Release From HII

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has delivered Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128) to the U.S. Navy. This marks the second Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be delivered by Ingalls shipbuilders. 

“The delivery of Ted Stevens reflects the strong momentum of our destroyer program as we accelerate Flight III production and bring enhanced capabilities to the fleet,” said Brian Blanchette, Ingalls Shipbuilding president. “We are honored to deliver DDG 128 to the Navy knowing that it will stand as a powerful asset in strengthening U.S. maritime security for decades to come.” 

The future USS Ted Stevens represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy, featuring the second-in-class Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, designed to counter threats well into the 21st century. 

At Ingalls Shipbuilding there are four more Flight III destroyers under fabrication and another seven moving through early pre-planning stages of construction. To increase the throughput and meet the increased demand for ships by the U.S. Navy, Ingalls recently embarked on a distributed shipbuilding initiative to improve schedule adherence for all ships built at Ingalls by partnering with shipyards and fabricators beyond the company’s traditional labor market. 

To date, Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and Ted Stevens (DDG 128). The four Flight III destroyers under construction include: Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). Additionally, Ingalls is in early pre-planning and material procurement phases for John F. Lehman (DDG 137), Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141), Charles French (DDG 142), Richard J. Danzig (DDG 143), Intrepid (DDG 145) and Robert Kerrey (DDG 146). 

To learn more about the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program at Ingalls visit: https://hii.com/what-we-do/capabilities/guided-missile-destroyers/arleigh-burke-class/.  

From Lt. James Caliva, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Dec. 19, 2025) — Los Angeles–class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returned to its homeport at Naval Base Guam following a routine deployment in the Indo-Pacific, Dec. 19, 2025 

“USS Annapolis delivered outstanding results, completing an exceptional deployment that showcased the operational readiness of the Pacific undersea force,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “The crew’s disciplined execution was central to their success and clearly reflects the strength of our forward-deployed posture in support of our mission in the Indo-Pacific. True to their motto, ‘Born Free, Hope to Die Free,’ the Sailors of Annapolis remained professional, focused, and effective in every task. Well done, team—welcome home.” 
  
During the deployment, Annapolis conducted a range of missions that strengthened national security, enhanced maritime operational capabilities, and reinforced the strategic value of forward-deployed submarines operating at the tip of the spear. The submarine also conducted a port visit to Yokosuka, Japan, reinforcing the United States’ enduring commitment to the region. 
  
“No matter the mission, this crew executed with precision and professionalism,” said Cmdr. Clint Emrich, commanding officer of USS Annapolis (SSN 760). “Their readiness, discipline, and teamwork were the foundation of a successful deployment, and every Sailor played a role in delivering results. I’m proud of how this crew performed and how they represented Annapolis throughout the Indo-Pacific.” 
  
During the deployment, 30 Sailors assigned to Annapolis earned their submarine warfare insignia—commonly known as “dolphins” or “fish”. The insignia signifies qualification to operate at the highest standards of the undersea force and reflects mastery of submarine systems, watch stations, and mission execution. 
  
Annapolis’ return was marked by the Navy’s time-honored “first kiss” and “first hug” traditions, with Senior Chief Machinist Mate (Nuclear) Chris Mahmood receiving the first kiss and Chief Fire Control Technician Isaiah King receiving the first hug. 
  
Commissioned April 11, 1992, Annapolis is the fourth ship in U.S. Navy history to be named for Annapolis, Maryland, home of the United States Naval Academy. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Annapolis is one of five forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines operate forward in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Royal Navy hosted a mine countermeasures conference at the U.K. Naval Support Facility in Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 15. 
 
Royal Navy Commodore Ben Aldous, Commander, U.K. Maritime Component Command and deputy commander, Combined Maritime Forces, made opening remarks at the conference and emphasized the critical importance of continued interoperability, shared success and mutual trust among those in attendance. 
 
Attendees included personnel from the Royal Navy Mine & Threat Exploitation Group, Mine Warfare Battle Staff, the Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel HMS Middleton (M-34), as well as liaison officers from the Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal Australian Navy. Additionally, personnel from U.S. mine warfare units, like expeditionary mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal units, and Sailors from the Independence-class littoral combat ships USS Canberra (LCS-30) and USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32) were in attendance. 
 
Units that provided briefings spoke about their successes, challenges and future opportunities. The presentations sparked discussions and created an opportunity for collaboration among the key players in the local MCM community. Key topics of discussion were advancing squadron autonomy, the integration of the Mine & Threat Exploitation Group, and the development of the littoral combat ship mission package. 

Release From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday it will return Station Pascagoula in Pascagoula, Mississippi to full response operations. 

In conjunction with assignment year 2026, Station Pascagoula will go from scheduled mission operations to full response operations. 

“After temporarily reducing capabilities at Station Pascagoula in 2023 due to severe workforce shortages, I am pleased to announce the Coast Guard will fully restore the unit’s operational capabilities and readiness in 2026,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, acting commandant. “Our strong recruiting performance has made this possible. Station Pascagoula is vital to securing our southern maritime border and supporting the Port of Pascagoula’s $18 billion economic impact. This action directly supports our nation’s security and economic prosperity.” 

The return of Coast Guard Station Pascagoula to full response operations represents a local application of the national strategy in achieving operational control of the border and facilitating commerce. Strategically positioned on the Gulf Coast, the station directly contributes to controlling the southern maritime border by conducting operations to deter and interdict illegal migration and illicit trafficking. Simultaneously, it facilitates commerce vital to economic security by controlling and securing the Port of Pascagoula against both physical and cyber threats, supporting the goal of U.S. maritime dominance. Underpinning these dedicated missions is the station’s sustained readiness, embodying the Coast Guard’s “Semper Paratus” principle to successfully respond to any crisis or contingency with little warning, from search and rescue emergencies to natural disasters. 

Release From ProvPort

Providence, R.I. – ProvPort announced its newest tenant today, L3Harris Technologies, a national security and defense company. 
 
L3Harris will utilize ProvPort to support their operations, including the loading and offloading of subsea telecommunications cable where it can be spooled and stored. As part of their lease, L3Harris will be constructing a 50,000-square-foot warehouse, an investment in port infrastructure totaling $6 million. 
 
The Waterson Terminal Services, LLC team, which operates as the terminal manager at ProvPort and oversees all stevedoring operations, will leverage their extensive offshore wind-cable-handling experience to support L3Harris. 
 
“PROVPORT INC and the Waterson Terminal Services team bring the specialized expertise we need in undersea cable handling and spooling. Combined with Rhode Island’s strategic location, it was a clear, smart investment for us,” said Trey Mathews, Interim General Manager, Acoustic Systems, L3Harris. 
 
“Rhode Island has long been a hub of marine-related defense industries and having L3Harris here in Rhode Island is a great fit for ProvPort and our vision of attracting tenants that align with the modern maritime economy. We are more than pleased that L3Harris is our newest tenant and that they will be making a significant investment in ProvPort’s infrastructure,” said Chris Waterson, president and CEO, Waterson Terminal Services. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Dec. 22, President Donald Trump and Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, alongside Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, announced their intent to construct a new class of American-designed battleships.

The future USS Defiant (BBG 1) is to be the first Trump-class battleship and “will be an unambiguous statement of American commitment to maritime superiority with capability to distribute more firepower across the fleet than any other class of ship, for any Navy, in history,” according to a U.S. Navy announcement.

“The President has been clear — we must bring back our American maritime industrial might, and he has told me many times that as secretary of the Navy it is my job to equip our Sailors to win the fight at sea with the finest ships in our history,” Phelan said. “Now when a conflict arises, you’re going to ask us two questions: where is the carrier, and where is the battleship?”

These new battleships will stand as the centerpiece of the Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative and will be the first of its kind providing dominant firepower and a decisive advantage over adversaries by integrating the most advanced deep-strike weapons of today with the revolutionary systems of the years ahead, the Navy said.

“At triple the size of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, its massive frame provides superior firepower, larger missile magazines, and the capability to launch Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles and the Surface Launch Cruise Missile-Nuclear,” the Navy statement said.

Trump-class ships will be capable of operating in a traditional Integrated Air and Missile Defense role with a Carrier Strike Group or commanding its own Surface Action Group for Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare efforts in addition to delivering long range hypersonic strategic fires and quarterbacking the operations of an entire fleet as the central command control node.

“As we forge the future of our Navy’s fleet, we need a larger surface combatant and the Trump-class battleships meet that requirement,” said Admiral Daryl Caudle, 34th Chief of Naval Operations. “We will ensure continuous improvement, intellectually honest assessments about the requirement to effectively deter and win in the 2030s and beyond, and disciplined execution resulting in a fleet unparalleled in lethality, adaptability and strength.”

The battleship will be acquired using a Navy-led, industry-collaborative design team approach to accelerate design and construction and supported by over 1,000 suppliers in nearly every state in America. The Navy will continue to build and employ DDG 51 as its fleet workhorse and develop FF(X) as a highly produceable combatant, growing the fleet rapidly through a more intentional high/low mix of capability and platforms, the Navy said.

The last battleship delivered to the U.S. Navy was USS Missouri (BB-63) in the summer of 1944.

Release From Austal USA

MOBILE, Ala. –  Austal USA celebrated the start of construction on the company’s fourth U.S. Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU) at the company’s Mobile, Ala. ship manufacturing facility on December 18, 2025.  Austal USA was awarded a $91.5 million contract in September 2023 that includes options for up to 12 LCU and associated support efforts; construction contracts have been awarded to Austal USA for five of the 12.  

“Austal USA is proud of the progress being made on these important connectors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps,” commented Harley Combs, vice president of surface ship programs. “Having four of these landing craft vessels under construction, including one that will be delivered in early 2026, is a testament to our commitment of on-time delivery, made possible by our dedicated, highly talented workforce.” 

LCU are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to an objective area and used across a range of military operations to move vehicles, personnel and cargo between the ship and shore. These connectors provide a heavy-lift capability and can carry about the same payload capacity as several C-17 aircraft. 

LCU 1710, the first of four LCU vessels under construction at Austal USA, is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in early 2026.  The LCU program is one of three in serial production on Austal USA’s steel assembly line.  Construction is also ongoing for three Navy Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ships (T-ATS) and two of Coast Guard Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC).   

Release From USS Higbee

SAN DIEGO, CA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) returned to its homeport of San Diego following a nine-month mission to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AOO), Dec. 19. 

Higbee departed San Diego with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMSG) on Mar. 26, 2024, with an air wing detachment from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49. As part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG), Higbee conducted various missions, including protecting sea lines of communication, supporting maritime stability, and interdiction operations while in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AOO. 
  
“I could not be prouder of this crew and their performance on Higbee’s Maiden mission,” said Cmdr. Stephen Skahen Jr., commanding officer of Higbee. “As Integrated Air and Missile Defense Commander, this team rose to the challenge and set the standard. From new mission sets in new fleets, interoperability with foreign allies and partners, and representing the United States with distinguished guests; this crew answered the call with enthusiasm and precision. It’s my honor to be their Captain. Get Wins!” 
  
While in 7th Fleet, Higbee participated in multinational operations, to include the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia and exercises to increase interoperability and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
  
In 5th Fleet, Higbee participated in freedom of navigation operations and worked alongside partners and allies to include the Pakistani, French, Japanese, and Indian Navies. Higbee was honored to host Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Caine, and Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet, Vice Adm. Wikoff as distinguished guests to demonstrate Higbee and its crew’s capabilities. 
  
Higbee and the detachment from HSM-49, traveled over 75,000 nautical miles, flew over 1,100 hours, conducted 32 replenishments-at-sea, and accomplished 22 sea and anchor details. 
  
Higbee was led by Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Stephen “Jack” Skahen Jr., Executive Officer Cmdr. Donald Northrup, and Command Master Chief Gilberto Silvabecerra. 
  
In addition to Higbee, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Nimitz, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, embarked staff of CSG-11, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and USS Gridley (DDG 101). 
 
Higbee, assigned to the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, returns to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego following nine months operating in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AOO. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, Dec. 19, 2025 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Navy announced today its plan to introduce a new class of smaller combatant ships, the FF(X), as a critical component of the Navy’s fleet of the future. The FF(X) will be a smaller, more agile surface combatant designed to complement the fleet’s larger, multi-mission warships and enhance operational flexibility around the globe. 

“To deliver at speed and scale, I’ve directed the acquisition of a new frigate class based on HII’s Legend-Class National Security Cutter design: a proven, American-built ship that has been protecting U.S. interests at home and abroad,” said John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy. “President Trump and the Secretary of War have signed off on this as part of the Golden Fleet. Our goal is clear: launch the first hull in the water in 2028. To expand capacity and production across our maritime industrial base, we will acquire these ships using a lead yard, and competitive follow-on strategy for multi-yard construction. Shipyards will be measured against one outcome: delivering combat power to the Fleet as fast as possible.” 

The FF(X) is a highly adaptable vessel. While its primary mission will be surface warfare, its ability to carry modular payloads and command unmanned systems enables it to execute a broad spectrum of operations, making it ready for the challenges of the modern maritime environment. Small surface combatants have always been essential to the fleet, handling a wide range of missions where a large warship isn’t required. The FF(X) will continue this vital role, and will take on more routine operations, enhancing the fleets operational flexibility, adaptability, and mission readiness. 

“Like the Medium Landing Ship, leveraging a complete design and production baseline approach will allow the Navy and shipbuilders to reduce costs, schedule and technical risk,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, 34th Chief of Naval Operations. “We know this Frigate design works, we know it operates with the Fleet, and most importantly, we know how to build it now.” 

FF(X) is engineered for rapid, cost-effective production, enabling this vital capability to the fleet faster. This is made possible by basing the new frigate on HII’s proven Legend-Class National Security Cutter. This approach leverages a mature design to deliver ships to our sailors without delay. 

The introduction of the FF(X) symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power. 

HII to Build Small Surface Combatants for US Navy 

From HII 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has been selected by the U.S. Navy to design and build the future small surface combatant (SSC) ship, leveraging the proven design of the Ingalls-built Legend-class national security cutter (NSC). With a proven track record of building complex ships, and having the available facility capacity, Ingalls shipbuilders will once again engage in construction activities alongside its destroyer and amphibious ship shipbuilding lines where the national security cutters were built, using the same sequence of build. 

“We look forward to supporting the Navy on this critical program,” said Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO. “Speed matters, and the NSC ship design is stable and produceable and will lead to predictable schedules. I have great confidence in the Ingalls team to execute this program, and in our ongoing efforts with our partners to successfully expand the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base to meet the Navy’s needs.” 

Currently, Ingalls is simultaneously building three classes of ships (DDG 51 Flight III, LHA, and LPD Flight II) and modernizing the Zumwalt-class of guided missile destroyers with technology upgrades including the incorporation of the conventional prompt strike weapons system. Ingalls supported the U.S. Coast Guard for nearly two decades by building and delivering 10 Legend-class national security cutters (NSCs). The final cutter was delivered in October 2023. 

HII has invested over $1 billion in the infrastructure, facility and toolsets at Ingalls Shipbuilding, positioning the shipyard to support next-generation systems and platforms. HII this year has distributed shipbuilding work to 23 outsourcing partners, and established partnerships with international manufacturers, to explore meaningful ways to expand capacity including evaluation of adding an additional shipyard in the U.S. 

By Chief Petty Officer Omar Dominquez  of Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Dec.11, 2025  

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Dec.8, 2025) – Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a scheduled deployment, Dec. 8, 2025. During the deployment, Hawaii and its crew performed a wide range of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

“Every day, this crew dedicated themselves to mastering their craft in combat arms,” said Cmdr. Daniel Jones, a native of Clarkston, Michigan and commanding officer of Hawaii. “For 85 percent of my crew, this was their first deployment, and they worked tirelessly as part of the team onboard the War Canoe. I could not be prouder of this Hawaii team and all that we have accomplished.” 

Hawaii’s crew demonstrated exceptional teamwork in maintaining combat readiness throughout their deployment. “Onboard the war canoe, everybody rows, and it truly takes a team to sail a submarine out into the ocean deep and bring it home safely,” said Jones. “We invest in the war fighting capacity of every Sailor, training every day in case we were called upon to fight.” 

During the deployment, Hawaii had the opportunity to conduct a scheduled port visit to Japan. Hawaii Chief of the Boat Master Chief Sonar Technician Submarine Demyer York, a native of Houston, Texas, noted that the visit was the first time traveling to Japan for many Sailors assigned to Hawaii. “The crew was able to get some rest and see the country,” said York. “We represented our crew, ship, submarine force and nation with pride and honor.” 

During the return to home port ceremony, family and friends welcomed the crew back to the Aloha State, celebrating the Sailors’ achievements and safe return. 

Hawaii’s keel was laid down August 27, 2004, and the submarine was commissioned May 5, 2007. Hawaii is the first commissioned vessel of its name. Measuring 377 feet long and displacing more than 7,800 tons, Hawaii has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. 

Hawaii is assigned to Submarine Squadron 1, capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. 

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at http://www.facebook.com/SUBPAC, https://www.instagram.com/comsubpac/ or visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/