Release From the U.S. Department of Defense

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced today that the President has made the following nominations of Navy flag and Marine Corps general officers: 

Navy Vice Adm. Richard A. Correll for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Correll is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. 

Navy Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/commander, Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Naples, Italy. Wikoff is currently serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command/Commander, Fifth Fleet and Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, Manama, Bahrain. 

Navy Rear Adm. Heidi K. Berg for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Fleet Cyber Command/commander, Tenth Fleet/commander, Navy Space Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Berg is currently serving as deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command/deputy commander, Tenth Fleet/deputy commander, Navy Space Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Brad J. Collins for appointment to the grade of rear admiral.  Collins is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Bradford J. Gering for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Gering is currently serving as deputy commandant for Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Clearfield for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Tampa, Florida.  Clearfield is currently serving as the deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Tampa, Florida.  

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William H. Swan for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Swan is currently serving as the inspector general, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

LONDON (September 4, 2025) – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) is unveiling Sea Dagger, a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) concept developed for the Royal Navy. The first craft of its size to combine speed, range, vehicle delivery and modular mission systems into a single platform, Sea Dagger sets a new standard in maritime autonomy and operational agility.  

Developed under the UK Commando Force (UKCF) programme, the initiative’s goal is to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of deploying Commando Strike teams, light tactical mobility platforms, offboard systems, and medium combat loads from long range, enabled by training and in-service support.   

Capable of exceeding 40 knots, Sea Dagger is the result of a collaborative development effort between Leidos Naval Architects and military subject matter experts, the Royal Navy, and UKCF. The design builds on more than 30 years of fast-craft expertise and incorporates Leidos technology, including Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems and integrated weaponry. Operational resilience is central to the concept, with a focus on readiness, availability, maintainability and repairability. The platform is designed to continue delivering its mission under stress, disruption or attack for an enduring presence in contested environments.  

Aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review’s vision to move to warfighting readiness and increasing lethality, Sea Dagger helps ensure the UKCF can respond quickly with the tools, training and systems needed to face the evolving threats and demands of modern conflict. 

Sea Dagger addresses the most pressing challenge faced by specialised units operating in coastal and shallow-water environments around the world. Unlike historical near-shore landing craft, Sea Dagger delivers a unique combination of naval architecture and high-technology sensors, weapons and C2 (command-and-control) capabilities shaped by the realities of warfare in modern conflicts. 

Adam Clarke, senior vice president and chief executive at Leidos UK & Europe said, “Sea Dagger represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK Commando Force with the capability to operate with greater agility, survivability and intent in a complex and congested maritime environment. The Leidos design reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready platforms that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring capability, availability and operational advantage from day one. I am delighted that Leidos is at the forefront of shaping the maritime marketplace, domestically and internationally.” 

For more information about Leidos’ autonomous maritime systems, visit leidos.com/autonomy. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, Sept. 3, 2025 

JUNEAU, Alaska — The U.S. Coast Guard responded to two Chinese research ships operating offshore Alaska between Sunday and Tuesday. 

On Tuesday, the Coast Guard responded to the Chinese-flagged research vessel JIDI operating approximately 265 miles northwest of Utqiagvik, Alaska. 

On Sunday, August 31, the Coast Guard responded to the Liberia-flagged Chinese research ship, Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di approximately 230 miles north of Utqiagvik. 

Both vessels were operating over the delineated U.S. Extended Continental Shelf and are two of five similar Chinese vessels that have recently been operating in the region. 

For both instances, the Coast Guard Arctic District deployed USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) to monitor and query the vessels.  

An HC-130J Hercules fixed wing aircraft from Air Station Kodiak was also deployed Sunday to provide aerial support. 

On Saturday, Coast Guard Cutters Waesche (WMSL 751) and Healy (WAGB 20) conducted a joint patrol in the Arctic Ocean before responding to the Chinese research vessels. The Arctic is a growing zone of strategic global competition. The Coast Guard is the only U.S. surface presence in the Arctic and works in conjunction with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command to constantly monitor foreign vessels operating in and near U.S. waters in support of U.S. homeland defense and security operations. 

In August, the Coast Guard commissioned the Cutter Storis (WAGB 21) in Juneau. Storis is currently operating in the Bering Sea and Arctic to secure U.S. national security interest in this strategically vital region. 

“This operation highlights the value of our ice-capable fleet,” said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District. “The U.S. Coast Guard is controlling, securing, and defending the northern U.S. border and maritime approaches in the Arctic to protect U.S. sovereignty, and Healy’s operations demonstrate the critical need for more Coast Guard icebreakers to achieve that.”  

The Healy and the HC-130J aircraft were operating under Coast Guard Arctic District’s Operation Frontier Sentinel, which is designed to counter adversary activity in U.S. waters. The Coast Guard continues to monitor ongoing Chinese activity in the region. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Sept. 2, 2025 

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard’s Facilities Design and Construction Center completed a contract modification with The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Aug. 25 to remove up to 100 submerged concrete piles under the old Pier November at Base Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina.   

The modification, with a potential value of approximately $14.8 million, includes work that is necessary to complete construction of new, modernized piers to provide support and logistics for up to five major cutters homeported at the base. This contract action was supported by funding in the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act that included nearly $5 billion to address the Coast Guard’s most pressing shore infrastructure needs. Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2026.   

“Thanks to the leadership and support of the President, the Secretary of Homeland Security and Congress, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides more than $24 billion to invest in the Coast Guard fleet and our inventory of shore facilities and infrastructure,” said Rear Adm. Chad L. Jacoby, deputy commandant for systems. “We are moving out to make the most of this historic investment, beginning with this contract modification to address previously unidentified obstacles and keep construction of Pier November at Base Charleston on schedule. The CG-SHORE and contracting teams took prompt action to get this effort underway quickly and ensure the project is completed on time with minimal impact to operations. They are setting a strong example for future efforts that will be supported with reconciliation funding.”  

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA and Master Boat Builders, Inc. (“Master Boat”) today announced they have entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) establishing a strategic outsourcing partnership designed to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity by increasing the ability of proven, regional shipyards to take on large, complex programs for the U.S. government. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the domestic maritime industrial base and supporting the Trump Administration’s call for innovative approaches to accelerate delivery of essential platforms. 

Under the MOU, the companies will collaborate on current programs under contract to Austal USA as well as on future efforts, enabling greater flexibility to meet evolving fleet requirements. By distributing work across complementary facilities, Austal USA and Master Boat aim to reduce bottlenecks, shorten production schedules, and create surge capacity for future demand. The companies also intend to co-invest in workforce development initiatives. 

“This partnership is about expanding the shipbuilding industrial base in Alabama and the Gulf Coast,” said Michelle Kruger, Austal USA President. “By aligning with Master Boat, a proven partner and quality shipbuilder, we can scale production, reduce schedule risk, strengthen supply chains, and deliver for the U.S. government while investing in American skilled workers and suppliers.” 

“Shipyards like ours can and should be a force multiplier for the U.S. maritime defense industrial base,” said Garrett Rice, President, Master Boat Builders. “Teaming up with Austal USA, we’ll add much-needed capacity and help get critical vessels delivered on time and on budget, contributing to a stronger, more resilient shipbuilding sector.” 

All activities conducted under the MOU will adhere to Austal USA’s specifications and U.S. government standards, including rigorous quality assurance, appropriate cybersecurity controls, export-compliance requirements, and applicable Buy American provisions. 

Initial pilot projects will be identified in the coming months, with phased implementation to follow. 

From U.S Coast Guard Southeast District, Sept. 4, 2025 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday it has seized more than 40,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since launching Operation Pacific Viper in early August, averaging over 1,600 pounds interdicted daily.   

These drug seizures, and the apprehension of 36 suspected drug smugglers, were the result of 14 interdictions since Aug. 8.  

Through Operation Pacific Viper, the Coast Guard is accelerating counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, where significant transport of illicit narcotics continues from South America. In coordination with international and interagency partners, the Coast Guard is surging additional assets—cutters, aircraft and tactical teams—to interdict, seize and disrupt transshipments of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs. These operations continue the Coast Guard’s efforts to protect the Homeland, project maritime law enforcement presence and disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels seeking to produce and traffic illicit drugs into the United States.  

“The U.S. Coast Guard brings unique authorities and unmatched capabilities as the world’s leader in maritime counter-drug operations,” said Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, acting deputy commandant for operations. “Our maritime fighting force is accelerating counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. We are leveraging our full range of capabilities to disrupt transnational criminal organizations and cartels and prevent the scourge of illicit drugs from reaching our communities. The men and women of the Coast Guard will not relent in our efforts to control, secure and defend U.S. borders and maritime approaches—where defense of America begins.”  

Reflecting the early success of Operation Pacific Viper, Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton recently offloaded 76,140 pounds of illicit drugs, including 61,740 of cocaine and 14,400 of marijuana, in Port Everglades, Florida. This historic milestone was the largest offload in Coast Guard history, resulting from 19 interdictions in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  

Detecting and interdicting drug traffickers 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. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Southwest District, headquartered in Alameda, California.     

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.  

For more information about the Coast Guard, visit www.uscg.mil.  

Watch Coast Guard drug interdiction in action here: How the Coast Guard Seizes 45,000 lbs of Cocaine at Sea – YouTube  

Release From CNO Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va.—Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle held his first all-hands call as the Navy’s 34th CNO aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 28, addressing Truman Sailors and commands from across the waterfront. 

Sailors filled the hangar bay as Caudle outlined his priorities for the Navy’s future—The Foundry, The Fleet, and The Way We Fight. 

Truman Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Prochazka said he was proud his ship was chosen to host the CNO’s first visit. 

“Having Adm. Caudle choose Truman for his first all-hands call as CNO was a powerful moment for this crew and for the fleet,” said Prochazka. “Our Sailors came home from deployment combat-tested and proud, and that spirit was on full display as they welcomed him aboard. It was a meaningful start to his tenure and a reminder of Norfolk’s central role in the strength of our Navy.” 

While aboard, Caudle discussed the importance of taking care of Sailors, advancing readiness, and delivering a combat-credible Fleet.   

“Let there be no doubt that the single greatest and enduring competitive advantage against our adversaries is all of you—the Sailors,” Caudle said to the Sailors in attendance. “You are the engine that brings our ships to life, ensures our equipment performs with maximum endurance and efficacy, and delivers the lethal ordnance to win in combat.”  

Caudle emphasized the key elements of his strategic vision, emphasizing the Navy’s focus on operational readiness, force generation, and warfighting excellence.   

“Our Navy must be resilient, agile, globally present, and combat credible—ready to fight and win decisively – today, tomorrow, and well into the future,” said Caudle. “To achieve this vision, everything we do will be viewed through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the Foundry, the Fleet, and the way we Fight.” 
During the engagement, Caudle answered questions from the crew, listened to their feedback, and personally recognized the achievements of several Sailors.  

“Being recognized by the CNO at his first fleet event is something I’m proud of, but it really reflects the hard work of my division,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Juncker, who received a challenge coin from Caudle. “We put a lot into keeping our gear ready, and this shows our effort makes a difference.” 

“Having the CNO come here first shows he really wants to connect with Sailors,” said Seaman Eliana Gilson, a Sailor of the quarter aboard Truman. “For me, being early in my career, it makes the Navy feel a little smaller and more personal.” 

Before departing Truman, Caudle expressed his confidence in the Navy’s ability to meet future challenges and achieve success through unity and relentless dedication.  

“With battle-ready Sailors like you manning the helm, our Fleet delivers overwhelming effects like no other in the world: mobility, persistent presence, and global reach—causing our adversaries to think twice, while reassuring our allies that peace is best kept through strength,” said Caudle.   

Caudle, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has served nearly four decades in uniform. A career submariner and magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University, he has commanded at every level from submarine to fleet. He most recently led U.S. Fleet Forces Command before assuming duties as CNO earlier this month. 

USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Carrier Strike Groups remain the cornerstone of the Navy’s forward presence through sea control and power projection. 

Release From Lt. James Caliva, Commander, Submarine Squadron

NAVAL BASE GUAM (August 31, 2025) — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) returned to its homeport, August 31, after completing a routine deployment in the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming its vital role in maintaining security and stability in the region. 

“USS Springfield showcases the strength and professionalism of our submarine force, playing a critical role in sustaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “The crew’s readiness, warfighting excellence, and dedication to the mission reflect our enduring commitment to regional security and embody their motto, United for Freedom.” 
 
During the deployment, Springfield conducted missions vital to national security, enhanced operational capabilities, reinforced deterrence across the Indo-Pacific, and made port visits to Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan. 
 
“Whatever the mission demanded, this crew delivered,” said Cmdr. Greg Storer, commanding officer of USS Springfield. “Their resilience, precision, and teamwork ensured we remained operationally ready at every turn. I couldn’t be prouder—every Sailor’s contribution was essential to our success, and together they proved why our submarine force remains second to none.” 
 
During the deployment, 31 Springfield Sailors advanced in rank and 19 earned their submarine warfare insignia—commonly known as “dolphins” or “fish.” The insignia signifies qualification to operate at the highest standards of the undersea force and reflects mastery of their watch stations and responsibilities. 
 
“This deployment tested our crew in every way, and they answered the call,” said Master Chief Information Systems Technician (Communications) Chris Ries, Springfield’s chief of the boat. “They worked as one team, stayed steady under pressure, and showed exactly what makes our Sailors the strength of this submarine.” 
 
Springfield’s return was marked by the Navy’s time-honored “first kiss” and “first hug” traditions, with Culinary Specialist (Submarine) 2nd Class Dimitri Rathke receiving the first kiss and Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class Zachary Bergeron receiving the first hug. 
 
Commissioned Jan. 9, 1993, USS Springfield is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, honoring the cities of Springfield, Illinois, and Springfield, Massachusetts. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Springfield is one of five forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, reaffirming the submarine force’s forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

DELEON SPRINGS, FLORIDA – Aug. 28, 2025 – Sparton DeLeon Springs, LLC  has been awarded a Firm Fixed Price Competitive Delivery Order under Fair Opportunities procedures for production of the AN/SSQ-53H for the United States Navy in support of annual training, peacetime operations and testing expenditures, as well as to maintain sufficient inventory to support the execution of major combat operations based on naval munitions requirements process.  

Sparton President and CEO Donnelly Bohan said:  

“The Sparton workforce prides itself on quickly responding to our customers’ needs. Our portfolio of sophisticated sonobuoys, sensors, and undersea payload delivery systems equip our customers with the very best maritime solutions to be used for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Undersea Warfare anywhere on the globe. This sizeable sonobuoy contract from the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office signifies the U.S. Navy’s confidence in our solutions and we’re proud to deliver them.” 

Release From U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) returned home to Cape Canaveral, Aug. 19, following a 59-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Windward Passage.  

During the patrol, Vigilant’s crew interdicted 3,100 pounds of illicit drugs in the Caribbean Sea while underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District’s area of operations. Vigilant’s crew deployed in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) mission of detecting and monitoring illegal drug shipments in the maritime domain for subsequent interdiction and apprehension.   

On July 25, a maritime patrol aircraft notified Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant’s crew of a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 180 miles south of the Dominican Republic. Vigilant’s boarding team interdicted the vessel, seizing more than 1,410 pounds of cocaine and 80 pounds of marijuana.    
  
On Aug 15, a maritime patrol aircraft notified Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant’s crew of a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 35 miles southwest of Haiti. Vigilant’s boarding team interdicted the vessel, seizing more than 1,615 pounds of marijuana.     
 
These drug seizures contributed toward the Coast Guard’s largest drug offload in history. To read more about Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton’s (WMSL 753) recent offload, visit: Coast Guard achieves historic milestone with offload over 76,140 lbs. in illegal narcotics at Port Everglades > United States Coast Guard News > Press Releases 
 
Vigilant’s crew initially deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) while on patrol in the Windward Passage, working alongside other Coast Guard assets to deter illegal alien migration along the coast of Haiti. 
 
Crew members executed maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations while maintaining a continuous presence in the region. This mission is essential to deterring unsafe and unlawful migration ventures bound for the United States.  

“I am incredibly proud of this crew’s dedication, performance and resilience during a challenging 59-day patrol in support of Coast Guard and national objectives to secure our maritime borders and safeguard lives at sea,” said Cmdr. Steven Welch, commanding officer of Vigilant. “Working closely with our Department of Defense and law enforcement partners, as well as multiple partner nations, we seized or disrupted over 3,100 pounds of illegal narcotics bound for the United States. Additionally, we safeguarded lives at sea by preventing dangerous and illegal migration attempts across the open ocean in unseaworthy vessels. We look forward to returning home to our families and friends and beginning the arduous process to prepare Vigilant and her crew for the next deployment.”  

Detecting and interdicting illicit drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination because 80% of drugs are interdicted on the high seas. U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force – South based in Key West conducts the 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.   

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.     

Vigilant is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are search and rescue, counter-drug operations, alien interdiction and enforcement of federal fishery laws.  

Vigilant is an asset that falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf.   

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.