From Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific Public Affairs, May 22, 2025 

SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Navy is strengthening maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region through a $125 million initiative designed to enhance India’s maritime domain awareness. Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific is playing a central role in the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) program, a flagship effort under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. 

The IPMDA initiative aims to improve maritime awareness and regional coordination by providing partner nations with unclassified maritime situational awareness tools and data. A core component of the case is SeaVision, a U.S. Navy-managed platform that aggregates Automatic Identification System (AIS) and other vessel tracking data to enable secure, real-time maritime monitoring, according to Robert Lendvay, NIWC Pacific Foreign Military Sales Case Manager supporting the Navy’s International C4I Integration Program Office [PMW 740]. Lendvay has spearheaded the effort since January 2023. The initiative also integrates commercial satellite-based radio frequency (RF) detection capabilities from HawkEye 360, enabling partner nations to detect and monitor vessels operating without transponders. Together, these tools create a multi-layered operational picture that significantly enhances India’s ability to monitor its maritime domain and contribute to regional security objectives. 
  
The program’s inception began with a foundational meeting at NIWC Pacific in San Diego, where Lendvay, alongside the NIWC Pacific SeaVision Technical Assistance Field Team, hosted a high-level delegation from the Indian Navy and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This engagement was instrumental in defining the initial operational and technical requirements that laid the groundwork for the largest IPMDA-related case to date. 
  
Over the course of two years, Lendvay led detailed coordination efforts across the U.S. Department of State, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Navy International Programs Office, and other interagency partners to ensure the program met U.S. releasability standards and foreign disclosure policies. 
  
“These collaborative efforts ultimately resulted in the successful completion of the Congressional Notification process – a critical milestone,” said Lendvay. “This authorizes the U.S. Government to offer new and improved capabilities to India in support of IPMDA. This approval not only affirms the strategic trust placed in India as a key Indo-Pacific partner but also reflects the growing defense ties between members of the Quad alliance: the United States, Japan, Australia, and India.” 
  
“This initiative is a testament to the strong partnership between the U.S. and India and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said John Smith, a NIWC Pacific employee. “By providing India with advanced maritime domain awareness tools, we are enhancing their ability to monitor their maritime domain and contribute to regional security.” 
  
NIWC Pacific and PMW 740 have played a central role in managing the program’s development, working closely with commercial vendors and interagency stakeholders to define a technically sound and contractually executable acquisition strategy. The IPMDA initiative strengthens the region’s ability to detect and deter threats and reinforces collective maritime security objectives. 

From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs, May 22, 2025 

NAPLES, Italy – U.S. 6th Fleet Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) conducted two separate live-fire events as part of exercise At Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 25. U.S. Navy destroyers are equipped with the Aegis weapons systems designed for ballistic missile defense. 

On May 15, 2025, Thomas Hudner successfully engaged a short-range ballistic missile (IAMD-T) target with an SM-6 missile. 

On May 20, 2025, Bulkeley and Thomas Hudner successfully engaged a medium-range ballistic missile target (ARAV-B) and a simulated target (EDTT) with an SM-3 missile. 

Throughout the exercise, Allied forces are participating in a series of live-fire events using NATO command and control reporting structures. 

The two destroyers’ successful missile intercepts demonstrated the lethality of U.S. Navy systems and the ability to operate seamlessly with Allied nations to maintain a stable security environment. It sends a strong message to any potential adversary by demonstrating combat credibility. 

ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 includes a series of live-fire events against unmanned air and surface systems, subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, multi-nation/multi-service ground-based air defenses, and aviation forces working across battlespaces to deliver lethal effects, accomplish exercise objectives, and hone warfighting skills. 

The exercise commenced on May 3, 2025 and involves approximately 6,900 personnel from across the Alliance. 

From Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, May 21, 2025 

ST. INIGIES, Md. — The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is boosting its testing capabilities with a new UAS experimentation system showcased recently at a training event at Naval Air Station Patuxent River’s Webster Outlying Field. 

Designed to accelerate unmanned aviation development, the Tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Experimentation Payload System (TULEPS) allows developers to test software and mission equipment on a generic unmanned platform. 

“When we test payloads on specific UAVs, it requires significant money, time and effort because of the limitations of the UAV – TULEPS is an innovative resource that allows us to focus first on the development of the actual payload technology,” said NAWCAD lead experimentation engineer James Tomasic.  “After we’ve worked through the technical issues and are comfortable with the payload, we can focus on implementing that technology on a specific UAV platform.” 

TULEPS streamlines testing by allowing equipment to be loaded on its UAV without requiring flight clearances. Its tether enables systems to fly in most weather conditions, powers payloads for extended periods of time, securely transmits data, and can be used on ships or trucks to give antennas and sensors a higher vantage point and longer reach. 

“If we want to test an electronic warfare pod, a new communication antenna or an electro-optical surveillance sensor, we can put it on the TULEPS system with very little paperwork,” said Chief Test Pilot Lt. Col. Jason Noll at NAWCAD’s unmanned Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24. “The system is already approved, so we don’t have to obtain a new clearance – we can test on a shorter timeline with fewer manhours and save money as well.” 

NAWCAD’s Experimentation Office (NEO) worked with industry partner DPI UAV Systems to quickly stand up the new test capability, which culminated in a two-day TULEPS event that featured classroom and hands-on training for more than 10 UX-24 air vehicle operators who are the command’s first qualified TULEPS operators. 

“NEO is here to help solve problems and support all of NAWCAD,” said Tomasic. “We are constantly looking at game-changing technologies like TULEPS that bring new capabilities to the warfare center.” 

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. 

From Petty Officer 1st Class Tiarra Brown, May 19, 2025 

SAN DIEGO — The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) returned home to Naval Base Point Loma following a successful seven-month deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, May 15, 2025. 

The Alexandria deployed in 2024 from its homeport of Naval Base Point Loma, California, on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of national security objectives. The submarine’s operations throughout the Pacific Ocean underscore the United States’ commitment to an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. 
 
“This crew went above and beyond, no matter what was asked of them,” said Cmdr. Chris Rose, Alexandria’s commanding officer. “Deploying on submarines is a demanding but rewarding and consequential task. I could not be prouder of my crew’s resolve over the past seven plus months in demonstrating every day what makes our boats and our crews the apex predators of the maritime domain.” 
 
While deployed, the Alexandria demonstrated the capability and professionalism of the Joint Force, conducting an integrated exercise with U.S. Marine Corps personnel assigned to Third Reconnaissance Battalion during and immediately after a scheduled port visit to Guam. 
 
“This crew did a phenomenal job in all aspects of this deployment,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Mitchell Gatton, Alexandria’s chief of the boat. “I am especially proud of the 35 submarine warfare devices earned by Alexandria Sailors, which to me underscores the crew’s commitment to continued growth and development.” 

 
Between operations and taskings, the crew also made a scheduled port visit to Busan, South Korea, underscoring the strategic and critical relationship between the United States and South Korea. Port visits like this reflect the United States’ commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, and complement the many exercises, training, operations and other military cooperation activities conducted by U.S. submarine forces with our Republic of Korea Navy allies. 
 
This visit also provided an opportunity for Alexandria’s crew to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture while enhancing interpersonal relationships with counterparts. 
 
“I really enjoyed Busan, South Korea because I have never been to that part of the world,” said Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Justin Guerra. “Port visits give us that time to explore new places, get some well-earned rest, and experience the culture, food, and hospitality of our Allied and partner nations.” 
 
Upon arriving home, and in support of a time-honored Navy tradition, Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation 3rd Class Dylan Caruthers was the first Alexandria Sailor to depart the boat for the “first kiss.” 
 
“I am thrilled to be home with my family and I’m proud of all the great work we accomplished on deployment,” said Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class Ezekiel Hamner. “This morning when I heard the order to station the maneuvering watch and send line handlers topside, it really hit that we were at the end of our deployment. It was an awesome feeling.” 
 
The USS Alexandria is the third ship to bear the name Alexandria. The unit’s motto is “Twice as Strong,” which denotes the fact that it is named for Alexandria, Virginia and Alexandria, Louisiana. She is the 46th Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine and was commissioned June 29, 1991. 
 
The Alexandria is assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, home to four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. 

From the Navy Office of Information, May 20, 2025 

BATH, Maine — The keel for the future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on May 20, at Bath Iron Works (BIW). 

The keel laying represents the start of a ship’s construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship’s sponsor welds their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of a BIW welder. 

The ship’s sponsor is Madison Ann Zolper, great-granddaughter of the ship’s namesake, Coast Guard Capt. Quentin R. Walsh, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II. 

Walsh received the Navy Cross for his leadership during the 1944 Battle of Cherbourg, where his 53-man reconnaissance unit captured 750 German soldiers and liberated 52 American prisoners of war. After World War II, he served during the Korean War and held various roles at Coast Guard headquarters. After his Coast Guard career, he worked as a teacher and parole officer in Maryland and became known for his dedication to community preservation. 

“We are honored to mark the beginning of the construction for the future USS Quentin Walsh and celebrate his legacy with his family,” said Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “DDG 132 will provide our Navy with critical strategic capabilities to support Fleet readiness.” 

Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. 

The keel laying of future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132) symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power. 

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest 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. 

From RTX, May 19, 2025 

RAM is a vital component of naval defense, protecting high-value assets and the lives of thousands of sailors and marines 

TUCSON, Ariz. (May 19, 2025) – Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business and German industrial partner RAM-Systems GmbH, delivered the 250^th RAM MK49 Guided-Missile Launching System (GMLS) to the U.S. Navy. It will be deployed on the USS Pittsburgh, a new-construction San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. 

The RAM program, which will celebrate its 50^th anniversary next year, is a bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Germany with Raytheon serving as a prime contractor. In addition to the U.S. and Germany, RAM customers include Egypt, Greece, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates.  

“The RAM missile system has been a cornerstone of naval defense capabilities for decades, and this 250^th GMLS delivery is a testament to the important role it plays in defending U.S. and allied forces,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “As we continue to modernize and expand the deployment of RAM, it remains a critical asset in protecting our sailors and ships from evolving threats.” 

As the world’s premier ship self-defense effector, RAM protects naval assets ranging in size from 220-foot corvettes to 1,100-foot nuclear powered aircraft carriers from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and other incoming threats.   

Raytheon and its German industrial partners continue to invest in modernizing the RAM system to increase production capacity to meet growing global demand as well as enhance the capabilities of the RAM effector and launching system.  This includes Raytheon’s GMLS manufacturing facilities – which have recently doubled production capacity – in addition to weapon system upgrades and supporting RAM integration aboard new naval platforms.  

From Naval Air Systems Command, May 16, 2025 

FORT WORTH, Texas — After years of soaring through the skies, a retired AV-8B II+ Harrier found its new home May 13 at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, ready to inspire a new generation of aviators and engineers. 

A collaborative effort between the AV-8B Weapons Systems Program Office (PMA-257), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Aircraft Group 14 and Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 ensured the retired Harrier was demilitarized and safe for display, ready for its new role as a museum exhibit. 

VMA-231’s Capt. Zach “Yoda” Moore flew the aircraft to the museum initially performing a fly-by at the observation area before vertically landing. 

“Of over 40 aircraft [at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum], this is one of the most unique and interesting aircraft to have been flown into our museum,” said Ben Guttery, the museum’s collections manager. “This aircraft’s extensive combat history is very important to us and will be greatly appreciated by the public. The AV-8B II+ will eventually be bookend displayed next to the AV-8A demonstrating the many changes of the Harrier from when it first went into service with the U.S. Marines.” 

This aircraft, BUNO 165357, originally entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps as a Day Attack variant on Sept. 16, 1985. It was stricken and remanufactured reentering service on June 12, 1998 as an AV-8B Harrier II+. It flew with Marine Attack Squadrons (VMAs) 223, 231 and 542, logging 995 recorded combat flight hours and a combined total of 8,955 flight hours in support of multiple Marine Expeditionary Unit deployments, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom deployments, humanitarian efforts and Request for Forces. 

Pablo “Louie” Sanchez, PMA-257 logistics assistant program manager and museum task force lead, said, “The Marine demilitarization crew led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Neil Vislosky has done a phenomenal job in preparation for this event to include coordination with the Marines of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 at Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth demonstrating professionalism every step of the way to make this a successful event.” 

According to its official website, the Fort Worth Aviation Museum has the “most touchable warbirds in North Texas” and aims to preserve, inspire and educate. The museum’s vision is to celebrate and showcase the people and aviation accomplishments of North Texas, in a museum and science center that can preserve and display our heritage, educate the community, and inspire young people to stay in school and achieve their full potential. Its slogan, “Giving wings to youth and community through our aviation roots,” highlights the importance of Harrier’s preservation initiatives. 

The AV-8B Harrier II+ is a vertical/short takeoff and landing, light attack jet used by the U.S. Marine Corps, and the Italian and Spanish navies. In service for four decades, its mission is to destroy surface targets and escort friendly aircraft in austere conditions during expeditionary, joint and combined operations. 

The platform provides close and deep air support, including armed reconnaissance and air interdiction, and conducts offensive and defensive anti-air warfare. The AV-8B Harrier II+ can operate from carriers and other suitable seagoing platforms, advanced bases, expeditionary airfields and remote tactical landing sites offering versatility, firepower and mobility to effectively counter enemies engaged by U.S. and allied ground forces. 

May 15, 2025 | By C. Todd Lopez, DoD News  

On Capitol Hill yesterday, Navy Secretary John Phelan told lawmakers that increasing shipbuilding to better outfit the Navy, developing an accountable and innovative warfighter culture and improving the welfare of the fighting force were his top priorities.  

Phelan, alongside Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James W. Kilby, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith, briefed the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee on current challenges and their plans to address them.  

“My North Star, or No. 1 priority as secretary, is the readiness of our sailors and Marines,” Phelan said, adding that the priorities he outlined will guide his decision-making as he leads the department.  

After Phelan was sworn in as the Navy secretary in late March, he visited troops and facilities in the Indo-Pacific region, the southern border, the USS Gravely, several military installations, as well as public and private shipyards. 

“Rebuilding our hollowed-out maritime industrial base is a national security imperative, as outlined in the Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance executive order signed by President [Donald J.] Trump,” he said. “Over the past month, I visited … eight shipyards across the nation’s East Coast and the Indo-Pacific. I spoke directly with shipyard leaders and the hard-working tradesmen essential to our maritime operations. I now have a clear picture of where our shipbuilding dollars have been going, and [I] am developing a plan to fix what’s broken.”  

Phelan told lawmakers that submarine building challenges include the complexity of the ship, workforce experience, supply chain issues and, in some cases, a lack of modernization at shipbuilding facilities. During his meetings with shipyard workers and industry leaders, he discussed the state of shipbuilding and identified ways to improve workflow.  

“It was very interesting in some of [the leaders’] assessments of what they did not perceive to be as problems,” Phelan said, adding that when he met with the workers, he received the opposite response.  

His visit to a shipyard in Japan showcased the difference in shipbuilding processes. There, he found workers get the same productivity in one shift that American shipyards might get in three shifts.  

“I believe that’s for two reasons,” Phelan said. “One, their average worker is 50 years old; it is a career … they’ve been in that shipyard a very long time. Two, when I spoke to the welders in Japan, they … spend zero time on paperwork. Our welders spend between 30% and 40% of their time filling out paperwork … that is a problem.”  

Phelan said he saw positive things at U.S. yards that might be implemented across the rest of the U.S. shipbuilding industry to speed up things like U.S. submarine production.  

“I do think we can get the calendar shifted left, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of effort,” he said.  

Kilby told lawmakers the Navy faces three challenges, and it is working to solve them with congressional assistance.  

First, he said, is a shortage of approximately 23,000 sailors manning ships.  

“Thanks to process improvements and targeted investments, we are on plan to reduce that number significantly by the close of fiscal year 2026,” Kilby said. “We’re committed to attracting and developing Americans who can innovate, solve hard problems and dominate in combat.”  

The Navy missed recruiting goals in fiscal year 2023 but raised its goals in fiscal year 2024 and then exceeded its target when it recruited more than 40,000 new sailors.  

“[That’s] the most since 2003, and we are currently on pace to exceed our recruiting goal for fiscal year 2025,” he said.  

Kilby said a second issue involves strain on the munitions industrial base. Ordinance expenditures in the Red Sea against the Houthis have highlighted challenges with manufacturing replacement munitions.  

“The Navy is working with both our traditional [prime contractors] and new entrants to close this gap, developing kinetic and non-kinetic weapons at speed and at scale,” he said.  

In submitted testimony, Kilby said the Navy is investing in expanding capacity and adding new suppliers across its weapons portfolio, including rocket motors, warheads and engines.  

Finally, Kilby said, platform readiness is a priority for the Navy.  

“Our platforms are not as ready as they need to be,” he said. “We set an ambitious goal to make 80% of our ships, submarines and aircraft combat surge ready by Jan. 1, 2027. To do that, we are reducing maintenance delays. We are improving manning, training, modernization and sustainment. In all of these efforts, consistent and predictable funding is foundational. We appreciate the continued support of this committee.”  

Smith said as the commandant of the Marine Corps, his top priority is achieving a 3.0 amphibious ready group/marine expeditionary unit presence. He added that this would mean the Marines have one amphibious ready group constantly deployed off the East Coast, one deployed off the West Coast and one sporadically deployed out of the naval force in Japan.  

“The amphibious ready group with marine expeditionary unit embarked is the most versatile tool in our nation’s arsenal,” he said. “It is the Swiss Army knife of the joint force, and we’re working closely with our Navy partners to maximize this capability.”  

Smith said accelerating force design is another priority for the Marines, adding that the Marines are in the implementation phase — integrating new technology, refining organizational structure and strengthening the joint force.  

“Force design is our righteous journey to adapt to the changing character of war. The nature of war remains the same, but the character changes,” Smith said.   

Regarding quality of life, Smith said Marines want the basics. He told lawmakers, “Every Marine deserves a clean, safe place to lay their head at night. They don’t ask for much, but they do ask for that.”   

Smith called the Barracks 2030 program the most consequential infrastructure investment in Marine Corps history. He noted that it will provide every Marine with safe, modern living conditions.  

“And quality of life goes beyond our barracks,” he added. “We’re also investing in the well-being of Marine families, because retaining our Marines means supporting those who stand by them.” 

From U.S. 2nd Fleet, May 15, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) returned to Naval Station Norfolk May 15, concluding a nearly three-month deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. 
 

The crew departed Feb. 25, 2025 with their mission focused on strengthening maritime partnerships, enhancing regional security, and conducting multinational naval operations in the Caribbean and surrounding waters. 
 
“I could not be more proud of Normandy’s sailors and their relentless drive to execute the nation’s tasking,” said Capt. Nathan Diaz, commanding officer of USS Normandy. “While independently deployed, it was an honor for our crew to reinforce the maritime commons with partners like Colombia, France, Guyana, the Netherlands, Panama and the U.K.” 
 
During the deployment, Normandy engaged in several notable exercises to include the Trilateral Maritime Exercise March 3 and the Bilateral Exercise with Guyana March 27. The Trilateral Maritime Exercise was executed alongside the Royal Navy’s HMS Medway and the Royal Netherlands Navy’s HNLMS Groningen. This operation included coordinated maneuvers and aviation drills, featuring a Royal Netherlands NH-90 helicopter, aimed at enhancing interoperability among allied naval forces. 
 
The Bilateral Exercise with Guyana was conducted in partnership with the Guyana Defence Force patrol vessel GDFS Shahoud. Supported by Normandy’s embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50, the exercise focused on formation maneuvers and communication drills to bolster regional maritime cooperation. 
 
Throughout its deployment, Normandy also participated in Theater Security Cooperation port visits and collaborative operations with regional partners, reinforcing the U.S. Navy’s commitment to unity, security, and stability in the Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime regions. 
 
“The crew of Normandy has exceeded all expectations while operating with partner and ally nations and strengthening maritime partnerships in the Caribbean,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve. “The successful completion of their third deployment in the last year and a half is a testament to the grit, determination, and selflessness of the Sailors and their families.” 
 
Normandy is a multi-mission Air Warfare, Undersea Warfare, Naval Surface Fire Support and Surface Warfare surface combatant capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces or operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups. 
 
Normandy was commissioned in Dec. 1989 and was named after the World War II Battle of Normandy. 
 
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. 
 
For more U.S. 2nd Fleet news and photos, visit www.facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X – @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/commander-u-s-2nd-fleet. 

From Chief of Naval Air Training, May 9, 2025   

NAS CORPUS CHRISTI —The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), Rear Admiral Rich Brophy, hosted former CNATRA commanders onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville last week as part of the Graybeards conference, an event that brings together previous leaders of naval air training to share their experience and insight with the current training enterprise. The conference offered a unique opportunity for these distinguished former commanders to witness firsthand the evolution of flight training and contribute their perspective to the ongoing transformation of naval aviation. 
 
During their visit, the Graybeards toured Training Air Wing FOUR’s (TW-4) simulator facilities where they tested the virtual reality (VR) “sleds” used in primary flight training. These VR devices provide immersive and realistic instruction for Student Naval Aviators before they advance to the aircraft. The group also interacted with the new T-54 simulator, which is set to replace the T-44 Pegasus in multi-engine advanced training. The T-54 represents a significant step forward in-flight training modernization, offering improved systems integration and better alignment with fleet aircraft. 
 
Following the simulator tour, the group returned to CNATRA headquarters for a mission brief outlining the current and future state of the Naval Air Training Command. Discussions focused on efforts to increase training throughput and modernize the curriculum in line with naval strategic demands and fleet requirements. The day concluded with a visit to NAS Kingsville, where the Graybeards toured the advanced strike training facilities and received an overview on the successful Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard radar program, the planned Service Life Extension Program for the T-45 Goshawk, and the maintenance scheduling optimization program to increase jet training availability and efficiencies. 
 
“The Graybeards conference honors the legacy of leadership that continues to guide Naval Air Training today,” said Rear Adm. Rich Brophy. “These former CNATRAs laid the foundation for the work we do, and their insights continue to be vital as we train the future of naval aviation.”