From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs, April 28, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. — Military and civilian planners from the United States and six partner nations met this week in Norfolk, Va., to make final plans for the upcoming Continuing Promise 2025 deployment. 

U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy in support of Continuing Promise 2025, with the ship scheduled to conduct mission stops in Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. U.S. Navy Capt. Ryan Kendall, Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40 (COMDESRON 40) will serve as mission commander for Continuing Promise 2025. 
  
Representatives from the six U.S. country teams joined other U.S. personnel at the conference, meticulously reviewing medical engagements, subject matter expert exchanges, and public engagements for each mission stop, which includes the participation of partner nation personnel and non-governmental organizations. Participants also heard from Capt. Bryan Carmichael, Continuing Promise 2022 Mission Commander, and Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, Continuing Promise 2024 Mission Commander, who both shared their lessons learned and observations from their respective missions. 
  
“Through detailed planning with our friends and partners, we have the blueprint for a successful Continuing Promise 2025 deployment,” said Capt. Kendall. “We look forward to bringing USNS Comfort to all six partner nations with the intent of strengthening maritime partnerships by helping people in need.” 
  
Continuing Promise 2025 marks the 15th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth time that USNS Comfort will visit the region in those 18 years. Continuing Promise 2025 will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-government organizations, and international organizations.  
  
“The Continuing Promise 2025 Team has produced a strong plan for USNS Comfort Sailors and civilians to carry out,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “We are committed to supporting the success of this important mission.” 
  
Since its inception in 2007, Continuing Promise has treated more than 605,000 patients and performed approximately 7,300 surgeries, leaving a lasting positive impact on people in need.   
  
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet serves as a trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South American maritime forces, promoting unity, security, and stability in the region. 

From Sarah Cannon, April 28, 2025 

SAN DIEGO — Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) newest fleet replenishment oiler USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), was christened during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif., last night. 

The event was attended by Dr. Brett A. Seidle, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy; Vice Adm. John F. G. Wade, commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet; Capt. Micah Murphy, commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific; executives and employees of NASSCO San Diego; and the decedents of Sojourner Truth. 
 
The ship honors Sojourner Truth, and escaped slave who became an American abolitionist and activist for African-American civil rights, women’s rights, and alcohol temperance. 
 
“We reserve the naming of our ships for special places, historic events and great people who represent the best among us, and who’s distinguished contributions are worthy of our remembrances for generations to come,” said Seidel. “In that vein, Sojourner Truth was a natural choice to be memorialized with a ship bearing her name.” 
 
The official christening moment happened when the ship’s sponsor, Barbara Allen, the sixth-generation granddaughter of Sojourner Truth, broke a bottle of champagne over the ship’s bow with the words, “For the United States of America, I christen you the USNS Sojourner Truth. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” Following the christening moment, the ship blew her horns and slid down the rails, amid a fanfare of music from the Navy Band Southwest and a shower of red, white and blue streamers. 
 
The 746-foot Truth is the sixth ship of the John Lewis fleet replenishment oiler class. Truth has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry stores cargo. The John Lewis class is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills and strengthened cargo and ballast tanks and will be equipped with a basic self-defense capability. The Lewis-class of oilers will replace the current Kaiser Class fleet replenishment oilers as they age out of the MSC fleet. 
 
“The greatness of this ship is only matched by the greatness of her crew who represent the thousands of Civil Service Mariners at sea today and the staff of Military Sealift Command who support them ashore, “said Murphy. “Our nation and our Navy are fortunate to have these Americans who step forward through the maritime academies, the union halls, the maritime industry, and many other walks of life, from all corners of the nation to serve in the United States Merchant Marine. In peacetime or war, U.S. Merchant Mariners have answered the call to service every time. They demonstrate a deep and rich history of professionalism, seamanship, and bravery across the globe.” 
 
In addition to Truth, three more Lewis-class oilers are on order for the Navy. In July 2016, US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said that he would name the Lewis-class oilers after prominent civil rights activists and leaders including Harvey Milk, Lucy Stone, Thurgood Marshall, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Harriet Tubman. 
 
“The Navy’s ability to project power across the globe depends on sustained operations at sea and that simply wouldn’t be possible without ships like USNS Sojourner Truth,” said Murphy. “Without MSC’s Combat Logistics Force, carrier strike groups and amphibious forces would be tethered to shore-based support, severely limiting their reach and operational tempo. In short, these ships enable U.S. naval forces to remain forward-deployed, flexible, and ready to respond anywhere in the world on short notice.” 
 
MSC directs and supports operations for approximately 140 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and reserve military personnel. 

From the Navy Offoce of Information, 25 April 2025 

SAN DIEGO—The U.S Navy will christen the future USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) during a ceremony on April 26 at 8 p.m. (PDT) at General Dynamics NASSCO. 

Dr. Brett Seidle, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the principal address followed by remarks from Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. Third Fleet; Capt. Micah Murphy, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC), Pacific; and Dave Carver, president, General Dynamics NASSCO. 

T-AO 210 is named in honor of Sojourner Truth, a nineteenth century civil rights activist from New York. In a time-honored Navy tradition, ship sponsor Barbara Allen, a sixth-generation descendant of the ship’s namesake, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. 

The christening of the future USNS Sojourner Truth 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. 

John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers (T-AOs) are operated by MSC and feature substantial volume for oil as well as significant dry cargo capacity. They also possess aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and are a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system. These ships are essential to sustaining contested logistics, enabling lethality even in sea-denied environments. 

General Dynamics NASSCO is currently in production of three additional T-AOs, with two more under contract for future production. Additionally, a Block Buy contract was issued in September 2024 for the detail design and construction of T-AO 214-221. 

Program Executive Office, 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 Lt. Grace Kording, April 24, 2025 

SAN DIEGO – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) arrived Apr. 22 in its new homeport of Naval Base San Diego, California from Naval Base Everett, Washington, after conducting phased modernization at Vigor Shipyard in Seattle. This move was a permanent change of station for the crew and family members. 

“I am so incredibly proud of this dedicated crew and for all of the hard work and sacrifice that brought Cape St. George back to life. Repairing and restoring systems after an extended modernization was a herculean effort, and this talented crew is the reason the ship was able to return to sea and reintegrate into our Navy’s fighting force,” said Capt. Jennifer Pontius, commanding officer of Cape St. George. 
 
The cruiser began modifications in June 2021 and is scheduled to conclude in 2025. During this time, Cape St. George underwent extensive upgrades to its hull, mechanical systems, engineering, and combat systems in preparation for rejoining maritime operations. 
 
“It’s been a long, rigorous journey bringing Cape St. George’s power plant back to life, but I am proud of the work we have done. I was filled with so many emotions when we got underway after spending numerous hours restoring the engine room equipment, but I understand this is only the beginning of our mission,” said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Annsia Stewart. “We are ready to make San Diego our home!” 
 
The upgrades ensure Cape St. George remains one of the most technologically advanced and lethal ships in the U.S. Navy. 
 
“I arrived at Cape St. George while it was dry-docked, and it has been an amazing experience seeing the reconstruction to get the ship fully operational. It is an incredible opportunity to set a foundation for future Sailors,” said Lt. j.g. William Neel, Strike Officer. 
 
Cape St. George was commissioned June 12, 1993. The ship’s name commemorates the battle fought in the South Pacific off the island of New Ireland in the Bismarck Archipelago on Nov. 25, 1943. Modern U.S. Navy guided-missile cruisers are multi-mission Air Warfare, Undersea Warfare, Naval Surface Fire Support, and Surface Warfare (SUW) surface combatants capable of supporting carrier strike groups, amphibious forces, or independent missions. The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. 

April 24, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. – Fleet Week New York returns to New York City on May 21 – 27, 2025, with two U.S. Navy ships, two Coast Guard cutters, and five U.S. Navy Academy Yard Patrol boats (YPs). Additionally, our Canadian neighbor will join the week-long celebration.

Ships from the U.S. and Royal Canadian Navy will participate in the Parade of Ships on Wednesday, May 21.  
 
USS New York (LPD 21) and USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759) will be available for public ship tours Friday and Saturday, May 23-24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Public ship tours in Staten Island will be available on May 22- 
26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 
The event has been held nearly every year since 1984. This year’s theme is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future: 250 Years of Sea Service Excellence,” which celebrates the rich history of the sea services, honoring service members from the past, present, and future who play a crucial role in supporting the fleet while carrying out our maritime strategy and strategic objectives. 
 
“This year marks the 250th birthday of the Navy and Marine Corps, and as we continue to evolve as a fighting force, we are reminded that our greatest strength comes not only from our sea service members, but from the people we serve,” said Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “Fleet Week New York reminds us that behind every uniform is a story—of family, of sacrifice, and of service to something greater than self. As we celebrate 250 years of the Navy and Marine Corps, we are proud to return to a city whose strength and spirit mirror the very heart of our nation.” 
 
Ship and pier locations include: 
– Manhattan, Pier 88 South: (Ship public tours on Friday & Saturday, May 23-24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, USS New York (LPD 21) from Norfolk, Virginia 
– Manhattan, Pier 90 North: (Ship public tours on Friday & Saturday, May 23-24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina 
• Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434) from Halifax, 
Canada 
 
– Manhattan, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86: (Ship public tours on Thursday & Friday, May 22-23, from  
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• Five U.S. Naval Academy YPs from Annapolis, Maryland 
 
– Homeport Pier, Staten Island: (Ship public tours will be May 22 – 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) from Norfolk, Virginia 
• Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB 109) from Bayonne, New Jersey 
2/2/2 
 
Please note: Canadian Navy Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPV 434) will not be available for tours.  
 
The week-long event will include a variety of public military demonstrations. It is an unparalleled  
opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet members of the sea  
services, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of America’s maritime services. 

By Lt. Sara Wedemeyer, Chief of Naval Air Training, March 27, 2025   

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash – A pair of T-54As arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Mar. 27 after completing their first cross-country flight to Washington State, showcasing the range capacity as the Navy’s newest multi-engine trainer. 
 
This cross country was used as training flights within the Flight Instructor Training Unit (FITU) Syllabus. The Instructors Under Training (IUTs), taught by FITU Instructor Pilots (IPs), will be the next generation of squadron IPs and the first to teach student naval aviators how to fly the T-54A. 
 
Lieutenant Hunter Jones, one of the visiting naval aviators, believes the T-54A will make a difference in the lives of student naval aviators at Training Wing Four, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. 
 
“We are thrilled to begin training the next generation of pilots in the T-54A, a platform that will significantly enhance our ability to prepare naval aviators for the challenges ahead,” said Jones. “Flying the T-54A from Naval Air Station Corpus Christi to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island truly demonstrates its capabilities. Students are set to start training on the new plane in the next few weeks and this milestone would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership of Cdr. Michael “Textron” Brammer and the entire Multi Engine Training System (METS) FIT Team at Training Wing Four. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring the seamless transition to this aircraft.” 
 
The T-54A fleet is located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi as a member of Training Wing Four. The Navy’s newest generation of student naval aviators will use the T-54A to earn their wings of gold and go on to fly aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon, E-2D Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey, E6-B Mercury, and the C-130 Hercules. 

By Nicholas E. M. Pasquini, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications, April 22, 2025 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) recently transferred a number of historical artifacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic to the National Museum of Health and Medicine and is scheduled to exhibit military medical innovations to the public, Apr. 26. 
  
The Military Medical Innovation Family Event program takes place in the museum galleries where presenters from a variety of military activities conduct demonstrations and activities highlighting innovative products and research that benefit readiness, health, care, and rehabilitation of the warfighter. 
  
In April 2020, during the early stages of the COVID pandemic, the Naval COVID Rapid Response Team (NCR2T) was established by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) after the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) became the first ship in the U.S. Fleet to fight through a COVID-19 outbreak. The chief of naval operations then charged NAVSEA with evaluating technologies and developing processes and procedures to provide tools for Fleet commanders, type commanders, and ship commanders to ensure and promote mission readiness amidst the pandemic. 
  
NRL was tasked by NAVSEA with evaluating the efficacy of ultraviolet light sources procured by the NCR2T. The Plasma Physics Division leveraged experience across multiple disciplines to design a standardized measurement test stand, verify calibration of measurement equipment, and perform analysis of the devices.  
  
NRL researchers evaluated commercial ultraviolet (UV) sources for viral disinfection to combat COVID-19 on land and at sea and established a dedicated UV characterization lab in five days to ensure safe introduction and effective operation of UV sources across the Fleet. 
  
This work was done in close collaboration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, which performed biological surrogate testing to evaluate the effectiveness of the UV sources for disinfection of COVID-19 on surfaces relevant to Navy applications. The devices range from small, hand-held UV sources to large devices meant to disinfect an entire room.  
  
The laboratory used an automated 3-axis motorized translation stage to measure the light emitted from ultraviolet light sources to measure both the intensity and quality of the light generated by the devices. Data was collected from this apparatus to create 2D “maps” of the light emitted from the sources to enable comparison of different technologies. 
  
In addition, NRL’s work helped identify situations where use of UV provides sufficient viral disinfection at a particular energy level and the development of standard operating procedures to ensure safe UV operation for the Fleet. 
 
“NRL’s commitment to performing leading-edge fundamental and applied research has enabled the Lab to be instrumental in numerous innovations that have significantly enhanced the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and nation as a whole,” said NRL Plasma Physics Division Superintendent Joe Peñano, Ph.D. “This legacy of innovation underscores NRL’s commitment to swiftly supporting Fleet operations as well as addressing emerging challenges.” 
 
The devices transferred were critical in the development of the Navy’s response to the COVID -19 pandemic. “These devices represent hundreds of hours of research by engineers and physicists in the Plasma Physics Division at NRL to provide evaluation criteria to the Fleet for immediate use,” said Principal Investigator of the NRL NCR2T Team, Brett M. Huhman, Ph.D., P.E. from the Plasma Physics Division. “We were able to respond rapidly to NAVSEA’s call for support, with a laboratory set up and ready to evaluate the devices within a week.” 
  
Military medical innovations are changing the way health care is delivered in the Military Health System. During this family-friendly event, visit with DOD experts as they showcase the latest in virtual reality, medical simulation, and much more. This is a great opportunity to speak with multi-disciplinary NRL subject matter experts to also learn more about other research programs and associated technologies on display: 
  
Buzz Off: Protection From the Small, But Deadly 
This station demonstrates recently developed NRL technology that defends from some of the most dangerous animals on the planet—bugs. In this demo, we will go over the historical impact of insects on military and civilians, current strategies to protect against these tiny assailants, and future polymer-based fiber and gel technologies to repel these bugs out of everyday life. 
  
From Sample to Sequence in the Field: A Closer Look at Bacteria and their DNA 
Bacteria live in nearly every environment on earth and are important to this planet’s ecosystems. Most serve a useful purpose, but some can cause disease in humans. Using strep throat as a case study, we will demonstrate some of the tools and latest technologies we use to identify and study bacteria, including uncovering the genetic sequence of these tiny organisms with a portable DNA sequencer. 
 
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory 
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel 

From HII 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted HD Hyundai Heavy Industries leaders at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division Tuesday, advancing joint goals of the memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies earlier this month. The visit focused on identifying near-term opportunities and exploring the implementation of new processes that could support the acceleration of ship production. 

“This visit is a continuation of the important dialogue taking place between HII and our international partners,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said. “Today’s visit allowed us to showcase the great work our Ingalls shipbuilders do every day in support of national security and an opportunity to exchange ideas on best practices, while examining what we can begin working on right away.” 

The visit included meetings with Ingalls leadership, a tour of the shipyard and a stop at the company’s new virtual welding lab, where the group experienced how this immersive, hands-on training environment is not only enhancing the skills of current and future shipbuilders, but also setting a new national benchmark for how technology can be leveraged to grow a highly proficient workforce in this essential trade. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-hd-hyundai-heavy-industries-leaders-at-ingalls-shipbuilding/. 

“We appreciate the opportunity to visit our partners at HII and see how they are using technology to enhance efficiency and quality at Ingalls,” Chief Executive of the Naval & Special Ship at HHI Won-ho Joo said. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation set by our recent MOU announcement.” 

HII and HHI are two of the world’s leading shipbuilders across multiple classes of ships. By working with shipbuilding allies, this strategic partnership aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both companies to advance technological innovation, maximize production efficiency, and strengthen the global defense industry. 

From USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet Public Affairs, April 17, 2025 

CARIBBEAN SEA — The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis Saint-Paul (LCS 21), in coordination with joint partners, stopped two alleged drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea within a 72-hour span. 

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, Detachment Three, made the two busts in the Caribbean, taking out vessels through a combination of air and surface operations. 
 
The busts resulted in the confiscation of 580 kilograms (1,278.9 lbs; $9,463,860) of cocaine and 2,480 pounds of marijuana. ($2,807,360). “The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul executed their duties seamlessly in the combined effort to protect the homeland from illicit maritime trafficking.” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Working in coordination with the Coast Guard and our joint partners, we look forward to seeing continued measurable impact delivered by the professional and talented crew of the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul across the region.” 
 
“We train diligently and stand ready to execute interdiction missions at moment’s notice, saidMinneapolis-Saint Paul commanding officer Cmdr. Steven Fresse, “To be able to make an immediate impact so early on during our maiden deployment is a testament to the hard work and skills of the ship’s crew.” 
 
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force 45 (CTF 45). CTF-45 is the 4th Fleet surface task force charged with executing combined naval operations, building and strengthening Latin American, south of Mexico, and Caribbean maritime partnerships, and acting as a DoD ready service provider to Joint Interagency Task Force – South in support of counter illicit-drug trafficking operations in the Central and South American waters. 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard is simultaneously a military service and the United States’ lead federal maritime law enforcement agency with authority to enforce national and international laws on the high seas and waters within U.S. jurisdiction. Coast Guard LEDETs regularly deploy aboard U.S. Navy and foreign allied navy ships, and during these deployments the LEDETs, under U.S. law, board vessels, seize illegal drugs and apprehend suspects. These forces also work closely with other regional partner nation coast guards and naval forces to provide support to visit, board, search and seizure operations within partner nation territorial waters. Once an interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard for the interdiction and apprehension phases. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami.   
 
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 Kellie Randall, U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, April 18, 2025 

PLEASANT, S.C. – The first eight enlisted sailors and five additional officers from the Royal Australian Navy graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Charleston as part of the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership. 

The graduates, who trained alongside U.S. Navy personnel, began the rigorous naval nuclear power training pipeline in October 2024. The curriculum encompassed a wide range of critical subjects, including mathematics, nuclear physics, reactor principles, and nuclear reactor technology. This achievement marks an important step in Australia’s development of a sovereign, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) fleet. 

“This graduation marks a significant step forward for our Navy,” said Royal Australian Navy Commodore Daniel Sutherland, Commander Submarine Force. “Having naval nuclear power-qualified officers, and now sailors, is critical in meeting our goal of operating conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.” 

NPTU trains officers, enlisted Sailors and civilians for shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of surface ships and submarines in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet. 

“I remain impressed with the quality of Australian submariners who come through the naval nuclear propulsion training pipeline,” said Capt. Robert Rose, Commander, NPTU Charleston. “Six officers previously completed prototype training, each performing exceptionally well. I fully expect these recent graduates, especially our first enlisted personnel, will excel in the fleet.” 

“The opportunity for our U.S. Navy students to train alongside their Australian counterparts is beneficial to both our countries’ Sailors,” said Master Chief Ed Jackson, Engineering Department Master Chief for Naval Reactors. “These Royal Australian Navy sailors will now transition to our submarines to continue their training and qualifications in operating naval nuclear propulsion plants.” 

The AUKUS partnership, initiated in September 2021 and formalized with the Optimal Pathway announcement in March 2023, is a strategic initiative to reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. 

The U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is a joint Department of Navy and Department of Energy organization overseeing all aspects of naval nuclear propulsion, from research and design to training and maintenance. Naval Reactors harnesses the atom to safely, reliably, and affordably power a global fleet that enables unrivaled responsiveness, endurance, stealth, and warfighting capability. Throughout the program’s 76-year history they have operated 273 reactors, accumulated more than 7,700 reactor-years of safe operations and maintained an unrivaled record of over 178 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. Learn more at https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/missions/powering-navy.