From Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Aug. 20, 2025 

SAN DIEGO, California — The U.S. Navy will commission the future USS Pierre (LCS 38), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, in Panama City, Florida, Nov. 15. 
 
The naming of LCS 38 honors the legacy of the citizens of Pierre and the state of South Dakota and their support of the Navy and Marine Corps. 
 
Ship sponsor and South Dakota native Larissa Thune Hargens will lead the time-honored Navy tradition of giving the order “man our ship and bring her to life!” during the ceremony. Pierre becomes a proud ship of the fleet at the moment when the commissioning pennant is hoisted. 
 
Pierre is the 19th, and final, Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) constructed. LCS 38 is the third ship named in honor of South Dakota’s capital city, and the second Navy warship to bear the name. The SS Pierre Victory (VC2-S-AP3), a Victory-class cargo ship, distinguished itself during World War II by shooting down a kamikaze plane near Okinawa. The first Navy warship named USS Pierre was a PC-461-class submarine chaser, PC-1141, commissioned in 1943, renamed in 1946, and decommissioned in 1958. 
 
The Pierre will transit to its new homeport in San Diego following commissioning. 
 
LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants armed with capabilities to defeat challenges in the world’s littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence in key operational theaters. 
 
The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. 

Milestone marks the first live test in a maritime environment  

BARKING SANDS, Hawaii (August 26, 2025) – In partnership with the U.S. Navy, Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully completed its first live test of the AN/SPY-6(V)4 radar in a maritime environment. The milestone was achieved during recent testing at the Advanced Radar Detection Laboratory located at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii. 

During multiple tests over open water, the radar successfully tracked air and surface targets under various conditions. These tests demonstrated the radar’s advanced tracking capabilities across different mission scenarios and validated years of modeling and simulation work. Additionally, the tests yielded the first live data set for the (V)4 configuration, which will help refine the system for future testing and eventual shipboard deployment.  

“The successful live demonstration of the SPY-6(V)4 radar is a major step forward in advancing the capabilities of today’s fleet and supporting allied operations worldwide,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “The radar will allow existing U.S. Navy Flight IIA Destroyers to significantly upgrade their detection and tracking capabilities, allowing sailors to more effectively monitor and respond to potential threats in real-time.” 

This is the next variant in the U.S. Navy’s SPY-6 Family of Radars to undergo live maritime testing. The program will continue with testing and system enhancements, leveraging common hardware and software across other variants to ensure seamless integration and scalability. 

Over the next decade, SPY-6 is expected to be deployed on more than 60 U.S. Navy ships, enhancing defense against air, surface, and ballistic threats. 

Leading repair and shipbuilding companies to team on flexible, innovative solutions to enhance U.S. Navy, MSC support in forward locations, U.S. shipbuilding 

From Vigor Marine Group 

PORTLAND, Ore. (August 26, 2025) — Vigor Marine Group (VMG), a leading, innovative U.S. provider of maintenance, modernization, and marine services, today announced a strategic partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced shipbuilders. The collaboration will bring expanded forward-deployed maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity to the Indo-Pacific region, offering the U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command (MSC) a compelling new option to keep vessels mission-ready. In addition, the two leading companies may explore opportunities to support a U.S. shipbuilding renaissance, including a return to Vigor Marine Group’s shipbuilding roots in the Pacific Northwest. 

The U.S. Navy has been actively seeking partners capable of executing forward repair to increase the availability of its fleet. Together, this partnership will combine VMG’s deep customer relationships, proven ability to deliver complex projects on time and on budget, and innovative, commercial mindset with SHI’s world-class Korean shipyard facilities, skilled workforce, and advanced technology leadership. The result is a powerful new forward repair solution designed to add high-quality repair capacity and operational agility, with Vigor Marine Group as the lead U.S.-based prime contractor. 

“At Vigor Marine Group, our primary focus is on providing solutions to our customers,” said Francesco Valente, President & CEO of Vigor Marine Group. “We understand the Navy’s evolving needs and have built a track record of delivering results in support of our national defense. Partnering with Samsung allows us to extend that same capability to forward-deployed operations in the Indo-Pacific and potential shipbuilding opportunities here in the U.S. — helping the Navy increase its operational tempo while maintaining the highest quality standards.” 

The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation. VMG continually develops new ways to perform maintenance and modernization work more efficiently and effectively, while SHI leads the global shipbuilding industry in automation, digital shipyard technology, and advanced engineering. Together, they will introduce new levels of innovation to forward repair operations, streamlining processes, reducing downtime, and enhancing overall fleet readiness. Looking ahead, investment and implementation of SHI’s advanced technology could support new shipbuilding opportunities here at home.  

“We find it very meaningful to partner with Vigor Marine Group, a leading MRO service provider in the U.S.,” said Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries. “We will do our utmost to establish a foundation for building commercial and auxiliary ships for the U.S. through the successful delivery of world-class MRO services.” 

VMG’s unique ability to manage evolving scopes of work with a commercial mindset helps customers address emerging repair needs efficiently. The company’s leading project and customer management expertise, combing with SHI’s state-of-the-art facilities outside the U.S. provide opportunities to support key customers in real time, in their areas of need. This partnership both supports the readiness of our defense maritime fleet as well as a strong, U.S. industrial base by keeping work within U.S. companies and opening pathways for revitalization of U.S. shipyards for new construction. 

Aug. 25, 2025 | From the Navy Office of Information 

Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle assumed the duties as the 34th chief of naval operations during an assumption of office ceremony, attended by over 300 Defense Department senior leaders, distinguished guests and families at the Washington Navy Yard today, in Washington. 

 The CNO is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serves as an advisor to the president, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the defense secretary and is responsible for the command, utilization of resources and operating efficiency of worldwide naval forces and shore activities. 

“As I step into the role as your 34th chief of naval operations, I do so with great pride, immense gratitude and an absolute focus on the mission ahead,” Caudle said in a video to the fleet, released shortly before the ceremony. 

During the ceremony, he further discussed his priorities, including sailors, operational readiness and fleet modernization. 

“The sailor will be front and center in my vision throughout my tenure as CNO — hands down, no exception,” Caudle said. “To ensure that they are ready to fight and win decisively — today, tomorrow and well into the future — we will view everything we do we through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the foundry, the fleet and the way we fight.” 

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan acted as the presiding officer and keynote speaker of the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the Navy and the prioritization of future shipbuilding development. 

 ”Admiral Caudle, ‘the honey badger,’ is the right man for the job,” Phelan said. “He has a reputation for challenging the status quo, demanding results and refusing to accept excuses. I look forward to seeing that relentlessness pursuit of excellence and persistence pervade the halls of the Pentagon.” 

During his remarks, Caudle emphasized his gratitude to his family, especially his wife, Donna Caudle, for their steadfast support throughout his 40-year career. 

“Your influence is woven into the very fabric of my being, into every decision I’ve ever made,” Caudle said. “From the moment we met, you’ve been the bedrock of my life. You’re the anchor that has kept me grounded, especially in the sometimes-turbulent seas of this profession.” 

Caudle’s previous assignments include commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, commander of Submarine Forces and commander of Submarine Force Atlantic. 

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby relinquished the office of the CNO after serving as the acting CNO from February to August 2025. 

Caudle and Phelan commended Kilby for his leadership, which ensured the uninterrupted performance of the Navy’s mission and continued to foster positive relationships with U.S. allies and partners. 

From Coast Guard Oceania District External Affairs, Aug. 22, 2025 

HONOLULU – The U.S. Coast Guard concluded participation in Operation Ika Moana, a maritime surveillance initiative hosted by the Samoan Police Maritime Wing in conjunction with the Pacific Maritime Security Program in Apia, Samoa, Aug. 8-14.   

The exercise included representatives from Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Cook Islands. Partners from Timor-Leste, Palau, Nauru, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands also observed the operation.  

Operation Ika Moana is a collaborative maritime surveillance initiative intended to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and transnational crimes across Oceania, such as drug and human trafficking.  

The operation brought together national and regional partners to conduct coordinated patrols, surveillance, joint exercises and crew exchanges.  

“Ika Moana provided the U.S. Coast Guard a unique opportunity to work with maritime security professionals from many Pacific Island coast guards, navies and marine police units,” said James Duval, maritime security cooperation director, Coast Guard Office of International Affairs. “We have several common missions, challenges and objectives and have benefitted from the opportunity to discuss, share and contrast our individual techniques. This interaction will help us all continue to refine our skills to best serve the people of our nations.”  

The Coast Guard Mobile Training Team delivered classroom and underway training for participating patrol boats focusing on boarding team and search and rescue techniques.  

“By partnering with regional maritime law enforcement agencies, the Coast Guard seeks to strengthen global maritime governance to preserve sovereignty,” Lt. Cmdr. James Bruce with the International Mobile Training Branch at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown. “We value partnership oppotunities focused on our shared objective of rooting out illicit activities and eradicating threats to our collective prosperity.”   

The Pacific Maritime Security Program and the Coast Guard share a formal collaborative partnership to coordinate bilateral and joint training with Pacific Island Country partners.  

The Coast Guard Mobile Training Team is a deployable unit that fosters international cooperation and strengthens maritime partnerships by exporting formal U.S. Coast Guard training and providing technical assistance to partner nations around the globe. Every year, they train over 2,400 international partners in more than 40 countries.   

From MC2 Trevor Hale, Aug. 25, 2025 

CLEVELAND BAY, Australia – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) simulated an expeditionary reload of a Standard Missile (SM) 2 while anchored in the vicinity of Townsville, Australia, July 28. 

The exercise demonstrates enhanced expeditionary logistics capabilities essential for sustained naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Navy’s Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73) led the reload effort ashore. 
 
“This successful rearm event was the result of exceptional teamwork between the ship’s crew, shore support teams, and technical experts,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Kodrin, COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 ordnance officer. “Exercises like this are critical to validating our ability to safely and effectively reload at sea, ensuring our ships remain combat-ready whenever and wherever needed.” 
 
In 2023 and 2024, U.S. Navy destroyers conducted expeditionary vertical launching system (VLS) reloads in Eden, Australia, and Darwin, Australia, respectively. Following exercise Talisman Sabre in September 2023, the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) rearmed with an SM-2 in Eden, while the USS Dewey (DDG 105) followed exercise Kakadu with an SM-2 reload in Darwin in September 2024. 
 
The Higgins operates under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force, and Task Force 70. 
 
“We are strengthening distributed logistics capabilities that enhance our collective operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander,Task Force 70. “This gives our warfighters a tremendous amount of agility to strike from sea, move, reload, reposition and strike again. It represents a lethal tactical advantage that helps us protect the safety and prosperity of the region.” 
 
COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 
Task Force 70 directs the preponderance of forward-deployed air and surface maneuver and striking forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, overseeing DESRON 15, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, as well as the ships and aircraft operating under Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. 
 
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

From Naval Air Systems Command, Aug 21, 2025 

SAN NICOLAS ISLAND, Calif.—Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division leaders, joined by Naval Surface Warfare Center – Port Hueneme Division, Naval Facilities Command, and Naval Base Ventura County leaders, cut the ribbon Aug. 20 on a new facility at San Nicolas Island that doubles the command’s capacity for launching supersonic targets on the Point Mugu Sea Range. 

The ground-launched GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Target is capable of maneuvering to simulate current threats facing the fleet and is a critical test and training asset for the Navy. NAWCWD’s Threat/Target Systems Department operates two launchers on SNI that together can launch four targets simultaneously, allowing sailors to train and qualify against multiple incoming threats – a more realistic scenario than single launches. 

That more complex training is especially critical given the escalating tensions abroad. 

“The threat environment is changing every day, and we must change and grow with it,” said Rear Adm. Keith Hash, NAWCWD commander. “Being able to present multiple, realistic threats is critical to ensure we deliver our warfighters a decisive advantage so they can deter aggression and, if necessary, win in conflict and return home safely.” 

“For the past two years, our surface Navy has been taking the fight, taking the shots, on the other side of the world,” said Capt. Anthony Holmes, commanding officer for NSWC-PHD. “Our warfighters are being asked to fight and use their ships and weapons in ways they never thought they would.” 

The new facility, a high explosive magazine, paired with a recently completed missile assembly building, allows NAWCWD to build and store eight GQM-163 targets every eight weeks, doubling the previous capacity of four targets. The Coyote, as the target is called, is nearly 20 feet in length, 30 with its booster attached. That extended size necessitated a much larger storage facility than previously existed at SNI. 

“We started this project in 2016 when PEO (IWS) came to us looking to do 30-plus launches a year. At the time, our assembly buildings could only build two each – so a maximum of four,” said Kevin Gross, TTSD director. “We began what became known as MILCON P-586 for both facilities, but due to funding it was split into two phases. The increase in capacity and capability with this project was only possible because of the funding and support from OPNAV N94.”  

The first facility completed was a Missile Assembly Building in December 2022. That allowed more targets to be assembled on site, but storing so many targets was still an issue until the HEM was completed in June 2025 and obtained its final explosives safety certification Aug. 13. 

The HEM’s ability to store up to 10 assembled targets and boosters significantly reduces the timeline for conducting final tests and acceptance prior to launches. The team can conduct two quad launches in a 24-hour period with two back-up targets ready to launch into the Point Mugu Sea Range, the Department of Defense’s largest and most extensively instrumented overwater test range. 

“The Range is so valuable to the Surface Navy and the Navy writ large. Threats are getting more complex, and the expanded capabilities this new facility brings are critical to ensuring our Sailors are ready to face them” said Capt. Anthony Holmes, NSWC-PHD commanding officer. 

Naval Base Ventura County, which encompasses Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and SNI, also hosts three warfare centers including NAWCWD and NSWC-PHD. The partnerships between the warfare centers, particularly on the Range, are critical to ensuring effective, efficient weapons testing and surface fleet training. 

“The unique capabilities here at NBVC are force multipliers that ensure our Navy’s research and development, test and training, and deployable forces are equipped to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Capt. Daniel Brown, NBVC commanding officer. 

The HEM is already in use, just in time for fleet training this fall. 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 22, 2025 

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  UPDATE Aug. 22: The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) returned under its own propulsion to White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 22. 

New Orleans is providing its own berthing and galley services remain open, allowing for the crew of nearly 380 Sailors to continue to work and reside aboard their ship. Several Sailors were treated for minor injuries and have returned to full duty. Family members have been updated on the status of the ship and crew. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and damage assessors are presently aboard inspecting the impact, which was limited to the forward area of the ship. 

Fire Aboard USS New Orleans Extinguished 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 21, 2025 

YOKOSUKA– A fire aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), which is anchored near White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, was declared extinguished at 4 a.m., Aug. 21. 

The fire began at approximately 4 p.m., Aug. 20. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

New Orleans Sailors’ firefighting efforts were supported by the crew of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), which is moored at White Beach Naval Facility. 

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; Japan Coast Guard; and U.S. Navy commands from across Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa also provided critical support to the firefighting efforts.   

Several Sailors were taken to New Orleans’ medical for minor injuries. 

New Orleans’ crew will remain aboard the ship. Additional services and berthing are available aboard San Diego and Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, if needed. 

Continue to follow U.S. 7th Fleet for updates www.c7f.navy.mil 

Orlando, Fla., August 21, 2025 – The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $720 million contract for the production of Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) and HELLFIRE missiles, marking the fourth and final follow-on award as part of its current multiple-year contract. This contract will provide critical procurement and production support for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and international customers, further solidifying Lockheed Martin’s position as a leading provider of multi-domain missile systems. 

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver JAGM and HELLFIRE missiles to meet the urgent operational needs of the Army, Navy and its international partners. The contract includes key Foreign Military Sales (FMS) including 160 JAGMs for the United Kingdom. The award also includes HELLFIRE FMS orders for key NATO allies Poland, Spain, Czech Republic and Italy. In addition, the contract award includes new HELLFIRE international customer Canada. 

“This contract is a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and our international allies, and we’re proud to continue playing a vital role in their defense strategies,” said Casey Walsh, program management director of Multi-Domain Missile Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “As we continue to evolve our deterrence capabilities, we remain committed to supporting the military’s critical missions and helping to protect those who serve, both at home and abroad.” 

The importance of this contract extends beyond the production of JAGM and HELLFIRE, as it also underscores the strength of Lockheed Martin’s partnerships with the Army, Navy and its international allies. For example, the Poland HELLFIRE FMS order, a part of this contract, supports the recent U.S. government FMS agreement for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Polish Air Force. As the global security landscape continues to evolve, Lockheed Martin remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of its customers, and this contract is a significant step forward in that effort. 

Both the JAGM and HELLFIRE systems are designed and developed in Orlando, Florida. The weapon systems are manufactured across various Lockheed Martin facilities in Dallas, Texas; Orlando and Ocala, Florida.; Archbald, Pennsylvania.; and Troy, Alabama. With more than 145,000 missiles produced, JAGM and HELLFIRE continue to be the weapon of choice in critical, precision engagement opportunities. 

August 18, 2025 

Auguest 2025 — Israel, South Korea Get SAT, an innovator in lightweight satellite communication terminals for ground, air, and maritime applications, together with KT SAT, Korea’s leading satellite service provider offering comprehensive communication solutions across Korea and globally, and KAI Networks, a system integration company specializing in military and aerospace communications, and R4 Integration, the leading provider of airborne roll-on/roll-off communication systems for U.S. and partner government aircraft, have successfully completed the upgrade of two P-3C maritime patrol aircraft for the Republic of Korea Navy. 

The P-3C is a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and search and rescue (SAR) missions. The fleet plays a key role in securing South Korea’s maritime domain and supporting regional stability. 
This upgrade marks a significant step in the modernization of the ROK Navy’s long-range ISR fleet and is part of a broader initiative to enhance airborne connectivity across the Navy’s 16-aircraft P-3C fleet. 

At the core of the upgrade is Get SAT’s Milli H LW Ku-band terminal, a lightweight, low-profile solution for airborne beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication. Measuring just 33×37cm and weighing 10.2kg, the Milli H delivers reliable, high-performance satellite connectivity—making it well-suited for legacy aircraft upgrades. 

The installation was carried out using R4 Integration’s hatch-mount solution, tailored for the P-3C platform to minimize disruption to the aircraft structure while maximizing ease of deployment. Collaboration between Get SAT, KT SAT, Kainet, and R4 ensured smooth integration, drawing on each partner’s specialized expertise. 
By leveraging KT SAT’s network, the upgraded system now provides real-time data links and persistent command-and-control connectivity—empowering crews with enhanced situational awareness and operational flexibility. 

“This successful deployment demonstrates the agility and global reach of Get SAT’s airborne SATCOM solutions,” said Kfir Benjamin, CEO at Get SAT. “Together with KT SAT, KAI Networks, and R4, we’ve delivered a rugged, high-throughput communication system that significantly improves the operational capabilities of the ROK Navy’s patrol aircraft.” 
“We are proud to have partnered with Get SAT and R4 Integration to bring this high-performance communication upgrade to the P-3C platform,” said Mr. Seo, CEO of KT SAT. “This project represents an important step forward for Korea’s airborne mission capabilities and highlights the value of international collaboration in defense innovation.” 

“Our hatch-mount solution is designed for fast integration with minimal impact to the aircraft, and we are pleased to see it supporting critical missions for the Republic of Korea Navy,” said John Parsley, President of R4 Integration. “Working alongside Get SAT, KT SAT, and KAI Networks was a great example of how industry partnerships accelerate operational readiness.