Release from U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area 

***** 

Oct. 18, 2023 

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) returned to their Alameda homeport Wednesday following a 23,000-mile, multi-month Western Pacific patrol operating in support of U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet by conducting multiple engagements with partner nations promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 
Munro departed Alameda in June and was the Coast Guard’s third national security cutter deployed to the Indo-Pacific region this year. 
 
The Indo-Pacific region stretches from the United States Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean; it is home to over half of the world’s population and accounts for two-thirds of the global economy. 
 
Throughout the 118-day patrol, Munro participated in international engagements in Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and with ships at sea from the Royal Thai Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy.  

“This opportunity to work with our allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific increased our regional interoperability and sharpened our seamanship,” said Capt. Rula Deisher, Munro’s commanding officer. “We thoroughly enjoyed conducting professional exchanges, improving maritime capabilities, and strengthening maritime governance in the region by fostering global connectivity, facilitating cohesion and steps taken towards ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.” 
 
While in Yokosuka, Japan, Munro hosted a luncheon aboard with several key members of the Japan Coast Guard to discuss Operation Solid Alliance for Peace and Prosperity with Humanity and Integrity on the Rule of law-based Engagement (SAPPHIRE). SAPPHIRE is a joint agreement between the U.S. and Japan Coast Guards signed in 2022 to enhance cooperation between the two sea services. 
 
Munro’s crew had the opportunity to engage with members of the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) and tour the KCG’s Academy and training ship while in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea. At sea, Munro and the Korea Coast Guard vessel KCG 3011 (Badaro) conducted a joint harbor sail, including ship maneuvers and small boat operations. 
 
Munro conducted a port call in Malaysia, the U.S. Coast Guard’s first cutter to visit the country since 2020. While there, crewmembers interacted with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and conducted several subject matter expert exchanges at the MMEA’s training academy. Additionally, Munro hosted key leaders aboard for a luncheon and tour aboard the cutter. 
 
At sea, Munro participated in the Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative (SEAMLEI) in the Gulf of Thailand with Royal Thai and Malaysian Navies. SEAMLEI included mock boardings, flight operations, and formation steaming. 
 
In Singapore, crewmembers engaged with members from the Information Fusion Center, U.S. Navy League, and Singapore Maritime & Port Authority personnel, as well as serving in a community relations event where the crew constructed desks and other furniture for a local school. 
 
Munro’s last port call in the region was in Brunei, where the crew participated in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the first U.S. Coast Guard asset to do so in 23 years. Munro worked with the Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Brunei Department of Fisheries, Brunei Military Police, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy, conducting subject matter expert exchanges and exercises. During the at-sea portion of CARAT, Munro trained with a Royal Brunei Navy Patrol Vessel, Royal Brunei Air Force S-70 helicopter, and U.S. Navy P-8, conducting shipboard maneuvers and search and rescue exercises. 
 
Named after Signalman First Class Douglas Munro, Munro is one of four Coast Guard national security cutters homeported in Alameda. The cutter’s namesake is the Coast Guard’s only Medal of Honor recipient. He was awarded for his actions and sacrifice in the defense, rescue, and evacuation of a U.S. Marine battalion from Point Cruz at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942. 
 
National security cutters are the largest and most technologically sophisticated cutters in the Coast Guard’s white-hull fleet. National security cutters can operate in the most demanding open ocean environments, including the North Pacific’s hazardous fisheries and the Southern Pacific’s vast approaches, where much of the American narcotics trafficking occurs. With robust command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment, stern boat launch and aviation facilities, as well as long-endurance station keeping, national security cutters are an afloat operational-level headquarters for complex law enforcement and national security missions involving multiple Coast Guard and partner agency participation. 

Release from HII 

***** 

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Mission Technologies division hosted a ceremony to mark the opening of the company’s new engineering facility in Syracuse, expanding the company’s presence in the region. 

“This facility serves as a hub for integrating various technologies that play a direct role in bolstering national security,” said Mission Technologies President Andy Green during the ceremony. “It’s a place where imagination, innovation and collaboration converge. Here in Syracuse, New York, the finest minds are ready to carry out HII’s mission – providing the edge to our warfighters. We’re thrilled to be doing this work here and sharing it with you today.” 

Mission Technologies in New York has approximately 200 engineers and technicians supporting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare work in Syracuse and Rome, New York. 

Dino Cencetti, vice president of operations in Mission Technologies’ C5ISR business group, noted the mission-critical work they do for all branches of the U.S. military and other national security agencies. 

Photos and videos accompanying this news release are available at https://hii.com/news/hii-expands-presence-with-new-advance-technology-facility-in-downtown-syracuse/ 

“We are doing new and amazing things here in this building,” Cencetti said. “We are really looking forward to the fulfillment of the downtown revitalization and continuing to grow the defense industrial base in Syracuse, supporting the new ‘Your State’ technology corridor.” 

HII develops integrated solutions that enable today’s connected, all-domain force. Capabilities include C5ISR systems and operations; the application of AI and machine learning to battlefield decisions; defensive and offensive cyberspace strategies and electronic warfare; unmanned autonomous systems; live, virtual and constructive solutions; fleet modernization; and critical nuclear operations. 

Release from Vice Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs 

***** 

Oct. 18, 2023 

ATLANTIC OCEAN – Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith embarked HMS Prince of Wales (PWLS) and met with Royal Navy First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Sir Ben Key to sign an updated strategic charter, Oct. 18. 

The charter, known as “Delivering Combined Seapower” or DCS, is a bilateral tri-service strategic approach plan that supports cooperation, collaboration, and integration among U.S. and U.K. maritime services.  

First signed in 2014, DCS was introduced to build and sustain interoperability between the U.S. and U.K. fleets. 

The updated document includes a shared vision to enable the next level of interoperability the joint force requires, acceleration of U.S.-U.K. interchangeability, and underscores the collective dedication to safeguarding global maritime interests and promoting a rules-based international order. 

“‘Delivering’ is the key word here,” said Franchetti.  “The U.S. and U.K are providing real, operationally relevant capabilities that are making a difference on the oceans every single day.  This document reflects the significant progress we’ve made since the original charter nine years ago and clearly articulates how we will advance and expand our interchangeability and deliver combined seapower going forward.” 

Key emphasized the importance of this renewed alliance, “This Charter is testament to the enduring strength of the relationship between our navies and marines. By aligning our strategies and capabilities, we strengthen our ability to deter threats, respond to crises, and promote stability across the world’s oceans. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our collective effectiveness, create opportunities to work ever more closely together, and promote our shared values.” 

Although the U.S. Marine Corps has participated in U.S.- U.K. DCS Strategic Dialogues, this revision marks the first time the U.S. Marine Corps has been formally incorporated into the charter. 

“I’m proud to be in this endeavor with Adm. Franchetti and Adm. Key,” said Smith. “Both countries’ Marines and Sailors have long-enjoyed a unique bond. We need to continue moving toward full interoperability, which includes maximizing our information sharing, training on each other’s platforms, and finding novel ways to integrate at the staff and warfighter level. This charter is a real step forward toward that goal.”  

 
Throughout the days’ events the leaders observed a demonstration of F-35B operations onboard HMS PWLS, and discussed maritime strategies, warfighting concepts, and future force design.  

The U.S. and U.K. naval forces regularly operate together around the globe, and Franchetti and Smith last met with Key in September at the 25^th International Seapower Symposium in Newport, Rhode Island.  

Release from U.S. 6th Fleet 

***** 

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mario Coto, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) 

GAETA, Italy – The U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) departed Gaeta, Italy, Oct. 18, 2023, in support of U.S. operations in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. 

Mount Whitney is forward deployed to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where it engages with Allies and partners in support of maritime operations, which encompasses naval diplomacy and national efforts to build comprehensive U.S. and Allied maritime power. 

The ship operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. 

For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 

Release from Saildrone

***** 

The milestone underscores the reliability of the vehicle, and confirms Saildrone’s position as the only proven long-range, long-endurance uncrewed platform. 

(October 17, 2023 – ALAMEDA, California) – Saildrone is excited to announce another major milestone: Its fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) has surpassed an incredible cumulative distance of 1,000,000 nautical miles during more than 32,000 days at sea, deployed on missions around the globe. 

Equivalent to circumnavigating the Earth 48 times and almost 89 years at sea for a single vehicle, this achievement demonstrates the scale of Saildrone’s operations and the tireless efforts of its team to push the boundaries and capabilities of uncrewed systems. 

The record was achieved exactly 10 years after the company’s first major milestone, when the very first Saildrone USV sailed from San Francisco to Hawaii in October 2013. The 2,200-nautical mile journey took just 34 days. 

Over the past decade, Saildrone has gone from strength to strength, pushing boundaries in the harshest environments on the planet, from the ice edge in the Arctic to the mountainous seas of the Southern Ocean, and even through a Category 4 hurricane. The Saildrone fleet now numbers 136 vehicles and consists of three different size variants. 

“Evolving the Saildrone design, capabilities, and team has been an incredible journey,” said Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins. “This million-nautical-mile milestone is a huge achievement in a relatively short time frame. It underscores the reliability we have achieved and confirms our unique position as the only proven long-range, long-dwell USV.” 

Powered primarily by renewable wind and solar energy, Saildrone USVs are equipped with state-of-the-science sensors that measure ocean environment parameters. From its origins in science and fisheries, Saildrone has expanded its capabilities to include ocean mapping,  maritime security, and defense applications. 

Saildrone’s fleet is growing rapidly: the company is building one mid-size 10-meter (33-foot) Voyager per week and one large-size 20-meter (65-foot) Surveyor per month. 

‍Saildrone provides comprehensive data solutions for science, commercial, and defense applications, enabling real-time access to critical data from any ocean on Earth. Proprietary software applications and machine learning technology transform that data into actionable insights and intelligence for maritime security, ocean mapping, and research. Saildrone’s fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), powered by renewable wind and solar power, are designed to scale ocean data collection with a minimum carbon footprint. Saildrone vehicles operate 24/7/365, without the need for a crewed support vessel, and have sailed more than 1,000,000 nautical miles from the Arctic to the Antarctic and spent over 32,000 days at sea in the harshest ocean conditions on the planet. 

Release from HII

***** 

Contract Extends HII’s ISR Mission Support Across Domains 

MCLEAN, Va., (Oct. 17, 2023) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Mission Technologies division was awarded a $244 million task order to integrate Minotaur software products into maritime platforms for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard. 

HII was awarded this contract under the Department of Defense (DoD) Information Analysis Center’s (IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle.  IAC MAC task orders are awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the Defense Technical Information Center repository and the research and development and science and technology community. 

Under the Naval Air Systems Command task order, HII will perform research, development, test and evaluation to facilitate the integration of Minotaur Family of Services products into the services’ maritime platforms to meet intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance warfighting requirements. 

Minotaur products support the warfighter by enhancing sensor performance and presenting data from multiple types of sensors, including radar and C5ISR equipment, into a single common operating picture and transmitting that data to other platforms and units during operations. 

HII has been the first and only industry prime developer of Minotaur since the program was first awarded to industry in 2020. 

The contract has a five-year period of performance, with work conducted at contractor facilities in various U.S. locations. 

“HII has been at the forefront of Minotaur software development for nearly a decade,” said Andy Green, executive vice president of HII and president of Mission Technologies. “It’s a privilege to continue this mission-critical work and to concurrently deliver the advantage to three branches of the Armed Forces.” 

“We are pleased that the Navy has selected this proven technology to meet the combined requirements of next-generation Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard ISR platforms,” said Todd Gentry, president of Mission Technologies’ C5ISR business group. “We have assembled an outstanding team and look forward to expanding our longstanding partnership with the Navy and supporting the tri-service maritime strategy.” 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

***** 

Oct. 16, 2023 

NEWPORT, R.I.  — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WMEC 909) returned to their home port in Newport, Friday, following a 75-day multi-mission patrol to the South Florida Straits and Windward Passage. 

Campbell deployed in support of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast and Operation Vigilant Sentry within the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of responsibility. Campbell’s crew conducted maritime safety and security missions while working to detect, deter, and intercept unsafe and illegal maritime migration ventures bound for the United States. Over the course of the patrol, Campbell’s crew rescued, cared for and repatriated 111 migrants. 

Notably, Campbell teamed up with U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621) for a search and rescue and law enforcement operation ahead of Hurricane Idalia. While transiting 70 miles east of Tybee Island, Georgia, Valiant located a makeshift hydro-pod vessel adrift. The vessel operator refused a Coast Guard Captain of the Port order to return to port due to a manifestly unsafe voyage. Campbell arrived on scene and facilitated the operator’s safe evacuation from the vessel less than 24 hours prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds and seas. 

“I am very proud of everything the Campbell and our crew accomplished this patrol, from protecting mariners from the treacherous seas of tropical cyclones to standing the watch along our southeast maritime border,” said Cmdr. Jonathan Harris, commanding officer of Campbell. “This crew continues to live up to the ship’s motto of ‘Pride – Tradition – Readiness’ as we celebrate 35 years of Campbell’s service to our nation.” 

HSTF-SE serves as the Department of Homeland Security lead for operational and tactical planning, command and control, and acts as a standing organization to interdict illegal maritime migration attempts with federal, state and local partners. HSTF-SE continues enhanced enforcement efforts in support of OVS, the 2004 DHS plan to respond to irregular and unlawful mass maritime migration in the Caribbean Sea and the Florida Straits. 

Campbell is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-narcotics operations, migrant interdiction, living marine resources protection, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here. 

By Sgt. Jacqueline Peguero-Montes, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit , 12 Oct 2023  

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit formed as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, signified with a composite ceremony, Oct. 12, 2023 at Camp Lejeune. 
 
The 24th MEU Command Element gained the major subordinate elements of: Battalion Landing Team 1/8, serving as the Ground Combat Element; Combat Logistics Battalion 24, serving as the Logistics Combat Element; and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), serving as the Aviation Combat Element. 
 
“This composite ceremony signifies that we are a MAGTF,” said Col. Todd Mahar, commanding officer of the 24th MEU. “We are the team of teams coming together to enter our pre-deployment training program alongside our Navy brothers and sisters. Together, we will train and prepare for a worldwide deployment at a moment’s notice.” 
 
The composite ceremony marks the official start of the 24th MEU’s pre-deployment training program. The training cycle will soon transition from Marine Corps mission-specific training to Navy/Marine Corps joint training evolutions alongside Amphibious Squadron 4 prior to its deployment. For its sea-based training, the 24th MEU will embark aboard the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, providing the nation with a flexible, maneuverable, and adaptable option for deterrence, sea denial, and crisis response. 
 
“We are ready to begin the pre-deployment training program, with our amphibious ready group partners, as we train and prepare for worldwide deployment at a moment’s notice,” said Col. Mahar in his remarks to the formation. “The next six months of the PTP will prepare us for anything that comes our way; however, we have the watch now, and are prepared to respond to a crisis requiring the MEU.” 
 
First activated in 1971 as the 34th Marine Amphibious Unit, the unit was later redesignated as the 24th MEU in 1988. The 24th MEU has participated in humanitarian operations and conflicts including Operation Southern Watch, Resolve Resolute, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Unified Response. The 24th MEU most recently deployed in 2021 and supported the evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan. 
 
The 24th MEU bears a profound honor and solemn duty as a crisis response force, dedicated to upholding timeless traditions and being ever-prepared to answer the nation’s call, even in the most unforeseen and challenging circumstances. 

Release from Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps 

***** 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To support the United States and Japan’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, 12th Marine Regiment will redesignate to 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) on November 15, 2023. The redesignation will mark the next historic chapter in the Marine Corps’ commitment to designing a force that is prepared to effectively respond to the challenges of the contemporary global security environment and serves as a testament to the regiment’s role in the Marine Corps’ global employment.  

This redesignation follows the Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) which announced that 12th Marines would remain in Okinawa and redesignate to 12th MLR by 2025. The statement affirmed the MLR’s purpose to “bolster deterrence and provide a stand-in force that is able to defend Japan and quickly respond to contingencies.”  

The Marine Corps remains committed to the basic tenets of the 2012 Defense Policy Review Initiative Realignment Plan. No new units will be added to Okinawa under the agreement. This is strictly a redesignation of an existing unit on Okinawa in accordance with Marine Corps modernization efforts. 

12th Marine Regiment is currently participating in exercise Resolute Dragon 23.2, which takes place from October 14-31 across multiple locations in Japan. During Resolute Dragon, 12th Marines will distribute in a similar manner to what is designed for the MLR: They will deploy to Japan’s Southwest Islands, Kyushu, and Hokkaido, provide sensing capabilities in a simulated battlespace, and integrate joint force firepower with our Japanese ally’s capabilities.  

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

***** 

Oct. 16, 2023 

Coast Guard Cutter Valiant returns home after $30 million drug seizure, rescue of 2 

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

MAYPORT, Fla.— The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621) returned home, Thursday, to Naval Station Mayport after completing a 49-day deployment in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Florida Straits.  

Patrolling in support of the Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast’s Operation Vigilant Sentry and Joint Interagency Task Force-South, in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility, Valiant’s crew conducted maritime safety and security missions.  

During the patrol, Valiant assisted two lives at sea during two separate search and rescue cases.  

The cutter’s crew also conducted counterdrug operations, interdicting one go-fast vessel with over 97 pounds of cocaine and assisting international partners, the Royal Netherlands Navy patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen (P843), with two additional interdictions. Throughout the patrol, Valiant seized or assisted in the seizure of more than $30 million in illegal narcotics.  

Valiant’s crew later transitioned to migrant interdiction operations and embarked and cared for over 50 migrants in the Florida Straits.  

“Valiant’s crew had an exceptional patrol,” said Lt. Kristian Sova, Valiant’s operations officer. “We participated in multiple Coast Guard mission sets, combatting the illegal trafficking of drugs and saving lives at sea. We look forward to getting home and celebrating with our families.”  

Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. JIATF-South in Key West, Florida, conducts detection and monitoring of 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 process. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami. 

Valiant is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

For more information on Valiant, visit https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Area-Cutters/CGCVALIANT/. 

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.