ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of 105 F-35 Lightning II strike fighters, including 42 F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing versions that Japan could deploy onboard ships to significantly expand its naval aviation capabilities.  

Under a potential $23.11 billion deal, Japan would procure 63 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing versions and 42 F-35Bs, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a July 9 release. 

The F-35B is operated off of aircraft carriers or amphibious assault ships by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.K. Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and the Italian Navy. The F-35 is built by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. of Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft’s F135 engine is built by Pratt and Whitney Military Engines of East Hartford, Connecticut. 

The F-35As would replace the legacy F-4 Phantom II fighters in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.   

In addition to the 105 aircraft, the planned procurement also would include 110 F135 engines (including five spares) as well as mission systems, logistics support, spare parts, engineering and technical support, and other services

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of Mk54 lightweight antisubmarine torpedoes to Germany and Belgium, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in two July 9 releases. The procurement of the torpedoes, built by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, would be conducted as foreign military sales. 

Under a deal with an estimated value of $130 million, Germany plans to procure 64 Mk54 All-Up-Round lightweight torpedoes and 10 Mk54 conversion kits to be used with fleet exercise sections as Mk54 exercise torpedoes. Also included in the proposed sale “are torpedo containers; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP) with containers; Fleet Exercise Section and fuel tanks to be used with Mk54 conversion kits; air launch accessories for fixed wing; torpedo spare parts; training, publications, support and test equipment; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” the DSCA said in a release.   

The DSCA also said that Belgium requests to buy 29 All-Up-Round Mk54 Mod 0 torpedoes. Also included in the potential $33.3 deal are two Fleet Exercise Section conversion kits; torpedo support equipment, training and publications; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.   

Germany would arm its P-3C maritime patrol aircraft with the torpedoes. The Belgian Navy, which is phasing out its inventory of Mk46 lightweight torpedoes, would deploy the Mk54s on its fleet of NH-90 helicopters and a new generation of multi-mission frigates.   

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Defense Department is taking another Defense Production Act Title III action to shore up the nation’s shipbuilding industrial base in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The action is one of seven announced July 10 by the Defense Department “to help sustain and strengthen essential domestic industrial base capabilities and defense-critical workforce. … These actions will help to retain critical workforce capabilities throughout the disruption caused by COVID-19 and to restore some jobs lost because of the pandemic,” the release said. 

DoD is investing $56 million in ArcelorMittal Inc. to sustain critical domestic industrial base shipbuilding capability and capacity. ArcelorMittal, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a steel and mining company with a major facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. 

“This investment will expand ArcelorMittal’s plate processing footprint and heat-treating capability, subsequently increasing its alloy steel plate production and ensure the U.S. Government gets dedicated long-term industrial capacity to meet the needs of the nation,” the release said, noting that the investment “will protect jobs in a region hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure critical capabilities are retained in support of U.S. Navy operational readiness.” 

SAN DIEGO — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt returned to San Diego on July 9, marking the end of its deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the commander of 3rd Fleet public affairs said in a release. 

More than 6,000 Sailors from Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 deployed Jan. 17 to conduct operations in the Indo-Pacific and maintain security and stability in the region. 

“I am incredibly proud of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group and all they’ve accomplished over the deployment,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9. “They operated in a variety of complex environments ranging from how to respond to an international pandemic to operating safely throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea.” 

Theodore Roosevelt sailed over 31,835 nautical miles, deploying dynamically to support dual-carrier operations, expeditionary strike force operations, air defense exercises, and joint-service interoperability exercises. 

Theodore Roosevelt made a historic port visit to Da Nang, Vietnam, only the second time a U.S. carrier has visited the country since the Vietnam War, to commemorate 25 years of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations. 

Theodore Roosevelt had an outbreak of coronavirus in early March and pulled into Guam ahead of a scheduled port visit. The carrier responded and moved more than half of the crew off ship to quarantine at various locations on Guam, leaving enough Sailors aboard to stand critical watches and to clean and sanitize the ship. The crew members who met rigorous ‘operational units’ return to work criteria set forth by U.S. Pacific Fleet returned to the ship and were able to get underway and back to their mission on June 4. 

“The crew of TR persevered displaying uncommon fortitude and tenacity in the face of uncertainty to meet expectations in a crisis,” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, the commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “This recovery of the ship and the crew on deployment is a testament to the professionalism of the young men and women of the TR who turned a potentially demoralizing downward spiral into a symbol of inspiration and hope against adversity.” 

To ensure the success of the deployment extends beyond their return to homeport, Theodore Roosevelt conducted a variety of training classes promoting sound decisions and safety. The information provided in the classes helps individual Sailors and their families know what to expect after returning to homeport. Topics covered included drinking and driving, returning to children, traffic safety, motorcycle safety, car buying, and money management. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s official most heavily engaged in the development of directed-energy (DE) weapons said the service is focused on fielding the sea service’s family of laser systems to warfighters but is also working to improve the systems’ power and beam control.  

“We’ve been working hard for the last five to seven years to try to bring directed energy forward in a meaningful sense to the warfighter and the operational community while at the same time advancing the technology,” said Frank Peterkin, senior technologist for directed energy at the Office of Naval Research, speaking July 7 at a Directed Energy Summit webinar sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton. 

Peterkin said that lasers primarily would be installed on surface combatants, particularly Flight II Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers but also, potentially, amphibious transport dock ships and littoral combat ships.  “There have been discussions [about] even putting lasers on aircraft carriers,” he added. 

The Navy’s initial mission sets lasers will be dazzling sensors on enemy platforms and engaging and defeating unmanned aerial vehicles. Future missions likely include defeating incoming missiles, including swarms. 

Peterkin said the “exquisite optics” of a laser’s beam director system will augment situational awareness and better direct other weapons as well. 

He said the installation of the laser weapon on the amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland last October has gone well, with the ship’s crew accommodating of Navy engineers amidst the difficulties of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Portland’s laser weapon demonstrated its ability to defeat a drone earlier this year. He said the amphib’s crew is quickly learning how to operate and sustain the weapon, with which the ship will deploy in 2021. 

The Navy will install the ODIN [Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy] laser weapon system on eight ships over the next three years, Peterkin said. An ODIN already is installed on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Dewey. 

He also stressed the need for more electrical power as the Navy develops its laser weapons to take on more than one target simultaneously. It was not just a matter of a more powerful beam, he said, but also of directing the weapon to more rapidly respond to incoming threats, such as swarms. “Power will get you faster kills,” he said, noting also that beam control also needed significant improvement.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy plans to inactivate nine ships in fiscal 2021, the service said in a message to the fleet.

According to a June 30 message from the chief of naval operations, four littoral combat ships (LCS), three coastal patrol ships (PC) and one dock landing ship (LSD) are to be decommissioned. The Military Sealift Command will remove from service one fleet ocean tug (T-ATF).

As planned in the Navy’s 2021 budget proposal, the service plans to decommission the first two Freedom-class LCSs — USS Freedom and USS Fort Worth — and first two Independence-class LCSs — USS Independence and USS Coronado. Three of these ships have made major deployments to the western Pacific and all have been used as development platforms to mature the type’s concept of operations. The four LCSs, all based in San Diego, will be placed in reserve status.

The three Cyclone-class PCs to be decommissioned are all based in Mayport, Florida, and used to train crews for the 10 PCs based in the Persian Gulf with the U.S. 5th Fleet. The three PCs being decommissioned — USS Zephyr, USS Shamal and USS Tornado — will be scrapped.

The Whidbey Island-class LSD being decommissioned is USS Fort McHenry, which will be placed in reserve. The move will leave seven ships of the class still in service.

The Powhatan-class T-ATF being removed from service is USS Sioux, which will be scrapped. Its removal will leave two T-ATFs in service. The class is being replaced by the Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships.

All eight commissioned ships listed above are to be decommissioned by March 31, 2021. The Sioux is to be removed from service by Sept. 30, 2021.

PACIFIC OCEAN — The USS McCampbell departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, on July 2 following 13 years of service forward-deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet. 

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer is en route to Portland, Oregon, where it will undergo midlife modernization. Following routine maintenance and system upgrades, McCampbell will proceed to Naval Station Everett, Washington, where it will be homeported. 

McCampbell operated in the Indo-Pacific while assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.  

“It has been an honor and privilege for the McCampbell crew to serve alongside the advanced warfighters in the most challenging operational environment. We also cherish the relationship we have developed with the forward-deployed Naval Forces-Japan community and our JMSDF neighbors,” said Cmdr. Patrick Sullivan, the McCampbell’s commanding officer. “We are very appreciative for all of the support for McCampbell and our families during the last 13 years.” 

McCampbell arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, in July 2007 while under the command of Cmdr. William M. Triplett to take the place of USS Gary and operated alongside the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk as part of the Kitty Hawk Strike Group. 

“The Yokosuka community was very welcoming when we arrived in July of 2007,” said retired Capt. William Triplett. “We had 50% of the crew coming over from Gary that had only done independent operations. So, our task was to quickly integrate this new blended crew and make them ready for strike group operations along with getting the rest of the crew settled in their new home. That first year was memorable and the crew came together quickly and made a great first impression on our new community, DESRON 15, and Task Force 70.” 

McCampbell conducted a multitude of humanitarian operations, strengthening the bonds with allied nations. In 2008, the ship supported disaster relief efforts off the coast of Indonesia following a series of earthquakes that caused significant damage to the region. In 2011, the ship was part of Operation Tomodachi to provide relief to Japanese citizens affected by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. In 2012, the ship rescued five Filipino fishermen off the Philippines after their vessel capsized. 

“In her 12 years with DESRON 15, McCampbell made lasting positive impacts to our allies, regional partners and to the security of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Capt. Steven DeMoss, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15. “McCampbell has been a workhorse for the theater commanders ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.” 

McCampbell routinely participated in several multinational exercises such as cooperation afloat readiness and training with regional navies in Southeast Asia. The ship also conducted ship anti-submarine warfare readiness and evaluation measurement as well as multiple cooperative deployments with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. McCampbell was also a regular participant in exercises Talisman Sabre and Malabar, hosted by Australia and India, respectively. 

SAN DIEGO — The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald arrived back at its homeport in San Diego on July 2 following more than two years of restoration and modernization after the warship was damaged in a collision in 2017. 

“Returning Fitzgerald to the fleet has truly been a team effort,” said Cmdr. Scott Wilbur, the Fitzgerald’s commanding officer. “I’m incredibly proud of what this crew has done over the last few years, bringing our ship back to the fleet. We’re happy to be home in San Diego to continue our training. I’m excited for what lies ahead.” 

In the early morning hours of June 17, 2017, the Fitzgerald was involved in a collision with the containership MV ACX Crystal, seriously damaging the destroyer. Seven of the Fitzgerald’s crew were killed. Several others were injured, including the ship’s commanding officer at the time, Cmdr. Bryce Benson. 

The Fitzgerald’s crew completed multiple training and certification events, such as navigation assessment and light off assessment (LOA), to ensure the crew was at peak readiness to operate the ship. The crew also completed 140 simulator hours. The Fitzgerald already completed three of the 23 certifications — search and rescue, medical and anti-terrorism — required for all surface ships prior to operational tasking. 

While in San Diego, the crew will continue to conduct simulator and at-sea training. The ship will complete extensive training and certification through basic, advanced and integrated phases. 

To restore the impacted spaces to full operations and functionality, various hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E), combat system and command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C5I) repairs were completed. These repairs ranged from partial to complete refurbishment of impacted spaces, to replacement of equipment such as the radar and electronic warfare suite; the ship also received HM&E, combat system and C5I modernization upgrades. 

Due to the extent and complexity of the restoration, both repair and construction procedures were used to accomplish the restoration and modernization efforts. 

“The Huntington Ingalls team in coordination with Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Naval Sea Systems Command has ensured USS Fitzgerald is a repaired, modernized and capable warship,” said Capt. Jay Clark, commander of Destroyer Squadron 1, where Fitzgerald is assigned. “The Fighting Fitz crew is resilient, competent and ready to succeed in the extensive system validations, training, and certifications needed for follow on high-end operations.” 

Prior to departing Pascagoula for San Diego, Fitzgerald’s crew began a pre-movement sequester on May 23 in accordance with Navy pre-deployment rules — compliance with Navy and CDC guidance minimizes the spread of COVID-19. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy is expanding its program to prepare more minority students for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, a senior Navy admiral said, to increase officer accessions of more black officers.

Speaking at a July 2 media roundtable about the Navy’s new Task Force One Navy, which was established on June 30 “to address the issues of racism, sexism and other destructive biases and their impact on naval readiness,” Vice Adm. John B. Nowell Jr., chief of naval personnel, said the Navy is increasing its efforts to increase the percentages of racial minorities in the officer corps.

Nowell said the Navy has made efforts for years to make the officer ranks more representative of the racial make-up of the U.S. population but has still fallen short.

He said that officers of African-American origin fill 8% to 9% of the officer corps, somewhat less than the 13% of the U.S. population. In the enlisted ranks, the Navy has been much more successful, with African-Americans making up 19% to 20% of the force.

“We want to look like the nation,” Nowell said. “If we don’t bring enough African-American officers in the front door, then I don’t have any hope of the person sitting here talking to you as CNP being African-American. … How do we mentor them prior to coming in?”

He said the Navy’s past studies of underserved communities that “they just don’t compete as well in getting in the officer corps, for some of the tests that [they] then have to do, for a community like aviation or like the SEALs,” he said.

At the U.S. Naval Academy, the Navy has long had the Naval Academy Preparatory  School, “designed for folks who need just a little bit more of a leg up from the academic side, typically based upon the kind of education they received prior to [entering] and then compete for and then do well at the Naval Academy,” he said.

“We didn’t have something like that for ROTC,” Nowell said. “So, three years ago, we started a pilot called our NROTC Prep Program.”

Under the program, universities were asked to provide one year of education, room and board to a student and, if the student succeeds, the Navy would guarantee a four-year NROTC scholarship at the participating university.

“We went from four [students] the first year, to 67 last year, and we’ll have probably between 100 and 150 this coming year,” he said. “The goal is about 200 per year.”

Howell said that “while that certainly will help any underserved community,  whether you’re white or African-American, the diversity we see there is one of the ways we’ll try to get more African-American officers into ROTC.”

He also said that sometimes a lack of awareness of opportunities hampers efforts to recruit minorities. “So, we are partnering with the National Naval Officers Association, an African-American affinity group of officers, to help us in those local communities to get that word out,” he said.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy stood up a special task force on June 30 to address the issues of racism, sexism and other destructive biases and their impact on naval readiness, the chief of naval personnel public affairs office said in a release. 

“Task Force (TF) One Navy” will be led by Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey, who will report his findings to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday via the Navy’s chief of personnel, Vice Adm. John B. Nowell Jr.   

“As a Navy — uniform and civilian, active and reserve — we cannot tolerate discrimination or racism of any kind. We must work to identify and eliminate individual and systemic racism within our force,” Gilday said. “That is why we are standing up Task Force One Navy, which will work to identify and remove racial barriers and improve inclusion within our Navy.” 

Holsey will be supported by fleet commanders and leadership from a number of organizations such as the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Chief of Chaplains, Surgeon General of the Navy, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith and many others. 

The task force will seek to promptly address the full spectrum of systemic racism, advocate for the needs of underserved communities, work to dismantle barriers and equalize professional development frameworks and opportunities within the Navy. 

“We are at a critical inflection point for our Nation and our Navy and I want to ensure that we are fully responding to this moment as we work to facilitate enduring change,” Nowell said. “We must use the momentum created by these events as a catalyst for positive change. We need to have a deeper inclusion and diversity conversation in our Navy and amongst our own teams.” 

TF One Navy will focus their efforts in recommending reforms in several key areas. These areas include: 

• Recruiting/barriers to service entry 
• Pre-accession mentorship frameworks/scholarship opportunities 
• Diversity of talent by community/talent management 
• Training/education along the service member career continuum 
• Detailing/milestone job opportunities 
• Fitness reporting/evaluation systems 
• Promotion/advancement processes 
• Military justice analysis of racial disparity 
• Health care and health disparities 

TF One Navy leadership and membership will represent the diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives within the Navy and will include membership reflecting the diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, age, and ranks from across the sea service. 

“We must demand of each other that we treat everyone with dignity and respect. If you won’t do that, then our Navy is not the best place for you,” Gilday said. “We are one team, and we are one Navy.”