From HII

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted members of the United Kingdom House of Commons Defence Committee at its Newport News Shipbuilding division last week. 

The visit was held in support of the trilateral Australia, United Kingdom and United States (AUKUS) partnership. HII continues its commitment to supporting AUKUS, which set in motion tasking across all three countries to determine the optimal pathway to provide Australia with conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and a broader partnership on advanced capabilities. 

“The Committee were delighted to visit the HII yard and see the skill and endeavour on display,” said Tan Dhesi, chairman of House of Commons Defence Committee. “The AUKUS agreement is a vital tool for the strategic advantage of all three countries and the Committee is pleased to support it with our recently launched inquiry, ensuring it achieves its maximum potential.” 

Defence Committee members met with company leadership and saw facilities that support construction of Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. Additionally, they participated in a tour of the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School that focused on HII’s workforce development expertise. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-united-kingdom-house-of-commons-defence-committee-members-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/. 

“We greatly appreciate the Defence Committee’s engagement and the opportunity to showcase how HII’s decades of expertise directly support AUKUS objectives,” said Michael Lempke, president of the HII Mission Technologies division Global Security group and the leader of HII’s Australia and U.K. operations. “From building nuclear-powered submarines to fortifying industrial capacity across the U.S., U.K. and Australia, our efforts are closely aligned with the trilateral vision. These discussions are vital to strengthening the collaboration and driving the innovation that underpins AUKUS.” 

Industrial integration of submarine and shipbuilding capabilities between the U.S., U.K. and Australia is a critical component of the AUKUS partnership, enabling aligned defense production, workforce development, and supply chain collaboration to support shared security objectives. 

NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. HII is the founding member of the AUKUS Workforce Alliance (AWA), a dedicated partnership committed to preparing a skilled workforce in support of all steps of Australia’s optimal pathway to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines. The company was awarded a contract for the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) pilot program to accelerate the identification and qualification of Australian suppliers and products into the United States submarine industrial base. 

About Defence Committee’s inquiry: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9068/aukus/ 

RESTON, Va. (May 28, 2025) – Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) announced today that it has acquired Kudu Dynamics, accelerating Leidos’ rapid scaling of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cyber capabilities for defense, intelligence and homeland security customers. 

Leidos’ extensive current AI-enabled cyber offerings arm users with the rapid capability and scale needed to automate vulnerability detection, enhance novel defenses, neutralize attacker advantages and evade adversary defenses. Acquiring Kudu Dynamics will accelerate Leidos’ strategy for AI-enabled offensive cyber, electromagnetic spectrum operations and vulnerability research.   

Founded in 2013, Kudu Dynamics has rapidly grown its work across the Department of Defense, leading the industry in automated targeting, scalable hardware reverse engineering and the generation of other non-kinetic effects. 

“Kudu’s ability to generate new cyber capabilities with AI perfectly complements our strategy to rapidly grow differentiated offensive cyber technology capabilities,” said  Leidos Chief Executive Officer Tom Bell. “This acquisition underlines Leidos’s commitment to continue to build smarter full-spectrum cyber capabilities, so that the U.S. and its allies dominate the cyber warfighting domain.” 

“We’re excited to deliver the next level of capabilities to our customers as we bring together the highly innovative cyber professionals and disruptive technologies of Kudu with the scale, resources and experience of Leidos,” said Kudu Dynamics’ Founder and CEO Mike Frantzen. “In Leidos, we’ve found a partner who shares our ethic of purposeful innovation in support of our nation’s most critical missions.” 

The Kudu Dynamics purchase marks Leidos’ first acquisition in two-and-a-half years. Increasing investment in the company’s already formidable cyber capabilities is among the five strategic growth pillars of its new NorthStar 2030 strategy, developed through a year of deep strategic thinking in 2024.   

The approximately $300 million all-cash acquisition closed May 23. 

Advisors 

Baird served as exclusive financial advisor to Kudu Dynamics on this transaction. 

Real-time observations will support U.S. commerce, naval interests in the region 

From Kimberly Rodgers, [email protected] , May 28, 2025 

May 28, 2025 

NOAA’s first Physical Oceanographic Real-time System, or PORTS, at Pearl Harbor-Honolulu, Hawaii, is now operational. Installed by NOAA’s National Ocean Service, data from the new publicly available observation system advances NOAA’s ability to better serve Hawaii’s coastal communities and secure maritime safety in the Pacific Islands. 

Pearl Harbor-Honolulu PORTS is NOAA’s 40th system in this national network of precision marine navigation sensors concentrated in busy U.S. seaports, and is the result of a partnership between NOAA and U.S. Navy Region Hawaii. Data from the system will be used to assist in the Navy’s planning and monitoring during daily operations and hazardous weather situations in Pearl Harbor and on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam — home to more than 55,000 military members and civilians, contributing more than $2 billion annually to the local economy. 

Commercial and local mariners traveling to Honolulu Harbor, the principal seaport of Hawaii, will also have access to these publicly available real-time observations. They will enable safer vessel movement, help determine the amount of cargo a vessel can carry and reduce transit delays for commercial traffic. Honolulu Harbor handles more than 11 million tons of cargo annually. National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu will use PORTS water level observations to anticipate and communicate coastal flooding impacts to the community so preemptive actions can be taken. 

“With the launch of PORTS in Honolulu, we’re delivering mission-critical data to partners and decision makers — naval operations, commercial mariners and local agencies,” said Nicole R. LeBoeuf, director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service. “PORTS data will contribute to a safer and more efficient movement of vessels traversing Mamala Bay, entering and exiting Pearl Harbor and within Honolulu Harbor.”  

The Pearl Harbor-Honolulu PORTS consists of one water level and meteorological station located in Pearl Harbor (Ford Island) and a buoy-mounted current meter at Ford Island Channel, Lighted Buoy #1, sponsored by the U.S. Navy. The new stations will collect data on wind, air temperature, air pressure, and tidal currents to help mariners plan for safe docking in high winds, adverse weather, and heavy ship traffic.  

The system also integrates data from a long-standing NOAA National Water Level Observation Network station at Honolulu Harbor, as well as a Coastal Data Information Program wave buoy at the entrance to Pearl Harbor.  

PORTS is a successful public-private partnership program between NOAA and local partners that provides an integrated system of sensors concentrated in seaports. These sensors deliver accurate, real-time environmental data to commercial and other vessel operators. The PORTS program supports safe vessel movements in more than half of the top 175 U.S. seaports, including key coastal military installations. The safety and economic benefits of PORTS are well documented, including a 50% reduction in maritime accidents in seaports where real-time data is available. The data is publicly accessible online and can be integrated into vessel portable pilot units. The new Pearl Harbor-Honolulu PORTS® will be maintained by NOAA.  

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs, May27, 2025 

MANAMA, Bahrain – The littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 22, the first of four of the class expected to be stationed in the region. 

The crew hosted a tour of their ship on May 26, welcoming senior Bahraini defense officials, the U.S. ambassador to Bahrain, the honorable Steven Bondy, and commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Adm. George Wikoff. 

“Today is about showcasing the United States’ continued commitment to maritime regional security in a broader sense, but in a specific sense, the friendship that we enjoy and never take for granted with the Kingdom of Bahrain,” Wikoff said. “We look forward to leveraging all the capabilities that this ship brings as a next-generation platform, working side-by-side with our Bahraini partners enforcing maritime security in the region.” 

The LCS is expected to replace the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships which have operated forward in the region for decades. 

“Canberra’s arrival in Bahrain signifies our commitment to delivering advanced capabilities to further regional maritime security and maintaining our robust partnership with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force,” said the commanding officer of Canberra’s Blue Crew, Cmdr. Bill Golden. He previously served on a mine countermeasures ship forward deployed to Bahrain, USS Gladiator (MCM 11). “To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.” 

Canberra is the first LCS to deploy with the mine countermeasures mission package. An integrated suite of unmanned maritime systems and sensors, it is designed to locate, identify, and destroy mines while increasing the ship’s standoff distance from the threat. 

Canberra, on its maiden deployment, is the first Independence-variant of the littoral combat ship to be deployed to the region. The ship left San Diego in March. 

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb. 

From NCDOC PAO Alexis Smith, May 27, 2025 

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 9, supported by Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) and Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC) leaders to officially open TRIDENT – Technical Readiness in Defensive Cyber Operations {DCO} Education and Network Training – Center for NCDOC and NNWC personnel. 

Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, commander, NAVIFOR and the Navy’s IBoss for Information Warfare, served as guest speaker. 
 
“This facility, in collaboration with our partners, provides hands on experience and training, real time sets and reps, and advanced mentorship from exceptional industry partners utilizing persistent access to lab and exercise environments with scenarios based on real world threats,” said Vernazza.  “As the Navy’s operational command for Defensive Cyberspace Operation, NCDOC’s mission is clear – to defend Navy networks and ensure warfighter readiness in cyberspace. This new training space directly aligns with that mission by enabling more dynamic, realistic, and collaborative cyber training, giving our teams the skills and agility that they will need to meet emerging threats.” 
 
The ribbon cutting ceremony is in honor of TRIDENT achieving a significant milestone, the successful execution of a remote Cyber Protection Team (CPT) mission and an operational recertification event. 
 
The 14,420 square foot center is specifically designed to support a wide range of activities, including individual and team-based scenarios, technical labs, demonstrations, mission rehearsals, cyber training, conferences, and professional development courses.  TRIDENT has actively supported the Cyber Competition Team, CPTs and Navy Red Team (NRT) through four Capture the Flag (CTF) events. 
 
These events allow the Sailors to practice and develop their skills in friendly competition against other teams across the DoD, U.S. Government, and the private sector.  The TRIDENT facility is also a space for Sailors, officers, and civilians to complete advanced cyber training ranging from vendor provided courses to internally developed training in support of NCDOC’s unique mission as DCO Task Force, sole Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP) in the Navy, the Navy Cyber Defense Teams deployed afloat, and the Navy Hunt Team across enterprise networks. 
 
Additionally, NCDOC NRT, one of only 13 certified DoD Red Teams, can safely research, develop, and test various tools, exploits, and malware at TRIDENT, better preparing them to harden DoD Information Networks – Navy. 
 
TRIDENT has also been used to strengthen partnerships amongst the other stakeholders working to secure, operate, and defend Navy networks.  A Cyber Network Defense 5.2 training program between NCDOC and Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic was hosted at the facility in April 2025. 
 
“NNWC Blue Team has also taken advantage of the facility to conduct enhanced capability establishing it as the nexus of training excellence for the Navy’s Secure, Operate, and Defend workforce.  The team received training from the National Security Agency representatives on their DarkEther network device data collection tool,” said Capt. Sharon Pinder, commanding officer, NCDOC. 
 
The TRIDENT ribbon cutting showcased a large orange ribbon, aligning the significance of the color orange in cybersecurity to the importance of the TRIDENT facility.  In industry, orange in cybersecurity represents teams who train and educate the frontline defenders against cyber threats. Cutting the orange ribbon represents TRIDENT’s role in fostering a culture of excellence in cybersecurity for the Navy and a conscious effort to provide ready, relevant learning to the warfighters charged with defending the networks to enable Assured Command and Control, Battlespace Awareness, Integrated Fires. 
 
NCDOC’s mission is to plan, coordinate, and conduct global DCO for the Navy’s largest warfighting ecosystem, the layered and interconnected networks and weapons systems linked across all warfighting domains through DoDIN-N.  Perform as Navy’s Cyber Security Service Provider (CSSP) in order to generate cyber intelligence, conduct proactive DCO on DoDIN-N to assure command and control, expand battlespace awareness, and facilitate integrated fires to win decisively in war. 
 
For more information on NCDOC, visit the command Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NavyCyberWarriors or the public web page at https://www.navifor.usff.navy.mil/ncdoc/. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, May 24, 2025 

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and its crew departed Puerto Princesa, Philippines, Monday, after in-port engagements and visits with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, U.S. embassy staff, and PCG District Palawan senior leadership. 
 
Stratton’s visit to Puerto Princesa marked the first international port call of their months-long deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
Following their departure, Stratton’s crew conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The MCA included exercises in maritime domain awareness, division tactics, maneuvering, and visit, board, search and seizure procedures. 
 
These engagements demonstrate the U.S. commitment to maritime governance that supports security, freedom and prosperity in the region. 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard serves as a unique instrument of national power, bridging defense, diplomacy and law enforcement to further national objectives and mutual interests with allies and partners like the Philippine Coast Guard. 
 
During the visit, Stratton’s commanding officer, Capt. Brian Krautler, welcomed Amb. Carlson, PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, and senior PCG leaders aboard Stratton, highlighting U.S. Coast Guard interoperability with allies. 
 
“Our alliance with the Philippine Coast Guard has cultivated a close, collaborative maritime partnership—this is Stratton’s second deployment to the Philippines during my two years aboard as commanding officer,” Krautler said. “Our enduring partnership enables combined effects and cooperation across a broad spectrum of engagements and operations. Stratton’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific will further strengthen our relationships with allied coast guards and services throughout the region.” 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard works closely with regional allies to deliver a broad range of capabilities in support of a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific. Multilateral operations like the at-sea MCA and in-port engagements enhance cooperation, improve interoperability and strengthen readiness. 
 
While moored, Krautler and Stratton’s leaders also met with the WESTCOM Commander PCG District Palawan for a pre-sail planning meeting to discuss bilateral search and rescue exercises (SAREX) to enhance cooperation. At-sea operations and exercises with the Philippine Coast Guard will strengthen the ability to execute coordinated maritime operations and enhance overall mission readiness.| 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific requires working closely with regional allies, allowing the service to improve its logistics flexibility to better deliver a broad range of capabilities. 
 
During the patrol, Stratton is scheduled to engage with regional partners and participate in joint operations aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security. Throughout its Indo-Pacific deployment, Stratton is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. DESRON 15 regularly assumes tactical control of surface units operating in the area. 
 
Stratton’s port call to the Philippines marks the cutter’s third visit following stops in 2019 and 2023. Consistent U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter deployments to the region demonstrate the U.S. commitment to strong maritime governance that supports security, freedom and prosperity in the Western Pacific. 
 
Commissioned in 2012, Stratton is one of ten Legend-class national security cutters and one of four homeported in Alameda, California. National security cutters are 418 feet long, 54 feet wide and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement with a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles and can hold a crew of up to 170. National security cutters routinely conduct operations throughout the Pacific, where their combination of range, speed and ability to operate in extreme weather provides mission flexibility. 
 
The namesake of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is Capt. Dorothy Stratton, who led the service’s all-female reserve force during World War II. Dorothy Stratton was the first female commissioned officer in the Coast Guard and commanded more than 10,000 personnel. The ship’s motto is “We can’t afford not to.” 

From Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific Public Affairs, May 22, 2025 

SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Navy is strengthening maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region through a $125 million initiative designed to enhance India’s maritime domain awareness. Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific is playing a central role in the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) program, a flagship effort under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. 

The IPMDA initiative aims to improve maritime awareness and regional coordination by providing partner nations with unclassified maritime situational awareness tools and data. A core component of the case is SeaVision, a U.S. Navy-managed platform that aggregates Automatic Identification System (AIS) and other vessel tracking data to enable secure, real-time maritime monitoring, according to Robert Lendvay, NIWC Pacific Foreign Military Sales Case Manager supporting the Navy’s International C4I Integration Program Office [PMW 740]. Lendvay has spearheaded the effort since January 2023. The initiative also integrates commercial satellite-based radio frequency (RF) detection capabilities from HawkEye 360, enabling partner nations to detect and monitor vessels operating without transponders. Together, these tools create a multi-layered operational picture that significantly enhances India’s ability to monitor its maritime domain and contribute to regional security objectives. 
  
The program’s inception began with a foundational meeting at NIWC Pacific in San Diego, where Lendvay, alongside the NIWC Pacific SeaVision Technical Assistance Field Team, hosted a high-level delegation from the Indian Navy and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This engagement was instrumental in defining the initial operational and technical requirements that laid the groundwork for the largest IPMDA-related case to date. 
  
Over the course of two years, Lendvay led detailed coordination efforts across the U.S. Department of State, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Navy International Programs Office, and other interagency partners to ensure the program met U.S. releasability standards and foreign disclosure policies. 
  
“These collaborative efforts ultimately resulted in the successful completion of the Congressional Notification process – a critical milestone,” said Lendvay. “This authorizes the U.S. Government to offer new and improved capabilities to India in support of IPMDA. This approval not only affirms the strategic trust placed in India as a key Indo-Pacific partner but also reflects the growing defense ties between members of the Quad alliance: the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.” 
  
“This initiative is a testament to the strong partnership between the U.S. and India and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said John Smith, a NIWC Pacific employee. “By providing India with advanced maritime domain awareness tools, we are enhancing their ability to monitor their maritime domain and contribute to regional security.” 
  
NIWC Pacific and PMW 740 have played a central role in managing the program’s development, working closely with commercial vendors and interagency stakeholders to define a technically sound and contractually executable acquisition strategy. The IPMDA initiative strengthens the region’s ability to detect and deter threats and reinforces collective maritime security objectives. 

From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs, May 22, 2025 

NAPLES, Italy – U.S. 6th Fleet Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) conducted two separate live-fire events as part of exercise At Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 25. U.S. Navy destroyers are equipped with the Aegis weapons systems designed for ballistic missile defense. 

On May 15, 2025, Thomas Hudner successfully engaged a short-range ballistic missile (IAMD-T) target with an SM-6 missile. 

On May 20, 2025, Bulkeley and Thomas Hudner successfully engaged a medium-range ballistic missile target (ARAV-B) and a simulated target (EDTT) with an SM-3 missile. 

Throughout the exercise, Allied forces are participating in a series of live-fire events using NATO command and control reporting structures. 

The two destroyers’ successful missile intercepts demonstrated the lethality of U.S. Navy systems and the ability to operate seamlessly with Allied nations to maintain a stable security environment. It sends a strong message to any potential adversary by demonstrating combat credibility. 

ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 includes a series of live-fire events against unmanned air and surface systems, subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, multi-nation/multi-service ground-based air defenses, and aviation forces working across battlespaces to deliver lethal effects, accomplish exercise objectives, and hone warfighting skills. 

The exercise commenced on May 3, 2025 and involves approximately 6,900 personnel from across the Alliance. 

From Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, May 21, 2025 

ST. INIGIES, Md. — The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is boosting its testing capabilities with a new UAS experimentation system showcased recently at a training event at Naval Air Station Patuxent River’s Webster Outlying Field. 

Designed to accelerate unmanned aviation development, the Tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Experimentation Payload System (TULEPS) allows developers to test software and mission equipment on a generic unmanned platform. 

“When we test payloads on specific UAVs, it requires significant money, time and effort because of the limitations of the UAV – TULEPS is an innovative resource that allows us to focus first on the development of the actual payload technology,” said NAWCAD lead experimentation engineer James Tomasic.  “After we’ve worked through the technical issues and are comfortable with the payload, we can focus on implementing that technology on a specific UAV platform.” 

TULEPS streamlines testing by allowing equipment to be loaded on its UAV without requiring flight clearances. Its tether enables systems to fly in most weather conditions, powers payloads for extended periods of time, securely transmits data, and can be used on ships or trucks to give antennas and sensors a higher vantage point and longer reach. 

“If we want to test an electronic warfare pod, a new communication antenna or an electro-optical surveillance sensor, we can put it on the TULEPS system with very little paperwork,” said Chief Test Pilot Lt. Col. Jason Noll at NAWCAD’s unmanned Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24. “The system is already approved, so we don’t have to obtain a new clearance – we can test on a shorter timeline with fewer manhours and save money as well.” 

NAWCAD’s Experimentation Office (NEO) worked with industry partner DPI UAV Systems to quickly stand up the new test capability, which culminated in a two-day TULEPS event that featured classroom and hands-on training for more than 10 UX-24 air vehicle operators who are the command’s first qualified TULEPS operators. 

“NEO is here to help solve problems and support all of NAWCAD,” said Tomasic. “We are constantly looking at game-changing technologies like TULEPS that bring new capabilities to the warfare center.” 

NAWCAD’s military, civilian, and contract personnel operate test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida. 

By Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15, May 21, 2025 

SULU SEA  –  The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, May 20. 
 
This iteration builds upon previous MCAs and our continuing operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures. 
 
MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety and navigational rights and freedoms of all nations. 
 
Participating units included the Legend-class cutter USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from the U.S. Navy, as well as the Philippine Navy’s Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16); Acero-class patrol gunboats BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905); an AW109 naval helicopter; the Philippine Air Force’s Super Tucano and Sokol helicopters; and the Philippine Coast Guard’s Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702). 
 
“Maritime Cooperative Activities help us continue to build strong military-to-military ties with our Philippine navy allies,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “With each iteration, these operations further advance our collective efforts to preserve regional stability in this critical part of the world.” 
 
This iteration of the MCA included exercises in maritime domain awareness, division tactics, maneuvering, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure. 
 
“The U.S. Coast Guard has a significant presence in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Capt. Brian Krautler, Stratton’s commanding officer. “On our Western Pacific deployments, we frequently engage with partner nations through professional exchanges and capacity building, as shown with this operation. This is an opportunity to reinforce vital links with our counterparts who mutually value the preservation of a free, secure and open maritime environment.” 
 
The U.S., along with our allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to those freedoms. 
 
USCGC Stratton is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. 
 
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.