by July and will be scrapped.  A Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, USS Germantown (LSD 42), will be decommissioned by September and retained as a support asset, leaving the fleet with five other ships of the class. 

Three Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oilers are being removed from service with Military Sealift Command in 2026: USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) by March and USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) and Pecos (T-AO 197) by July. The Big Horn and Pecos are being transferred to the Maritime Administration, and the John Ericsson will be retained as a support asset. These retirements will leave the fleet with ten oilers of the class. The ships are being replaced by the John Lewis class T-AOs, which first deployed in 2025. 

Three Watson-class large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships will be transferred to the Maritime Administration: USNS Pomeroy (T-AKR 316) by April, USNS Watkins (T-AKR 315) by July, and USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313) by September. The retirements will leave the Military Sealift Command with three ships of the class. 

The singular VADM K.R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) will be transferred from the Military Sealift Command to the Maritime Administration by July. It is equipped with an offshore petroleum distribution system uniquely designed to pump fuel ashore from up to eight miles.  

From the Department of War, Feb. 25, 2026 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert B. Brodie for appointment to the grade of major general. Brodie is currently serving as deputy commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Okinawa, Japan. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael A. Brooks Jr. for appointment to the grade of major general. Brooks is currently serving as commanding general, Training Command, Quantico, Virginia. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Simon M. Doran for appointment to the grade of major general. Doran is currently serving as commanding general, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, Quantico, Virginia. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson for appointment to the grade of major general. Fridriksson is currently serving as director, Manpower Management Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Garrett R. Hoffman for appointment to the grade of major general. Hoffman is currently serving as director, White House Military Office, Washington, D.C. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot for appointment to the grade of major general. Lightfoot is currently serving as commander, Naval Amphibious Forces Task Force 51 and commanding general, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Al Jasra, Bahrain. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams for appointment to the grade of major general. McWilliams is currently serving as commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, U.S. Transportation Command, Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David C. Walsh for appointment to the grade of major general. Walsh is currently serving as program executive officer, Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland. 

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA successfully launched the company’s first ship of the year and second Navy Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (T-ATS), future USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12), on February 23.  Named after a Native American who was a plankowner of the Navy SEAL teams and one of the service’s most decorated Alaska Native sailors, Soloman Atkinson is one of three T-ATS under construction at Austal USA and the first of two ships launched at Austal USA’s Mobile, Ala. ship manufacturing facility within less than a week. 

 “It’s always exciting to see these giants we build roll out of the assembly bay,” said Gene Miller, Austal USA’s interim president. “The completion of this milestone is the result of the hard work and dedication of our talented workforce and the strength of our maritime industrial partnerships key to success in this proven launch process.  I am so proud of all they have accomplished.”  

T-ATS will provide ocean-going towing, salvage and rescue capabilities to support fleet operations. T-ATS will be a multi-mission common hull platform capable of towing U.S. Navy ships and will have 6,000 square feet of deck space for embarked systems. The large, unobstructed deck allows for the embarkation of a variety of stand-alone and interchangeable systems. The T-ATS platform will combine the capabilities of the retiring Rescue and Salvage Ship (T-ARS 50) and Fleet Ocean Tug (T-ATF 166) platforms. T-ATS will be able to support current missions including towing, salvage, rescue, oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, and wide-area search and surveillance. The platform also enables future rapid capability initiatives such as supporting modular payloads with hotel services and appropriate interfaces. 

With the ship over 75 percent complete at the time of launch, future USNS Solomon Atkinson will now prepare for her next major milestone, engine light off, as she gets ready for sea trials and delivery. 

From The Office of the Navy Chief of Information. Feb. 25, 2026 

Last night President Donald J. Trump awarded retired Navy Capt. Elmer Royce Williams the Medal of Honor at the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol. Today, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle inducted Williams into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes for his heroic actions during the Korean War. 

“Captain Royce Williams did what warriors are called to do when the moment comes — he stood his ground, took the fight to the enemy, and protected his fellow Americans. Outnumbered, outgunned, and alone in the sky, he prevailed through sheer skill, courage, and will,” said Hegseth. “Today, we honor not just a remarkable dogfight, but a lifetime of quiet strength and service. Captain Williams embodies the fighting spirit of the United States Navy and the warrior ethos that keeps this Nation free.” 

Williams was joined by an audience of family, friends, fellow Naval Aviators, and senior Navy leaders. 

“Captain E. Royce Williams represents the very best of the United States Navy,” said Phelan. “On November 18, 1952, flying from USS Oriskany and outnumbered in the skies over North Korea, he chose to engage to protect the ships of Task Force 77 and the Sailors aboard them. In a 35-minute dogfight, he shot down three MiG-15s and severely damaged a fourth one. For decades, much of this story remained classified, but the facts never changed. His courage, airmanship, and devotion to duty saved lives and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service. Today, we are proud to formally recognize a Naval Aviator whose example will endure for generations.” 

Yet when reflecting on that historic day and the recognition it brought, Williams did not speak of skill or courage, but of humility and faith. 

“I know how momentous this moment is, and I never imagined myself or allowed myself to think it was going to happen to me,” Williams said. “I imagined it as God reaching in and dipping His hand in to pick somebody up for the most unusual reasons and displaying him in front of his fellow citizens.” 

He continued, emphasizing that the honor was never something he expected or sought. 

“And to be entirely amazed and appreciative for the accommodations and accolades. But that’s so unusual that you don’t fool around thinking that it’s ever going to come your way,” he said. “This is God doing something usual, with his finger in the pie, and with his influence. And what did I have to do with it? Well, I was the principal, in a way, that is receiving the recognition, but maybe some of that recognition misses the influence that really caused this special recognition.” 

Williams was born in Wilmot, South Dakota and enlisted in the U.S. Army at 16 years old in Ortonville, Minnesota. Upon completion of basic training, he returned to Ortonville to train with his unit in a reserve status until he finished high school. Once he turned 17, Williams was eligible for the Naval Aviation Cadet program and joined the U.S. Navy where he began flight training in 1943. Among many other aviation platforms, Williams learned to fly the F9F-5 Panther jet and was assigned to active duty in the Korean War, during which he flew 70 missions. Williams went on to serve in the Vietnam War flying over 110 missions in the A-4 Skyhawk and F-4 Phantom from the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Williams later served as the commanding officer of the command ship USS El Dorado (AGC-11) between September 1969 and January 1971. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a Captain in 1980. 

His Medal of Honor is an upgrade of the Navy Cross he was previously awarded in January 2023, which was an upgrade to the Silver Star Medal he was previously awarded while assigned to the “Pacemakers” of Fighter Squadron 781 in 1953. 

By Joint Interagency Task Force 401, Feb. 24, 2026   

Joint Interagency Task Force 401 announced today that its revolutionary counter-unmanned aircraft systems marketplace has reached initial operational capability. 

The online platform, hosted on the common hardware systems electronic catalog, will revolutionize how the War Department and its interagency partners acquire critical counter-UAS technology.  

The marketplace streamlines the process for users to identify and procure the right equipment to meet their specific needs, featuring a growing catalog of validated counter-UAS systems and components, with plans to include performance data from the task force’s authoritative test and evaluation repository. It allows customers to compare systems based on real-world performance against a variety of threats and in different environments.  

“The JIATF 401 -UAS marketplace is a critical step forward in our whole-of-government approach to countering the threat of small drones,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Ross, JIATF 401 director. “Our goal is to integrate sensors, effectors and mission command systems into a responsive, interoperable network that protects service members and American citizens alike.”  

The marketplace is built on an established indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, enabling customers to place orders immediately and significantly reducing the lengthy contracting process typically associated with defense procurement. The common hardware systems website provides an intuitive interface for users to browse available equipment, review technical specifications and compare pre-negotiated contract options.  

“Building and maintaining the -UAS marketplace has been a collaborative effort focused on delivering a user-friendly and effective tool for the warfighter,” said Army Maj. Matt Mellor, the lead acquisitions specialist assigned to JIATF 401. “We’ve worked to create a platform that not only simplifies the procurement process but also provides the crucial data and expert support necessary for our customers to make informed decisions. This is about getting the best technology into the hands of those who need it as quickly as possible.”  

The marketplace is actively expanding its inventory to include all validated counter-UAS equipment not already designated as a program of record. The common hardware systems electronic catalog already lists over 1,600 items, demonstrating its capacity to support a comprehensive, growing selection of counter-UAS solutions.  

Access to the marketplace is available to users throughout the War Department and interagency partners via a common access card or other government-issued smart card.  

RESTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) today announced the Spectral program has successfully completed rigorous review by the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (PEO C4I), achieving Milestone C. CACI partnered with PEO C4I’s Program Manager Warfare Battlespace Awareness and Information Operations Program Office (PMW 120), to achieve this historic accomplishment, marking the start of the program’s low-rate initial production (LRIP) and deployment phase, a defining step toward placing this critical electronic warfare (EW) technology in the hands of U.S. sailors. 

“This recent milestone enables the delivery of modern, cutting-edge technologies that empower our warfighters to defend the nation from our adversaries and maintain decision superiority across every domain, especially the electromagnetic spectrum,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and CEO. “Our bold investments in technology and our world-class engineering team have led us to this critical milestone, a momentous leap forward for the Navy. I thank the Navy for entrusting CACI to strengthen their ability to defend the nation and prevail in contested environments, when it matters most – when the stakes are highest, and lives are on the line.” 

As part of Milestone C, CACI and PMW 120 have executed several Iterative Capability Tests proving the functionality of the system which led to this decision by Milestone Defense Authority. Under the Spectral program, CACI will rapidly, and at scale, develop and deploy the next generation of shipboard signals intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities, effectively protecting warfighters from electronic attacks and adversarial threats. 

Through software-defined systems and open architectures, CACI optimizes platforms with advanced electromagnetic warfare technologies that detect and exploit signals across the spectrum — enabling sensing, communications, and information operations. 

From Jeffrey Hamlin, NAVFAC Public Affairs

A topping out ceremony was held Jan. 29 to mark a major milestone in the construction of a new facility for the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, Georgia.

Hosted by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast, the event celebrated the placement of the final steel beam on the structure, symbolizing significant progress toward completion of a centralized, state-of-the-art facility designed to support critical maintenance and repair operations for Trident-equipped submarines. 

A topping out ceremony is a tradition that dates back centuries to celebrate when a structure reaches its final height. While some ceremonies involve hoisting a tree or flag, the focus here was on the final beam itself, which was signed by the project’s stakeholders, engineers, and construction crews. Its placement serves as a powerful tribute to their hard work and signifies the successful completion of the structural phase. 

“This topping out, just over a year after breaking ground, is a testament to the skill and dedication of our team,” said NAVFAC Southeast Executive Officer Capt. Elizabeth Durika. “This facility is a critical investment in our nation’s strategic deterrence, and this progress brings us one step closer to providing a state-of-the-art space to ensure our submarine force remains ready for decades to come.” 

The construction has progressed rapidly since the project began. Lt. Cmdr. John Nurthen, construction management team leader, highlighted the significant accomplishments of the construction team. 

“The sheer scale of work accomplished on this site is remarkable. Our partners have moved mountains, literally,” said Nurthen. “We removed and excavated over four feet of rock and soil from the entire project site, replacing nearly 35,000 cubic yards of unsuitable soils to create a stable foundation. We have erected over 530 tons of structural steel, drilled and placed nearly 3,000 concrete piles, and poured over 100,000 square feet of structural concrete. This milestone is a credit to the incredible effort of every worker on this project.” 

The new $136 million facility was announced at a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 15, 2025. Its purpose is to consolidate NRMD operations, which are currently scattered across NSB Kings Bay in temporary locations and shared facilities. The centralized hub will include nuclear repair shops, ship services support areas, and applied instruction spaces, significantly enhancing communication and collaboration for the maintenance and repair of Trident-equipped submarines. 

“Today’s milestone represents far more than the final beam being set in place; it marks a major step toward providing our skilled civilians and Sailors with a state-of-the-art workspace to support and sustain the nuclear propulsion plants that power our nation’s number one strategic deterrent,” said James Haas, director of the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department. Haas emphasized the human element behind the achievement, adding, “This facility is an investment in our future and in the people who carry out this mission every day. We are grateful for the dedication of everyone in turning this dream into a reality.” 

The project is being managed by NAVFAC Southeast with BL Harbert International as the primary contractor. It is scheduled for completion by December 2028. 

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, provides planning, design, construction, contracting, environmental services, public works, real estate and facility maintenance for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, and other federal agencies across the Southeast. Its area of responsibility covers installations from Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus Christi, Texas, and extends south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 

From BAE Systems Maritime Solutions. Feb. 23, 2026 

BAE Systems’ Norfolk shipyard has received a $204.1 million U.S. Navy contract to provide maintenance services aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). 

Under the selected restricted availability (SRA) contract awarded, BAE Systems will upgrade shipboard systems to accommodate Joint Strike Fighter flight operations. Work aboard the 843-foot-long ship will begin in August. 

“The USS Iwo Jima availability is welcomed work for our Norfolk shipyard team,” said David M. Thomas, Jr., vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk. “We are very familiar with performing modernization work aboard this class of ship. We will apply the lessons learned from current and past LHD-class work done within our shipyard.”  

USS Iwo Jima is the third U.S. Navy ship named after the World War II battle. The current vessel was commissioned in June 2001.   

The Norfolk shipyard is nearing completion of repairs aboard the lead ship of the amphibious assault ship class, USS Wasp (LHD 1).  

BAE Systems Maritime Solutions is a leading provider of maintenance and modernization services to the U.S. Navy’s fleet of combatant ships; refit and hauling services for privately held leisure vessels and workboats; and fabrication services for U.S. submarine and ship builders. The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida, and Virginia, and it employs a highly skilled, experienced workforce and a large team of suppliers and subcontractors.