Release From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard is completing final delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas. The aircraft will support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, from C-27J aircraft to HC-130Js. 

Three Coast Guard air stations currently operate the HC-130J: Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbers Point, Hawaii. The addition of CGNR 2018 marks a step toward expanding HC-130J operations to two additional air stations, beginning with Sacramento later this year. 

The Coast Guard received $1.142 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for procurement and acquisition of fixed-wing aircraft, including HC-130Js. The investment, combined with early delivery of CGNR 2018, enables the long-range surveillance fleet to expand operations. 

L3Harris executes missionization of the baseline C-130J aircraft, integrating the Minotaur Mission System Suite, Coast Guard-specific multi-mode radar, sensors and communication systems. Additional capabilities, including enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics and civil GPS, were integrated as part of a Block Upgrade 8.1 installation. 

Including funds from OBBBA, the Coast Guard has appropriations for a total of 25 HC-130J aircraft, one HC-130J simulator, initial spare parts inventory and site activation for two additional air stations. 

The HC-130J fleet serves as an on-scene command and control platform or surveillance platform, with the means to detect, classify and identify objects and share information with operational forces. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 320 knots, a range of 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of more than 20 hours. 

The missionized HC-130J enables the Coast Guard to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce and respond to crises or contingencies. 

Release From RTX

New capability will protect vulnerable vessels from threats at sea 

PORTSMOUTH, R.I., (February 2, 2026) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop an advanced sensing and targeting system that will help defend vulnerable commercial shipping and naval logistics vessels against emerging threats such as unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). 

Under the contract, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will design, build, and demonstrate a system that consists of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, advanced detection software, and robust command and control capabilities to enhance situational awareness and threat response. 

The system, which is being developed for DARPA’s Pulling Guard program, will deploy the sensors via a tethered drone connected to a semi-autonomous unmanned platform that is towed by commercial and naval logistics vessels. The sensors will provide real-time target tracking data to remote operators, enabling them to make rapid, informed engagement decisions.  

Phase one of the program will focus on simulated engagements to evaluate system performance and operator workflows. In phase two, the system will transition to integrating operational launchers and effectors for live operations. 

“Through this development, we are advancing critical security technologies for commercial shipping in regions like the Red Sea,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “By integrating our proven expertise in command and control, high-performance sensing, and effectors, we will deliver a scalable, cost-effective solution that minimizes risks to both cargo and naval assets.”  

Beyond its primary focus of vulnerable ship protection, the technology Raytheon is developing has the potential to deliver broader capabilities across a wide range of naval and security operations, including automated overwatch for medium and large USVs and manned combatants operating in multiple theaters. 

From Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA – Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772) returned to its homeport of Naval Base Point Loma, following a regularly scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific region in support of U.S. national security objectives, January 30, 2026.  

During the deployment, Greeneville steamed over 49,000 nautical miles while conducting the full spectrum of SSN operations alongside U.S. and Allied forces. 

“The return of USS Greeneville marks the successful completion of yet another vital mission for Submarine Squadron 11,” said Capt. Phillip Sylvia Jr., commodore, Submarine Squadron 11. “I am incredibly proud of the Greeneville crew. They operated professionally in challenging environments, proving once again that our undersea forces are the apex predators of the maritime environment and their forward-deployed presence reinforced our commitment to peace through strength.” 

The crew of Greeneville relentlessly pursued excellence and operated in a professional manner in support of maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming the U.S.’ dedication to deterrence, stability, and prosperity. 

“The American public and our Allies and partners should rest easy at night knowing that the Greeneville team, along with our brothers and sisters throughout the Submarine Force and the Navy have the watch,” said Capt. Chad Tella, commanding officer, USS Greeneville. “Time and time again, the Greeneville team fearlessly met all challenges head on, not only getting the job done, but exceeding all expectations. The team routinely united in the face of adversity to ensure mission accomplishment, no matter the situation.” 

Additionally, while on deployment, Greeneville Sailors completed 695 overall qualifications, and nine officers and 38 enlisted Sailors earned their submarine warfare qualifications. 

“Greeneville Sailors performed second to none,” said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (Submarines) Daniel Dumitrache, chief of boat, USS Greeneville. “Before we deployed, less than 20 Sailors had deployed to the Western Pacific. Now, 165 Sailors know what it takes to deploy and operate at the tip of the spear.” 

In between their high tempo undersea missions, Greeneville conducted a port visit to Busan, Republic of Korea, giving Sailors an opportunity to experience the local culture while building relationships and friendships. 

“The port visit to Busan provided a great opportunity to relax following extended at sea operations,” said Dumitrache. “The Republic of Korea (Navy) did an amazing job making us feel welcome. Watching our crew play a game of soccer against the crew of ROKS Jeong Ji (SS 073) was a memorable and impactful experience.” 

Commissioned on February 16, 1996, Greeneville is the only vessel in United States naval history named after Greeneville, Tennessee. 

Greeneville is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. 

From Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md

NAS Patuxent River, Md.–The U.S. Navy successfully completed the third and final planned flight test of the Harpoon Block II Update (HIIU) Obsolescence Update program Jan. 16, marking a key milestone in modernizing and sustaining the weapon system. 

The Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program office, in partnership with Boeing, conducted the test at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and the Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The event demonstrated a successful Coastal Target Suppression mission against a representative land target, with all test objectives met based on preliminary assessments. 

“This milestone reflects the strength of the integrated government and industry team and their commitment to delivering reliable, relevant capability to the fleet,” said Capt. Sarah Abbott, PMA-201 program manager. 

During the mission, the missile executed multiple altitude changes to simulate a coastal engagement. After launch from an F-15 at approximately 12,000 feet above ground level, the missile descended to an initial waypoint altitude of 5,000 feet, then proceeded to the target area and performed a steep terminal dive prior to impact. 

The HIIU flight test series consisted of three events designed to progressively validate system performance across mission sets. The first test verified guidance and aerodynamic performance, the second demonstrated engagement of a moving maritime surface target, and the final event confirmed effectiveness against a land-based target—highlighting the weapon’s operational versatility. 

“This achievement reflects the coordinated efforts of professionals across program management, engineering, logistics, test and evaluation, aircrew, ground support, and range teams, alongside our industry partners,” said Bob Cress, SLAM ER/HIIU development team lead. 

Following this event, system-level flight testing for the HIIU Obsolescence Update is nearly complete, with initial deliveries planned for later this year. 

HIIU builds on the Harpoon’s 50+ year legacy by addressing obsolescence items and preparing the weapon to extend production around the world. The U.S. Navy and more than 30 foreign partners use the Harpoon in support of anti-ship and land-strike missions. 

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK, Va. — Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment on Feb. 3, 2026. 

The ship’s company includes approximately 300 Sailors, with an additional 26 embarked air wing personnel assigned to the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50. 

The ship’s independent deployment departure comes after several months of training and maintenance, preparing the ship for a multitude of operations. Truxtun is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer with air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval surface fire support, and surface warfare capability. 

“Truxtun’s recent experiences in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations have sharpened our technical and tactical mastery, translating proven operational readiness into immediate effects,” said Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of Truxtun. “Our presence at sea will not merely be a ‘deployment,’ but a decisive application of Peace Through Strength.” 

Truxtun’s last deployment concluded in October 2025, where they conducted operations in U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations. During this time, the ship successfully worked alongside the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and the HMS Prince of Wales Strike Group in various capacities. Truxtun also represented the U.S. Navy in the multi-national operations Mediterranean Strike and Bright Star, which fostered relationships between various allies and partners. 

“The Sailors of USS Truxtun are ready to deploy and accomplish our nation’s work at sea,” said Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore, Commander Naval Surface Group Mid-Atlantic. “The combat capabilities that this ship brings to a fight will be ready whenever tasked to deter, and, if necessary, defeat, aggression in defense of America’s interests around the world.” 

Truxtun was commissioned on April 25, 2009. The ship is named for Commodore Thomas Truxtun, who was selected as one of the Navy’s initial six captains on June 4, 1798. 

“We proudly carry the namesake of Commodore Thomas Truxtun,” said Koffi. “Commodore Truxtun’s primary aim as the commanding officer of USS Constellation, one of the U.S. Navy’s original six frigates, was protecting American commerce in the Caribbean during a period of deep regional uncertainty in the fledging years of our new nation.” 

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. 
  

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has successfully completed builder’s sea trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. 

Kennedy returned to NNS after testing important ship systems and components at sea for the first time. 

“Taking Kennedy to sea is a testament to the grit and determination of the world’s finest shipbuilders,” said Derek Murphy, NNS vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs. “Our nation is depending on us to deliver these critical assets that will protect freedom around the world and we’re proud to see CVN 79 take another step toward joining the fleet.” 

The sea trials brought together NNS shipbuilders, John F. Kennedy sailors and Navy personnel to execute the testing and demonstrate ship operations. 

CVN 79 continues the legacy of highly capable nuclear-powered aircraft carrier platforms. Ford-class enhancements incorporated into the design support increased operational efficiency and reduced manning requirements. The Ford class also features a new nuclear power plant, and increased electrical power-generation capacity. 

From RTX 

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, entered into five landmark framework agreements with the U.S. Department of War to significantly increase production capacity and speed deliveries of Land Attack and Maritime Strike variants of Tomahawk, AMRAAM® missiles, Standard Missile-3® Block IB interceptors (SM-3 IB), Standard Missile-3® Block IIA interceptors (SM-3 IIA), and Standard Missile-6® (SM-6). 

As global demand for these precision munitions continues to grow, these up-to-seven-year agreements establish frameworks to build on the company’s previous investments to expand production. Under the frameworks announced today, RTX will increase annual production of Tomahawks to more than 1,000, AMRAAMs to at least 1,900, and SM-6 to more than 500. RTX will also increase production of SM-3 IIA and accelerate production of the SM-3 IB. Many of these munitions will grow 2 to 4 times their existing production rates. 

With the Department of War’s strong commitment to strengthening the defense industrial base and creating American jobs, RTX will continue to make investments in technology, facilities and our workforce to reach and sustain this historically high production rate. 

“These agreements redefine how government and industry can partner to speed the delivery of critical technologies and are a direct result of the administration’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy and commitment to deliver the best technologies faster,” said RTX CEO and Chairman Chris Calio. “We are proud to support the department’s Arsenal of Freedom to ensure the United States and its allies and partners have the decisive edge — now and in the future.” 

RTX has invested heavily in capacity expansion to accelerate production of several critical munitions and will continue investing in capacity expansion and production acceleration projects. Production under these framework agreements will be completed at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Ariz., Huntsville, Ala., and Andover, Mass. 

The company investments associated with these framework agreements have been contemplated in RTX’s recently announced financial outlook for 2026. The long-term agreements incorporate a collaborative funding approach designed to preserve upfront free cash flow, allowing RTX to invest confidently to meet long-term demand.  

CRITICAL MUNITIONS FOR U.S. AND ITS ALLIES AND PARTNERS 

Tomahawk cruise missile 

A precision weapon launched from ships and submarines and can strike targets precisely from 1,000 miles away, even in heavily defended airspace. U.S. and allied militaries have flight tested the Tomahawk over 550 times and used it in an operational environment more than 2,300 times. It is routinely the first option employed by U.S. forces to target hostile forces anywhere in the world. 

AMRAAM 

The world’s most widely deployed, air-to-air missile. Since 2024, Raytheon has been producing the fifth-generation AMRAAM, featuring advanced guidance, software-defined capabilities and enhanced electronic protection for highly contested combat environments. In service with more than 40 allies and partners, AMRAAM is integrated across fourth and fifth generation aircraft and serves as the primary interceptor for NASAMS, supporting both air-to-air and ground-based air defense. Production nearly doubled in 2025 from 2024 and performance has been proven through more than 6,000 test shots and 13 air-to-air combat victories. 

SM-3 IB 

A combat proven interceptor uniquely designed for exo-atmospheric intercept of short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles with hypersonic hit-to-kill accuracy. It can be launched from both ships and land-based sites. In April of 2024, SM-3 IB was first used in combat to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles headed toward Israeli targets. 

SM-3 IIA 

An interceptor created in a cooperative development program between the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Japan Ministry of Defense and their industry partners. The interceptor features larger rocket motors and an enhanced kinetic warhead compared to its predecessors, allowing it to engage threats faster and protect larger regions from short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. 

SM-6 missile 

Standard Missile-6 is the only missile that supports anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense in one solution, and it’s enabling the U.S. and its allies and partners to cost-effectively increase their projected force. SM-6 has been successfully fired from various U.S. Navy ships and launchers on land. 

From Naval Air Systems Command, Jan 30, 2026 

NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Department of Navy announced the $86.2 million contract award of the Precision Attack Strike Munition to L3Harris Technologies Jan 30, a critical component of the Marine Corps’ vision for enhancing the lethality and survivability of its rotary-wing assets. 

PASM will provide the Marine Corps with a cost-effective, longer-range, precision weapon that can deliver diverse effects (kinetic or non—kinetic) from AH-1Z aircraft in land and sea-based environments. 

Over the past several years, the Marine Corps conducted a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) for the Long-Range Attack Munition (LRAM). The tests successfully proved the technology’s capability for a low-altitude, rotary-wing aircraft to perform offensive anti-surface warfare and maritime strikes. These demonstrations informed the department’s decision to award the contract. 

“We are proud to partner with L3Harris Technologies to deliver a system that will provide a decisive advantage to Marine Corps pilots and support their missions worldwide,” said Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PEO (U&W)). 

PEO (U&W)’s Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons program office (PMA-242) awarded the contract under an Other Transaction Agreement/Authority (OTA) – a contract vehicle used by the government to streamline research and development and prototype development. 

“The use of an OTA contract is a key part of this strategy, designed to rapidly prototype and field a capability that’s essential for operations in contested environments and against advanced adversaries,” said. Capt. Lindsey Buzzell, PMA-242 program manager. 

Under the contract, L3Harris Technologies will deliver all units, manuals, training, support equipment, and test equipment for AH-1Z by end of fiscal year 2027. 

PMA-242 is the Direct and Time Sensitive program office for the Navy and Marine Corps. 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Bradford Gering, assistant commandant, and fellow U.S. Marine Corps officers at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division Thursday. The Marines met with Ingalls leadership and toured the shipyard, including stops at two of the five amphibious warships currently under construction, Bougainville (LHA 8) and Harrisburg (LPD 30). 

“We are honored to host Marine Corps leadership and showcase the critical role our Ingalls shipbuilders play in delivering the amphibious ships that support Navy and Marine Corps missions worldwide,” said Brian Blanchette, Ingalls Shipbuilding president. “The amphibious ship program remains a top priority for our team, and we value the opportunity to demonstrate the skill and dedication our shipbuilders bring to every ship we build.” 

Ingalls has a long-standing history of building amphibious warships, and the collaboration between Ingalls Shipbuilding, the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps was on full display during the visit. 

Commenting on the tour, Gering highlighted the importance of amphibious warships. 

“The Navy and Marine Corps team relies on these ships for a broad range of missions from peacekeeping and deterrence to combat operations and humanitarian assistance,” Gering said. “Programs like the LHA and LPD are vital to enabling Marine Corps readiness and ensuring our ability to respond quickly to emerging challenges.” 

Ingalls currently has two LHAs under construction including Bougainville (LHA 8) and Fallujah (LHA 9) and three Flight II LPDs under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30), Pittsburgh (LPD 31) and Philadelphia (LPD 32). Additionally, in September 2024, the Navy awarded Ingalls a contract for the construction of three San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships (LPD 33, LPD 34 and LPD 35) and a contract modification for the fifth America-class amphibious assault ship, Helmand Province (LHA 10). 

By AUKUS Integration & Acquisition, Feb. 4, 2026 

GROTON, Connecticut – As part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, the U.S. Navy recently demonstrated its advanced AN/BYG-1 submarine combat control system to sailors and industry members from the United Kingdom (UK). The AN/BYG-1 developed under a joint U.S. / Australian program office and is used aboard both nations’ submarines. 
 
Representatives from the UK, including the Royal Navy, government, and industry, visited Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., in November 2025 to observe U.S. Navy Sailors from Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) operating the AN/BYG-1 combat control system at the shore-based virtual Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer (SMMTT). 
 
This capability demonstration supports the integration of the AN/BYG-1 into the future SSN-AUKUS which is being designed by the UK and will be built and operated by both the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy under the AUKUS program, the trilateral security agreement between Australia, the UK and U.S. to deliver a nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarine capability to Australia. 
 
Currently, the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy operate the AN/BYG-1 aboard their submarines. Including the system in the baseline SSN-AUKUS design highlights the interconnectivity and interoperability of the three nations’ attack submarine fleets. 
 
The AN/BYG-1 links sensor inputs and controls submarine combat operations, including targeting and firing torpedoes and missiles. The system integrates tracking of other submarines and surface ships, improving situational awareness for the submarine’s crew. Unlike combat control systems of the past, the AN/BYG-1 utilizes commercial off-the-shelf technology and software updates to enable easier upgrades over the life of the submarine. 
 
During the first days of the demonstration, U.S. Navy Sailors and instructors briefed the UK contingent on the AN/BYG-1 system. Following the briefs, the group observed crew from Hartford operating the version of AN/BYG-1 recently installed on their submarine. After observing Hartford’s crew, UK personnel took the controls in the SMMTT and spent six days operating the system. 
 
“We are extremely grateful to the crew of USS Hartford and the U.S. Naval Submarine School, who provided us with a fantastic demonstration of submarine warfighting that gives the UK a greater understanding of the AN/BYG-1 system. This is an important milestone for the Royal Navy and demonstrates the significant progress made in submarine combat system capability collaboration across all of the AUKUS partner nations,” said Cmdr. Rob Richards, RN, AUKUS Combat System Technology Insertion. “The UK is committed to integrating this combined U.S./Australian system in SSN-AUKUS and driving forward our true AUKUS ambitions of future interoperable, collaborative submarine forces.” 
 
“The great thing about systems like BYG-1 is that once you’re trained and proficient, you can go to any submarine in the Navy and be familiar with your station and the system you are operating,” said Lt. Scott Buckman from the Modernization Training Team. “Ultimately, with three nations operating variations of the system, we could see personnel from the three nations serving on each other’s boats, greatly enhancing interoperability, training, and ultimately improving our collective warfighting capabilities.” 
 
Australia’s acquisition and employment of nuclear-powered attack submarines under AUKUS Pillar I directly supports U.S. and allied efforts to ensure a favorable balance of power in the Western Pacific through deterrence. Increasing the number of partner submarines in the region expands combined undersea capabilities and builds peace through strength while enhancing the U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific. The trilateral program bolsters readiness and undersea warfighting capability by growing submarine interoperability, expanding access and sustainment infrastructure and ensuring seamless operations during crises. 
 
The AUKUS Integration and Acquisition program office, within the Department of the Navy, is responsible for executing the trilateral partnership to help Australia acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines while setting the highest nuclear stewardship standards and continuing to maintain the highest nonproliferation standard.