From Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Feb. 16,2025 

Members of the Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-8, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three (EODMU-3), continued salvage planning and operations today for the EA-18G Growler that crashed in San Diego Bay on Feb. 12. 

Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE (ACB 1), along with members from multiple Navy commands and local authorities, supported EOD personnel in positioning and anchoring a barge to support the upcoming salvage operations. Current estimates suggest the recovery operation may take up to two weeks. 

We understand the impact this unfortunate accident has had on our community. Our foremost commitment is to engage in deliberate recovery efforts, prioritizing the safety of everyone involved—including local residents, servicemembers and partners. The U.S. Navy takes pride in our deep history here in San Diego and ask for the community’s continued patience as we navigate through the recovery efforts. We are dedicated to safely recovering the wreckage, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the channel can return to normal traffic as soon as possible. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone for navigable waters in the vicinity of Naval Base Point Loma and Shelter Island in San Diego Bay. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the crash. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector San Diego. Civilian vessels will not be permitted to transit in and out of the Shelter Island basin through the southwestern portion of the channel from Feb. 15 until the conclusion of salvage operations. 

The public may notice heavy equipment near the Shelter Island harbor entrance as recovery operations continue. Individuals are asked to stay clear of floating cranes, barges, and other recovery vessels in the area and avoid interfering with ongoing recovery efforts. 

During the recovery effort, some debris may float and wash ashore in areas away from the crash site. The public is strongly advised not to approach, touch, or collect any debris that may wash ashore. Naval Base Coronado has established a reporting option for debris sightings. The public should report debris to: [email protected]. 

Additional Navy commands assisting in the recovery effort include Navy Region Southwest (California,Nevada,New Mexico,Arizona,Colorado,Utah), Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. These teams are working together to ensure a safe and efficient recovery operation. 

After a 24-hour medical evaluation, the two aircrew members involved in the crash were discharged from the hospital the next day. The pilot and naval flight officer are assigned to @Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-135 World Famous Black Ravens). 

Throughout the recovery, Commander, Naval Air Forces will continue to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. That investigation is ongoing. 

By USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs, Feb. 16, 2025 

SOUDA BAY, Greece – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived at U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, on Feb. 16 to conduct an Emergent Repair Availability (ERAV) on the ship’s starboard quarter following a recent collision. 
 
Damage assessed includes the exterior wall of two storage rooms and a maintenance space. External to the ship, damage assessed includes a line handling space, the fantail, and the platform above one of the storage spaces. Aircraft elevator number three sustained no damage and is fully operational. Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) will lead the pier side ERAV, including an assessment and follow-on repairs to damages sustained. 
 
“While the ship is fully mission capable and the ship conducted flight operations following the collision, pulling into port for emergent repairs will enable the ship to continue deployment as scheduled,” said Capt. Dave Snowden, Harry S. Truman’s commanding officer. 
 
An assessment team will conduct a full survey of damaged areas and develop a repair plan to be executed immediately following completion of the assessment. The assessment team includes structural engineers, naval architects, and other personnel from FDRMC and Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). They will be supported by ship’s force personnel and local industry partners for the repair effort. 
 
“The Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center’s ability to mobilize resources within and outside the theater to conduct repairs underscores the warfighting capability of the world’s most powerful Navy,” said Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson, commander U.S. Sixth Fleet. 
 
Deployed U.S. Navy ships routinely undergo planned and emergent maintenance periods such as mid-deployment voyage repairs and ERAVs, allowing forward-deployed ships to sustain maximal operational readiness. The United States’ relationships with Allies and partners provides access to ports around the world, granting the U.S. Navy strategic pier availability and resources critical for operational flexibility. 
 
“The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) units remain operational across geographic regions in support of their component commanders,” said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of HSTCSG. “Our mission has not changed and we remain committed to responding to any challenge in this dynamic and global security environment.” 
 
The carrier strike group includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, with eight embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). 
 
HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and maintain a forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. For more information, visit DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75. 

American Fan working with Ingalls Shipbuilding and other shipbuilders to provide ventilation fans for ten Flight III destroyers 

From Fairbanks Morse Defense  

BELOIT, Wis. – February 18, 2025 – Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), has been awarded multiple purchase orders for its Ohio-based business unit, American Fan, to provide cooling and ventilation fans for ten Flight III Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyers. The equipment will be installed on future destroyers, including USS Thomas Kelley (DDG 140), USS Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141), USS Charles J. French (DDG 142), USS Richard J. Danzig (DDG 143), USS Michael G. Mullen (DDG 144), and DDGs 145-149. 

The equipment installed on the destroyers will include Gas Turbine Room Blowers (GTRB), Collective Protection System (CPS) fans for ventilation against nuclear, biological, and chemical substances, and Vaneaxial and Centrifugal fans to provide machinery room and general shipboard cooling and ventilation. 

In August 2023, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded contracts to HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division and another shipbuilder for the fiscal years (FY) 2023 – 2027 multi-year procurement of DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. 

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, in turn, awarded American Fan contracts for seven DDG 51 class ships, DDG 141, DDG 142, DDG 143, DDG 145, DDG 146, DDG  147, and DDG 149. These contracts are among the first to support the Navy’s FY 2023 plan to construct ten Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers over the next five years. 

“Fairbanks Morse Defense and American Fan have a long history of supporting national security equipment and services that ensure reliable operations and minimal downtime,” said American Fan Vice President and General Manager Paul Brown. “The selection of American Fan to provide ventilation equipment for the DDG, one of the Navy’s most important programs, reinforces their trust and value in our team and capabilities.” 

American Fan’s products are manufactured in Fairfield, Ohio, and are currently specified in over 35 U.S. Navy, Military Sea Lift Command, and U.S. Coast Guard shipbuilding programs, including CVN, LCS, LPD, LHA, DDG, FFG, and more. They are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment, including saltwater exposure, high humidity, and fluctuating temperatures. These fans are utilized in various onboard air-moving applications, such as ventilation for engine rooms or living quarters, cooling electronic equipment, or maintaining air circulation below deck. 

From BAE Systems, Feb. 17, 2025 

Under this contract, BAE Systems will provide high-quality services in systems engineering, test and evaluation, logistics, system acquisitions, and cybersecurity. 

In November 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded BAE Systems a five-year, $251 million contract to provide the AEGIS Technical Representative (AEGIS TECHREP) organization with critical large-scale system engineering and on-site technical expertise for the complex combat system configurations for the U.S. Navy, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Foreign Military Sales program. 

“For more than 40 years, BAE Systems personnel have collaborated closely with Sailors and civilians to enhance and modernize the fleet of AEGIS-equipped surface ships,” said Lisa Hand, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems’ Integrated Defense Solutions business. “Our team possesses extensive expertise in AEGIS and Ship Self-Defense Combat Systems, combined with the agility, innovation, and technical skills necessary to provide the U.S. Navy with the safe and effective combat capabilities required to achieve its mission goals.” 

Under this contract, BAE Systems will provide high-quality services in systems engineering, test and evaluation, logistics, system acquisitions, and cybersecurity.  Most notably, the company has contributed to the acceleration of the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems digital transformation strategy by developing and deploying unparalleled digital analytic tools across all these task areas. 

These tools provide near real time mission impacts assessments caused by software deficiencies resulting in a greater focus on where best to invest in advancing critical combat capability to the Navy. The work will support Navy sites in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey; Bath, Maine; and Pascagoula, Mississippi. 

From U.S. Coast Guard 13th District, Feb. 14, 2025 

PORT ANGELES, Wash. – The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) returned home to Port Angeles, Friday following a 65-day law enforcement patrol off the coast of Southern California.  

As America’s maritime law enforcement agency, the Coast Guard is increasing presence in key areas to protect U.S. maritime borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.    

The crew covered more than 5,500 miles patrolling off the coast of California in support of the Coast Guard District 11’s Southwest Maritime Border Security operations. The operations counter Transnational Criminal Organization activity in the Coastal California Region, and the United States Pacific Maritime Southern Border including alien interdiction operations.   

Active’s crew interdicted three vessels carrying 46 illegal aliens in total, while providing assistance and direction to aid in the apprehension of another 40 illegal aliens. The illegal aliens were all safely transferred to the custody of Customs and Border Protection agents in San Diego.  

To enhance the crew’s military readiness, they conducted numerous training exercises with regional Coast Guard crews including an Air Station San Francisco MH-65 helicopter aircrew, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne (WPC-1131), a 154-foot fast response cutter homeported in San Pedro, Calif., and teams from the San Diego-based Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West.  

Additionally, while operating offshore northern California, the crew responded to four search and rescue cases.  

The Active is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Port Angeles. Patrolling from the northern most part of the contiguous United States, and as far south as the equator, Active has conducted law enforcement, defense operations, and search and rescue missions for over 60 years.   

The cutter is a multi-mission platform that falls under the operational command of the Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander. Protecting the American homeland and its territories is the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area Commander’s top priority. In doing so, the U.S. Coast Guard protects and defends against threats to the safety, security, and prosperity of the American public.  

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy has retired its last EP-3E Aries II electronic reconnaissance aircraft after the type’s 45 years of service to the fleet. 

In an informal Feb. 12, 2025, ceremony, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), the sole remaining operator of the EP-3E, farewelled the last EP-3E. The aircraft was flown away on Feb. 13 for the last time. 

The aircraft, BuNo 159893, was the last of 26 EP-3Es that served the fleet beginning in 1970. Ten P-3A Orion patrol aircraft were converted to EP-3Es for operation by VQ-1 and VQ-1, joining two earlier EP-3B versions in service. This batch of EP-3Es were replaced beginning the 1990s by a new generation of EP-3Es converted from P-3C Orions, with ultimately 17 aircraft converted to sustain an operational fleet of 12 aircraft. 

The EP-3E fleet provided multi-intelligence support to the fleets and to theater combatant commanders with near-real-time signals intelligence and full-motion video, the Naval Air Systems Command said. The aircraft was equipped with sensitive electronic receivers and high-gain dish antennas. The large crew was able to fuse the intelligence it collected with offboard intelligence and provide threat warning and situational awareness in support of suppression of enemy air defenses, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare. 

The EP-3E has been succeeded by the MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19. 

VQ-1 has one P-3C remaining, which it used as a utility training and transport aircraft. The aircraft, BuNO 161588, will be retired in an informal ceremony to be held at NAS Whidbey Island on Feb. 20, 2025. 

VQ-1 will hold its deactivation ceremony at Whidbey Island on March 28, 2025. The official date for the deactivation is March 31. 

From Naval Air Systems Command, Feb 13, 2025 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Late last year, the Marine Corps successfully executed its first live employment test of a new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability. The event was successfully executed at Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) in Yuma, Arizona,  where an AH-1Z conducted single launch by way of a wireless application via Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB). 

The November test at YPG exceeded the threshold requirements with regards to position, navigation, and timing. This activity marks the first time a Marine Corps rotary-wing platform has employed a weapon system using a tablet-controlled device. 

“Assessments of current and future capability gaps of the fleets needs identified this LRPF initiative as a cost-effective, long-range precision weapon for use against maritime and land-based targets,” said Col Scott Shadforth, Director, Expeditionary Maritime Aviation – Advanced Development Team (XMA-ADT). 

This project is an Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) sponsored Defense Innovation Acceleration (DIA) project led by the XMA-ADT to evaluate cost-effective, long-range disparate effects in expeditionary and maritime environments. 

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest, Feb. 13, 2025 

SAN DIEGO — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) offloaded approximately 37,256 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than $275 million, on Thursday in San Diego.   

The offload is a result of 11 separate suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions or events off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America by the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche in December through February.   

“The Waesche crew faced numerous challenges during this patrol, overcoming the hardest adversities and still had 11 successful drug interdictions,” said Capt. Tyson Scofield, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. “Their dedication, strength of character, and resilience ensured the success of our mission, preventing over $275 million worth of illicit narcotics from reaching the United States and protecting our communities from the devastating effects of transnational crime.”  

Multiple U.S. agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, collaborate in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, all play a role in counter-narcotic operations.   

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean requires unity of effort in all phases, from detection, monitoring and interdictions to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in districts across the nation. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard continues to increase operations to interdict, seize, and disrupt transshipment of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs by sea. These drugs fuel and enable cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations to produce and traffic illegal fentanyl threatening the U.S.    

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche is one of four legend-class national security cutters homeported in Alameda, California.  

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche’s crew can operate in the most demanding open ocean environments, and the vast approaches of the Southern Pacific, where significant narcotics trafficking occurs.  

From Ladonna Singleton, Feb. 13, 2025 

The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) will move to Sasebo, Japan, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific, the U.S. Navy announced today. 
 
Tripoli will replace USS America (LHA 6), which will depart Sasebo and move to San Diego. 
 
The forward presence of Tripoli supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan, enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests. Tripoli will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region. 
 
The United States values Japan’s contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives. 
 
The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times for maritime and joint forces, and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner. 
 
Maintaining a forward-deployed naval force capability with the most advanced ships supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the vital Indo-Pacific region. 

By U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs, Feb. 13, 2025 

MEDITERRANEAN SEA  –  The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time, Feb. 12, while operating in the vicinity of Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. 

The collision did not endanger the Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as there are no reports of flooding or injuries. The propulsion plants are unaffected and in a safe and stable condition. The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.