By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications 

June 12, 2025 

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain — Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) Detachment Rota, in partnership with the Spanish Armada’s intermediate-level maintenance command and their embedded additive manufacturing (AM) contractor, manufactured parts for the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) in early June. This innovative solution generated timely readiness for the ship ahead of its planned patrol throughout U.S. Sixth Fleet. 

Expediting the process, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) engineering directorate empowered waterfront chief engineers to approve AM parts and components that carry little to no risk to the safety and operation of the ship. The NAVSEA guidance eliminated administrative barriers, effectively streamlining the process to support real-time needs during maintenance. This component is the 37^th additively manufactured component installed in the Fleet since the process was adopted in 2023. 

“We have empowered and equipped our waterfront and forward-deployed engineers and maintainers that directly support our warfighters,” said Rear Adm. Pete Small, NAVSEA chief engineer. “This project executed with our Spanish allies further proves the significant readiness AM generates for our ships, restoring a critical system while meeting the compressed timeline for the ship’s forward-deployed patrol.” 

The FDRMC team utilized the low-risk AM approval process to manufacture and install two new eductors, or jet pumps, into the vacuum collection holding and transfer (VCHT) system during a maintenance period. The eductors had leaks that had been temporarily patched and needed full replacement prior to the next patrol to restore system readiness and safeguard against future system failure while deployed. New eductors, typically made of cast-bronze, require almost a year to receive and install, exceeding the maintenance timeline ahead of the ship’s upcoming patrol. 

The FDRMC team partnered with a local AM contractor to manufacture the two replacement eductors with available corrosion-resistant stainless-steel wire. The first-time process took approximately two months to plan, scan, print, machine, weld and install aboard Arleigh Burke, shortening the timeline by more than 80% and meeting the ship’s operational schedule. Once the project was approved, the manufacturing only required seven days of work to complete the eductors ahead of install. 

“FDRMC is the front-line readiness generator for our forward deployed naval forces in Fifth and Sixth Fleets,” said Capt. Mollie Bily, FDRMC commanding officer. “Our Rota AM team attacks each maintenance window looking for a way to use advanced AM to expedite parts and solutions for our homeported and deployed ships that must be ready for Fleet tasking at a moment’s notice.” 

FDRMC provides emergent, intermediate and depot-level maintenance and modernization for Forward Deployed Naval Forces in U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets through fleet technical assistance, voyage repair, contract management oversight, assessments, and diving and salvage. FDRMC is the only forward-deployed RMC supporting two numbered fleets, serving three combatant commanders, and conducting work on three continents. 

NAVSEA designs, builds, and maintains ships, submarines, and integrated warfighting systems for the US. Navy ensuring the warfighter is capable of projecting presence in peace, power in war, and assured maritime access.  

For more on NAVSEA, visit:  https://www.navsea.navy.mil/ 

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Justin Stumberg, June 13, 2025 

SKRUNDA, Latvia – In the wooded fields of western Latvia, lines of freshly turned earth snake across the terrain—dug not by history, but by engineers preparing for the future fight. 
A century after trench warfare defined conflict in Europe, the tactic is making a modern return, this time shaped by airborne threats that are autonomous, persistent, and digital. 

As part of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2025, U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Marines from 8th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB), and Latvian Army engineers are constructing a fortified trench network designed for survivability in a drone-contested battlespace. The project serves both as a realistic rehearsal and a proof of concept for how modern combat engineers support maneuverability, concealment, and endurance in multi-domain operations. 

“We are creating positions designed for modern combat environments,” said Lt. j.g. Wiatt Lewis, officer in charge of Naval Construction Battalion (NCB) 14. “These field fortifications are built to reduce detection, limit exposure to unmanned systems, and enhance force protection across the battlespace.” 

Lewis emphasized that as the operational environment evolves, so must the approach to allied engineering and maneuver. 

“Every trench, every covered position demonstrates a shared commitment to mobility, concealment, and resilience,” said Lewis. 

A Classic Concept Meets a Modern Fight 

Though trench warfare may evoke images of muddy stalemates and early 20th-century weaponry, recent conflicts have proven that the tactic is far from obsolete. The ongoing war in Ukraine has demonstrated how entrenched positions, overhead cover, and field fortifications can provide critical protection against modern threats including drones and precision fires. What was once viewed as a relic of past wars has reemerged as a vital component of survivability in high-intensity, large-scale ground combat. 

Today’s engineers are applying that hard-earned relevance to modern doctrine. Using precision equipment, updated tactics, and threat-informed design, U.S. Navy Seabees, Marine Corps combat engineers, and allied forces are modernizing trenches for use in multi-domain environments.  

Seabees provide the horizontal construction expertise—operating bulldozers, graders, and compactors to carve structured fighting positions into dense Baltic soil. 

Meanwhile, Marines from 8th ESB bring combat engineering insight, ensuring the trench layout supports tactical movement, defensibility, and low visibility against drone reconnaissance and attack. 

“We have trained for this kind of work in the United States, but doing it here alongside the Seabees and our Latvian partners adds a different level of complexity,” explained SSgt. Austin Leigh, combat engineer and platoon sergeant with 8th ESB. “We are always thinking about our visibility from above, the effects of thermal detection, and how to keep the position secure from multiple angles.” 

Partnered, Resourceful, Ready 

One of the most distinctive aspects of this multinational effort is the Latvian Army’s use of a field-deployable sawmill, providing raw timber milled on site. The lumber is then used to reinforce trench walls, build overhead cover and concealment, and create tactical infrastructure, eliminating the need for long-lead construction materials that are not always readily available. 

“Having a sawmill out here and cutting our own lumber changes the game,” said Chief Construction Mechanic William Fox, NCB 14 senior enlisted leader. “We are not waiting on flatbeds or shipping containers. We’re using what is already around us to get the job done. 

Fox explained that producing timber on site has helped his team stay on schedule and adapt in real time. 

“Every board we cut with our own hands is one less we have to wait for,” he said. “It keeps the crew moving, keeps the project rolling, and honestly, it just feels good to build something right here with what we have.” 

This effort also highlights the value of integrated training in a joint and allied environment. Seabees, Marines, and Latvian engineers have worked shoulder to shoulder, blending skills, sharing tools, and building trust through every shovel of earth and cut of timber. 

“This has been some of the most valuable training I have had in my 12 years in the Navy,” said Builder 1st Class Nathan Burke, project supervisor with NCB 14. “It has been a true privilege to work alongside both ESB Marines and the Latvian forces. I only hope we will be able to expand upon what we have started here.” 

Burke noted that the project not only benefited the mission—it also sharpened the warfighting instincts of the next generation. 

“This trench project has provided a tremendous opportunity for our junior Bees and Marines to encounter and overcome some unique challenges,” he said. “It is these types of problem-solving skills that will be crucial when we are operating in a true wartime scenario.” 

He added that the work accomplished in Skrunda is only the beginning of what is possible when allied engineers train together with a shared purpose. 

“I am humbled by and incredibly proud of what our [team] has accomplished here these past weeks,” said Burke. “I feel as though we have just scraped the crust on what we could do here to develop and sharpen our skills, should we find ourselves fighting alongside our partners in the region.” 

Preparing for the Next Fight 

As training wraps in Skrunda, the trenches carved into the Latvian soil remain behind, standing as evidence of what can be accomplished when engineers from different nations work side by side. Built with shovels, saws, and shared experience, the project adds lasting value to the local training area and the forces who may use it in the future. 

BALTOPS 2025 serves as a proving ground for ships, aircraft, and the people who build, dig, and design the infrastructure that supports them. In an era shaped by technology and unpredictability, the most effective tools are often the ones forged by hand, in the field, together. 

For imagery, video, and updates, visit https://www.c6f.navy.mil. Media inquiries should be directed to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa Public Affairs at: [email protected] 

11 June 2025 

From Petty Officer 2nd Class Moises Sandoval, Logistics Group Western Pacific 

SUVA, Fiji – Pacific Partnership has returned to Fiji to conduct the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific region, June 8, 2025. Pacific Partnership fosters collaboration to enhance natural disaster response preparedness and builds lasting relationships between Fiji, the United States, and participating nations. Engagements for this year’s iteration will occur in the cities of Suva and Nadi. 
 
At Fiji’s invitation, Pacific Partnership’s mission is to collaborate in several humanitarian and civic readiness workshops in areas such as engineering, natural disaster response, public health, and Fijian community outreach projects. This year’s mission, featuring about 58 personnel, is primarily a collective effort between Fiji, New Zealand and the United States. 
 
“I am honored to oversee this year’s return of Pacific Partnership to the nation of Fiji,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander. “The continued opportunity to build upon our enduring relationship with the Fijian community further emphasizes a shared support of a free and resilient Indo-Pacific.” 
 
While in Fiji, the Pacific Partnership 2025 team will focus on subject-matter exchanges and community education in permaculture, spearhead emergency preparedness and disaster response training, and conduct the foundational construction of a local schoolhouse. Additionally, the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, accompanied by members of the Scots Guard, Royal Australian and Royal Canadian navies, will perform during a variety of community outreach engagements. 
 
“We really appreciate Fiji welcoming us for Pacific Partnership 2025,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Gibson, Officer in Charge for the Fiji mission. “It’s awesome to be working alongside our Fijian counterparts, building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Indo-Pacific together.” 
 

Now in its 21st iteration, the 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 Lt. Carolina Fernandez, USS America, June 10, 2025 

SOLOMON SEA — Elements of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are conducting integrated operations in the Solomon Sea, June 9. 

The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), the amphibious transport dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and their Marine Corps 31st MEU embarked elements are the only forward-deployed ARG-MEU, and serve as the ready crisis-response force in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 
 
“Operations at sea with our U.S. Marine Corps partners demonstrates the incredible capability of the America Amphibious Ready Group and strengthens Navy and Marine Corps integration at sea,” said Capt. Patrick German, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11. “While underway, we look forward to advancing our capabilities through multi-domain operations.” 
 
Deploying from USS America is a detachment of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 consisting of F-35B Lighting II aircraft operating from USS America, which provide commanders more stealth and flexibility than any other aircraft. 
 
“The forward positioning of this much combat power shows how much skin in the game we have and illustrates our capability and resolve – which is the core of deterrence,” said Col. Chris P. Niedziocha, commanding officer, 31st MEU. 
 
Comprised of more than 5,000 Marines and Sailors, the America ARG is an integral part of forward-deployed U.S. naval power in 7th Fleet. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 
 
Follow USS America (https://www.facebook.com/USSAmerica/) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (https://www.facebook.com/31stMEU) on Facebook for regular updates throughout the patrol. For media inquiries, contact [email protected]. 

By U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs, June 11, 2025 

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada  –  The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in St.George’s, Grenada, to provide a variety of medical treatments to include: dental, family medicine, internal medicine, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical repair, lab, radiology, X-ray and veterinary medicine as a part of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), June 9. 
  
“Our visit to Grenada reflects the enduring partnership between our nations and our shared commitment to health, security and stability in the region,” said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 and Continuing Promise 2025 mission commander. “We’re excited to work alongside our partners in Grenada and provide high-quality care and support that reflects the strength of our collaboration.” 
  
CP25 marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations. 
  
“Collaborations such as these bolster our efforts, allowing us to expand access to specialized care, improve diagnostic capabilities, and provide services that may not always be readily available,” said the Honorable Philip Telesford, Government of Grenada Minister for Health. “Through this mission, Grenadians will receive life-changing procedures in the areas of adult and pediatric surgery, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery.” 
  
In addition to medical care, Comfort service members will work with communities in Grenada to perform renovations in buildings such as schools and repair infrastructure damaged by natural disasters. 
  
“I’m excited to go out and help the people of Grenada,” said Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun, a Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 (NMCB-11). “We look forward to doing good work and strengthening our relationship with Grenada.” 
  
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. 
 
For more USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil/, X – @ NAVSOUS4THFLT, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-naval-forces-southern-command-u-s-4th-fleet 

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings 

VIRAC, Philippines  –  Pacific Partnership 2025 officially commenced its mission in Virac, Philippines, bringing together international expertise and local leadership to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the region and deepen strategic partnerships, June 1. 
 
Members of the Hawaii National Guard, the Center for Excellence-Disaster Management and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are conducting a series of intensive training events with local emergency responders and civilian authorities. 
 
The training will focus on three core areas: urban search and rescue (USAR), Incident Command System (ICS) training, and a disaster management workshop. These activities are designed to enhance technical skills, exercise the use of coordination frameworks, and support community-based resilience initiatives. In the end, the intent is to increase natural disaster preparedness in Virac and the greater Catanduanes province. 
 
“Pacific Partnership is about more than training; it’s about building lasting relationships that strengthen regional security and stability,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Robert Reyes, the officer in charge for the Philippines mission stop. “Each interaction brings us closer to achieving a shared goal of a safer, more resilient Indo-Pacific.” 
 
The ICS and disaster management workshops are modelled after the U.S. National Incident Management System (NIMS), which provides a standardized framework for incident management to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities. These sessions include command post simulations, interagency coordination exercises, and disaster response planning scenarios aimed at building a common operating framework between civilian and military organizations in the Philippines. 
 
The Hawaii National Guard’s and AFP’s USAR component will focus on lifesaving operations in challenging environments. This includes practical, hands-on training in simulated collapsed structure rescue, shoring and stabilization techniques, confined space navigation, and rubble pile operations. The program concludes with a realistic disaster scenario to test coordination and execution of newly learned skills. 
 
Now in its 21st iteration, the 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. 
 
For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership 

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) told Congress that many major shipbuilding and other programs are behind schedule and above planned cost, and he is looking for possible long-term solutions to correct the situation and rebuild readiness for the challenges of the future. 

“All of our programs are a mess, to be honest,” said Navy Secretary John C. Phelan, who was testifying June 11 on Capitol Hill before the House Armed Services Committee along with Chief of Naval Operations James W. Philby and General Eric M. Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps.  

“We are behind schedule, over budget,” Phelan said. “Our best-performing one [program] is six months late and 57% over budget. … So, we are working very hard to get these fixed. The Navy has begun to make some rapid changes at the public shipyards, and we’ve been talking with Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls [HII].” 

Of particular concern to the SECNAV are the Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines and Virginia-class submarines, both classes of which are behind schedule. 

Schedule and cost issues also plague the Constellation-class frigate program, and some Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are behind schedule. Many amphibious warfare ships are in poor condition, Navy officials said. 

“The United States Navy and Marine Corps are prepared and ready to fight and win, anytime and anywhere,” Phelan said. “However, our naval superiority is under threat. For too long we have allowed our shipbuilding industry to erode, hollowing out the very capacity we need to maintain credible naval deterrence. That must change.” 

Phelan said he has had conversations with shipbuilders in South Korea, noting that a modern guided-missile destroyer built in South Korea — “10 5 bigger than ours” — cost one third that of its U.S. counterpart.    

He said that rebuilding the maritime industrial base is a “national security imperative.” 

From Naval Air Systems Command, June 11, 2025  

NAS PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — E-6B Mercury pilots from Strategic Communications Wing One (SCW-1) and subordinate commands have successfully completed their first Public Aircraft Operations (PAO) training flight, a significant milestone in maintaining readiness for the critical Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. The flight, which occurred on May 30, 2025, was the culmination of fast-paced collaboration and contract award to address an urgent fleet need. 

The TACAMO community required an in-flight trainer (IFT) solution that enables pilots to meet hands-on training requirements. 

The Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) entered into an agreement with the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) in January 2025 to provide flight hours on a Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft. 

“PMA-271 and PMA-226 teammates maintained a fleet focused perspective throughout the entire acquisition process to meet the fleet requested ’North Star’ milestone of having an in-flight trainer solution for TACAMO pilot training as expeditiously as possible.” said Capt. Greg Sutton, PMA-226 program manager. 

PMA-226 subsequently awarded an Undefinitized Contract Action to KALS, LLC, a joint venture between AAR Corp. and KIRA Aerospace, on March 3, 2025, to provide the Contractor Owned Government Operated (COGO) Contracted Air Services (CAS) under a PAO framework. 

PMA-226 CAS executed its first-ever COGO contract, working daily with KALS to continuously review documentation and flight clearance requirements. PMA-226, PMA-271, and SCW-1 also met on a weekly basis to ensure all identified requirements and deadlines were being met. This collaboration enabled the transition from contract award to training flight operations in less than three months. 

“This first PAO training flight demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to maintain the readiness of our E-6B pilots,” said Capt. Roger Davis, PMA-271 program manager. “This collaborative effort, from contract award to first flight, reflects the dedication and ingenuity of the entire team.” 

“The phenomenal speed of contract award and execution of the first flight is very much appreciated.” said Capt. Britt Windeler, SCW-1 commander. “My utmost thanks go out to the entire team behind this effort.” 

This new training program represents a significant step forward in PMA-271’s ongoing commitment to deliver a timely, affordable, and effective IFT for the E-6B. In June 2021, the Navy purchased an E-3D aircraft from the Royal Air Force for $15 million, planning to convert it into a TE-6B IFT. However, a subsequent assessment determined that the cost of converting the E-3D and restoring its airworthiness no longer provided a positive return on investment. The Navy issued a stop-work order on the contract with Northrop Grumman Corp. in November 2023. The aircraft is now slated for parts harvesting and disposal by Northrop Grumman, where valuable parts, with an estimated value exceeding the initial $15 million purchase price, will be recovered and can be inducted into the supply system for use by the current E-6B fleet. 

“I’m excited and looking forward to the bright future of continuing to train E-6B pilots as we start improving the flight experience in the community,” said Capt. Zach Brown, SCW-1 prospective deputy wing commander and primary SCW-1 lead for this effort. 

PMA-271 is headquartered at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Its mission is to deliver and support survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications for the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command. 

PMA-226 is responsible for life cycle cradle-to-grave management of several legacy and out-of-inventory aircraft and engines, assigned by NAVAIR and contracted air services. Assigned platforms and services include: adversary aircraft (F-5, F-16); contracted aircraft services; U.S. Naval Test Pilot School / Naval Postgraduate School (T-38, H-72, X-26, U-6, NU-1B, O-2, OH-58C); and foreign military sales out-of-active Navy inventory aircraft (T-2, H-2, H-3, and A-4). 

June 10, 2025 | By C. Todd Lopez, Dod News 

Navy Secretary John Phelan told senators during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill today that he believes sailors should be able to repair the hardware they are trained to operate without having to wait for contractors to do the work.  

The issue concerns contract agreements that often contain language preventing service members from performing repairs themselves because of intellectual property rights.  

In the private sector, the movement to allow owners of equipment to repair it themselves, rather than being forced to have the manufacturer perform the work, is known as the “right to repair.”  

“I am a huge supporter of ‘right to repair,'” Phelan said, explaining his support comes after observing the issue in the fleet.  

“I went on the [USS Gerald R. Ford] carrier; they had eight ovens — this is a ship that serves 15,300 meals a day,” Phelan said. “Only two were working. Six were out [for repair].”  

The secretary said he was surprised that on a ship with so many people and with so many mouths to feed, there wasn’t someone on board with the ability to repair the broken ovens. It turns out, he said, the sailors could fix the ovens but weren’t allowed to do so; instead, they had to wait for the contractor to do the work.  

Similarly, Phelan told lawmakers that when elevators stopped working aboard the ship, the manufacturer had to be called in.  

“They have to come out and diagnose the problem, and then they’ll fix it,” he said. “It is crazy. We should be able to fix this.”  

Phelan said intellectual property issues related to military hardware are a concern.  

“We end up paying for a lot of things that we don’t control, and we need to change that,” he said. “And, so, contracting, in general, is something we’re looking at very hard, and we need to really try to ensure going forward we control our IP, and we have the ability to fix things because if we’re in a fight, how do we … fix it then?”  

In April 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued guidance regarding the transformation of the Army. Part of that guidance included direction for the Army to attempt to include “right to repair” provisions in existing and future contracts, creating a potential roadmap for the Navy.  

On Capitol Hill, June 4, 2025, before the House Armed Services Committee, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll explained how the Army is addressing this challenge.  

“On a go-forward basis, we have been directed to not sign any contracts that don’t give us a right to repair,” Driscoll said. “On a go-back basis, we have been directed to go and do what we can to go get that right to repair. … We hope that anyone listening to us who hopes to pitch us a contract going forward will look back at their previous agreements they’ve signed with us, and if they’re unwilling to give us that right to repair, I think we’re going to have a hard time negotiating with them.” 

From Leonardo DRS, June 9, 2025 

ARLINGTON, Va., JUNE 9, 2025  ̶  Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has been awarded a $41 million contract from the Naval Sea Systems Command to continue delivering critical combat management system hardware for U.S. Navy surface combatants, allied naval forces, and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Under the contract, Leonardo DRS will provide a range of advanced hardware—including multi-screen consoles, displays, and peripheral equipment—designed to support the AEGIS Combat System and Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) deployed on a variety of large and small deck ships. 

The hardware serves as the primary operator interface for sailors to gather, process, and display vital battlespace information and make rapid tactical decisions. The system’s open architecture design ensures interoperability and scalability across current and future platforms. 

This award also includes systems for allied navies, including those of Australia, South Korea, and Japan, reinforcing Leonardo DRS’s long-standing role as a key partner in global maritime security. 

“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, and our closest allies on this critical program,” said Cari Ossenfort, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit. “Leonardo DRS remains the leading provider of critical combat and network hardware supporting surface ships and submarines, ensuring our maritime forces are equipped with the most advanced and reliable systems available.” 

Leonardo DRS’s combat system hardware is deployed across a wide range of mission-critical platforms, enhancing situational awareness, interoperability, and command effectiveness in multi-domain operations around the globe. 

Work will be performed at the Leonardo DRS production facility in Johnstown, PA. 

The design and build of these combat management system consoles is an example of DRS’s deep experience as a leader in complex design and manufacturing supporting a wide range of missions and capabilities. The company’s abilities extend across all domains to support naval, ground, air, space, and cyber missions in areas of sensing, force protection, computer networking, as well as naval power and propulsion systems.