NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division, alongside U.S. Navy, city of Newport News and commonwealth of Virginia partners, announced today construction of a new parking garage that will enhance the working experience for NNS shipbuilders and sailors assigned to the shipyard. 

Once complete, the new parking structure will create more than 2,000 new parking spaces at NNS, significantly improving access to parking at Virginia’s largest industrial employer. Contractor W.M. Jordan will build the garage, with some pre-construction fabrication occurring offsite — an innovative design-build strategy that will reduce the time it takes to complete this project. This increase in parking availability will support future Navy and NNS commitments to deliver ships vital to the Navy’s needs. 

“For over a century, Newport News Shipbuilding and the City of Newport News have grown up together, alongside the U.S. Navy,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. “We are intertwined, always supporting each other, and always succeeding together. This new parking garage is exciting news that will contribute to the ongoing transformation of Newport News Shipbuilding and downtown Newport News and the experience our shipbuilders and the sailors assigned to our shipyard have when they come here every day.” 

Images accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-us-navy-announce-new-parking-garage-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/. 

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that leadership is listening to its sailors and we’re taking action,” said Rear Adm. Casey Moton, commander, Program Executive Office Aircraft Carriers. “While this is one action of many, it is important to recognize we’re not doing this alone. The partnership shown here today reflects the commitment of the wider community and that sailors assigned here can expect to have the resources they need to be successful.” 

“Our sailors and shipbuilders are a part of the backbone of our nation and our community,” Virginia State Sen. Mamie Locke said. “They deserve a community that supports their dedication and hard work. This entire initiative will not only alleviate parking challenges but also contribute to the vibrancy of our community and to the positive experience that our military personnel and shipbuilders have when they live and work here.” 

“It is essential that we continue to cement the city’s partnership with the Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding to amplify our investment in downtown,” city of Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said. “Today’s announcement of additional funding furthers the commitment by HII and the Navy with an even bigger boost to the current improvements occurring downtown.” 

The new garage will be constructed on two current NNS parking lots, situated between 37th and 39th Streets, between Huntington Avenue and Warwick Boulevard. HII is working closely with the Navy and city on the design, and will communicate additional details as the plan is finalized. 

NNS is the nation’s sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear‐powered submarines. 

By Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) Public Affairs 

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Navy showcased Sea Hunter, part of the U.S. Navy’s unmanned surface vehicles (USV) prototype fleet, during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 22-27. 

Sea Hunter hosted tours from May 24th through the 27th, which attracted more than 1,600 visitors to the USV, including Christopher Diaz, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy. The tours included an overview of the USV, its deployment history, and the mission of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron One. 

“We welcomed the opportunity to showcase Sea Hunter at this year’s LA Fleet Week and to highlight our work in unmanned technology,” said Capt. Matthew Lewis, program manager of the Unmanned Maritime Systems program office. “USVs are vital to our mission of advancing autonomous operations and growing the Navy’s future manned-unmanned Hybrid Fleet. Sea Hunter represents advanced naval technology, and we’re thrilled the public had the chance to glimpse the future of maritime warfare.” 

The Navy continues to make significant advancements in the development of autonomous systems. Last August, Sea Hunter was one of four USV prototypes to operate in Integrated Battle Program 23.2, the Navy’s third multi-domain unmanned capabilities exercise. During the exercise, Sea Hunter and three additional USVs transited to Japan and Australia for testing, operations with manned warships and experiments with advanced payloads. 

An annual event held over Memorial Day weekend to celebrate America’s sea services, LA Fleet Week featured public ship tours, equipment displays, and live demonstrations of cutting-edge military technology. Sea Hunter’s participation in events like LA Fleet Week helps educate the public on the latest naval technology and demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its operations. 

Sea Hunter is a USV in the Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants portfolio, which 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 U.S. Central Command, June 13, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one air defense sensor in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen. 

Then, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and two Houthi patrol boats in the Red Sea. 

Separately, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea. 

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

Additionally, Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen into the Red Sea. There were no injuries or significant damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

Later, M/V Verbena, a Palauan flagged, Ukrainian owned, Polish operated bulk cargo carrier, was struck for a second time in 24 hours, by one ASBM launched from Houthi controlled area of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. 

This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities. 

Houthis Strike M/V Verbena in Gulf of Aden, USS Philippine Sea Medically Evacuates Injured Mariner 

TAMPA, Fla. – Today the Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) into the Gulf of Aden. Both missiles struck M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. M/V Verbena most recently docked in Malaysia and was enroute to Italy carrying wood construction material. 

M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. The crew continues to fight the fire. One civilian mariner was severely injured during the attack. 

Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention. 

This continued reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing threat to the ability to safely transit the region caused by the Houthis makes it harder to deliver critical assistance to the people of Yemen as well as to Gaza. U.S. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities.  

By Ensign Susanna Gaither, June 14, 2024 

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain  –  Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain from its fourth Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, May 29, 2024. 

The ship departed Rota for its fourth patrol in November 2023. after completing a comprehensive Surface Incremental Availability (SIA). During the SIA, $17.5 million worth of repairs, alterations, and installations were performed to the ship’s engineering, weapons and combat systems. 

Arleigh Burke kicked off Patrol Four by completing her Mobility-Engineering (MOB-E) certification in the Bay of Cadiz. During MOB-E, the ship was a key participant in 2023 European Air-Missile Defense Exercise (EAMDEX), a joint Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) exercise incorporating the United States Air Force, Army, and Space Force together with Aegis Ashore Poland and Romania and NATO allies. 

After EAMDEX, in late November, the ship transited east through the Strait of Gibraltar from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Arleigh Burke joined the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which consisted of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). While part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), Arleigh Burke served as horizon reference unit and air defense picket, participated in flight operations, and conducted fleet level tactical exercises. 

After completing its integration with the GRFCSG, Arleigh Burke arrived back in Rota Dec. 21, 2023 for an inter-patrol Training and Maintenance Availability (TRAV). Once complete with the TRAV work, the ship’s crew departed Rota, Spain a final time, Jan. 5, 2024, operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea for the remainder of the patrol. 

On arrival to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Arleigh Burke joined the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (BATARG). BATARG consisted of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked commands include the Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Amphibious Squadron 8, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Beach Master Unit 2. 

While attached to the BATARG, Arleigh Burke hosted reporters from major media outlets including ABC, CBS, and BBC, Jan. 19, 2024, demonstrating the capability and flexibility of the U.S. Navy and the FDNF-E force. 

Following her duties with the ARG, Arleigh Burke participated in NATO exercise Dynamic Manta. Dynamic Manta is an annual anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare exercise designed 

to enhance interoperability and proficiency between Allied nations. Ships, submarines, and aircraft from Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the U.K. joined forces over two weeks to enhance partnerships while in an ASW environment. 

Following Dynamic Manta, Arleigh Burke again bolstered U.S., Allied and partner interests in the Mediterranean Sea. In the early morning hours of April 14, Arleigh Burke and USS Carney (DDG 64) supported U.S. Central Command in destroying multiple one-way attack UAVs and ballistic missiles launched toward Israel from Iran and Iranian proxy groups. 

Following operations in defense of Israel, the ship conducted multiple escort operations in support of humanitarian efforts in Gaza. 

Throughout their fourth patrol, the ship’s crew made six port visits to Souda Bay, Greece. The ship also made one port call each to the Cypriot ports of Limassol and Larnaca. In Larnaca, the ship hosted U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher and Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, in addition to local dignitaries and senior military officials. 

After extending on patrol to support mission requirements, Arleigh Burke returned to port May 29, 2024. Throughout the patrol, Arleigh Burke Sailors earned 30 Enlisted Warfare Specialist pins, 11 Surface Warfare Officer pins, and one Surface Warfare Supply Corps pin. 

Arleigh Burke is one of four Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) destroyers assigned to Commander Task Force 65 as part of the U.S. Navy’s support to NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense (IAMD) architecture. These FDNF-E ships demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s flexibility to operate throughout Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, supporting security and stability in the maritime domain. 

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. 

By Lauren Laughlin, Naval Submarine School, June 13, 2024 

GROTON, Conn.–The U.S. Naval Submarine School in Groton welcomed its first cadre of nine enlisted sailors and the second cadre of three officers from the Royal Australian Navy on June 3rd and 10th respectively. These 12 Australians will train alongside their American counterparts to operate conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). 
 
The enrollment of Royal Australian Navy sailors at the Submarine School marks a significant step in the AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, United States) Pillar 1 Optimal Pathway, aimed at helping Australia acquire a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. 
 
“We’re excited to welcome these sailors and officers to Groton and build on the momentum of the first cohort of Australian officers to graduate from Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) in April,” said Capt. Matthew Fanning, commanding officer, Naval Submarine School. “It is an honor to be part of the team that is delivering game-changing capabilities to one of our country’s closest and staunchest allies.” 
 
The Submarine School trains officers and enlisted personnel through two distinct but interrelated tracks: Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC) and Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS). 
 
SOBC is the last step in the U.S. Navy’s submarine officer training pipeline, graduating over a thousand officers annually. BESS introduces enlisted sailors to the fundamentals of the construction and operation of today’s nuclear-powered submarines. The course covers everything from shipboard organization to submarine safety and escape procedures. Following BESS, enlisted sailors will complete their pipeline training with classroom and skills training specific to their intended technical rating. 
 
Upon graduation from pipeline schools, the Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors will be assigned to U.S. SSNs for their first sea tour to further their knowledge and training. 
 
“The Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors commencing their training at the U.S. Naval Submarine School represent the leading edge of Australia’s future submarine fleet,” said the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond. 
 
“Three Australian officers have already completed 14 months of intensive shore-based training, including Nuclear-Power School, nuclear propulsion training, and the Submarine Officer Basic Course before being assigned to U.S. Virginia class submarines. Our people are receiving world class training through our U.S and U.K partners, and will play a crucial role for Australia’s future SSN capability. I’m incredibly proud of their achievements representing the Royal Australian Navy.” 
 
“Australians are exceptional submariners,” said Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, the U.S. Navy’s AUKUS Integration and Acquisition program manager. “The training they receive at Submarine School will set them up for a successful tour aboard an American SSN, moving the Royal Australian Navy that much closer to operating sovereign, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.” 
 
The number of Royal Australian Navy personnel training across the U.S. will increase to over 100 people in the next 12 months. Training Royal Australian Navy sailors alongside their American counterparts will enhance interoperability across the submarine forces, which is a cornerstone of establishing Australia’s sovereign nuclear-powered attack submarine capability. 
 
The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavor that aims to strengthen the industrial bases of the three partners and promote a safe, free, and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring the international, rules-based order is upheld in the region. Australia will acquire conventionally armed SSNs for the Royal Australian Navy under AUKUS Pillar 1. The AUKUS I&A program office is responsible for executing the trilateral partnership to deliver conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines to the Royal Australian Navy at the earliest possible date while setting the highest nuclear stewardship standards and continuing to maintain the highest nuclear nonproliferation standard. 

U.S. Department of Defense, June 14, 2024 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination: 

Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Philip E. Sobeck for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Sobeck is currently serving as commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Below is Sobeck’s official biography: 

Rear Adm. Phillip E. Sobeck is a native of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1985 as a Machinist Mate (Nuclear). He is a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a master’s degree in organizational management from the George Washington University. He has also served as a fellow for MIT’s Seminar XXI Strategic Studies Program. 

He is a surface warfare officer whose operational assignments include USS Hawes (FFG 53), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS McFaul (DDG 74), Destroyer Squadron FIFTY (CDS 50), and the First Combined United States and United Kingdom Destroyer Squadron (1 CDS) embarked on USS Harry S. Truman CVN 75). He commanded USS Avenger (MCM 1), USS Ardent (MCM 12), USS Farragut (DDG 99), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50/Task Force (TF) 55. During these tours, he was forward deployed nine times and participated in a multitude of Joint and Combined operations. 

Assignments ashore include PERS 410B, Bureau of Naval Personnel, executive assistant (EA) to the Commandant of Midshipman; deputy director for Maritime Security (Political Military International Security Office, U.S. State Department); EA to CNO’s Executive Learning Officer; assistant deputy director Flag Officer Management and Detailing (PERS N00F); senior military assistant to USD (Personnel and Readiness); deputy EA to Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces; director, Future Fleet Design and Architecture OPNAV (N3/N5); military assistant to the 76th Secretary of the Navy; special assistant to the Digital Warfare Office (N2/N6). 

His previous flag assignments include director, 21st Century Sailor Office (OPNAV N17); commander, Expeditionary Strike Group THREE (ESG 3) / CTF 36; and commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific / CTF 73; director of Strategic Plans, Policy, and Logistics at U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. 

Sobeck is currently serving as Commander, U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, leading provider of ocean transportation for the Navy and the Department of Defense, operating approximately 130 ships daily around the world. 

His awards are based on being surrounded by incredible shipmates and they include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. 

By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications 

June 12, 2024 

BALTIMORE — The U.S. Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) led critical efforts in support of the Unified Command in clearing the Port of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel, following the M/V Dali’s allision into the Francis Scott Key Bridge. 
 
“In the aftermath of the tragic accident and profound sadness experienced by the City of Baltimore and indeed the nation, I am proud of the extraordinary work and professionalism displayed by our Sailors and civilians, under the supervision of Capt. Sal Suarez, in support of the Key Bridge Response Unified Command,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “Our Navy and Marine Corps Team remains critical to defending our economic security, including the crucial efforts of our Navy’s diving and salvage experts to keep our waterways open.” 
 
SUPSALV arrived within hours after tasking by the U.S, Army Corps of Engineers to support the Unified Command by leading the clearing of the Baltimore Harbor waterway. The team, along with several private maritime salvage companies, mobilized resources to the site and worked to remove debris, support truss cuts, rigging and bridge sections. Their efforts also included controlled explosions that allowed the Dali to be refloated and moved back to port. 
 
“SUPSALV expertise is recognized throughout the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense and other federal agencies,” said Capt. Sal Suarez, commander, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. SUPSALV provides technical, operational, and emergency support in marine salvage, towing, pollution control and abatement, diving and diving system safety and certification, diving and salvage equipment procurement, and underwater ship husbandry. Its expertise in marine salvage has been leveraged globally removing a sunken dredge barge in Alexandroupoli, Greece, in 2019, and recently clearing Louisiana waterways impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021. 
 
“SUPSALV supports other federal agencies and the country with its national response capability, including active duty and contractor salvage experts,” said Paul Hankins, director, Salvage Operations at SUPSALV. “We have resources and support agreements in place so we can immediately respond with our expertise and resources when called upon.” 
 
Throughout the entirety of the process SUPSALV was responsible for managing all on-scene assets tasked with debris removal and channel clearing effort. Each day began at 06:30 a.m. to coordinate assets, align on objectives and finished daily at 5:30 p.m. to share what was accomplished that day and what they plan to accomplish next. 
 
SUPSALV provides technical, operational, and emergency support in marine salvage, towing, pollution control and abatement, diving and diving system safety and certification, diving and salvage equipment procurement, and underwater ship husbandry. 

By USNAVSOUTH/4TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS, June 11, 2024 

MAYPORT, Fla.  –  MAYPORT, Fla. – (June 10, 2024) — The U.S. Navy expeditionary fast transport USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) will deploy this July and August to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024 mission. After several months of detailed planning, USNS Burlington is scheduled to visit Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia, and Panama during the nearly two month-long mission. 
  

Continuing Promise 2024 marks the 14th mission to the region since 2007 and the second aboard USNS Burlington. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-government organizations, and international organizations.  
 
The focus during each mission stop will be working alongside partner nation medical personnel to provide direct patient care and technical expertise in community clinics to improve medical readiness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the combined capabilities of the U.S. Navy and partner nations to respond to public health disasters and humanitarian crises. 30 U.S. Navy medical professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, dentists, optometrists, and biomedical technicians from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC Portsmouth, NMRTC Jacksonville, NMRTC Great Lakes, NMRTC Pensacola, NMRTC Camp Lejeune) and Naval Medicine Readiness and Logistics Command bring their expertise to this year’s iteration of Continuing Promise. 
 
“During Continuing Promise 2024, we’re working side-by-side and step-by-step with our partners,” said Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Commander. “Our investment into the region is our enduring relationships, and we are committed to ensuring improved interoperability and collaborative regional security together. We gain so much by this opportunity to serve alongside true professionals.” 
 
The Continuing Promise team includes a U.S. Army veterinary team from the 248th Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service Support), which will collaborate with host nation colleagues to provide direct public health education and animal care at local veterinary organizations in-country. U.S. Navy Seabees from Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 1 will assist in host nation led community engineering projects. U.S. Navy experts will host seminars and training exercises with host nation civilian officials and military professionals covering disaster preparedness and response. These exchanges aim to support host nation facilities, improve readiness, and empower local and national officials with the knowledge and experience to act with confidence during emergencies. 
 
“Actions certainly speak louder than words and Continuing Promise 2024 will certainly demonstrate that,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Maloney, Continuing Promise 2024 mission commander. “It is a way for us to collaborate and work alongside our partners in the Caribbean, Central and South America and make a positive impact in local communities at each stop.” 
 
Continuing Promise will also continue its popular series of seminars on the prevention of gender-based violence in support of the mission’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiative. 
 
WPS is a United Nations (UN) initiative that started with UNSCR 1325 signed in 2000. The UN resolution is a public acknowledgement that women are more adversely impacted by conflict and crisis, and including women in security planning will lead to a more peaceful world. 
 
Continuing Promise will feature the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, “Uncharted Waters”. The band will embark on USNS Burlington to conduct classes at community schools, collaborate with military and civilian musical organizations in partner nations, and entertain local communities with concerts at each mission stop. This cultural exchange aims to strengthen community ties and foster goodwill. 
 
USNS Burlington is an expeditionary fast transport (EPF) operated by Military Sealift Command and crewed by 26 Civil Service Mariners led by Ship Master, Capt. Tyler Driscoll. The crew composition follows a commercial model of bridge and engineering watches. The ship is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran capable of regional transport of personnel and cargo lift, providing combatant commanders high-speed sealift mobility with inherent cargo handling capability and agility to achieve positional advantage over operational distances. Burlington will bring the personnel, equipment and supplies necessary to conduct the Continuing Promise mission, as well as act as the mission’s logistics and command hub. 
 
USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT. 

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs, 12 June 2024 

SAN DIEGO- Planning and preparations are being finalized for the 29th biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), a multinational exercise involving 29 nations and more than 25,000 personnel, set to run June 27 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. 

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2024 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, who will serve as the Combined Task Force commander. Vice Adm. John Wade, who recently took command of U.S. 3rd Fleet, received overview briefs, June 10-11, from staff members on the full range of exercise elements.

“The subject matter expertise and wide-ranging insights that our partner nations, non-military organizations, sister services, and 3rd Fleet staff bring to planning is the reason RIMPAC is the premier joint and combined maritime exercise in the world,” said Wade. “I’m looking forward to returning to Hawaii to exercise and rehearse as a combined multinational operational force.”  

Prior to the exercise several surface groups sailing from their respective home ports will meet at designated points and conduct multinational group sails to Hawaii to build upon the established interoperability. The 29 nations are sending 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, and over 150 aircraft. Aircraft including the F-35 Lightning II, P-8 Poseidon, and V-22 Osprey will be operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay.  

The exercise will include multi-domain warfare in a range of scenarios from anti-submarine warfare, multi-ship surface warfare, multinational amphibious landings, and multi-axis defense of the carrier strike group against live forces. 

“RIMPAC offers a uniquely complex and challenging multinational environment for forces to train in areas where common national objectives overlap,” said RIMPAC coordinator Royal Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Gill. “Throughout the planning process we’ve built true partnerships based on mutual understanding and respect and expect that to continue during execution.” 

RIMPAC 2024 amphibious and land forces will be made up of nine partner nations and 13 ships, with a unique and highly capable mixture of aircraft, ground assault vehicles and ship-to-shore connectors. During execution of RIMPAC, this group of Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines will apply knowledge from their respective nations and skillsets to build a better joint, combined force that can respond to challenges, ranging from high-end conflict to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. 

This year’s RIMPAC will host its largest humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise with eight countries, five ships, five landing craft, five aircraft, multiple land forces, and over 2,500 total participants including the statewide Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management exercise. The exercise control and scenario development are supported by subject matter experts from the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management, Pacific Disaster Center, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and Singapore’s Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre.  

“Environmental stewardship is a top priority during RIMPAC, and all participants will observe protective measures for cultural and natural resources throughout the exercise,” said Wade. “We have the immensely valuable opportunity to train in the Hawaiian Islands and surrounding ranges – nowhere else in the world provides a more realistic and relevant training opportunity!”   

RIMPAC is designed to foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC trains and enhances preparedness at all levels, including individual proficiency, and sharpens command and control skills while challenging participants to integrate across changing conditions as part of a joint or combined force. 

From U.S. Central Command 

June 11, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed two anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) launchers in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. 

It was determined the launchers presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces and to merchant vessels transiting the region. U.S. forces will continue to take actions that protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for vessels in the Red Sea region. 

June 10, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, partner forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthis into the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

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.