Release from Bell Textron

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Jul 19, 2023

Bell Expands H-1 Advanced Maintenance Training Academy for USMC

What does Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, MCAS Futenma, Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center, and Bell’s Repair and Overhaul Center have in common? They are all locations where U.S. Marine Corps aircraft maintainers come to receive top-of-the-line maintenance training for the Bell H-1 aircraft line.

Bell has launched its H-1 Advanced Maintenance Training Academy (AMTA) to provide long-term fleet support through a week-long, interactive training program taught by Bell H-1 maintenance instructors and specialists. The training is an immersive experience coupled with 3-D courseware and hands-on technical instruction for routine maintenance repairs on items such as flight controls, gearboxes, swashplates, and both rotor blades.

“Through the H-1 AMTA, Marine maintainers can take the training knowledge that they receive here and implement it directly on the H-1 flight line, ensuring mission-focused fleet readiness at all times,” said Steve Rudat, H-1 AMTA instructor, Bell.

Marine maintainers from various Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons (MALS) and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons (HMLA) located around the world, including MALS-29, MALS-39, HMLA-167, HMLA-169, HMLA-267, HMLA-367, HMLA-369, and HMLAT-303, have attended the H-1 AMTA offered at one of the participating locations.

Most recently, MCAS Camp Pendleton was added to the list of locations that host the H-1 AMTA.

“The goal of the AMTA is for Marines to develop a deeper understanding of the H-1 platform and how the different aircraft systems function together. Whether they are at their home squadron or deployed on a mission, our AMTA program provides H-1 Marine maintainers with the skills to keep their aircraft on the flight schedule,” said Bryan Riley, H-1 fleet support manager, Bell.

Since its launch, over 100 Marine maintainers have successfully completed the training program.

“At Bell, we are committed to providing top-tier after-market support to our customers, and this is one of the key ways that we can support the mission of the HMLA community,” said Nate Green, H-1 program manager, Bell.

The Bell H-1 line is purpose-built to support the U.S. Armed Forces. Bell continues to modernize the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom to serve the future generations of warfighters. The current line of the Viper and Venom have proven to be two of the most agile, dependable, and interoperable aircrafts on the market.

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ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s operational climate is generating a growing need for the Navy Information Forces, challenging the capacity of the forces to meet that need.

The Navy’s information warfare forces include personnel specializing in intelligence, electronic warfare, cyber warfare, oceanography, nuclear command and control, and information warfare.

Vice Admiral Kelly Aeschbach, commander Naval Information Forces—known informally as the “I-Boss” — speaking July 18 with retired Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV in the U.S. Naval Memorial’s SITREP series, said the Navy’s intelligence and cryptologic specialists were not as busy in the maritime environment during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as they have now become with the great power competition with China and Russia.

“We were really not challenged in the maritime, and our global competitive environment has changed substantially, and we are now facing a near-peer competition — in some areas, we are being outpaced by our competitors — that I think demands now that you need information warriors to deliver our capability full-time,” Aeschbach said.

The admiral cited the Navy’s submarine force as an example where what is now information warfare was a collateral duty for a submarine officer, but now, with the increased demands of high-end warfare, the capabilities of information warfare specialists are needed to handle the flood of information and allow the other personnel to concentrate on the areas in which they excel.

“We’re a better team for it, if we’re there bringing the detailed information warfare capability,” she said. 

With the increasing demands on information warfare forces, the Navy is challenged to prevent burn-out of the force, which—unlike ship or aircraft crews—does not have a routine sustainment cycle.

“We are operating all the time, and so one of the challenges we have as a type commander is: how do you do the care and feeding and re-generation of a force that is always in demand,” Aeschbach said. “So that has challenged us in terms of how we maintain an appropriate operational tempo for our personnel, effectively train them, and afford them enough time to re-charge and be most effective and most ready for the missions for the missions they’re supporting.”

Aeschbach is working to develop and use live virtual constructive technology to provide realistic training for information warfare forces, which, because of the nature of their capabilities, are more difficult to exercise realistically in a peacetime environment.

Release from the U.S. Coast Guard 11th District

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July 17, 2023

USCG District 11 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast (WMEC 623) offloaded more than 11,600 pounds of cocaine and 5,500 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $158 million in San Diego, Monday.

The interdictions were conducted during counter-narcotics patrols in the Eastern Pacific Ocean between May and July by crews of the Coast Guard Cutters Vigilant (WMEC 617), Mohawk (WMEC 913) and Steadfast.

“The crews of the Coast Guard Cutters Vigilant, Mohawk and Steadfast worked diligently to combat transnational organized crime, disrupt drug flow and prevent a significant amount of drugs from reaching the U.S.,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard Eleventh District. “Their unwavering commitment while interdicting drug smugglers at sea is not only commended, but their continued efforts are unmatched.”

Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperated in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), contributed to this counter-narcotic operation. These coordinated efforts underscore the strong collaboration between the U.S. and SEMAR.

“Nothing is guaranteed when a Coast Guard crew says ‘goodbye’ to loved ones and embarks on a multi-month patrol,” said Cmdr. Brock Eckel, commanding officer of the Steadfast. “However, our team worked incredibly hard, day-and-night, to stop three smuggling vessels, preventing more than five tons of illicit narcotics from reaching American soil. I am honored to serve with the amazing Steadfast crew and share in their success.”

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. U.S. Coast Guard members lead and conduct the interdictions, including the actual boardings.

The Steadfast is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Astoria, Oregon. This multi-mission platform falls under the operational command of the Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander. As a Coast Guard resource, Steadfast deploys in support of the Coast Guard’s Eleventh and Thirteenth Districts as well as Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-S). During deployments, Steadfast patrols along the western seaboard of the United States, Mexico and North and Central America conducting search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, living marine resource protection, and homeland defense operations.

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense

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General Officer Announcement

July 17, 2023

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James H. Adams, III, for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.  Adams is currently serving as deputy director, Requirements and Capability Development, J-8, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

Release From Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE Public Affairs Office

Courtesy Story, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE Public Affairs

SYDNEY (July 18, 2023) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived in Sydney, Australia, July 18, ahead of the ship’s ceremonial commissioning.

USS Canberra entered Sydney Harbour in formation with Canberra-class landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra before mooring pierside at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East.

“We are thrilled to be here in Sydney this week, and to show this city our fast, optimally-manned ship that sails across the seas as a symbol of our navies’ dedication to each other,” said Capt. Marc Crawford, Commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE. “For more than one hundred years, our nations have stood side-by-side; today is no different.”

The U.S. ship is named for Australia’s capital and the original HMAS Canberra that was sunk at the Battle of Savo Island during World War II while fighting alongside the U.S.

“To sail last night and rendezvous with USS Canberra was an absolute privilege, not just for myself but for the Army, Navy and Air Force crew members on HMAS Canberra,” said. Capt. Brendan O’Hara, commanding officer of HMAS Canberra. “Having another ship named Canberra, there is an automatic bond as mariners between those ships straight away. We look forward to supporting their ship’s company throughout the course of this week, particularly for the commissioning ceremony this Saturday.”

While in Sydney, the ships’ crews will partake in sports competitions, community relations activities, and learn more about the other country’s culture and traditions.

Those interested in viewing the ceremony live may do so on DVIDS at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32033 beginning at 10:00 a.m. AEST on July 22, 2023.

Homeported in San Diego as a part of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, USS Canberra is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS like USS Canberra integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

For more information on the USS Canberra commissioning, please visit
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/CanberraCommissioning and http://images.defence.gov.au/S20232084.

Release from Naval Sea Systems Command

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By Team Ships Public Affairs

Washington Navy Yard – Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushions (LCAC) 105-107 received a lift of opportunity (LOO) aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), on July 14.

LCACs 105-107 have been at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division for post-delivery test and trials following their delivery to the Navy by Textron Systems.

The leadership on the USS Gunston Hall worked with Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, and Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4) as LCACs 105-107 entered the well deck for transport.

“SSC LCACs are in serial production and actively providing much-needed agility and speed to our fleet,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager, Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, PEO Ships. “The flexibility of LCACs, combined with their technology, provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with capability for today and the future fight.”

Later this month, the Gunston Hall team will offload these three crafts to their new home at ACU 4 in Little Creek, Virginia. ACU 4 is the parent unit for LCACs on the east coast. LCACs 101-104 arrived at ACU 4 in February 2022.

SSC LCACs are built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the legacy LCACs they replace – ensuring that this latest air cushion vehicle is fully compatible with existing, well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base, and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock. LCACs are capable of carrying a 74-ton payload. They primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and assault element personnel through a wide range of conditions, including over-the-beach.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats, and craft.

Release from U.S. Fleet Forces Command

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By Ensign Blaise De Oliveira, USS James E. Williams Public Affairs

14 July 2023

NORFOLK, Va. — Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) returned to Naval Station Norfolk from a seven-month NATO deployment, July 14.

James E. Williams served as the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Scott Sciretta.

James E. Williams deployed in December 2022 and relieved Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) as SNMG 2 flagship. As the flagship, James E. Williams led a multinational maritime group in joint operations through the Mediterranean Sea, providing forward presence, ensuring stability in the region, and supporting deterrence and defense of NATO territory.

The James E. Williams crew traveled more than 36,000 nautical miles, conducted more than 45 sea and anchor evolutions, transited 20 straight, logged more than 600 hours of flight operations, and conducted 22 replenishments-at-sea.

“As our deployment ends, I could not be more proud of the hard work, true dedication, pride and professionalism that our Sailors have demonstrated on this deployment,” said Cmdr. Robert Ireland, commanding officer of James E. Williams. “James E. Williams got real, got better, and provided Commander, NATO Allied Maritime Command and U.S. 6th Fleet with a tactically proficient, operationally ready, and strategically focused asset to project NATO’s united resolve to deter and defeat our nation’s and Alliance’s adversaries.”

While working with 12 countries on joint operations, the crew visited 12 different cities in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Spain and Türkiye. While in port, Sailors strengthened relationships with our critical Allies, participating in social events with Sailors from other navies and touring local regions.

Through this wide range of exercises, operations and port visits, the crew demonstrated their unrelenting commitment to the mission and to the region. They spent 225 days away from homeport, truly demonstrating the fulfillment of their ship’s motto: Lead from the Front.

HMS Duncan (D37), a Royal Navy Daring-class air-defense destroyer, properly relieved James E. Williams as SNMG 2 flagship during a ceremony in Taranto, Italy, June 30. With the completion of the hand-over

turn-over, the United Kingdom commenced a one-year rotation in command of SNMG 2 under the leadership of Cdre. Paul Stroude.

As a NATO task group, SNMG 2 prioritizes its mandate to enhance the collective readiness, responsiveness, deployable readiness, integration and interoperability of its forces. Its focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protecting the main lines of communication.

SNMG 2 is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict. SNMG 2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.

Release from HII

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va., July 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) and Babcock International Group have entered into a strategic agreement to collaborate on naval and civil nuclear decommissioning and construction opportunities in the U.K. and U.S.

HII and Babcock will apply their complementary capabilities to existing nuclear decommissioning contracts for U.S. ships and U.K. submarines, to share best practices and provide the opportunity to upskill and enhance both organizations’ capability for the benefit of the U.S. and U.K. programs.

The Memorandum of Understanding also identifies opportunities for cooperation in civil nuclear, including power plant and component design, fabrication and construction in North America and the U.K. For Babcock, this will include leveraging the capability of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cavendish Nuclear, a leader in the U.K. nuclear civil industry across the nuclear lifecycle.

“As we expand our presence globally this is an important agreement to leverage more than 60 years of HII expertise in complex nuclear processes on behalf of civil and defense customers,” said Chris Kastner, president and CEO of HII. “We are excited to explore with Babcock potentially promising opportunities for both companies.”

“This collaboration supports our expanding global reach and capability,” said David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock. “We look forward to working with HII to realize the benefits that our collaboration can bring to the nuclear programs in the U.K., U.S. and beyond.”

HII and Babcock will also explore how their combined capability as global leaders in defense can be applied in support of the Australia – United Kingdom – United States (AUKUS) programs.

Release from Coast Guard 11th District

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SAN PEDRO, Calif. – U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach and U.S. Customs and Border Protection recovered 223 pounds of cocaine today from a vessel that became disabled on July 4, off the coast of Columbia.

Two individuals on a disabled panga-style vessel flagged down a good Samaritan en route to Long Beach, California. The good Samaritan vessel recovered the two individuals and their boat.

As they approached Long Beach, the crew contacted the Coast Guard to assist with disembarking the two individuals and recovering their boat.

During that process, the crew notified the Coast Guard that drugs were possibly aboard the vessel. A subsequent search revealed that narcotics were concealed within a false bottom.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection took the two individuals into custody and seized narcotics and the vessel.

“This operation exemplifies the outstanding interagency collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and CBP,” said Lt. Cdr. Keith Robinson, chief of law enforcement at Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach.

Release from Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs 

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July 13, 2023 

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs  

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced, today, that a future Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue ship will be named USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11).   

The future T-ATS 11 honors Billy Frank Jr., who was a Nisqually tribal member and is an iconic Native American environmental leader and treaty rights activist. The name selection follows the tradition of naming towing, salvage, and rescue ships after prominent Native Americans or Native American tribes.   

“I am honored for the opportunity to name a naval ship after Billy Frank Jr., a man who was a proponent and leader for Native American rights,” said Del Toro. “Billy Frank Jr. spent his life serving others and his namesake ship will do the same as it travels around the world enabling humanitarian assistance and the maintenance of freedom.” 

William “Billy” Frank Jr. was born in 1931 as a member of the Nisqually tribe in Washington.  After serving as a military policeman in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, Frank returned to Washington where he became an electrical lineman and continued to fish on his traditional grounds.   

By the 1960s, the local salmon fishery was in decline due to increased sport and commercial fishing.  In response, state officials began targeting and arresting Native American fishermen like Frank, blaming the decline in salmon stock on them instead.  Escalating arrests and raids led to protests at the state capitol and “fish-ins” arranged by Frank and others.  Over the course of these demonstrations, Frank was arrested over 50 times and became the face of the movement.   

In 1974, the matter was taken up by the Federal District Court in Tacoma, Washington.  Judge George H. Boldt ruled in favor of the Native Americans for their right to fish in their “usual and accustomed places.”  Frank went on to serve as chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for over 30 years and received the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, among other accolades.  He passed away in 2014. His son, Willie Frank III, serves as the chairman of the tribal council of the Nisqually tribe. 

The Navajo-class 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, which reach the end of their expected service lives starting in 2020. 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.