From HII 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division recently welcomed former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, his wife, Colleen Nunn, and their daughter and ship sponsor Michelle Nunn, for a visit to the shipyard. The visit included a construction update and tour of the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer named in honor of the senator, and marked their return to Ingalls following the ship’s keel authentication ceremony. 

“It was an honor to welcome Sen. Nunn and Michelle Nunn to Ingalls to see first-hand the progress taking place on DDG 133 and to highlight the ship’s advancing construction path toward launch,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “Our shipbuilders take tremendous pride in building a ship that will carry Sen. Nunn’s name and his legacy of enduring commitment to national defense.” 

During the 24 years of service in the U.S. Senate, Nunn became one of the nation’s most influential voices on defense policy. He spearheaded major initiatives including Department of Defense Reorganization Act and the NunnLugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which led to the deactivation of more than 7,600 nuclear warheads from former Soviet Union republics. The future USS Sam Nunn honors this legacy of strengthening America’s defense and advancing global security. 

Nunn expressed appreciation for the shipbuilders working to bring DDG 133 to life. “It is exciting and deeply humbling to see this powerful destroyer taking shape and to witness the exceptional craftsmanship of the Ingalls team,” Nunn said. “I am grateful for the vital role Ingalls plays in ensuring our nation’s strength and readiness.” 

Future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) is the fifth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at Ingalls. Flight III destroyers incorporate substantial design and system upgrades including the AN/SPY 6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System that significantly enhance the U.S. Navy’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities and ensure readiness against evolving threats well into the 21st century. 

To date, Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and Ted Stevens (DDG 128). The four Flight III destroyers currently under construction include: Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). Additionally, Ingalls is in early pre-planning and material procurement phases for John F. Lehman (DDG 137), Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141), Charles French (DDG 142), Richard J. Danzig (DDG 143), Intrepid (DDG 145) and Robert Kerrey (DDG 146). 

From HII, April 1, 2026 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully launched future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131) today, marking a major construction milestone for the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the shipyard. 

In the weeks leading up to launch, shipbuilders completed key construction work, secured major components and performed inspections to ensure the ship was ready to enter the water. The ship was then translated from land into the dry dock, where teams conducted final checks before flooding the dock and allowing the destroyer to float for the first time. 

“Launching DDG 131 is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders,” said Chris Brown, Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 program manager. “Seeing the ship reach the water for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and a real testament to the people who make this work possible for our U.S. Navy.” 

DDG 131 is named for George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and an aviation machinist’s mate third class who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while attempting to rescue a fellow service member under enemy fire. 

As a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG 131 represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy, featuring the Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, designed to counter threats well into the 21st century. 

Following today’s launch, George M. Neal will move into the next phase of construction, which includes outfitting, systems activation and testing in preparation for sea trials. 

For more information about the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer program at HII, visit: https://hii.com/what-we-do/capabilities/guided-missile-destroyers/. 

From the Department of War, April 2, 2026 

The U.S. Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs, conducted a successful launch of a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on March 26, 2026. 

The Army and Navy partnership to field a common hypersonic missile across land- and sea-based platforms supports the National Defense Strategy by accelerating timelines, reducing costs, and delivering a highly survivable capability to defeat time-sensitive, heavily defended, and high-value targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5.

by Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs, March 31, 2026 

NORFOLK, Va. – The George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) departed Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment, March 31, 2026. 
 

 “I am proud of every single member of this Strike Group. Our Sailors are ready and able to do the nation’s bidding,” said Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, embarked with the GHWBCSG. 

GHWBCSG deploying ships consists of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: USS Ross (DDG 71), homeported in Norfolk, Va; USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Mason (DDG 87) homeported in Mayport, Fla. Mason is the GHWBCSG Air and Missile Defense Commander. 

“The crew embodies our ship’s motto ‘Freedom at Work,'” said Capt. Bibeau, commanding officer of George H. W. Bush. “Our Sailors are exceptionally trained, highly motivated, ready to accomplish any assigned mission, and well poised to defeat any threat while deployed.” 

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked on George H. W. Bush consists of nine aircraft squadrons: Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, “Rampagers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, “Gunslingers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, “Wildcats,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, “Patriots,” Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 116, “Sun Kings,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, “Nightdippers,” Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, “Grandmasters,” and Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40, “Mighty Bison.” 

GHWBCSG last deployed from August 2022 to April 2023 and spent the entirety of its deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe–U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations. While in the Mediterranean, the ship participated in and supported a multitude of multinational exercises to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. 

To access latest news and content on the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/C2F; https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN77; https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/csg10/. 

From Team Submarine Public Affairs, March 31, 2026 

The U.S. Navy certified the Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS) for full operation, March 23, clearing the system for deployment in support of undersea rescue missions around the globe. 

The certification concluded with a final manned dive in the waters near Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., March 6, and marks the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between the Undersea Rescue Command (URC), Submarine Squadron 11, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, Submarine Forces, Naval Sea Systems Command, Program Executive Office Attack Submarines, and the Undersea Special Missions Program Office (PMS 390). 

“This successful dive signifies a major milestone for the Navy,” said Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker, Program Executive Officer, Attack Submarines. “We hold ourselves to extremely high standards in the undersea community. Going through this process shows that the team is ready to meet and exceed those standards. This accomplishment is a direct result of the whole team’s dedication.” 

The SRDRS is a remotely operated system capable of rescuing submarine crews in cases of emergency and can deploy anywhere in the world within 96 hours. With the successful system certification, the URC team is authorized to assist in submarine rescues globally, joining an international force of experts ready to help those in need. 

“Our Submarine Force operates, along with our allies and partners, in challenging undersea environments that span the entire globe. It is critical for us to have an undersea rescue capability that underpins the extensive training our submariners receive and that allows us to respond worldwide in the event of a distressed submarine,” said Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “I commend the team of experts that helped us to achieve this important certification and to maintain our legacy of safe operations beneath the seas.” 

The SRDRS is one of the Navy’s primary undersea rescue capabilities and is designed to support both U.S. and allied rescue operations worldwide. Its main component, the Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM), is a tethered, remotely operated vehicle capable of rescuing up to 16 personnel per sortie. 

“Being onboard the PRM during its certification dive to 2,000 feet was an awe-inspiring experience, demonstrating the effectiveness of this system, and the professionalism and expertise of the entire team,” said Capt. David McGlone, Program Manager for PMS 390. 

“There are a lot of moving parts in any evolution like this, it’s not as simple as ‘dive down and open the hatch.’ The equipment is complex, and the crew operating and maintaining it must be experts at what they do. Being here, observing the team at work, diving in the vehicle, seeing the entire system operate to perform its intended function – I can confidently say I’m impressed.” 

Once activated, the SRDRS was put to the test in two separate dives. In the first demonstration, the system submerged unmanned to a depth of 2,000 feet. Following the unmanned dive, the team underwent a review process before submerging again, this time with a crew, to a mating fixture called Deep Seat. 

URC personnel, comprised of active and reserve component Sailors, and civilian contractors, operate the SRDRS as the U.S. Navy’s only submarine rescue-capable command. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, March 31, 2026 

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard held a formal assumption of command ceremony for Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella as he assumed the duties and responsibilities of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West Commander during an event Thursday, at Coast Guard Island in Alameda.  

Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard presided over the ceremony. Senior Coast Guard leadership and distinguished guests joined in recognizing Vice Adm. Buzzella’s commitment to leading the Service.  

Vice Adm. Buzzella formally assumed the responsibilities of commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, overseeing all Coast Guard operations across the Pacific theater—an area encompassing more than 74 million square miles. He reaffirmed the Service’s enduring role as a vital instrument of national power responsible for ensuring maritime safety, security, and stewardship; strengthening partnerships with allies and advancing U.S. interests throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  

“It is an honor to assume command of Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West,” said Vice Adm. Buzzella. “Across this vast and vital region, Coast Guardsmen stand the watch. Every day, our crews are saving lives, protecting and ensuring we control, secure and defend our nation’s borders. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this team and remain committed to supporting the readiness, resilience, and mission excellence of the Pacific Area workforce and their families.”   

As Pacific Area commander, Vice Adm. Buzzella will lead Coast Guard operations throughout the Indo-Pacific, the Polar Regions and Western Hemisphere, focusing on enhancing operational readiness, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing strategic priorities in support of national security objectives.  

MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant program received a 200% increase in funding for 2026 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced today that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will invest $35 million into revitalizing America’s small shipyards.  

The investment will go toward: 

• Upgrading ship repair and construction facilities 

• Purchasing new equipment, including cranes, plasma cutters, and welding systems 

• Bolstering maritime training programs to supercharge the maritime workforce 

“This 200% increase in shipyard investments underscores President Trump’s commitment to restoring America’s maritime dominance strategy. Revitalizing this once great industry enhances our national security, reshores good paying jobs, and ensures goods get to where they need to go affordably,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. 

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Duffy, the maritime industry is getting the resources it needs to restore U.S. strength on the seas,” said MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel. “This $35 million investment will empower our domestic maritime industry to modernize facilities, foster competitive operations, and equip the American worker with the skills needed to restore our nation’s maritime dominance.” 

President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Sean P. Duffy are committed to restoring U.S. maritime dominance. As such, the criteria for this grant program includes prioritizing projects that incorporate innovative technology.   

Additional Information: 

Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded 382 grants for $320.5 million. These funds equip American shipyards with the tools they need to build American ships. 

Eligible shipyards must be in a single geographic location and may not have more than 1,200 production employees. Eligible shipyards must construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 40 feet in length or greater for commercial or government use, or construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 100 feet in length or greater for non-commercial vessels. 

The Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the application criteria. Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible but must do so by May 11, 2026. 

From U.S. Central Command, March 31, 2026 

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command Spokesperson U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins provided the following statement: 

Several media outlets recently reported accusations of U.S. forces striking a sports hall and residential area in the city of Lamerd, Iran, on Feb. 28. After looking into the reports, U.S. Central Command has confirmed the accusations are false. 

U.S. forces did not launch any strikes at any time into the city of Lamerd or anywhere within 30 miles during the opening day of Operation Epic Fury. Furthermore, video footage circulated by media outlets alleging U.S. involvement does not show a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). A PrSM is 13 feet in length. The munition depicted in the video appears to be twice as long, consistent with the dimensions and silhouette of an Iranian Hoveyzeh cruise missile. 

U.S. forces do not target civilians, unlike the Iranian regime which has attacked civilian locations in neighboring countries more than 300 times. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District, March 30, 2026 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Thetis repatriated 60 aliens to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Monday, following the interdiction of an unlawful migration vessel voyage in Mona Passage waters northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.   

The repatriated aliens were transferred to Dominican Republic Navy authorities including 43 men and 11 women who claimed Haitian nationality and five other men and one woman who claimed Dominican Republic nationality. No minors were identified in this case.   

The interdiction occurred Friday afternoon after a Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch Multi-Role Enforcement aircraft crew on a routine patrol detected a makeshift vessel, approximately 50 nautical miles from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Sector San Juan watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis and launched an Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter to respond. Once on-scene, Thetis deployed the cutter’s Over the Horizon small boat whose crew took positive control of the suspect vessel. Following the interdiction, the Thetis crew safely embarked all the migrants.   

“The swift response, effective communications and seamless coordination between Coast Guard Thetis, Sector San Juan personnel and our CBP partners led to a successful interdiction and resulted in sixty lives saved,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response.  “The resolve of the Coast Guard, our Homeland Security Task Force – San Juan and of our Dominican Republic Navy partners to detect and stop these potentially deadly voyages is unwavering.  To those thinking of taking part in an unlawful migration voyage, don’t take to the sea!  These voyages most often involve unseaworthy and grossly overloaded makeshift vessels with no lifesaving equipment.  They are highly unstable and could capsize without warning killing everyone onboard. Individuals taking part in these voyages should also realize they may be subject to criminal prosecution and or repatriated to their country of origin or departure.”   

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, aliens are processed to determine their identity and are provided with food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.   

The United States Coast Guard, along with its Operation Vigilant Sentry partners, maintains a continued presence with air, land, and sea assets in the Florida Straits, the Windward Passage, the Mona Passage, and the Caribbean Sea. Operation Vigilant Sentry’s multi-layered approach is designed to protect the safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry to the United States and its territories.  

From By U.S. Naval Force Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, March 31, 2026 

U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff’s visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24–25.   

The visit, Wikoff’s first to Africa as the NAVAF commander, highlighted the United States Navy’s ongoing support to Kenya’s maritime operations, counterterrorism efforts, and regional security leadership along the Western Indian Ocean and the Somali border. 

Throughout his engagements, Wikoff underscored the shared U.S.–Kenya commitment to enhancing interoperability, expanding partner capacity, and investing in infrastructure and training that enable Kenyan forces to deter and respond to emerging threats. 

“Kenya is a critical maritime and security partner in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean,” said Wikoff. “Our cooperation is built on shared interests and shared sacrifices, and together we are working to promote stability, protect vital sea lanes, and counter those who threaten regional security.” 

In Nairobi, Wikoff met with the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), General Charles Muriu Kahariri, to discuss ongoing collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, regional stability, and long-term defense modernization and innovation. 

The discussion focused on aligning defense cooperation with broader U.S. diplomatic and economic goals, reinforcing strategic coordination at the senior level, and advancing Kenya’s role as a security anchor in the region. 

“General Kahariri and I reaffirmed that our defense cooperation is not just a one-time effort — it is strategic, ongoing, and aligned with our broader diplomatic and economic partnerships,” Wikoff said. “Together, we are focused on countering terrorism, strengthening maritime security, and modernizing our forces so we are ready for current and future challenges.” 

In Mombasa, Wikoff met with Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, commander of the Kenya Navy, to review ongoing maritime initiatives, including joint training, information sharing, and efforts to improve maritime domain awareness across the Western Indian Ocean. The leaders discussed ways to bolster Kenya’s ability to secure its maritime approaches, counter illicit maritime activities, and further integrate Kenyan naval forces into regional and international security efforts. 

Wikoff and Otieno then attended the after-action review for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2026, a series of naval exercises with African partners, including Kenya, to bolster maritime security, improve interoperability, and address regional security challenges in the Western Indian Ocean. The review assessed operational effectiveness and interoperability gains and identified lessons to guide future joint exercises and operations. 

“CARAT 2026 shows what we can achieve when we train and operate together,” Wikoff said. “By integrating our capabilities and sharing information, we are better prepared to secure the maritime domain, disrupt illicit networks, and respond swiftly when threats emerge.” 

Wikoff and Otieno concluded their visit by commissioning the Kenya Navy Marine Range and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Complex at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe in Mombasa County. The new facility will provide a modern, specialized training environment to significantly enhance the operational readiness of the Kenya Navy Marine Commandos, supporting advanced training in close-quarters combat, marksmanship, tactical movement, and integrated maritime operations. 

“The Marine Range and CQB Complex is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to Kenya’s security and regional leadership,” said Wikoff. “By investing in infrastructure and training, we are empowering Kenyan forces with the tools and skills they need to lead in securing their coastlines and maritime approaches.” 

The KNAV Marine CQB Complex is a $750,000 Section 333 Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) design-build contract managed by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT). This specialized facility is designed to enhance the maritime and coastal interdiction capabilities of the newly established KNAV Marine Commandos, who are playing an increasingly prominent role in regional counterinsurgency operations along the coast and littorals. The scope includes a 100-meter small-arms range, a live-fire shoot house, and a dry-run rehearsal facility. 

Wikoff’s visit reaffirmed NAVAF’s role as a trusted, long-term partner to Kenya amid increasing competition from external actors. 

Through senior leader engagements, joint exercises, and targeted investments in training and infrastructure, the United States and Kenya are working together to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, enhance maritime security, and promote stability across East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. 

“Our partnership with Kenya is enduring and future-focused,” Wikoff said. “Together, we are building the capabilities, relationships, and trust that underpin regional security and create the conditions for lasting peace and prosperity.” 

For more than 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.