Release from U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs 

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By From U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs 

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii  – During the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 23, U.S. Navy Sailors from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 were busy in and around the downed P-8A Poseidon in waters just off the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, as part of the ongoing efforts to assess, investigate, and plan the safe, expeditious and environmentally protective recovery of the aircraft. 

Divers from MDSU-1’s Company 1-3 were successfully able to recover the aircraft’s flight data recorder. While on shore, conducting an assessment, were members of the recently arrived Aircraft Mishap Board, assigned to investigate the incident to determine the cause and contributing factors of the mishap. 

MDSU-1 divers also conducted a hydrographic survey around the aircraft to help further evaluate the aircraft’s structural integrity, as well as better assess the coral and marine environment around the aircraft. The survey will help the Navy plan a recovery operation that minimizes any impact to the critical ecosystem of Kaneohe Bay. 

Personnel from Naval Sea Systems Command, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, as well as contracted salvage masters from SMIT Salvage also arrived on Oahu Wednesday to assist with the recovery planning and execution. 

In addition to the environmental protection measures previously implemented by the Navy and base personnel, members from the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are assisting the efforts to continuously monitor the marine environment around the aircraft. 

With the utmost concern for mitigating any potential environmental impacts, some of the previously reported environmental protection measures employed or are at the ready include.  

• Primary and secondary containment booms have been deployed, encircling the entire aircraft, to protect the surrounding marine environment.  
• Hydrophobic absorbent material was also placed as a proactive preventative measure. This material not only helps absorb any potential pollutants but also serves as an effective indicator for the presence of petroleum products, allowing for swift identification and response. 
• A skimmer is on standby, ready to swiftly respond. This proactive measure enhances the ability to quickly remove any pollutants from the water surface, minimizing impact on the marine environment. 
• Specially trained base personnel continue to observe and monitor the area 24-hours-a-day to watch for any changes in the environment. In addition to looking for possible pollutants, personnel are also instructed to keep watch for wildlife and are trained to report any impacted wildlife or any species of interest that are observed in the vicinity 

The P-8A crew, assigned to Whidbey Island, Washington-based Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 “Skinny Dragons,” was on a detachment in support of maritime homeland defense. There were nine crewmembers on board – three pilots and six crewmembers (two officer and four enlisted). All crewmembers safely evacuated the aircraft and no injuries were reported. A P-8A and crew assigned to VP-40 “Fighting Marlins” arrived in Hawaii today to assume homeland defense coverage. 

More information will be released as it becomes available.  

The U.S. Navy fact file on the P-8A Poseidon can be found at the following link: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact–Files/Display–FactFiles/Article/2166300/p–8a–poseidonmultimission–maritime–aircraft–mma/    

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

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Nov. 24, 2023 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Legare (WMEC 912) returned home to Portsmouth, Friday, concluding a nearly 10-week deployment to the Windward Passage and the South Florida Straits. Additionally, Legare supported the Coast Guard’s Eighth District as the offshore command and control cutter in response to an oil discharge in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The crew of the Legare steamed over 12,000 nautical miles in support of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast and Operation Vigilant Sentry within the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of responsibility. 

During the patrol, Legare interdicted one go-fast vessel off the coast of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, preventing an irregular, unlawful, and dangerous journey of 20 migrants from an overloaded vessel in unsafe sea conditions. 

Legare worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters and Department of Homeland Security units to promote maritime safety and secure maritime borders, targeting unsafe migration and human trafficking from Cuba and Haiti, while prioritizing the protection of lives at sea. 

Legare also patrolled the Gulf of Mexico, in response to an oil discharge approximately 20 miles northeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. 

“I am very proud of the crew of Legare and our ability to come together and ensure we do our part in maintaining the safety of life at sea and securing our nation’s maritime borders,” said Cmdr. Jeremy Greenwood, Legare’s commanding officer. “This mission is never easy, but we understand the importance of deterring unlawful migration incidents that involve attempting dangerous journeys on often overloaded and unseaworthy vessels. We reiterate the plea to those attempting these transits to the United States to seek safe, lawful alternatives.” 

Migrants attempting to reach the United States unlawfully by sea, or who land on U.S. shores without authorization, are subject to removal and repatriation to their country of origin or departure. Consistent with U.S. policy, those who bypass or attempt to circumvent lawful immigration pathways face consequences including the potential of being barred from future lawful entry in addition to risking their lives unnecessarily. 

Legare is a 270-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia. 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. The medium endurance cutters fall under the command of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity. 

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. 

Learn more about Operation Vigilant Sentry here: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3280774/operation-vigilant-sentry-stopping-illegal-migration-at-sea/ 
  

Release from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

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27 November 2023 

From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

On November 25, USS Hopper (DDG 70) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law. At the conclusion of the operation, USS Hopper (DDG 70) exited the excessive claim area and continued operations in the South China Sea. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam. 

The PRC, Vietnam, and Taiwan each claim sovereignty over the Paracel Islands. All three claimants require either permission or advance notification before a military vessel or warship engages in “innocent passage” through their territorial sea, in violation of international law. Under customary international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States – including their warships – enjoy the right of innocent passage through a territorial sea. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage is unlawful. By engaging in innocent passage without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any of the claimants, the United States challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed by the PRC, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage is not subject to such restrictions.   

Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations. 

The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant. Customary international law reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention protects certain rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea enjoyed by all nations. The international community has an enduring role in preserving the freedom of the seas, which is critical to global security, stability, and prosperity. 

The United States upholds freedom of navigation for all nations as a principle. As long as some countries continue to claim and assert limits on rights that exceed their authority under international law, the United States will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of the sea guaranteed to all. No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms.  

U.S. forces operate in the South China Sea on a daily basis, as they have for more than a century. They routinely operate in close coordination with like-minded allies and partners that share our commitment to uphold a free and open international order that promotes security and prosperity. All of our operations are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with customary international law. The operations demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows – regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events.  

Release from CNO Public Affairs 

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WASHINGTON, DC – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea traveled to Guam, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to underscore the U.S. Navy’s unwavering focus on the Indo-Pacific and to engage with forward deployed Sailors, Nov. 20-25. 

Franchetti and Honea began their trip in Guam with an all-hands call. The dialogue covered topics like quality of service initiatives and recruiting, it also centered on Franchetti’s focus on the important role of our forward-postured forces serving at Joint Region Marianas and on applying a warfighting lens to everything the Navy does. 

“I am incredibly proud of the work you do, providing options, flexibility, and decision space to our Nation’s leaders. What you do matters every day to our Navy and to our Nation,” said Franchetti. “Each of you are forward-deployed supporting our allies and partners and reinforcing our strategic relationships in this very critical region of the world. As I begin my tenure as CNO I’m focused on ensuring you have what you need to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and, if called, win decisively in war.”  

MCPON echoed Franchetti’s sentiments on strengthening the Navy team. 

“I’d ask that everyone in this room be very clear on what their priorities are, focus on what matters, then ask yourself, ‘how can I get better? How can I help my shipmates be better?’” Honea said.  “I charge all of you to be a citizen and belong – make your teams better. Make our Navy better.” 

The next stop on their Indo-Pacific tour was Japan, where they met officials and military leaders, to include Japan’s Defense Minister, Kihara Minoru; Yokosuka Mayor Kamiji Katsuaki; Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide, and Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Adm. Sakai Ryo. During these engagements Franchetti discussed the strength of the U.S.- Japan alliance and the importance of the Navy-to-Navy relationship in facing the challenges to a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

Throughout her discussions, CNO emphasized the value of planning, exercising and operating together to enhance interoperability between the two fleets. She further expressed how the strong network of allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific ensures the stability and security of the region and facilitates the preservation of the rules-based international order. 

“Our Navy is the world’s premier all-domain warfighting force, made even more effective through our strong relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-pacific region,” said Franchetti.  

Following the key leader engagements, CNO and MCPON spent Thanksgiving serving the holiday meal and dining with the crew aboard the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Additionally, they visited crew members forward-deployed aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113).  

“MCPON and I chose to visit this region for my first trip as CNO to underscore the significance of our maritime operations and alliances in the Indo-Pacific; we chose to visit at this time to recognize our Sailors serving overseas and deployed during the holiday season,” said Franchetti.  

Busan, ROK was the final leg of the trip, where CNO and MCPON met with the ROK Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Yang Yong-mo and ROK MCPON Eom Ha-il. 

During her discussions with Yang, Franchetti noted that for seven decades the U.S. – ROK relationship has proven to be among the most capable, cooperative, and durable bilateral partnership in the world, bolstering peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific. 

This stop also marked CNO and MCPON’s first return to ROK since serving there together from 2014 to 2015 as then Commander, Naval Forces Korea and Command Master Chief. MCPON remarked on their shared history and consistent focus on the Navy’s most strategic asset – Sailors. 

“Our titles may have changed, but our vision remains the same – to support and develop Sailors that are strong leaders and experts. Sailors who will live, teach, and enforce standards to make each other and our Navy stronger every day,” said Honea.  

Franchetti underscored that point when speaking to Sailors aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), who are conducting a port visit in Busan during their Western-Pacific deployment.  

“Our Navy can have the best equipment, ships, submarines, and aircraft, but without Sailors they go nowhere and do nothing,” said Franchetti. “Our people – our Sailors and our Civilians – are our true secret weapons.  They give us a decisive edge, and because of them, our Navy remains the preeminent fighting force on, under, and above the seas.” 

This was CNO and MCPON’s first international trip together since her confirmation.  

Release from Leonardo DRS Inc. 

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November 20, 2023 

ARLINGTON, Va.– Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today the successful completion of comprehensive sea trials of the first Ulsan-Class Future Frigate experimental Batch-3 (FFX-III) for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy). DRS provides the hybrid electric drive propulsion system for the ship, featuring quiet, compact, advanced permanent magnet propulsion motors, supporting the ship’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission with less noise generation and superior fuel economy. This sea trial follows the delivery of eight shipsets for the Daegu-Class FFX-II. 

“The successful and timely testing was an important phase of this program, which demonstrates our continued success and collaboration with Hyosung Corporation, Korean shipbuilding HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), and the ROK Navy,” said Jon Miller, Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager. “I’m proud of our engineering team, who demonstrated superb expertise, technical skill, and professionalism to prove the system, operation, and overall performance of the first Ulsan-Class FFX-III Frigate.” 

The 10-day sea trial, which took place in August 2023, marked a significant milestone in the development and testing of the Ulsan-Class FFX-III. Conducted in the Sea of Japan, the trial showcased the vessel’s exceptional performance, economy, safety features, and its ability to meet and exceed all performance requirements. The ROK Navy plans to begin deployment of the ship immediately. DRS will proceed with production of five additional shipsets in FFX-III 

DRS is a leading provider of hybrid electric drive systems and next-generation electrical power conversion and propulsion technology for the U.S. Navy and allies around the world, with major systems for next-generation submarines and surface ships. Investments in the company’s market-leading propulsion and power generation technology have created opportunities to use proven electric drive capabilities for future naval platforms. DRS solutions are leading the way in providing power flexibility to support the increased power requirements of current and future naval platforms. 

Release from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs  

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Nov. 22, 2023 

By Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

SOUTH CHINA SEA – U.S.7th Fleet (C7F) and Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) units began a maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, Nov. 23.   

The MCA is designed to enhance interoperability between the two militaries and further advance combined capabilities in the maritime domain. 

C7F units participating in the MCA are the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), assigned to Destroyer Squadron 7, and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8.  

AFP units participating are two FA-50PH aircraft, an A-29B Super Tucano aircraft, and three Philippine Navy ships: BRP Conrado Yap, BRP Jose Rizal, and BRP Gregorio del Pilar. 

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.  

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Nov. 21, 2023 

TARAWA, Kiribati – Pacific Marines, alongside the Government of the Republic of Kiribati and U.S. Embassy, Suva, co-hosted the 80th Annual Commemoration of the Battle of Tarawa at the Betio Sports Complex, Tarawa Atoll, Kiribati, on Nov. 22, 2023.  

Ceremony participants included U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Nauru, and Tuvalu Marie Damour; His Excellency, Taneti Maamau, President of the Republic of Kiribati; and Col. Matthew Brannen, Deputy Director for Operations, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. 

“Kiribati and the United States share an enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights, and regional peace and stability in the Blue Pacific. With today’s ceremony, we commemorate standing side by side in World War II to secure our collective freedom, as we continue to work together to promote security and prosperity,” said Ambassador Damour.  

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines also participated in the ceremony, highlighting 2nd Marine Division’s historical role as one of the first units ashore during the capture of Betio in 1943.  

The Battle of Tarawa was a pivotal engagement in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The actions that took place during the preparation and execution of the Battle of Tarawa led to significant innovations in amphibious warfare, including improvements to landing craft and intelligence-gathering procedures, marking it as a crucial turning point in momentum of the island-hopping campaign.  

A portion of the ceremony honored the repatriation of unidentified remains discovered on Tarawa. Following the ceremony, the remains will be transported back to DPAA facilities in Hawaii for possible identification.  

“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in Kiribati, we stand united in honoring the sacrifices of those who endured the harsh realities of combat and those who gave the last full measure of devotion to our Nation,” said Col. Brannen. “The opportunity underscores our unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Nation’s promise that no one is left behind. In the face of history, we renew our dedication to the mission of the DPAA, ensuring closure for families and preserving the legacy of those who bravely served. This moment reminds us that our duty to the fallen is timeless, and we press forward in the relentless pursuit of the fullest possible accounting for our missing heroes.”  

The ceremony served as a reminder of our history with Allies and partners across the Pacific, as well the Marine Corps’ enduring commitment to the region as ‘Soldiers of the Sea.’ 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific is the largest operational command in the Marine Corps and the Nation’s expeditionary force-in-readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Marines serve alongside the joint force and like-minded Allies and partners to preserve and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

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ARLINGTON, Va. — A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft ran off a runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on Nov. 20, likely resulting in the first loss of one of the aircraft in the 10 years since it achieved initial operational capability. 

“At approximately 2 p.m. local (Hawaii), a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon overshot the runway on landing at Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, and ended up in nearby water,” the U.S. Third Fleet public affairs office said in a Nov. 20 release. “All personnel safely evacuated the aircraft. First responders and emergency crews acted immediately to conduct an initial assessment and employed a temporary floating barrier, which is used to protect the environment.”  

The P-8A, shown in news photographs sitting partially submerged in the surf of Kaneohe Bay — is assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4), based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. No P-8s are permanently based at Kaneohe Bay but frequently rotate in for exercises and for detachments in support of homeland defense.   

The P-8 equips 12 U.S. fleet and two reserve patrol squadrons. The Poseidon made its first operational deployment nearly a decade ago, in December 2013, with VP-16. Until now, none have been destroyed in mishaps. The Navy has not yet made a determination if the P-8A in Kaneohe Bay suffered strike damage. 

“An investigation will be initiated,” the 3^rd Fleet release said. “More details will be released as they become available.” 

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 

Release from U.C. Coast Guard 14th District 

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Nov. 20, 2023 

HONOLULU – The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded Operation Kuru Kuru, an annually held comprehensive two-week operation in the Pacific region, highlighting the Coast Guard’s commitment to supporting international partners in the region. 

Operation Kuru Kuru, executed from 22 Oct. to 3 Nov. 2023, is a collaborative effort with the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, aimed at countering Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing across the region.   

The operation encompasses a wide array of objectives, including enhancing cooperative surveillance engagement between participating nations, conducting boarding activities at sea to combat IUU fishing, and utilizing remote sensing information to drive intelligence-led operations. This operation covers a combined area of 15 participating Pacific Island Country exclusive economic zones and the adjacent high seas pockets, approximating 8.2 million square miles, an area more than twice the size of the continental United States.  

“The U.S. Coast Guard’s presence and contributions to Operation Kuru Kuru underscore our commitment to regional security and disaster response,” said Cmdr. Andrew Williams, enforcement branch chief for U.S. Coast Guard District 14. “We are honored to stand alongside our international partners as we work together to address challenges that impact the Pacific region.”  

While engaged in the region, the Coast Guard offers a host of mission capabilities, including proactively supporting search and rescue operations, humanitarian  aid, and air and vessel surveillance to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing across the region.  

During this operation, a Coast Guard C-130 based out of Coast Guard District 14’s Air Station Barbers Point, responded to a request from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji to perform search and rescue operations in and around the Nonouti Island, Gilbert Islands, Kiribati. The C-130 was then rerouted following Tropical Cyclone Lola’s impact on Vanuatu to conduct post-storm assessments throughout the South Pacific island chain surrounding Vanuatu. These assessments were integral in gauging the extent of damage caused by the cyclone and facilitating the coordination of relief efforts.  

Despite the operational challenges posed by Tropical Cyclone Lola, the C-130 was able to conduct aerial surveillance fishery patrols within the EEZs of Fiji, Tonga, American Samoa, and Vanuatu, providing several crucial observation reports to partner nations.  

“Operation Kuru Kuru highlights the Coast Guard’s partnership with Pacific Island nations and how these collaborative efforts are vital in our mission to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.” said Rear Adm. Michael Day, commander of U.S. Coast Guard District 14. “Together, we can protect our oceans, preserve marine resources, and ensure sustainable fisheries for future generations while addressing additional challenges that impact the Pacific region.”  

Through operations like Operation Kuru Kuru, the Coast Guard remains dedicated to serving and safeguarding the international community, addressing IUU fishing, and responding to humanitarian crises. It reinforces the importance of multilateral cooperation and regional security to protect the resources and well-being of Pacific nations.  

The Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and environmental protection of the Pacific region. Its core missions encompass search and rescue, law enforcement, fisheries protection, and humanitarian assistance across a vast and diverse area of operations.  

Release from Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

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Nov. 20, 2023 

PORTSMOUTH, Va.– The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba returned home to Portsmouth, Monday, following a 51-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Escanaba worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and several international partners to conduct counterdrug operations. 

Escanaba’s crew disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting 3,520 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $102 million, which were offloaded in Port Everglades, Florida. While in theater, Escanaba worked to detect and interdict drug-smuggling vessels and suspected traffickers. Escanaba’s crew directly contributed to Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations and enhance regional stability and security. 

Escanaba’s operations were augmented by a Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron crew, which delivered air support for the use of force, and a tactical law enforcement detachment, which supplied skilled boarding personnel for mission strategy and strengthened law enforcement activities. 

“The Escanaba hasn’t patrolled the Eastern Pacific for nearly a year, so this is the first counterdrug experience for many in the crew,” said Cmdr. Jared Silverman, the commanding officer of Escanaba. “I am beyond impressed with their ability to perform in less-than-ideal weather and circumstances. Beyond our operational success, the crew was able to build life-long bonds through once-in-a-lifetime experiences like transiting through the Panama Canal, to having fish calls in the Eastern Pacific. I’m glad that we could make these memories while accomplishing the mission as a unified crew.” 

Escanaba is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counterdrug 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.