For the first time operators can change between advanced ammunition rounds with the flip of a switch 

PLYMOUTH, Minn. – Oct. 9, 2024 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), a leading manufacturer of medium-caliber cannons, is introducing its next-generation M230 Link Fed (M230LF) Dual Feed Bushmaster^® Chain Gun^®, offering two ammunition feed paths for the first time. This new 30x113mm medium caliber chain gun is a proven variant of the M230LF chain gun to counter uncrewed aerial threats (C-UAS) and ground engagements. 

• By offering a dual feed, the need for mixed ammunition belts in a single feed is eliminated. 

• The ability to switch between two kinds of ammunition is now possible. A standard recommended ammunition load includes XM1211 proximity fuzed rounds for C-UAS and XM1198 high explosive, dual purpose rounds for anti-armor capability. 

• The M230LF is currently at Technology Readiness Level 6. Meeting this threshold enables the capability to undergo live fire demonstrations that are currently scheduled for early 2025. 

Expert: 

Dave Fine, vice president, armament systems, Northrop Grumman: “The M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun offers new flexibility by switching between ammunition paths using dual-feed technology. Using advanced technology combined with five decades of battle-proven experience, this next-generation cannon will empower operators to quickly respond to threats. This chain gun is the latest in our Bushmaster line to deliver reliable, multi-mission capabilities addressing the evolving threat environment.” 

About the M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster: 

As the first medium caliber chain gun in the world to offer a dual feed, the M230LF brings flexible lethality to the evolving battlespace. The cannon’s system can instantly switch between ammunition paths, enabling operators to seamlessly address targets that require different 30x113mm ammunition types. 

A dual feed system gives operators the option to change between advanced ammunition rounds with the flip of a switch, delivering increased mission flexibility and lethality. The ability to select between two different rounds ensures targets are addressed with the best ammunition for the target type saving time, reducing logistical burdens and allowing for more engagements before needing to reload the system. 

For operators already using the M230LF, the Bushmaster loads out at a similar weight to the single feed M230LF and features 60%-part commonality, leading to faster routine repairs and decreased down time for maintenance. Single feed M230LF cannons will continue to be produced for customers that prefer that option. 

From U.S. Coast Guard District 17 Public Affairs, Oct. 8, 2024 

KODIAK, Alaska — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley (WMEC 39) returned to their home port in Kodiak, Oct. 4, following a 75-day patrol in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. 

The crew intercepted a Russian Federation naval vessel transiting the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, conducted domestic fisheries along the Aleutian Islands, and provided search and rescue coverage to the Bering Sea. 

Their law enforcement team boarded 22 vessels, issued 27 safety and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fishery violations, and terminated the voyage of two vessels for hazardous and unsafe conditions. 

The Alex Haley crew also completed a successful gunnery exercise, as well as flight operations with MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews from Air Station Kodiak. 

Over the course of their patrol, the crew operated as far as 72 degrees north to the summer ice edge in the Arctic Ocean and 172 degrees east to Attu, the most westerly island of the Aleutian Islands chain, with visits to Adak and Nome. 

The crew earned the Arctic Service Medal for providing 21 days of presence and search and rescue coverage above the Arctic Circle. 

The Alex Haley, nicknamed “The Bulldog of the Bering,” is a 282-foot medium endurance cutter that performs search and rescue, fisheries law enforcement, and maritime security across Alaska. The cutter has been homeported in Kodiak since 1999 and was the recipient of the 2023 Captain Hopley Yeaton Cutter of the Year Award (Medium) and a 2024 International Maritime Organization Honour for Exceptional Bravery at Sea.  

Oct. 9, 2024 

SAN DIEGO — The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) returned to homeport in San Diego, following a nearly four-month deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 8. 

Along with its more than 400 Sailors, Comstock participated in multiple exercises and operations, displaying interoperability and the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 
 
“The Sailors aboard Comstock performed their duty in an exemplary manner to support tasking in U.S. 7th Fleet,” said Cmdr. Byron Stocks, commanding officer of Comstock. “The mission execution afforded the opportunity to demonstrate joint force capability.” 
 
With a focus on joint operations, Comstock and its embarked units supported the America Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during advanced integrated training and MEU certification. Comstock also successfully integrated with motorized weapons company of 31st MEU and Combat Logistics Battalion 31. 
 
During the deployment, Comstock embarked two landing crafts utility from Naval Beach Group 7 to rehearse and demonstrate capability of the amphibious Navy’s shore connectors. 
 
Comstock also participated in Exercise Ssang Yong 24. During the decisive action phase of Ssang Yong, Republic of Korea and U.S. combined and joint forces conducted large-scale maneuvers from sea and air to showcase the overwhelming power of the alliance and its capability to carry out combined amphibious operations. 
 
Since 2012, the ROK and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have regularly conducted Ssang Yong to enhance defensive posture on the Korean Peninsula while improving naval and amphibious capabilities. 
 
After Ssang Yong, Comstock transited home to San Diego following a nearly four-month deployment. 
 
When not at sea, Comstock Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy foreign cultures during port visits to Guam, Japan, and Republic of Korea. 
 
USS Comstock is homeported at Naval Base San Diego and assigned to Amphibious Squadron 1. 

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

Oct. 8, 2024 

ARINGTON, Va. —  A planned homecoming ceremony for two U.S. Navy EP-3E electronic reconnaissance aircraft and their crews today has been postponed because of the Navy’s current operational commitments. 

According to the Facebook account of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), the ceremony was to welcome home the crews from the final operational deployments of VQ-1 and the EP-3E. The two crews were scheduled to return to the squadron’s home base of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.  

A Navy directive issued July 18, 2023, scheduled VQ-1’s de-activation for March 31, 2025, but that the squadron was to cease operations by Sept. 30, 2024. Apparently, operational commitments initially delayed the cessation to Oct. 8, 2024, and now have required continued operations to an undetermined date. The operational commitments likely are related to the hostilities in the Middle East. 

According to an Oct. 8 statement to Seapower from the Navy’s maritime patrol reconnaissance program office, the last EP-3Es may not be retired until March 2025. 

“Due to OPSEC [operations security] we cannot offer the number of aircraft, but there are sufficient aircraft to support the mission through the March 2025 date above,” the statement said.  

The EP-3Es that have been retired and those that will be retired in the future will be delivered to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309th AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for storage. 

The Lockheed-built EP-3Es are being replaced by the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles. The Tritons have been operating from Guam and from NAS Sigonella, Sicily, and on Oct. 1, a third Triton site was established in the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of operations. The Navy directive also said that the foreign signals intelligence capability executed by EP-3Es would be assumed by a VUP [special projects patrol squadron]. 

In addition to the EP-3Es, the Navy operates a handful of P-3C, NP-3C, and NP-3D Orion aircraft flown by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 (VX-30) at NAS Point Mugu, California, and by Scientific Development Squadron One (VXS-1) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. 

From HII, Oct. 8, 2024

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully launched on Saturday the first LPD Flight II, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship Harrisburg (LPD 30), marking one of the first major milestones in the ship’s journey towards operational readiness. 

The Ingalls team translated Harrisburg from land to the company’s floating dry dock using translation railcars to support the ship’s movement across the pier. While in the dry dock, the Ingalls team completed final prep work needed for launch. 

“We view this launch as a significant step toward fielding capability to our U.S. Navy and Marine Corps partners, and a reminder of the importance of supporting national security,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson. “As shipbuilders, we are dedicated to this mission.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/newsroom/ 

The launch of LPD 30 follows the recent announcement of the amphibious multi-ship procurement contract for the construction of three San Antonio-class (LPD 17) amphibious ships [LPD 33-35] and a contract modification for the next America-class (LHA 6) large-deck amphibious ship [LHA 10]. 

Ingalls currently has two Flight II LPDs under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). Pre-construction activities are currently underway for the construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the 16th ship in the San Antonio-class. 

By MCSN Aaron Haro Gonzalez, Oct.4, 2024 

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) returned to its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a historic maiden deployment, Oct. 4. 

While in the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of operation as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), Daniel Inouye promoted regional stability and security, deterred aggression, and protected the free flow of commerce throughout its nine-month deployment. 

“When you look at the history of Daniel Inouye, he had to fight to prove that he was an American through joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On this deployment, we as the Sailors of USS Daniel Inouye, carried his name into the Pacific and then into the 5th Fleet area of operation for the very first time, honoring his legacy,” said Cmdr. Kevin Dore, commanding officer of Daniel Inouye. “I’m extremely proud of the readiness and responsiveness our crew displayed throughout deployment. We were always ready to go, as evidenced by how quickly we manned our RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) to come to the aid of two distressed Iranian mariners lost at sea.” 

TRCSG rescued the two civilian Iranian mariners in international waters, Aug. 23, 2024. A RHIB from Daniel Inouye, along with a search and rescue helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, successfully recovered the mariners from the water and took them to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for medical care. 

“Every single day this crew goes about their daily routines, treating every drill like it’s real life. Every time a real situation comes up, everyone is cool, calm and collected under pressure,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kelly, executive officer of Daniel Inouye. “That is ‘going for broke,’ when you give everything you have to everything you do in training. I’m honored to be part of a crew that gives their all every single day like the team on this ship.” 

“Go For Broke” was the motto of the Army’s storied 442nd Regimental Combat Team and is now carried on by the crew of Daniel Inouye, featured prominently on the ship’s crest. 

When not at sea, Daniel Inouye Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy foreign cultures during port visits to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. 

“Being a plankowner, I’ve been here since commissioning. One thing that stands out about this ship and this crew is its resiliency,” said Command Master Chief Simeon Yeboah, Daniel Inouye’s senior enlisted leader. “I think the crew learns through history and what we teach about the man who represents this ship. I see Sailors who are proud of what they mean to the team and how they come together to make this ship work.” 

The ship is named after Honolulu native Daniel Inouye, a decorated World War II veteran who was elected as one of Hawaii’s first representatives in the U.S. Congress. In 1962, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until his death in 2012, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history. He served as President pro tempore of the Senate in his final years, which made him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S history. 

After graduating high school in 1942, Inouye, tried to enlist in the Army but Japanese-Americans were not allowed to join following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 activated the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up exclusively of Japanese-American enlisted men but commanded almost entirely by Caucasian officers. In October 1944, Inouye received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant for his actions rescuing 211 U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment from German forces. During the battle, enemy fire hit Inouye in the chest, but a silver dollar in the chest pocket deflected the bullet, saving his life. In April 1945, Inouye lost his right arm in combat and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. In the 1990s, Congress and the military reviewed the cases of WWII soldiers who may have been denied the nation’s highest honor due to racism. In 2000, Inouye and 19 other Japanese-American veterans of the 442nd were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, becoming the first – and to date, only – senator to receive both the Medal of Freedom and Medal of Honor. 

The TRCSG is commanded by Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG 9) and composed of the flagship Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Halsey (DDG 97), Daniel Inouye, and USS Russell (DDG 59) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23. 

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat operations 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 Brian O’Rourke, 07 October 2024 

SAN FRANCISCO — The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7); San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) and the Unmanned Surface Vessel Ranger (OUSV 3) arrived in San Francisco in support of San Francisco Fleet Week 2024. 

Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from several ships, squadrons and military units will be in San Francisco for the annual San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 7-14. 
 
Participating ships and units also include the Coast Guard Legend-class maritime security cutter USCG Bertholf (WMSL 750); the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334); the unmanned surface vessel Ranger (OUSV 3); Naval Beach Group One; U.S. Marine Corps Task Force San Francisco (Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit 2; Combat Logistics Battalion 13; Combat Logistics Battalion 15; and Battalion Landing Team 1/5); the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels; the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs; Navy Band Southwest; 1st Marine Division Band; 12th Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station San Francisco; Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate; Assault Craft Unit 1; Beachmaster Unit 1; Amphibious Construction Battalion 1; Amphibious Squadron 7; Combat Logistics Regiment 17; U.S. 3rd Fleet; Expeditionary Strike Group 3; and Navy Region Southwest. 
 
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces and assets also participate in a robust disaster response exercise, an annual event joint training event that adds a serious, practical objective to San Francisco Fleet Week. The exercise is designed to train military forces and local, county, state and federal government agencies to work together to respond to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires and industrial accidents. 
 
Service members will have an opportunity to interact with the local community while participating in a number of community relations projects and entertainment events throughout the week. 
Navy, Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force bands will perform a series of free neighborhood concerts throughout San Francisco. For a full list of concerts, visit the San Francisco Fleet Week website: Neighborhood Concert Series – San Francisco Fleet Week (fleetweeksf.org) 
 
San Francisco Fleet Week also offers the public an opportunity to take a tour of the ships and interact with service members as they showcase their ships’, units’, and services’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States and protect freedom of the seas. 
The schedule for ship tours is as follows and is subject to change: 
 
Wednesday, October 9 
Pier 27 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
 
Thursday, October 10 
Pier 27, Pier 35 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
 
Friday, October 11 
No tours, however, the ships can be seen in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships 11am-12p.m. from along the San Francisco waterfront. 
 
Saturday, October 12 
Piers 27, 30/32, 35 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Pier 15/17 
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
 
Sunday, October 13 
Piers 27, 30/32, 35 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Pier 15/17 
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
 
Monday, October 14 
Pier 27, Pier 30/32 
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
 
The public is encouraged to attend tours and interact with service members. 
Prohibited items aboard include the following: 
– Food or drinks, including ice chests and coolers 
– Camera tripods 
– Skateboards, bicycles, hover boards 
– Gang-related clothing 
– Unmanned aerial systems 
– Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons 
– Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray 
– Spray cans of any type, fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives 
– Illegal drugs and drugs considered illegal at the federal level, including marijuana, and/or drug-related paraphernalia 
– Electronic cigarettes 
– Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search) 
– Strollers 
– Drinks, other than water, to facilitate security 
– Smoking, dipping, or chewing gum while onboard USN Ships or within 100FT of watch-standers 
– Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of service dogs for the disabled 
– Open-toe shoes are not recommended. High heels are not permitted 
– Ship tours may not be appropriate for those with disabilities and access and functional needs or certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse on board the ship. An alternative experience will be provided on the pier for those who wish to learn more about the ships in port. 
 
You’re also invited to visit Fleet Fest, a free family-friendly festival celebration at Pier 30/32, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Military bands and local entertainers will perform throughout the weekend. 
 
For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org.  

Cyfax and DEFENSA Unite to Deliver Comprehensive Cyber Defense Across Global Marine Operations 

MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Beacon Technology Group, a leader in cutting-edge cybersecurity for IT and industrial environments, today announced a strategic alliance with Akimbo Technologies Inc., a Canadian provider of military-grade OT cyber defense solutions. This partnership follows Beacon’s recent launch of Cyfax at BlackHat USA, the perennial cyber show, where Cyfax was showcased as a groundbreaking external attack surface management (EASM) platform. Cyfax combines deception technology with continuous hyper-automated penetration testing to provide immediate cyber posture insights, real-time alerts, and compliance reporting. 

The maritime industry faces three key challenges: increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, restricted access to cyber insurance due to poor risk management, and the tightening of global regulations from organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The Beacon-Akimbo alliance addresses these challenges by merging advanced IT and OT security solutions to offer maritime operators comprehensive and proactive defense, both in port and at sea. 

Cyfax’s intelligence-driven capabilities—dark web surveillance and continuous penetration testing—complement Akimbo’s DEFENSA system, which provides real-time threat detection and remediation for operational technology environments. Together, these solutions deliver the robust security posture necessary for maritime operators to meet evolving threats, and regulatory requirements, and maintain access to critical cyber insurance. 

“The maritime industry, much like other critical sectors, is moving beyond traditional defensive postures. The time has come for a paradigm shift that embraces offensive strategies. This alliance provides that shift, delivering proactive, offense-driven solutions to a sector crucial to the global supply chain,” said Rob Vazquez, CEO of Beacon Technology Group. 

“The partnership we are announcing today brings together two powerful cyber solutions, enabling the global commercial marine industry to protect itself from ever-evolving cyber threats. Building a defensive digital wall and hoping for the best is outdated. Today’s maritime industry requires proactive solutions to combat sophisticated adversaries,” said Behrouz Poustchi, CEO of Akimbo Technologies. 

As global regulations tighten and cyber insurance standards rise, the Beacon-Akimbo alliance ensures maritime operators are compliant and secure. With real-time monitoring and automated threat defense, these solutions meet the industry’s regulatory and insurance demands. 

For more information, visit https://detect.solutions/ or https://www.akimbotechnologies.com/. 

If you’ve transitioned out of the sea services, you may struggle to chart a course for your future. The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program allows veterans to retrain or uptrain for jobs with military suppliers. This accelerated training opportunity helps strengthen national defense capabilities while providing veterans with stable, lucrative career opportunities.

The best part? It’s free.

Submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles are a vital and rapidly expanding component of U.S. defense and marine security. The Department of Defense anticipates that nearly 10,000 additional skilled workers will be needed each year to design, build and test these vessels to support the submarine industrial base.

Unfortunately, the number of trained workers in manufacturing fields has shrunk to record lows. In addition to limiting growth, not having the resources to maintain and repair existing assets impacts the readiness of the current fleet and threatens national security. To address this deficiency, the Department of Defense has partnered with private institutions to develop the ATDM program.

ATDM is a rigorous, rapid and innovative prototype training platform operating on the campus of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia. It is a cooperative effort supported by the Navy, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, state and local officials and defense industry partners.

The program has five strategic goals: Fill the gaps in submarine industrial base and defense industrial base trades; decrease the time-to-talent to place workers “on the line;” modernize the workforce; diversify the workforce; deliver trained workers to the industrial base in scale and velocity.

The four-month program provides each student with 600+ hours of instruction in one of five specialized trades: additive manufacturing, computer numerical control machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding.

This intensive, accelerated training allows students to gain proficiency quickly, obtain industry-recognized credentials and “hit the ground running” as soon as they begin work in the private sector. The program connects educators, government agencies and industry leaders to ensure the curriculum aligns with industry standards and requirements.

Classes progress on a rolling schedule, with new cohorts beginning approximately every two months. Students train on three shifts (7 a.m.-3 p.m., 3 p.m.-11 p.m., and 11 p.m.-7 p.m.), mirroring standard private-sector manufacturing schedules.

Each shift cohort has 12 students, one instructor and one experienced technician. The teachers and technicians work closely with students to help them master concepts and practice execution. Dr. Debra Holley, the program’s director, estimates 90% of the training is hands-on, adapting to each student’s ability and allowing them to learn more quickly and effectively.

Diverse and Dynamic Workforce

Any adult U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a high school diploma or GED can apply to ATDM. Candidates accepted into the program are scheduled for the next available cohort. If the soonest cohort is full, they may be waitlisted, or they may be able to choose a start date farther in the future to accommodate personal or professional needs.

Students’ backgrounds, experiences and education levels vary widely. Approximately 25% of current and past students are veterans. ATDM also works with the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program to help current servicemembers pursue retraining as they transition out of service. It also partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes jobs connection program and the NextOp nonprofit organization to help veterans retrain for civilian careers.

ATDM also works with the Veterans Administration’s Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program to provide accommodation solutions for veterans with visual, hearing, cognitive, communication and dexterity disabilities. While each student has unique needs, and each specialization has different requirements, facilities like a welding booth designed for wheelchair users reflect the program’s commitment to helping overcome barriers that can limit veterans’ employment options.

About 209 students (five cohorts) have completed the ATDM program since it opened its doors in June 2021. Upon completion, graduates from this program can obtain critical defense industry jobs. ATDM also provides job placement assistance, partnering with nearly 100 companies and conducting employment fairs.

According to Holley, 92% of the cohort that finished in June 2024 had job offers upon completion. Many of the program’s corporate partners provide ringing endorsements of the quality and applicability of the ATDM graduates’ skills and training.

The ATDM program also anticipates its own continued success and growth in the next few years. In October 2023, it began constructing a new, state-of-the-art training facility that will allow it to graduate 800-1,000 skilled workers annually by 2025.

Currently, the ATDM program is entirely free. No service obligation or commitment is required. However, after completing their training, students are expected to pursue employment in the defense manufacturing industry.

The program provides each student with a complimentary, private apartment located about five minutes away and connected to the campus by shuttle. Spouses and children may accompany students. Although the program doesn’t cover the cost of food or other living expenses, it can help connect students with local charitable organizations and government resources.

In addition to furthering national defense objectives, ATDM is having a markedly positive impact on the local economy. The expansive new training center is a significant capital investment by the Navy in the Danville area. It is expected to increase economic stability and prosperity in the region and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Program director Holley recognizes the unique nature of the ATDM program’s public-private collaboration, noting it benefits everyone involved.

“It’s a way to make an impact and serve your country and community,” she said, “and also train for a really good job.”

From HII 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division Thursday. 

“I firmly believe that honing our warfighting skills has primacy in all we do,” Brown said. “It was great to see the hard work of the Navy’s shipbuilding team alongside our defense industry partners ensuring we maintain our edge through the construction of the next Ford-class carrier and Columbia-class submarine. These efforts provide our military with unmatched capabilities, reinforcing our ability to operate effectively across any mission, in any domain, and in any region of the world.” 

While at NNS, Brown visited shipbuilders and sailors on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), saw construction progress on Virginia- and Columbia– class submarine modules, and met with shipyard leadership. Adm. William Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, and Vice Adm. Jim Downey, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, accompanied the chairman. 

“Our shipbuilders’ commitment to supporting the Department of Defense is unwavering, and we are grateful General Brown invested time to see that for himself,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. “The nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines we build and maintain are vital to our national security, and we are proud to deliver these critical capabilities to those who defend our freedoms.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/. 

NNS is the nation’s sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear‐powered submarines.