From Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs 

CORONADO, CALIFORNIA (Feb. 17, 2024) – Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) commissioned at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, Feb. 17. 
 
The first of its name, ESB 6 honors United States Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, Ret., who was awarded the Medal of Honor 50 years after his actions during the Battle of Hue City. Canley served as Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Alpha/1/1) in the Republic of Vietnam from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 1968. Sgt. Maj. Canley passed away in Bend, Oregon on May 11, 2022. 
 
During the ceremony guest speaker, Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy reflected on the importance of what matters to the future. “As the world’s problems grow increasingly more complex and stability more uncertain, we need to tap into America’s most precious resource—its people—to solve the issues of the future. Because better technology and more ships will go to waste without the courageous Americans who will answer the call to service to their country.” 
 
In office when Canley received the Medal of Honor, General Joseph P. Dunford, Jr., 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps began by honoring Medal of Honor recipients Colonel Robert J. Modrzejewski, USMC (Ret.) and Colonel Jay R. Vargas, USMC (Ret.), seated in the front row. 
 
“In our initial engagement, I was struck by Sgt. Maj. Canley’s sincerity, and his humility. In time, I gained an appreciation for his commitment to service, and his character as well,” Dunford recalled. “In addition to being understated, Sgt. Maj. Canley was uncomfortable in being singled out for his actions in Vietnam. He was also offended by the lack of recognition Vietnam veterans received when they returned home.” 
 
“In addition to recognizing Sgt. Maj. Canley’s heroism, I’d like to recognize the broader legacy of John Canley and his fellow Vietnam veterans,” said the former Commandant. “Our Vietnam veterans have left us a very proud and rich legacy.” 
 
Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, focused on the totality of Canley’s service, in and out of uniform, and what it means. “Sgt. Maj. Canley earned this honor over seven days, but he had 15 years of building Marines. Of making warriors. Getting them ready for the fight. On the back end of the seven days, he spent another decade, plus, continuing to serve in uniform.” 
 
Ruiz relayed how Canley influenced Marines today. While those seven days helped to name the ship, it’s the 30 years that brought this group together. “He showed us how to show courage. How to do the right thing. He would walk with such calmness to pull his Marines out of danger. Those who were wounded; to get them out.” 
 
“There’s this generation that keeps building on each other,” he continued. “They do some of the very similar things that John Canley did. And that’s care for each other. Not that long ago, you saw Marines being exactly like John Canley taught them to do. Standing on a wall looking through a sea of people, trying to find anyone else that they could save.” 
 
Ship’s sponsor Ms. Patricia A. Sargent and Sgt. Maj. Canley’s daughter said, “To be able to give the order to bring this ship to life, I need to give you some information in regards to my father. My father understood that greatness is not achieved by the individual; it is achieved by the courageous acts of the many. The Marines of Alpha Company 1/1 are an example of that in what they achieved in the Battle of Hue City. In that battle, my father earned their Medal of Honor, which now resides on the USS John L. Canley.” 
 
“This ship will achieve greatness, but it will only do that by the courageous actions of the many,” said Sargent. “It is in honor of my father, my family, members of the 1/1, and the great people of the United States that I give the command: Officers and Crew of the USS John L. Canley, man our ship and bring her to life!” 
 
Capt. Thomas Mays, the commanding officer, thanked Alpha/1/1, Sgt. Maj. Canley’s unit at Hue City, for keeping the gunny’s legacy alive, and working to see that he received the recognition this nation owed him. He also thanked Sargent and maid of honor, granddaughter, Viktoria Sargent for the esteem and care they have given the Sailors before having a “personal conversation” with the crews – gold, blue, and civilian mariners. 
 
“Our vessel’s footprint upon the seas is not the extent of her reach, nor the measure of her impact upon this world,” he said. “The length, breadth, and endurance of that impact rests solely with you and I, with how we back one another, with how we handle our charge to care for this vessel, and with how we approach our sacred duty to defend these United States. 
 
“Her spirit lived upon this earth for 83 years before her first plank was laid, imbued with honor, courage, and selfless sacrifice by her namesake. But the lifeblood that pumps through her veins, that makes her move, that faces down the threats our nation is confronted by, that lifeblood is you.” 
 
Four of USS John L. Canley’s crewmembers later reenlisted aboard the new warship. 
 
Mr. David Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO reminded everyone of ESB 6’s “remarkable capabilities that will allow our servicemen and women to carry out a wide variety of missions, including mine counter measures, counter piracy operations, maritime security operations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief missions, special operations, and Marine Corps crisis response. 
 
“The ship is designed to support nearly every rotary wing aircraft in the DoD inventory,” he continued, “as well as allied aircraft, all while serving off the fleet’s third largest flight deck. Canley has substantial residual space, weight, and power to accommodate a wide range of current and future, manned and unmanned, surface, aerial, and undersea systems across multiple warfighting functions. This is a massive, capable, flexible warship that gives fleet commanders decision space they need throughout their operating theaters.” 
 
The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. 
 

Vienna, 20 February 2024 – Schiebel, together with Korean based defence solutions companies Hanwha Systems and UI Helicopter, has been awarded a contract by the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) for the development and delivery of the Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) CAMCOPTER S-300 Unmanned Air System (UAS), to be operated by the South Korean MOD. 

The contract was signed with Hanwha Systems for the supply of the S-300 for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions for the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps. 

The South Korean Navy has been a Schiebel customer for over 10 years, regularly carrying out maritime ISR operations with its CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS fleet. The changing geo-political situation and North Korean threat call for an expansion of their UAS fleet, adding larger and heavier UAS with greater capability. 

“We are extremely excited that the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps is building on its extensive experience and success with the S-100 by awarding Hanwha the contract for Schiebel’s new long-endurance, heavy-lift-capable UAS. The S-300 marks a major milestone in the company’s history,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. 

The STANAG-compliant and fully certifiable S-300 has an endurance of up to 24 hours and operates at an altitude of up to 21,000 feet, offering a persistent loiter capability for ISTAR operations. The heavy-lift UAS carries payloads of up to 250 kg, making it an ideal cargo delivery solution over long distances in complex and high altitude terrain. The versatility and flexibility of the S-300 also allows for the release of payloads such as dropping multiple sonar-buoys for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. 

To ensure maximum mission versatility and cost effectiveness, the heavy-lift-capable S-300 can be controlled by the same proven Ground Control Station used by the CAMCOPTER S-100. Schiebel’s ‘system of systems’ approach ensures the interoperability of its unmanned fleet for many years to come building on its experience derived from over 20 years of building a robust and proven VTOL core system. 

Schiebel recently announced the expansion of its Abu Dhabi facility extensively increasing its global footprint for the CAMCOPTER S-300. However, the new platform’s open architecture will also ensure it will be able to meet countries’ sovereignty and offset requirements. 

From Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Public Affairs, Feb. 16, 2024 

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – Dragados/Hawaiian Dredging/Orion JV (DHO JV), under contract with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), has begun major in-water construction for a new dry dock at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF).  

Dry Dock 5 construction commenced after a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony on Aug. 19, 2023, and the project has reached the milestone of starting the installation of foundational piles that will essentially anchor the new graving dock.  

The Navy will commemorate this significant, early-phase construction milestone at the Dry Dock 5 Anchoring Ceremony scheduled for Feb. 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at PHNSY.  

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Gerry Majkut, president of Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., are scheduled to speak at the ceremony.  

“This milestone is a testament to the hard work various organizations have put into the project and a reminder of the steadfast commitment to our community here in Hawai’i,” said Capt. Richard Jones, PHNSY & IMF commander.  

The $3.4-billion graving dock project will support PHNSY’s ability to continue maintaining and modernizing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines into the future. It will include the necessary support facilities and the new dry dock will have a 150-year service life. Dry Dock 5 will replace Dry Dock 3, one of four existing dry docks at PHNSY & IMF. Dry Dock 3 is the smallest dry dock and is incapable of docking the current Virginia-class of Navy submarines. The last dry dock to be constructed in Pearl Harbor was in 1943.  

To oversee the project, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) commissioned its newest command, Officer in Charge of Construction, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (OICC PHNSY) in March 2023. OICC PHNSY provides robust quality assurance, contract administration, and command-level accountability for construction of DD5 and the broader once-in-a-generation recapitalization of PHNSY under the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP).  

“Setting the conditions for full-scale construction on a project of this magnitude took a robust team of professionals in both government and industry,” said OICC PHNSY Commanding Officer Capt. Stephen Padhi. “Logistics, permits, monitoring, site preparation, work planning and controls had to set the stage for production for the next four years. As major activities are underway, we look forward to confidently meeting our targets for schedule, quality, safety, cost, and ethics.”  

Leading the construction is contractor DHO JV. “We’re extremely excited to work on a project of this scale with the U.S. Navy,” said Gerry Majkut, president of Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc. “Not many companies get the chance to be part of a major project like this, so having the opportunity to build this dry dock is extremely rewarding.”  

Over the course of construction, which is scheduled to finish in 2027, DHO JV expects to draw from many local and small businesses in Hawaii to support the project, in close coordination with local unions. Overall, the project is expected to provide approximately 2,500 jobs locally.  

FEB. 16, 2024 

The Navy will commission the future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) as the newest Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB) during a 10:00 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Coronado, California. 

The commissioning ceremony’s principal address will be delivered by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.  Remarks will also be provided by General Joseph P. Dunford, Jr., 19^th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36^th Commandant of the Marine Corps; Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps; and Mr. David Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. The ship’s sponsor is Patricia Sargent, Sgt. Maj. Canley’s daughter. 

Built by General Dynamics NASSCO, currently there are six delivered ships across two variants: Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD) and Expeditionary Sea Base. The future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) 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. 

The first of its name, the ship honors United States Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, Ret., who was awarded the Medal of Honor 50 years after his actions during the Battle of Hue City. Canley served as Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 1968. Sgt. Maj. Canley passed away in Bend, Oregon May 11, 2022. 

ESB 6 joins the USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) which support a variety of maritime-based missions, including Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM). ESBs have a four-spot flight deck, mission deck, and hangar, designed around four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets. Follow-on ships Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) and Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) are under construction. The commissioning of ESBs provides combatant commanders greater operational flexibility to employ this platform in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. 

The ceremony will be live streamed at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/33415. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 09:50 a.m. PST. 

By MC1 Felicito Rustique, Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs 

SAN DIEGO – Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC), attended and participated in AFCEA-USNI WEST (WEST) 2024 conference, Feb. 13-15. 
 
WEST, the premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, brings military and industry leaders together to discuss new technologies and capabilities. The theme of the 34^th iteration of the event was, “Are Acquisition and Readiness on Pace to Meet Global Security Demands?” 
 
Davids participated in a panel discussion alongside six leaders from sea service warfare communities to discuss acquisition and readiness and address the question, “What Changes are Community Leaders Making to Meet Global Security Demands?” 
  
“Over the past two decades, the focus of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) has been primarily on counterterrorism,” said Davids. “Now, we are prioritizing integration with the Fleet and Joint Force. We can operate forward in contested areas that enhances warfighting lethality in unique ways. ” 
  
Davids emphasized that conventional response methods have grown ineffective in addressing contemporary conflicts and diverse threats across the globe. To counter the instability and distinct challenges to U.S. warfare capabilities, Davids called on industry to support NSW’s value proposition. 
  
“We’re interested in leveraging our maritime access and placement to deliver asymmetric effects for the Fleet. Therefore, we need industry’s help to enhance our stealth, precision, scale, and decision advantage,” said Davids. “We are eager to collaborate with many of you on new ideas and concepts.” 
  
Joining Davids on the panel was Rear Adm. Brad Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Command, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Forces, Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, commander, Naval Air Forces and Elizabeth Nashold, deputy commander, Naval Information Forces. Retired Vice Adm. Peter H. Daly, former CEO and Publisher, U.S. Naval Institute, moderated the discussion. 
 
AFCEA, which stands for the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association, and the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), sponsor WEST each year. The conference is organized into a main program and three engagement theaters – Marine, General, and Information Warfare.  
 
Along with exhibits, keynote speakers and panel discussions, WEST also gives attendees a chance to hear from the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandants of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, the Sea Service Chiefs, and various industry leaders. 
  
WEST 2024 also featured a Department of the Navy (DON) Information Technology (IT) conference, an Innovation Showcase, and awards announcements recognizing individual and group winners in categories such as Emerging Leaders, a USNI essay contest, and women’s appreciation. 
 
Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict. 
  

14 February 2024 

SAN DIEGO – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti traveled to San Diego to speak at WEST 2024, meet with industry leaders, and engage with Sailors, Feb. 12-14. 

Franchetti’s visit to San Diego was anchored with WEST 2024, the premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, which brings military and industry leaders together – connecting platform builders and designers of technologies with the military and government officials that utilize them, where she delivered a keynote address and took questions from the audience. 

During her remarks, the CNO emphasized her priorities for America’s Warfighting Navy and discussed how leaders at all levels need to think differently about how the Navy operates in uncertain, complex and rapidly changing environments. She expressed her pride in the Navy team, noting that no other Navy is capable of deploying and sustaining forces at such a global scale – from seabed to space, cyberspace and in the information environment. Looking to the future, she shared that the Navy is acting with purpose and urgency to leverage technological breakthroughs that are redefining conflict. She then highlighted her focus on expanding the reach, depth, and lethality of the Fleet through manned-unmanned teaming. 

“We’re building on the many successes with unmanned systems that you’ve read about in 4th Fleet, 5th Fleet, and 7th Fleet. These are real-world laboratories of learning.” said Franchetti. “I think unmanned and autonomous systems have an enormous potential to multiply our combat power by complementing our existing fleet of ships, submarines and aircraft.” 

After the keynote address, Franchetti walked the exhibit floor room to see displays, watch demonstrations, and meet with industry leaders to discuss how the Navy can work with the defense industrial base to field the Navy of today and the future. Franchetti then visited General Dynamics NASSCO, the only full-service shipyard on the West Coast, where she was briefed on current and future programs, and heard how NASSCO is leveraging commercial design and finding innovative ways to construct ships in order to drive down cost and mitigate construction delays. 
  
While at the shipyard, CNO toured the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207). The 746-foot Warren is one of the new John Lewis-class and has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel and aviation fuel and dry stores cargo, which will bring increased capacity to sustain warfighters at sea. 

Next, Franchetti visited the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23). Anchorage entered the shipyard in July 2023, following a 7-month Western Pacific deployment, where the crew received the 2023 Maritime Excellence Award. Anchorage is currently undergoing a lifecycle maintenance availability to prepare the ship for future deployments through system upgrades and refurbishments. 

Aboard Anchorage, Franchetti met with Sailors and recognized them for their achievements, received updates on the ship’s first Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability, and was able to speak to the crew and NASSCO shipyard workers on the ship’s Main Circuit. 

“I can see by walking around and meeting some of your great teammates that you’re getting after my priorities every day, and you’re making sure our Navy puts more players on the field just like this exceptional warship,” Franchetti said. “I couldn’t be more proud of what the team has done in just six or so months, you’ve made incredible progress. From the installation of the new SPS-73 radar, to the repairs on the bulkhead and ballast tanks and everything in between, I am really impressed with what’s been accomplished here.” 
  
CNO rounded out her visit with an all-hands call at Naval Base San Diego for more than 750 Sailors. During the all-hands call she highlighted her priorities, emphasized the need for a ready, combat-credible maritime force, and stressed the importance of the warfighter to the Navy’s mission. 
  
“It’s about warfighting – delivering decisive combat power, and that’s about warfighters,” said Franchetti. “That’s all of you right here in this room. Because we can have the best platforms in the world, but they don’t go anywhere and they don’t do anything without the people that operate them and make us the most powerful Navy in the world.” 

Franchetti concluded her trip to San Diego by visiting multiple unaccompanied housing barracks at Naval Base San Diego and Naval Air Station North Island, in order to see firsthand the living conditions on base. She assured leadership and Sailors that she remains committed to providing the Navy’s Sailors and civilians with a quality of service that meets or exceeds established standards. 

“My priorities are warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them. We can’t do what we need to do every day, without our Sailors, active and reserve, without our Department of Navy civilians, and of course, without the families who support everything we do. So I am focused on quality of service, which is a combination of the quality of work and the quality of life,” said Franchetti. 

This was CNO’s second trip to the West Coast since her confirmation. 

A research project from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global is providing valuable information about the effects of melting glaciers in Patagonia that feed into coastal fjords, transporting sediments, freshwater and nutrients.

Dr. Chris Konek, science advisor at ONR Global in Chile, said the research will help the Department of the Navy understand the effects of a changing climate on the coastal environment.

“That’s the kind of the thing the Marines need to be able to handle,” he said. “It’s basic research and so it will help provide a fundamental understanding of this aspect of coastal systems where you can expect more things like this to happen in the future – more glacial melting as opposed to less.”

Konek said sediment trapped in the melting glaciers creates higher density in the water that feeds into the fjords, creating stratification and internal waves.

“When we have those waves between different layers in the water in the ocean, we call those internal waves,” Konek said. “So then the idea of the project is that you have this glacial plume, the sediment and the internal waves, and you’re looking to see how these different features interact with one another.”

Cristian Escauriaza, professor, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, is the principal investigator along with his university colleague, Megan Williams. They are working with the Filantropía Cortés-Solari, a conservation organization that owns and manages the Melimoyu Elemental Reserve in northern Patagonia.

Escauriaza said, “We are interested in understanding the changes in the physical environment produced by the large input of glacial rivers to the coast.  In these sub-Antarctic regions, and similarly near the Arctic, the effects of the fresh water in the coastal ocean can change the physical properties and dynamics of the flow in the adjacent fjords.”

Patagonia is largely remote with a diverse ecosystem and a rich array of wildlife, including penguins and blue whales. Konek said ONR Global is interested in Escauriaza’s project for its potential to inform what’s happening to that ecosystem, which can also help inform what’s happening to other coastal regions experiencing the same challenges.

While the project in Patagonia was awarded about a year ago, Escuariaza’s team recently carried out field measurements.

“Early information has shown that measurements of the tide amplitudes, river discharge variability, temperature and salinity are critical to identify the leading mechanisms of the formation and propagation of internal waves,” Escuariaza said.

He added, “The fjords and river systems in Patagonia are a critical part of the sub-Antarctic region and understanding their dynamics is vital to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Our goal is to provide new insights into the processes that govern these coastal systems, which will help develop sustainable strategies for their management.”

Researchers from Stanford and Stonybrook Universities, Oliver Fringer, Stephen Monismith and Jacqueline McSweeney, are also taking part in the study.

Konek said collaboration among the scientific community is key to what ONR Global is able to accomplish through its research awards.

“We’ve got two people at the Naval Research Lab that are really supportive of the project.  One of them was recently promoted to technical director of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, so we’re hoping that kind of collaboration continues and expands.”

In addition to measuring the effects of glacial waters in Patagonia’s coastal fjords, Konek said ONR Global is sponsoring another project on climate change with the same university for the prediction of heat waves across both North and South America.

By Ensign Lacy Burkett 

Feb. 13, 2024 

SAN DIEGO  –  Pacific Partnership 24-1 personnel assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) returned home today as the ship pulled in to Naval Air Station North Island, concluding the four-month humanitarian and disaster relief mission. 
 
More than 800 service members and civilian mariners returned to San Diego after participating in Pacific Partnership 24-1, the largest multinational humanitarian mission that takes place in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is an annual mission that focuses on strengthening capacity of host nations to respond to crisis and fostering enduring bonds of friendship and multinational cooperation through four lines of effort: medical, engineering, host nation outreach and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). This year’s mission’s five stops included the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, the Republic of Palau and two states in the Federated States of Micronesia, Pohnpei and Chuuk. 
 
“Our annual commitment to the Pacific Partnership mission demonstrates our dedication to strengthening alliances and partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Mark A. Melson, Commander, Task Force 73 and executive agent for this year’s mission. “I am tremendously proud of our team of Joint service members, allies and partners who supported the 2024 mission. There is more work to do. We will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder every year i alongside partner nations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, to ensure we’re ready together in times of crisis.” 
 
Born out of the devastation of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, Pacific Partnership is an enduring annual mission in the Indo-Pacific region. This year’s mission was joined by partner nations from Japan, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany and Australia. 
 
“Pacific Partnership is a multinational effort which means that we work with partner nations who share our values, who share our commitment to these developing nations who host us, and who share our common goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Brian Quin, mission commander for Pacific Partnership 24-1. “We go because there’s a need. We go because we partner with like-minded nations and like-minded people, and we go because we are asked. ” 
 
Pacific Partnership medical personnel alongside the host nation medical teams and partner nations performed over 410 surgeries both aboard USNS Mercy and at the local host nation hospitals. Additionally, the dental team saw 3,665 patients and the optometry team saw 7,025 patients. In addition to medical services, the team also provided continuing medical education. 
 
“I think a big focus of this has been education,” said Cmdr. Matt Russell, medical planner for Pacific Partnership 24-1. “In addition to the continuing medical education lectures that our staff are giving, as well as our surgical colleagues, we have set up classes for basic life support, first aid for first responders, how to respond to trauma, and really all of these courses have been very well received and well attended.” 
 
Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB 1) also provided their construction expertise to repair schools, hospitals, roads and increase host nation capacity. In Palau, Seabees constructed a community chicken coop which will allow for the local population to decrease their dependency on imported food. 
 
Host nation outreach events (HNOE) involved sports days and band concerts by the Pacific Partnership Band comprised of a detachment from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band augmented by two Royal Australian Navy musicians for the entire mission and three Japan Self Defense Force band members during the Palau mission stop. During the five stops, the Pacific Partnership team participated in 41 HNOE events and 53 band concerts with a total attendance of 23,500. 
 
Humanitarian relief and disaster response (HADR) efforts include working with host nations to increase capabilities for preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies. During the four-month mission, U.S. Army Civil Engineers held boating safety classes, 21 subject matter expert courses and 4 search and rescue exercises. 
 
For more information about Pacific Partnership and USNS Mercy, visit www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership, www.facebook.com/USNSMERCY, or https://www.msc.usff.navy.mil/ships/mercy 

Company to Maintain and Operate Commercial Communications Infrastructure for 105 Ships Under Next Generation Wideband Follow-On Contract 

February 13, 2024 

CARLSBAD, Calif., February 13, 2024 – Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced the completion of the first ship installation for the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC) under the Next Generation Wideband (NGW) Follow-On (FO) 10-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract awarded to Inmarsat Government by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) on June 30, 2022. Under the contract, the company maintains and operates commercial communications infrastructure, which includes satellite systems, teleport services and terrestrial services. Inmarsat Government is now part of Viasat’s government business following the company’s acquisition of Inmarsat on May 30, 2023. 

This first installation of 105 ships demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver a robust, reliable global managed satellite communications (SATCOM) solution. The company upgraded the MSC ship’s primary afloat network from Ku-band to the Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band system and ELERA Enhanced L-band Maritime Antenna (ELMA), a variant of the award-winning LAISR L-band solution to provide communications on the move via a small-size, high throughput terminal. 

“As the premier maritime logistics provider for the U.S. Department of Defense, the Military Sealift Command plays a critical role in our nation’s defense. Our ships must have resilient communications capabilities that deliver consistent performance and can be relied upon regardless of location or weather conditions.” said Eliot J. Skinner, Deputy Command Information Officer. “These upgrades ensure that our Mariners can confidently operate anywhere in the world knowing they have a reliable, redundant communications network supporting them.” 

The hybrid solution of Ka- and L-band service ensures that the MSC ships have secure, resilient, worldwide communications capabilities, as well as a reliable global, on-demand backup network. This approach is designed to provide significant enhancements over legacy Ku-band by providing higher and scalable data rates on ships’ primary and back-up systems, and uniform coverage across the GX and ELERA networks. Additionally, by delivering the primary and secondary SATCOM capabilities in a holistic, managed service model that includes satellites, ground networks and type-approved terminals – SATCOM as a Service – the company attains an optimal state of efficiency and functionality, while delivering a superior user experience and saving government resources. 

“We have reliably served the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command for more than 10 years, and we are proud to continue supporting its operations around the world,” said Steve Gizinski, Managing Director, Viasat Government Services. “These upgrades provide the MSC fleet with significant enhancements in SATCOM capabilities, including expanded global coverage, improved reliability and resiliency, and the on-demand data rates that meet user needs.” 

The MSC fleet benefits from an integrated, worldwide solution that delivers high throughput with RF (Radio Frequency) band and path diversity to ships at sea. All of the network aspects are designed as a single solution and for mobility, so users experience a reliable, on-demand continuous service. 

By LaShawn Sykes, Military Sealift Command 

08 February 2024 

NORFOLK, Va. – Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), in January, joined forces to successfully conduct 1,456 cargo and ordnance transfer lifts, with the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The Net Explosive Weight (NEW) of the combined transfers was more than a thousand tons. 
 
Through collaboration and coordination between MSC and NAVELSG, a Proof of Concept (POC) idea formed, with the primary objective to integrate 10 NAVELSG Sailors with 116 MSC Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARS) aboard Robert E. Peary in order to support a critical mission afloat ordnance operation with CVN 78 in the Atlantic Ocean. 
 
Leaders from both MSC and NAVELSG expressed great enthusiasm for the opportunity to forge a partnership that extends into the future, said MSC’s CLF Fleet Sustainment Division Director Rick Adside. “This partnership addresses critical manning shortfalls of CIVMARs onboard MSC Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships, while providing opportunities for NAVESLG to enhance its existing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) in support of CLF fleet sustainment mission sets.” 
 
Although NAVELSG Sailors have long supported MSC cargo operations ashore, this level of integration, marked a significant milestone that promises both professional and operational benefits for both MSC and NAVELSG, Adside said. “MSC gains the ability to better account for in-transit ordnance, while NAVELSG acquires additional proficiency equivalent to MSC’s Cargo Afloat Rig Teams (CART), augmenting their existing AMMO/QUAL Certification program. This POC is also noteworthy because it contributes to a more seamless integration experience for both CIVMAR and NAVELSG personnel.” 
 
The success of this proof-of-concept testing will serve as a springboard for future partnering opportunities between NAVELSG and MSC, Adside said. 
 
Robert E. Peary’s shipmaster Capt. Andrew Lindey deemed the proof of concept testing a huge success. “I know this because when I asked the deck leadership if they would like to have the Sailors onboard for future ordnance events there was a resounding YES! This was a great educational opportunity for the Sailors and a huge manpower help for the ship.” 
 
Ten NAVELSG Sailors Augment Robert E. Peary’s Cargo Team 
 
Forty MSC CIVMARs from Robert E. Peary’s cargo team and 10 NAVELSG Sailors, assigned temporarily to the vessel to help strengthen the cargo team’s capability, worked around the clock for 72 hours, in January, in order to complete the afloat ordnance operations with USS Gerald R. Ford, Lindey said. 
 
“Both U.S. Navy Sailors and MSC CIVMARs worked hand-in-hand the entire download. The Sailors from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) One had great attitudes and actively looked for ways to help! Without the Sailors from NAVELSG, it would have taken longer for the CIVMARs to get the job done.” 
 
Before joining Robert E. Peary’s cargo team, the 10 NAVELSG Sailors first received specialized training from the ship’s crew. In accordance with MSC’s Safety Management System, the Sailors trained in several critical areas: cargo weapons elevator operations, ordnance banding, ordnance blocking and bracing, and ordnance accounting and sentencing. Upon completion of their training and while the ship was enroute to the rendezvous position of the aircraft carrier, Robert E. Peary was tasked to refuel two Navy ships: USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). These two events, executed by the CIVMARs, gave the Sailors a front row seat on how to conduct underway replenishments at sea, properly and safely, Lindey said. 
 
REP – CVN Cargo and Ordnance Transfer Lifts 
 
The transfer lifts between Robert E. Peary and Gerald R. Ford took place over three days in January, with more than 1,299 ordnance and 157 cargo transfer lifts completed. The transfer details are as follows: 
 
Day 1: 403 Vertical Replenishments 
Day 2: 418 Vertical Replenishments 
Day 2: 216 Connected Replenishments 
Day 3: 262 Vertical Replenishments – ordnance 
Day 3: 157 Vertical Replenishments – cargo 
 
“I am always proud of the Robert E. Peary crew because I know they put their hearts into their work, but I am even more proud of how they took the Navy Sailors into their team and made them apart of the crew.” 
 
CLF ships and MSC 
 
Robert E. Peary is one of 14 fleet ordnance and dry cargo ships that are part of MSC’s Combat Logistics Force (CLF) inventory. CLFs are the supply lines to U.S. Navy ships while at sea. CLF ships provide virtually everything Navy ships need including fuel, food, fleet ordnance, dry cargo, spare parts, mail, and other supplies. 
 
CLF ships enable the Navy fleet to remain at sea and combat ready for extended periods. In addition to U.S. Navy ships, CLF ships also resupply international partners and allies operating in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 
 
“In peacetime or conflict, amidst the ever-changing landscape of global affairs, America’s Navy remains a successful and highly impactful global force. When called upon, it swiftly responds to and supports world events. Military Sealift Command (MSC) plays a vital role in providing essential sustainment to warships, enabling the fleet to meet its mission objectives, including the safe handling and execution of transitional ordnance from deploying and redeploying ships,” Adside said.