Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James H. Adams, III, for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general with assignment as deputy commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. Adams is currently serving as deputy director, Requirements and Capability Development, J-8, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
LCACs 105-107 Receive Lift of Opportunity Aboard USS Gunston Hall
Washington Navy Yard – Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushions (LCAC) 105-107 received a lift of opportunity (LOO) aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), on July 14.
LCACs 105-107 have been at Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division for post-delivery test and trials following their delivery to the Navy by Textron Systems.
The leadership on the USS Gunston Hall worked with Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, and Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4) as LCACs 105-107 entered the well deck for transport.
“SSC LCACs are in serial production and actively providing much-needed agility and speed to our fleet,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager, Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, PEO Ships. “The flexibility of LCACs, combined with their technology, provide our Navy and Marine Corps team with capability for today and the future fight.”
Later this month, the Gunston Hall team will offload these three crafts to their new home at ACU 4 in Little Creek, Virginia. ACU 4 is the parent unit for LCACs on the east coast. LCACs 101-104 arrived at ACU 4 in February 2022.
SSC LCACs are built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the legacy LCACs they replace – ensuring that this latest air cushion vehicle is fully compatible with existing, well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base, and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock. LCACs are capable of carrying a 74-ton payload. They primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and assault element personnel through a wide range of conditions, including over-the-beach.
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats, and craft.
GA-ASI’S UNMANNED AIRCRAFT CROSS 8 MILLION FLIGHT HOURS
New MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian® Models Add More Than 4,000 Hours
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SAN DIEGO – 14 July 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GAASI) today announced that its family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), which includes the Predator®, Reaper, Gray Eagle, Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian® lines, has surpassed eight million flight hours. GA-ASI aircraft have completed 566,000 total missions in nearly 40 countries around the world.
Adding to the total are 13 MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian UAS that have flown more than 4,000 flight hours, including the new Protector RG Mk1 being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The first three Protectors are currently undergoing Integrated Test, Evaluation, and Acceptance trials. In addition, MQ-9Bs are being operated by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), as well as supporting various U.S. Navy exercises.
“GA-ASI continues to be a leader in developing reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable unmanned aircraft systems that perform advanced operations for our customers around the world,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden P. Blue. “Eight million flight hours is another achievement on our list of historic firsts, which demonstrates our relentless commitment to quality.”
The exact aircraft and customer that achieved the milestone is unknown, as it’s estimated that more than 50 Predator-class Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPA are airborne worldwide every moment of every day.
GA-ASI aircraft average 40,000 hours per month, supporting programs with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, NASA, the Italian Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force, the French Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the Spanish Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Indian Navy, the Polish Air Force, JCG, JMSDF, and others, with more customers coming online soon. Missions include helping protect ground units on the battlefield, supporting first responders in the wake of natural disasters, and providing critical ISR around the world. These aircraft systems continue to maintain some of the highest mission-capable rates in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army aircraft inventories.
GA-ASI has produced more than 1,000 aircraft and nearly 500 Ground Control Stations (GCS) in more than three decades of business. In addition to UAS and GCS, GA-ASI produces Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) systems, as well as sensor payloads that deliver radar and video imagery, detect moving targets on the ground and over water, and provide Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) on signals of interest. GA-ASI has also developed a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into civil airspace in addition to combat environments.
The Predator-series family includes Predator A and Predator XP, Predator B/MQ-9A Reaper, Predator B Extended Range (ER), Guardian, Gray Eagle, Gray Eagle ER, Predator C Avenger/ER, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian.
NAVAIR Selects Mercury to Deliver Digital Head-Up Display for T-45 Goshawk Training Aircraft
ANDOVER, Mass., July 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers processing power for the most demanding aerospace and defense missions, received a five-year contract worth as much as $83 million from the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command to deliver high-definition, digital Head-Up Display (HUD) systems for the T-45 Goshawk training aircraft. This firm-fixed-price delivery order was issued under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement. The Navy is the first customer to adopt Mercury’s HUD1080 technology that enables aviators to see critical flight and weapons data in real-time without taking their eyes off the sky.
Under this program, Mercury expects to deliver nearly 300 HUD systems, with the first $45 million production order awarded in conjunction with this contract. The T-45 Goshawk is a tandem-seat jet trainer used to train Navy and Marine Corps aviators to fly the U.S. military’s most advanced fighter jets, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35 Lightning, and the EA-18G Growler, as well as tactical airborne early warning aircraft such as the E-2 Hawkeye. The new T-45 HUD with an integrated camera is based on Mercury’s low-profile HUD design that minimizes pilot discomfort, enhances situational awareness, and maximizes an aviator’s field-of-view. It is also DAL-A certifiable—the highest level of design assurance that can be applied to airborne systems—allowing it to be used for critical flight and mission tasks such as landing on aircraft carriers.
Why It Matters Pilots must understand a wealth of rapidly changing data while flying, and a HUD allows them to maintain awareness of this information without having to take their eyes off the sky to look down at multiple instruments. Current training aircraft use older analog HUD systems that have a bulky design, are out of production, and cannot integrate with the modern enhanced vision systems used in today’s fighter jets. The integration of Mercury’s HUD into the T-45 solves the obsolescence problem for the aircraft and ensures pilots are trained in an operationally realistic environment, as the systems are compatible with upcoming T-45 avionics upgrades.
“The introduction of the HUD1080 expands Mercury’s display technology portfolio and our ability to deliver mission-ready technology and solutions for all aspects of the avionics ecosystem,” said Mitch Stevison, Executive Vice President and President of Mercury’s Mission Systems division. “We look forward to delivering our digital HUD for the T-45 Goshawk, ensuring today’s student pilots have the technology to train for current and future missions.”
Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) Marines, Sailors Set Sail for Deployment
ATLANTIC OCEAN – U.S. Marines and Sailors of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) / 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) (SOC) departed Norfolk, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, after completing a comprehensive, nine-month training program.
The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces that foster maritime security and increased theater cooperation by providing a forward naval expeditionary presence with vast, specialized crisis response capabilities to support the geographic combatant commander, numbered fleet commander, and joint special operations task force commander.
“We are ready to complete any mission before us, and we are looking forward to the opportunities we will have to work alongside our allies and partners in the months ahead,” said Capt. Martin Robertson, commander of Amphibious Squadron 8. “Our Sailors and Marines have trained hard and are ready. We are thankful for the support of our families and loved ones during this journey.”
The BAT ARG/26th MEU(SOC)’s pre-deployment training program culminated with its final certification exercise, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), a series of exercises designed to fully integrate roughly 4,000 Marines and Sailors into one cohesive contingency force while testing the units’ abilities to carry out sustained operations from the sea. During COMPTUEX, the BAT ARG/26th MEU(SOC) operated under NATO command and control to replicate the realities of missions the Navy-Marine Corps team may encounter on deployment.
“Over the course of the last nine months, Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU(SOC) successfully demonstrated the battle staff competencies coupled with all-domain operational capabilities and high proficiency across the MEU Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) mission essential tasks and warfighting functions, to include MEU/SOF-integration, during an enhanced, rigorous pre-deployment training program within a scenario reflective of the EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM regions,” said Col. Dennis “Dolf” Sampson, commanding officer of the 26th MEU(SOC). “Throughout our work-ups, the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th MEU(SOC) executed multiple advanced at-sea training exercises and fully integrated into a cohesive naval expeditionary force capable of supporting theater campaigning requirements while remaining postured, as the Nation’s Immediate Response Force, to rapidly respond to any crisis.”
The Bataan ARG is comprised of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 50), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked commands include commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 8, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 4, Beach Master Unit 2, and the 26th MEU(SOC).
“I could not be any prouder of the Marines, Sailors, and families of the 26th MEU(SOC),” Sampson said. “They set the bar very high during our work-ups as the premiere Tri-GCC Crisis Response Force, showcasing the flexibility and all-domain operational capabilities the ARG/MEU(SOC) provides to a Fleet or Joint Task Force Commander within the littorals and beyond.”
The 26th MEU(SOC) serves as one of the Nation’s premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander. Coupled with the BAT ARG, the 26th MEU(SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of an adversary.
For more information, please contact Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) Public Affairs: Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs, [email protected] and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Communication Strategy & Operations, [email protected].
Third Marine Aircraft Wing Squadron Prints Medical Device In-flight
Story by 2nd Lt. Andrew Baez, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — On June 21, 2023, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), facilitated the in-flight three-dimensional (3D) printing of a medical cast aboard an MV-22B Osprey, in support of the Marine Corps’ Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-23. This milestone event took place as the U.S. Marine Corps looks to sharpen its expeditionary manufacturing capabilities. The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, emphasized the importance of these organic Marine Corps capabilities in recent testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“We have to do some very creative work to do additive manufacturing and 3D printing forward,” Smith said. “If confirmed, I’m committed to continuing that effort because I do see one day we will be printing forward in forward operating bases. We’ll be printing major end items, aircraft engines, propellers, we’ll be doing that forward as opposed to straining the lines that come from the United States through contested logistics areas.”
The successful cast print, in collaboration with the Marine Innovation Unit (MIU) and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), showcased one angle of Marine Corps aviation’s capacity to facilitate 3D printing in-flight, mirroring potential realistic, dynamic combat scenarios.
The event began with the concept of a Marine in the field with a broken wrist. The steps included scanning the Marine’s arm, optimizing the cast shape using generative design software, and printing the device while en route to a medical evacuation mission.
Lt. Col. Michael Radigan, an MIU liaison to the Naval Postgraduate School, operated the printer in-flight. He currently works with the Consortium for Additive Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE), which supported ITX with advanced manufacturing capabilities. The specific printer used is known as a TAMOS (Tactical Advanced Manufacturing Operational System), developed by Mr. Spencer Koroly from Naval Information Warfare Center-Pacific (NIWC-Pacific), San Diego, California.
“This event was significant because it demonstrated a mobility for 3D printing that we have not seen before,” Lt. Col. Radigan said. “Sometimes there is a perception that 3D printers can only operate in a clean room to get mission capable parts. I think we smashed that theory and showed that not only can they operate on the go, but we can do it well during highly dynamic combat flight profiles.”
CAMRE recognizes that advanced manufacturing will play a significant role in a contested logistics environment. 3D printing complements the supply system and makes it more resilient during combat. Recently, Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force learned how to build, operate and maintain the machines at NIWC-Pacific to prepare for their deployment in which they will be taking the AMOS printer with them. The printer also prints replacement parts for the machine in the event it needs maintenance, and this allows more independence for the expeditionary unit.
Col. Jeremie Hester, Commanding Officer of MAG-39, views the event a means to better support Marines operating on the ground.
“We are doing what Marine Aviation has always done – support our brothers and sisters on the ground,” Hester said. “Now we are figuring out how to do it better!”
Recognizing the importance of innovation and emerging technologies, VMM-164 was poised to play a critical part in this evolution by providing assault support during ITX 4-23. Third MAW has the capability to host multiple printers aboard aircraft and produce a substantial volume of needed parts en route to an objective. Due to the printers’ low power requirements, follow-on experimentation will explore powering dozens of printers via aircraft power for production at scale in contested environments.
“Third MAW has always kept an eye forward,” Radigan said. “Demonstrations like this reinforce their commitment to staying on the leading edge.”
USMC Preparing for Full Rate Production of MADIS RWS
MADIS RWS production ongoing in Kongsberg’s world-class facility in Pennsylvania
Release from Kongsberg Defense US
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JOHNSTOWN, Penn. – July 10, 2023 – A critical system in the Marine Corps Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) portfolio, the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Remote Weapon Station has reached a pivotal milestone transitioning into full rate production. The remote weapon station is manufactured and managed by Kongsberg in Johnstown, Penn. and is a key component to the larger and holistic system which provides protection from drones and increased lethality against evolving threats.
“The Marine Corps is leaning forward with orders for long-lead items to prioritize the timely production of these systems in support of Force Design 2030,” said William Dixon, MADIS Project Manager, KONGSBERG Protech Systems USA. “As we enter full-rate production for these remote weapon stations, we’re also discussing additional technology we can incorporate into the system to improve and expand their capabilities for the Marines.”
“Kongsberg’s Johnstown facility consistently yields remote weapon station manufacturing excellence, having produced more than 20,000 systems over the last 15 years,” said Eskild Aas, Director US PROTECTOR Programs, Kongsberg. “Delivering the LRIP systems and moving into full-rate production of the MADIS RWS exemplifies our rigorous processes, and is an important milestone for the program office and our team.”
The KONGSBERG RS6 RWS for MADIS RWS includes the XM914E1 30mmx113mm percussion-primed cannon with a co-axial M240C (7.62mm) machine gun, an integration kit for the STINGER Air-To-Air Launcher (ATAL) and provisions for future C-UAS defeat systems. MADIS is part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ plan to upgrade their two active Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) battalions. The first 30mm remote weapon system to be qualified on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle platform (JLTV), MADIS RWS mounts on JLTVs and fights as a complimentary pair, designated as Mk1 and Mk2. The MADIS Mk1 features STINGER missiles, and neutralizes fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Mk2 fulfills the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) mission requirement, while also providing radar and command-and-control for the pair.
The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Kongsberg the five-year, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity other transaction authority (OTA) production contract in Sept. 2021. It has a ceiling of $94 million and includes a series of Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) systems, full-rate production units, spares and training. This production contract award followed a Sept. 2020 OTA contract award from the USMC to KONGSBERG for test articles and activities, which included Design Verification Testing (DVT), after a competitive process.
The KONGSBERG RS6 RWS for MADIS leverages technology and competence drawn from multiple counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and air defense programs. The system leverages commonality with the family of PROTECTOR RWS delivered and fielded with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
Milley Names Troy E. Black as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman
The official photo of the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley has named Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black to succeed Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramon “CZ” Colon-Lopez.
SEAC is the most senior enlisted rank in the U.S. military, and serves as the chairman’s direct tie to the enlisted force.
The transfer of responsibility ceremony will be November 3 along with Colon-Lopez’s retirement from the U.S. Air Force.
Black has spent 35 years in the Marine Corps. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in April 1988. He has been the sergeant major of the Marine Corps since 2019.
Black served in Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and deployed numerous times to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Black began his career in the fleet as an infantry machine gunner serving in units from a fleet anti-terrorism security team company, to the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Marine Regiment to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
He has successfully completed tours as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina (where he met his wife, Stacie), and at the Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia.
As a sergeant major, Black has served at the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment; Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Logistics Group and at Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Black will be the fifth SEAC and the second Marine to hold the rank.
Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Commandant of the Marine Corps Relinquishment of Office Ceremony
It’s an honor to be here at Marine Barracks Washington, which is the oldest active post in the Corps.
And it’s great to see Secretary Del Toro, General Milley, and so many other military leaders, distinguished guests, friends, and family members.
I’m delighted to be with you to celebrate the career of an outstanding Marine: our 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David Berger.
But he would be the first to tell you that today is a celebration of all of our outstanding Marines.
For two and a half centuries, U.S. Marines have proudly been the “first to fight.” They’ve fought with valor on beaches, in cities, and in jungles. Their commitment to our democracy and to their brothers and sisters in arms is unbreakable. And their courage has long been central to America’s success on the battlefield.
Today, we face a challenging new security landscape. But our Marines are navigating it with the same grit, power, and resolve that have always set the Corps apart.
That’s especially important in our primary theater of operations, the Indo-Pacific. I was honored to visit earlier this year with some very impressive Marines in Japan and the Philippines. I got to see firsthand how the Corps is strengthening deterrence alongside our allies. And the Corps is hard at work standing up the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment in Okinawa, which will make our Joint Force even more lethal.
Marines are also central to our operations and deterrence in Europe. They train alongside our NATO allies on everything from cold-weather operations to mountain warfare. And as Russia continues its cruel war of choice against Ukraine, our “stand-in force” of Marines is critical for NATO’s deterrence and defense.
In fact, it’s hard to find a spot on the globe where Marines aren’t making it safer.
And when a crisis erupts, we count on our Marines to be ready for anything—and to leap into action.
Today, as we work to strengthen our military for the great competitions ahead, the Marine Corps is absolutely central.
The Force Design 2030 Plan outlines how the Marines will modernize the Corps to deepen America’s deterrence—and, if necessary, to fight and to win wherever they must.
And General Dave Berger has led this historic and transformational effort.
He’s done so with vision, creativity, and boldness.
He’s not just willing to embrace change.
He’s eager to lead change.
It’s often said that militaries are always preparing to fight the last war.
But General Berger has been driving hard to deter the next war.
In his four years as Commandant, he has focused relentlessly on the future fight. He has faced hard choices head-on. He has encouraged creative thinking at every level of the Corps. And he has pushed our Department to redefine readiness for the 21st century.
Now, despite all of his achievements, Dave is one of the most humble leaders in our inventory.
In fact, he probably hates that I’m talking about him right now.
But I’m going to do it for a few more minutes, Dave, so relax.
You know, anyone who’s worked in government knows how tempting it can be to just kick the can down the road, or to make do with the old ways for a little longer.
But that’s not Dave Berger.
His staff says that he has “never once hit the ‘Easy’ button.”
And that’s been true throughout his career.
As a young officer, General Berger did it all: reconnaissance training, jumpmaster school, aviation, combat dive, you name it.
He went on to command the First Marine Division in Afghanistan, the First Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Pendleton, and Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, where he saw firsthand what it takes to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific.
He’s a warrior-scholar. He’s a tremendous communicator. He’s a tireless advocate for younger Marines.
And he’s a great listener.
In fact, General Berger believes that the more senior you get, the more important it is to listen—to everyone, no matter their rank or title.
Young majors on his staff recall that General Berger would ask them about their own experiences in the Corps, and how things could work better.
And for anyone with a good idea, he’s always got an open door and an open mind.
Now, if you ask General Berger how he stays grounded, his answer is simple: his family.
And let me recognize General Berger’s parents, JC and Martha, his wife Donna, and their four sons: Joseph, Ryan, Phillip, and Jeffrey.
You know, there is nothing more important to Dave than family.
He loves coaching his sons’ sports teams, bragging on their accomplishments, and riding four-wheelers back on the farm with his grandchildren.
He takes leave just to spend time with his family, and he turns his phone off so he can be present.
And Dave always makes clear to the teams he leads: family comes first.
He loves talking with his staff about what their families are up to—and he encourages them to make sure they’re spending time with their loved ones.
And that really makes a difference to Marines at all levels of the Corps.
So I want to thank Dave for his focus on family. And I want to thank this outstanding military family for serving right alongside General Berger.
Donna, thanks for all that you’ve done for our country and the Corps—and for your tireless work on behalf of military families.
This year marks 42 years since Dave became a Marine—and 42 years of marriage for Dave and Donna. So let’s give it up for them.
And to General Berger’s children and your families—thanks for your love and support, and for what you’re doing to serve our country as well.
You know, years ago, Dave and Donna had a conversation about whether he should stay in the Marines. And they decided that if he ever had three bad days in a row, he’d get out of the military.
And General Berger says that he’s never had those three bad days.
So Dave, I want to thank you for everything that you have done to strengthen the Marine Corps and to defend the United States.
Now, I know that everyone here is looking forward to the rapid confirmation of a distinguished successor to General Berger.
You know, it’s been more than a century since the U.S. Marine Corps has operated without a Senate-confirmed commandant.
Smooth and timely transitions of confirmed leadership are central to the defense of the United States, and to the full strength of the most powerful fighting force in history.
Stable and orderly leadership transitions are also vital to maintaining our unmatched network of allies and partners.
And they’re crucial for our military readiness.
And of course, our military families give up so much to support those who serve—so they shouldn’t be weighed down with any extra uncertainty.
We have a sacred duty to do right by those who volunteer to wear the cloth of our nation, and their families.
I remain confident that all Americans can come together to agree on that basic obligation to those who keep us safe.
I am also confident that the United States Senate will meet its responsibilities.
And I look forward to welcoming an outstanding new Commandant for our Marine Corps, and to adding many other distinguished senior leaders across the Joint Force.
You know, there’s a saying in the Marines: “We don’t accept applications, only commitments.”
And every day, Marines bring their trademark commitment—quiet but fierce—to their teammates, their commanders, and their country.
That commitment has allowed America to fight and win countless battles across the centuries.
That commitment is what lets America race to the aid of those in need, anywhere on the planet.
And that commitment is why I’m confident that our military is ready to deter aggression wherever we can and to fight and win wherever we must—today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.
And I am confident that we will rise to the challenge of making our country stronger, and making our world safer.
To our Marine Corps: thank you for your unfailing commitment to our country.
And to General Berger: thank you for your unfailing commitment to our Marine Corps.
May God bless you and your family. May God continue to bless our Marine Corps. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much.
UMS SKELDAR and Hydronalix Announce Co-Operation Agreement at Modern Day Marine Event
Co-operation agreement enables UMS SKELDAR to equip its market-leading SKELDAR V-200 with Hydronalix’s Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) enhancing the manned-unmanned common operating picture across multiple maritime domains.
Release from UMS Skeldar
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26th June – UMS SKELDAR and Hydronalix are pleased to announce a co-operation agreement at the Modern Day Marine event, due to be held between June 27th and 29th, 2023, in Washington DC, USA. The agreement will feature UMS SKELDAR’s market-leading SKELDAR V-200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with one of Hydronalix’s groundbreaking Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) systems. The purpose of the new joint platform is to offer solutions to emerging operational challenges within, for example, complex, contested littoral areas where supporting networks of manned – unmanned systems are required for efficient, resilient operations.
Hydronalix’s USV, which will for the first time be attached to UMS SKELDAR’s V-200 platform, can be employed as a communications link between the different users in all domains. This combined system will provide the Marine Corps and Navy the capability to adapt to complex littoral environments rapidly thanks to its ability to be quickly deployed day or night over sea. Additionally, the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) benefits offered by launching USVs teamed with UAVs in conflict zones, greatly broadens the operational picture for users.
Ted Ackerstierna, UMS SKELDAR’s Vice President for the USA market, explains: “At UMS SKELDAR, we are constantly working to broaden the capabilities of our UAV platforms, not only in terms of sensor-based payloads, but also with technologies like Hydronalix’s USVs that we can employ from our UAV systems. The USVs offered by Hydronalix are such versatile pieces of technology, which we saw a great many uses for including supporting covert surveillance missions and acting as a critical communications link. Attached to our SKELDAR V-200, which has an endurance of over six hours with significant payload weight, the complete system will be able to provide a wide range of enhanced capabilities for Marine Corps and Navy war fighters across their operational domains.”
Anthony Mulligan, CEO for Hydronalix, adds: “The possibility of launching Hydronalix’s USVs from UMS SKELDAR’s V-00 UAVs is a potential gamechanger for Marine Corps and Navy war fighters who seek unmanned technologies that can enhance their operational capabilities. The future distributed force concepts require innovative solutions that can provide the domain awareness for effective decision making. From rescue to weapon assignment, the UMS SKELDAR UAV / Hydronalix USV platform combination with advanced mesh networking promises to serve Expeditionary and Special Forces under new distributed force designs.”
