From SECNAV Public Affairs, 20 September 2024 

BALTIMORE (Sept 20, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine SSN 812 will be named USS Baltimore. Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony held in Baltimore aboard the historic USS Constellation, Sept. 20. 
 
The future USS Baltimore honors the city of Baltimore, the crews of one Continental Navy ship, and the five previous Navy vessels named Baltimore. 
 
The naming selection of the future USS Baltimore (SSN 812) continues the recent trend of naming Virginia-class submarines after cities. Del Toro previously named USS Long Island (SSN 809), USS San Francisco (SSN 810), and USS Miami (SSN 811). 
 
“The city of Baltimore maintains a strong connection with our maritime services and is a critical enabler of our National Maritime Statecraft,” said Del Toro. “It is my honor and privilege to announce the name of the next Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, SSN-812, USS Baltimore.”  
 
Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin joined Del Toro for the ceremony honoring Baltimore. 
 
“Maryland is proud of our connection to the Navy and our strong history as a coastal state,” said Cardin. “I am excited that the next USS Baltimore will be sailing the seas again as the Navy’s newest submarine. Our Navy maintains and protects free and open international waters. From defending our young nation from pirates in the late 1700s to ensuring freedom of navigation today in the Red Sea and Taiwan Strait, our Navy is always on watch.” 
 
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also served as a guest in the official party and spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest submarine. 
 
“We are honored that Baltimore is being represented across the globe once again with the naming of this future ship,” said Scott. “As a city with such a rich naval and maritime history, the naming of the USS Baltimore ensures that legacy will continue to live on for decades to come. I want to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to the U.S. Navy for this honor and for continuing to uplift our city, including all Baltimoreans who choose to serve.” 
 
Along with the ship’s name, Del Toro also announced Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In her role as sponsor, she will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. 
 
“When Baltimore joins the fleet, with a world-class crew, it will be among the most agile, lethal, resilient, and capable conventional nuclear-powered submarines we’ve ever made,” said Hicks. “Make no mistake about Baltimore’s purpose, like all of our submarines, conventional and otherwise, we build them not to provoke war, but rather to prevent wars, through deterrence.” 
 
The city of Baltimore has significant ties to American and Naval history. The Port of Baltimore was established in 1706 and the Town of Baltimore in 1729. One of the Navy’s six founding frigates, USS Constellation, was built in Baltimore, and the city’s skilled ship workers later would construct the famous Baltimore clipper ships. In 1814, the Battle of Baltimore inspired the American national anthem. 
 
The first Baltimore served in the Quasi-War against France, while the second Baltimore served during the Civil War. The third Baltimore fought in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War and later conducted mine-laying operations in World War I. The fourth Baltimore earned nine battle stars during World War II, fighting in campaigns for the Caroline Islands, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and Okinawa. The fifth Baltimore participated in undersea operations against the Soviet Union, completing a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The Navy simultaneously decommissioned and struck the most recent vessel from the list on 10 July 1998. 
 
After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, the Navy provided equities to the established “Key Bridge Response Unified Command.” NAVSEA’s Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) led critical efforts to support the clearance of the Port of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel, responsible for managing all on-scene assets tasked with debris removal and channel clearing. Del Toro personally assessed the site and met with Navy personnel on April 19, 2024. 
 
Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare. 

From Austal USA, Sept. 23, 2024 
 
MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA has been awarded a $450 million contract by General Dynamics Electric Boat for the expansion of production capacity in support of the U.S. Navy submarine industrial base (SIB).  This award will enable Austal USA to expand infrastructure in its Mobile, Ala. shipyard to support the U.S. Navy goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually.  
 
The award provides funding for Austal USA to design, build, and outfit a new module fabrication and outfitting facility in its Mobile shipyard.  Construction of the new building will start this fall and be complete in 2026.  When fully operational, the building will support approximately 1,000 new jobs at Austal USA and provide capability to fabricate, outfit, and transport submarine components.  
 
This award follows the July 2024 groundbreaking for a 192,000 square-foot final new assembly bay designed to support construction of large steel ships for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.  Together, these projects represent over $700 million in facility expansion in the Mobile shipyard. When both projects are operational they will bring 2,000 new jobs to the region.   
 
“This contract award further solidifies Austal USA’s strong industrial partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat to increase capacity in the submarine industrial base,” stated Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “I’m proud of how the Austal USA team has responded to the call to accelerate production of Columbia and Virginia-class submarines, which is critical to our Nation’s defense.” 
 
The construction of these two buildings continues Austal USA’s transformation into a shipyard with a diverse and sustainable portfolio.  The projects increase capacity and capability enabling Austal USA to support a wider range of customer requirements.    
 
“This award represents another significant milestone in the transformation of our Mobile facility to meet the diverse needs of our Navy and Coast Guard customers,” commented Larry Ryder, Austal USA Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs. “Since we broke ground for our steel panel line in 2021 we have continuously worked to grow the capacity and capability of our Mobile shipyard leveraging our highly skilled workforce.” 
 
The new submarine manufacturing building will provide 369,600 square feet of production capacity on eight and a half acres, significantly expanding the current submarine module manufacturing capacity in the Mobile facility.  The building will be designed and built to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies, including extended reality, cloud computing, horizontal and vertical integration, big data analysis, autonomous robots, and simulation with a digital twin.  The project will include a material storage area, machine shop, and assembly area and waterfront improvements to support the transport of complete modules by barge. 
  
“This announcement further solidifies Austal USA’s commitment to the Mobile region and underscores their confidence in our highly skilled workforce,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “This expansion will bring 1,000 jobs to the area and take advanced manufacturing opportunities to the next level for our citizens and the City of Mobile. We are excited to see Austal USA’s future success and their continued support of U.S. naval defense.” 
 
News of this award follows several recent announcements regarding major milestone achievements at Austal USA.  In August the company celebrated start of construction on the Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter, USCG Pickering (OPC 919), and, a couple of weeks ago, the laying of the keel for the final Navy Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel, Lansing (EPF 16), being built by Austal USA.  These milestone achievements, coupled with the successful startup of Austal USA’s new steel panel line in mid-2022, are all signs of a bright future for the maritime industry along the Alabama Gulf Coast.  

From Northrop Grumman 

DEADHORSE, Alaska – Sept. 19, 2024 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully demonstrated the MQ-4C Triton navigation system’s ability to operate at high latitudes deep within the Arctic Circle, delivering on its commitment to provide critical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capabilities in the High North. The test flight proved the system’s ability to operate in the harsh austere environment over the Arctic Ocean. Triton’s advanced technological design makes it the only autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft capable of operating at altitudes above 50,000 feet for durations of more than 24 hours. 

The test flight, which began in Deadhorse, Alaska, and flew within 100 miles of the North Pole, utilized Northrop Grumman’s proprietary navigation systems, mission management computer and upgraded operational flight programs to successfully demonstrate Triton’s ability to navigate in the Arctic. 

The test aircraft collected navigation data during the five-hour flight and remained within U.S. and Canadian airspace for the duration. 

The demonstration also validated ground-based GPS alignment and initialization procedures to enable operations from runways above 70 degrees north latitude. 

As a high-altitude, long-endurance platform, Triton is suited for missions in the High North by operating well above Arctic winds and avoiding the range and speed impacts that limit mission performance at medium altitudes. 

Experts: 

Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, global surveillance division, Northrop Grumman: “Flight operations in austere and frigid conditions present unique navigation challenges. Our demonstration highlights Triton’s ability to successfully perform in that challenging environment.” 

Capt. Josh Guerre, Triton program manager, U.S. Navy: “Arctic regions are an increasingly important theater of operations with unique threats and environments. We are ready to support those mission sets for domestic and international customers.” 

Details: 

The flight test follows a similar demonstration conducted over the Gulf of Alaska in June 2023. During the Northern Edge 2023 exercise, Triton’s radar demonstrated its unmatched ability to detect, track and image targets with weapon relevant accuracy and at a survivable range over a high-sea state environment. 

As allies consider their options for acquiring uncrewed maritime surveillance aircraft, flight demonstrations prove Triton’s ability to operate in challenging environments. Beyond navigation, surveillance operations in the High North are also challenged by strong winds and high seas. Triton’s higher operating altitude of more than 50,000 feet enables operation above inclement weather that would limit medium altitude platforms limited to 10,000-30,000 feet. Triton’s de-icing and anti-icing capabilities ensure it’s mission-ready and capable of operations in extreme arctic conditions.  

Built for the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, the multi-intelligence MQ-4C Triton supports a wide range of missions, including maritime patrol, signals intelligence and search and rescue. These aircraft operate at a higher altitude and have longer endurance than medium-altitude systems. They also incorporate simultaneous multi-intelligence sensor operations that allow them to deliver an exponential increase in mission information. 

From MC1 Class Keenan Daniels, 19 September 2024 

NAVAL AIR STATION FALLON, Nev. – Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 recently completed Air Wing Fallon (AWF) training as a fully integrated air wing, taking advantage of the scheduled hull swap between Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Sept. 13, 2024. 

Typically, CVW-5 operates with limited participation in AWF due to operational demands in the Indo-Pacific as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF). However, the hull swap created a unique scheduling opportunity, allowing the entire air wing to train together. 

“The true value of the AWF course and training at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) stems from our ability to test the air wing in effectively countering peer threats through the synchronization of kinetic and non-kinetic fires while fully integrating all air wing platforms,” said Capt. John Stigi, strike department head, NAWDC. “Carrier Air Wing 5 seamlessly integrated fixed-wing fighters, command and control platforms, and rotary-wing assets equipped with advanced sensors to locate and destroy targets, while applying contested logistics and expeditionary advanced basing tactics to achieve mission success at significant ranges.” 
 
NAS Fallon hosts the Navy’s premier integrated training facility, providing live, virtual and constructive training opportunities. For five weeks, CVW-5 mission-planned, rehearsed in a virtual environment, refined tactical plans and executed live-flight missions. AWF remains unique, with all NAWDC strike instructors being hand-selected junior officer weapons and tactics instructors (WTIs) from every CVW platform, delivering top-tier tactical instruction. 
 
“I am confident that CVW-5 departs Fallon fully prepared for globally deployable operations across all mission areas,” Stigi said. “CVW-5’s exceptional performance reflects the hard work of the Sailors and chiefs who provided outstanding maintenance in challenging high desert conditions, and the leadership who maintained a laser focus on warfighting excellence throughout the exercise.” 
 
George Washington relieved Ronald Reagan as the forward-deployed carrier in August and is scheduled to return to Yokosuka, Japan. The completion of AWF ensures CVW-5 remains fully trained and ready to support missions in the Indo-Pacific. 
 
“Air Wing Fallon delivers the highest caliber of tactical training that naval aviation provides to carrier air wings prior to deployment,” said Capt. Patrick Corrigan, commander CVW-5. “As CVW-5 is stationed in Japan, it’s over nine years since the entire team completed the course. I am extremely proud of our team, who had just four weeks to integrate the F-35C, the new EA-18Gs and the DSSC 4.0 E-2Ds into the air wing before starting AWF. This process rigorously tested every element of mission planning, tactical execution and debriefing, and as a result, we are now a more lethal air wing. The NAWDC strike team has crafted a world-class training syllabus, and with our newly upgraded air wing, we are fully prepared to return to operations in the South China Sea.” 
 
The hull swap between George Washington and Ronald Reagan, along with CVW-5 readiness, plays a critical role in ensuring that the most advanced and capable warships operate in the Indo-Pacific, providing security and stability throughout the region. 
 
CVW-5 includes Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 “Diamondbacks,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 “Royal Maces,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 “Argonauts,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 “Dambusters,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 “Shadowhawks,” Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 “Titans,” and Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125 “Tigertails,” operating F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18E Super Hornets, F-35C Lightning II’s, EA-18G Growlers, C-2 Greyhounds and E-2D Hawkeyes. 
 
As the type commander for Naval Aviation, Commander, Naval Air Forces’ mission is to “man, train and equip deployable, combat-ready Naval Aviation forces that win in combat.” 

September 17, 2024 

Manufacturing advancements expected to reduce production costs 

ANDOVER, Mass., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been awarded an Office of Naval Research (ONR) Navy ManTech project from Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory’s Electronics Manufacturing Center of Excellence to streamline the production of SPY-6 Transmit/Receive (TR) modules. Manufacturing advancements like automation, new material sources and process yield improvements will result in cost-savings for the U.S. Navy across the life cycle of the SPY-6 radar. 

“TR modules are a key component in many of the military’s critical sensing systems,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “These manufacturing advancements will greatly benefit future capabilities and can be implemented on other U.S. Navy and Department of Defense programs.” 

SPY-6 is the U.S. Navy’s family of radars that performs air and missile defense on several classes of ships. They enable ships to simultaneously detect, track, and discriminate air, surface and ballistic missile targets, providing a 360-degree integrated air and missile defense for ships. 

The four variants of SPY-6 use common hardware and software, and their construction is modular – making it more reliable and less expensive to maintain. Manufacturing advancements will further increase performance while reducing overall production costs. 

Work on this contract is being conducted in Andover, Massachusetts. New SPY-6 radio frequency TR modules are expected to be delivered in 2026-2027. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, 18 September 2024

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that the future John Lewis-class oiler, T-AO 205-class, will be named USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214). Del Toro made the announcement during a speaking engagement at the Veteran Affairs Center for Minority Veterans Hispanic Heritage Month Commemorative Event in Washington, Sept. 18. 
 
The future USNS Dolores Huerta honors American labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, a central figure in the farmworkers’ labor movement from the 1950s through 1990s. 
 
The naming selection of the future USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) follows the tradition of naming John Lewis-class oilers after civil rights leaders and will be the first to bear her name. Secretary Del Toro previously named USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), USNS Ruth Bader Ginsberg (T-AO 212), and USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213). 
 
“Dolores Huerta has been a leading figure in the Hispanic community and a champion of civil and workers’ rights for over 70 years,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Dolores Huerta dedicated her life to caring for those voiceless and underrepresented—she dedicated her life to taking care of people. I am honored to announce the next John Lewis-Class fleet replenishment oiler, T-AO 214, will be named USNS Dolores Huerta.” 
 
After a brief stint as a public school teacher, Huerta in 1955 co-founded the Stockton chapter of the Community Service Organization to promote voter registration and economic opportunity initiatives for the local Hispanic community. 
 
In 1962, she along with Cesar Chavez, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, a forerunner of the United Farm Workers. In the 1960s and 1970s, Huerta helped lead local labor strikes and national boycotts of lettuce, grapes, and Gallo wine that improved the working and living standards for farmworkers. During this period, she also coined the phrase that remains the motto of the farmworkers’ labor movement, “Sí, se puede”—“yes, we can.” 
 
From 1988 – 1993, Huerta served on the Commission on Agricultural Workers, established by Congress to review the effects of farmworker and immigration legislation. In 2002, she founded the Dolores Huerta Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering other volunteer organizations that pursue social justice. 
 
Over the course of her career, Huerta has received numerous accolades including the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award in 1998. When President Barack H. Obama awarded Huerta the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012, he praised her lifelong devotion to “advocating for marginalized communities.” 
 
The future USNS Dolores Huerta is the tenth ship of the John Lewis Class. The class and lead ship are named in honor of the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis from Georgia. 
 

The ships are designed to supply fuel to the Navy’s operating carrier strike groups.  

The oilers have the ability to carry a load of 162,000 barrels of oil and maintain significant dry cargo capacity. 

From Naval Surface Forces, 16 September 2024 

Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) One welcomed four first class midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy for their summer cruises to focus on the development unmanned surface systems. 
 
Although not a traditional surface cruise, the midshipmen were given an inside look at the Navy’s advances in the unmanned systems that will support the future of the Surface Fleet. The midshipmen were specifically selected for this opportunity based on their interest and undergraduate degree focus in robotics, autonomy, and unmanned systems. 
 
The midshipmen received training on the maritime autonomy control software for the USVs and associated payloads, familiarization tours onboard all the USVs, and assisted in USVRON 1’s planning efforts for future exercises, experimentation, and concepts of operations. 
 
“It’s good to see the future of what our Navy might be. I can’t wait to work alongside USVs when I commission,” said Midshipman 1st Class Axel Fisher. 
 
During the visit, the midshipmen also received familiarization tours of Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) and Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARCs) operated by USVRON Three in San Diego. Additionally, they received training on the future MQ-25 Stingray Carrier-Based Unmanned Aerial System (CBUAS) and tours of the MQ-4C Triton training facilities at Point Mugu. 
 
“We wanted to give the Midshipmen a broad overview of what the Navy is doing in the unmanned space,” said Lt. Jonathan Dibling, the training officer and midshipman training coordinator at USVRON 1. 
 
“It was fascinating to get to see the behind the scenes of USVs. I was able to use the knowledge from my Electrical Engineering major to understand the capabilities and can see the important future of unmanned craft,” said Midshipman 1st Class Joey Kapszukiewicz at the conclusion of the cruise. 
 
Mariner, Ranger, Seahawk and Sea Hunter are the current USVs assigned to USVRON One and recently completed the first overseas USV deployment to the Indo-Pacific region during Integrated Battle Problem 23.2. During this deployment, they traveled a combined 46,651 nautical miles, navigated primarily by autonomous systems, and visited partners in Japan and Australia. 
 
Based in Port Hueneme, California onboard Naval Base Ventura County, USVRON One’s mission is to test, evaluate and operate USVs in support of medium and large unmanned surface vessel development and integration into fleet operations and provide recommendations to Navy leadership on the development of unmanned systems. 

PHILDELPHIA,  17 September 2024 — Leonardo celebrated a significant milestone with the 100th delivery of the TH-73A Thrasher helicopter to the United States Navy on September 17 at a ceremony in Northeast Philadelphia.  Attendees included Vice Adm. Daniel L. Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, Deputy Commandant for Aviation for the U.S. Marine Corps, along with a crowd of over one hundred dignitaries representing government, military, and nonprofit institutions. 

In early 2020, the Navy selected the Leonardo TH-73A, an advanced Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rated version of the commercial AW119Kx, to replace its aging fleet of TH-57B/C Sea Rangers as the primary training helicopter to produce the next generation of rotary and tilt-rotor pilots for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and selected allied nations. 

“We’re proud to continue to provide our contribution to the Navy as it aims at delivering the highest level of quality for their next generation naval aviators’ training,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We’re committed to sustaining this capability with our technology to make sure our partners’ needs are met as frontline capabilities and operational requirements keep evolving.”     

“We are thrilled to deliver the 100th TH-73 to our esteemed U.S. Navy partners,” said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters U.S. “This production milestone is a testament to all the collaboration and hard work between our organizations, and we remain focused on preparing for the fleet’s readiness for decades to come.”   

The TH-73A Advanced Helicopter Training System represents a pivotal modernization in Navy helicopter training technology, shifting from analog to digital avionics, and is projected to serve the U.S. Navy through 2050 and beyond. This enhanced training capability will help maintain the highest standard of military flight training with current and relevant training platforms. The TH-73A will facilitate a higher quality and more proficient naval aviator who will be ready to meet the operational challenges faced in the fleet.  

“The advanced capability of the TH-73 Thrasher is a great training addition for our warfighters,” said Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, Commander Naval Air Forces. “This means our newest Naval Aviators arrive ready to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win in war.” 

TH-73A’s advanced design, based on the IFR-certified variant of the commercial AW119Kx, sets it apart as the ideal selection for initial flight training with the capacity to support advanced operational maneuvers. The helicopter is powered by a robust Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine and features dual safety and hydraulic systems, ensuring reliability and safety during all aspects of flight operations. With modern digital avionics provided by Genesys Aerosystems, the Thrasher excels in every maneuver within the Navy’s training program and expanded the training syllabi, facilitating a seamless transition from fundamental flying activities to complex operational training.  

Training by the numbers 

As of mid-August, the Navy’s advanced helicopter training syllabus is currently comprised of more than 317 total Student Naval Aviators (SNAs), of which 185, or 58%, are currently in the TH-73A training curriculum. This number is projected to peak at 66% when the second of three squadrons complete the transition this fall. The third and final squadron, Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 28, is expected to begin the transition to the TH-73 later this year.  

In addition, the commitment to flight training is unwavering, evidenced by the safe and effective execution of more than 43,000 flight hours flown in support of the Navy’s training requirements. To support the dynamic training environment, 133 Training Air Wing (TW) 5 instructor pilots have been qualified in the TH-73A, comprised of 86 conversion instructors and 47 new Instructors Under Training (IUTs). Many additional IUTs continue to hone their skills within the helicopter instructor training unit. The program also benefits from the expertise of eight contract maintenance provider Functional Check Pilots who have been qualified in the model in direct support of the program. More than 200 SNAs have completed the TH-73A syllabus and been winged Naval Aviators to date. 

18 September 2024 

From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs 

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti released her Navigation Plan (NAVPLAN) for America’s Warfighting Navy at the Naval War College, Sept. 18. 

NAVPLAN 2024 follows the CNO’s release of America’s Warfighting Navy in January, and serves as an update to the 2022 NAVPLAN. 

“The Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy is my overarching strategic guidance to make our Navy more ready, prioritizing raising our level of readiness for potential conflict with the People’s Republic of China by 2027 while also enhancing the Navy’s long-term warfighting advantage,” said Franchetti. “The NAVPLAN continues where my predecessor’s Navigation Plan left off and sets our course to raise our Fleet’s baseline level of readiness and put more ready Players on the Field – platforms that are ready with the requisite capabilities, weapons, and sustainment and people that are ready with the right mindset, skills, tools, and training.” 

This strategic guidance focuses on two strategic ends: readiness for conflict with the PRC by 2027 and enhancing long-term advantage. It aims to achieve these ends through two central ways: implementing seven “Project 33” targets and expanding the Navy’s contribution to the Joint warfighting ecosystem. These efforts are reinforced by an ongoing call to action to think, act, and operate differently. 

You can download the NAVPLAN and find additional resources at: America’s Warfighting Navy. 

By Team Ships Public Affairs, Sept. 13, 2024

SAN DIEGO – The future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) was delivered to the U.S. Navy, Sept. 12. 

The ship is named for Private First Class Robert Ernest Simanek, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for shielding fellow Marines from a grenade at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Korean War. The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a White House ceremony in 1953. 

“From christening in May 2024 to delivery, it has been an exciting time for those who spend each day preparing this ship to support our fleet,” said Tim Roberts, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “The ESB ship class is a highly flexible platform used across various military operations. ESB ships are mobile sea-based assets and are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability.” 

ESBs are optimized to support a variety of maritime based missions, including Special Operations Forces, Airborne Mine Counter Measures, Crisis Response Force Sea Basing, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Unmanned Aviation Systems. The ESBs, which include a four spot V-22 sized flight deck, mission deck and hangar, are designed around four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets.  

Follow-on ship, future USS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) is under construction at NASSCO. 

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, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.