Department of the Navy Honors 250 Years of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps on Veterans Day 

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force present the ceremonial birthday cake during I MEF’s 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center, California, Nov. 1, 2025.  (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nan Yang)

From Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Nov. 5, 2025 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Veterans Day, the Department of the Navy commemorates 250 years of American seapower with “Above, Below, and Beyond,” a two-hour Presidential special airing Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, on Fox Nation.  

A once-in-a-generation broadcast, the special takes viewers behind the scenes of the world’s preeminent maritime force; revealing never-before-seen footage, rare access, and first-hand accounts from Sailors, Marines, and the families who stand the watch with them. 

Using never-before-seen footage, viewers will see dynamic Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber; a rare look at how our sea services deliver peace through strength.  

Filmed across the nation and around the globe, the special moves from the decks of aircraft carriers to the depths of submarine commands, offering an inside view of the operations that keep the Navy–Marine Corps team the most lethal and vital force in America’s arsenal so when the world looks to the sea, it sees our flag, and behind it a team that is disciplined, lethal, and dominant.  

It also spotlights the men and women of American industry: the shipyard workers, welders, pipefitters, electricians, engineers, and suppliers, whose craftsmanship turns steel into ships and keeps the Fleet at sea. 

Viewers will witness seapower at speed—carrier strike groups executing blue-water power projection, amphibious forces driving ship-to-shore operations in contested littorals, and elite naval aviators flying precision profiles inside the Navy’s TOPGUN training squadron.  

The two-hour special shows the world that the United States Navy – Marine Corps Team has been the enduring, forward deployed force that keeps danger far from our shores.  Across these two hours, the Navy–Marine Corps team will show why the United States commands the seas, secures global trade, and sets the course for the future. 

We show the world that ‘freedom isn’t free’ is not just a tagline.  

“In 1775, the Founders made a bet; that America’s future would be written at sea. For 250 years, Sailors and Marines have written freedom’s story from the front lines of history,” said John C. Phelan, Secretary of the Navy. “To be a superpower, you must be a seapower. In this tribute, we show the world and our adversaries that America’s Navy–Marine Corps team and their families is what makes America a superpower. This honors both those in uniform and the families who give them strength. The next century of American seapower won’t be defined by a single platform, but by the character of our people.”  

Featuring participation from the President, Vice President, Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy alongside active-duty service members and veterans, “Above, Below, and Beyond” spans every domain of modern seapower. 

This special reminds the world that freedom is not free; it’s defended by the strength of America’s Navy and Marine Corps team. We safeguard something infinitely greater than our might. Their resolve keeps the future open and ensures the blessings our Founders promised: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Viewers will see carrier strike groups protecting vital sea lanes; Marines conducting expeditionary training alongside allies; and the shipbuilders, engineers, logisticians, and families whose quiet professionalism sustains the Fleet. It is a living portrait of American seapower: past, present, and the future we are building now. 

“For 250 years, America’s Navy and Marine Corps have stood the watch—bold, resilient, and always ready—protecting our Nation and defending the ideals of freedom across every domain,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations. “This tribute honors not only our history, but the extraordinary Sailors and Marines who continue to shape our future with innovation, courage, and an unbreakable commitment to service.” 

“The Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary is a testament to our enduring legacy as the Nation’s expeditionary force, always ready to answer the Nation’s call,” said Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps. “As we celebrate this historic milestone, we honor our past and those who have gone before us. We reaffirm our commitment to our culture, one another, our Corps, and our Nation.” 

For more than two centuries, the Navy–Marine Corps team has ensured freedom of navigation, safeguarded global commerce, and provided the Nation unmatched capability to deter aggression and respond to crisis. With two-thirds of trade and 80% of goods moving by sea, the maritime security provided by our Navy- Marine Corps team is the backbone of prosperity and deterrence. 

Today, they continue to adapt—advancing shipbuilding, unmanned systems, hypersonics, AI, and cyber defense so America’s maritime dominance endures into the two hundred and fifty years and beyond. 




GE Aerospace and Shield AI to Collaborate on Propulsion for X-BAT Vehicle Program 

From GE Aerospace 

CINCINNATI – November 5, 2025 – GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) and Shield AI have agreed to collaborate on propulsion technologies for Shield AI’s new X-BAT vehicle program. Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the F110-GE-129 engine, featuring the advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN), has been selected to power the X-BAT. GE Aerospace will provide propulsion and testing support for the X-BAT program. 

“We’re excited to pair GE Aerospace’s proven experience in developing and scaling propulsion systems with Shield AI’s vehicle development to move faster from concept to capability,” said Amy Gowder, president and CEO, Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. “Together, we’re helping redefine how advanced propulsion technologies are integrated into autonomous systems built for the mission. Collaborating with Shield AI underscores GE Aerospace’s commitment to advancing propulsion for next-generation autonomous systems.” 

Unveiled on October 21 in Washington, D.C., X-BAT is an AI-piloted vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jet by Shield AI engineered for contested and austere environments. Powered by Shield AI’s proven Hivemind autonomy software, X-BAT delivers scalable, survivable combat mass in contested environments and can operate independently or as a drone wingman. 
 
“GE Aerospace’s F110 engine is one of the most successful and reliable fighter engines in history and has the operability characteristics that X-BAT’s VTOL design demands. GE Aerospace has been a great partner, and we are excited by the potential of our combined team,” said Armor Harris, senior vice president of aircraft engineering at Shield AI. 

By pairing GE Aerospace’s expertise in propulsion development, testing, and certification with Shield AI’s proven autonomous aircraft technology, the partnership will accelerate development and readiness for future unmanned applications. 

The GE Aerospace F110 engine has more than 11 million flight hours under its wing, the most thrust in its class, and recently celebrated a milestone of 40 years of continuous production and improvement. The Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) for X-BAT provides thrust vectoring capability for vertical flight and enhances maneuverability in horizontal flight.  

This announcement builds on GE Aerospace’s growing portfolio of partnerships that align with our commitment to advance technologies to support the future of flight and propulsion. As demand grows for affordable, reliable propulsion solutions across both manned and unmanned defense applications, GE Aerospace remains focused on solutions that meet the mission needs of today while shaping the future of flight. 




Coast Guard Sets Record with Amount of Cocaine Seized in FY25 

From Headquarters, U.S. Coast Guard, Nov. 6, 2025 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday it seized nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean during fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the largest amount in the Service’s history.   

On average, the Coast Guard seizes 167,000 pounds of cocaine annually. The amount seized in FY25 is over three times that amount, and equivalent to 193 million potentially lethal doses (1.2 grams), enough to endanger over half of the U.S. population.  

 “The Coast Guard’s top priority is to achieve complete operational control of the U.S. border and maritime approaches,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard. “We own the sea, and this historic amount of cocaine seized shows we are defeating narco-terrorist and cartel operations to protect our communities and keep dangerous drugs off our streets.”   

Detecting and interdicting narco-terrorism on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force-South, based in Key West, Florida, detects and monitors both aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension.  

The Coast Guard is the United States’ lead federal agency for maritime drug interdiction. We are part of the Department of Homeland Security team protecting our nation and are at all times a military service and part of the joint force defending it.   




BMT, Teledyne Marine Announce Memorandum of Understanding 

LONDON, UK, Nov. 6, 2025 – BMT is delighted to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Teledyne Marine Vehicles group which includes Iceland-based Teledyne Gavia and North Falmouth, MA based Teledyne Webb Research, laying the foundation for strategic alignment and close collaboration on future projects in the maritime autonomy space.  

  

This MoU builds on an established relationship, through which BMT has provided specialist technical consultancy to Teledyne Marine Vehicles in support of underwater autonomy programmes in both the UK and internationally. This includes expertise in through-life support and cyber security, as well as the delivery of a Safety and Environmental Case Review (SECR) for the UK Ministry of Defence, ensuring the platform’s operational safety and environmental compliance. 

Will Alexander, BMT’s Maritime Autonomous Systems Lead, explains: 

“BMT and Teledyne Marine bring extensive complementary expertise into this market, empowering us to think innovatively and overcome challenges as the strategic shift to integrate autonomous systems across naval operations continues at pace. 

As an independent consultancy with deep domain expertise, BMT offers comprehensive technical support in maritime autonomous systems across the asset lifecycle. From the design stage through development, testing, assurance and operation we support customers leverage new technology to deliver cost effective, safe and sustainable marine operations.” 

Teledyne Marine has established itself as a market leader in the production of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), including the Gavia, Osprey, and SeaRaptor class AUVs and Slocum gliders and APEX floats, which are currently in use with the UK Royal Navy and deployed widely with other military, commercial, and scientific users worldwide. 

Arnar Steingrimsson, VP of Sales, Marine Vehicles, of Teledyne Marine, adds: 

“We greatly value the close working relationship that Teledyne has had with BMT on successful UUV projects for the UK Ministry of Defence and other NATO members. Industry collaboration is the key to managing today’s rapidly evolving market dynamics and meeting increased demand from naval users. Teledyne looks forward to building on the work to date with BMT to better serve our joint NATO and international unmanned systems customers.” 

Paul Haycock, BMT’s Senior Account Manager – Defence Industry, concludes: 

“This collaboration reflects both companies’ shared commitment to addressing today’s challenges to shape a more innovative and resilient future. With a wealth of combined underwater domain experience, we are perfectly positioned to help our customers address evolving threats, enhance their operational capabilities and leverage maritime autonomy for reconfigurable, cost-efficient, scalable and adaptable fleet operations.” 




SubSea Craft, Greenroom Robotics Strengthen AUKUS Technology Ecosystem 

Aligned with the vision of AUKUS Pillar 2, SSC has self-funded the design and build of three advanced platforms - MARS, VICTA, and CADDIS. Encompassing stated AUKUS priorities such as Maritime Autonomy, Rapid Capability Delivery and Manned/Unmanned teaming (MUM-T), SSC and Greenroom technologies have already been demonstrated and validated in Australia and the United States, proving their ability to deliver real operational impact for the warfighter. 

  

The new agreement will advance the MARS platform through integration of Greenroom Robotics’ world-leading autonomous technology, while opening further opportunities for joint development in Australia.  

  

The MARS platform has undergone extensive testing in Tasmania Australia, a region uniquely positioned for maritime innovation. Tasmania’s nine deregulated waterways provide a unique environment for prototype development, allowing testing in a diverse range of environments with multiple depths and water speeds. This flexibility has accelerated validation and refinement, moving the platform rapidly towards broader deployment. 

  

As Indo-Pacific maritime environments become increasingly complex, this partnership brings together leading-edge technologies and operational experience to enhance AUKUS’ shared maritime security and resilience. 

  

Camilla Martin, CEO of SubSea Craft, said: 

“This teaming agreement is another step in strengthening the AUKUS ecosystem and will be crucial to our success as a credible partner to the AUKUS nations. Agility is key. To meet the pace that the warfighter deserves, it is vital we work with leading technology companies, pooling knowledge and expertise in support of those on the frontline.” 

  

Through collaboration with partners like Greenroom, SSC is building more than individual platforms, it is contributing to an AUKUS-wide innovation ecosystem, where technologies are designed in the UK, co-developed in Australia, and integrated with US payloads. This approach ensures that capabilities are not only cutting-edge, but mission-relevant, scalable and available when most needed. 

  

Harry Hubbert, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Greenroom Robotics, said the partnership sets a new standard for next-generation naval interoperability.  
 

“We are proud that Greenroom’s advanced maritime autonomy has been chosen to power SubSea Craft’s pioneering MARS platform,” said Mr Hubbert. “The rapid delivery of proven capability is critical for protecting our maritime environments. This partnership will deliver force multiplier effects to secure our vast oceans.” He added that “the MARS uncrewed surface vessel enables powerful human-machine teaming, helping to keep people, our forces most valuable assets, out of harm’s way.” 




U.S. Department of Transportation Draws Record Turnout at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s Industry Day 

180 participants were onsite to learn about the Academy’s Campus Modernization Plan and federal contracting opportunities in engineering, design, construction, and modernization services 

From the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs 

KINGS POINT, NEW YORK – The U.S. Department of Transportation drew a record turnout at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s Industry Day, welcoming 180 participants from 90 firms to learn about the Academy’s Campus Modernization Plan (CMP) and upcoming federal contracting opportunities. President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring Maritime Dominance dedicated an entire section to the modernization of the Academy. 

“Modernizing our historic campus is not just about new buildings — it’s about investing in America’s future and restoring our maritime dominance,” said Captain Tony Ceraolo, Acting Superintendent at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “I’m proud to see so many great minds from the private sector coming together to want to help create a campus that will inspire innovation, make our nation more competitive, and prepare the next generation of American leaders.” 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented the CMP and the upcoming federal contracting opportunities in engineering, design, construction, and modernization services. Participants were also given a tour of the historic campus and joined a Q&A session. 




Coast Guard Cutter Campbell Returns Home After 54-Day Maritime Border Security Patrol

A overloaded Haitian sailing vessel underway approximately 40 miles east of Great Inagua, The Bahamas, September 21, 2025. A forward deployed U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew spotted the vessel during a routine surveillance flight along the Florida Straits. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) 

From U.S. Coast Northeast District

NEWPORT, R.I. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WMEC 909) returned to their homeport at U.S. Naval Station Newport, Monday, following a 54-day maritime border security patrol in the Windward Passage. 

Campbell’s crew deployed to the Coast Guard District Southeast area of responsibility in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry, where crews advanced the primary missions of protecting the safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry into the United States and its territories. 
 
On Sept. 21, Campbell’s crew coordinated with an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew from Aviation Training Center Mobile to interdict an unsafe, overloaded Haitian sailing vessel with 103 aliens aboard approximately 15 miles from Turks and Caicos. After interdicting the vessel, Campbell’s crew provided life jackets for the aliens and ensured their safety while coordinating with the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, who towed the vessel back to the island of Providenciales for further processing. 

“This interdiction demonstrates the power of teamwork and international cooperation,” said Cmdr. Krystyn Pecora, commanding officer of Campbell. “Our combined efforts helped to support the Coast Guard’s ongoing mission of deterring illegal maritime migration and ensuring the safety of life at sea. I could not be prouder of this crew’s hard work and dedication throughout this deployment in ensuring Campbell remained mission ready.” 

While underway, Campbell’s crew served as the lead task unit in the Windward Passage, coordinating the tactical employment of additional Coast Guard assets to detect, deter and intercept unsafe and illegal alien migration activity. 

OVS is a Department of Homeland Security-led operation comprised of federal, state and local partners, responsible for preventing and responding to maritime migration. OVS, previously known as Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, was established in 2003 and is comprised of more than 50 federal, state and local agencies.     
 
CGD-SE is responsible for Coast Guard activities throughout a 1.7 million square mile area including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, as well as 34 foreign nations and territories.   

Campbell is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter commissioned in 1988. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug, alien interdiction and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. The cutter falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area based in Portsmouth, Virginia.   




HII, Shield AI Successfully Combine Proven Autonomy in USV Operations

Release From HII

SYDNEY, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) and Shield AI announced today at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition that they have successfully completed the first major test of their integrated autonomy solution aboard HII’s ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel (USV), marking a key step toward operational deployment of the AI-enabled ROMULUS fleet. 

The three-day test, conducted in late October in Virginia Beach, Virginia, integrated Shield AI’s combat-proven Hivemind autonomy software, using the Hivemind Enterprise software development kit (SDK), with HII’s Odyssey autonomy suite onboard a ROMULUS 20 USV. The test also marked the first maritime deployment of Hivemind, which enables AI-powered mission autonomy across domains. 

This milestone was achieved less than six weeks after the companies announced their partnership, demonstrating rapid adaptability, advanced capabilities, and strong collaboration between the two defense technology leaders. 

“This collaboration between HII and Shield AI showcases how adaptable autonomy frameworks can accelerate development,” said Andy Green, president of HII’s Mission Technologies division. “Using the Hivemind Enterprise SDK, our teams integrated capabilities quickly and effectively. The successful deployment on ROMULUS 20 validates the power of this partnership and paves the way for even greater autonomy across the ROMULUS fleet.” 

ROMULUS is a modular, high-performance USV line built on commercial-standard hulls for fast production and operational flexibility. The lead vessel, ROMULUS 190, is currently under construction. Designed to exceed 25 knots and operate up to 2,500 nautical miles, ROMULUS 190 will carry four 40-foot ISO containers and feature both Odyssey and Hivemind for next-gen autonomous performance. 

Hivemind enables unmanned systems to perform complex missions even in GPS- and communications-denied environments. Proven in aerial operations, Hivemind is now expanding into the maritime domain through this partnership with HII, supporting rapid development and deployment of autonomous capabilities across domains. Under this partnership, Hivemind and Odyssey will integrate into the ROMULUS fleet to operate seamlessly alongside crewed strike groups and surface action groups, while also enabling multi-agent autonomy and intelligent operations. 

“Delivering autonomy across domains is key to maintaining a credible deterrent posture in today’s complex geopolitical environment. Each integration strengthens Hivemind’s role as the leading autonomy solution for defense systems,” said Nathan Michael, Shield AI’s chief technology officer and head of the Hivemind business unit. “Through close collaboration with HII and the shared use of Shield AI’s modular, open architecture SDK, we integrated advanced maritime capabilities in less than six weeks — work that typically takes months or years. We look forward to continuing to expand multi-domain autonomy together.” 

Shield AI’s Hivemind mission autonomy software and HII’s Odyssey suite will deliver next-generation autonomous solutions. By combining Shield AI’s advanced autonomy with HII’s decades of maritime expertise as America’s largest shipbuilder and leading global maritime unmanned vehicle provider, the two companies aim to accelerate autonomy across domains and platforms. 

About ROMULUS and ODYSSEY 

ROMULUS, developed with support from HII’s Dark Sea Labs Advanced Technology Group and powered by HII’s Odyssey autonomy software, is capable of manned-unmanned teaming and collaborative operations with unmanned vehicles across all domains. HII’s Odyssey autonomy software is deployed on over 35 USV platforms and over 750 REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), across 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, and enables rapid integration of sensors and payloads for flexible mission design, enhancing the capability and effectiveness of today’s naval fleets. 




New GA-ASI Gambit 6 UCAV Adds Air-to-Ground Operations for International CCA 

Release From General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. 

SAN DIEGO – Nov. 4, 2025 – The latest iteration of the innovative Gambit Series of unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is Gambit 6, a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) that adds air-to-ground operations to its already proven air-to-air capability. The multi-role platform is optimized for roles such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and deep precision strike, making it a versatile option for evolving defense needs. 

Air forces throughout the world are looking to air-to-ground-capable CCAs to enhance operational capabilities and address emerging threats in a denied environment. Gambit 6 is being developed to meet the corresponding need for adaptability, scalability, and mission-specific performance. 

“These are real threats, and they require real solutions,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The modular architecture and signature-reducing internal weapons bay of Gambit 6 allow for easy integration of advanced autonomy, sensors, and weapons systems, ensuring the aircraft can adapt to a wide range of operational scenarios.” 

Airframes will be available for international procurement starting in 2027, with European missionized versions deliverable in 2029. GA-ASI is building industry partnerships throughout Europe with the aim of providing sovereign capabilities for all its platforms. 

GA-ASI’s Gambit Series envisions multiple CCA variants rapidly reconfigured from a common core, enabling substantial commonality for rapid and affordable production at scale.  

The Gambit Series is a modular family of unmanned aircraft designed to meet diverse mission requirements, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; multi-domain combat; advanced training; and stealth reconnaissance. It’s built around a common core platform that accounts for a significant proportion of the aircraft’s hardware, including the landing gear, baseline avionics, and chassis. This shared foundation reduces costs, increases interoperability, and accelerates the development of mission-specific variants like Gambit 6. 

By leveraging specialized configurations and advanced autonomy, Gambit aircraft offer tailored capabilities that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve survivability in contested environments. One Gambit derivative is the U.S. Air Force’s YFQ-42A, developed as part of that service’s effort to field an AI-enabled uncrewed wingman. Based off the original Gambit 2 concept, the YFQ-42A is designed to complement human-crewed fighters like the F-35 and Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) systems, expanding sensing, weapons capacity, and survivability in contested airspace. 

The original concept for Gambit was announced three years ago and was based on four models. Gambit 1 is a nimble sensing platform optimized for long endurance; Gambit 2 adds the provision for air-to-air weapons; Gambit 3 looks much like Gambit 2 but is optimized for a complex adversary air role; Gambit 4 is a combat reconnaissance-focused model with no tail and swept wings. Then in 2024, GA-ASI announced Gambit 5 for ship-based CCA operations.  




HII Welcomes UK’s Westley Group as Strategic Supplier, Strengthening Submarine Supply Chain

Release From HII

SYDNEY, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, HII (NYSE: HII) announced the addition of Westley Group, a leading United Kingdom-based manufacturer of high-integrity metal castings, as a strategic supplier supporting the U.S. Navy’s submarine industrial base. 

This milestone marks another step forward in advancing allied defense collaboration under the AUKUS trilateral partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Westley Group is now approved by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, builder of nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers for the U.S. Navy, to deliver critical castings for U.S. Navy platforms. 

“Consistent with the need to have a more integrated supply chain, creating this new supplier that builds essential components adds to the incremental volume required to construct more submarines to meet national security needs,” said Matt Mulherin Jr., HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division vice president of supply chain and strategic sourcing. “This benefits everyone in the partnership and is a key step toward strengthening and creating a more robust supplier network to meet the expanded need for nuclear-powered submarines.” 

The partnership underscores HII’s commitment to expanding industrial integration across AUKUS nations and building a more resilient, globally connected supply chain to support submarine program execution. 

This collaboration highlights deepening industrial integration under the AUKUS framework and strengthens collective readiness across the trilateral partnership.