Release from the U.S. Department of Defense 

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OCT. 6, 2023 

The Navy will commission the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) as the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Port Tampa Bay, Berth 150, Tampa, Florida. 

The Honorable Erik Raven, under secretary of the Navy, will deliver the commissioning ceremony’s principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Kathy Castor, U.S. representative, Florida’s 14th District; Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps; the Honorable Jane Castor, mayor of Tampa, Florida; and Ms. Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and executive vice president, HII. The ship’s sponsors are Ruby Lucas, widow of the ship’s namesake, and philanthropist Catherine B. Reynolds. 

DDG 125 is the 73rd Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer to be commissioned and the first in the Flight III configuration. She is the first naval warship to bear the name of USS Jack H. Lucas. USS Jack H. Lucas received its name on Sept. 17, 2016. DDG 125 is named for Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima, when he was just 17 years old. Lucas was the youngest Marine and youngest serviceman in World War II to be awarded the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. In 1961, he returned to military service as a captain in the U.S. Army and trained younger troops headed for Vietnam. Lucas passed away on Jun. 5, 2008, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The selection of Jack H. Lucas is a constant reminder of the immense impact that actions taken by any sailor or marine can truly have. 

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct various operations, from peacetime presence to national security. DDGs provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface environments. 

USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Paul Ignatius (117), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), and USS Momsen (DDG 92) are currently deployed overseas. These deployed Arleigh Burke-class destroyers contribute to various manned, unmanned, joint and maritime operations in support of operational commanders’ strategic vision. 

The ceremony will be live streamed at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32606. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event (9:50 a.m. EDT) 

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information on the destroyer program can be found at https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/ 

Release from Lockheed Martin  

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MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 28, 2023 – The U.S. Navy selected Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) as its Integrated Combat System (ICS) Systems Engineering and Software Integration (SESI) agent. Lockheed Martin will design integrated warfare system architecture and capabilities so that software updates can be delivered in real time across the Navy’s surface fleet of Aegis destroyers, cruisers, and frigates, plus carriers and amphibious ships. 

“Our 21st Century Security strategy is delivering capabilities like the Integrated Combat System, a next generation of combat management system capabilities to give decision-makers the tools needed to determine a course of action and then execute their critical missions,” said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager for Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin. “By leveraging the best of industry, we are creating the environment to quickly develop and field capabilities that will keep the Navy ready for current and future threats.”  

Lockheed Martin continues to support the U.S. Navy’s vision to transform into a fully cohesive ICS by connecting multi-domain assets and driving to a common architecture across the surface fleet. 

Digital Transformation and Innovation 

In support of the ICS, Lockheed Martin is utilizing a digital thread that encompasses the entire ecosystem, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), DevSecOps and model-based engineering to manage new upgrades and cyber security considerations from the beginning of the development cycle through sustainment. 

The ICS SESI program is formerly known as the Surface Combatant Combat Systems Engineering Agent role. Lockheed Martin has over five decades of experience providing the Aegis Weapon System to the Navy and international navies, and as the current provider of the Ship Self Defense System on large deck amphibious ships. 

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command public affairs 

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MANAMA, Bahrain – Last month, naval forces in the Middle East region successfully integrated unmanned platforms with traditionally crewed ships and aircraft to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. 

Seven task forces falling under U.S. 5th Fleet integrated 12 different unmanned platforms with manned ships for “manned-unmanned teaming” operations, tracking Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz.  

This operation bolstered presence in and around a critical chokepoint that in recent months has seen Iran unlawfully seize internationally flagged merchant ships. 

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were involved in the operation. 

“We have been operating UAVs and UUVs in the region for years,” said Capt. Joe Baggett, Director of Maritime Operations for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. “Adding our new USVs, and then integrating all of these platforms into fleet operations, is how we expect to fly and sail well into the future.”  

Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, ships and aircraft from Task Force 51/5 (Amphibious/Marine), Task Force 52 (Mine Countermeasures), Task Force 53 (Logistics), Task Force 55 (Surface Warfare), Task Force 56 (Expeditionary), Task Force 57 (Patrol/Reconnaissance) and Task Force 59 (Unmanned/Artificial Intelligence) conducted the operations.  

“The integration of new, multi-domain unmanned platforms into routine fleet operations provides more ‘eyes on the water,’ enhancing maritime domain awareness and increasing deterrence in the region,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. 
 
Cooper added that collectively, these platforms support the safe navigation and free flow of commerce through vital regional chokepoints, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. 

“This enhanced maritime security serves as a deterrent against malign activity and strengthens regional stability, which is good for everybody,” he said. 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb. 

Release from Curtiss-Wright 

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DAVIDSON, N.C. – October 5, 2023 – Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that it has been awarded a five-year, $34 million firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) to provide Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) based airborne data recorder technology for use on U.S. and Australian manned and unmanned maritime aircraft.  

Under the agreement, Curtiss-Wright will provide and service Keyed Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Airborne Recorder (K-BAR) Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions including chassis, docking stations, removable storage modules and lab cable sets. 

“We are pleased to have been selected by the Naval Surface Warfare Center to provide our rugged airborne network attached storage technology and support services for Naval manned and unmanned aircraft programs,” said Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “This award reflects our commitment to provide the most advanced and reliable open architecture data storage systems in support of our warfighters.” 

As a leading supplier of MOSA based encrypted, solid-state network-attached storage subsystems, Curtiss-Wright is providing the NSWC with commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) open architecture K-BAR NAS equipment supporting MQ-4C Triton and future PMA-290 aircraft. The sole source contract provides training and engineering services support to the K-BAR equipment. 

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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian T. Glunt, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Public Affairs 

05 October 2023 

IONIAN SEA – The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) concluded a series of high-end training events with Italian naval forces in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023, to increase interoperability as NATO allies and strengthen regional stability in the Mediterranean region. 

 “This opportunity to train with the Italian Navy again builds on our previous interactions during our current deployment and strengthens our interoperability skills as members of NATO,” said Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. “The exercise demonstrates our continued commitment to promote our shared interests of security, stability, and prosperity in the region and I am proud of our collective work to sustain this effort.” 

The world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), and squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 participated with Italian Navy flagship ITS Cavour (CVH 550), Italian Orizzonte-class guided-missile destroyer ITS Caio Duilio (D 554), and Italian Bergamini-class guided-missile frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591). 

The bilateral training events included multi-ship formation sails, cross-deck personnel training, helicopter cross-deck evolutions, various simulated defense exercises and airborne interoperability exercises between CVW-8 assets and ITS Cavour airwing. 

“I am beyond proud of the work and training the Italian Carrier Strike Group has executed together with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group throughout their deployment. It has reinforced the interoperability and interchangeability within our naval forces and air assets, vital to the alliance. Our current multi-carrier operations continue to promote our shared dedication to the security and freedom of the seas in the Wider Mediterranean region” said RADM Giacinto Sciandra, Commander, Second Naval Division/Italian Maritime Forces. 
 
Sailors assigned to Gerald R. Ford and Normandy participated in cross-deck evolutions with their foreign counterparts aboard Cavour and Duilio, further enhancing mutual understanding of operations and capabilities. 

The GRFCSG is conducting a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations in support of interoperability and maritime security. The GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce. In total, the GRFCSG is deployed with more than 5,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking. 

Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. 

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. 

For more information about USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @Warship_78, DVIDS www.dvids.net/CVN78 and LinkedIn at USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). 

Release from Northrop Grumman 

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PLYMOUTH, Minn. – Oct. 4, 2023 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a development contract for the company’s newly designed 57mm guided high explosive ammunition. Designated for use with the Mk110 Naval Gun Mount, the company will test and mature the munition for qualification.  

The 57mm guided high explosive ammunition has the unique ability to continuously maneuver in-flight as it moves toward a designated target. Designed to defend against fast moving surface threats, drones and swarming threats, the guided 57mm ammunition features an on-board seeker to acquire moving targets and a fuze with the ability to self-select for either proximity or point-detonation mode to best engage and defeat the intended target. 

“Our new 57mm guided ammunition is truly innovative in its ability to identify, track and guide itself to a target,” said Dave Fine, vice president, armament systems, Northrop Grumman. “The Navy will gain a greater capability to defend against moving threats and a new level of accuracy to defeat them.”  

As the newest addition to Northrop Grumman’s advanced ammunition portfolio, the 57mm round leverages the company’s expertise in guided munitions, such as the Precision Guidance Kit. Utilizing seekers and an aft-maneuver system, the round provides continuous trajectory guidance no matter how often the target may pivot. This new guided ammunition will give the Navy greater stand-off range and a cost-effective solution against small, fast-moving threats, without any weapon system modifications. 

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Oct. 5, 2023 

By U.S. Coast Guard District 11 

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Coast Guard will participate in the annual San Francisco Fleet Week from October 2-10 in San Francisco Bay.  

Throughout the week, the Coast Guard will showcase its capabilities and commitment to the community through various public engagements, including weekend ship tours of the National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) and Fast Response Cutter Benjamin Bottoms (WPC 1132), search-and-rescue demonstrations and recruiting booths with static displays at the Fleet Week Expo on the Marina Green from Oct. 5-8, and more.  

“We are honored to be a part of San Francisco Fleet Week – we are the largest branch of service in the Bay Area, and we are thrilled to be a large piece of this honored event,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander 11^th Coast Guard District. Our vast mission specialties gives us an opportunity to help ensure a safe event for everyone, as well as highlight the skills and capabilities of our service.”  

San Francisco Fleet Week is a multi-day event that celebrates our nation’s sea services and offers the public a unique opportunity to engage with the men and women serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps.  

“We are the oldest continuous seagoing service in the U.S. and encourage more young men and women to join our ranks,” said Capt. Taylor Lam, commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. “We hope that our presence at Fleet Week will be an opportunity for visitors to learn more about us.”  

Media interested in interviewing Coast Guard personnel during San Francisco Fleet Week can contact District 11 Public Affairs via email at [email protected] or at 510-437-3808.  

The U.S. Coast Guard invites the public to celebrate our nation’s sea services and meet our Coast Guard members. For more information about San Francisco Fleet Week, click here.  

Release from Sev1Tech 

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Sev1Tech to provide services for the Program Executive Office for Manpower, Logistics, and Business Solutions’ portfolio of essential branch operations 

WOODBRIDGE, Va., October 5, 2023 – Sev1Tech, a leader in providing information technology (IT), engineering, program management, C5ISR and cybersecurity systems integration and support services, was awarded a $45 million contract with the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office for Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions (PEO MLB) to provide Logistics IT integration and support (LIIS) services. Over the next five years, Sev1Tech will integrate Naval Logistics IT (LOG IT) capabilities into an end-to-end System of Systems (SoS) solution using agile and DevSecOps methodologies. These capabilities will include Naval Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (N-MRO), Naval Supply Chain Management (N-SCM), Naval Product Lifecycle Management (N-PLM), Logistics Integrated Data Environment (L-IDE), and Logistics Information Naval Connector (LINC).  

Sev1Tech’s Maritime Division will assist PEO MLB in managing its portfolio of over 200 current LOG IT systems by integrating common capabilities, data, and support services to improve service performance and decrease operational costs by reducing, eliminating, and automating duplicative services, capabilities, and data sets. In addition, Sev1Tech’s highly specialized integration platform and use of agile development processes and adaptable DevSecOps architecture will support continuous modernization, integration, and migration of LOG IT systems and accelerate speed to fleet of logistics capabilities.   

“This is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate Naval logistics IT modernization efforts across Navy SYSCOM and fleet end users,” noted Bob Lohfeld, CEO at Sev1Tech. “Leveraging our data integration, DevSecOps, and digital engineering expertise, our team will implement our portfolio integration solution to transform nearly 200 Navy logistics IT systems to a single, integrated Naval portfolio of systems, services and applications, deployed ashore and afloat. This capability is critical in enabling our warfighters to maintain their competitive edge and win the high-end fight.”  

Sev1Tech will be responsible for supporting more than 200 afloat and ashore IT systems and applications that service over 150,000 users. The contract will ultimately support all Naval Systems Commands (SYSCOMS) and Naval Operational Forces, including ships, carriers, submarines, aviation squadrons, and expeditionary forces.   

The contract will leverage Sev1Tech’s systems engineering, DevSecOps, and product support capabilities to accelerate the Navy’s ongoing Logistics IT modernization journey and enable Naval platforms, weapon systems, and associated infrastructure to be more ready, agile, efficient, and cost-effective.  

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03 October 2023 

Story by Brian O’Rourke 

SAN FRANCISCO – Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from several ships, squadrons and military units will be in San Francisco for the annual San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 2-9.

Participating ships and units include the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26); the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60); the Legend-class Coast Guard cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751); the Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Benjamin Bottoms (WPC 1132); the Blue Angels; the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs; Navy Band Southwest; 1st Marine Division Band; I Marine Expeditionary Force; 1st Marine Logistics Group; Combat Logistics Battalion 11; 1st Medical Battalion; U.S. Coast Guard District 11; Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1; Amphibious Construction Battalion 1; Amphibious Squadron 7; Expeditionary Strike Group 3; and Navy Region Southwest.

San Francisco Fleet Week offers the public an opportunity to take a tour of the ships and interact with service members as they showcase their ships’, units’, and services’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States and protect freedom of the seas. 
 
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces and assets also participate in a robust disaster response exercise, an annual event joint training event that adds a serious, practical objective to San Francisco Fleet Week. The exercise is designed to train military forces and local, county, state and federal government agencies to work together to respond to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires and industrial accidents. 
 
Service members will have an opportunity to interact with the local community while participating in a number of community relations projects and entertainment events throughout the week. 
 
The Fleet arrived in San Francisco Sunday-Monday, Oct. 1-2. The public will have opportunities to tour the ships and meet service members following their arrival. 
 
The schedule for ship tours is as follows and is subject to change: 
Wednesday, October 4 
Pier 30/32 
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
 
Thursday, October 5 
Pier 30/32 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
 
Friday, October 6 
No tours, however, the ships can be seen in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships 11-11:30 a.m. from Marina Green, Fort Mason, Aquatic Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and the Embarcadero. 
 
Saturday, October 7 
Piers 30/32, 35 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
 
Sunday, October 8 
Pier 30/32, 35 
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
 
Monday, October 9 
Pier 30/32, 35 
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
 
The public is encouraged to attend tours and interact with service members. 
Prohibited items aboard include the following: 
– Food or drinks, including ice chests and coolers 
– Camera tripods 
– Skateboards, bicycles, hover boards 
– Gang-related clothing 
– Unmanned aerial systems 
– Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons, 
– Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray; 
– Spray cans of any type, fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives 
– Illegal drugs and drugs considered illegal at the federal level, including marijuana, and/or drug-related paraphernalia 
– Electronic cigarettes 
– Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search) 
– Strollers 
– Drinks, other than water, to facilitate security 
– Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of service dogs for the disabled. 
– Ship tours may not be appropriate for those with disabilities and access and functional needs or certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse on board the ship. An alternative experience will be provided on the pier for those who wish to learn more about the ships in port. 
 
For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org. 

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MAYPORT, FL, UNITED STATES 

Story by Lt. Ayifa Brooks, 09.29.2023 

Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron TWO   

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT (Sept. 29, 2023) – Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Detroit (LCS 7) was decommissioned in Mayport, Fla., September 29. 
 
As an operational unit, Detroit and its crew played an important role in the defense of our nation and maritime freedom. Detroit and its Sailors were key to determine the operational success and deployment capabilities of today’s LCS platform. 
 
During the ceremony guest speaker, Capt. Meger Chappell, Commanding Officer, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero, wished the crew of Detroit fair winds and following seas as they bid farewell to their ship. 
 
“To the Sailors who have served aboard the USS Detroit, both past and present, I extend my deepest appreciation for your service.” said Capt. Meger Chappell, Commanding Officer, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero. “Your unwavering commitment and dedication to duty have been an inspiration to us all. The legacy of Detroit will live on through your stories, your achievements, and the impact you have made on our nation’s defense.” 
 
Detroit and its Sailors contributed a tremendous amount of work and time to ensure success of the LCS program during the ship’s time in naval service. USS Detroit (LCS 7) began the year with a Light Off Assessment (LOA) on January 30. The crew performed with distinction through several major milestones to include LOA, contractor sea trials, and the basic/advance phase in preparation for her 2023 deployment. Detroit completed her most recent deployment to Fourth Fleet in April 2023 partnered with the embarked US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, other US warships, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security. Detroit participated in two fleet experiments off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which greatly contributed to C4F’s tactical mission set. Detroit and her embarked LEDETs, seized an estimated total of 900kg of cocaine from entering the United States. Detroit provided maritime security presence enabling the free flow of commerce in key corridors of trade. 
 
“USS Detroit, the sixth ship to her name, represented the city of Detroit, the great state of Michigan, and her Nation with honor and distinction,” said Cmdr. Kyle Hickman, Detroit’s Commanding Officer. “Deploying four times to the SOUTHCOM AOR in just seven years, Detroit led the way in training, operations as a Surface Mission Module test platform, and critical COMFOURTHFLT tasking to include counter-drug interdiction, interoperability, and cooperative engagements throughout the Caribbean.” 
 
Detroit was designed by Lockheed Martin and constructed by Marinette Marine Corporation (Fincantieri) Marinette, Wisconsin. Detroit was commissioned October 22, 2016, in Lake Michigan. Mrs. Barbara Levin, wife of former U.S. Senator Carl Levin, served as the ship’s sponsor. 
 
USS Detroit (LCS 7) is the sixth US Navy vessel to bear the name of Michigan’s largest city. The ship represents the proud people of the Detroit community. Upon decommissioning, its Sailors will receive follow-on orders to new assignments. 
 
LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are versatile and are capable to support a broad spectrum of fleet missions and operate alongside regional navies and coast guards while supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. 
 
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, visit https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/lcsron2/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/comlcsron2/ 
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