NORFOLK, Va. – The Navy has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the homeporting of the Columbia Class submarines at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay.
The Navy proposes to establish facilities and functions at NSB Kings Bay to support the homeporting of Columbia Class submarines as replacements for the retiring Ohio Class submarines currently homeported at NSB Kings Bay. Under the Proposed Action, the Navy would construct eight facilities, modify five facilities, and demolish three facilities across three locations on NSB Kings Bay. Facility changes and development activities would be phased over a period of five years and completed coincident to the first Columbia Class submarines in 2028. The Proposed Action does not modify any existing dry-docks or conduct any in-water activity.
During the 2028 – 2042 transition period from the Ohio Class to the Columbia Class and at completion, the Columbia Class (SSBNs) will be phased in as the Ohio Class are phased out, and thus total numbers of submarines homeported at NSB Kings Bay during this time will not exceed the number of Ohio Class submarines currently homeported at the base.
The personnel numbers associated with the Columbia Class submarines are expected to be comparable to those associated with the Ohio Class submarines. Personnel numbers are also not anticipated to increase. Therefore, the Proposed Action will not increase the number of personnel employed at NSB Kings Bay, although an increase in temporary workers will result during the demolition, modification, and construction of 16 facilities and various functions scheduled for completion in 2028.
This Environmental Assessment evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action alternative and the No Action Alternative to the following resource areas: air quality, water resources, geological resources, cultural resources, biological resources, utilities and infrastructure, public health and safety, and hazardous materials and wastes.
The Proposed Action is needed because the Ohio Class SSBNs are reaching the end of their service lives and need to be replaced before degrading to unacceptable conditions. Even with additional maintenance, these submarines would continue to suffer from reduced reliability and increased costs associated with the obsolescence of legacy Ohio system components.
The Draft EA is available for review at Www.Nepa.Navy.Mil/columbia-class. The Navy has prepared this Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to inform the public of the Proposed Action and to allow the opportunity for public review and comment. The Draft EA will be released for public comment for 30 days. The Navy invites public comments on the Draft EA, which will help the Navy arrive at the best possible informed decision about the proposal. Comments may be submitted during the public comment period from May 26 through June 25, and be postmarked no later than June 25 to ensure consideration in the Final Environmental Assessment. Written comments may be submitted on the website, or mailed to: ATTN: Ms. Sara Goodwin, code: EV22.SG, 6506 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23508-1212.
Navy F-5 Jet Crashes Near Key West
KEY WEST, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2020) An F-5N Tiger-II from the “Sun Downers” of Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 takes off from Naval Air Station Key West’s Boca Chica Field during the last day of training before the potential bad weather resulting from Tropical Storm Eta. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers)
Release from NAS Key West
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ARLINGTON, Va. — A U.S. Navy F-5N Tiger II jet crashed near Key West. Florida, on May 31, the Navy said.
Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West said in a Facebook post that the aircraft’s pilot “ejected from an F-5N aircraft approximately 25 miles from Boca Chica Field at approximately 9:20 a.m. today. A NAS Key West Search and Rescue crew launched an MH-60S helicopter and rescued the pilot, who is being transported to a Miami-area hospital for further evaluation.”
The pilot and F-5N were assigned to Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111, which is a reserve adversary squadron based at NAS Key West. Adversary squadrons provide training in combating enemy aircraft to fleet units. The Navy and Marine Corps have four such squadrons on strength.
The Navy is investigating the cause of the mishap.
Boeing and ST Engineering Sign P-8 Sustainment MoU
From left: Torbjorn (Turbo) Sjogren, Vice President and General Manager, Government Services, Boeing Global Services; Sarbjit Singh, President, Defence Aerospace, ST Engineering. (Photo: Boeing)
– Joint effort will identify opportunities to collaborate in systems integration, training, local parts distribution, support and sustainment work for the P-8
SINGAPORE, May 29, 2023—Boeing [NYSE: BA] signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ST Engineering to outline potential areas of collaboration in systems integration, training, local parts distribution, support and sustainment work for the P-8A Poseidon.
Boeing and ST Engineering have identified opportunities to collaborate in a number of areas and will explore these in more detail, including jointly developing a P-8 service center in Singapore with the provision of engineers and aircraft maintenance technicians to support maintenance and engineering services.
The P-8A is a long-range, multi-mission aircraft that delivers unmatched antisubmarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
The P-8A, a military derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the future battle space. With more than 160 aircraft in service, the P-8 has executed more than 600,000 mishap-free flight hours around the globe.
Militaries that operate or have selected the P-8 include the U.S. Navy, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Indian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Republic of Korea Navy and German Navy.
Raytheon Technologies to deliver Full Rate Production for TCTS Increment II Air Combat Training System for U.S. Navy
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business (NYSE: RTX) announced today it will deliver on the full rate production contract awarded by the U.S. Navy for Tactical Combat Training System – Increment II (TCTS II), Air Combat Training System (ACMI) for the U.S. Navy. The contract includes both airborne and ground subsystems and will support fielding requirements at various U.S. Navy training ranges.
“TCTS II addresses today’s peer threat, enabling aircrews to train and improve joint tactics, techniques and procedures in an NSA-certified secure environment,” said John Sapp, vice president and general manager, Integrated Solutions for Collins.
Validated flight tests on F/A-18 and EA-18G aircrafts, TCTS II’s long-range, air-to-air and air-to-ground networking capability supported real time data exchanges. The system features an open architecture design, highly encryption capability, computing power, and robust datalink. TCTS II will be the foundation for next-generation training scenarios that will use a combination of live, virtual and constructive entities.
“In our testing, we were able to demonstrate key discriminators of our TCTS II solution including integration into existing infrastructure, tactical intercepts and real-time mission completion notifications,” said Sapp.
TCTS II is planned to replace the U.S. Navy’s legacy ACMI tracking systems with a single system to support training, from tactical aircrew unit level training events to force exercise events, including mobile and fixed locations worldwide.
Developed and built by Collins Aerospace and teammate Leonardo DRS, TCTS II is a scalable and flexible open architecture system that enables highly secure air combat training among 4th and 5th Generation U.S. aircraft, and international aircraft.
HII Redelivers USS George Washington (CVN 73) to U.S. Navy
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has redelivered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to the U.S. Navy. The redelivery took place after successful sea trials that tested the ship’s systems following its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at NNS.
“Redelivering George Washington to the Navy is the end result of incredible teamwork between our shipbuilders, the CVN 73 crew, our government partners and all of our suppliers,” said Todd West, NNS vice president, in-service aircraft carrier programs. “George Washington has gone through a transformation and now returns to the fleet as a fully recapitalized ship, ready to support any mission and serve our nation for another 25 years.”
Sea trials test the carrier’s systems and operations at sea, including high-speed operations. The trials team, comprising sailors, shipbuilders and government representatives, puts the ship through a series of tests designed to prove system performance and demonstrate all the carrier’s capabilities at sea.
“Getting our warship redelivered and back out to sea to take its place as the premier CVN in the world’s greatest Navy is a direct result of the tenacity and grit displayed by our warfighters,” said Capt. Brent Gaut, Washington‘s commanding officer. “To our incredible Sailors, contractors and shipyard workers: I am proud of you, and I sincerely hope you feel an extreme sense of pride as well, especially in light of our once-in-a-lifetime achievement. You all share an equal part in the legacy of getting our warship back into Navy service at a pivotal moment in our great nation’s history. Our collective intent is to show the world what we can do, and what we must do in support of America’s strategic and operational objectives.”
The RCOH process is performed only once during the ship’s lifetime and involves upgrades to nearly every space and system on the ship. Tanks, the hull, shafting, propellers, rudders, piping, ventilation, electrical, combat and aviation support systems are repaired, upgraded and modernized. Work also includes defueling and refueling the ship’s two nuclear reactors as well as repairs, maintenance, and upgrades to the propulsion plant.
NNS is the only shipyard with the skilled workforce and facilities equipped for this project. USS George Washington is the sixth Nimitz-class carrier to undergo RCOH. The RCOH represents 35 percent of all maintenance and modernization in an aircraft carrier’s service life.
Work continues at NNS on the RCOH for USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), with steady progress so far this year, including the installation of the main mast.
HII’s Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding Selected for National Apprenticeship Program
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School has been selected for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Ambassador program.
The program, launched in November 2021, aims to promote and support Registered Apprenticeship opportunities nationwide. This initiative is an effort to modernize, strengthen, diversify and accelerate the use of apprenticeships to advance career pathways and equity in the nation’s economic recovery. The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School is one of 98 organizations selected in the second cohort to serve as an ambassador.
“This recognition is a testament to Newport News Shipbuilding’s commitment to apprenticeships,” said Dr. Latitia McCane, director of education at The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. “We look forward to learning from others in this space and sharing our best practices nationally as we all work to build our future workforce.”
Funded by HII to train and develop the next generation of shipbuilders, The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School offers four- to eight-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and eight optional advanced programs.
Accredited by the Council for Occupational Education, The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School is certified to offer associate’s degrees of applied science in maritime technology in 26 educational programs. Through partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, the Apprentice School’s academic program provides the opportunity to earn associate degrees in business administration, engineering and engineering technology and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering.
You can learn more about the Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative here.
USS SHOUP Completes First Forward-Deployed Naval Patrol March 2023
USS SHOUP Completes First Forward-Deployed Naval Patrol March 2023
COMBINED FLEET ACTIVITY, Yokosuka – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS SHOUP (DDG 86) returned to Combined Fleet Activity Yokosuka, Japan, following the completion of its first Forward-Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations, Mar. 23.
SHOUP arrived in Seventh Fleet, Dec. 22′, as the newest FDNF ship under Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEEN to conduct naval operations in the South China Sea in support of U.S. national security.
“I’m extremely excited for SHOUP to join the DESRON 15 and Seventh Fleet Team. We’ve been training for over two years for this opportunity,” said CDR D. R. Tourtelotte, Commanding Officer.
Once SHOUP’s crew had time to acclimate to their new surroundings which included many trips to appreciate what Japan had to offer as their new home. For Her first task in Seventh Fleet, SHOUP joined a U.S.-JMSDF five-ship Surface Action Group for a multiple week-long operations in the Philippine Sea. SHOUP began the patrol just like nothing had changed from previous underways and exercises with the crew’s mindset already established on one goal. Knowing their new role and responsibility. SHOUP’s CMC, CMDCM J. S. Houske expressed urgency through his energetic rendition of the ship’s new command philosophy, “STRENGTH, HONOR, OWNERSHIP, UNITY, PRESERVATION!!!”
Following SHOUP’s underway time of 36 consecutive days out to sea, a port visit was in the plans. Guam was the perfect place to have SHOUP sailors relax as well as replenish much needed stores and supplies to continue to be the most capable destroyer or the “Tip of the Spear” in most cases based out of Yokosuka, Japan. Sailors took advantage of the vast beaches and historical landmarks like Tumon Beach and War in the Pacific Historical Park. SHOUP sailors were in awe of the mesmerizing views displayed at Two Lover’s Point and natural attractions like Pagat Caves.
“The SHOUP team worked extremely hard at sea and accomplished the mission with near-perfection despite a seemingly endless pattern of storms in the Philippine Sea. The port visit in the beautiful island of Guam was a nice change of scenery for the crew. The time in port was used to relax, enjoy the sun, and resupply before setting sail for our homeport of Yokosuka,” comments LCDR T.M. Winters, Executive Officer.
As SHOUP completes its inaugural FDNF patrol, the ship travelled through the Seventh Fleet AOR as it accrued many of accomplishments to be proud of based on the crew’s resiliency and technical prowess. Accomplishments like 750 newly qualified sailors in rating and watch stations, 2 newly appointed LDOs, 1 DESRON SOY, Newly appointed CMDCS Coutcher, 5 Full power runs, over 40 hours combined, 3 newly qualified ESWS Warriors, lastly as a fitting end to help cool down the crew…A successful Ice Cream Social.
“The SHOUP Team had an outstanding first patrol in the Seventh Fleet AOR. I’m very proud of how well this crew performed,” said CDR D. R. Tourtelotte, Commanding Officer.
USS SHOUP, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan operates in support of U.S. national security interests in the C7F area of operations tied to COMBINED FLEET ACTIVITY, Yokosuka. Through it all USS SHOUP proved to be a valuable asset in Seventh fleet to its new DESRON and allies alike.
USS TRUXTUN RETURNS FROM DEPLOYMENT
230525-QI061-1194 NORFOLK (May 25, 2023) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) returns to Naval Station Norfolk following a nine-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. The George H.W. Bush CSG was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Nathan T. Beard)
NORFOLK, Va. — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, May 25, 2023, following an eight-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation.
“Truxtun’s crew represents the absolute best of America,” said Cmdr. Adam Miller, commanding officer of Truxtun. “They demonstrated exemplary conduct ashore in foreign ports and sustained superior performance operating at sea. From deterring illicit activity in the Red and Arabian Seas to sailing alongside our NATO Allies in the Mediterranean, our crew excelled at every mission tasked to us.” Following completion of a four-week composite training unit exercise, Truxtun deployed in August 2022 alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).
Truxtun entered U.S. 5th Fleet in December 2022. While in the Middle East, Truxtun participated in Exercise AMAN, a series of multilateral naval exercises hosted by the Pakistani Navy, and International Maritime Exercise 2023, a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) hosted naval training exercise that was combined with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa-led exercise Cutlass Express 2023, which involved more than 50 partner nations and international organizations operating in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and East African coastal regions. In January 2023, Truxtun participated in exercise Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history. Led by U.S. Central Command and the Israeli Defense Force, Juniper Oak 23-2 was designed to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Israeli militaries. Juniper Oak 23-2 joined the long-standing “Juniper” series that the U.S. and Israel have conducted for more than 20 years. In April 2023, Truxtun operated off the coast of Sudan in support of Department of State’s evacuation efforts.
Throughout the deployment, the crew conducted scheduled port visits to Split, Croatia; Souda Bay, Crete, Greece; Toulon, France; Aqaba, Jordan; Eilat and Haifa, Israel; and Duqm, Oman. Additionally, the crew hosted key leaders, including Rear Adm. Michael Sciretta, commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, strengthening U.S.-partner relationships across the theaters. “Truxtun is a warship ready for tasking, and that is possible thanks to the talent and dedication of our crew,” Miller said. “I am so proud of every one of our Sailors and thankful for the work they’ve invested to bring us home safely.”
George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and Leyte Gulf.
The ships of DESRON-26 completing deployment within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), Truxtun, and Delbert D. Black. The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard the George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.
For more information about USS Truxtun (DDG 103) or U.S. 2nd Fleet, contact [email protected].
SCSTC Launches Virtual Maintenance Trainer Pilot at the Waterfront
DAHLGREN, Va. – The Navy has authorized the delivery of the most advanced maintenance training systems to the waterfront. To achieve this, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, Naval Education and Training Command, and Navy Regional Maintenance Center and Naval Sea Systems Command Director, Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernization, have approved Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) to execute a six-month Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) pilot program across the waterfront community.
The VMT, an immersive 3D training tool built to support Aegis Weapon System (AWS) maintenance training, is part of the Director, Surface Warfare’s (OPNAV N96) program of record, Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment-Combat Systems (STAVE-CS). These VMT solutions are currently delivering the right training, at the right time, in the right way in our schools, so Sailors are ready to maintain their equipment at peak capability and reliability to win the high-end fight.
“In an effort to optimize this initiative, we want to test the effectiveness of standalone VMT systems to support maintenance skill, proficiency training, and maintenance support,” said SCSTC’s Commodore, Capt. George A. Kessler, Jr. “Our goal is to get the SPY-1D(V) Radar and Aegis Computer Network Technician [ACNT] VMTs out to the fleet to learn how our ships, training teams, and maintenance teams might utilize the tools to support just in time training prior to a maintenance check, casualty troubleshooting support and maintenance training proficiency. SCSTC will then take that feedback to update the systems and provide a scaled-up plan to better support the fleet.”
From April 2023 through October 2023, SCSTC will collect and analyze data captured from two Baseline 9 (BL 9) Technology Insertion (TI)-16 ships, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (DDG 121) and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123); Regional Maintenance Centers (RMCs) in San Diego and Pearl Harbor; and supporting SCSTC waterfront detachments. To facilitate the delivery of these tools, SCSTC loaded VMT capability on standalone laptops and provided them to each location for use.
SCSTC and the manufacturer then provided training at each location to cover system specifics to include functionality, operation, employment, and data collection. The initial Train the Trainer (TtT) session was conducted with Frank E. Petersen, Jr., Hawaii RMC, and SCSTC Detachment Middle Pacific, 18-20 April. Separate sessions were conducted with Southwest RMC, SCSTC Detachment Southwest, and Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee. The training was well received and set the baseline for the execution of the pilot over the next six months.
Why have VMTs aboard ships?
A knowledge refresher tool for technicians will be the primary use of VMT aboard ships. The VMT will provide technicians an opportunity to refresh themselves on proper procedures, tools, skills, and techniques needed to support preventive maintenance efforts while at sea.
“Typically, technicians have a number of infrequent maintenance tasks that they need to perform on their systems,” explained Mr. Christopher Odachowski, a management analyst for SCSTC HQ’s technical support directorate, N9, and primary lead for the pilot initiative. “These tasks that support preventive maintenance can be challenging for technicians if they have not performed it in a long time, or have limited experience. The VMTs can be used to practice maintenance virtually in a safe environment to refresh knowledge and build confidence prior to physically performing the check on the tactical equipment. Technicians can also practice complex repairs to the system prior to execution.”
The secondary use of a VMT aboard a ship is for Combat System Training Team events.
“The VMT can be employed in the training environment to simulate system casualties the ships currently train to address throughout the basic and advanced phase of training,” Odachowski said.
The VMT provides realistic casualty control and repair scenarios at a level not seen to date on the waterfront. The Combat Systems Training Team (CSTT) can shift from yellow sticky notes and talking through the casualty response to the technicians actually working through the symptoms, executing the associated work packages, and getting their ship back in the fight.
Execution of pilot aboard ships
The VMT hosts software that is a virtualization of the technical insertion TI-16 AWS hardware set along with a virtualization of SPY-1D(V). Frank E. Petersen, Jr. and Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee were selected for this pilot to maximize applicability since both ships have the TI-16 hardware and AN/SPY-1D(V) with Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) radar. The ships will conduct a six-month test period comprised of two elements; free play and specific training events, with 557 ACNT scenarios and 247 Aegis SPY-1D scenarios at their disposal.
“DDG 121 and DDG 123 will use the VMT as desired and the system will record utilization and document technician proficiency,” explained Lt. Shane Ortiz, SCSTC HQ’s training directorate’s, N7, waterfront coordinator. “During the initial load-out and training, the ships will also identify specific, upcoming infrequent maintenance checks to conduct targeted training prior to execution and collect feedback upon conclusion of maintenance.”
Why have VMTs at specific waterfront locations?
Typically, technicians and Instructors at the RMCs and SCSTC’s waterfront detachments have been trained in earlier versions of the ACNT or SPY systems but do not receive the specific schoolhouse training on the newest systems that they will have responsibility for in their area of operation.
“Having a VMT onsite, along with initial training on the use and operation of the VMT, will help technicians and Instructors expand their knowledge of these newer systems,” explained Mr. Ron Lavold, a management analyst for SCSTC HQ’s N9 and secondary lead for the pilot program. “The VMT is not solely for apprentice level technicians. This pilot will assist us with our overall goal in expanding the VMT’s utilization across all skill levels.”
Another goal of this pilot is to evaluate the VMT as a potential distance support tool at the RMCs. The VMT is designed as a distributed training tool, with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and real time live student monitoring. These built-in capabilities potentially could be employed to support forward deployed technicians with troubleshooting of their systems when casualties are beyond their technical expertise.
Execution of pilot at RMCs and SCSTC waterfront detachments
SCSTC and the RMCs will create a recommended training plan for technicians assigned to the RMC maintenance and SCSTC waterfront detachment teams to develop and maintain proficiency on BL 9 and SPY-1D(V) with MMSP radar. RMCs will then execute the recommended training proposals, evaluate the VMT for viability as a potential distance support tool for the fleet, and provide focused feedback on VMT usefulness in preparation for maintenance actions.
Feedback process
SCSTC has created a feedback team that will be collecting quantitative
and qualitative data from VMT users throughout the six-month period to determine efficiency of the VMT as a training tool.
“Quantitative data will be collected from the VMT files recorded in each user profile, bi-weekly usage emails, and a user questionnaire,” said Mr. Eric Hall, a management analyst for SCSTC HQ’s N7. “Qualitative
data will be collected during focused fleet feedback discussions.”
Post Pilot
SCSTC will provide a summary of findings to Navy leadership and recommendation for next steps if the VMT capability aboard ships and onboard RMCs and supporting SCSTC waterfront detachments proves to be beneficial.
“The launch of this VMT initiative is a result of an incredible amount of teamwork between headquarters and our learning sites and detachments, SCSTC AEGIS Training and Readiness Center, SCSTC Det Middle Pacific, SCSTC Det Southwest; Regional Maintenance Centers; and our industry partners,” said SCSTC’s Executive Director, Mr. Brian Deters. “We are excited and look forward to the results of this important event.”
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Navy Scaling Back Planned Triton Deployable Sites from Five to Three
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ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy is planning to reduce the number of planned deployment sites for its MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles in accordance with its planned reduction in the number of Tritons being procured.
“FY24 quantity is being reduced from four to two aircraft; a total program of record procurement is being reduced from 70 aircraft to 27,” said a Navy spokesperson in response to a query from Seapower. “This quantity reduction is based on the Joint Requirements Oversite Council re-evaluation of worldwide ISR&T [intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting] requirements that resulted in direction to reduce total MQ-4C deployable locations (orbits) from five to three.”
The Navy had originally planned to establish orbits in Jacksonville, Florida; Whidbey Island, Washington; Sigonella, Sicily; Guam; and a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The Navy did not specify which three sites were still planned for the Triton.
At five orbits and four Tritons per orbit — able to keep an aircraft on station 24/7 — the 20 aircraft required was far lower than the planned for procurement of 70. The original planned procurement would have allowed the Navy to purchase them at economic quantities, keep some in storage, and to sustain Triton operations over many years as the early aircraft reached the end of their service lives.
With three orbits, the total number of 12 Tritons required to sustain them would leave 15 available for attrition, training, and depot-level maintenance.
“When determining the number of air vehicles for a program of record, attrition is a part of the equation when considering the lifespan of the program,” the spokesperson said.
Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, home-based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, deployed two MQ-4Cs to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam in 2020 to provide MISR&T for the U.S. 7th Fleet while developing the concept of operations and the tactics to refine the Triton’s operations. The detachment operated from Guam; Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan; and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, the Navy said in a March 16 release. The detachment returned from deployment in March.
The two deployed Tritons were of the baseline Integrated Functional Capability (IFC) 3 configuration. The squadron has since received newer versions in the IFC 4 configuration, which are equipped with a more capable sensor suite that will allow them to replace the Navy’s fleet of EP-3E Orion electronic reconnaissance aircraft. The MQ-4C will supplement the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
VUP-19 is bringing the Triton to Initial Operational Capability in 2023 with the establishment of an orbit in Guam in support of the 7th Fleet’s Task Force 72.
Northrop Grumman delivered the fourth IFC 4 Triton to the squadron in May to complete the set of aircraft for the Guam orbit while the first aircraft for the second orbit is scheduled to deliver in June, according to Rho Cauley-Bruner, director, Triton program.
