NAPLES, Italy – Immediately following HAMAS’s brutal attack on Israel, the USS GERALD R. FORD Carrier Strike Group was ordered to the eastern Mediterranean to contribute to our regional deterrence and defense posture. In the coming days, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will redeploy to its home port as scheduled to prepare for future deployments.
The Department of Defense continually evaluates force posture globally and will retain extensive capability both in the Mediterranean and across the Middle East. This includes the current deployment of the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East, the deployment of additional cruisers and destroyers in the Mediterranean and Middle East, and the recent arrival of the Wasp-class amphibious ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall join the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), these ships have re-aggregated as the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Mediterranean. The ARG/MEU consists of three ships and approximately 2,000 Marines that provide sea-based expeditionary forces capable of supporting a wide range of missions.
Also, we are collaborating with Allies and partners to bolster maritime security in the region. DoD will continue to leverage its collective force posture in the region to deter any state or non-state actor from escalating this crisis beyond Gaza. And we continue to extend our appreciation to the U.S. service members still abroad, and their families and loved ones at home, in support of our steadfast commitment to global security.
CMF-assigned Cutter Seizes Hashish and Methamphetamines in North Arabian Sea
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By Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs | January 02, 2024
A U.S. Coast Guard cutter patrolling under the command of Combined Task Force 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces seized hashish and methamphetamines with a total estimated street value of $24.3 million Dec. 28 in the North Arabian Sea.
It was the third seizure by a CMF-assigned cutter in four days, following seizures by USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) and USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146) of hashish, heroin, methamphetamines and pills with a total estimated street value of $24.5 million Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 in the Gulf of Oman.
A team from USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142), a Sentinel-class cutter, boarded a dhow at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time Dec. 28 after it displayed indicators consistent with illicit drug trafficking.
Aboard, the team discovered over 300 bags of drugs containing 3,514 kilograms of hashish and 417 kilograms of methamphetamines.
The Robert Goldman team released the dhow and disposed of the illicit drugs.
The mission of Combined Task Force 150 is to disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons or drugs, or engage in other illicit activities, in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
This interdiction marked the twelfth time Combined Task Force 150 assets have seized illegal narcotics at sea since France took command in July 2023.
Combined Maritime Forces is a multinational maritime partnership committed to disrupting criminal and terrorist activities by restricting their freedom of maneuver across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
Since 2021, units assigned to the Combined Maritime Forces have seized more than $1 billion in illegal drugs while patrolling waters across the Middle East.
NAPLES, Italy – The Wasp-class amphibious ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) transited Dec. 28, 2023, from the Red Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and will join the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). With the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), these ships will re-aggregate as the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Mediterranean.
Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Conducts Maritime Operations in South China Sea
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27 December 2023
From Ensign Valentine Mulango
Carrier Strike Group 1, led by its flagship, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, is operating in the South China Sea following a scheduled port visit to the Republic of Singapore.
While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units. Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific.
“The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely, wherever international law allows—so that all nations can benefit from use of the maritime commons. This includes the South China Sea, where nearly $4 trillion in trade transits each year and it has some of the world’s richest fishing grounds that employ an estimated 3.7 million people,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, CSG-1. “Since transiting the Pacific from San Diego into the South China Sea, we’ve participated in multilateral, trilateral and bilateral training exercises in the Indo-Pacific region to increase our combined readiness with like-minded allies and partners to demonstrate our shared commitment to the rules-based international order.”
CSG 1 consists of CVN 70, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Sterett (DDG 104), and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).
Prior to entering the South China Sea, CSG-1 participated in a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy. The exercises provided an opportunity for the three maritime forces to sail together and conduct enhanced planning and advanced maritime communication operations.
The Vinson strike group departed San Diego Oct. 12 for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. Since entering the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the group participated in the Multi-Large Deck Event and Annual Exercise 2023 in the Philippine Sea. These exercises provided opportunities to collaborate with allied forces such as the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and JMSDF, to further strengthen regional cooperative efforts.
CSG-1 is a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response. CSG-1 is currently deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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.
For more news from CSG 1, visit http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1
USCG Cutter Seneca Returns from Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Patrol
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca (WMEC 906) returned home to Portsmouth, Friday, following a 65-day patrol in the Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Seneca worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct maritime safety and security missions.
During their patrol, Seneca responded to a sailboat in distress more than 100 miles west of Dry Tortugas National Park in heavy seas. Seneca provided a vital communications relay between the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, Coast Guard Sector Key West, and a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 helicopter crew, which airlifted the injured mariner to the Lower Keys Medical Center for immediate medical care.
“The resilience and tenacity of Seneca’s crew was on display during our 65-day deployment to the Western Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean,” said Capt. James McCormack, the commanding officer of Seneca. “Seneca provided persistent presence in deterring transnational criminal organizations from trafficking illicit narcotics across the Central American region bound for the United States. The crew is eager to return to our family and friends for the holiday season and looks forward to our next mission protecting the United States and those at sea.”
Seneca is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.
SECNAV Del Toro Meets With Industry on V-22 Osprey
Release from SECNAV Public Affairs
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22 December 2023
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro met with the chief executives of Bell Boeing earlier this week to discuss the V-22 Osprey program following the Dec. 6 grounding of the V-22 fleet.
“We are committed to the reliability, availability, and safety of this vital aircraft,” said Secretary Del Toro. “The Navy is working closely with our Service and industry partners to return the Osprey to flight, while our priority remains ensuring the safety of our Sailors, Marines, and Airmen.”
“I was reassured by our industry partners’ commitment to improving reliability and readiness of the V-22 while providing the safest aircraft to accomplish the V-22’s unique missions in both competition and conflict.”
The grounding of the V-22 Osprey fleet is the result of a fatal crash off the coast of Japan on Nov. 29. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Navy and Marine Corps V-22 aircraft deliver transformational speed, depth, and agility to our Sailors and Marines, conducting all-weather assault support, time-critical logistics and supply missions in support of Naval Forces and Combatant Commanders.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star Departs Australia, En Route to Antarctica
Editor’s Note: To follow the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s Operation Deep Freeze journey, click here for more imagery.
HOBART, Australia — U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed Hobart, Wednesday, after a four-day port call in Hobart and an earlier stop in Sydney, to begin the journey across the Southern Ocean en route to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2024.
While in Hobart and Sydney, the crew hosted tours aboard the Polar Star for guests from the U.S. Embassy including U.S. Ambassador for Australia Caroline Kennedy and members from the Australian government, Royal Australian Navy, Tasmanian government, local industry partners, and local schools and universities.
“A sincere thank you to our Australian hosts and all our international partners whose incredible collaboration has defined the success of Operation Deep Freeze,” said Capt. Keith Ropella, commanding officer of Polar Star. “The cohesion among Antarctic programs reinforces the significance of our joint efforts, fostering a legacy of success for future scientific endeavors in this challenging environment.”
Operation Deep Freeze is a joint military service mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations of the National Science Foundation, who is the lead agency for the United States Antarctic program (USAP). This year marks Polar Star’s 27th voyage to Antarctica. Every year, a joint and total force team work together to complete a successful Operation Deep Freeze season. Military members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together through Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica to continue the tradition of providing U.S. military support. Operation Deep Freeze works closely with other Antarctic programs to include those of Australia and New Zealand, as well as those Nations’ respective defense forces.
Leading up to and during the transit, the crew received training and prepared themselves to support this vital mission despite the austere environment. Operation Deep Freeze is one of the more challenging U.S. military peacetime missions due to the harsh environment in which it is conducted. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on the planet, and each trip requires careful planning and coordination.
“Through rigorous training and specialized preparations, our Coast Guard team stands ready for the challenges of Operation Deep Freeze,” said Lt. Cmdr. Don Rudnickas, operations officer of Polar Star. “The Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment underscores our dedication to the success of U.S. missions in the Polar Regions, ensuring the safety and efficacy of our operations.”
The Polar Star provides heavy icebreaking capabilities to facilitate sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, and port cargo handling for three U.S. research stations in Antarctica with McMurdo Station being the largest. The cutter’s icebreaking capabilities enable the safe delivery of critical supplies to sustain USAP’s year-round operations and support international partnership in the harsh Antarctic environment. It’s vitally important that the U.S. maintains a maritime domain presence in Antarctica to protect uninhibited international access to the region.
When the Polar Star deploys in support of Operation Deep Freeze, they routinely spend the holiday season away from home. During the cutter’s first stop in Honolulu, the crew celebrated Thanksgiving while underway and moored alongside the U.S. Navy fleet at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu.
During the transit across the Pacific, the crew sailed through the position 0 degrees latitude and 180 degrees longitude, also known as “The X” marking the intersection of the equator and international date line. Crossing this exact position is a unique and rare opportunity among Coast Guard crews.
On December 10, the Polar Star moored at HMAS Kuttabul alongside several Royal Australian Navy ships close to the center of Sydney during a logistics stop for fuel and supplies.
The Polar Star departed its Seattle homeport November 15 and has traveled approximately 7,700 miles with stops in Honolulu, Sydney and Hobart.
The Polar Star is the United States’ only asset capable of providing access to both Polar Regions. It is a 399-foot heavy polar icebreaker commissioned in 1976, weighing 13,500 tons, 84-feet wide, with a 34-foot draft. The six diesel and three gas turbine engines produce up to 75,000 horsepower.
USS Washington Returns from Deployment
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21 December 2023
From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cameron Stoner
NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after successfully completing a scheduled deployment, Dec. 15, 2023.
Under the command of Cmdr. Clint Christofk, Washington, also referred to as ‘Blackfish’, returns from a six-month deployment where it executed the Chief of Naval Operations’ maritime strategy by supporting national security interest and maritime security operations.
“The crew onboard Blackfish fought hard through a difficult deployment, showing the tenacity that submariners are known for,” said Christofk. “I am immensely proud of the crew for their grit, drive, and dedication to the mission, which allowed Blackfish to complete a historic deployment.”
Washington’s return to Norfolk is just in time for the holidays, which had the crew, friends and families more excited than usual for the boat’s return.
“We are all happy to be back in Norfolk to rest and celebrate the holidays with loved ones,” said Christofk before saying Washington’s battle cry. “Fear the Blackfish!”
“It feels amazing to feel the sun on my face and to know I’m home,” said Wiley. “I’m going to miss the down times after a long day of watch and working a lot where the crew got to spend time together, but everyone is definitely more relaxed and happier that they’re now home with their families in time for the holidays.”
If being home in time for the holidays was not enough to be excited for, Culinary Specialist (Submarine) 1st Class Joel Huffman was one of the first Sailors off the boat to greet his significant other with the traditional first hug.
“If feels so good to be back home and to have the opportunity to be one of the first crewmembers off that boat that I almost can’t put it into words,” Huffman. “We’re all very much looking forward to relaxing and distressing over the holidays after all the hard work we did.”
During the deployment, Washington garnered more days on station that any east coast deployment on record, had the first chief intelligence specialist to earn the submarine warfare qualifications, known as ‘dolphins’, and had the most women ever deployed on a fast-attack submarine, including one chief petty officer.
Washington steamed more than 37,000 nautical miles with the crew supporting diplomatic relationships by conducting port visits in Faslane, Scotland, and Grotsund, Norway.
Forty-four enlisted Sailors and five officers earned their submarine warfare qualification, known as ‘dolphins,’ 10 officers promoted, and four Sailors reenlisted.
Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power project, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.
The Virginia-class submarine is 377 feet long and 34 feet wide, and weighs about 7,900 tons when submerged. Underwater, it can reach speeds in excess of 25 knots.
Navy Locates and Recovers Downed Black Hawk in the Mediterranean Sea
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MEDITERRANEAN SEA – A team of deep ocean salvage experts located and recovered the downed MH-60 Black Hawk that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Nov. 10. The aircraft was conducting routine training when it experienced an in-flight emergency resulting in the crash.
21 December 2023
From Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs Office
MEDITERRANEAN SEA – A team of deep ocean salvage experts located and recovered the downed MH-60 Black Hawk that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Nov. 10. The aircraft was conducting routine training when it experienced an in-flight emergency resulting in the crash.
Under the direction of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, the Navy embarked experts from Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), Phoenix International, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU 8), and U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) aboard the contracted multipurpose vessel, NG Worker, and proceeded to the crash site on Dec. 8. Once on station, highly skilled operators located and recovered the aircraft using state-of-the-art underwater survey and recovery equipment mounted on the Deep Drone remote operated vehicle (ROV). The Deep Drone is a 4,100 pound ROV designed to meet the Navy’s mid-water salvage requirements to a maximum depth of 8,000 feet.
“The success of this mission can be attributed to highly trained Sailors, Soldiers, and civilians from the combined Army-Navy team who came together and displayed extreme skill to safely recover the helicopter,” said Cdr. John Kennedy, Commanding Officer of EODMU 8 and Commander, Task Group (CTG) 68.1. “Everyone onboard was humbled by the opportunity to play a small role in helping to bring closure to grieving families.”
Assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the MH-60 Blackhawk was carrying five special operations aviation Soldiers when it crashed. All Soldiers on board were killed. The remains of two Soldiers were recovered during initial search and recovery efforts.
The remains of the three other Soldiers were recovered and will be flown to Dover Air force Base and returned to the families. The identities of the Soldiers recovered will be withheld pending notification to next of kin.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. For information regarding the incident, contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs office at 910-432-6005, or by email at [email protected].
U.S. Navy Accepts Delivery of First Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Test Asset System
By Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., — The U.S. Navy recently accepted delivery of the first Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) Test Asset System, designated XLE0, from the manufacturer Boeing. The XLUUV, also known as Orca, marks a significant milestone in advancing the Navy’s undersea capabilities.
The delivery of the Navy’s first-ever Orca XLUUV Test Asset System, XLE0, is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of research, design, manufacturing and testing by the Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) and the Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Office (PMS 406).
“This has been a very busy year for the XLUUV team and their hard work is culminating in delivery of the Navy’s first-ever unmanned diesel-electric submarine,” said Capt. Scot Searles, program manager of the Unmanned Maritime Systems (PMS 406) program office. “We look forward to continued success with our Boeing teammates in fielding this important capability for the warfighter.”
XLE0 began in-water testing in Spring 2023 in Huntington Beach, California. Lessons learned from XLE0’s testing will be applied to Orca XLUUV 1 through 5, which will be built and delivered to the Navy in the future.
The Orca XLUUV is a cutting-edge, autonomous, unmanned diesel-electric submarine with a modular payload section to execute a variety of missions critical to enhancing the Navy’s undersea prowess. Configured to accommodate various payloads, the Orca XLUUV allows for the seamless integration of sensors, communication systems, and other mission-specific components, adapting to the evolving requirements of naval operations.
With its long-endurance capability, the Orca XLUUV can operate autonomously for extended periods. This allows for sustained operational presence and increased mission effectiveness in challenging undersea environments.
