From U.S. Fleet Forces Command, June 26, 2025 

PACIFIC OCEAN – U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy interdicted three suspected drug smugglers and more than 7,850 pounds of cocaine, with an assessed wholesale value of approximately $58.1 million, in the Eastern Pacific on Sunday morning. 

At 5:34 p.m., a Navy helicopter aircrew from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) observed a vessel displaying suspicious behavior. A small boat was launched from the Sampson with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 105 crew members aboard. 
  
LEDET 105 crew members discovered three suspected drug smugglers aboard the vessel, all claiming non-U.S. nationality. The packages aboard the vessel tested positive for cocaine. All three individuals aboard were taken into custody aboard the Sampson. 
  
The vessel, determined to be without nationality, was later sunk as a hazard to navigation. 
  
U.S. Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to provide military forces and capabilities at the southern border. Sampson is employed under U.S. Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and other illegal activity. 

By Team Ships Public Affairs, June 24, 2025 

MOBILE, Ala. – The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of USNS Point Loma (EPF 15), the second of the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) Flight II configuration, from Austal USA, June 24.  

The delivery of EPF 15 signifies the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. This delivery will enhance the Navy’s ability to transport troops, cargo, heavy equipment, and vehicles to shallow-draft ports. USNS Point Loma will be owned and operated by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.  

“The delivery of USNS Point Loma marks the second Flight II EPF delivered to the Navy, providing essential fast-transport and enhanced medical capabilities to combatant command areas of operation.” said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships).    

The ship recently completed a formal Acceptance Trial with excellent scores overall and no significant deficiencies, a testament to the high level of completion, quality, and ship readiness.  

Flight II EPF vessels add Role 2 enhanced medical mission afloat capabilities with two operating rooms, and support for up to 147 patients. The ships can also transport approximately 419 short tons and travel 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 33 knots.   

Each vessel can support flight operations and are capable of on- and off-loading heavy equipment, cargo, and tactical vehicles, including Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).  

The future USNS Lansing (EPF 16) is also under construction at Austal USA.  

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.  

For more on Expeditionary Fast Transport visit:   

Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF)  

From Naval Air Systems Command, June 25, 2025 

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) successfully demonstrated innovative mission planning software for swarms and other configurations of unmanned air, surface, and underwater systems at its headquarters. 

The new Optimized Cross Domain Swarm Sensing (OCDSS) software program helps the Navy plan missions using groups of unmanned aircraft. By running thousands of computer simulations, it determines the best combination of drones, sensors, and arrangement to achieve mission goals at sea. 
 
“Autonomy is the decisive edge for maritime dominance,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans. “This technology is critical to enhancing operations across domains and represents a significant step forward for manned-unmanned teaming.” 
 
OCDSS helps the Navy and Marine Corps get the most out of their unmanned systems while saving time and money. The software uses computer simulations to predict how different drones perform together in various missions, enabling planners to choose the right number and type of vehicles for the job. 
 
“OCDSS quickly runs thousands of simulations to predict how different unmanned systems might perform together,” said NAWCAD Mechanical Engineer Raymond Koehler, OCDSS’ lead software developer. “This software gives warfighters faster and more effective decision making – that’s competitive advantage.” 
 
By providing a virtual testing environment, OCDSS also reduces the cost and time associated with real-world testing in defense acquisition programs, which aligns with industry practices where simulation drives up to 90% of the development process. The technology successfully operated at ANTX Coastal Trident in August 2024, focusing on port security, providing data for future development and deployment. 
 
“OCDSS levels-up how unmanned systems are used in a wide range of missions, and we’re ready to scale this autonomy to operational teams or test programs across the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Koehler. 
 
Operational users and defense programs interested in learning more about OCDSS should contact NAWCAD tech team lead Derek Alley ([email protected]) for more information. 
 
Koehler earned the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s 2025 Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers of the Year Award as an Emergent Engineer for his outstanding contributions to swarm autonomy. The team he supports also earned a NAWCAD award for its collaboration on the effort with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division. 
 
NAWCAD’s military, civilian, and contract personnel operate test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida. 

by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. Fourth Fleet Public Affairs – Continuing Promise Detachment June 24, 2025 

SAINT GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed St. George’s, Grenada, June 16, 2025, concluding a seven-day mission as part of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25). 
 
This visit marked the third Continuing Promise mission stop to Grenada since 2007, and the second visit to Grenada by Comfort. 
 
“Our ability to provide life-changing medical and dental care alongside our Grenadian counterparts is a testament of our commitment to the region,” said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 and CP25 mission commander. “From medical and dental care to construction projects and community relations events, we were able to make a positive and lasting impact on the community and further strengthen our friendships and partnership.” 
 
During the seven-day mission stop in Grenada, the CP25 team treated 1,653 patients, including 189 dental operations, 526 eye examinations and 52 surgeries that were performed aboard Comfort. Additionally, the combined CP25 team filled 2,003 prescriptions, fabricated and distributed 541 glasses and 459 sunglasses, held a 2-day geriatric care course in Carriacou, and held 5 days of subject matter expert exchanges to include side-by-side surgeries, preventative medicine care courses, and humanitarian aid and disaster response courses. 
 
“Helping people out and seeing them smile and not in pain is very rewarding,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Cody Romero, a dental assistant assigned to Comfort. “It’s fulfilling work, helping the patients who need care they may not have access to.” 
 
The medical care provided by the CP25 team brought new hope to Grenada. Capt. Shelton Viola, a pediatric physician assigned to Comfort, recalled a pediatric oncology case that his team encountered during the mission stop. 
 
“There was word that came through when we were in Grenada that there was a young child with cancer and was very sick, so our team here reached out to let them know that there was a pediatric oncologist onboard,” said Viola. “I went over to the hospital and was expecting to find a child who was very ill with few treatment options, but I actually found a beautiful 3-year-old that was very ill, but had a very curable and very treatable form of childhood leukemia.” 
 
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the 3-year-old’s diagnosis, has a 94% survivability with proper treatment. After visiting with the family, Viola and his team developed a treatment plan with remote follow-ups and monitoring to maximize the child’s chances of success. 
 
“I’ve totally changed my tune after this first mission stop, [we’re] altering this child’s trajectory for cancer care,” said Viola. “Hopefully this case can be a model for Grenada to develop a pediatric cancer program and start to question if there’s a more that can be done for these types of cases than they thought.” 
 
In addition to medical care, the CP25 team conducted community relations events in Carriacou and band events with the Royal Grenadian Police Force band throughout Grenada. 
 
Following its departure from Grenada, Comfort will continue to Panama, City, Panama, for the second mission stop of CP25. 
 
CP25, the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort, aims to foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations. 
 
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. 

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs, June 24, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. — Nearly 4,500 Sailors assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, June 24, for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility. 

The strike group deployed as an integrated naval force in support of economic prosperity, national security, and national defense. 
 
“Carrier Strike Group Twelve is the most capable, adaptable, and lethal naval mission package in the world,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve. “Our force stands prepared and ready to execute sustained, multi-domain operations at sea, wherever and whenever tasked, in support of American security and economic prosperity.” 
 
Deploying units include flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), commanded by Capt. Dave Skarosi; the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, commanded by Capt. David Dartez; Arleigh Burke-class destroyers within Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, commanded by Capt. Mark Lawrence; and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), homeported at Naval Station Mayport and commanded by Capt. Judson Mallory. 
 
“I am beyond proud of the work the warfighters on this ship have put in to prepare for this deployment, and thankful for the families and friends who continue to support them,” said Capt. Dave Skarosi, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. “I have no doubt that this ship and crew will face and overcome any challenges with overwhelming force and fortitude, showcasing the power and lethality of the Ford-class carrier to the world.” 
 
Guided-missile destroyers of DESRON 2 include USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). Forrest Sherman deployed from Naval Station Norfolk on May 6, 2025. 
 
Squadrons of CVW 8, embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, “Ragin’ Bulls”; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, “Blacklions”; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, “Tomcatters”; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, “Golden Warriors”; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, “Gray Wolves”; Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, “Bear Aces”; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, “Tridents”; Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, “Spartans”; and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides.” 
 
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group provides combatant commanders and America’s civilian leaders increased capacity to underpin American security and economic prosperity, deter adversaries, and project power on a global scale through sustained operations at sea. 
 
For more information on the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, please visit: https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/csg12/. For more information on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), please visit: https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/. 

From U.S. Department of Defense, June 24, 2025 

ARLINGTON, Va.–Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nomination: 

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David J. Bligh for appointment as judge advocate general of the Navy. Bligh is currently serving as the staff judge advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters, Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Below is the official biography of Major General Bligh: 

Major General Bligh was raised in Athens, Pennsylvania.  He is a 1988 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a 1997 graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law. 

Major General Bligh was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course program in 1988.  He initially served as a Platoon Commander and Company Commander at 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  He later served as a Series Commander at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. 

Upon completion of the Naval Justice School, Major General Bligh served as a civil law officer, trial counsel, and officer-in-charge of legal assistance at Camp Lejeune.  He was then assigned as Director, Joint Law Center, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. During this assignment, Major General Bligh deployed for OIF-I with Task Force Tarawa. 

Major General Bligh has served as the Staff Judge Advocate for 3rd Marine Division and III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan, and Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia.  Prior to assuming his current duties, Major General Bligh served as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and later as the Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy (Military Law). 

From Austal USA, June 24, 2025 

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA successfully completed acceptance trials on the company’s 19th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the last ship in the class. Future USS Pierre (LCS 38) returned to port late on June 11 after conducting trials. 

“The completion of LCS 38 sea trials marks the achievement of an important milestone at Austal USA, the last LCS to go out to sea under our control,” said Harley Combs, Austal USA Vice President of Surface Ship Programs. “Congratulations to our Austal USA shipbuilders, vendors and our Navy teammates who coordinated to accomplish this successful milestone preparing the ship for delivery in a couple of weeks.” 

Acceptance trials involve comprehensive testing conducted on the ship’s major systems and equipment in order to demonstrate their successful operation and mission readiness. The U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) participates throughout the trials to validate the quality of construction and compliance with Navy requirements.  

Sea trials are a team effort and the Austal USA team has consistently proven their excellence as evidenced by the number of successful LCS trial events that have been approved by INSURV.  Successfully completing sea trial require expertise from across the company including test and activation/trials, program management, engineering, operations, site services, and supply chain management. 

Pierre will be the 19th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship and will soon transition to her home port of San Diego.  With the delivery of Pierre, Austal USA will have delivered 19 LCS to the Navy in just over 15 years.  At times during the program Austal USA delivered three Independence-variant LCS in a year.  

In addition to Pierre, Austal USA is also constructing seven more Navy and Coast Guard ships as well as modules for both the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs and aircraft elevators for the Ford-class aircraft carrier fleet. 

From the Navy Office of Information, June 18, 2025 

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited the BlackSea Technologies (BlackSea) headquarters and production facilities in Baltimore, June 18, to see first-hand how BlackSea supports the U.S. Navy’s Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSV) program and how it plans to continue to expand its capabilities to support fleet operations. 

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited the BlackSea Technologies (BlackSea) headquarters and production facilities in Baltimore, June 18, to see first-hand how BlackSea supports the U.S. Navy’s Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSV) program and how it plans to continue to expand its capabilities to support fleet operations. 

The Navy is procuring sUSVs for fleet operations and experimentation to advance robotic maritime strategies and tactics. 

“These systems will play a critical role in the future of naval warfare by extending fleet reach, improving situational awareness, and increasing combat effectiveness,” said Kilby. “We see unmanned systems as a force multiplier for traditional vessels, not a replacement.” 

During the visit, Kilby met with BlackSea personnel to explore ways to enhance and grow the U.S. Navy’s Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) program. GARCs are 16-foot USVs that enable research, testing, and operations that will allow integration throughout the surface, expeditionary, and joint maritime forces. 

Small unmanned surface vehicles are part of the Navy’s family of unmanned maritime systems, designed to complement and support the traditional fleet across a range of missions. Small USVs are assigned to Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three and USVRON Seven for testing and experimentation, including launch and recovery from Navy platforms. 

Through analysis, simulation, prototyping, and demonstration, the Navy plans to field and operate progressively more capable unmanned maritime systems that enhance fleet endurance and resilience while minimizing risk to human life. Small USVs are rapidly integrating into the fleet exercises such as Fourth Fleet’s Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event (FLEX) international exercises such as the recent Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). 

“The development and deployment of unmanned systems, including the small USV, is a strategic acquisition for the Navy,” Kilby added. “A strong partnership with industry is critical as we seek to maintain technological superiority and operational advantage in an increasingly complex maritime environment.” 

Kilby concluded his visit by observing a demonstration of the GARC and the BlackSea Seabased Petroleum Discharge System and conducting a comprehensive tour of the manufacturing facility. During the tour, he engaged with BlackSea workforce and subject matter experts to gain deeper insights into the versatility and innovative capabilities of these advanced systems. 

Strong partnerships with industry are essential to accelerating these advancements and delivering cutting-edge technologies. These innovations are shaping the future of naval operations and strengthening our maritime advantage. 

By MC2 Moises Sandoval, June 20, 2025 

SUVA, Fiji  –  Pacific Partnership 2025 officially concluded its mission stop in Fiji with a closing ceremony hosted at the Waiqanake District School on June 16, 2025. 
 
The largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Partnership enables participants, including United States and Fijian personnel, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships. 
 
“The United States of America believes in a free and open Pacific for all nations,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander during the closing ceremony. “We deeply value our long history with Fiji and we hope that the work done here helps to reinforce our commitment to this island and to the people of Fiji.” 
 
While in Fiji, the medical team, consisting of U.S. and Fijian public health services personnel, conducted a total of 16 side-by-side subject matter expert exchanges in the fields of hemoculture, permaculture, agriculture, and apiculture. The team accrued more than 26 hours of hands-on training through public health engagements such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory, spay and neuter clinics, ruminant husbandry training, and a beekeeping tour assembling over 42 participants from across Suva. 
 
The Pacific Partnership engineering team also capitalized on the opportunity to provide focused support to address several local infrastructure concerns. A total of 12 U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, and 8 New Zealand Royal Army Engineers collaborated to undertake the construction and repairs of the Waiqanake District School, to include the complete renovation and installation of a small library in a classroom building. The team also removed obsolete rain gutters from three different classroom buildings and rendered a fresh coat of paint to two classroom buildings. Waiqanake District School, which accommodates over 300 staff, faculty and students, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration for the newly renovated facilities on June 16. 
 
U.S. Navy Musicians with the Pacific Fleet “Big Wave” Brass Band engaged in a variety of live performances across more than 10 school campuses and venues across the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. This musical ensemble featured 10 musicians, which hosted concerts between Suva and Nadi, including the closing ceremony of Pacific Partnership 2025’s mission stop in Fiji. 
 
Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. 

From the Navy Office of Information, June 18, 2025 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy achieved its 2025 recruiting goal June 18, three months ahead of the end of the current fiscal year after contracting 40,600 future Sailors. 

Achieving the contracting milestone reflects the Navy’s focused efforts for connecting with qualified, motivated candidates across the country. The sea service is now positioned to send more than 40,600 future Sailors to Recruit Training Command by September. 

“More qualified and motivated Americans than ever are stepping forward and answering the call to serve their country,” said Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. “This is a critical time in history. 

The world is more complex and contested than it has been in decades, and our ability to respond starts with our greatest asset, our people. Since November, Navy recruiting has skyrocketed, a testament to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of our dynamic Navy recruiters.” 

Recruiting success in 2025 built on last year’s momentum when the Navy surpassed the recruiting goal of 40,600 by 378. By the end of 2024, Navy Recruiting Command contracted 40,978 future Sailors, more than any year since 2002. 

To achieve recent recruiting success, Navy Recruiting Command established a Recruiting Operations Center to monitor data in real time. The Navy also implemented the Future Sailor Preparatory Course to improve accession success, streamlined medical waiver reviews, and identified and removed barriers to recruiter productivity. 

“Reaching our annual goal this early is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our recruiting force,” said Rear Adm. Jim Waters, commander of Navy Recruiting Command. “It shows that when we remove barriers, accelerate processes, and meet people where they are, the right individuals answer the call.” 

The Navy continues to process applicants and place future Sailors into future training dates and job assignments. Meeting the goal early allows for a more deliberate Navy process in aligning future Sailor talent and career interest with fleet needs. 

“We’re still working hard every day,” said Waters. “Meeting the recruiting target is not the finish line — it’s a signal that we’re on the right course and ready to keep building the force of the future.”