From HII, April 1, 2026 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully launched future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131) today, marking a major construction milestone for the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the shipyard. 

In the weeks leading up to launch, shipbuilders completed key construction work, secured major components and performed inspections to ensure the ship was ready to enter the water. The ship was then translated from land into the dry dock, where teams conducted final checks before flooding the dock and allowing the destroyer to float for the first time. 

“Launching DDG 131 is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders,” said Chris Brown, Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 program manager. “Seeing the ship reach the water for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and a real testament to the people who make this work possible for our U.S. Navy.” 

DDG 131 is named for George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and an aviation machinist’s mate third class who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while attempting to rescue a fellow service member under enemy fire. 

As a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG 131 represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy, featuring the Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, designed to counter threats well into the 21st century. 

Following today’s launch, George M. Neal will move into the next phase of construction, which includes outfitting, systems activation and testing in preparation for sea trials. 

For more information about the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer program at HII, visit: https://hii.com/what-we-do/capabilities/guided-missile-destroyers/. 

From the Department of War, April 2, 2026 

The U.S. Army’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs, conducted a successful launch of a common hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on March 26, 2026. 

The Army and Navy partnership to field a common hypersonic missile across land- and sea-based platforms supports the National Defense Strategy by accelerating timelines, reducing costs, and delivering a highly survivable capability to defeat time-sensitive, heavily defended, and high-value targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5.

by Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs, March 31, 2026 

NORFOLK, Va. – The George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) departed Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment, March 31, 2026. 
 

 “I am proud of every single member of this Strike Group. Our Sailors are ready and able to do the nation’s bidding,” said Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, embarked with the GHWBCSG. 

GHWBCSG deploying ships consists of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: USS Ross (DDG 71), homeported in Norfolk, Va; USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Mason (DDG 87) homeported in Mayport, Fla. Mason is the GHWBCSG Air and Missile Defense Commander. 

“The crew embodies our ship’s motto ‘Freedom at Work,'” said Capt. Bibeau, commanding officer of George H. W. Bush. “Our Sailors are exceptionally trained, highly motivated, ready to accomplish any assigned mission, and well poised to defeat any threat while deployed.” 

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 embarked on George H. W. Bush consists of nine aircraft squadrons: Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, “Rampagers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, “Gunslingers,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, “Wildcats,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, “Patriots,” Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 116, “Sun Kings,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, “Nightdippers,” Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, “Grandmasters,” and Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 40, “Mighty Bison.” 

GHWBCSG last deployed from August 2022 to April 2023 and spent the entirety of its deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe–U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations. While in the Mediterranean, the ship participated in and supported a multitude of multinational exercises to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. 

To access latest news and content on the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/C2F; https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN77; https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/csg10/. 

From Team Submarine Public Affairs, March 31, 2026 

The U.S. Navy certified the Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS) for full operation, March 23, clearing the system for deployment in support of undersea rescue missions around the globe. 

The certification concluded with a final manned dive in the waters near Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., March 6, and marks the culmination of a multi-year collaboration between the Undersea Rescue Command (URC), Submarine Squadron 11, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, Submarine Forces, Naval Sea Systems Command, Program Executive Office Attack Submarines, and the Undersea Special Missions Program Office (PMS 390). 

“This successful dive signifies a major milestone for the Navy,” said Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker, Program Executive Officer, Attack Submarines. “We hold ourselves to extremely high standards in the undersea community. Going through this process shows that the team is ready to meet and exceed those standards. This accomplishment is a direct result of the whole team’s dedication.” 

The SRDRS is a remotely operated system capable of rescuing submarine crews in cases of emergency and can deploy anywhere in the world within 96 hours. With the successful system certification, the URC team is authorized to assist in submarine rescues globally, joining an international force of experts ready to help those in need. 

“Our Submarine Force operates, along with our allies and partners, in challenging undersea environments that span the entire globe. It is critical for us to have an undersea rescue capability that underpins the extensive training our submariners receive and that allows us to respond worldwide in the event of a distressed submarine,” said Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “I commend the team of experts that helped us to achieve this important certification and to maintain our legacy of safe operations beneath the seas.” 

The SRDRS is one of the Navy’s primary undersea rescue capabilities and is designed to support both U.S. and allied rescue operations worldwide. Its main component, the Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM), is a tethered, remotely operated vehicle capable of rescuing up to 16 personnel per sortie. 

“Being onboard the PRM during its certification dive to 2,000 feet was an awe-inspiring experience, demonstrating the effectiveness of this system, and the professionalism and expertise of the entire team,” said Capt. David McGlone, Program Manager for PMS 390. 

“There are a lot of moving parts in any evolution like this, it’s not as simple as ‘dive down and open the hatch.’ The equipment is complex, and the crew operating and maintaining it must be experts at what they do. Being here, observing the team at work, diving in the vehicle, seeing the entire system operate to perform its intended function – I can confidently say I’m impressed.” 

Once activated, the SRDRS was put to the test in two separate dives. In the first demonstration, the system submerged unmanned to a depth of 2,000 feet. Following the unmanned dive, the team underwent a review process before submerging again, this time with a crew, to a mating fixture called Deep Seat. 

URC personnel, comprised of active and reserve component Sailors, and civilian contractors, operate the SRDRS as the U.S. Navy’s only submarine rescue-capable command. 

By Ensign Paul Archer, March 30, 2026 

CARTAGENA, Colombia  –  Senior naval leaders from the United States and Colombia convened in Cartagena from April 24-27, 2026 for the annual Maritime Staff Talks (MST), reaffirming the enduring partnership between the two nations and outlining a path for future collaboration in the maritime domain. 

The U.S. delegation, led by Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, was hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations of the Colombian Navy, Vice Adm. Carlos Serrano. The tri-service U.S. contingent also included Maj. Gen. Douglas Clark, Deputy Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, along with representatives from the Joint Interagency Task Force South and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

The talks focused on enhancing interoperability, deepening commitment to mutual security, and advancing a bilateral strategy to address shared challenges across the maritime environment. Key areas of discussion included leveraging upcoming multinational exercises such as PANAMAX and UNITAS to ensure seamless teamwork against common threats. 

“The challenges we face in the maritime domain, stemming from illicit trafficking demand a unified response to ensure regional stability,” said Rear Adm. Sardiello. “Through these annual maritime staff talks, we continue to strengthen our partnership and expand operational commitments that increase our combined readiness and effectiveness across the maritime domain.” 

As part of the MST, both the U.S. and Colombian delegations delivered presentations on their respective mission objectives and ongoing maritime operations. The agenda also included tours of the COTECMAR Shipyard, the Almirante Padilla Naval Academy, and other key naval facilities in Cartagena, providing the U.S. delegation with firsthand insight into Colombia’s naval capabilities and strategic infrastructure. 

The event concluded with the signing of minutes by Rear Adm. Sardiello and Vice Adm. Serrano, formally documenting the key agreements reached and solidifying a collaborative path forward. Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to the robust and lasting partnership between the United States and Colombia. 

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet serves as a trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime forces, working to promote unity, security, and stability throughout the region. 

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 successfully concluded at Andersen Air Force Base, marking the completion of 20 days of intensive multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, March 28. 

Hosted by U.S. Navy Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, two U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 4 and VP-45, joined a multilateral force of P-8A aircraft from the Indian Navy (IN), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). 

Sea Dragon 2026 continues to enhance the shared maritime domain awareness interoperability developed during previous iterations. This iteration improved on participating nations’ ability to conduct multinational ASW operations inside a complex and dynamic exercise environment. 

“What we do in Sea Dragon builds more than skill—it establishes a ASW team across nations. The shared experience empowers us to fight together more effectively,” said Lt. Paolo Aguilar, assigned to VP-4. 

VP-45 naval aviator Lt. Caitlin Tucker stated, “Exercises like Sea Dragon highlight the strength of our partnerships and alliances. They show that together, we’re stronger, more capable, and ready to deter any aggressor in the Indo-Pacific.” 

Sea Dragon 2026 featured a structured training format to include a mobile ASW training target, referred to as the MK-30 “Sled”, for tracking drills. The exercise also featured a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare exercise (ASWEX), where exercise participants engaged in a hunt to locate an active U.S. Navy submarine in the area. This year, forces operated in the vicinity of Saipan to employ recoverable exercise torpedoes, and demonstrate expansion of capabilities trained among the five nations. 

As with previous years, Sea Dragon 2026 included a competitive component in which each nation’s performance was assessed and graded to earn the Dragon Belt award, testing each nation’s ASW tactics and response effectiveness in a realistic scenario. 

This year, VP-3 of the JMSDF emerged victoriously, securing the Dragon Belt for 2026. The Dragon Belt was previously held by the RAAF since their victory in 2025. 

Exercises like Sea Dragon 2026 demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional security and strengthening maritime partnerships with allied and partner nations. Exercise Sea Dragon has been held annually since 2019. 

VP-4, part of CTF-72, is stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington, and is currently deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. VP-45, also part of CTF-72, is stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is currently deployed to Misawa Air Base in Misawa, Japan. Throughout the deployments, both squadrons will be conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 

 U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

March 30, 2026 | By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaitlin Young, Submarine Readiness Squadron 32 |    

The Navy commissioned the submarine USS Massachusetts in a traditional ceremony held March 28 at Boston Harbor. 

The ceremony culminated a yearslong process to bring the Massachusetts into service. It is the fifth Navy vessel named after the commonwealth of Massachusetts, following the most recent, USS Massachusetts, a battleship that participated in nearly every major Pacific campaign from 1943 to 1945 and earned 11 battle stars for its World War II service.  

Navy Cmdr. Michael Siedsma, the Massachusetts’ commanding officer, spoke proudly of his crew’s efforts.   

“To the crew, the plank owners, the ‘Iron Patriots’ of the USS Massachusetts, we did it,” he said. “Your hard work and unshakable dedication [are] evident. I am amazed and humbled by what we have accomplished.” 

Sheryl Sandberg, the ship’s sponsor, gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life.” The crew responded, “Aye, aye, ma’am,” before ceremonially running aboard the submarine. 

Sandberg spoke about the Navy’s enduring legacy. 

“In three months, our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But as many of you here know, the Navy already celebrated this milestone last October. What does that tell us? It tells us: We don’t have a Navy because we have a country; we have a country because we had a Navy!”  

Following the hoisting of the colors and commissioning pennant, Navy Adm. William Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, highlighted the crew’s hard work and the unit’s role in national defense.   

“[The] Massachusetts is playing an incredible role in our security,” he said. “Your crew represents the best that our Navy and our nation [have to offer]. You train relentlessly to bring this warship to life and earned the trust placed on you.” 

The Massachusetts is the 12th Virginia-class submarine and was christened at the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Newport News, Virginia, May 6, 2023.  

As it joins the fleet, the Massachusetts brings significant warfighting capability, underscoring the nation’s asymmetrical advantage at sea. Virginia-class submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multimission requirements.  

Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800 tons, 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet. It is designed with a reactor plant that does not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.  

From Hanna Lanoie, March 30, 2026 

GROTON, Conn. – Portsmouth Naval Shipyard safely undocked Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) March 26 at Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London, marking a significant milestone in its maintenance and modernization availability. 

Albany arrived at SUBASE New London in summer 2025, and has since undergone repairs, structural inspections, and replacements of mechanical and electrical systems. This extensive work enhances the submarine’s capabilities, modernizes critical systems and equips Sailors — the engine that powers the fleet — with the most advanced undersea platform possible, ready to meet operational demands. 

To support the availability, an advanced team of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard personnel spent much of 2025 coordinating with SUBASE New London to prepare facilities and support a large temporary duty workforce. At peak manning, more than 400 PNSY personnel were deployed to New London to execute the effort. 

“Despite the inherent challenges of executing an off-yard availability, compounded by multiple winter storms, the teaming demonstrated by the crew of Albany and the shipyard workforce drove through every obstacle, completing Albany’s docking period ahead of schedule,” said Capt. Jesse Nice, shipyard commander. “This speaks to the resilience of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard team and the impact that a focused team of experts can have to safely accomplish great things at the pace the nation needs.” 

Completion of a submarine’s docking period is a critical first step in its return to the fleet and directly supports the Navy’s focus on combat-ready platforms, increasing operational availability and contributing to credible, sustained deterrence. 

“The early undocking of Albany is a significant accomplishment and a direct result of the one team, one fight mentality of my crew and our Portsmouth teammates,” said Cmdr. Adam Nebenzahl, commanding officer. “This milestone puts us one step closer to rejoining the fleet. We are eager to get back to sea and contribute to our nation’s defense.” 

As America’s leader in attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivers the decisive edge required to master an era of evolving threats. It stands at the forefront of America’s commitment to peace through strength, delivering combat-ready submarines that are lethal, resilient, and prepared to win. Through a focus on innovation, accountability, and fostering a culture of warfighting excellence, PNSY strengthens the maritime industrial base and invests in its highly-skilled workforce. The work done at the shipyard is a direct contribution to national security. Submarines leave the shipyard more capable than ever before, ensuring the U.S. Navy remains the most dominant maritime force and that the nation’s warfighters are prepared for any mission, anywhere in the world. 

From the Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs, March 27, 2029 

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle traveled more than 18,000 miles across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility during a multi-stop visit to Australia and Singapore, underscoring the U.S. Navy’s enduring commitment to allies, partners and forward-deployed forces in the region. 
 
The trip began in Sydney, Australia, on March 19, where Caudle joined dozens of naval leaders from around the world in celebrating the 125th birthday of the Royal Australian Navy. 
 
During the visit, he met with Australia’s chief of navy, Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, to discuss deepening maritime cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two navies. 
 
“Our alliance with Australia is built on more than shared interests, it’s built on shared values, trust and decades of operating side by side,” Caudle said. “As we look to the future, our ability to integrate seamlessly across domains ensures we remain ready to meet any challenge together.” 
 
In Singapore, Caudle attended a senior leader engagement with the Republic of Singapore’s chief of navy, Rear Adm. Sean Wat, reinforcing the importance of regional partnerships in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. 
 
“Singapore is a vital maritime partner at the crossroads of global commerce,” Caudle said. “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, where the rule of law prevails and all nations can prosper.” 
 
While in Perth, Australia, Caudle met with U.S. Consul General Colleen Altstock, highlighting the critical role of diplomatic and military coordination in advancing U.S. interests abroad. 
 
During his travels, Caudle also engaged directly with Sailors assigned to USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) and USS Tulsa (LCS-16), recognizing their professionalism and the essential role they play in maintaining a forward presence. 
 
“Our forward-deployed Sailors are the backbone of our Navy’s ability to operate where it matters, when it matters,” Caudle said. “Their dedication, resilience and warfighting readiness send a clear message of commitment to our allies and deterrence to potential adversaries.” 
 
Caudle also toured HMAS Stirling, where he received updates on infrastructure upgrades, quality-of-service improvements and maintenance enhancements designed to support continued port visits by U.S. Navy submarines. The changes observed since Caudle’s last visit in 2024 were impressive and represent a significant step forward in achieving the milestones of the AUKUS agreement. 
 
“The investments being made at HMAS Stirling demonstrate our shared resolve to ensure maritime security and stability across the Indo-Pacific,” Caudle said. “Together, we are building a more integrated and capable force that can respond to evolving challenges and meet emerging threats head on.” 
 
Production facilities operated by Anduril Industries and Saronic Technologies were also on Caudle’s itinerary, where he was briefed on ongoing development in autonomous surface and subsurface platforms. 
 
The engagements highlighted the growing interest in advanced technologies in enhancing maritime awareness, expanding operational reach and accelerating the ability to integrate unmanned systems into the future fleet. 
 
“Autonomous systems are rapidly changing the character of naval warfare,” Caudle said. “Our partnerships with innovative industry partners help us move faster, think differently and deliver the capabilities our Sailors need to maintain a decisive advantage at sea.” These technologies are examples of the tailored offsets described in Caudle’s recently released U.S. Navy Fighting Instructions. 
 
The 10-day trip highlighted the U.S. Navy’s differentiated value to the Joint Force and the nation through ongoing efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships, enhance interoperability and maintain a credible forward presence across the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
The U.S. Navy, forward-deployed and globally integrated, operates alongside allies and partners to ensure security, deter aggression and uphold the free flow of commerce that underpins global prosperity. 

Resilient Uncrewed Logistics in GPS-Denied Maritime Environments 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – March 27, 2026 / The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Near Earth Autonomy (Near Earth) a contract to develop an aircraft-agnostic autonomy solution for ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship operations through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium (NASC). The work will advance the U.S. Marine Corps’ capabilities for uncrewed logistics missions in contested maritime environments. 

Most uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations rely on infrastructure, including GPS and continuous data.  When these are unavailable or denied, it becomes more difficult, or outright impossible, to complete missions.  Near Earth directly addresses these challenges by enabling UAS to conduct complex maritime logistics, in shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore transfers, without reliance on external infrastructure.  This capability significantly increases operational resilience for naval forces. 

Near Earth’s Firefly compact autonomy system is designed for integration with a wide variety of aircraft. Weighing just 2 pounds, Firefly is light enough to be incorporated into a broad range of Class 3 and Class 4 aircraft, greatly expanding its applicability across the uncrewed aviation ecosystem. It has been successfully integrated on platforms including BAE, L3 Harris, and Pterodynamics. Multiple capabilities will be matured under the contract, including autonomous confined area operations, ship recovery in emissions-controlled (EMCON) environments, and GPS-free navigation. 

This contract with the Navy is a key next step, maturing our autonomous systems performance for maritime missions,” said Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth Autonomy. “We will build upon our past work on compact systems for uncrewed aerial logistics. This effort supports the Navy’s ability to perform resilient, reliable maritime operations across aircraft.” 

This development will build on Near Earth’s 13+ years of innovation for defense programs. The progression began with Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS), which pioneered rotorcraft autonomy for Marine Corps resupply. Building on this, Near Earth miniaturized the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) system for Unmanned Logistics Systems Air (ULS-A), proving autonomy for small UAS in confined areas.  NAVAIR selected Near Earth Autonomy for the USMC Aerial Logistics Connector Program to demonstrate optimized logistics using rotorcraft. The Firefly system represents the latest advancement, enabling small cargo UAS operations for programs like the Marine Corps’ Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS).   

This contract will be validated through a series of test events to validate requirements, refine operational procedures, and systematically verify system performance. These tests will culminate in a final demonstration with the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River in September 2026, showcasing a full range of capabilities, including ship searching, deck tracking, night operations, and autonomous flights between moving vessels.