Aug. 25, 2025 | From the Navy Office of Information 

Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle assumed the duties as the 34th chief of naval operations during an assumption of office ceremony, attended by over 300 Defense Department senior leaders, distinguished guests and families at the Washington Navy Yard today, in Washington. 

 The CNO is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serves as an advisor to the president, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the defense secretary and is responsible for the command, utilization of resources and operating efficiency of worldwide naval forces and shore activities. 

“As I step into the role as your 34th chief of naval operations, I do so with great pride, immense gratitude and an absolute focus on the mission ahead,” Caudle said in a video to the fleet, released shortly before the ceremony. 

During the ceremony, he further discussed his priorities, including sailors, operational readiness and fleet modernization. 

“The sailor will be front and center in my vision throughout my tenure as CNO — hands down, no exception,” Caudle said. “To ensure that they are ready to fight and win decisively — today, tomorrow and well into the future — we will view everything we do we through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the foundry, the fleet and the way we fight.” 

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan acted as the presiding officer and keynote speaker of the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the Navy and the prioritization of future shipbuilding development. 

 ”Admiral Caudle, ‘the honey badger,’ is the right man for the job,” Phelan said. “He has a reputation for challenging the status quo, demanding results and refusing to accept excuses. I look forward to seeing that relentlessness pursuit of excellence and persistence pervade the halls of the Pentagon.” 

During his remarks, Caudle emphasized his gratitude to his family, especially his wife, Donna Caudle, for their steadfast support throughout his 40-year career. 

“Your influence is woven into the very fabric of my being, into every decision I’ve ever made,” Caudle said. “From the moment we met, you’ve been the bedrock of my life. You’re the anchor that has kept me grounded, especially in the sometimes-turbulent seas of this profession.” 

Caudle’s previous assignments include commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, commander of Submarine Forces and commander of Submarine Force Atlantic. 

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby relinquished the office of the CNO after serving as the acting CNO from February to August 2025. 

Caudle and Phelan commended Kilby for his leadership, which ensured the uninterrupted performance of the Navy’s mission and continued to foster positive relationships with U.S. allies and partners. 

From Coast Guard Oceania District External Affairs, Aug. 22, 2025 

HONOLULU – The U.S. Coast Guard concluded participation in Operation Ika Moana, a maritime surveillance initiative hosted by the Samoan Police Maritime Wing in conjunction with the Pacific Maritime Security Program in Apia, Samoa, Aug. 8-14.   

The exercise included representatives from Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Cook Islands. Partners from Timor-Leste, Palau, Nauru, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands also observed the operation.  

Operation Ika Moana is a collaborative maritime surveillance initiative intended to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and transnational crimes across Oceania, such as drug and human trafficking.  

The operation brought together national and regional partners to conduct coordinated patrols, surveillance, joint exercises and crew exchanges.  

“Ika Moana provided the U.S. Coast Guard a unique opportunity to work with maritime security professionals from many Pacific Island coast guards, navies and marine police units,” said James Duval, maritime security cooperation director, Coast Guard Office of International Affairs. “We have several common missions, challenges and objectives and have benefitted from the opportunity to discuss, share and contrast our individual techniques. This interaction will help us all continue to refine our skills to best serve the people of our nations.”  

The Coast Guard Mobile Training Team delivered classroom and underway training for participating patrol boats focusing on boarding team and search and rescue techniques.  

“By partnering with regional maritime law enforcement agencies, the Coast Guard seeks to strengthen global maritime governance to preserve sovereignty,” Lt. Cmdr. James Bruce with the International Mobile Training Branch at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown. “We value partnership oppotunities focused on our shared objective of rooting out illicit activities and eradicating threats to our collective prosperity.”   

The Pacific Maritime Security Program and the Coast Guard share a formal collaborative partnership to coordinate bilateral and joint training with Pacific Island Country partners.  

The Coast Guard Mobile Training Team is a deployable unit that fosters international cooperation and strengthens maritime partnerships by exporting formal U.S. Coast Guard training and providing technical assistance to partner nations around the globe. Every year, they train over 2,400 international partners in more than 40 countries.   

From MC2 Trevor Hale, Aug. 25, 2025 

CLEVELAND BAY, Australia – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) simulated an expeditionary reload of a Standard Missile (SM) 2 while anchored in the vicinity of Townsville, Australia, July 28. 

The exercise demonstrates enhanced expeditionary logistics capabilities essential for sustained naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Navy’s Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73) led the reload effort ashore. 
 
“This successful rearm event was the result of exceptional teamwork between the ship’s crew, shore support teams, and technical experts,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Kodrin, COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 ordnance officer. “Exercises like this are critical to validating our ability to safely and effectively reload at sea, ensuring our ships remain combat-ready whenever and wherever needed.” 
 
In 2023 and 2024, U.S. Navy destroyers conducted expeditionary vertical launching system (VLS) reloads in Eden, Australia, and Darwin, Australia, respectively. Following exercise Talisman Sabre in September 2023, the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) rearmed with an SM-2 in Eden, while the USS Dewey (DDG 105) followed exercise Kakadu with an SM-2 reload in Darwin in September 2024. 
 
The Higgins operates under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, and Task Force 70. 
 
“We are strengthening distributed logistics capabilities that enhance our collective operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander,Task Force 70. “This gives our warfighters a tremendous amount of agility to strike from sea, move, reload, reposition and strike again. It represents a lethal tactical advantage that helps us protect the safety and prosperity of the region.” 
 
COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 
Task Force 70 directs the preponderance of forward-deployed air and surface maneuver and striking forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, overseeing DESRON 15, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, as well as the ships and aircraft operating under Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. 
 
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

From Naval Air Systems Command, Aug 21, 2025 

SAN NICOLAS ISLAND, Calif.—Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division leaders, joined by Naval Surface Warfare Center – Port Hueneme Division, Naval Facilities Command, and Naval Base Ventura County leaders, cut the ribbon Aug. 20 on a new facility at San Nicolas Island that doubles the command’s capacity for launching supersonic targets on the Point Mugu Sea Range. 

The ground-launched GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Target is capable of maneuvering to simulate current threats facing the fleet and is a critical test and training asset for the Navy. NAWCWD’s Threat/Target Systems Department operates two launchers on SNI that together can launch four targets simultaneously, allowing sailors to train and qualify against multiple incoming threats – a more realistic scenario than single launches. 

That more complex training is especially critical given the escalating tensions abroad. 

“The threat environment is changing every day, and we must change and grow with it,” said Rear Adm. Keith Hash, NAWCWD commander. “Being able to present multiple, realistic threats is critical to ensure we deliver our warfighters a decisive advantage so they can deter aggression and, if necessary, win in conflict and return home safely.” 

“For the past two years, our surface Navy has been taking the fight, taking the shots, on the other side of the world,” said Capt. Anthony Holmes, commanding officer for NSWC-PHD. “Our warfighters are being asked to fight and use their ships and weapons in ways they never thought they would.” 

The new facility, a high explosive magazine, paired with a recently completed missile assembly building, allows NAWCWD to build and store eight GQM-163 targets every eight weeks, doubling the previous capacity of four targets. The Coyote, as the target is called, is nearly 20 feet in length, 30 with its booster attached. That extended size necessitated a much larger storage facility than previously existed at SNI. 

“We started this project in 2016 when PEO (IWS) came to us looking to do 30-plus launches a year. At the time, our assembly buildings could only build two each – so a maximum of four,” said Kevin Gross, TTSD director. “We began what became known as MILCON P-586 for both facilities, but due to funding it was split into two phases. The increase in capacity and capability with this project was only possible because of the funding and support from OPNAV N94.”  

The first facility completed was a Missile Assembly Building in December 2022. That allowed more targets to be assembled on site, but storing so many targets was still an issue until the HEM was completed in June 2025 and obtained its final explosives safety certification Aug. 13. 

The HEM’s ability to store up to 10 assembled targets and boosters significantly reduces the timeline for conducting final tests and acceptance prior to launches. The team can conduct two quad launches in a 24-hour period with two back-up targets ready to launch into the Point Mugu Sea Range, the Department of Defense’s largest and most extensively instrumented overwater test range. 

“The Range is so valuable to the Surface Navy and the Navy writ large. Threats are getting more complex, and the expanded capabilities this new facility brings are critical to ensuring our Sailors are ready to face them” said Capt. Anthony Holmes, NSWC-PHD commanding officer. 

Naval Base Ventura County, which encompasses Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and SNI, also hosts three warfare centers including NAWCWD and NSWC-PHD. The partnerships between the warfare centers, particularly on the Range, are critical to ensuring effective, efficient weapons testing and surface fleet training. 

“The unique capabilities here at NBVC are force multipliers that ensure our Navy’s research and development, test and training, and deployable forces are equipped to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Capt. Daniel Brown, NBVC commanding officer. 

The HEM is already in use, just in time for fleet training this fall. 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 22, 2025 

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  UPDATE Aug. 22: The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) returned under its own propulsion to White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 22. 

New Orleans is providing its own berthing and galley services remain open, allowing for the crew of nearly 380 Sailors to continue to work and reside aboard their ship. Several Sailors were treated for minor injuries and have returned to full duty. Family members have been updated on the status of the ship and crew. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and damage assessors are presently aboard inspecting the impact, which was limited to the forward area of the ship. 

Fire Aboard USS New Orleans Extinguished 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 21, 2025 

YOKOSUKA– A fire aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), which is anchored near White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, was declared extinguished at 4 a.m., Aug. 21. 

The fire began at approximately 4 p.m., Aug. 20. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

New Orleans Sailors’ firefighting efforts were supported by the crew of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), which is moored at White Beach Naval Facility. 

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; Japan Coast Guard; and U.S. Navy commands from across Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa also provided critical support to the firefighting efforts.   

Several Sailors were taken to New Orleans’ medical for minor injuries. 

New Orleans’ crew will remain aboard the ship. Additional services and berthing are available aboard San Diego and Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, if needed. 

Continue to follow U.S. 7th Fleet for updates www.c7f.navy.mil 

Orlando, Fla., August 21, 2025 – The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $720 million contract for the production of Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) and HELLFIRE missiles, marking the fourth and final follow-on award as part of its current multiple-year contract. This contract will provide critical procurement and production support for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and international customers, further solidifying Lockheed Martin’s position as a leading provider of multi-domain missile systems. 

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver JAGM and HELLFIRE missiles to meet the urgent operational needs of the Army, Navy and its international partners. The contract includes key Foreign Military Sales (FMS) including 160 JAGMs for the United Kingdom. The award also includes HELLFIRE FMS orders for key NATO allies Poland, Spain, Czech Republic and Italy. In addition, the contract award includes new HELLFIRE international customer Canada. 

“This contract is a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and our international allies, and we’re proud to continue playing a vital role in their defense strategies,” said Casey Walsh, program management director of Multi-Domain Missile Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “As we continue to evolve our deterrence capabilities, we remain committed to supporting the military’s critical missions and helping to protect those who serve, both at home and abroad.” 

The importance of this contract extends beyond the production of JAGM and HELLFIRE, as it also underscores the strength of Lockheed Martin’s partnerships with the Army, Navy and its international allies. For example, the Poland HELLFIRE FMS order, a part of this contract, supports the recent U.S. government FMS agreement for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Polish Air Force. As the global security landscape continues to evolve, Lockheed Martin remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of its customers, and this contract is a significant step forward in that effort. 

Both the JAGM and HELLFIRE systems are designed and developed in Orlando, Florida. The weapon systems are manufactured across various Lockheed Martin facilities in Dallas, Texas; Orlando and Ocala, Florida.; Archbald, Pennsylvania.; and Troy, Alabama. With more than 145,000 missiles produced, JAGM and HELLFIRE continue to be the weapon of choice in critical, precision engagement opportunities. 

August 18, 2025 

Auguest 2025 — Israel, South Korea Get SAT, an innovator in lightweight satellite communication terminals for ground, air, and maritime applications, together with KT SAT, Korea’s leading satellite service provider offering comprehensive communication solutions across Korea and globally, and KAI Networks, a system integration company specializing in military and aerospace communications, and R4 Integration, the leading provider of airborne roll-on/roll-off communication systems for U.S. and partner government aircraft, have successfully completed the upgrade of two P-3C maritime patrol aircraft for the Republic of Korea Navy. 

The P-3C is a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and search and rescue (SAR) missions. The fleet plays a key role in securing South Korea’s maritime domain and supporting regional stability. 
This upgrade marks a significant step in the modernization of the ROK Navy’s long-range ISR fleet and is part of a broader initiative to enhance airborne connectivity across the Navy’s 16-aircraft P-3C fleet. 

At the core of the upgrade is Get SAT’s Milli H LW Ku-band terminal, a lightweight, low-profile solution for airborne beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication. Measuring just 33×37cm and weighing 10.2kg, the Milli H delivers reliable, high-performance satellite connectivity—making it well-suited for legacy aircraft upgrades. 

The installation was carried out using R4 Integration’s hatch-mount solution, tailored for the P-3C platform to minimize disruption to the aircraft structure while maximizing ease of deployment. Collaboration between Get SAT, KT SAT, Kainet, and R4 ensured smooth integration, drawing on each partner’s specialized expertise. 
By leveraging KT SAT’s network, the upgraded system now provides real-time data links and persistent command-and-control connectivity—empowering crews with enhanced situational awareness and operational flexibility. 

“This successful deployment demonstrates the agility and global reach of Get SAT’s airborne SATCOM solutions,” said Kfir Benjamin, CEO at Get SAT. “Together with KT SAT, KAI Networks, and R4, we’ve delivered a rugged, high-throughput communication system that significantly improves the operational capabilities of the ROK Navy’s patrol aircraft.” 
“We are proud to have partnered with Get SAT and R4 Integration to bring this high-performance communication upgrade to the P-3C platform,” said Mr. Seo, CEO of KT SAT. “This project represents an important step forward for Korea’s airborne mission capabilities and highlights the value of international collaboration in defense innovation.” 

“Our hatch-mount solution is designed for fast integration with minimal impact to the aircraft, and we are pleased to see it supporting critical missions for the Republic of Korea Navy,” said John Parsley, President of R4 Integration. “Working alongside Get SAT, KT SAT, and KAI Networks was a great example of how industry partnerships accelerate operational readiness. 

Radio-frequency sensor enables persistent strike capability for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force 

From BAE Systems  

NASHUA, New Hampshire — August 21, 2025 — BAE Systems received a contract from Lockheed Martin in December 2024 for additional radio-frequency (RF) sensors that provide critical guidance capabilities for the stealthy Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). 

BAE Systems has been delivering RF sensors for the LRASM program since 2018. Under this new production contract, BAE Systems will deliver RF sensors through 2030. The large-lot procurement helps the government to build a capable maritime strike arsenal while reducing acquisition costs. 

“BAE Systems is dedicated to its work with Lockheed Martin to provide discriminating capabilities to the warfighter,” said Vanessa Varrati, LRASM sensor program director at BAE Systems. “This contract recognizes our technical and operational expertise that brings this critical deterrence and strike capability to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.” 

LRASM is a persistent strike capability with range, survivability, and lethality. BAE Systems is uniquely qualified to produce RF sensors for LRASM. Looking to the future, the company is developing modular, scalable systems to meet the needs of future warfighters in a rapidly changing battlefield environment. 

“We’re anticipating the need for small, powerful, multi-function hardware that can work on a variety of platforms, and we’re building the core elements today,” said Ed Leonard, director of Small Form Factor Solutions at BAE Systems. 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 20, 2025 

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  A fire aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), which is anchored near White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, was declared extinguished at 4 a.m., Aug. 21. 

The fire began at approximately 4 p.m., Aug. 20. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

New Orleans Sailors’ firefighting efforts were supported by the crew of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), which is moored at White Beach Naval Facility. 

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; Japan Coast Guard; and U.S. Navy commands from across Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa also provided critical support to the firefighting efforts.   

Two Sailors were taken to New Orleans’ medical for minor injuries. 

New Orleans’ crew will remain aboard the ship. Additional services and berthing are available aboard San Diego and Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, if needed. 

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS – U.S. Marines gathered at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, August 11–14, to launch a new initiative in military innovation and education: the inaugural U.S. Marine Corps–Naval Postgraduate School Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellowship. 

Part of the implementation of the 2024 Marine Corps Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the fellowship is designed to accelerate AI adoption and development across the force by building a cadre of AI-literate Marines empowered with technical knowledge, practical experience, and operational insight. 

“This fellowship leverages eager Marines knowledgeable about the Fleet’s modern and relevant issues, faculty experts, state-of-the-art facilities at Naval Postgraduate School, and the incomputable potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Dr. Christopher Paul, U.S. Marine Corps Chair for Information at NPS and lead organizer of the program. 

The pilot cohort of Marines will spend five months immersed in AI education and applied research, splitting time between their home commands and the NPS campus. Through a mix of mentorship, coursework, and prototype development, each fellow will address a real-world challenge aligned to the needs of the Fleet Marine Force. 

“Our goal is to optimize AI’s application across the force,” Paul said. “To do that, we need to grow the AI-proficient and literate population in the military, which this fellowship aims to do.” 

The Marine Corps is committed to developing and deploying emerging technologies that give Marines the advantage in future conflicts. The USMC–NPS AI Fellowship is a concrete step toward equipping warfighters with tools and knowledge to operate in an increasingly digital battlespace. 

While the pilot program is currently limited to Marines, future iterations aim to expand participation to include service members from other branches of the Joint Force. 

The fellowship reflects the Marine Corps’ broader commitment to education, innovation, and preparing for the complex challenges of the modern operating environment. 

Information on future fellowship opportunities will be announced via Marine Corps administrative message. 

For inquiries regarding the pilot program, contact: 

Capt. Stephanie Baer, Communication Strategy Officer, Deputy Commandant for Information, [email protected]