Release From Naval Air Systems Command

NAS PATUXENT RIVED, Md. — The U.S. Navy awarded a $554 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) in late July to provide naval aviators with training support services under the Fleet Fighter Jet Services. 

“The Fighter Jet Services contract represents a critical investment in the readiness and capability of our fleet air training and certification programs,” said Capt. Jason Pettitt, Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) and AV-8B Harrier Program Office (PMA-257) program manager. “By leveraging contracted air services (CAS), we are able to provide our aircraft squadrons and shipboard operators with advanced training to counter emerging airborne threats, including electronic warfare operations.” 

The contract provides approximately 6,500-7,000 flight hours per year of fleet support using contractor-owned and operated high subsonic and supersonic fighter aircraft – Mirage F1, F-21 Kfir and Mk.58 Hawker Hunter – for flying a variety of airborne threat simulations for both U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aviators. This includes simulating threat aircraft capabilities in an electronic combat environment, integrating as part of aggressor force in support of adversary air requirements. 

Using the CAS approach enhances the effectiveness of aircrew and operators while preserving the fatigue life of operational F/A-18 and EA-18 aircraft. 

“The FJS contract underscores our commitment to maintaining a highly trained and mission-ready force while achieving significant cost savings for the Navy and the nation,” Pettitt said. 

Through the CAS, ATAC is responsible for operating and maintaining tactically relevant aircraft along with associated systems required to interface with other supporting platforms and ground force personnel. 

The contract runs through 2030. 

Release From HII
 

LONDON, Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) and Thales today announced the successful integration and field exercise of the Thales SAMDIS¹ 600 sonar with HII’s next generation REMUS 620 medium unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). 

The integration demonstrates the seamless compatibility of Thales’ world-leading multi-aspect synthetic aperture SAMDIS 600 sonar with HII’s highly modular, long-endurance REMUS 620 UUV. Together, the systems deliver advanced autonomous mine detection, classification, and imaging, offering naval forces and partners around the world enhanced capability for undersea security, mine countermeasures, and subsea infrastructure monitoring. 

The exercise, completed at the end of August at the HII Pocasset facility (Massachusetts, USA), marks a major milestone in advancing autonomous undersea mine countermeasure capabilities. 

An image accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/thales-and-hii-partners-to-develop-advanced-autonomous-undersea-mine-countermeasure-capabilities. 

“Teaming the Thales’ advanced SAMDIS 600 sensor in the REMUS 620 underscores the power of collaboration in driving innovation for our customers,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of Mission Technologies’ Unmanned Systems business group. “This milestone demonstrates not only the adaptability of the REMUS 620 but also the strength of industry partnerships in delivering next-generation, interoperable solutions that enhance undersea dominance for NATO and allied forces.” 

“SAMDIS empowers missions with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness, serving as a crucial enabler for precise acoustic identification through its multi-aspect and high-resolution SAS capabilities. This achievement is the result of a strong working relationship with HII, demonstrating the strength of industry collaboration in delivering advanced solutions for the benefit of our users’ missions,” said Paul Armstrong, managing director, Underwater Systems, Thales in the United Kingdom. 

HII and Thales’ collaboration builds on decades of leadership in unmanned and underwater systems. Thales is the world’s leading exporter of naval sonar systems, while HII’s REMUS UUV family has become the benchmark for modular, reliable, and mission-ready autonomous undersea vehicles. 

From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs, Sept. 8, 2025 

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRF CSG) led an allied maritime force with Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and NATO Allies Norway, Germany and France to conduct routine operations in the High North region from Aug. 23-Sept. 8, 2025. 

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRF CSG) led an allied maritime force with Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and NATO Allies Norway, Germany and France to conduct routine operations in the High North region from Aug. 23-Sept. 8, 2025. 

The High North is a critical region for the U.S. and NATO Alliance to stand together in support of a safe, stable and secure Euro-Atlantic region by enhancing military capabilities, readiness and interoperability. 

“What we’re doing is a building block on the last three years of our U.S. Carrier Strike Groups’ work off the coast of Norway and in the High North seas with the Royal Norwegian Navy. This consistent teamwork has fostered a strong and enduring relationship between our two navies,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve. “Our mutual understanding of each other’s naval priorities, perspectives, and methods ensures efficient and effective work whenever we operate together. We are extremely fortunate to continue to build on this steadfast U.S.-Norwegian naval relationship to defend against threats to maritime security.” 

A surface action group (SAG), led by USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72), was joined by Royal Norwegian Navy HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F 314) and French Navy FS Aquitaine (D 650) operating under national authorities and FGS Hamburg (F220) operating under MAROM Standing NATO Maritime Group 1. 

The SAG transited Southeast of Svalbard off the Northern coast of Norway and conducted various operations supported by coalition auxiliary ships USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), HNoMS Maud (A 530) and FS Somme (A 631). 

“We are thrilled to work alongside our friends and Allies as we take on the challenge of ensuring peace and freedom are shared by all traversing our waterways,” said Royal Norwegian Navy Cmdr. Lars Ole Hoknes, commander of Thor Heyerdahl. “The Norwegian Sea and the areas surrounding it must remain free, no matter the cost.” 

Additionally, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) conducted flight operations and strike exercises in the Norwegian Sea in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. 

In July 2024, the Department of Defense released the 2024 DoD Arctic Strategy, the fourth iteration for the Department, which outlines the United States’ commitment to preserving the Arctic as a secure and stable region with Allies and partners. 

The allied maritime force’s operations, led by GRF CSG, are a testament to this commitment, advancing the strategy’s lines of effort to enhance maritime domain awareness and the ability to campaign in the Arctic. The strategy builds upon the 2022 National Security Strategy, the 2022 National Defense Strategy, and the 2022 National Strategy for the Arctic Region. 

The GRF CSG continues to support U.S. 6th Fleet’s maritime operations and theater security cooperation missions, working alongside Allies and partners to deter aggression, preserve economic prosperity and keep the seas free and open. 

Carrier Strike Group Twelve is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. You can find more information on DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN78. 

From the Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas–Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) celebrated a significant achievement this week as the first four student naval aviators from Training Air Wing FOUR (TW-4) successfully completed their multi-engine training in the Navy’s new T-54A “Multi-Engine Training System” (METS), known as the Marlin II. 
 
The U.S. Navy declared initial operational capability for the T-54A in May 2024, giving future naval aviators a modern platform to prepare them for the advanced aircraft they will fly in the fleet. These graduates represent the inaugural class of the Navy’s upgraded advanced training pipeline, designed to replace the long-serving T-44C Pegasus after over 40 years of service. 
 
“This is a proud moment for TW-4 and the entire naval aviation community,” said Capt. Paul Penn, Commodore of TW-4. “These students embody the future of our multi-engine fleet, and their success reflects years of careful planning, testing, and teamwork to ensure the T-54A delivers world-class aviators.” 
 
Based on the King Air 260 platform, the T-54A introduces advanced avionics, digital displays, and enhanced safety systems to the Navy’s undergraduate multi-engine syllabus. Integrated with a comprehensive suite of high-fidelity simulators and a redesigned curriculum under the METS program, students now train on systems and procedures more closely aligned with fleet aircraft they will go on to fly, such as the P-8A Poseidon, E-6B Mercury and C-130J Hercules. 
 
With the first four graduates now moving on to their fleet replacement squadrons, TW-4 is ready to expand T-54 training for more naval aviators in the years ahead. The program plans to ramp up as additional aircraft and simulators are delivered, aiming for full operational capability soon. 
 
“The METS program is about more than just a new aircraft,” Penn emphasized. “It’s about equipping our students with the skills they need to excel in a complex, demanding operational environment. Today’s milestone confirms we are on the right track.” 
 
For the new winged pilots, this achievement is not only a personal milestone but a significant contribution to the Navy’s operational readiness and warfighting advantage across the fleet. 
 
Headquartered at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) oversees five training air wings and 17 training squadrons across Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. These squadrons conduct primary, intermediate, and advanced flight training for student naval aviators, naval flight officers, and air vehicle pilots. CNATRA remains steadfast in its mission to train, mentor, and deliver the highest quality naval aviators prepared to win in competition, crisis, and conflict. 

From RTX, Sept. 8, 2025  

System remains an integral part of ship self-defense for U.S. Navy 

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded a $205 million contract from the U.S. Navy for continued production of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). 

As part of the contract, Raytheon will provide upgrades, conversions, overhauls, and related equipment. 

“Phalanx is our Navy’s last line of defense, expertly designed to protect our sailors from the threats they face every day,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Securing this contract underscores the trust the U.S. Navy places in an absolutely critical system.” 

The Phalanx weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats that may penetrate preceding layers of defense. It is installed on all U.S. Navy surface combatant ship classes and on those of 24 allied nations. 

In January 2024, Phalanx was deployed by the USS Gravely to destroy a Houthi missile in the Red Sea just moments before impact, saving the lives of over 300 sailors onboard. 

Work on this contract will take place in Louisville, Ky. and other U.S. sites through 2029. 

by LCSRON TWO Public Affairs, Aug 21, 2025 

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA – Sailors aboard the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) recently completed an at-sea Main Propulsion Diesel Engine repair, enabling the ship to remain on mission. This self-sufficient repair, a task previously requiring contractor assistance, marks another milestone in the Navy’s effort to strengthen crew-led maintenance and improve operational readiness of the LCS fleet. 
 
The St. Louis’ engineering department dedicated several hours conducting repairs and operational testing, ultimately resulting in the ship being able to meet mission requirements. Additionally, the warship’s supply department played a crucial role, ensuring the rapid delivery of required equipment to the enginemen, facilitating the timely completion of the repairs. 
  
“I am beyond proud of all the hard work the St. Louis team has demonstrated over the past few weeks. They have shown exceptional professional curiosity, truly embodying becoming masters of their equipment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jasmine Hilton, chief engineer of St. Louis. “The LCS community as a whole has been working to build on enlisted technical expertise over the years, and these Sailors have proven that it can be done.” 
  
The deployed repair underscores a two-year push to increase LCS self-sufficiency by training Sailors to perform more maintenance and repairs at the point of need.  Alongside enhanced training, the Navy has strategically positioned high-demand spare parts onboard. This allows crews to restore full operational capability more quickly. This approach is improving the reliability of critical systems and extending the operational endurance of deployed LCS warships. 
  
“The engineering team has proven that with the right parts and tools, our Sailors have the technical knowledge and skills to maintain our equipment without dependence on off-hull support,” said Cmdr. Lee Shewmake, commanding officer of St. Louis. “That allows them not only to conduct preventive work but also corrective maintenance when needed. The Freedom-variant class was originally designed to utilize contractors and off-ship personnel to conduct routine repairs and maintenance throughout the ship.” 
 
The milestone aboard St. Louis highlights both the adaptability of the platform but also the broader LCS sustainment effort. By empowering crews to take ownership of repairs at sea, the Navy is reducing reliance on shore-based support and ensuring ships remain combat ready throughout deployment. 
 
“This is just the most recent example in a two-year community effort to improve self-sufficiency across Freedom-variant LCS warships.  Every Freedom deployer over the last two years has delivered increased operational availability and capability from the previous one,” said Capt. Mark Haney, commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two. “At every iteration we are delivering a more capable warship to Fleet Commanders to conduct missions they are ideally suited for, like the two Freedom LCS currently in 2nd and 4th Fleet, while freeing up other Navy surface assets for key missions across the globe.” 
 
St. Louis, along with an embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, is deployed in the U.S. Second Fleet area of operations to support counter-illicit drug trafficking and participate in exercises and exchanges with partner nations. 

Release From GA-ASI

SAN DIEGO – Sept. 4, 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) deployed an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)-configured MQ-9B SeaGuardian^® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Washington, to support its Open House event on August 23.  

The naval air station’s Open House showcased cutting-edge naval aviation capabilities as well as some vintage platforms from the past. At the request of NASWI leadership, GA-ASI provided its MQ-9B SeaGuardian to give public and military attendees an up-close look at a multi-mission Group 5 UAS, the largest and most capable type, and a glimpse into the future. 

Whidbey Island has been a base for MQ-9B SeaGuardian’s mission capabilities as part of several Navy exercises, including Northern Edge and Integrated Battle Problem 2023, and supported the aircraft carrier pre-deployment workups. However, during all of these events, the MQ-9B never landed at Whidbey Island. It was instead controlled and its data processed remotely from the naval air station while the aircraft flew in Hawaiian, Southern California, and Alaskan airspace. Crews fly GA-ASI’s aircraft via satellite link, which means they can be sited anywhere, even thousands of miles away from where the aircraft is flying. The MQ-9B is visiting now for the Open House to let sailors and the public see the platform that will be operated remotely from Whidbey Island in an upcoming Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Operational Evaluation deployment to the Indo-Pacific Command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) in early 2026.  

Utilizing its advanced onboard Detect and Avoid System, the MQ-9B was able to launch from its flight facility near Palmdale, California, and fly to Whidbey Island without the normal special handling required for UAS. Effectively, it was able to operate in the national airspace like any other piloted aircraft.   

In addition to spotlighting the aircraft’s ASW payloads, GA-ASI was able to demonstrate autonomous landing and takeoff capability and showcase onboard signals intelligence and maritime radar packages. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian was also configured with additional hardpoint pylons to showcase its external carriage capability, including multiple stations supporting various payloads and weapons. 

“I’m pleased to support the Navy’s continuing public engagement efforts with our MQ-9B and appreciate NAS Whidbey leadership’s ongoing support of SeaGuardian operations. I look forward to continuing to work together as we demonstrate the capability of this multi-faceted UAS and fill critical capability gaps,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.  

Leading this event was Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks, which plays a key role in overseeing and supporting the development of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. AIRWorks has partnered with GA-ASI in multiple ASW and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting demonstrations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in July 2024. NAWCAD AIRWorks is also the Lead Systems Integrator and Program Manager for the Navy Operational Evaluation of MQ-9B in 2026. 

With strong demand already in place from customers around the world, GA-ASI anticipates growing interest in the MQ-9B SeaGuardian given its record of delivering high-end maritime capabilities at a significantly lower cost than traditional manned maritime platforms. 

Release From the U.S. Department of Defense

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced today that the President has made the following nominations of Navy flag and Marine Corps general officers: 

Navy Vice Adm. Richard A. Correll for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Correll is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. 

Navy Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/commander, Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Naples, Italy. Wikoff is currently serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command/Commander, Fifth Fleet and Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, Manama, Bahrain. 

Navy Rear Adm. Heidi K. Berg for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Fleet Cyber Command/commander, Tenth Fleet/commander, Navy Space Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Berg is currently serving as deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command/deputy commander, Tenth Fleet/deputy commander, Navy Space Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Brad J. Collins for appointment to the grade of rear admiral.  Collins is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Bradford J. Gering for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Gering is currently serving as deputy commandant for Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Clearfield for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Tampa, Florida.  Clearfield is currently serving as the deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Tampa, Florida.  

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William H. Swan for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commandant, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Swan is currently serving as the inspector general, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Release From CNO Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va.—Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle held his first all-hands call as the Navy’s 34th CNO aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 28, addressing Truman Sailors and commands from across the waterfront. 

Sailors filled the hangar bay as Caudle outlined his priorities for the Navy’s future—The Foundry, The Fleet, and The Way We Fight. 

Truman Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Prochazka said he was proud his ship was chosen to host the CNO’s first visit. 

“Having Adm. Caudle choose Truman for his first all-hands call as CNO was a powerful moment for this crew and for the fleet,” said Prochazka. “Our Sailors came home from deployment combat-tested and proud, and that spirit was on full display as they welcomed him aboard. It was a meaningful start to his tenure and a reminder of Norfolk’s central role in the strength of our Navy.” 

While aboard, Caudle discussed the importance of taking care of Sailors, advancing readiness, and delivering a combat-credible Fleet.   

“Let there be no doubt that the single greatest and enduring competitive advantage against our adversaries is all of you—the Sailors,” Caudle said to the Sailors in attendance. “You are the engine that brings our ships to life, ensures our equipment performs with maximum endurance and efficacy, and delivers the lethal ordnance to win in combat.”  

Caudle emphasized the key elements of his strategic vision, emphasizing the Navy’s focus on operational readiness, force generation, and warfighting excellence.   

“Our Navy must be resilient, agile, globally present, and combat credible—ready to fight and win decisively – today, tomorrow, and well into the future,” said Caudle. “To achieve this vision, everything we do will be viewed through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the Foundry, the Fleet, and the way we Fight.” 
During the engagement, Caudle answered questions from the crew, listened to their feedback, and personally recognized the achievements of several Sailors.  

“Being recognized by the CNO at his first fleet event is something I’m proud of, but it really reflects the hard work of my division,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Juncker, who received a challenge coin from Caudle. “We put a lot into keeping our gear ready, and this shows our effort makes a difference.” 

“Having the CNO come here first shows he really wants to connect with Sailors,” said Seaman Eliana Gilson, a Sailor of the quarter aboard Truman. “For me, being early in my career, it makes the Navy feel a little smaller and more personal.” 

Before departing Truman, Caudle expressed his confidence in the Navy’s ability to meet future challenges and achieve success through unity and relentless dedication.  

“With battle-ready Sailors like you manning the helm, our Fleet delivers overwhelming effects like no other in the world: mobility, persistent presence, and global reach—causing our adversaries to think twice, while reassuring our allies that peace is best kept through strength,” said Caudle.   

Caudle, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has served nearly four decades in uniform. A career submariner and magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University, he has commanded at every level from submarine to fleet. He most recently led U.S. Fleet Forces Command before assuming duties as CNO earlier this month. 

USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Carrier Strike Groups remain the cornerstone of the Navy’s forward presence through sea control and power projection. 

Release From Lt. James Caliva, Commander, Submarine Squadron

NAVAL BASE GUAM (August 31, 2025) — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) returned to its homeport, August 31, after completing a routine deployment in the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming its vital role in maintaining security and stability in the region. 

“USS Springfield showcases the strength and professionalism of our submarine force, playing a critical role in sustaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “The crew’s readiness, warfighting excellence, and dedication to the mission reflect our enduring commitment to regional security and embody their motto, United for Freedom.” 
 
During the deployment, Springfield conducted missions vital to national security, enhanced operational capabilities, reinforced deterrence across the Indo-Pacific, and made port visits to Sasebo and Okinawa, Japan. 
 
“Whatever the mission demanded, this crew delivered,” said Cmdr. Greg Storer, commanding officer of USS Springfield. “Their resilience, precision, and teamwork ensured we remained operationally ready at every turn. I couldn’t be prouder—every Sailor’s contribution was essential to our success, and together they proved why our submarine force remains second to none.” 
 
During the deployment, 31 Springfield Sailors advanced in rank and 19 earned their submarine warfare insignia—commonly known as “dolphins” or “fish.” The insignia signifies qualification to operate at the highest standards of the undersea force and reflects mastery of their watch stations and responsibilities. 
 
“This deployment tested our crew in every way, and they answered the call,” said Master Chief Information Systems Technician (Communications) Chris Ries, Springfield’s chief of the boat. “They worked as one team, stayed steady under pressure, and showed exactly what makes our Sailors the strength of this submarine.” 
 
Springfield’s return was marked by the Navy’s time-honored “first kiss” and “first hug” traditions, with Culinary Specialist (Submarine) 2nd Class Dimitri Rathke receiving the first kiss and Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class Zachary Bergeron receiving the first hug. 
 
Commissioned Jan. 9, 1993, USS Springfield is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, honoring the cities of Springfield, Illinois, and Springfield, Massachusetts. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Springfield is one of five forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, reaffirming the submarine force’s forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.