By U.S. Naval Forces Europe Public Affairs, June 29, 2025 

SOUND BAY, Greece  –  Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Commander, Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) during a port call in Souda Bay, Greece, June 29.  

During the visit, the senior leaders met with Thomas Hudner Sailors, who have been conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean for the past two weeks with four other U.S. Navy destroyers. They thanked the crew for their operational activities in support of Department of Defense and U.S. Navy taskings.  

“I am incredibly proud of these sailors and grateful for their service. They have made tremendous contributions to America’s, and the region’s, security.” Caine said. “No other military in the world can do what we can do, and we’re blessed to have Sailors like these around the globe who make it possible.”  

U.S. 6th Fleet positioned five Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to provide defensive support to Israel against Iranian attacks and promote regional stability.  

The destroyers, including USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), are equipped with the Aegis Weapon System designed for ballistic missile defense and intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles since June 14. 

“Thomas Hudner represents the best and the highest standard of our Navy,” Munsch said. “Deploying from our homeland and operating forward to defend our nation and our interests abroad has been a hallmark of our Navy for over two centuries. The naval forces operating in the European theater and beyond have shown that our Navy is prepared, postured, and ready for the challenges we face.” 

Since departing Mayport, Florida, in February, Thomas Hudner and its crew have been conducting various operations including integrated exercises, theater security engagement,  and maritime security operations. 

Included in Thomas Hudner’s previous operations which have already spanned four geographic theaters in a single deployment, the ship represented the Navy during the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy earlier this month. 

For over 80 years, NAVEUR/NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR/NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. 

By U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. Fourth Fleet Public Affairs – Continuing Promise Detachment, June 26, 2025 

COLÓN, Panama – The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Colón, Panama as part of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), June 25, 2025. 
 
“The bond between our nations is built on mutual respect and shared values,” said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 and CP25 mission commander. “Through medical assistance, training, and cultural exchanges, we’re honored to stand alongside the people of Panama and deepen the friendship that connects our countries.” 
 
While in Panama, the Comfort team will work alongside Panamanian medical personnel to provide direct patient care and technical expertise in community clinics, improve medical readiness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the combined capabilities of the U.S. and Panama to respond to public health disasters and humanitarian crises. 
 
“Continuing Promise 2025 is a humanitarian mission that embodies our spirit of collaboration. The arrival of the USNS Comfort represents a hand of friendship that is here to assist Panama and work together to provide health care to those in need,” said U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera, ahead of the start of the mission activities. 
 
The medical and dental team aboard Comfort will work in hand-in-hand with Panama’s Ministry of Health to provide a variety of medical care, including general surgery, pediatric surgery, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, dental care, dermatology, adult medicine, pediatrics, optometry, radiology, pathology and laboratory. 
 
Additionally, a team from the U.S. Army 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support will provide small animal care to include spaying, neutering, and vaccinations. 
 
Comfort is also planning multiple community relations events in Panama, including beach clean-ups, community soccer games, and band concerts that aim to strengthen relations with Panama and assist the community beyond medical services. 
 
“When we build bonds with the local community, it shows the crew how impactful our mission is, and it shows the Panamanians how much we care about them,” said Cmdr. Robert S. Spivey, chaplain assigned to Comfort. 
 
U.S. Navy construction personnel, known as “Seabees,” will also provide construction renovation and engineering support at Escuela Estados Unidos de America. 
 
This visit marks the second mission stop of CP25, a humanitarian civic assistance mission focused on fostering goodwill, strengthening existing partnerships, and building new relationships among partner nations, non-federal entities, and international institutions. CP25 represents the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth conducted aboard Comfort. This visit is also the eighth CP mission stop in Panama and the fifth time Comfort has visited the country, reflecting the enduring ties and shared commitment between Panama and the United States. 
 
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 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. 

Company Sees Continued Momentum With Expanded Missions and New Contracts  

From AIRO, June 26, 2025 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. & MONTREAL & STØVRING, Denmark & WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– AIRO (Nasdaq: AIRO), a leader in advanced aerospace and defense technologies, today announced the successful conclusion of a highly specialized 90-day training support mission for Naval Special Warfare (NSW), building off strong revenue growth in 2024 and first half of 2025 in its military training division.  

AIRO | Training Segment “Coastal Defense” 

As a premier provider of special warfare subject matter experts and airborne assets, AIRO continues to deliver elite training solutions for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps’ Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) program. Operating across California, Idaho, and Nevada, AIRO deployed its fleet of fighter jets and specially modified Cessna twin-engine aircraft to execute hundreds of Close Air Support (CAS) mission hours. These operations were conducted under multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, including the Terminal Attack Controller Trainer (TACT) and Naval Special Warfare Air Support contracts.  

“AIRO is honored to be recognized as a trusted provider of training solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied clients around the globe, especially during today’s tumultuous geopolitical environment,” said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman of AIRO. “Our recent award as a mandated participant of the $5.7 billion Combat Air Force/Commercial Air Service (CAF CAS II) IDIQ contract underscores that trust and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, mission-ready solutions. With more than 60 ongoing armed conflicts worldwide, we remain focused on preparing our forces for the evolving challenges of asymmetrical battlefronts, tactics, and locations.”  

Building on last year’s momentum, AIRO entered 2025 with sustained and growing support, conducting extensive Close Air Support (CAS) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions as part of both routine training and a major Air National Guard exercise. AIRO continues to expand its Training segment to support military readiness through advanced airborne platforms, operational excellence and deep subject matter expertise.  

Furthermore, AIRO has also recently launched additional training missions under new contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, reinforcing its critical role in enhancing operational readiness and inter-service coordination, including its new contract marking 10 years of continuous support to NSW. In total, AIRO has secured more than $30 million in contract awards in direct support of NSW, delivering critical capabilities such as ISR aircraft, Full Motion Video (FMV) broadcast, live and simulated munitions, CAS and Call for Fire training, and dynamic unmanned ground target vehicles for live-fire exercises to enhance the realism and effectiveness of military training.  

AIRO’s expertise also extends to allied partners. Most recently, the team prepared for an international exercise requiring the provision of Remotely Controlled Vehicles (RCVs) to serve as moving ground-based targets. These vehicles will be engaged with inert munitions to support target acquisition and engagement training. The customer is expected to lease over 50 targets and utilize up to eight of AIRO’s elite RCV Control Teams to support the exercise, further demonstrating our global reach and commitment to advanced, realistic training solutions.  

“We are proud to continue delivering high-caliber training support to our military partners,” said Joe Burns, CEO of AIRO Group. “Our expert aircrews and specialized aircraft, under our notable brand ‘Coastal Defense’ remain at the forefront of CAS and ISR operations, ensuring our warfighters receive the most realistic and effective training available. AIRO’s training operations underscore our broader commitment to supporting tier-one operators behind the scenes and ahead of the fight.”  

About AIRO  

AIRO (Nasdaq: AIRO) is a technologically differentiated aerospace, autonomy, and air mobility platform targeting 21st century aerospace and defense opportunities. AIRO is organized into four operating segments, each of which represents a critical growth vector in the aerospace and defense market: Drones, Avionics, Training, and Electric Air Mobility.  

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.