From U.S. Central Command, July 16, 2025 

TAMPA, Fla.  –   Congratulations to the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF), led by Gen. Tareq Saleh, for the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history. 
 
The NRF intercepted and seized over 750 tons of munitions and hardware to include hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles, warheads and seekers, components as well as hundreds of drone engines, air defense equipment, radar systems, and communications equipment. According to the NRF, there were manuals in Farsi and many of the systems were manufactured by a company affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense that is sanctioned by the United States. The illegal shipment was intended for use by the Iranian-backed Houthis 
 
The actions of the NRF support the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) and are a direct reflection of their commitment to a safe Yemen, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 
 
Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, praised the actions of the NRF saying, “We commend the legitimate government forces of Yemen who continue to interdict the flow of Iranian munitions bound for the Houthis. The interdiction of this massive Iranian shipment shows that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region. Limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critical to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation.” 

By USNAVSOUTH/4TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS, July 14, 2025 

MANTA, Ecuador  –  The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Manta, Ecuador following the third mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), July 10, 2025. 
  

Throughout the six-day visit to Ecuador, Comfort’s crew worked alongside Ecuador providing medical care to the people of Ecuador, renovating dilapidated infrastructure and training side-by-side with the Ecuadorian military. 
 
During the CP25 visit to Ecuador, the Comfort’s team of U.S., Canadian, Dominican Republican, and Ecuadorian medical professionals, assisted 2,767 patients from Manta and surrounding communities. The team filled 2,486 prescriptions, conducted nine CT scans, and distributed 694 pairs of glasses and 584 pairs of sunglasses. Additionally, the Comfort surgery team performed 48 surgeries to include cataract extraction, cleft lip repair, soft tissue mass removal, and hernia repair. 
 
“Alongside our Ecuadorian partners, the Navy team continues to deepen our relationships and promote a shared commitment to the region,” said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 and Continuing Promise 2025 mission commander. “Through medical care, subject matter expert exchanges, and military to military training, we are enhancing our combined ability to respond to crises and disaster response.” 
 
In addition to medial exchanges and care, veterinarians from the U.S. Army 248th Detachment for Veterinary Support Services conducted subject matter expert exchanges with cattle ranchers in Ropafuertes as well as K-9 training with the Ecuadorian military. 
 
Marines assigned to Marine Force Security Regiment, FAST Battalion, Bravo Company, 5th Platoon conducted a three-day subject matter expert exchange with the Ecuadorian Navy, strengthening partnerships and continuing to enhance our combined capabilities. 
 
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 conducted construction, electrical, plumbing, and engineering support for two Manta schools, Escuela Republica Del Ecuador and Unidad Educativa El Porvenir. 
 
“This was an incredible mission stop, I saw a lot of my own upbringing in the situations of these people we were working with,” said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Francisco Espinozavares, a Seabee assigned to NMCB 11. “I felt a lot of mixed emotions, joy, pride, and a sense that we were doing something meaningful, and it put into perspective how fortunate I am.” 
 
Comfort’s community relations team participated in two beach cleanups, painting and beautification at Gil Delgado Elementary and Verdi Cervallos Hospital, a community soccer game, beach volleyball match, and a mural painting at Port Captaincy in Manta. The crews’ interpersonal relations towards the people of Ecuador created the necessary catalyst to help create and strengthen the bonds between the U.S. and Ecuador. 
 
“We are so thankful for all of you,” said Nury Zambrano, a teacher for Gil Delgado Elementary. “You are the best, and we are so grateful for all that you did here for us and are eagerly waiting for you to return.” 
 
The United States Fleet Forces Band “Unchartered Waters” performed at five locations throughout Manta, reaching a total audience of 1,150 members. 
 
Next, Comfort is scheduled to transfer the Panama Canal and sail toward Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, its fourth mission stop for CP25. 
 
CP25 marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007, the eighth aboard Comfort and fifth time Comfort has visited Ecuador during previous CP missions. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations. 
 
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. 
 
Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet. 

SBIR Phase I award supports development of a fully autonomous at-sea fueling system that extends range and reduces risk for autonomous surface vehicles 

From Stratom, July 15, 2025  

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — July 15, 2025 — As the Navy expands its fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USV), Stratom has been selected for a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract to develop an autonomous refueling system that could redefine naval refueling and logistics at sea.  

As the leading developer of autonomous vehicles and refueling robotic systems for logistics and operational applications, the contract will leverage Stratom’s Deployable Onboard Refueling Interface, or DORI, an automated system designed to let USVs refuel without human intervention. 

“Autonomous refueling is truly a force multiplier — and the next step toward a fully autonomous maritime force,” said Mark Gordon, CEO of Stratom. “With DORI, we’re engineering a practical, scalable way for uncrewed vessels to stay on mission longer, without relying on vulnerable crewed interventions.” 

Building upon existing naval refueling infrastructure while introducing targeted automation, Stratom’s DORI system integrates a hose retrieval system, perception sensors, an automated reel mechanism and a quick-release coupling for emergency disconnects. By enabling USVs to safely and reliably refuel while underway without human intervention, the system will extend operational endurance, reduce personnel risk and increase mission flexibility in contested or distributed environments. 

The Phase I effort will validate the technical feasibility of the system’s automated reel mechanism and include concept refinement, small-scale prototyping, trade studies and integration of commercial bunkering best practices. These activities will ensure the proposed method is technically feasible and aligned with operational requirements. 

Looking ahead, Stratom also sees strong potential for commercial deployment of DORI in ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering, a key refueling process in commercial shipping and global maritime logistics. Automating STS bunkering could reduce high-traffic port congestion, improve safety and cut operating costs for long-haul shipping fleets. 

Stratom brings deep experience to the development effort, successfully transitioning robotic refueling systems developed for the Army and Navy into commercial applications. RAPID, the company’s autonomous refueling, recharging and liquid transfer platform for robotic ground and aircraft refueling, proves the value of automating complex fueling operations through increased uptime, reduced labor demands and enhanced safety. 

From the U.S. Department of Transportation, July 11, 2025 

“This Administration is unwavering in its commitment to the American taxpayer” 

WASHINGTON – Today, United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the partial termination of a wasteful shipbuilding contract to protect American taxpayer dollars while revolutionizing the United States Coast Guard for the 21st century. 

“This Administration is unwavering in its commitment to the American taxpayer and to a strong, ready Coast Guard,” said a senior Homeland Security official. “We cannot allow critical shipbuilding projects to languish over budget and behind schedule. Our Coast Guard needs modern, capable vessels to safeguard our national and economic security, and we will ensure every dollar is spent wisely to achieve that mission. This action redirects resources to where they are most needed, ensuring the Coast Guard remains the finest, most-capable maritime service in the world.” 

As part of that commitment, the Coast Guard is reviewing contracts which are failing to meet delivery agreements. An existing Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has been slow to deliver four OPCs, harming the U.S.’s defense capabilities and wasting American’s hard-earned money. In light of that, Secretary Noem partially canceled ESG’s contract for two out of the four OPCs expected from ESG in Panama City, Florida because it was not an effective use of taxpayer money. 

ESG’s delivery of OPC 1 was initially due in June 2023 but will now be completed by the end of 2026 at the earliest. ESG missed its April 2024 delivery for OPC 2. The Coast Guard stopped work on OPCs 3 and 4 after ESG notified the service earlier this year they could not fulfill their contractual duty to deliver all four OPCs without unabsorbable loss. The money saved will redirected to ensure it’s actually benefiting the Coast Guard. 

Due to decades of neglect by previous Administrations and Congress, the Coast Guard has been underfunded, underequipped, and ignored for too long. President Donald Trump is ending that era of neglect with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and Force Design 2028 – Homeland’s plan to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable fighting force. Now, a massive injection of nearly $25 billion is coming to the Coast Guard. 

The Coast Guard’s goal is to procure 25 OPCs — and that has not changed. The Coast Guard remains intent on acquiring and delivering the full OPC class as fast as possible to address the Nation’s security and safety needs. 

The OPC fleet will complement the capabilities of the Service’s National Security Cutters, Fast Response Cutters and Polar Security Cutters as an essential element of the Nation’s layered maritime security strategy. They will be especially critical to the counter-drug and migrant interdiction missions along the southeast border. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest Public Affairs, July 15, 2025 

SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward (WPC 1130) and the Mexican Navy vessel ARM Revolución successfully collaborated to deter a suspected maritime smuggling attempt approximately 11 miles southwest of Point Loma, Sunday. 

At approximately 4 p.m., the crew of Robert Ward detected a vessel transiting north from Mexican waters into U.S. territorial waters. As the cutter prepared to deploy its small boat to conduct a boarding, the suspected smuggling vessel suddenly reversed course and fled south at a high rate of speed. 

The Robert Ward pursued the vessel to the U.S.–Mexico Maritime Boundary Line. ARM Revolución was observed operating nearby, and Robert Ward relayed a description of the suspect vessel via VHF radio. Mexican Navy personnel aboard Revolución located, stopped and conducted a boarding of the approximately 24-foot center-console vessel with four people aboard within Mexican territorial waters. 

The outcome of the boarding is unknown at this time; however, the coordinated effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican Navy successfully deterred a potential smuggling venture and underscored the value of international maritime cooperation in combating transnational criminal activity. 

From Ensign Samantha Mendiguren, July 15, 2025 

GAETA, Italy – The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) returned to homeport in Gaeta, Italy, after operating in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea. The underway underscored the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional security and strong partnerships with European and African nations. 

During the ship’s underway, it conducted port visits to several nations in Africa and Europe and held numerous key leader engagements, fostering international cooperation and addressing shared security concerns in both theaters. These countries included Tunisia, Libya, Cabo Verde, Mauritania, Spain, Germany, Poland, Latvia and Sweden. 

“From the Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea, we worked alongside our allies and partners, building relationships and demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to security and stability in both regions,” said Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney. “I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication exhibited by Team 20 and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with our many great partners in Africa and Europe.” 

Mount Whitney also participated in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 25, the premier annual maritime-focused military exercise in the Baltic region. This year marked the 54th iteration of the exercise, bringing together sixteen NATO allies. Over 40 ships, 25 aircraft, and approximately 9,000 personnel participated, working to enhance warfighting capabilities, demonstrate layered defense strategies, and reinforce the strength of partnerships within the Baltic region. 

As the U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship, Mount Whitney supports naval combatants to deter regional adversaries, conduct naval operations in defense of the homeland, and defend the sovereignty of our partners and allies in Europe and Africa. 
 
Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, 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. 
 
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. 

From Petty Officer 2nd Class Kassandra Alanis and Lt.j.g. Tahj Clements, July 14, 2025 

SAN DIEGO – The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) arrived at its San Diego homeport July 11, following a 10-month rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 

“I’m excited to welcome home the crew of this mighty warship, who showed incredible dedication and leadership during their deployment,” said Capt. Jose Roman, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1. “From multiple exercises with our partners to ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in critical waterways throughout the Indo-Pacific, Omaha has a great deal to be proud of.” 
 
Throughout deployment, the Omaha participated in several multi-national events including the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI), Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei, the Republic of Palau 30th Independence Anniversary, a joint sail with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Exercise Noble Wolverine, Exercise Cobra Gold 2025, and Exercise Noble Dingo. 
 
“It’s been an honor to serve with this crew as they’ve achieved outstanding operational milestones and risen to meet every challenge,” said Cmdr. Kevin Smith, commanding officer of the Omaha Gold crew. “Today we welcome home the USS Omaha and the Blue crew, and celebrate the commitment and perseverance of every Sailor onboard, as well as their families who support them.” 
 
In August 2024, the Omaha participated in OMSI, a Secretary of Defense program aimed at diminishing transnational illegal activity on the high seas in the Pacific Island nations of Oceania’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), as well as increasing interoperability with partner nations. The Omaha’s range and capabilities allowed the embarked U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment the ability to access the remote U.S. and Pacific Island nations’ EEZs. 
 
The Omaha participated in CARAT Brunei 2024 alongside the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and other U.S. military assets. During the exercise, a variety of subject matter expert exchange events were conducted. They focused on topics such as cyber security, emission control, force protection, international maritime law, maritime domain awareness, and public affairs for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Bilateral training opportunities included best practices for a medical evacuation; mine countermeasures; visit, board, search and seizure; underwater demolition; and other topics. CARAT Brunei 2024 focused on dynamic naval capabilities, featuring cooperative evolutions that highlighted the U.S.-Brunei partnership and their shared goals of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 
The Omaha participated in several events which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Palau, marking the Republic of Palau’s independence from the United Nations trusteeship administered by the U.S. 
 
In the early months of 2025, the Omaha participated in Exercise Noble Wolverine, Exercise Cobra Gold 2025, and Exercise Noble Dingo. Noble Wolverine was a joint U.S. and Canadian exercise. During Cobra Gold 2025, Omaha, alongside Republic of Korea, Republic of Singapore, and Kingdom of Thailand navies conducted division tactics and crew exchanges. Noble Dingo included several operations as part of a joint sail with the RAN’s Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 
“These Sailors are returning home to their families with significant operational experience.,” said Cmdr. Ryan Doyle, commanding officer of the Omaha Blue crew. “I am particularly proud of the resiliency and self-sufficiency that our Sailors demonstrated throughout the deployments.” 
 
During deployment, the Omaha conducted eight port visits, including six to partner and allied nations: Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii. 
 
The Omaha is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. 
 
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/ 

VANCOUVER, Wash. (July 14, 2025) – Saronic Technologies and Vigor Marine Group today announced a strategic partnership focused on rapidly advancing the delivery of autonomous maritime capabilities and strengthening operational support for defense and commercial customers. This partnership brings together two trusted maritime innovators with complementary capabilities, whose combined expertise can help support U.S. government and commercial customers in a rapidly changing environment. 

Vigor brings decades of experience in complex aluminum and small vessel fabrication, ship repair, and sustainment as one of the leading maintenance and modernization prime contractors in the United States, with a robust presence on both the West and East coast, supporting both defense and commercial operations. Saronic, one of the fastest-growing defense technology companies in the U.S., blends deep expertise in maritime autonomy, platform design and development, and high-rate production, enabling the rapid delivery of Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) at speed and scale. 

Under the agreement, Vigor and Saronic will work closely to identify opportunities to advance the priorities of core U.S. government and commercial maritime customers. Together, the partners are focused on accelerating innovation while expanding the industrial and operational support required for autonomy at scale. 

“This partnership brings together two leaders in the maritime industry to collaboratively create a full lifecycle solution that can ensure our maritime customers are mission-ready today and into the future,” said Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic. “Combining Saronic’s technical leadership in autonomous maritime systems and scaled production with Vigor’s strategically located infrastructure and experience in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and lifecycle sustainment creates new opportunities to accelerate capability delivery and ensure that government and commercial customers can count on a reliable, trusted sustainment network to meet the readiness requirements for larger autonomous ships today and into the future.” 

“Partnering with Saronic is a tremendous opportunity for Vigor Marine Group to harness our innovative spirit and long history in the marine fabrication and MRO markets to provide solutions for our customers in this rapidly changing maritime environment,” said Francesco Valente, CEO of Vigor Marine Group. “As an industry leader, we are always looking ahead at our customers’ future needs, whether in military readiness or commercial uses. With this partnership, we are aligning our core strengths to advance autonomous maritime capabilities that meet the urgent and evolving needs of our defense and commercial customers.”  

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advance U.S. maritime systems and shipbuilding in a way that is operationally effective, economically sustainable, and aligned with national security priorities. By combining Vigor and Saronic’s expertise, proven experience, and industry knowledge, the collaboration can help shape the future of maritime capability delivery and industrial base readiness across the full mission lifecycle. 

“Exploring the combination of Saronic’s autonomy technologies and Vigor’s experience in marine vessel fabrication, subsystem integration, and MRO support enables us to find solutions to better support the warfighter,” said Mark Norris, Vice President of Vigor Marine Fabrication.  

From RTX, July 14, 2025  

System is the world’s most modern short-range ship self-defense weapon 

LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, was awarded a $74 million contract to produce RAM Guided Missile Launching Systems (GMLS) for the U.S. Navy. 

Under the contract, Raytheon will provide several new launcher systems, refurbishments on current systems, and hardware required to support upgrades as well as various spares. 

“This contract marks the largest single order of U.S. RAM launchers in over two decades and will ensure our naval assets remain well-protected against anti-ship threats,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Our continued investment in modernizing production capacity enables us to meet the growing global demand for the world’s most modern short range ship self-defense weapon system.” 

Celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, the RAM weapon system – which consists of the RAM launcher and missiles – is a bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Germany with Raytheon serving as a prime contractor for U.S. Navy requirements. The system is currently deployed on more than 165 ships in 11 countries ranging from fast patrol boats to aircraft carriers and is being installed on several new U.S. Navy ship classes, including the Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. 

Majority of work under this contract will be performed in Louisville, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed by 2028. 

VALDEZ, Alaska — Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip (WPB 87326) arrived at its new homeport in Valdez Monday after transiting approximately 2,800 miles. 

Blacktip, an 87-foot Marine Protector-class patrol boat, is replacing the recently decommissioned 110-foot Island-class cutter Liberty and will conduct various missions throughout the Arctic District, including maritime law enforcement and security, living marine resources, and search and rescue.  

“We are extremely happy to be in Alaska and to continue serving the community of Valdez,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Andre Pinault, officer in charge.  

Blacktip was commissioned in 2000 and previously homeported in Oxnard, California.  

Marine Protector-class patrol boats are 87-feet long and 19.5-feet wide with a 100 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,000 miles. They can hold a crew of up to 12. The Blacktip is equipped with advanced electronics and navigation systems for multi-mission operations, including search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security.