From USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs, Nov. 16, 2025 

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), transited the Anegada Passage and entered the Caribbean Sea, Nov. 16. 

The maritime forces’ operations in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility come after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the Carrier Strike Group to support the President’s directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations and counter narco-terrorism in defense of the Homeland. 
  
“Through unwavering commitment and the precise use of our forces, we stand ready to combat the transnational threats that seek to destabilize our region,” said Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander, SOUTHCOM. “The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s deployment represents a critical step in reinforcing our resolve to protect the security of the Western Hemisphere and the safety of the American Homeland.” 
  
The carrier strike group will join joint forces already in the Caribbean Sea, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and embarked marine expeditionary unit, as part of Joint Task Force Southern Spear, established to defeat and dismantle criminal networks that exploit our shared borders and maritime domains. 
  
“Our nation’s leaders have called upon the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group as the most capable, adaptable, and lethal platform in the world to be where it matters, when it matters,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12. “Our force will augment existing capabilities to protect our nation’s security and prosperity against narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.” 
  
With more than 4,000 Sailors and dozens of tactical aircraft aboard, Gerald R. Ford provides combatant commanders and America’s civilian leaders increased capacity to project power through sustained operations at sea. The first-in-class carrier can simultaneously catapult launch and recover fixed-wing aircraft on its flight deck, day or night, in support of tasked operations. 
  
After departing on deployment June 24, 2025, the carrier strike group conducted multi-domain strike group operations in the Atlantic Ocean before transiting east into the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, sailing above the Arctic Circle and throughout the Mediterranean Sea with multiple Allies and partners, participating in NATO’s Neptune Strike 25-2 and 25-3 enhanced vigilance activities, and conducting port calls in Croatia, France, Germany, Norway, and Spain. The force arrived in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility after a westbound transit through the Strait of Gibraltar, Nov. 4, and a transoceanic voyage. 
  
Alongside Gerald R. Ford, the carrier strike group brings additional capable, lethal, and adaptable warfighting assets, including the nine embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight, Destroyer Squadron Two’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72), and the integrated air and missile defense command ship USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). 
  
U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the Homeland. 
  
Operation Southern Spear is a Department of War mission to enhance security and stability across the Western Hemisphere by detecting, disrupting, and degrading transnational criminal and illicit maritime networks. This operation enhances maritime domain awareness, supports regional stability, and helps prevent illicit activity from reaching the U.S. Homeland. These efforts reflect the Department’s commitment to maintaining a safe, stable, and secure hemisphere. 

Two Aerospace Leaders Are Bringing Airborne Early Warning and Control to UAS 

From General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. 

DUBAI AIRSHOW – 17 November 2025 – Following their announcement to bring Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability to the world’s leading Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) platform, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Saab will now team up to demonstrate the capability in the summer of 2026. The demo will be conducted at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in Southern California using a GA-ASI MQ-9B equipped with AEW&C supplied by Saab.  

In partnership with Saab, a leading company in AEW&C systems, GA-ASI is pairing Saab’s AEW sensors with the world’s longest-range, highest-endurance RPA, the MQ-9B. At sea or over land, adding AEW capabilities on MQ-9B enables persistent air surveillance and enables AEW in areas of the world where it doesn’t currently exist or is unaffordable, such as for navy aircraft carriers at sea. 

“Adding AEW&C to the MQ-9B brings a critical new capability to our platform,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We want to deliver a persistent AEW&C solution to our global operators that will protect them against sophisticated cruise missiles as well as simple but dangerous drone swarms.”  

MQ-9B models include the SkyGuardian^® and SeaGuardian^®, the United Kingdom’s MQ-9B variant known as Protector, and the new MQ-9B STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) configuration currently in development. 

The AEW solution for MQ-9B will offer critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, guided missiles, drones, fighter and bomber aircraft, and other threats.  Operational availability for a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS is the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, its aircrews are not put into harm’s way.  

GA-ASI and Saab’s AEW offering will span a wide range of applications, including early detection and warning; long-range detection and tracking; and simultaneous target tracking and flexible combat system integration — all over line-of-sight and SATCOM connectivity. 

From 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Nov. 13, 2025 

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — At the request of the government of the Philippines, the U.S. military is working shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide foreign disaster relief to communities affected by consecutive Typhoons Kalmaegi (Tino) and Fung-Wong (Uwan), which caused extensive damage and tragic loss of life.  

The forward presence and ready posture of United States Indo-Pacific Command in the region facilitated a rapid and effective response to these natural disasters, demonstrating the U.S. commitment as friends, allies, and partners during times of need. 

Working in close coordination with the AFP, Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Office of Civil Defense, Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, Task Force – Philippines, and U.S. Department of State, the U.S military deployed a variety of assets and personnel to the Philippines to support with foreign disaster relief operations.  

“I have been thoroughly impressed by the preparedness and forward-leaning measures taken by the Philippine government during this situation, and we will support the lead of our Philippine counterparts as we carry out this relief mission together as a fully-aligned team,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general. “Support to our friends, allies, and partners, and their people in a time of need, is non-negotiable. Together, we are overcoming distance, weather, and logistical challenges to save lives.” 

Since Nov. 5, 2025, the U.S. military has coordinated mission planning with the Philippine government and military agencies to continue the work of providing vital supplies to regions impacted by the storm. This effort highlights the long-standing U.S.-Philippine Alliance and the shared commitment to regional resilience and humanitarian assistance. 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Nov. 14, 2025 

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  U.S. 7th Fleet held a change of command ceremony Nov. 13 at the Fleet Theater on board Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. 

Vice Adm. Patrick J. Hannifin relieved Vice Adm. Fred W. Kacher, becoming the 55th commander of the world’s largest forward-deployed naval force, U.S. 7th Fleet. 

“I’m deeply proud of our U.S. 7th Fleet ships, aircraft, and Sailors who operate forward to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Kacher. “Our goal at U.S. 7^th Fleet is that this One Team is so prepared, so ready, that every day our potential adversaries look out at what we do and how we do it and conclude, ‘today is not the day’.” 

Under Kacher’s leadership, U.S. 7th Fleet executed more than 460 operations and exercises to maintain maritime security and deter adversary aggression in the region. 

Prior to commanding U.S. 7th Fleet, Kacher served as the 64th Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. A career surface warfare officer, he served primarily on cruisers and destroyers, deploying multiple times as part of both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. At sea, he most recently served as commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7 forward deployed to the Western Pacific. Kacher’s follow-on assignment will be Director, Joint Staff. 

Hannifin began his career as an F/A-18C Hornet aviator with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27. He served as executive officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). As a flag officer, he served as deputy director for Political-Military Affairs – Asia, Joint Staff, J5, Washington, D.C.; commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked onboard Ronald Reagan; and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command director for operations, J3, Camp H.M. Smith. 

“It is a privilege to assume command of U.S. 7th Fleet-a force unmatched in power, partnership and purpose,” said Hannifin. “To the men and women of U.S. 7th Fleet, thank you for your service, toughness, and professionalism.  You hold the line.  It is an honor of a lifetime to serve with you once again.” 

Adm. Steve “Web” Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, served as guest speaker at the ceremony. 

“For more than 80 years, U.S. 7th Fleet has safeguarded freedom, security and prosperity.  U.S. 7th Fleet’s peerless capabilities are essential in the Indo-Pacific, where we have many threats and challenges,” said Koehler. “Deterrence requires a strong, combat credible force that maintains peace through strength, and is constantly ready to take the fight forward and win. U.S. 7th Fleet is that force.” 

U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit https://www.c7f.navy.mil/ . 

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Nov. 11, 2025 

The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19), operating under U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in the Gulf of America, returned to Naval Station Mayport ), along with the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 Detachment 5 and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 408 after completing a surge deployment on November 10, 2025 

U.S. Navy assets are deployed under U.S Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities with a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs or other illegal activity. USNORTHCOM is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border with additional military forces. 

“The crew of St. Louis is grateful for the opportunity to support and defend the homeland,” stated Cmdr. Lee Shewmake, commanding officer, USS St. Louis (LCS 19). “We are always ready to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to international cooperation and supporting regional security and prosperity. Our Officers and Sailors onboard welcome every opportunity to collaborate with our partners, strengthening our interoperability and shared goals in the area.” 
 
In support of USNORTHCOM’s mission to restore territorial integrity at the U.S. southern border, St. Louis reinforced the nation’s commitment to border security by enhancing maritime efforts and supporting interagency collaboration. The ship’s deployment highlights the Department of War and Navy’s dedication to national security priorities, contributing to a coordinated and robust response to combating maritime-related terrorism, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal seaborne immigration. 
 
“The U.S. Navy commends the crew of the St. Louis for their deployment in support of U.S. Northern Command’s mission,” stated Capt. Wade Smith, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2. “St. Louis reinforced our nation’s commitment to border security and 
interoperability with our partners and Allies.” 
 
St. Louis brought maritime capabilities in response to Presidential executive orders and a national emergency declaration and clarification of the military’s role in protecting the territorial integrity of the United States. 
 
A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) was embarked aboard St. Louis. Coast Guard LEDETs carry out a variety of maritime interdiction missions, including counter- piracy, military combat operations, alien migration interdiction, military force protection, counter terrorism, homeland security, and humanitarian response. 
 
USS St. Louis (LCS 19) is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 and homeported in Mayport, Fla. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants armed with capabilities to defeat challenges in the world’s littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers. 
 
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. 

From USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs, 11 November 2025 

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), entered the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR), Nov. 11. The maritime forces’ arrival comes after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the Carrier Strike Group to support the President’s directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations and counter narco-terrorism in defense of the Homeland. 

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), entered the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR), Nov. 11. 
 
The maritime forces’ arrival comes after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed the Carrier Strike Group to support the President’s directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations and counter narco-terrorism in defense of the Homeland. 
 
“The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. “These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations.” 
 
With more than 4,000 Sailors and dozens of tactical aircraft aboard, Gerald R. Ford provides combatant commanders and America’s civilian leaders increased capacity to project power through sustained operations at sea. The first-in-class carrier can simultaneously catapult launch and recover fixed-wing aircraft on its flight deck, day or night, in support of tasked operations. 
 
The carrier strike group will augment joint forces already in the area of responsibility, including the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and embarked marine expeditionary unit, under a Joint Task Force, created to defeat and dismantle criminal networks that exploit our shared borders and maritime domains. 
 
“Through unwavering commitment and the precise use of our forces, we stand ready to combat the transnational threats that seek to destabilize our region, said Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander, SOUTHCOM. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s deployment represents a critical step in reinforcing our resolve to protect the security of the Western Hemisphere and the safety of the American homeland.” 
 
Alongside Gerald R. Ford, the Carrier strike group brings additional capable, lethal, and adaptable warfighting assets including the nine embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight, Destroyer Squadron Two’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72), and the integrated air and missile defense command ship USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). 
 
The embarked squadrons aboard Gerald R. Ford include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, VFA 37, and VFA 87, flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet; VFA 213, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet; Electronic Attack Squadron 142, flying the E/A-18G Growler; Airborne Command and Control Squadron 124, flying the airborne command and control E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, flying the MH-60S Seahawk; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, flying the MH-60R Seahawk; and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, flying the Carrier Onboard Delivery C-2A Greyhound. 
 
The destroyers in company bring anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface capabilities including the Aegis Combat System, missile vertical launch systems, and various large-mount guns. As the IAMDC, Winston S. Churchill leads the strike group’s air and ballistic-missile defense. 
 
The U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility encompasses 31 countries and 12 dependencies and areas of special sovereignty. The region represents about one-sixth of the landmass of the world assigned to regional unified commands. USSOUTHCOM´s Area of Responsibility includes the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico, the waters adjacent to Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea. 
 
U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. Inquiries may be submitted to [email protected].  

From U.S. 4th Fleet, Nov. 12, 2025 

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) returned to Naval Station Mayport after completing a 91-day surge deployment in the U.S. Fourth Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). 

While assigned to Destroyer Squadron 40 (DESRON 40), the ship conducted a variety of multi-domain operations and joint training events. The crew qualified for both the U.S. Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon and the Sea Service Ribbon for its support of interagency operations while deployed. 

“I am incredibly proud of my entire crew aboard Jason Dunham,” said Cmdr. Aaron Jefferson III, USS Jason Dunham’s Commanding Officer. “Successfully completing our surge deployment to Fourth Fleet is yet another example of their unmatched resilience and professionalism.” 

The ship’s embarked helicopter detachment, HSM-48 Detachment 7, flew 121 sorties while integrating airborne tactical scouting to extend the ship’s maritime domain awareness and reach. 

“Over the course of their deployment to the USSOUTHCOM AOR, Jason Dunham and her exceptional crew exemplified the strength of American naval sea power and international cooperation,” said Capt. Anthony James, commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. “Their efforts reflect the strength of our commitment to maritime security and cooperation with allies and partners in the region.” 

Jason Dunham conducted port visits to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Ponce, Puerto Rico; and Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, enhancing logistical sustainment and regional security cooperation. 

“Our team’s presence in the Caribbean is a clear demonstration of the Navy’s ability to deploy forces anywhere in the world to protect the interests of the American people,” said Jefferson. 

USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) is assigned to Commander Naval Surface Group Southeast and homeported in Mayport, Florida. As an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham is a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare operations, supporting the U.S. Navy’s goals of forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. 

Coast Guard Oceania District External Affairs, Nov. 13, 2025 

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard detected and monitored a Russian military vessel operating near U.S. territorial waters approximately 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. 
 
A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) responded to the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, by conducting a safe and professional overflight and transiting near the vessel. 
 
Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the Russian vessel’s activities near U.S. territorial waters to provide maritime security for U.S. vessels operating in the area and to support U.S. homeland defense efforts. 
 
“The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters,” said Capt. Matthew Chong, chief of response, Coast Guard Oceania District. “Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests.” 
 
Coast Guard Oceania District works in conjunction with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and interagency partners to constantly monitor the activity of foreign military vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters, including the waters of U.S. territories Guam and American Samoa, to ensure homeland security and defense. 
 
Under customary international law, foreign military vessels are permitted to transit and operate outside other nations’ territorial seas, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from shore. 

NASSCO currently under contract to build 17 of the Navy’s 20-ship program of record, and has delivered four to date. 

 
From NASSCO 

SAN DIEGO, November 10, 2025 – General Dynamics NASSCO, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today that it has been awarded $1.7 billion for the construction of T-AO 215 and T-AO 216. The ships are part of NASSCO’s current multi-ship contract from the U.S. Navy for the construction of up to eight additional John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers (T-AO 214 through 221).  

“The T-AO program holds significant importance to the men and women of NASSCO and is one we take great pride in – it’s the longest running Navy production series in NASSCO history,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “The timely funding for these two ships will act to stabilize the workforce by sustaining an important backlog and prevent future layoffs. Our entire NASSCO team is honored to continue to support the critical national security mission of the U.S.  Navy.” 

In 2016, the Navy awarded NASSCO with a contract to design and build the first six ships in the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class. In 2022, that contract was modified to add an additional three oilers (T-AO 211 – 213). In 2024 NASSCO received an additional eight-ship contract to build T-AOs 10-17. 

Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil and significant amounts of dry cargo, as well as providing aviation capability while traveling at speeds up to 20 knots. 

The first four ships of the program have been delivered to the U.S. Navy, with five additional T-AOs currently under construction in the NASSCO shipyard.  

From Seebyte, Nov. 11, 2025 

SeeByte, a UK-based leader in advanced maritime defence and uncrewed systems technology, is proud to announce the signing of a representative agreement with BlueZone Group, a trusted Australian defence solutions provider. This partnership is a pivotal step in enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s operational edge through cutting-edge autonomous maritime technologies. 

By appointing BlueZone Group as its official representative in Australia, SeeByte is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s focus on future force readiness, autonomous systems integration, and maintaining strategic advantage in the maritime domain. 

Under this agreement, BlueZone Group will represent SeeByte in Australia, acting as its exclusive local representative across government, defence, and industry engagements. This includes supporting business development, strategic partnerships, and programme delivery in the maritime domain, with a focus on autonomous platforms, mission systems, C2 integration, and ISR capabilities. 

“As we expand our operational footprint in the Indo-Pacific, we are pleased to formalise this partnership with BlueZone Group” said Robert Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at SeeByte. “Australia is a pivotal strategic region for SeeByte, and this collaboration helps empower them with cutting-edge technology, strengthening sovereign capability, and advancing combat readiness.” 

“We look forward to representing SeeByte and supporting their integration into the Australian defence ecosystem. Their cutting-edge technology and operational experience will add significant value to Australia’s future capability landscape”, said Neil Hodges, Managing Director at BlueZone Group. 

The agreement enhances SeeByte’s ability to engage directly with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and key stakeholders supporting AUKUS Pillar II initiatives.