PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) launched a new era in maritime education with the Dec. 15 cutting of steel for the new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) at Philly Shipyard Inc., MARAD said in a release.

This is the initial major construction milestone for the first purpose-built, state-of-the-art training vessel for America’s state maritime academies. In addition to providing world-class training for America’s future mariners, the NSMV will be available to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. 

A video of the steel cutting can be found here. 

“This new state-of-the-art modern school training ship will be a tremendous addition to the U. S. Flag fleet, be available to respond to disaster relief efforts, and support about 1,200 jobs in Philly Shipyard,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. 

Construction of the NSMV will help recapitalize our nation’s maritime training fleet, strengthen America’s industrial base and directly support more than 1,200 shipyard jobs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

“For more than a decade, MARAD has been working to make the NSMV a reality for America’s state maritime academy cadets who deserve state-of-the-art training ships,” added MARAD Administrator Mark H. Buzby. “Thanks to the strong bipartisan support that the NSMV has received in Congress and the leadership of secretary Chao, this program will further advance excellence in American maritime education and reignite the jobs engine that is America’s shipyards.”  

In May 2019, MARAD awarded TOTE Services LLC, a company involved in ship management, marine operations and vessel services, a contract to be the vessel construction manager for the NSMV program. This contract is an innovative approach to federal shipbuilding where the government benefits from commercial best practices for ship design and construction.  

In April 2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard, the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA, a contract to construct up to five NSMVs.  

“TOTE Services is proud to have been awarded a contract by MARAD to be the vessel construction manager for this new, state-of-the-art training ship that will help provide qualified officers to support the domestic maritime industry,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Each of us at TOTE Services is thrilled to be part of this historic investment in the U.S. maritime industry, and are working closely with MARAD and Philly Shipyard to advance this new class of vessel built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.-made engines.” 

Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard president and CEO, said, “This is a tremendous honor and recognition of our history of building high-quality ships over the last 17 years.  This project begins a new chapter in our history, a new customer and the first in series, which is a challenge we are eager to meet.  I am confident that our workforce will deliver ships that the state academy cadets will be proud to sail for many years to come.” 

The NSMV program is an important investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 American jobs. As part of the contract, Philly Shipyard will be working with domestic mills to supply steel for the vessels and U.S. manufacturers to provide key ship equipment. 

The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year — the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels. 

In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, the NSMV is a highly-functional national asset designed to fulfill numerous roles. Each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV’s capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions. 

TOTE Services has ordered the first two NSMVs and the president’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2021 includes sufficient funding for TOTE Services to order the third ship. Construction of the first two NSMVs will replace training ships at SUNY Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which are both more than 50 years old.  

AT SEA — The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 407 seized an estimated 2,810 kilograms of suspected cocaine, Dec. 5, the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs Office said in a Dec. 11 release. 

While on routine patrol, Gabrielle Giffords was diverted to intercept a low-profile vessel (LPV). Gabrielle Giffords deployed one of her helicopters, assigned to the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, to provide over watch and ensure compliance while the embarked LEDET and small boats were deployed to achieve positive control and begin boarding of the LPV. 

Gabrielle Giffords and the embarked LEDET searched the vessel and recovered approximately 134 bales, for an estimated 2,810 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth over an estimated wholesale value of $106 million. Three suspected drug traffickers were also detained. 

“Interdiction evolutions, no matter how often you conduct them, are different every time,” said Chief Boatswains Mate Daniel Pike, of Gabrielle Giffords. “Our team is dedicated to exemplifying the qualities of safe, professional mariners during these operations from start to finish.” 

Gabrielle Giffords is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. 

MARINETTE, Wis., Dec. 14, 2020 — Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 23), the future USS Cooperstown, completed acceptance trials in Lake Michigan, Lockheed Martin said in a Dec. 14 release. Trials included a full-power run, maneuverability testing, and surface and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship’s combat system. Major systems and features were demonstrated, including aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery and machinery control and automation.  

Now that trials are complete, the ship will undergo final outfitting and fine-tuning before delivery to the U.S. Navy next year. LCS 23 is the 12th Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team. 

“LCS 23, like other Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships, delivers unique flexibility and capability to the U.S. Navy,” said Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “Freedom-variant LCS are inherently capable, and they offer 40% reconfigurable hull space to evolve to future U.S. Navy missions. During acceptance trials, LCS 23 proved its maneuverability, automation and core combat capability.”  

Unique among combat ships, the focused-mission LCS is designed to support mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions and is easily adapted to serve future and evolving missions. The Freedom-variant LCS is: 

• Flexible — Forty percent of the hull is easily reconfigurable, able to integrate Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30 mm guns, and manned and unmanned vehicles designed to meet today’s and tomorrow’s missions. 
• Lethal — LCS is standard equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute. 
• Powerful — LCS has gas turbines, diesel engines and water jets that together generate 114,000 horsepower making LCS capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. 
• Automated — LCS has the most efficient staffing of any combat ship. 

“I would like to commend the entire Freedom Team on the successful acceptance trials of LCS 23,” said Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. “I’m continuously proud of the dedication and perseverance shown by the entire team to provide our customer, the U.S. Navy, with the most agile, capable warship.” 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Legare returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, after an eight-week counter narcotic patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Dec. 11, the Coast Guard 5th District said in a release. 
 
The Legare interdicted over 7,000 pounds of contraband, with an estimated street value in excess of $20 million and patrolled over 10,000 nautical miles throughout the Eastern Pacific, working in conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Navy, and other partner assets to combat transnational smuggling organizations operating in the maritime environment. 

The Legare embarked an aircrew from Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, homeported in Jacksonville, Florida, which specializes in airborne interdiction tactics. Additionally, the crew sailed with a law enforcement detachment specializing in maritime law enforcement and surface use of force tactics. 

Along with 4th Fleet assets, the Legare participated in an international naval and amphibious exercises off the coast of Manta, Ecuador. Unitas, or “Unity” in Latin, is the longest running annual international military exercise. The Legare crew demonstrated the Coast Guard’s multi-faceted capabilities during maritime interdiction, search and rescue, and live fire gunnery exercise events in addition to participating in atypical Coast Guard events such as anti-submarine and surface warfare operations. 

“Similar to our previous patrol, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to challenge our methodology and tactics, despite this, the crew always rises to the challenge ensuring protective equipment and decontamination procedures are strictly followed allowing the Legare to complete and excel in all missions,” said Cmdr. Malcolm Belt, commanding officer of the Legare. “Despite all of the restrictions COVID-19 has brought upon us, the men and women of the Legare prepared for and performed magnificently during the Unitas exercise, an opportunity for the United States to strengthen alliances with other nations and enhance our capabilities across international borders. I am continually amazed by the families and friends shore side who support the crew serving onboard the Legare, their resolve, strength, and compassion allow the crew to focus on the mission while deployed; we would not be where we are today without their constant and unwavering support.” 
 
The Legare is a multi-mission 270-foot medium-endurance cutter. Missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, homeland security, and national defense operations. 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa returned to their homeport in Portsmouth on Dec. 12, after a 57-day counter-drug and migrant interdiction operations patrol, the Coast Guard 5th District said in a release.  

Patrolling known drug trafficking areas throughout the Caribbean and working with partner agencies and maritime patrol aircraft, the Tampa crew interdicted a vessel carrying approximately 170 pounds of cocaine worth $1.95 million.  

Additionally, in a joint operation with various law enforcement agency partners, the Tampa assisted the Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon, homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the interdiction of two fishing vessels, with 26 alleged smugglers, suspected of engaging in drug trafficking.  

The Tampa’s efforts to combat drug smuggling in the Caribbean was part of Operation Unified Resolve, a larger effort to increase regional stability and undermine the influence of transnational criminal organizations who routinely attempt to smuggle drugs throughout the region.  

“I am exceptionally proud of everything our crew accomplished during this challenging patrol,” said Capt. Michael Cilenti, commanding officer of the Tampa. “Through my entire Coast Guard career, this has been one of the most dynamic patrols I have experienced, and I appreciate the resiliency and adaptability of our crew immensely. Additionally, Tampa’s exceptional commitment to readiness and individual accountability allowed us to sail healthy, on time, and ready to execute our assigned missions. Of course, Tampa’s operational success would not have been possible without the continuous support and encouragement from our friends and families. Their constant support allowed us to operate through the holiday season, focus on mission excellence and continue to serve our country. We could not be more grateful.”  

The Tampa crew also conducted migrant interdiction operations mission off the coast of Haiti as part of Operation Southeast Watch. The Tampa frequently patrolled Haitian waters, providing a law enforcement presence and deterrent to potential migrants and embarked an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico, which was used as an additional asset to patrol Haitian waters for potential migrant vessels. 

MOBILE, Ala. – The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Mobile (LCS 26) during a ceremony at Austal USA on Dec. 9, the service said in a Dec. 11 release. 

Mobile is the 23rd littoral combat ship (LCS) and the 13th of the Independence variant to join the fleet. Delivery marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder, Austal USA, to the Navy. It is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for spring 2021. 

“This is a day of celebration for both the Navy and our country with the delivery of the future USS Mobile,” said LCS program manager Capt. Mike Taylor. “This ship, and her crew, are foundational to our nation’s security.” 

Four additional Independence-variant ships – Savannah (LCS 28), Canberra (LCS 30), Santa Barbara (LCS 32), and Augusta (LCS 34) – are in various stages of construction at Austal USA, and two more are awaiting the start of construction following LCS 34. 

The future USS Mobile is the fifth ship named in honor of the port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The first Mobile was a side-wheel steamer that operated as a Confederate government-operated blockade runner. It was captured by U.S. forces at New Orleans in April 1862, commissioned as Tennessee and later renamed Mobile. The second Mobile was a passenger liner operated by Hamburg Amerika Lines between Germany and the United States until the outbreak of World War I. It was taken over by the Allied Maritime Council and assigned to the United States after the Armistice and commissioned March 1919. The third Mobile (CL 63), a cruiser, was commissioned March 24, 1943. It participated in numerous campaigns in the Pacific Theater during World War II and received 11 battle stars for her service by the time she was decommissioned May 1947. The fourth Mobile (LKA 115) was an amphibious cargo ship that served from September 1969 until decommissioning in February 1994. 

The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines, and swarming small craft. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence. 

The LCS class consists of the Independence variant, built by Austal USA, and the Freedom variant, being built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wisconsin. 

The future USS Mobile is the fourth LCS of both variants delivered to the Navy in 2020. St. Louis (LCS 19) was delivered on Feb. 6, Kansas City (LCS 22) was delivered on Feb. 12, and Oakland (LCS 24) was delivered on June 26. Five more — Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS 21), Cooperstown (LCS 23), Marinette (LCS 25), Savannah (LCS 28), and Canberra (LCS 30) — are planned for delivery in 2021. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan, released Dec. 10, announced the names of 48 ships scheduled to be decommissioned or, in the case of Military Sealift Command Ships, placed out of service, during the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.  

Of note, the planned retirements include the first Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the first two Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, and the first Victorious-class ocean surveillance ship. The list also includes 11 Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers and 11 Los Angeles-class attack submarines. 

The retirements are listed by fiscal year below:  

In 2022: 

• Six Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers will be placed in reserve: San Jacinto (CG 56), Monterey (CG 61), Hue City (CG 66), Anzio (CG 68) Vella Gulf (CG 72) and Port Royal (CG 73).  
• One Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship will be placed in reserve: Whidbey Island (LSD 41). 
• Two Los Angeles-class attack submarines will be recycled: Providence (SSN 719) and Oklahoma City (SSN 723). 
• One Powhatan-class fleet ocean tug will be disposed: Apache (T-ATF 172). 

In 2023:  

• Two Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers will be placed in reserve: Bunker Hill (CG 52) and Mobile Bay (CG 53). 
• Four Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships will be placed in reserve: Germantown (LSD 42), Gunston Hall (LSD 44), and Ashland (LSD 48). 
• One Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship will be placed in reserve: Carter Hall (LSD 50). 
• Two Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oilers will be disposed: John Lenthall (T-AO 189). 
• One Powhatan-class fleet ocean tug will be disposed: Catawba (T-ATF 168). 
• One Safeguard-class rescue and salvage ship will be disposed: Grasp (T-ARS 51) 

In 2024: 

• Two Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers will be placed in reserve: Antietam (CG 54) and Shiloh (CG 67). 
• One Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship will be placed in reserve: Rushmore (LSD 47). 
• Two Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ships will be placed in reserve: Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). 
• Four Los Angeles-class attack submarines will be recycled: Chicago (SSN 721), Key West (SSN 722) San Juan (SSN 751) and Topeka (SSN 754). 
• Four Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships will be disposed: Sentry (MCM 3), Devastator (MCM 6), Gladiator (MCM 11) and Dextrous (MCM 13). 
• One Safeguard-class rescue and salvage ship will be disposed: Salvor (T-ARS 52). 

In 2025: 

• One Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will be recycled: Nimitz (CVN 68). 
• One Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship will be placed in reserve: Oak Hill (LSD 51). 
• Two Los Angeles-class attack submarines will be recycled: Helena (SSN 725) and Pasadena (SSN 752).  
• One Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler will be disposed: Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188) 

In 2026: 

• One Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser will be placed in reserve: Chancellorsville (CG 62). 
• One Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship will be placed in reserve: Comstock (LSD 45). 
• Two Ohio-class guided-missile submarines will be recycled: Ohio (SSGN 726) and Florida (SSGN 728). 
• Three Los Angeles-class attack submarines will be recycled: Newport News (SSN 750), Scranton (SSN 756) and Alexandria (SSN 757).  
• One Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler will be disposed: Pecos (T-AO 197). 
• One Victorious-class ocean surveillance ship: Victorious (T-AGOS 19). 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division hosted a keel authentication ceremony Dec. 11 for Virginia-class attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798), the company said in a release. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually, without an audience. 

“This construction milestone is typically a small ceremony with shipbuilders and the submarine’s crew in attendance,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “Given the current COVID-19 environment and the precautions it requires, today’s event is smaller than usual in scope, but not in importance.” 

“Today’s event is a significant milestone in the life of the boat because it is the official construction kickoff, but it also marks the beginning of an important partnership between our shipbuilders who will build this mighty war vessel and the sailors who will bring her to life,” Boykin added. 

Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, is the ship’s sponsor. In a pre-recorded video message, Sandberg etched her initials onto a metal plate, signifying the keel of SSN 798 as being “truly and fairly laid.” 

Ronnie Payne, a master shipbuilder who has worked on every Virginia-class submarine built at Newport News, then traced Sandberg’s initials with a welding torch at the company’s Supplemental Module Outfitting Facility. The metal plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its life. 

“This year has been difficult for so many, and I am extra grateful for moments like this one when we can celebrate such an important milestone together,” Sandberg said. “I have a deep respect for the shipbuilders who will bring this vessel to life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to build a lifelong bond with this boat and its crew in my role as the sponsor.” 

Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class fast attack submarine being built under the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. Construction began in March 2017 and is approximately 50% complete. The boat is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2023.  

“One of the privileges in establishing a command from the very beginning is developing a relationship with the boat’s namesake state — a relationship inherited from our forebears and one that will last the life of the ship and beyond,” said Cmdr. Erik Lundberg, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. “Our mission is clear — deliver the most advanced, most capable warship to the Navy and our nation with an equally advanced and capable crew to bring her to life. The crew of Massachusetts stands ready.”   

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan, released Dec. 10, shows the planned battle force reaching a congressionally mandated level of 355 ships in the 2031-2033 time frame, including increasing numbers of smaller warships and a growing number of unmanned vessels.  

The plan, contained in the Department of the Navy’s Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels — prepared by the deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities — shows the future fleet architecture to reach 406 battle force ships by 2045, plus 119 unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and 24 unmanned undersea vessels (UUVs). These numbers are within the ranges of the categories determined as needed by the Future Naval Force Study (FNFS) conducted by the Department of the Navy.   

The 2022-2051 shipbuilding plan affirms the Defense Department’s and the Navy’s top priority of strategic deterrence with the continued plan to build the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. The plan also shows investment in increased “lethality/modernization with the greatest potential to deliver non-linear warfighting advantages against China and Russia in mid-to-far-term,” the report said.  

The Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP), which looks ahead five years from the current fiscal year, plans for 12 Large USVs, one Medium USV, and eight Extra-Large UUVs over the period.  

Traditional ships to be funded over the FYDP include advanced funding for CVN 82; two Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines; 12 Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs); 10 Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDGs); 15 Constellation-class frigates; one America-class amphibious assault ship; two Flight II San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships; nine John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers, six Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transports; and two Navajo-class towing, rescue and salvage ships. New-designs to replace legacy ships include two AS(X) submarine tenders; five new-design T-AGOS(X) ocean surveillance ships; and two T-ARC(X) cable-repair ships. 

New types of manned ships in the FYDP include 10 light amphibious warships (LAWs) beginning in 2022, and, beginning in 2023, and six new generation logistic ships (NGLSs). These ships are to enable more distributed amphibious operations for the Marine Corps, especially for its new Marine littoral regiments.  

The FYDP continues the multi-year procurement of 10 Block V Virginia-class SSNs and plans for a multi-year procurement for 12 Block VI Virginia-class SSNs. The Navy plans to invest $1.2 billion into submarine construction facilities to increase annual production to three SSNs.    

The FYDP also reflects a Navy decision to cancel plans for a class of new-construction strategic sealift ships and instead procure 16 used vessels for conversion into sealift ships. 

The Navy plans to sustain 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers out to 2039 with minor variations, but its carrier force requirement could change, the report said, as the Navy studies options for light aircraft carriers.  

The 30-year plan recognizes the funding challenges of such a large naval build-up “with the “procurement of the Columbia-class SSBN – and the imperative to invest in readiness recovery, improved lethality, and a larger great power competition fleet,” the report said. “This shipbuilding plan reflects the necessary increased funding for both shipbuilding and ship sustainment funding. A combination of topline increases and major internal efficiency savings are used to procure, modernize, man, train, equip and sustain the fleet that the NDS [National Defense Strategy] and great power competition require.” 

“The plan calls for a larger fleet of both manned and unmanned vessels prepared to face greater challenges on, above, or under the sea by accelerating submarine construction, modernizing aircraft, extending the service life of cruisers, and increasing the number of destroyers,” said David L. Norquist, deputy secretary of Defense, in a statement. “Although we reach 355 ships by the early 2030s, the plan is about more than numbers of ships. It is about equipping our future force for the enduring defense of our nation.” 

The shipbuilding plan can be found here: https://media.defense.gov/2020/Dec/10/2002549918/-1/-1/0/SHIPBUILDING%20PLAN%20DEC%2020_NAVY_OSD_OMB_FINAL.PDF/SHIPBUILDING%20PLAN%20DEC%2020_NAVY_OSD_OMB_FINAL.PDF 

TUCSON, Ariz.— The U.S. Navy and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business, successfully completed two flight tests with the franchise’s newest cruise missile variant, the Tomahawk Block V, the company said in a Dec.10 release.

During the tests, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) launched two Block V missiles, impacting targets at ranges on both San Nicolas Island and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California.  

Tomahawk is a highly accurate, GPS-enabled missile that can fly into heavily defended airspace and conduct precise strikes on high-value targets with minimal collateral damage. The advanced Tomahawk Block V includes improved navigation and communications.  

“These tests keep the Navy on schedule to introduce Block V into the fleet next year,” said Kim Ernzen, vice president of Naval Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. “Our modernization and recertification efforts will also extend the missile’s service life by 15 years.”  

During the tests, the missiles were redirected mid-flight to different targets using their new advanced communications architecture systems.  

“The Block V capabilities reinforce Tomahawk’s unequivocal role as the Navy’s long-range strike weapon far into the future,” said Capt. John Red, the Navy’s Tomahawk Weapons System program manager. “These tests are tremendous milestones for our teams that have been working on these improvements for several years.” 

Additional Block V enhancements, such as a maritime strike capability (Block Va) and a programmable warhead for an expanded land attack capability (Block Vb), are in development for future deliveries. Block Va will strike moving targets at sea, while Block Vb will defeat a more diverse range of land targets.