For 11th Year, Defense Innovation Days Fosters Increased Collaboration in the Defense Industry 

Release From SENEDIA, Aug. 28, 2025

NEWPORT, R.I. – SENEDIA, the Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation, yesterday concluded Defense Innovation Days, a signature national event that attracted nearly 400 of the most important decisionmakers and innovators in the defense industry. 

“It is more important today than any time in our history that we have the capacity and skills to not only be competitive with other countries, but to far exceed them,” said Senator Jack Reed (RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Reed called on the defense industry leaders in attendance to continue to advance American innovation and security. “What you do ultimately ensures the safety and security of our men and women in uniform across the world. This is a common purpose we share.” 

Distinguished speakers at the 11th annual sold-out event represented decades of experience across Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and private sector service, including RDML Peter Small, Chief Engineer and Commander of NAVSEA Warfare Centers; Dr. Andrew Erickson, Naval War College China Maritime Studies Institute; Dr. Michael Winter, Chief Scientist, RTX; COL David Brown (ret.), Naval War College Center for Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups; LtGen Eric E. Austin, Deputy Commander, Combat Development and Integration, US Marine Corps Combat Development Command, and BG Chris Hackler, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command.  

Panels included “Future of the Surface Navy and Hybrid Fleet” and “Mastering the Depths: Navigating the Engineering Battlespace.” 

Key takeaways from this year’s event are: 

• The threat landscape is rapidly evolving, including the unprecedented acceleration of China’s military capabilities and a global rise in authoritarianism.  

• Innovation in autonomous vehicles and undersea technology is essential to stay competitive and has redefined traditional warfare.  

• The foundation for increased collaboration and innovation exists, and equally important must be the focus on scaling and speed to execution. The priority is a nimble and responsive defense ecosystem that can quickly get new and interoperable technologies into the hands of warfighters. 

“More than a decade after we hosted the first Defense Innovation Days, SENEDIA continues to see the critical need to bring together industry and government, civilian and military leaders to connect, collaborate with one another, and ultimately innovate in service of our national security,” said Molly Donohue Magee, Chief Executive Officer of SENEDIA. “Investing in defense is an economic, workforce, and national security imperative.” 

More from Defense Innovation Days 

An Increasingly Challenging and Complex Environment 

Rapid advancements in technology have made internal research and development processes more challenging and increased external and geopolitical pressures have likewise made the warfighting landscape more complex. A rise in authoritarianism around the globe represents a threat to American democracy – including from China.  

Returning to Defense Innovation Days, Dr. Erickson provided a deep dive into changes in the Chinese military. He said that Chinese leader Xi Jinping has removed large numbers of military, defense, and political officials, but warned that it does not signal a slowdown. To the contrary, Erickson called it “the most dramatic military build-up since World War II.” 

“China’s military capabilities development and operational readiness are clearly advancing rapidly across the board,” he said. “The speed and scope are breathtaking. That is what needs to inform our dedication, our sense of purpose, and the missions to which we are directed.” 

Several speakers noted the importance of the workforce to maintain American dominance.  

“The Navy faces an urgent imperative to increase our capabilities, and our people are our biggest asset,” said RDML Small. “It’s not just the trades we need to strengthen. We need to rebuild the national maritime engineering workforce. A tremendous national effort to rebuild this workforce is underway.” 

The Unmanned and Undersea Advantage 

The United States submarine program is widely viewed as the greatest deterrent to American adversaries, and two panel discussions focused on undersea challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing maritime landscape. Several speakers used the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea as an illustration of how maritime strategy is changing, where Ukraine has used naval drones to stave off a strong Russian Navy. 

The Mastering the Depths panel was moderated by Marie Bussiere, the Technical Director of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport. She was joined on the stage by NUWC colleagues Mark Vacarro, Director of the Subsea and Seabed Warfare SSTM; Steve Plunkett, Next Generation Weapons and Defensive Systems SSTM; Steve Lamb, Chief of the Contracting Office, and CDR Shawn Stelzel of the Undersea Warfighting Development Center. 

Collectively, they urged industry leaders – especially those who have yet to engage with NUWC – to consider delivering their best-in-class tools and technology for defense applications. 

“To maintain the undersea advantage, we need to get solutions into the hands of the fleet faster,” Bussiere said. 

On the Future of the Surface Navy and Hybrid Fleet panel, CAPT Colin Corridan (ret.), the former leader of Task Force 59, the Navy’s first maritime robotics and AI task force, moderated a panel that included Commander David Brannighan, Royal Navy, British Defence Staff USA, and Austin Gray, Co-Founder and CSO, Blue Water Autonomy. 

One takeaway of the panel included a charge to industry to apply their solutions to national security and help ensure a high-low procurement strategy that is diversified between advanced yet expensive high-end systems and cheaper, more flexible low-end systems. 

Moving at the Speed of Technology 

Across all three days, multiple speakers talked about the need to move faster – from harnessing AI and new technology to developing and quickly scaling new capabilities – to ensure our warfighters have the systems and tools they need when they need them. 

Just as undersea technology has changed the maritime landscape, COL Brown (ret.) pointed to drones as a comparable example of how airpower has been democratized. Beyond weapons, he also warned about disinformation as a weapon of war and how increasingly convincing deepfakes are making it difficult for military leaders and civilians alike to distinguish the truth. 

“We are entering an era of breathtaking technological advancement,” he said. “The warning of history is clear: Unless we adapt, the upheavals of the last century may pale in comparison to what lies ahead.” 

LtGen Austin and BG Hackler agreed on the importance of government and industry collaboration.   

Speed to execution must consider future changes in technology. Dr. Winter shared that RTX has introduced a new military engine nearly every decade over the last century. Looking forward, RTX and other Primes – as well as the supply chain companies that support them – must bring together the digital thread, relying on model-based systems engineering that allows for greater efficiency and responsiveness.  

“It is critical that we build these tools with enough longevity and enough forethought,” he said.  

Other speakers featured at Defense Innovation Days included Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02); and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01).  

Thanks to Our Sponsors 

Sponsors for Defense Innovation Days 2025 include Platinum Sponsors General Dynamics, RTX, and the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium. Leidos served as Gold Sponsor and IM Technology, Quantic Electronics, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, and SEACORP as Silver Sponsors.   

The sponsors for the two evening receptions were Adler Pollock & Sheehan and Anduril, and Bronze Sponsors included AstrodyneTDI, Comark – a Division of SourceCode, Exail Defense Systems, FORCYS, Globe Composite Solutions, Granite State Manufacturing, Guill Tool & Engineering Company, L3Harris Technologies, McLaughlin Research Corporation, NeQter Labs, PacMar Technologies, Preveil, Retlif Testing Laboratories, Rite Solutions, Serco, Teledyne Marine, and VATN Systems.   

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS – U.S. Marines gathered at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, August 11–14, to launch a new initiative in military innovation and education: the inaugural U.S. Marine Corps–Naval Postgraduate School Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fellowship. 

Part of the implementation of the 2024 Marine Corps Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the fellowship is designed to accelerate AI adoption and development across the force by building a cadre of AI-literate Marines empowered with technical knowledge, practical experience, and operational insight. 

“This fellowship leverages eager Marines knowledgeable about the Fleet’s modern and relevant issues, faculty experts, state-of-the-art facilities at Naval Postgraduate School, and the incomputable potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning,” said Dr. Christopher Paul, U.S. Marine Corps Chair for Information at NPS and lead organizer of the program. 

The pilot cohort of Marines will spend five months immersed in AI education and applied research, splitting time between their home commands and the NPS campus. Through a mix of mentorship, coursework, and prototype development, each fellow will address a real-world challenge aligned to the needs of the Fleet Marine Force. 

“Our goal is to optimize AI’s application across the force,” Paul said. “To do that, we need to grow the AI-proficient and literate population in the military, which this fellowship aims to do.” 

The Marine Corps is committed to developing and deploying emerging technologies that give Marines the advantage in future conflicts. The USMC–NPS AI Fellowship is a concrete step toward equipping warfighters with tools and knowledge to operate in an increasingly digital battlespace. 

While the pilot program is currently limited to Marines, future iterations aim to expand participation to include service members from other branches of the Joint Force. 

The fellowship reflects the Marine Corps’ broader commitment to education, innovation, and preparing for the complex challenges of the modern operating environment. 

Information on future fellowship opportunities will be announced via Marine Corps administrative message. 

For inquiries regarding the pilot program, contact: 

Capt. Stephanie Baer, Communication Strategy Officer, Deputy Commandant for Information, [email protected] 

Aug. 18, 2025 | By Marine Corps 1st Lt. John Carter  

Service members assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, known as Task Force Forge, assumed operational responsibilities last month from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, known as Task Force Sapper, to support U.S. Northern Command’s ongoing assistance to the Department of Homeland Security under Joint Task Force Southern Border. 

Comprised of 500 Marines and sailors, Task Force Forge is conducting vital ground engineering and logistical operations within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector located in Arizona. These missions include reinforcing the existing southern border barrier, emplacing national defense area signage and performing roadway surveys and maintenance — all part of the Defense Department’s continued support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  

Before starting barrier reinforcement tasks, the unit completed a series of barrier surveys along key segments to evaluate conditions, identify reinforcement needs and guide mission planning. These assessments form the foundation for ongoing operations.  

The barrier reinforcement mission, previously conducted by Task Force Sapper in the San Diego Sector, was an anticipated requirement that Task Force Forge had prepared for in advance. Marines and sailors are now welding prefabricated steel brackets onto the existing barrier infrastructure. Once installed in sufficient numbers, these brackets will support the placement of barbed and concertina wire, enhancing the overall security of the barrier. 

“The Marines and sailors of Task Force Forge bring precision, professionalism and purpose to every mission,” said Marine Lt. Col. Colin Graham, CLB 15 battalion commander and Task Force Forge commanding officer. “Reinforcing the border barrier is a tangible way we assist our interagency partners to strengthen security and protect the territorial integrity of the United States.” 
  
In parallel, following the recent establishment of the Yuma National Defense Area — located adjacent to the Barry M. Goldwater Range and now part of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma — Task Force Forge has been tasked with emplacing NDA signage throughout the NDA 4 East region. This land, previously owned by the Interior Department, was transferred to the Navy, with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma delegating operational authority to Northcom.  
  
Additionally, the task force is conducting detailed surveys of unimproved roads essential for maintaining mobility for CBP and DOD personnel operating in rugged desert terrain. These surveys evaluate road geometry, surface conditions and drainage patterns. 
  
Task Force Forge engineering experts are using these findings to plan targeted maintenance activities such as blading, reshaping and dust abatement. These efforts aim to preserve the environmental integrity of each route while ensuring safe and reliable travel for mission-critical operations. 

From U.S. Second fleet, Aug. 15, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. – Sailors and Marines assigned to the Iwo Jima (IWO) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) – 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) departed for a regularly scheduled deployment, August 14. 

The ARG’s primary mission is to conduct presence operations and safely embark Marines ashore to conduct a wide variety of contingency missions worldwide. The IWO ARG – 22nd MEU (SOC) also provides a flexible, forward naval presence by operating close to shore which allows this specialized Navy-Marine Corps team to conduct missions, unique to the amphibious Navy, at a moment’s notice. 
 
“The IWO ARG – 22nd MEU (SOC) is an integral part of advancing our nations’ interests abroad and is a dynamic representation of our Navy’s 250 years of lethality and warfighting excellence,” said Capt. Chris Farricker, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 8. “Our integrated Navy-Marine Corps warfighters are ready to execute the nation’s business and deliver quick and decisive combat power no matter where we are tasked in today’s complex global environment.” 
 
This deployment follows the ARG-MEU’s final certification event, Composite Training Unit Exercise, the Navy’s most demanding pre-deployment assessment, which concluded July 11. More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines from the 22nd MEU comprise the force aboard the ARG’s three amphibious ships: flagship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). 
 
“The IWO ARG – 22nd MEU (SOC) is ready to serve as the nation’s force of choice, prepared to decisively respond to any crisis in support of our national interests,” said Col. Tom “Banshee” Trimble, commanding officer, 22nd MEU (SOC). “We are warfighters; manned, trained, and equipped to win – anywhere, anytime.” 
 
Iwo Jima serves as the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) which is capable of conducting global missions to accomplish U.S. strategic goals, deter adversaries, and ensure unimpeded commerce by keeping the high seas open and free in accordance with international law. Embarked aboard ARG shipping is the 22nd MEU (SOC) which provides a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capable of conducting amphibious operations—to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations to meet Combatant Commander’s requirements. 
 
U.S. 2nd Fleet develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. 

From USNAVSOUTH/4TH Fleet Public Affairs, Aug. 14, 2025 

MAYPORT, Fla. – U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and participating nation forces are set to arrive at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., in support of UNITAS 2025 (66) the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise, scheduled to start September 15, 2025. 

The U.S. Navy will host this year’s UNITAS featuring approximately 8,000 personnel from 25 allied and partner nations, including multiple ships, submarines, and aircraft (fixed wing and rotary). Forces will conduct operations off the East Coast of the United States and ashore in the vicinity of Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Naval Station Norfolk, Va. through October 6. 
  
UNITAS, which is Latin for unity, united, or oneness, was conceived in 1959 when representatives at the first Inter-American Naval Conference in Panama agreed to conduct an annual maritime exercise with one another. The first UNITAS took place in 1960 with forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, the United States, and Venezuela. This year marks the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise. 
  
Including the United States, UNITAS 2025 will bring together 26 nations from all over the world to train forces in joint maritime operations that enhance tactical proficiency and increase interoperability. Participating nations include Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Jamaica, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Singapore, Spain, and the United States 
  
“In line with the Secretary’s guidance, and to bolster defense of the homeland and build on over six decades of success, UNITAS 2025 is a vital opportunity to demonstrate how our partners in the region work together to defend against hemispheric threats,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet and commander, Task Force 138. “By bringing together 25 nations, we’re not just enhancing tactical proficiency and interoperability, we are demonstrating a prime example of regional burden-sharing; we’re reinforcing trust and unity crucial for ensuring we stand side by side against hemispheric threats.” 
 
Following the UNITAS 2025 Opening Ceremony on September 15, the in-port phase of the exercise will feature subject matter expert exchanges, professional symposiums, ship rider exchanges, and operations meetings. During this time, Marines and Sailors will conduct training events in Mayport to include medical, cyber defense, and diving and salvage operations. 
  
During the UNITAS 2025 Underway Phase, forces will participate in events testing all warfare operations, to include live-fire exercises such as a SINKEX, an amphibious ship-to-shore landing and force withdrawal in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 
  
Additionally, unmanned and hybrid fleet systems will return to UNITAS for a second year as part of the testing and development of the U.S. Navy’s future hybrid fleet. 
  
U.S. forces participating in UNITAS 2025 include the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 2, Carrier Strike Group 4, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11, Destroyer Squadron 40, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 48, SEAL Team 8, Special Boat Team 20, Theater Support Vessel 1 Prevail, Theater Support Vessel 4 Narragansett, Theater Support Vessel 5 Vindicator, USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO-195), USS Arlington (LPD 24), USS Cooperstown (LCS 23), USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75), USS Oregon (SSN 793), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20. Marine Corps forces include the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing; 2nd Marine Division; 2nd Marine Logistics Group, including Combat Logistics Battalion 22; the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element; 4th Marine Division; B Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion; Force Headquarters Group Augments; Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269; II Marine Expeditionary Force; II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group; K Company (-), 3rd Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment; Littoral Craft Company D, 4th Amphibian Assault Battalion; Marine Air Control Group 28; Marine Forces Reserve; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542; and Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48. The U.S. Coast Guard is represented by the Tactical Law Enforcement Team and a U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team. U.S. Air Force units involved include Air Force Special Operations Command and the 107th Fighter Squadron. Exercises like UNITAS play a critical role in enhancing the combat readiness of U.S. service members, as well as those of our Allies and partners, by providing a platform for joint training and cooperation in complex maritime environments. 
  
Following the successful completion of UNITAS 2025, senior leaders from participating countries will join in a series of high-profile events along the East Coast, celebrating a historic milestone: the United States Navy 250^th birthday. This commemoration honors a legacy of protecting American interests, deterring aggression, and promoting prosperity and security, while also showcasing the Navy’s enduring commitment to defending the American way of life. 
  
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. 
 
For more USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet 

From Capt. Robert DeRonda, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Aug. 12, 2025 

CAMP HANSEN, Japan — On Aug. 8, 2025, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, supported an operational anti-submarine warfare mission utilizing the MV-22B Osprey teamed with two Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters to distribute sonobuoys. 

This iteration of anti-submarine operations represents the first time a forward-deployed MV-22B assigned to the 31st MEU has operated in an ASW role within the Indo-Pacific theater, significantly enhancing the 31st MEU’s capabilities and contributing to regional maritime security. 
 
“The Marine Corps has spent the past five years re tooling to fight in the Pacific and the submarine threat can’t be ignored. The MV-22B complements the Navy’s capabilities so well that it’s hard to believe this wasn’t thought of sooner” said Col. Niedziocha, commanding officer, 31st MEU. “We’ve validated the utility of both amphibious warships and littoral forces, demonstrating the ability to fight as the landward component of the fleet.” 

The integration of the MV-22B into ASW operations expands the MEU’s ability to detect, track, and deter potential adversaries operating in the maritime domain. This capability leverages the unique range, speed, and carrying capacity capabilities of the MV-22B with the deployment of advanced sensors and integration with U.S. Navy capabilities, allowing for rapid response and persistent surveillance. 

This operation demonstrated the close relationship between the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and U.S. Navy counterparts. Seamless integration and interoperability with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group and the America Expeditionary Strike Group highlighted the strength of combined naval forces. This development underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to naval integration and the provision of a versatile, rapidly deployable force capable of addressing a wide range of contingencies. 

The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Expeditionary Strike Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet which routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

Photo and video packages, including B-roll, will be released by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit for media use. Content can be found at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/31MEU 

From BAE Systems 

August 12, 2025 – BAE Systems received a $181 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to produce 31 additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs), a part of the recently awarded full-rate production (FRP) Lot 5/6 contract. This latest award, designated as FRP 5C, brings the total number of ACV-30s ordered to 91.  

The FRP 5/6 contract includes a series of options to produce up to 150 vehicles, with the USMC exercising the option for FRP 5A and 5B in May for 60 vehicles, valued at $360 million.  

BAE Systems is also currently under contract for the ACV-Personnel and ACV-Command variants. Work for the ACV-30mm will take place in York, Pennsylvania; Johnstown, Pennsylvania; and Charleston, South Carolina, through the fourth quarter of 2026.  

Release From SECNAV Public Affairs Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Department of the Navy, under the leadership of Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, announced a bold solicitation to industry for innovative, deployable energy solutions capable of powering Navy and Marine Corps installations with unmatched resilience, security and reliability. 

The solicitation, issued through the Center for Energy, Environment, and Demilitarization (CEED) Consortium under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement—seeks execution-ready prototypes that will modernize energy infrastructure, safeguard mission-critical operations and ensure uninterrupted power in any operating environment. 

“President Trump’s commitment to unleashing American energy innovation is powering the Navy into a new era,” said Secretary Phelan. “We are calling on America’s most capable innovators to deliver advanced, installation-scale energy solutions, ranging from small modular nuclear reactors to cutting-edge storage and generation technologies that can deliver power with 99.9% availability, even if the public grid goes dark. This is about warfighting readiness, mission assurance, and making sure our bases remain operational under any circumstances.” 

Prototype concepts should focus on: 

• Modernizing Energy Infrastructure: Deploy advanced, resilient energy systems at Navy, Marine Corps, and other DoD installations. 

• 99.9% Mission Availability: Deliver power systems capable of sustaining operations without interruption during public grid failures. 

• Powering High-Demand Data Centers: Ensure generation systems, particularly SMRs are capable of supporting data centers that power advanced AI systems, which require substantially higher and continuous energy output than traditional facilities. 

• Advanced On-Site Generation: Integrate next-generation small modular nuclear reactors, geothermal, battery storage, and other dispatchable energy technologies. 

• Resilience Against All Threats: Build systems hardened against natural disasters, cyberattacks, and grid instability. 

• Innovative Financing: Employ alternative capital structures to accelerate deployment and reduce reliance on traditional appropriated funding. 

The OTA pathway gives the Navy the speed and flexibility needed to work directly with industry leaders, moving from concept to deployment faster than traditional acquisition methods allow. The Department is seeking solutions from both traditional defense contractors and non-traditional energy innovators that can be rapidly mobilized, require minimal permitting, and are ready for immediate execution. 

“Energy resilience is warfighting resilience,” said Secretary Phelan. “If a hurricane knocks out the local grid, our ships still sail. If a cyberattack takes down civilian power, our bases stay online. That’s the standard and we’re setting it now.” 

This opportunity is available exclusively to CEED Consortium members.  

Full details of the solicitation are available at https://cmgcorp.org/cmg-opportunities/. 

Releasee From Naval Air Systems Command

NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PMA-263) program team put Long Range Tactical (LRT) systems through their paces during a two-week technical demonstration in Chaptico, Maryland in mid-July. 

Five vendors attended the event to help inform the Marine Corpsof the functions and capabilities available on the commercialmarket for the Family of Small UAS (FoSUAS). The five systems evaluated include: AeroVironment P550, Kraus-Hamdani K1000 ULE Block II, Aurora Skiron X, Edge Autonomy Stalker LRT, and Vector Longbow. 

All systems are fixed wing, vertical take-off and landing Group 2 unmanned systems. In addition to basic measurements, the vendors collected performance data for ease of operation, audibility, range, and endurance while carrying the maximum payload requirement of seven pounds. 

PMA-263’s FoSUAS team, in partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD) UAS test site, evaluated each system against a standard test card to determine its suitability for the MarineCorps LRT requirements. UMD’s team of evaluators are experienced drone pilots, experts in their field and some, have military service, including program director Jim Alexander. 

“This is a great relationship for the University of Maryland and PMA-263,” said Alexander, who has worked with the program office for nine years for technical evaluation events like the LRT tech demonstration. “Our job is to serve as an impartial third party; but in the process, we get to learn new systems, and the Navy is able to collect a lot of data in a short amount of time.” 

The Small UAS Capabilities and the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations team and PMA-263’s team attended the event and had the opportunity to engage directly with the participating vendors and to observe the flight demonstrations.  

“Flight demonstration events like this are a critical market research function for the PMA and help us to validate performance data reported by vendors,” said Olivia Douglass, PMA-263 FoSUAS Integrated Product Team lead. “We would love to see all the vendors meet the requirements; it translates into options for the government and options for the end users. We want to see industry taking an interest in recognizing end user requirements and using that as a driving factor in improving their systems.” 

PMA-263 will use University of Maryland UAS test site’s assessment data and observer feedback from the event to inform the program’s priorities for follow-on engineering assessments, potential for operational testing, and inclusion of new platforms within the FoSUAS programs of record. 

RELEASE FROM NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND

NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft fleet has surpassed 12 million flight hours, marking an important milestone for one of the most enduring families of aircraft in modern naval aviation. This achievement underscores the capability, reliability and availability of these aircraft, which have served as the backbone of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps air power for decades.   

Put into perspective, the aircraft have completed the equivalent of 500,000 days, or nearly 1,370 years, of nonstop flight defending national interests and ensuring global security.   

“When you call the roar of these aircraft ‘the sound of freedom,’ it holds real weight,” said Capt. Michael Burks, program manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G program office (PMA-265). “Throughout their service, the F/A-18 and EA-18G family has supported nearly every major U.S. military conflict of the past 40 years and continues to adapt to rapidly changing threat environments. From the initial deployment of the Hornet to the advanced capabilities of the Super Hornet and Growler, these aircraft have delivered forward presence, tactical airpower and critical electronic warfare capabilities around the globe.” 

Since the F/A-18 Hornet was first introduced in the 1980s, it has quickly become a versatile and capable fighter and attack aircraft. Its successor, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and its electronic warfare counterpart, the EA-18G Growler, introduced significant advancements in radar, avionics, payload capacity and electronic attack.  

Key modernization efforts include Super Hornet Service Life Modification (SLM), which extends Super Hornet service life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours, and the delivery of Block III Super Hornets, which are equipped with advanced sensors, enhanced survivability and a redesigned cockpit for improved pilot performance. Growler Block II modifications will enhance mission systems, enable future capability growth and strengthen the Navy’s electronic warfare superiority.  

“This milestone is a significant achievement and a reflection of the generations of Sailors, Marines and civilians who sustain, fly and innovate these platforms every day,” said Burks. “Twelve million flight hours demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class capability, enabling our warfighters to execute their missions with an asymmetric advantage and return home safely.” 

The flight hour milestone comes at a notable time for naval aviation, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Super Hornet’s first flight in November, and as the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps prepare to celebrate 250 years of service to the nation this year.   

As part of Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs (PEO(T)), PMA-265 supports, sustains and advances the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, delivering critical capabilities to ensure naval aviators succeed in dynamic and contested operational environments.