WASHINGTON — Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships stood up their newest program office, U.S. Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Boats and Craft (PMS 300), with a small ceremony Oct 21., said Team Ships public affairs. 

PMS 300 was established to ensure programmatic resources are aligned to efficiently and effectively deliver capability to requirements after the current Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program Office (PMS 325) portfolio had grown significantly. 

“The creation of this program has further empowered this hard-working team to get things done,” said the PMS 300 program manager, Capt. Eric Felder, “I’m looking forward to working alongside this talented team of acquisition professionals as we navigate the growth of this new program to ensure collaboration and readiness with our domestic and allied partners remains strong.” 

PMS 300 will be responsible for commercial-based naval acquisition of craft and boats for the Navy, other Department of Defense and non-DoD customers. There will be three product line divisions, including Foreign Military Sales, Boats and Combatant Craft and Service Craft & Seaborne Targets, which will support all aspects of planning, budgeting, acquisition and life cycle management for boats and craft. Additionally, there will be two support divisions: Business and Financial Management and Integrated Logistics Support. 

PMS 325 will be renamed the Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office and will oversee auxiliary ships and special mission ships including the T-AO 205, NGLS, T-ARC(X), T-ATS, T-AGS, NOAA NAV, and T-AGOS(X) class programs. 

SOUTH CHINA SEA — The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and JS Kaga (DDH 184) are conducting maritime security operations and exercises, Lt. Cmdr. Miranda Williams, USS Carl Vinson, said in an Oct. 25 release. 

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Izumo-class helicopter destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184) and U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 are conducting bilateral operations in the South China Sea for the first time since Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) deployed this summer. 
 
While in the South China Sea, Japan and U.S. Navy units are conducting maritime security operations, to include flight operations, coordinated tactical training between surface and air units, refueling-at-sea evolutions and maritime strike exercises. 
 
Cooperative maritime engagements and U.S. carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific. 
 
“Bilateral operations are one key component in our collective maritime readiness,” said Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, CSG 1. “The Indo-Pacific is a dynamic region and by continuing to conduct routine operations with our allies and partners throughout international waters and airspace, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to upholding international law, on the sea and in the air, and to ensuring that all nations can do the same without fear or contest.” 
 
Since arriving in the U.S. 7th Fleet region, CSG 1 units have participated in multiple operations and exercises with JMSDF units, most recently MALABAR 2021 and Maritime Partnership Exercise. JMSDF Rear Adm. IKEUCHI Izuru, Commanding Officer of IPD21 force, Commander of Escort Flotilla 3 said maritime alliances and partnerships are vital to maritime security and underpin the free flow of commerce and access to resources in the region. 
 
“Through a series of large-scale exercises, the JMSDF was able to enhance its tactical capabilities as well as strengthen its cooperative relationship with the navies of participating countries,” said Rear Adm. IKEUCHI Izuru, Commanding Officer of IPD21 force, Commander of Escort Flotilla 3. “Our activities in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, which are important international maritime traffic routes, together with the navies of our allies and partners who share our fundamental values and strategic interests, demonstrate our unity and strong will to realize a “free and open Indo-Pacific” based on law.” 
 
Led by Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, U.S. Navy units operating in the SCS include aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS Shiloh (CG 67); Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1; and nine squadrons of embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2. 
 
CVW-2 consists of an F-35C squadron, the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, and the “Golden Dragons” of VFA-192; the “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, operating the EA-18G Growler; the “Black Eagles” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 113, operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, operating the CMV-22B Osprey; the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, operating the MH-60S Seahawk; and the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, operating the MH-60R Seahawk. 
 
This marks the second time that a carrier strike group is operating in the South China Sea with the advanced capabilities of the F-35C Lightning II and Navy CMV-22B Osprey. 
 
CSG 1 is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

WASHINGTON — The Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) and the Army Hypersonic Program Office (AHPO) successfully conducted a High Operational Tempo for Hypersonics flight campaign Oct. 20, the SSP said Oct. 21. 

This flight campaign was executed by Sandia National Laboratories from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. This test will be used to inform the development of the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) and the Army’s Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) offensive hypersonic strike capability. 

This test demonstrated advanced hypersonic technologies, capabilities, and prototype systems in a realistic operating environment. Three precision sounding rocket launches were conducted containing hypersonic experiments from partners, including CPS, AHPO, the Joint Hypersonic Transition Office, Sandia, Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, MITRE, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and several defense contractors. 

During weapon system development, precision sounding rocket launches fill a critical gap between ground testing and full system flight testing. These launches allow for frequent and regular flight-testing opportunities to support rapid maturation of offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies. 

This test is a vital step in the development of a Navy-designed common hypersonic missile, consisting of a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) and booster, which will be fielded by both the Navy and Army with individual weapon systems and launchers tailored for launch from sea or land. The Department of Defense successfully tested the CHGB on March 20, 2020. The Navy and Army will continue to work in close collaboration to leverage joint testing opportunities. 

Delivering hypersonic weapons is one of the DoD’s highest priorities. Hypersonic weapons, capable of flying at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), are highly maneuverable and operate at varying altitudes. The DoD is working in collaboration with industry, government national laboratories, and academia to field hypersonic warfighting capability in the early-to mid-2020s. 

The Army and Navy routinely share data with Missile Defense Agency that supports its work on hypersonic defenses. 

WASHINGTON — The Navy released on Oct. 20 two reports related to the fire aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) on July 12, 2020: the results of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command Investigation and a Major Fires Review commissioned by the vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) that examined all major fires in the Navy over the last 12 years, VCNO public affairs said.  

The Navy convened the Pacific Fleet command investigation on USS Bonhomme Richard to specifically examine all causal and contributing factors to the fire that resulted in the total loss of the ship.   

There were four categories of causal factors that allowed for the accumulation of significant risk and led to an ineffective fire response: the material condition of the ship, the training and readiness of the ship’s crew, the integration between the ship and supporting shore-based firefighting organizations and the oversight by commanders across multiple organizations. The command investigation also concluded “a lack of familiarity with requirements and procedural noncompliance at multiple levels of command” contributed to the loss of ship.   

VCNO Adm. Bill Lescher emphasized the Navy’s commitment to making urgent and necessary changes to correct the deficiencies and related root causes that led to the Bonhomme Richard fire.   

“The loss of this ship was completely preventable,” said Lescher. “And the Navy is executing a deliberative process that includes taking appropriate accountability actions with respect to personnel assigned to Bonhomme Richard and the shore commands designed to support the ship while moored at Naval Base San Diego.” 

Lescher designated the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Consolidated Disposition Authority to handle administrative and disciplinary actions relating to military members. Recommendations concerning civilian employees will be forwarded to the cognizant supervisor for action. Based on a separate criminal investigation, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet preferred charges against one Sailor who is charged with aggravated arson and hazarding a vessel. A preliminary hearing for the Sailor is scheduled for mid-November.   

The investigation was exhaustive in scope, yielding more than 1,000 findings of fact associated with the fire resulting in 242 opinions based on those findings, 139 recommendations for corrective action by various organizations at levels throughout the Navy, and listing 36 individuals recommended for accountability actions.   

Additionally, the report recognized the “bravery, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in the actions of Sailors across the San Diego waterfront and others who had a role in the response,” and identified 10 meritorious performance recommendations for actions taken during the firefighting efforts.    

Alongside the Bonhomme Richard investigation results, the Navy also released the results of the Major Fires Review, ordered in January 2021 by the VCNO. A comprehensive historical review of major fires aboard U.S. Navy ships, the Major Fires Review aimed at identifying recurring trends in the causal factors of 15 major shipboard fires over the past 12 years.   

The expansive review included 12 major findings contributing to a current state of elevated risk for ships in maintenance availabilities with seven strategic recommendations for corrective actions.  

The Major Fires Review revealed that ineffective learning, the persistence of underlying weaknesses in shipboard watchstanding standards, hazardous and combustible material stowage and training were the primary issues contributing to a lack of enduring change in shipboard fires.   

To address the findings of the Command Investigation and the Major Fires Review, the Navy established a Learning to Action Board to both implement the recommendations and to assess their ongoing execution overtime, testing both whether the recommendations remain in effect and whether they are providing the intended effect.   

The first Learning to Action Board convened Oct. 13 and will meet quarterly to provide a structure, process, and forum to drive accountability for implementing and assessing approved recommendations through Fleet, Type Command and Systems Command ownership.   

“The provides the structure and cadence of accountability for learning that will make these recommendations come alive with urgency,” Lescher said.  

See the Command Investigation of the USS Bonhomme Richard fire and the Major Fires Review documents in the Navy FOIA reading room.

ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S Navy leaders are bullish on the forthcoming Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG 62) for many reasons, including lethality, commonality, proven combat systems, and abundance of space, weight and power. In at least one respect, the FFG may be a “first” — possibly the first U.S. Navy ship with conditions-based maintenance (CBM) designed into it. 

The FFG “is going to be one of our first ship classes — if not our first one — delivered with a conditions-based maintenance system inherent in the design,” said Rear Adm Casey Moton, program executive officer, Unmanned and Small Surface Combatants, speaking Oct. 18 in San Diego at the Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium of the American Society of Naval Engineers. 

Conditions-based maintenance is maintenance on a platform, system or equipment that depends on the current condition of the system. It is designed to help optimize the maintenance funds, work force, material and infrastructure at hand.  

CBM can involve scheduling maintenance based on data that can determine when a repair or replacement is needed before a failure occurs. Sensors can be used to monitor conditions and detect a potential failure before it happens. 

“We are working that very closely with SEA 21, with NAVSEA 05, how we’re going to use that working with type commanders,” Moton said. “[There] is a lot of work going on there to make sure that we are able to leverage that capability. The frigate’s boing to be one of the first ships that brings that actually brings that technical solution.”   

“For CBM, we’re trying to do important things that hopefully are going to result in less time in availabilities,” he said. “It’s a big change for the Navy, so we need industry supporting us, and that goes all the way back to the shipbuilders and the equipment suppliers.” 

Moton praised the frigate’s program as having a “good set of requirements,” a “good design,” good sustainment features, reliability built in the specifications, commonality of the combat system, good ship control software, and margins in space, weight and power to accommodate future electronic warfare systems and directed energy weapons. He noted that the program’s emphasis on basic fundamentals “sets us up for success.” 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command said efforts to improve planning of ship maintenance availabilities are showing positive results and are helping shipyards execute the work. 

Vice Adm. William Galinis, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, speaking Oct. 19 in San Diego during the Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium, said that a key metric — days of maintenance delay — “really did not change from fiscal year ‘20 to ’21, but there are “a lot of positives out there.”  

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected shipyards and their workers, but Galinis pointed out not a single shipyard had to be closed during the pandemic. But he said that the Navy is starting to see more delay in the supply chain. 

A major factor in days of maintenance delays was the difficulty and complexity of some of the ship modernization programs, he said.  

The admiral said in fiscal 2021, the private sector shipyards delivered 40% of ships on time from their maintenance periods, whereas the Navy’s shipyards delivered about 55% on time. 

Galinis noted some positive developments. 

“We’re really starting to see some good work coming out of the planning efforts,” he said, including use of ship class maintenance plans. 

“We’re seeing now about 60% of the work going into the availabilities is directed maintenance coming right out of class maintenance plans,” he said. “That’s a plus. What we need to do now is standardize that work availability to availability, port to port, as best we can, always realizing that the ship gets a vote.” 

Galinis also noted improvement in work package development. 

“We’re locking the work package on time a year out,” he said. “I think we almost achieved 100% in [fiscal] ’21. That’s a huge, huge plus: to stabilize the work package in that time frame. We need to manage the work that gets to the package after that point.” 

He also noted that contracts to the shipyards have been issued earlier — an average of 115 days, almost four months, before work start — “a real benefit to the shipyards.” 

Galinis said the Navy needs to build the project teams sooner from the regional maintenance center, the shipyard and the ship’s crew. He also said there is work to be done in ensuring completeness of work and the quality of specifications.  

He also noted that progress has been made in getting advance materials to shipyards before the project starts is improving.  

“We’re above 95% right now getting material to the shipyards” before the project starts, he said. 

Galinis sees promise in the increased use of data analytics and artificial intelligence, that by driving those tools into the planning process “we’re going to see almost an exponential increase in improvement in that area.” 

Managing the amount of change in a work package continues to be a challenge, he said, noting that changes in the package can have a “significant impact” negatively affecting on-time delivery.  

YOKOSUKA, Japan — The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), returned to Yokosuka, Japan, Oct. 16, following a five-month deployment across 5th and 7th Fleet, the ship’s public affairs office said in a release. 

During Ronald Reagan’s deployment, the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 flew more than 14,820 flight hours, and the ship transited nearly 43,000 nautical miles. The strike group departed Yokosuka May 19 and conducted passing exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in May and June. The ship transited through the Strait of Malacca on June 18 and participated in joint, simultaneous multi-domain operations with the Indian navy and air force from June 23-24. This marked the first naval integration event off the West Coast of India since MALABAR 2020. 
 
The carrier strike group executed integrated at-sea operations alongside the United Kingdom’s HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08) Strike Group, as well as the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWOARG) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in the Gulf of Aden, July 12. The strike group also participated in several interoperability and bilateral events, to include operations with the French frigate FS Languedoc (D 653), Pakistan navy frigate PNS Alamgir (F 260) and German navy frigate FGS Bayern (F 217). 
 
While deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Ronald Reagan supported naval operations while CVW-5 provided airpower to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they conducted drawdown operations from Afghanistan. Operating as Task Force 50 in 5th Fleet, personnel from the strike group supported Task Force 58 in September with facilitating the safe transit of more than 7,000 U.S. citizens and evacuees traveling from Afghanistan during Operation Allies Refuge. The task force included more than 1,400 U.S. and coalition personnel from various units operating in the region. U.S. service members worked to provide travelers with meals, short-term lodging, and medical services around the clock before departing. 
 
“This year’s deployment was historic and unprecedented for the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Our crew’s unrelenting dedication, seamless teamwork, and unmatched ability to overcome challenges enabled Ronald Reagan’s ability to provide support for Operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Allies Refuge during the final days of the war in Afghanistan. I am extremely proud of the crew’s resilience and success throughout this year. The brave men and women of ‘Warship 76’ answered the call whenever and wherever they were needed, demonstrating the extreme versatility and unmatched capability of our forward-deployed naval forces.” 
 
The strike group returned to U.S. 7th Fleet Sept. 17 from the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. 
 
Prior to returning home in October, the strike group and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) carrier strike group joined with United Kingdom’s carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) CSG 21 and JMSDF ships led by Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) for multiple carrier operations in the Philippine Sea; bringing together 17 ships from six nations and more than 15,000 Sailors. The purpose of the integration was to demonstrate capabilities in multi-domain operations, U.S. dedication to regional stability, and highlight the U.S. Navy’s enduring power-projection capability. 
 
On the 2021 deployment, the carrier strike group included the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and embarked staffs of Task Force 70 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97). 
 
Sailors manned the rails in dress white uniforms as the ship arrived pierside, following more than 153 COVID-free-days at sea since departing Yokosuka in May. 
 
“The team working together to safely navigate the ship through the Strait of Malacca twice, the San Bernardino Strait, the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the South China Sea truly demonstrates the importance of freedom of the seas and keeping the sea lines of communication open. This is especially vital in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Cmdr. Nathan Moore, Ronald Reagan’s navigator. “Pulling pierside back in Yokosuka and being home safe after five months straight at sea is something we are all grateful for and quite proud of. We served a critical mission for our country and helped to finish an important chapter of our nation’s history.” 
 
While in port, Ronald Reagan will remain in sustainment and ready to immediately redeploy in response to a crisis or other tasking. The crew maintains a high level of training, forward-presence, warfighting proficiency, quick-response posture, and readiness to respond to any regional contingency. 
 
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world, and with the help of and network of alliances and partners from 35 other maritime nations, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The loss of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard pier-side to a raging fire last year was a terrible blow to the U.S. Navy, but as the hulk of the ship was being towed from San Diego to Brownsville, Texas, this summer for scrapping, it performed one last service to the Navy and the nation, one that the Navy will try to repeat in the future.  

While still under tow in the Gulf of Mexico 300 miles from its destination, the Navy conducted a salvage exercise on the hulk of the Bonhomme Richard to provide valuable training for its personnel. 

The Navy brought to the hulk mobile diving and salvage personnel and divers, said Rear Adm. Eric Ver Hage, commander, Regional Maintenance Center and director, Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernization for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), speaking at the American Society of Naval Engineers Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium 2021. “All of the NAVSEA commands [and] fleet commands were involved. 

“They were able to cut metal, flood spaces, de-water spaces, patch the holes at sea; it was really, really realistic,” Ver Hage said. “We’re going to do more of that.”     

The Navy is focusing on wartime readiness and an important part of that is battle damage repair capability and capacity, the admiral said. 

With the Navy focusing more on great power competition and the increasing focus on war at sea, repairing incurring damage on its ships is demanding more attention from Navy leaders. 

Ver Hage cited the experiences of the 2000 bombing of the destroyer USS Cole and the fire on the USS Bonhomme Richard as focusing his mind on the need for the Navy to shore up its ability to repair battle damage in wartime or peacetime. He said the Navy’s Regional maintenance centers are key to that capability, “along with the operational forces, mobile diving and salvage, [superintendent of salvage], and public shipyards. It’s a team effort.”   

He noted that expertise from the oil and gas industry was brought to bear on the fire-fighting efforts for Bonhomme Richard. Drones were used for up-close inspection of hot spots and helicopters were used as a bucket brigade to help extinguish the fire. 

Ver Hage said that in future exercises in which former Navy ships are expended as targets for the fleet, the Navy will take advantage of these opportunities to exercise battle damage repair capabilities. 

MOBILE, Ala. — Austal USA hosted the christening ceremony for the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) Independence-variant littoral combat ship at the company’s Gulf Coast shipyard Oct. 16, the company said in a release. Ship sponsor Lolita Zinke performed the ceremonial bottle break over the bow of the Santa Barbara, the 16th LCS designed and constructed by Austal USA and the third U.S. Navy ship to be named after the California coast city. 

Zinke, wife of former U.S. member of Congress and former U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, was selected by then-Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer to be the ship sponsor of the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32). Zinke was born and raised in Santa Barbara. 

“I could never have imagined I would be standing here today ready to christen a Navy ship,” Zinke said, “let alone one named after my home town.”  

Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh welcomed the official party and community members and employees who attended the ceremony. 

“I am proud to represent the Austal shipbuilding team today as we commemorate a significant milestone in the life of this incredible warship,” said Murdaugh. “Our talented team of shipbuilders is proud to provide our Navy with an extraordinarily capable vessel that will honor the great city of Santa Barbara as she becomes a vital part of the U.S. naval fleet protecting our Nation.” 

Santa Barbara (LCS 32) is the 16th of 19 small surface combatants Austal USA is building for the U.S. Navy. Five littoral combat ships are under various stages of construction. Austal USA is also constructing two Expeditionary Fast Transport ships for the U.S. Navy with another beginning construction next month, and the company also was recently awarded a contract to build two steel Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ships. 

SAN DIEGO — Amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) arrived in San Diego Oct. 15, after a decade of forward-deployed service in the Indo-Pacific region operating out of Japan, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 public affairs said in a release. 
 
As part of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces in Japan, Germantown worked alongside allied and partner nations to provide security and stability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

“We are excited to welcome Germantown and her crew to the team,” said Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3. “They made an incredible impact in the Indo-Pacific as a forward-deployed ship, and I know they will continue to excel in San Diego.” 
 
Since 2011, Germantown has participated in numerous operations and exercises across the Indo-Pacific including Cobra Gold, Valiant Shield, Kamandag, MTA Sama Sama, and Tiger Triumph 2019, the first U.S.-India bilateral exercise to feature all three joint services, Army, Navy, and Air Force. 
 
During an innovative achievement in June, Germantown resurrected a World War II-era waterborne ambulance concept during a certification exercise. Installing a medical shock trauma section on Germantown’s Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) added another link in the “heal chain” to get wounded Marines from the battlefield to critical care. 
 
“I am immensely proud of the hard work and incredible performance of our crew in 7th Fleet,” said Cmdr. Cullen Greenfield, commanding officer of Germantown. “As we transition to 3rd Fleet and ESG 3, this crew continues to display its trademark resiliency and warfighting capability with early renewal of warfare certifications in both the Communications and Intelligence mission areas, and a seamless instream offload of Marines after San Francisco Fleet Week.” 
 
Most recently, Germantown participated in Talisman Sabre 21, marking the third time the ship has taken part in the U.S.-Australia bilateral exercise with partner support from Canada, South Korea and Japan. Germantown demonstrated their ability to act as a force multiplier in amphibious assaults, providing critical back-up through embarked LCU. 
 
Germantown also completed Advanced Integrated Training and Certification Exercise, a demanding multi-faceted exercise where the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11 conducted exercises ranging from non-compliant vessel boarding, boat raids, underway replenishments, and amphibious landings with air support provided from amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). 
 
Germantown sailed from San Diego on Jan. 5, 2011, replacing USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). USS Rushmore (LSD 47) will replace Germantown later this year.