By Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs | April 16, 2024

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Indian Navy Ship INS Talwar, operating in support of the Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, conducted its first interdiction of illicit narcotics as a member of Combined Maritime Forces, seizing 940 kg of drugs in the Arabian Sea, April 13.

Talwar, a Talwar-class frigate, seized 453 kg of methamphetamines, 416 kg of hash and 71 kg of heroin from a dhow as part of Focused Operation Crimson Barracuda.

The Indian Navy joined CMF last November.

“I commend the crew of INS Talwar for their efforts throughout this Focused Operation and their hard work has paid off with this seizure of 940 kg of drugs,” said Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews, Commander, Combined Task Force 150. “This seizure, the fourth of this Focused Operation, demonstrates the effectiveness and professionalism of CMF, and of the Indian Navy, in deterring and disrupting criminal and terrorist activities at sea.”

Crimson Barracuda, which concluded on April 15, focused on countering terrorist and criminal organizations’ use of the high seas to conduct smuggling operations in the Western Indian Ocean region.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 42-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

SECNAV Public Affairs, 12 April 2024

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro traveled to Marinette, Wisconsin, to celebrate the keel laying for the future USS Constellation (FFG 62), April 12. 

The Constellation is the first ship of the Constellation-class frigates awarded to Fincantieri Marinette Marine in 2020.

“USS Constellation and the Constellation-class frigates are a critical next step in the modernization of our surface ship inventory, increasing the number of players on the field available globally for our fleet and combatant commanders,” said Secretary Del Toro.  

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti joined Secretary Del Toro during the historic occasion. 

“This ship will be critical in putting more players on the field,” said Franchetti. “The Constellation-class frigate, named after the USS Constellation — the first of six frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794 and the first in-class designed and built by American workers — will ensure the free flow of American commerce by sea.” 

The ship’s sponsor is Melissa Braithwaite, the spouse of former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite, who named the ship in 2020. 

“I am truly honored to be here as the USS Constellation sponsor. It is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Melissa Braithwaite. “Being a Navy wife and Ken’s long service in the Navy, today, I had the honor of truly belonging to the Navy myself.” 

During his remarks, Del Toro thanked Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers for his leadership, pointing out that the state’s shipbuilding industry was integral to the national maritime statecraft efforts to rebuild commercial and naval power.  

“This yard is teeming with activity — Americans from all walks of life coming together to build warships in a demonstration of our industrial might, and showcasing the talents of the skilled workforce that our nation must expand during this critical period in our world’s history, said Del Toro. 

“After having helped support some of the efforts to update and expand Fincantieri’s facilities to meet the needs of an effort of this size, it is great to be here now to celebrate these projects and see how this hard work is paying off,” said Evers. “This contract to build these frigates is a great opportunity for Wisconsin to showcase our rich shipbuilding and maritime history and cement our role as leaders in this industry.” 

The Constellation-Class Guided-Missile Frigate (FFG 62) represents the Navy’s next-generation small surface combatant. This ship class will be an agile, multi-mission warship capable of operations in both blue-water and littoral environments, providing increased combat-credible forward presence that provides a military advantage at sea.  

Read Del Toro’s full remarks here. 

By Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster (F229), operating in support of the Canadian-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, carried out its second successful drug seizure in as many days, seizing 2,000 kg of hashish from a dhow in the Arabian Sea, April 11.

Lancaster, a Duke-class Type 23 frigate, seized the illicit drugs as part of Focused Operation Crimson Barracuda in an effort to counter illegal drug smuggling, who’s profits often goes to funding terrorist activity. In the two days they have participated in Crimson Barracuda, the crew has interdicted a total of 3,300 kg of illicit narcotics.

On April 10, Lancaster seized 800 kg of hashish, 390 kg of methamphetamines and 110 kg of heroin from another dhow in the Arabian Sea.

“For the second day in a row, CTF 150 and the crew of HMS Lancaster prevented harmful and illicit drugs from reaching their final destination,” said Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews, Commander, Combined Task Force 150. “Once again, we have prevented criminal and terrorist organizations from profiting off the sale of these drugs to fund their activities. I am incredibly proud of this team for all that they have accomplished in such a short window.”

Crimson Barracuda counters terrorist and criminal organizations’ use of the high seas to smuggle narcotics, weapons, and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 42-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

U.S. Central Command, April 14, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. — On April 13 and the morning of April 14, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen.

This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch.

Iran’s continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces.

CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security.

April 13 – 14 Red Sea Update

April 15, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 7:00 p.m. (Sanaa time) April 13, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) toward the Gulf of Aden from a Houthi controlled area in Yemen. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Then between 4:00 a.m. and 9:15 p.m. (Sanaa time) April 14, CENTCOM forces successfully destroyed four uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.

It was determined the UAVs presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region.

These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S, coalition, and merchant vessels.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain — Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt departed Naval Station Rota, Spain to begin its sixth Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, April 11.

The ship and her crew will begin this patrol by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and operating in the Mediterranean Sea, in support of U.S. 6th Fleet tasking.

“Roosevelt’s crew is excited to get underway and get back to sea where we belong,” said Commander Jeffrey Chewning, Commanding Officer of Roosevelt. “We look forward to executing the mission we’ve been given over the next several months.”

Roosevelt completed its fifth FDNF-E patrol in November 2023. The fifth patrol took the ship and crew throughout the Mediterranean Sea and across the 6th Fleet area of operations. While in the Med, Roosevelt integrated with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, supporting security and stability in the region.

While on patrol in the Baltic in the summer of 2023, Roosevelt participated in NATO’s enhanced vigilance activity (eVA) Neptune Strike 23-2 and operated with NATO Allied Maritime Command’s Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG-1), demonstrating increased interoperability with NATO allies and partners. 

Roosevelt was also the first American warship to conduct a Naval Surface Fire Support live fire exercise off the coast of Latvia.

Roosevelt is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These FDNF-E ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.

For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our 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 (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

HAIFA, Israel — Overnight, the Israeli Navy successfully deployed Rafael’s C-Dome to intercept a suspicious hostile target which posed a significant threat to Israeli assets and strategic sites in southern Israel.

C-Dome is the naval version of the Iron Dome air and missile defense system and is integrated on the Israeli navy’s Sa’ar 6 corvettes.

This marks the system’s first combat interception, following a series of comprehensive tests over the last several years, serving as a major milestone in the C-Dome’s operational capabilities.

C-Dome serves as a critical layer of defense in Israel’s multi-layered air defense array, relying on the Iron Dome system interceptor, which, to-date has achieved over 6,000 combat interceptions.

C-Dome is capable of addressing existing and future threats that naval forces may encounter, including rockets, cruise missiles, sea-skimming missiles and drones.

In 2023, Rafael unveiled the C-Dome’s mission modular configuration to provide unprotected vessels, as well as vessels that lack adequate air defense means, with advanced and complementary capabilities against multiple, simultaneous attacks from a wide range of threats — without the need for deck penetration, vessel hull retrofit, cable routing, or complex platform integration. Open architecture enables compatibility with the ship’s sensors and CMS.

The integration of the C-Dome system reinforces the defensive capabilities of the Sa’ar 6 corvettes, enhancing their capacity to safeguard Israel’s assets and economic interests within the exclusive economic zone.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems serving is the prime contractor and developer of the Iron Dome system and C-Dome systems, collaborating with subcontractors Israel Aerospace Industries’ Elta Systems, which has developed the system’s radar, and mPrest, a Rafael subsidiary and developer of the system’s command-and-control systems. The development of the systems is overseen by the Israel Missile Defense Organization, a division of the Directorate for Defense Research and Development.

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – SENEDIA—The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation—announced today that their New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership continues to expand and has now facilitated the training of more than 5,000 people across the region for high-paying careers in submarine shipbuilding.

The news comes as SENEDIA and industry leaders recognize National Submarine Day, which marks the anniversary of the Navy’s first commissioned submarine.

In just over three years, SENEDIA has provided technical support and facilitated the investment of $40+ million in 25 programs across six training institutions—including community colleges in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire—with 96 percent of participating students completing the training.

“Defense has a $119 billion annual economic impact in New England and the region serves as the epicenter of the submarine shipbuilding supply chain. To maintain that strength, further grow the industry, and support our national defense, we need to foster a robust workforce pipeline with hands-on experience and skills aligned to the needs of employers,” said Molly Donohue Magee, SENEDIA Chief Executive Officer. “Our training network sets participants up for successful careers in Defense and connects employers with emerging talent that is highly skilled and motivated to grow their careers in the industry.”

The New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership Regional Training Network has 25 active programs and is on track to train 2,800 people annually. This training capacity represents significant growth from the partnership’s launch in mid-2020. It took 14 months to reach the first 1,000 trained, 10 months to reach the second, and now only takes an average of five months to reach each additional 1,000. As of January 2024, SENEDIA has facilitated the training of 5,000 people in support of submarine shipbuilding trade and industrial jobs.

“Submarine construction is critical to national security and supports thousands of good-paying jobs here in Rhode Island. SENEDIA is leading efforts when it comes to the recruiting, training, and placement of hard-working folks here in Rhode Island and across New England, who are ready and eager to take on a career in the industry,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed (RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “There are a wide spectrum of jobs and roles in the submarine manufacturing workforce. These are family-sustaining jobs and I encourage anyone looking for a career in this industry to check out what SENEDIA is offering and explore the opportunities available through the partnership.”

“The nation and its defense industrial base continues to benefit from the joint investments in SENEDIA made through the Department of Defense (DoD)’s IBAS program and U.S. Navy,” said Adele Ratcliff, Director of DoD’s Innovation Capability and Modernization office. “The submarine industrial base (SIB), in particular is at a crucial juncture, and helping our small and medium SIB suppliers to meet their workforce attraction, hiring, training, and retention needs is keenly felt throughout the Pentagon. Mitigating risks to our critical path through execution of supply chain workforce investments is just one way that SENEDIA is helping to reconstitute our industrial skills workforce of today and tomorrow.”

The partnership, which is funded under ICAM’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, has received $67.7 million since August of 2020 in support of the trades and industrial skills workforce development of the New England submarine industrial base.

In addition to the investment in support of training, SENEDIA has provided $2 million in training infrastructure, such as welding machines, virtual painters, equipment installation, and facility upgrades to accommodate new technology and equipment.

“SENEDIA and its New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership is a critical ally in our drive to build the modern skilled workforce that the Navy needs to deliver the world’s most capable submarines. SENEDIA empowers its institutional partners to sustainably accelerate and expand programming in a way that opens doors for the next generation workforce,” said Rear Admiral Scott Pappano, Program Executive Officer, Strategic Submarines for the United States Navy.  The Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) program provides technical oversight for SENEDIA’s effort, as well as support helping to connect the next generation of submarine shipbuilders with the servicemembers who will operate these vessels.

“Workforce development and training is critical to ensuring businesses and organizations can thrive, which is why I’m proud to continue supporting the work of SENEDIA and organizations like Granite State Manufacturing, a submarine industrial base supplier with facilities in Manchester and Nashua, as they continue to expand and grow,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “I’m grateful for the work that the partnership is doing to support the defense industry in New Hampshire through workforce development and will continue doing what I can in Congress to provide critical funding and resources for these programs.”

The training programs supported through the partnership are closely aligned to the needs of employers, including the skills necessary to work for General Dynamics Electric Boat, the nation’s prime submarine builder.

“With the partnership’s help to significantly grow our workforce since 2020, Electric Boat’s ability to add to our team of shipbuilders is stronger than ever, yet demand remains high and we must continue to grow our ranks in the coming years,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “SENEDIA’s support is ensuring that the workers coming out of the training programs are prepared to start on day one and deliver mission-critical work.” 

SENEDIA’s New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership Regional Training Network is successful due to its many strong training partners, including the New England Institute of Technology, Rhode Island Office of Postsecondary Commissioner – Westerly Education Cetner, Three Rivers Community College, Thielsch Engineering, Nashua Community College, and Porter and Chester Institute.

“What’s impressed me is SENEDIA’s collaboration with key programs in my district such as EWIB’s award-winning Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI) and Youth MPI. Given the significant growth in demand for trades training, SENEDIA’s resources have been an instrumental part of meeting the FY23 and FY24 needs of our employers, schools, and primarily, the trainees.  In fact, at EB alone we’re on pace for delivering over 220 cohorts over the last two and a half years and surpassed 3,200 job placements at EB-Groton alone last month. SENEDIA played a significant role in helping us make that all possible,” said Congressman Joe Courtney, Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

U.S. Central Command, April 11, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 1:00 p.m. (Sanaa time) on April 11, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched over the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas in Yemen.

There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships.

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

Kongsberg Maritime has been selected by Austal USA to supply its Promas propulsion system to the latest ship in the United States Coast Guard’s new Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Heritage Class program.

This initial contract is to supply Kongsberg Maritime equipment for the fifth ship, Coast Guard Cutter Pickering, which is the first to be built by Austal USA at their yard in Mobile, Alabama.

The Coast Guard’s new OPC program represents a significant investment in maritime capability and is expected to run up to 25 ships. The new vessels will replace the Coast Guard’s medium endurance cutters and meet the need for long-term offshore capability to maintain current and future mission effectiveness.

Promas combines rudder and controllable pitch propeller into one propulsion system which optimizes the hydrodynamic properties of the ship and delivers increased efficiency and thrust while using less energy. For the OPC, as well as twin Promas, Kongsberg Maritime is contracted to supply steering gear, rudders, fin stabilizers and tunnel thrusters.

Björn ten Eicken, Kongsberg Maritime, Vice President – Naval, said: “Kongsberg Maritime has a proud history of supplying mission critical technology to United States Coast Guard programs.

“We have supplied our propulsion systems for naval and governmental forces for more than 80 years, and we’re delighted to have developed an efficient and effective system specifically suited to the challenging and varied operations of these new ships. Our Promas systems typically deliver efficiency savings of around 6%, so vessels are able to extend their range, something which can be crucial on longer missions.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Coast Guard and Austal USA on delivering these highly capable ships.”

The OPC vessels will be able to provide long range patrol capability. At 360 feet long, they will have a displacement of 3,700 long tons, maximum speed of 22.2 knots, and a range of 9,050 nautical miles at 14 knots. 

PASCAGOULA, Mississippi — HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced the delivery of amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to the U.S. Navy.

Richard M. McCool Jr. is the 13^th San Antonio-class ship delivered by Ingalls and is the final Flight I transition ship before Ingalls moves into production of the LPD Flight II line.

“The LPD 29 delivery demonstrates how our shipbuilders are enabling our combined Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “It is the most recent example of what U.S. industry and government partnerships can accomplish by putting another player on the field. We will now bring the full weight of this collaborative team to bear on steady-state Flight II execution going forward.”

Ingalls has two Flight II LPDs under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). In March 2023, Ingalls was awarded a modification to the contract for the procurement of the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the 16th ship in the San Antonio class and the third LPD Flight II.

The San Antonio class is foundational to the U.S. Marine Corp’s Force Design construct and can support a variety of crisis response, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions. LPDs can operate independently or as part of amphibious readiness groups, expeditionary strike groups, or joint task forces. These capabilities allow the U.S. Navy to protect America’s security abroad and promote regional stability and preserve future peace.