From U.S. Central Command 

June 19,2024

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea. 

Separately, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command and control node in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen. 

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S. forces, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

June 18, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen. 

Additionally, partner forces successfully destroyed one Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.  

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

MARIETTA, Ga., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin recently delivered the 2,700th Hercules multi-mission tactical airlifter, increasing the size, reach, and strength of the worldwide C-130 fleet. 

This landmark aircraft is a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker operated by the U.S. Marine Corps’ VMGR-252 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. 

Defined by its proven performance and unmatched versatility, operators in 70 nations around the world fly C-130 airlifters to support any mission – anywhere, any time. The current C-130 production model is the C-130J Super Hercules, which includes the KC-130J tactical tanker. To date, the C-130J is certified to support 18 different mission requirements. 

“The Lockheed Martin team is honored to deliver this milestone Super Hercules to the U.S. Marine Corps, where it will be part of the largest KC-130J fleet in the world and provide true force amplification across the globe,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business. “Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C-130’s ongoing relevance.”
The KC-130J is the global standard for tactical tankers, refueling a majority of rotary-wing aircraft in operation today and multiple fixed-wing aircraft including the Lockheed Martin F-35B/C Lighting II fighter aircraft. With its truly tactical design, the KC-130J has the ability to fly at the slow speeds and low altitudes that are ideal when refueling helicopters.

Always evolving, continually innovating, and ready for what’s next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions –  including humanitarian operations around the world. The global C-130J fleet spans 26 operators in 22 nations with 20+ airworthiness certifications. With nearly 3 million flight hours logged across the global fleet of 540+ C-130Js, invaluable insights gained from missions in every scenario equip the C-130J for what’s next. 

MELBOURNE, Fla., June 18, 2024 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) joined maritime startup Seasats to successfully test the advanced capabilities of an autonomous surface vessel (ASV) in the Pacific Ocean.  

Seasats and L3Harris demonstrated reliable, resilient and effective operations off the coast of Hawaii with a surfboard-size ASV after completing a 2,500-mile journey from San Diego, California, to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The 10-week voyage also proved the ASV’s seaworthiness while continuously operating in challenging conditions.  

“The ability of ASVs to prove their prolonged and reliable operations in the ocean is critical for establishing their effectiveness as a hard-to-detect, autonomous and affordable platform for L3Harris’ collaborative network payloads – essential for military effectiveness in contested environments,” said Andrew Puryear, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, L3Harris. “We are committed to collaborating with promising startups on innovative solutions that will make an impact in supporting the U.S., its allies and partners.”  

Seasats manufactures ASVs under the product name Lightfish, which operate autonomously in all maritime environments for up to six months. 

“We were extremely pleased how well the Lightfish navigated the challenges of an open ocean environment during our transit to Hawaii,” said Mike Flanigan, CEO and President, Seasats. “We see ASVs as a force multiplier and another way to affordably and quickly grow U.S. naval presence around the world.” 

Seasats is a privately-owned company that designs and produces solar-powered maritime ASVs for military and commercial use. L3Harris strategically invested in Seasats in 2022 as part of its ongoing strategy to adopt emerging technologies that address customers’ growing requirements for innovative, agile solutions that can be fielded rapidly.  

From SECNAV Public Affairs 

18 June 2024 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced today that a future Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ship will be named USNS Narragansett in honor of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, June 18. 

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced today that a future Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ship will be named USNS Narragansett in honor of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island, June 18. 

Secretary Del Toro made the announcement on the 90th Anniversary of the Indian Reorganization Act. 

The Indian Reorganization Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was aimed at decreasing Federal control of Native American Indian Affairs. The Act presented a major reversal of federal policy toward Native Americans and provided them greater control over their lands, allowing the formation of legally recognized tribal governments and decreasing pressure toward assimilation. 

The naming selection of the future USNS Narragansett (T-ATS 14) follows the tradition of the Navajo-class of naming towing, salvage and rescue ships after prominent Native Americans or Native American tribes. Secretary Del Toro has previously named three Navajo-class ships: USNS Billy Frank Jr., USNS Solomon Atkinson, and USNS James D. Fairbanks. 

“Native Americans have been integral to the history of our Nation; however, historically, the rights of Native Americans have been drastically impacted in negative ways,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Today, on the 90th Anniversary of the Indian Reorganization Act, I am honored to announce the name of our newest Navajo-class T-ATS, the future USNS Narragansett (T-ATS 14).”  

Prior to European contact, the Narragansett were a powerful Algonquian-speaking warrior tribe that occupied most of present-day Rhode Island from the Narragansett Bay in the east to the Pawcatuck River in the West. They first encountered European explorers in the 1520s when Giovanni de Verrazano visited the region and provided land to Roger Williams in 1636 to establish the settlement of Providence. 

Increasing tensions with colonists led the Narragansett tribe to unite with other tribes during King Philip’s War. Their territory was gradually reduced to a 15,000-acre reservation and the Narragansett people were officially recognized by the federal government as the Narragansett Indian Tribe in April 1983. 

There are currently approximately 2,400 members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe living primarily in Rhode Island. Five naval vessels have been named in honor of the Narragansett people: a screw sloop (1859-1875), a troop transport (SP 2196) (1918-1919), a ferry boat (YFB 1163) (1918-1944), a fleet tug (AT 88) (1943-1946), and a fleet ocean tug (T-ATF 167) (1979-2002). 

Navajo-class ships will provide ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support Fleet operations. The current capabilities are provided by Powhatan-class T-ATF Fleet Tugs and Safeguard-class T-ARS Rescue and Salvage vessels. Navajo-class ships will be capable of towing U.S. Navy ships and will have 6,000 square feet of deck space for embarked systems. 

More information on our towing, salvage, and rescue ship programs can be found here. 

From U.S. Central Command 

June 17, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four Houthi radars and one uncrewed surface vessel (USV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. 

Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels.  

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S. forces, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

17 June 2024 

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Gen. Eric Smith signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Amphibious Warfare Ship Terms of Reference, June 12, 2024, demonstrating Navy and Marine Corps full alignment and commitment to amphibious ship readiness.   

WASHINGTON, (June 17, 2024) – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) Gen. Eric Smith signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Amphibious Warfare Ship Terms of Reference, June 12, 2024, demonstrating Navy and Marine Corps full alignment and commitment to amphibious ship readiness.   

The signing follows the CNO and CMC’s letter earlier this year to their three-star officers who oversee plans and operations, calling for a deep dive on ship readiness and requirements for the training and certification of Amphibious Ready Groups.  

“The Marine Expeditionary Unit is our crown jewel, and our Amphibious Warfare Ships are the most versatile, adaptable naval platforms in our inventory,” said Smith. “This MOU ensures consistency and uniformity in how each service talks about amphibious force readiness so we can better plan and execute naval operations. Ultimately, this creates a stronger Navy/Marine Corps team for all our Marines, Sailors, and the American people.”  

The CNO echoed CMC’s sentiment emphasizing that above all else, these new terms are intended to aid in better joint risk decisions between Navy and Marine Corps commanders and ensure the Navy remains ready and prepared to support contingency operations with the Marine Corps.  

“Our Navy – Marine Corps team generates combat power with global impact – unmatched by any other naval force every day,” said Franchetti. “We stand ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war, if called to do so. This MOU will ensure the ARG-MEU team remains the centerpiece of our naval expeditionary warfare presence, forcible entry, and sea basing capabilities.”  

The new terms of reference serve as supplemental guidance to existing readiness reporting criteria and will ensure consistency and uniformity in Navy and Marine Corps amphibious force planning, assessment, and operational mission execution.  

The Department of the Navy is committed to reducing maintenance delays and is heavily investing in readiness in the Fiscal Year 2025 Presidential Budget.  

The joint MOU was signed during the 2024 Naval Board. Guided by the CNO and CMC’s priorities, the Naval Board provides a regular forum for senior leaders to consider naval policy and guidance that affects warfighting issues, and works with type commanders to identify solutions for remediating those deficiencies.   

Further remarks from the CNO and CMC on the MOU can found in this video. 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 18, 2024 – X-Bow Systems Inc. (X-Bow), the nation’s leading new 3^rd supplier and advance manufacturer of solid rocket motors (SRMs) and defense technologies, today announced that the United States Navy has awarded it both the Mk 72 booster and Mk 104 dual-thrust solid rocket motor (SRM) development contracts to further enhance performance and increase capacitance for the service’s Standard Missile program.  These awards represent the 7th and 8th SRMs to be under development and or awarded to X-Bow in the last 8 months. X-Bow is under contract to supply new SRM’s in both strategic and tactical sizes to multiple armed services and commercial customers, while also developing the world’s most affordable production giga-campus for SRMs.  

“X-Bow Systems is proud to be a partner in addressing the Nation’s critical need for more solid rocket motors.  We have assembled a nationwide, experienced and talented team that is revolutionizing the approach to conventional manufacturing: enabling performance, flexibility, scaling, affordability, and reliability” said Jason Hundley, X-Bow CEO. 

Under these two contracts, X-Bow Systems will develop new designs for the Mk 72 and Mk 104 SRMs using its state-of-the-art design tools and unique patented advanced manufacturing approaches  for the first and second stage propulsion of the Navy’s Standard Missiles (see recent follow–on AFRL RE–ARM contract awardfor more detail).  

The efforts are in collaboration with the Navy’s Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) 3.0, Naval Air Warfare Center – Weapons Division at China Lake, Naval Surface Warfare Center at Indian Head and John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.  

The current contracted efforts are for development of an additional motor supplier to transition to production in the upcoming months.  X-Bow Systems is the only supplier to be awarded contracts for both the Mk 72 and Mk 104.  

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division, alongside U.S. Navy, city of Newport News and commonwealth of Virginia partners, announced today construction of a new parking garage that will enhance the working experience for NNS shipbuilders and sailors assigned to the shipyard. 

Once complete, the new parking structure will create more than 2,000 new parking spaces at NNS, significantly improving access to parking at Virginia’s largest industrial employer. Contractor W.M. Jordan will build the garage, with some pre-construction fabrication occurring offsite — an innovative design-build strategy that will reduce the time it takes to complete this project. This increase in parking availability will support future Navy and NNS commitments to deliver ships vital to the Navy’s needs. 

“For over a century, Newport News Shipbuilding and the City of Newport News have grown up together, alongside the U.S. Navy,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. “We are intertwined, always supporting each other, and always succeeding together. This new parking garage is exciting news that will contribute to the ongoing transformation of Newport News Shipbuilding and downtown Newport News and the experience our shipbuilders and the sailors assigned to our shipyard have when they come here every day.” 

Images accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-us-navy-announce-new-parking-garage-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/. 

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that leadership is listening to its sailors and we’re taking action,” said Rear Adm. Casey Moton, commander, Program Executive Office Aircraft Carriers. “While this is one action of many, it is important to recognize we’re not doing this alone. The partnership shown here today reflects the commitment of the wider community and that sailors assigned here can expect to have the resources they need to be successful.” 

“Our sailors and shipbuilders are a part of the backbone of our nation and our community,” Virginia State Sen. Mamie Locke said. “They deserve a community that supports their dedication and hard work. This entire initiative will not only alleviate parking challenges but also contribute to the vibrancy of our community and to the positive experience that our military personnel and shipbuilders have when they live and work here.” 

“It is essential that we continue to cement the city’s partnership with the Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding to amplify our investment in downtown,” city of Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said. “Today’s announcement of additional funding furthers the commitment by HII and the Navy with an even bigger boost to the current improvements occurring downtown.” 

The new garage will be constructed on two current NNS parking lots, situated between 37th and 39th Streets, between Huntington Avenue and Warwick Boulevard. HII is working closely with the Navy and city on the design, and will communicate additional details as the plan is finalized. 

NNS is the nation’s sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear‐powered submarines. 

By Carrier Strike Group Two Public Affairs | June 16, 2024 

RED SEA –Sailors assigned to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) airlifted the crew of a merchant vessel attacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, June 15. 

The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea, June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing. 

A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from Tutor to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 transported the group to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). After being medically checked on IKE, the mariners were flown ashore for follow-on care. 

“It’s humbling to watch the Strike Group provide assistance and rescue the crew of M/V Tutor,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “We are always prepared to help; it is the right thing to do.” 

“Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always,” said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Sea’s commanding officer. 

On June 13, HSM-74 aircraft from Philippine Sea medically evacuated a severely injured civilian mariner from M/V Verbena to a nearby partner force ship for medical attention. Palau-flagged, Ukrainian-owned Verbena was sailing in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by two anti-ship cruise missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. 

IKECSG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region. 

By Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) Public Affairs 

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Navy showcased Sea Hunter, part of the U.S. Navy’s unmanned surface vehicles (USV) prototype fleet, during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 22-27. 

Sea Hunter hosted tours from May 24th through the 27th, which attracted more than 1,600 visitors to the USV, including Christopher Diaz, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy. The tours included an overview of the USV, its deployment history, and the mission of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron One. 

“We welcomed the opportunity to showcase Sea Hunter at this year’s LA Fleet Week and to highlight our work in unmanned technology,” said Capt. Matthew Lewis, program manager of the Unmanned Maritime Systems program office. “USVs are vital to our mission of advancing autonomous operations and growing the Navy’s future manned-unmanned Hybrid Fleet. Sea Hunter represents advanced naval technology, and we’re thrilled the public had the chance to glimpse the future of maritime warfare.” 

The Navy continues to make significant advancements in the development of autonomous systems. Last August, Sea Hunter was one of four USV prototypes to operate in Integrated Battle Program 23.2, the Navy’s third multi-domain unmanned capabilities exercise. During the exercise, Sea Hunter and three additional USVs transited to Japan and Australia for testing, operations with manned warships and experiments with advanced payloads. 

An annual event held over Memorial Day weekend to celebrate America’s sea services, LA Fleet Week featured public ship tours, equipment displays, and live demonstrations of cutting-edge military technology. Sea Hunter’s participation in events like LA Fleet Week helps educate the public on the latest naval technology and demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its operations. 

Sea Hunter is a USV in the Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants portfolio, which designs, develops, builds, maintains and modernizes the Navy’s unmanned maritime systems; mine warfare systems; special warfare systems; expeditionary warfare systems; and small surface combatants.