By Keeley Belva, NOAA, May 6, 2024 

Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility on Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island that will serve as the future home of the NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic. 

In December, the U.S. Navy, on behalf of NOAA, awarded $146,778,932 to Skanska USA to build the new NOAA facility. The design and construction of the facility is funded in part by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. 

The facility will include a pier to accommodate four large vessels, a floating dock for smaller vessels, space for vessel repairs and parking and a building to be used for shoreside support and as a warehouse. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2027. This project will operate under a Project Labor Agreement, consistent with EO 14063, issued by President Biden.  

“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden and the hard work of Rhode Island’s elected leaders we are making transformative investments in Rhode Island and all across the country,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda made it possible for NOAA to construct this new facility and make advances in critical climate and ocean research, while also cementing NOAA’s relationships with the Navy and the community of Newport. This facility will support science and a healthy economy well into the future. 

“I’m proud to say that this new facility has been designed to take future changes in our climate into consideration,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D.. “It will be LEED certified and will soon be the homeport for one of our newest, lower-emissions vessels, working towards the goal to minimize NOAA’s own impact on the environment.” 

“The new, state-of-the-art Marine Operations Center-Atlantic facility is critical to NOAA’s mission and delivering on our commitments to regional, international and other diverse partners,” said NOAA Corps Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, Director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. “Newport has always been a welcoming community to NOAA, and we are appreciative of the support from local, state and congressional leaders, as well as our mission partners at Naval Station Newport.” 

NOAA’s fleet of 15 research and survey ships are operated, managed and maintained by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. Ranging from large oceanographic research vessels capable of exploring the world’s deepest ocean, to smaller ships responsible for charting the shallow bays and inlets of the U.S., the fleet supports a wide range of marine activities, including fisheries surveys, nautical charting and ocean and climate studies. NOAA ships are operated by NOAA Corps officers and civilian professional mariners. 

“NOAA is the top scientific weather and oceans agency and I was pleased to help Rhode Island land MOC-A. Naval Station Newport’s location and the years of strategic federal investments we’ve made here are really paying off. Bringing NOAA’s premiere research fleet and Atlantic operations center to the Ocean State means hundreds of jobs for Rhode Island and a brighter future for our Blue Economy,” said Senator Jack Reed. 

“I am very pleased to celebrate the groundbreaking of NOAA’s new Atlantic Marine Operations Center right here in Rhode Island. The research conducted here will help us better understand the effects of climate change on the oceans and support job growth for years to come,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “This day would not have been possible without Senator Reed’s longtime dedication to relocating the Center to the Ocean State.” 

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s growing footprint in the Ocean State will be a massive jobs and economy boon for years to come,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. 

“The work to construct and staff the Marine Operations Center-Atlantic, right here on Naval 
Station Newport, will improve our national security — and non-military — operations. I am 
grateful for the leadership of Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Secretary Gina 
Raimondo, and all our state and local partners here today to break ground on new climate- 
resilient infrastructure that continues Rhode Island’s fight against climate change.” 

“Rhode Island is proud to be selected as the home of the new NOAA Marine Operations Center-Atlantic,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This facility will bolster our efforts to build climate-resilient infrastructure and support our blue economy. We’re grateful to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo and our congressional delegation for their support of this project which will put Rhode Islanders to work in good-paying jobs and pay dividends for generations to come.” 

From U.S. Central Command 

May 6, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 10:47 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 6, 2024, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists over the Red Sea.   

It was determined the UAS presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

By Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) Public Affairs, May 6, 2024 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy christened Vanguard, the newest Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) during a recent ceremony in Mobile, Alabama.   
  
Vanguard is the Navy’s first USV purpose-built from the keel up for unmanned operations and is part of the Pentagon-sponsored Overlord program.   

“Vanguard represents a significant leap forward in unmanned technology,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, Program Executive Officer, Unmanned and Small Combatants. “The addition of Vanguard will enable the expansion of unmanned testing, experimentation and development, accelerating the transition to the hybrid fleet.”  

The Overlord program has played a pivotal role in accelerating and advancing the use of unmanned technology across the Navy. The Pentagon-funded effort launched the Navy’s experimentation with USVs and the resulting prototypes now fulfill a vital role in preparing the fleet to adopt USVs in operations. The knowledge and experience gained from the program is driving the development and requirements for the Navy’s future Large USV (LUSV) program. LUSVs are intended to be low cost, high endurance, modular USVs that can employ a variety of payloads. The USV prototypes are integral to the Navy’s mission of expanding unmanned operations and growing a manned-unmanned hybrid fleet.   

“Vanguard’s name could not be more fitting. The state-of-the-art technology she will employ is revolutionary and will be at the forefront of establishing new standards for our fleet,” said Capt. Scot Searles, Unmanned Maritime Systems program manager. “We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone and are looking forward to Vanguard leading the way as she enhances our nation’s naval power and strategic capabilities.”  

Austal USA and L3Harris jointly led the development and construction of Vanguard. Once outfitting and testing is complete, Vanguard will transit to San Diego and join sister ships Mariner and Ranger as part of the Navy’s Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One (USVDIVONE), responsible for the tactical development of USV concepts of operations and training.   

PEO USC designs, develops, builds, maintains and modernizes the Navy’s unmanned maritime systems; mine warfare systems; special warfare systems; expeditionary warfare systems; and small surface combatants.  

From Naval Sea Systems Command, May 3, 2024 

WASHINGTON – This May, the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) program is hosting a series of Talent Pipeline Project (TPP) Signing Day events across key maritime hubs to recognize the latest wave of skilled workers joining the Defense Industrial Base. 

These events, taking place in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Hampton Roads, Boston, and Long Island, mark the culmination of the SIB program’s multiyear effort to develop robust talent pipelines in these regions. Working with partners in industry, academia, and local government, the SIB program has launched training and recruitment initiatives to cultivate the next generation of welders, pipefitters, electricians, and other critical tradespeople. These five programs represent tremendous enterprise collaboration and include more than 290 defense industry and 140 academic partners. 

The May Signing Days will celebrate more than 2,100 individuals who are now embarking on careers at small and medium-sized defense industrial base suppliers – the vital network of companies that provide components, materials, and services critical to new construction and sustainment of our maritime forces. Local shipbuilding companies, elected officials, and community leaders will be on hand to celebrate the graduates and welcome them into this critical defense industry. 

“These Signing Days highlight the many meaningful careers paths to be found in submarine manufacturing and the good-paying jobs being created in communities across the country,” said Rear Adm. Scott Pappano, Program Executive Officer for Strategic Submarines. “These events represent merely the beginning as we work to grow and sustain the submarine industrial base for the long term,” Pappano said, highlighting the importance of these programs. 

The TPPs are critical to the Navy’s efforts to recapitalize its submarine fleet and maintain a strong, resilient industrial base. The SIB program must address persistent workforce challenges with plans to build one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines per year by 2028. 

“I am thankful for the young men and women taking part in these events and those who will support their country and embark on an extraordinary career path through the Talent Pipeline Programs,” said Pappano. “These women and men are critical to the defense of our nation.” 

With the U.S. Navy needing to hire over 140,000 skilled workers over the next decade to meet submarine production goals and to maintain the current submarine fleet, programs like the SIB’s Talent Pipeline are essential. 

“Those who embark on a career in the Submarine Industrial Base are to be applauded for responding to their nation’s call to preserve freedom of the seas and our American way of life,” said Pappano. 

The Navy is invested in cultivating this new generation of submarine builders. The SIB program expanded its Talent Pipeline initiatives this year, adding events in Long Island and Boston. In April, the SIB hosted a Demand Signal Roundtable in Newport Beach, Calif., as a way to expand the talent pipeline initiative into the Southern California region as it seeks to develop a deep, capable workforce for America’s undersea fleet. 

As the U.S. faces evolving global security threats, a strong, resilient submarine force remains a cornerstone of American naval power. The SIB program’s investment in workforce development is crucial to ensuring the submarine industrial base can meet the Navy’s ambitious production goals in the years ahead. 

From the Chief of Information, 3 May 2024 

The Navy will christen the future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) as the newest Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB) during a 9:00 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, May 4, in San Diego, California. 

The christening ceremony’s principal address will be delivered by the Honorable Sean Coffey, General Counsel of the Navy.  Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Scott Peters, U.S. Representative, California’s 50^th District; Master Chief Britt Slabinski, President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Medal of Honor Recipient; Vice Admiral Yvette Davids, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy; Brigadier General Robert Weiler, Assistant Division Commander, First Marine Division; and Mr. David Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. The ship’s sponsor is Ann Simanek Clark, Private first class Simanek’s daughter. 

The first of its name, the ship honors United States Marine Corps Private First Class Robert E. Simanek, Ret., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War at Outpost Irene, Korea. Pfc. Simanek was presented the Medal of Honor by President Eisenhower on October 27, 1953. 

The future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) is a highly flexible platform used across various military operations. When commissioned, the ship will be employed as a mobile sea-based asset. It will be a part of the critical access infrastructure supporting the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability. Specifically, ESB 7 will support missions such as Mine Countermeasures, Special Operations, Unmanned Aircraft Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Counter-Piracy, Humanitarian Aid, and Crisis Response.  

General Dynamics NASSCO built and delivered the following ships to the fleet: USNS Montford Point (T-ESD 1), USNS John Glenn (T-ESD 2), USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), and USS John L. Canley (ESB 6). Follow-on ship Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) is under construction. 

MAY 3, 2024 

The secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced May 3 the following assignments: 

Rear Adm. Heidi K. Berg will be assigned as deputy commander, Navy Space Command; and deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Berg is currently serving as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Rear Adm. Nicholas M. Homan will be assigned as deputy director, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations; and director, Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations Center, J-3, Joint Staff, Fort Meade, Maryland. Homan is currently serving as director, J-2, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.  
  
Rear Adm. Kevin P. Lenox will be assigned as director, J5, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Lenox is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington.  

Rear Adm. Darryl L. Walker will be assigned as president, Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island. Walker is currently serving as commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Cyber, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Benjamin R. Nicholson, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Nicholson is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, Virginia Beach, Virginia. 
  
Rear Adm. (lower half) Kristen Acquavella will be assigned as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Acquavella is currently serving as director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Eric J. Anduze will be assigned as deputy director for Joint Training, Joint Staff, Suffolk, Virginia. Anduze is currently serving as deputy commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Africa.  

Rear Adm. (lower half) Kurtis A. Mole will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Forces Headquarters-Cyber (Navy); and deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Mole is currently serving as deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

Capt. Kevin J. Brown, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, with additional duties as director, Tidewater Market/chief of Medical Service Corps, Portsmouth, Virginia. Brown is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command/Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 

Capt. Todd F. Cimicata, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific; and commander, Task Force Seven Three, Singapore. Cimicata is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California. 

Capt. Jorge R. Cuadros, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic; and director, Fleet Installations and Environmental Division (N46), U.S. Fleet Forces Command, with additional duties as fleet civil engineer (N01CE), U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Cuadros is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Washington, D.C. 

Capt. Marcos A. Jasso, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Plans, U.S. Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Jasso is currently serving as director for Operations, N3, Maritime Operations Center, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

Capt. Cassidy C. Norman, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Joint/Fleet Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Norman is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. 

02 May 2024 

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Public Affairs 

NORFOLK, Va. – On the evening of May 1, an incident occurred involving two landing craft, air cushions (LCAC) from USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21) off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla. 

30 Sailors and Marines were injured. Five Sailors were medically evacuated for further care at Savannah Memorial University Medical Center. Four of the five Sailors have been released from the hospital after treatment. One Sailor remains under medical care and is being assessed for further treatment. 

Sailors and Marines with minor injuries were treated aboard Wasp and New York. 

Sailors and Marines assigned to the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were conducting a training exercise when the incident occurred. 

The recovery and investigation processes are ongoing, and more information will be provided by U.S. 2nd Fleet once available. For any inquiries, contact [email protected]. 

From U.S. Central Command, May 2, 2024 

 
TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 2:00 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 2, 2024, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed three uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen. 

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — An upgrade to the U.S. Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle will enable it to provide targeting for the AGM-158 Long-Range Anti-ship Missile (LRASM), senior Navy officials said. 

In a May 1, 2024, Nickolas H. Guertin, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition; Vice Admiral James Pitts, deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities; and Lieutenant General Karsten S.Heckl, deputy commandant for Combat Development and Integration and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, testified before the Subcommittee on Seapower of the Senate Armed Services Committee. A written joint statement was submitted for the record and provided some detail on the planned MQ-4C upgrades. 

“The MQ-4 program is meeting schedule objectives, completing Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in July 2023 with its first orbit stand up in INDOPACOM [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command,” the statement said. “The Program is currently in the process of standing up its remaining two operational orbits in EUCOM [U.S. European Command] and CENTCOM [U.S. Central Command], scheduled for Q2FY24 and Q1FY25 respectively.” 

The MQ-4C, built by Northrop Grumman, is now deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily. The site of the future CENTCOM deployment has not been announced.  

“The MQ-4 will undergo continuous spiral upgrades throughout the next four years, to include Link-16 targeting with LRASM in 2024 culminating in Full Operational Capability in FY28 enabling near-24/7 ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] coverage in simultaneous theaters of operation,” the statement said.  

The LRASM, built by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, is designed to be deployed on Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as well as Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers. 

As noted in a May 1 Defense Department contract announcement, the Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $288 million contract modification to support development of the AGM-158C-3, an extended-range version of the LRASM. The C-3 version would include “advanced communications and survivability capabilities while supporting maritime strike missions for the Navy,” the announcement said. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs 

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future America-class amphibious assault ship will be named USS Helmand Province (LHA 10). Secretary Del Toro made the announcement, today, during the final day of Modern Day Marine 2024 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. 
 
The future USS Helmand Province commemorates the multiple U.S. Marine Corps operations that took place in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The name selection follows the tradition of naming amphibious assault ships after U.S. Marine Corps battles, early U.S. sailing ships, or legacy names of earlier carriers from World War II.  Secretary Del Toro named LHA 9, the future USS Fallujah, in 2022. 
 
“In keeping with naval tradition of naming our Navy’s amphibious assault ships after U.S. Marine Corps battles, I am honored to announce today that the future LHA-10 will be named USS Helmand Province,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of our Marines and Sailors who fought for almost 20 years in the mountains of Afghanistan.” 
 
Initiating the first U.S. ground offensive of OEF, on Oct. 19, 2001, helicopters launched from USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) lifted Task Force Sword (FT-11) to Objective Rhino, a remote airstrip in Helmand Province. Following the airstrip’s seizure, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived on Nov. 25, 2001 to establish Camp Rhino. It was one of the longest ship-to-shore amphibious operations in history. Elements of the 26th MEU (Special Operations Command) subsequently reinforced the 15th MEU on Dec. 4, 2001. Afterward, Marine presence in Helmand remained constant, though minimal. On April 29, 2008, the 24th MEU stormed Taliban-held Garmser, then staged into southern Helmand on June 1, 2008. With allied support, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade launched Operation Strike of the Sword on July 2, 2009. The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines later conducted operation Sangin Moshtrarak Naweed in May 2012. This was one of OEF’s largest air assault operations. By 2013, with relative regional stability secured, Marines trained Afghan forces to maintain security in advance of the late 2014 drawdown. 
 
“For Marines, Helmand Province is a place of bittersweet memories,” said Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith. “An entire generation of Marines wrote another chapter in the storied history of our Corps there, as warriors, but also as peacebuilders. Their legacy is defined by the spirit they embodied and the lives they touched. I look forward to the day when the USS Helmand Province will steam forward and carry Marines on their way to write new chapters—in peace, and if called, in war.” 
 
Along with the ship’s name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsor for the future USS Helmand Province as Mrs. Trish Smith, the spouse of Gen. Smith. She is an active volunteer for Marine Corps programs, including the Cornerstone Program, and Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills (LINKS) program. She is an advocate and mentor for military families. In her role as sponsor, Trish Smith will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. 
 
“Sponsoring the USS Helmand Province is an honor beyond words,” said Trish Smith. “I am looking forward to a lifelong relationship with the ship’s leaders, but more importantly, with the generations of Marines, Sailors, and their families that she will carry abroad. Together, we will forever carry the memories of those who served in Helmand.” 
 
During his remarks, Secretary Del Toro reiterated that Marines on naval vessels, such as the future USS Helmand Province, are building relationships with our allies and partners in support of integrated deterrence. The Marine Corps remains focused on modernizing to fight and win against current and future threats in any clime and place. 
 
“The work we ask our Marines and Sailors to do every day is anything but ordinary or routine, and in many cases extremely dangerous. It is incumbent upon all of us, including government and industry, to leverage every resource at our disposal to ensure our Marines have what they need to be successful in their assigned missions and return home safely to their loved ones,” said Secretary Del Toro. 
 
America-class amphibious assault ships are designed to support Marine Corps Operational Maneuver From the Sea and Ship to Objective Maneuvers. The America-class ships replaced all of the decommissioned Tarawa-class LHAs and are now optimized for aviation ability, accommodating the Marine Corps’ future Air Combat Element while adding additional aviation maintenance capabilities and increasing fuel capacities, and extra cargo storage. With the unique inherent powers of the amphibious assault ships, they are often called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions upon short notice. 
 
More information on amphibious assault ships can be found here. 
 
Modern Day Marine is an annual trade show and exposition which showcases the latest innovations and technologies in military equipment, weapons, and gear and is primarily aimed at U.S. Marines and defense industry representatives. The show provides a forum for Marine Corps leaders to collaborate with our industry partners, Congressional stakeholders, and Department of Defense leadership on current and future initiatives. Engagements during the expo are intended to reinforce existing programs and priorities and set conditions for future initiatives.