Release from Carrier Strike Group Two (CSG-2) Public Affairs 

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Oct. 30, 2023 

By Carrier Strike Group Two (CSG-2) Public Affairs 

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR  –  The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) transited the Strait of Gibraltar on October 28. 
 
As a part of the U.S. Navy’s globally-deployed forces, IKECSG will join the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in support of the defense of Israel and to deter aggression throughout the region. 
 
By direction of the Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, IKECSG will transit to U.S. Central Command to demonstrate its readiness to flex to any contingency. IKECSG remains committed to ensuring the security of allies and partners. 
 
“Our arrival in the Mediterranean, en route to CENTCOM, provides reassurance to our allies and partners that we are committed to ensuring their security and well-being,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG-2), IKECSG. “Our presence, along with that of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier strike group, demonstrates the combat power and proficiency of the Navy’s deployed forces.” 
 
The strike group is comprised of the flagship aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN69), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 with its nine squadrons, and the Information Warfare Commander. 
 
Squadrons of CVW-3 include the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. 

Release from Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs 

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27 October 2023 

SAN DIEGO – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced today that a future Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ship will be named USNS Balboa (EMS 2), during a ceremony at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Oct. 27. 

The future USNS Balboa honors the legacy and commitment of Navy doctors, nurses, corpsmen, and staff of Balboa Naval Hospital in caring for the needs of U.S. Service Members. 

“The contributions of this medical center over the past 100 years, represented by the care its personnel delivers to our Sailors, Marines, and families, are absolutely incredible. This hospital’s personnel continue to conduct ground-breaking medical research, discover new and innovative approaches to the delivery of world-class medical care, and provides a medical residency program for over a dozen medical specialties to develop our next generation of military doctors,” said Secretary Del Toro. “The guiding principle of Navy Medicine is to align its people and platforms in order to enhance warfighter health, wellness, and performance. I can say, with full confidence, that Naval Medical Center San Diego achieves this on a daily basis.” 

The name selection follows the tradition of naming expeditionary medical ships after U.S. military hospitals.   

As the informal name for Naval Medical Center San Diego, “Balboa” began as a naval hospital tent erected in December 1914 in support of the Panama-California Exposition (1915–1917) held in San Diego’s Balboa Park. When the United States entered World War I, the Navy converted the deserted exposition grounds into a training center containing a war dispensary and a camp hospital. In September 1919, San Diego officials set aside 17.35 acres of the park at Inspiration Point for the construction of a permanent naval hospital, often referred to as the “Pink Palace,” for its stucco façade. Commissioned in 1922, the complex added a hospital corpsman school in 1928 and continued to grow throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, adding a surgical building, medical library, and outpatient clinic over time.  By the early 1970s, the Balboa complex was among the largest military hospitals in the world. A new hospital compound to replace aging structures was completed in 1988 on land adjacent to Inspiration Point with the former site reverting to the City. Today, Balboa leads the way as one of the largest naval medical teaching and research facilities in the nation, in addition to supporting five medical mobilization teams and USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). 

In addition, Secretary Del Toro announced that Mrs. Deborah Paxton, MSN, RN, agreed to be the ship’s sponsor. Mrs. Paxton, wife of retired Marine Corps General John Paxton, the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, has spent her life in support of the Marine Corps and a decade of work serving the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment as the mental health advisor to the regiment.  

“I am beyond grateful that Secretary Del Toro chose me for this great honor, and I pledge my commitment to USNS Balboa and her crew,” said Deborah Paxton. “I feel such confidence and comfort knowing that EMS 2 will operate where Marines and Sailors are engaged in either combat or humanitarian relief providing access to world-class medical care in critical times.” 

 
Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ships are designed as a dedicated medical ship that optimizes hospital-level medical care in support of distributed maritime operations (DMO). EMS will feature a shallow draft enabling greater reach and allowing direct access to shallow austere ports, while also providing a flight deck that accommodates military helicopters. This design provides a full range of medical capabilities including triage/critical care, three operating rooms, medical laboratory, radiological capability, blood bank, dental, mental health, OB/GYN and primary care, rapid stabilization and follow-on evacuation of multiple casualties and combat search and rescue including recovery at sea. The primary mission of the EMS as a high-speed forward-deployed medical ship is to provide rapid responsive sea-based and near-shore hospital level critical care, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, non-combatant evacuation operations and special operations. The EMS is designed to respond and provide care at a more rapid pace than their predecessors, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, sailing at speeds of at least 30 knots with a range of 5,500 nautical miles at 24 knots. 

Release from NASSCO 

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Posted on October 28, 2023 

SAN DIEGO – General Dynamics NASSCO christened and launched the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208), the fourth ship for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program, today. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi served as the principal speaker at the ceremony, with additional remarks from Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro and NASSCO representatives. As is tradition, the ship’s sponsor and daughter of the namesake, the Honorable Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, christened the ship by breaking a champagne bottle alongside the hull. 

“As did its namesake, this vessel represents courage and strength. The shipbuilders of NASSCO are proud to have ensured the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy will live on in this ship,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf of the 48-hundred employees of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the USNS Robert F. Kennedy for christening to our sponsor the Honorable Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend.” 

The ship honors Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. Navy veteran who served as U.S. attorney general from 1961 to 1964 and as U.S. senator for New York from 1965 to 1968. As attorney general, Kennedy battled against organized crime and fought for African American civil rights. During his time in the Senate, he continued his advocacy for human rights and the underserved. 

General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded a contract to design and build the first nine ships of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class (T-AO 205). Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and can sail at a speed of up to 20 knots. The first two ships in the class, the USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) and the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) have been delivered to the Navy. The future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), the future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), and the future USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) are currently under construction. 

General Dynamics NASSCO specializes in the design and construction of Navy and commercial ships and is a major provider of repair services for the U.S. Navy, with capabilities in San Diego; Norfolk, Virginia; Mayport, Florida; and Bremerton, Washington. More information about General Dynamics NASSCO is available at www.nassco.com. 

Defense contractor adds axial and centrifugal fan design, manufacturing, and servicing to its portfolio, expanding turnkey marine solutions 

Release from Fairbanks Morse Defense 

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BELOIT, Wis. – October 30, 2023 – Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), has acquired American Fan, a leader in axial and centrifugal fan technology. Located in Fairfield, Ohio, American Fan’s breakthroughs in aerodynamics, acoustics, vibration control, and motor performance over the past 50 years position the company as a trusted maritime defense supplier and an essential addition for FMD to provide the OEM parts and turnkey service solutions to their core customers. 

“Now more than ever, Fairbanks Morse Defense remains committed to expanding our growing array of OEM equipment to ensure that our fleet is always mission-ready,” said George Whittier, FMD CEO. “American Fan has a long track record of delivering high-quality products to the U.S. Navy, and its addition to our portfolio strengthens our ability to meet the continually evolving needs of our military and marine customers.”  

American Fan’s products and services are currently specified in 30 U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs, including LCS, LPD, LHA, DDG, FFG, and more. They are utilized in a broad range of onboard air-moving applications, from compartment ventilation to gas turbine air supply. 

“American Fan and Fairbanks Morse Defense customers rely on us to deliver quality, speed, and expertise, and we have a shared commitment to exceeding these expectations for every customer engagement,” said American Fan General Manager Paul Brown. “As part of the FMD brand family, we are excited to expand our customer service through FMD’s six service centers, its network of highly trained field service technicians, and its global channel partners.” 

The acquisition of American Fan continues to solidify Fairbanks Morse Defense’s position as an integrated defense contractor and turnkey solutions provider to the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, and U.S. Coast Guard. In recent years, FMD has completed multiple acquisitions to better serve defense customers, including Federal Equipment Company (FEC), Hunt Valve, Maxim Watermakers, Research Tool & Die (RT&D), Ward Leonard, and Welin Lambie.  

BofA Securities served as financial advisor to Arcline in connection with the transaction. 

Release from the Office of the Secretary of the Navy 

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WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES 

10.26.2023 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro released his updated strategic guidance today – One Navy-Marine Corps Team: Advancing Department of the Navy Priorities. The document informs activities within the Department of the Navy to include planning, investments, budgeting, and prioritization of personnel and resources. 
 
“For more than two years, I have had the privilege of serving as your Secretary of the Navy, and I am unbelievably proud of our achievements to date. As we look forward, we will continue to advance our three enduring priorities: Strengthening Maritime Dominance, Building a Culture of Warfighting Excellence, and Enhancing Strategic Partnerships. The future of the Navy hinges on the modernization and readiness of our fleet today. Together, we strive to build a combined Navy and Marine Corps team that is modern, highly capable, and fearlessly dedicated to our mission of combat-readiness,” said Secretary Del Toro. 
 
On the priorities, Secretary Del Toro added, “We have made smart choices in strengthening our maritime dominance relative to the pacing threat. We are building a culture of warfighting excellence fostering talent and innovation, while taking care to improve the quality of our members’ time in service. Moreover, we are enhancing our strategic partnerships throughout the world, and specifically in the Indo-Pacific. Our objective is clear: we will continue to provide a Navy and Marine Corps that can deter high-end conflict with a rapidly improving peer competitor while simultaneously protecting and advancing the global maritime interests of the Nation.” 
 
Download Document here: 
https://media.defense.gov/2023/Oct/26/2003328880/-1/-1/1/ADVANCING%20DON%20PRIORITIES_FINAL.PDF/ADVANCING%20DON%20PRIORITIES_FINAL.PDF 

Release from Lockheed Martin 

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OWEGO, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2023 — The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to produce six multi-mission MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Norwegian government. Designed and built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, MH-60R aircraft will enable Norway to perform multiple maritime missions, including search and rescue and coastal and offshore patrol. 
 
“Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy have 40 years of experience designing, building and improving Seahawk helicopters for operations in extreme maritime environments, and preparing militaries worldwide for ever-evolving threats,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Sikorsky Maritime Systems. 
 
Norway and other nations can depend on the Seahawk aircraft for: 
  • high reliability 
  • advanced mission systems and sensors  
  • low flight-hour costs, and 
  • low maintenance and sustainment costs. 
 
Norway’s order marks the second MH-60R contract award in less than a month. On October 12, the U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for eight Spanish Navy MH-60R aircraft. 
 
Sikorsky has delivered 330 MH-60R aircraft to five countries. Sixty-four more are on order or in production for India, Greece, South Korea, Australia, Spain, and Norway. 
 
“This platform has a long and proven track record of reliability and flexibility in operational environments similar to those faced by the Norwegian Air Force and Coast Guard. This is why we believe the MH-60R is the solution that best meets Norway’s current requirements, and why we are very pleased to see this contract moving forward,” said Brigadier General Jarle Nergård, head of the Air Systems Division of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency. 
 
A first-time operator of Seahawk helicopters, Norway is expected to receive all six MH-60R aircraft by 2027. 
 
“The MH-60R is designed for all aspects of land and maritime operations from the vast majority of air-capable ships,” said Capt. William Hargreaves, program manager, H-60 Multi-mission Helicopter Program Office. “We are confident in Norway’s selection of this unmatched, multi-mission helicopter to support their coast guard.” 

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OCT. 27, 2023 

The Navy will christen and launch the USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) as the newest John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler during an 8:00 a.m. PDT ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 28, in San Diego. 

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita, U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver the christening ceremony’s principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, Rear Admiral Brendan McLane, Special Assistant to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, Mr. Steven Cade, Executive Director, Military Sealift Command, and Mr. Dave Carver, President, General Dynamics NASSCO. The ship’s sponsor is the Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, eldest daughter of Robert F. Kennedy. 

T-AO 208 is the 4th John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler and will be operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. She is the first naval auxiliary ship to bear the name of USNS Robert F. Kennedy, honoring the late U.S. Navy veteran, Robert F. Kennedy. The selection of Robert F. Kennedy as the ship’s namesake, honors the memory of Robert F. Kennedy, the younger brother of John F. Kennedy, who became the 35th President of the United States in 1961. Robert F. Kennedy, served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1944-1946. He later served as Attorney General of the United States before resigning in 1964 to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate. In 1965, he was elected to the Senate and served as a Democrat from New York until his death in 1968. 

The John Lewis-class ships are based on commercial design standards and will recapitalize the current T-AO 187-class fleet replenishment oilers to provide underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy and allied partner ships at sea. These ships are part of the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force. 

In June 2016, the Navy awarded a $3.2 billion contract to General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego for the design and construction of the first six ships of the Future Fleet Replenishment Ship, the John Lewis-class. The first of class, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), delivered in July 2022 and is currently in her Post-Shakedown Availability. USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) delivered in July 2023 and is conducting some maintenance work in preparation for transit to the east coast. T-AO 207-210 are under construction at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego and T-AO 211-213 are under contract. The Navy plans to procure 20 ships of the John Lewis class. 

The ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 7:50 a.m. PDT. 

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information on the fleet replenishment oiler program can be found at:  https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2222909/fleet-replenishment-oilers-t-ao/. 

Release from Silver Ships 

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Silver Ships completes six riverine patrol boats for the U.S. Navy  

Mobile, Ala. (October 25, 2023) – Silver Ships has completed the construction of six riverine patrol boats (RPB) under a contract award worth $6.12 million from the Naval Sea Systems Command. The vessels were designed and constructed as a part of the United States Navy Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program and will benefit a Pacific region ally. Each RPB was inspected and accepted by the Navy and await overseas shipment.  

The six custom-designed riverine patrol boats are uniquely engineered to successfully operate in shallow and hazardous waters. The rugged, 40-foot center-console patrol boats are powered by twin Yanmar 440 HP engines and Hamilton waterjets. Traveling at more than 30 knots, the boats reach necessary speeds with limited operating noise in order to remain stealthy.  

The boats are armed and armored and have been designed to carry 20 personnel, or a typical crew of six with 14 additional troops and cargo. Riverine patrol boats are used for foreign and joint force operations on river, coastal and open ocean patrol and interdiction duties. Typically, they are used for counter-terrorism and lawlessness but can also be used for humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, command and control, counter-drug, search and rescue and many other missions. 

 “For more than two decades, Silver Ships has remained committed to providing top quality and highly durable aluminum workboats to the U.S. and foreign militaries. We are proud to provide these RPBs to the Navy’s Foreign Military Sales program that meet the highest quality, performance and durability standards,” said Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships Director of Federal Programs.  

Silver Ships has worked with the U.S. Military for nearly 30 years in creating mission-specific boats. Silver Ships takes pride in our support of the U.S. Military and remains dedicated to meeting all operational needs while offering maximum crew safety and outstanding performance. 

Release from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet 

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By Ensign Sarah Beauchamp 

25 October 2023 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), arrived at its new homeport in San Diego Oct. 25. 
 
The Navy commissioned Jack H. Lucas, Oct. 7, 2023, during a ceremony in Tampa, Florida under the leadership of Carrier Strike Group 11. The destroyer is assigned to U.S. 3rd Fleet. 
 
“I am so proud of all of the Sailors of Jack H. Lucas, who truly embody the indestructible mindset of the namesake,” said Capt. Brett Oster, commanding officer of Jack H. Lucas. “They have worked tirelessly on all qualifications and certifications, setting the bar and allowing the ship to arrive in San Diego to reunite with family and friends on schedule.” 
 
The crew of the Jack H. Lucas successfully completed a safe voyage from Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Tampa while executing critical evolutions to include navigation check ride, engineering drills, and a missile launch using the latest ship-based radar and weapons systems. The ship and crew were welcomed by thousands of guests who were given the opportunity to tour the vessel in anticipation of the commissioning ceremony. 
 
The commissioning ceremony was attended by more than 5,000 guests including family and friends of the crew, the local community of Tampa Bay, and distinguished officials. This event marked a significant milestone for the vessel and her crew and served as a testament to their dedication and hard work. 
 
Following commissioning, the ship continued its journey to the Pacific Ocean by successfully transiting the Panama Canal and making stops in Rodman, Panama and Manzanillo, Mexico. 
 
“I am immensely proud of our incredibly talented crew, taking the ship underway a week before conducting two sea and anchors in Tampa and completing a skillful Panama Canal transit while en route to our homeport San Diego,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kleine, executive officer of Jack H. Lucas. 
 
Upon arrival to San Diego, Jack H. Lucas was given a warm welcome from 300 friends and family members as it pulled into its new homeport for the first time. The reception was a testament to the strong bonds forged between the crew and their loved ones throughout their voyage. 
 
In the coming year, the ship will undergo a series of rigorous tests to evaluate its combat readiness and effectiveness. These tests will serve as a critical assessment of the vessel’s combat capability and will ensure that the Flight III variant destroyer is ready to serve in the Navy. 
 
Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jack H. Lucas was launched on June 4, 2021, and delivered to the U.S. Navy March 26, 2022. The ship was commissioned in Port of Tampa, Florida on Oct. 7, 2023, and then transited to her homeport at Naval Base San Diego, California. 
 
Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface. 
 
An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. 

Release from CAES 

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OCTOBER 25, 2023 

Arlington, Va. – CAES, a leading provider of mission-critical advanced electronics, has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy for production of the AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Consolidation (LBC) transmitter. Total funding through 2025 to support both the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is expected to exceed $55 million, if all options are exercised. This award also includes new special test equipment and follows a contract for the initial pre-production phase of the LBC. 

“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Navy on next-generation electronic warfare technology,” said Mike Kahn, CAES president and CEO. “The LBC brings critical upgrades to the AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Transmitter (LBT) to combat evolving and emerging threats.”  

The LBC is a modification to the AN/ALQ-99 LBT. CAES has a proven history of developing, producing and delivering LBTs. CAES provides these components for the U.S. Navy and RAAF EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack fleets. These transmitters played a critical role in protecting the lives of U.S. and coalition forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and across the Global War on Terror. 

Having manufactured more than 850 transmitters across the last several decades, CAES continues to deliver products at the forefront of U.S. Navy and RAAF’s EA-18G operations worldwide. CAES transmitters are designed, built and tested to provide high power across multiple octave bandwidths, which allows them to withstand the demanding and severe environment of maritime, Tactical Aviation aircraft operating from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. They also provide high reliability with low maintenance costs.