From HII 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Aug. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) departed from HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division on Thursday, en route to its commissioning site in Pensacola, Florida. 

“When any of our ships sail away, it is a poignant reminder of the importance of shipbuilding to the freedom and security of our country,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “We are committed to the mission and stand behind those who serve the nation for all Americans.” 

Richard M. McCool, Jr. was delivered to the U.S. Navy in April and is the 13^th San Antonio-class ship delivered by Ingalls. As the final Flight I transition ship before the company moves into production of the LPD Flight II line, Richard M. McCool, Jr. is the first LPD 17-class ship to undergo the installation and activation of the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, SPY-6(V)2, rotating variant, S-Band radar. SPY-6(V)2 provides the U.S. Navy with a common hardware variant for aircraft carrier and amphibious ships and commonality with the SPY-6 Family of Radars. In addition to providing hardware and software commonality across the fleet, the radar will also contribute to increased target engagement capability and overall ship self-defense. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/amphibious-transport-dock-richard-m-mccool-jr-lpd-29-sails-away-from-ingalls-shipbuilding/. 

Currently, Ingalls has two Flight II LPDs under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). In March 2023, Ingalls was awarded a modification to the contract for the procurement of the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the 16th ship in the San Antonio class and the third LPD Flight II. 

“I am filled with a deep sense of honor and purpose watching LPD 29 sail away,” said Davianne Stokes, Ingalls Shipbuilding’s LPD program manager. “Our shipbuilders have done an outstanding job, and I am grateful to be part of a team that plays such a crucial role in serving our military.” 

LPD 29 is scheduled to be commissioned on Sept. 7, 2024, at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida. The naming of LPD 29 honors U.S. Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool, Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured sailors. 

Amphibious transport docks are used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft (MV 22). These ships support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious operations. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, 22 August 2024 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited BAE Systems Submarines Barrow-in-Furness Shipyard during a trip to the United Kingdom last week.  During the visit he met with UK government, Royal Navy and industry leadership to discuss expanding collaboration and applying best practices to U.S. submarine construction and maintenance. 

During the visit he met with UK government, Royal Navy and industry leadership to discuss expanding collaboration and applying best practices to U.S. submarine construction and maintenance.  Secretary Del Toro was also updated on the SSN-AUKUS program as well as U.S.-UK collaboration on knowledge transfer, technology insertion and senior leadership engagements. 

A tour of facilities showcased submarine production from hull sections of the future Dreadnought-class to the final stages of construction of the Astute-class.  The secretary stopped by the Submarine Skills Academy as well and spoke with apprentices pursuing a variety of skilled trades at the shipyard.     

 “It was an incredible visit to BAE’s Barrow Shipyard, where I saw construction of the Royal Navy’s most advanced submarines by highly skilled technicians and toured their apprentice workshops to develop the next generation of submarine-builders,” said Secretary Del Toro.  “Lessons learned from building these extraordinary ships will pave the way for industry to build the next-generation SSN-AUKUS.” 

The visit also highlighted use of the Shiplift system to raise and lower submarines in and out of the water, both for delivery and for maintenance, instead of using a dry dock.       

Construction of a public university satellite facility at the shipyard demonstrated ways that overseas industry is working to attract, educate and incorporate new talent into its workforce.      

“I was very impressed with the strong partnership displayed between the shipyard, national and local governments to address skilled-workforce challenges in the shipbuilding industrial base that we all face,” said Del Toro.  “As part of my Maritime Statecraft initiative, I will continue to promote public-private training partnerships like this that revitalize American shipbuilding.”         

Launched on Sept. 23, 2023, Maritime Statecraft promotes whole-of-government efforts to restore U.S. and allied comprehensive maritime power.  

From NAWCAD Visual Information, 22 August 2024 

Aviators across USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) carrier air wing now train as a joint fighting force using advanced simulators developed and installed by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). 

The first-of-its-kind training capability, called Simulators at Sea, features connected desktop trainers that enable aviators to practice missions together while deployed—a historically limited capability. 
 
“Simulators at Sea brings American aviators a level of readiness our carrier air wing has never experienced while deployed,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. John Dougherty IV. “This training is a game changing advantage that keeps our forces the most dominant in the skies.” 
 
Aviators with Lincoln’s Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 flying F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and E-2D Hawkeyes are the first to deploy and rehearse naval missions including wartime scenarios with the Navy’s new Simulators at Sea. Previously, joint mission training on this scale has been significantly limited as practicing wartime scenarios holds risk, flight operations can be expensive, and open-air rehearsal puts Navy tactics on display for adversaries. 
 
“Naval aviators train extensively working up to deployment, but those skills begin to atrophy the day they pull out of port,” said NAWCAD Joint Simulation Environment Director Blaine Summers, whose team delivered the Simulators at Sea capability. “This was a capability gap we had to plug with a fully integrated carrier air wing solution—one we’re ready to scale across the Navy’s fleet of carriers.” 
 
CVW-9 aviators have trained in its new simulators daily since its July 2024 deployment. 
 
Simulators at Sea came together for Abraham Lincoln in less than 12 months following lessons learned from NAWCAD’s 2023 deployment of F-35 simulators onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Simulators at Sea effort was more complex, requiring significant integration efforts that stretched across the Naval Aviation Enterprise’s Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, NAWCAD’s Webster Outlying Field, and the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program, as well as industry partners Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and General Dynamics Information Technology. 
 
The warfare center plans to expand Simulators at Sea to other carriers in the future. 
 
The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division employs more than 17,000 military, civilian and contract personnel. It operates test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development and sustainment of everything flown by the Navy and Marine Corps. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, the command also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida. 

From U.S. Central Command, Aug. 21, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. - In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi surface-to-air missile and radar system in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. 

It was determined these systems presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

From Sidus Space 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., August 20, 2024 – Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIDU), a provider of end-to-end precision Space Infrastructure solutions that include satellite Data-as-a-Service on its proprietary on-orbit platform, proudly announces its selection by Craig Technologies for the manufacturing of two (2) Fleet Interactive Display Equipment (FIDE) Pre-production Unit Main panels for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. (BPMI) in support of a critical U.S. Navy program. This significant subcontract, valued at $2 million, marks the third time Sidus Space has been chosen as a subcontractor for this customer. 

Under the new agreement, Sidus Space will leverage its state–of–the–art facilities and experienced team to manufacture, assemble, test, and deliver the FIDE panel trainers for Craig Technologies who is leading the design phase of the two panels. 

“Sidus Space is currently manufacturing thirteen (13) Propulsion Plant Trainers and had previously manufactured a related U.S. Navy trainer system.  Our repeat engagements are a testament to the exceptional quality and reliability of our services. This contract reinforces our commitment to delivering superior products that meet the rigorous standards of the defense sector. Our team is dedicated to contributing to the advancement of national defense capabilities through innovative mission critical technology,” said Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space. 

The project encompasses a range of sophisticated tasks, including precision manufacturing and rigorous testing processes, ensuring that every component meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. As Sidus Space continues to expand its portfolio of government and commercial projects, this latest subcontract exemplifies the company’s unwavering dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in supporting the nation’s critical infrastructure. 

BPMI provides the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program high quality nuclear power plant components for submarines and aircraft carriers.  For more information, visit www.bpmionline.com. 

From General Dynamics Mission Systems, August 20, 2024   

TAUNTON, Mass. – General Dynamics Mission Systems announced today that it was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract by the U.S. Navy worth $20.7 million to exercise an option for Hammerhead Encapsulated Effector systems. Hammerhead is a moored anti-submarine mine which delivers new capabilities and effects to the U.S. Navy. 

Work will be performed in Taunton, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 2026. 

“General Dynamics Mission Systems has more than 60 years of experience designing, testing, integrating and delivering advanced maritime technologies. Our expertise in integrating undersea payloads and sensors is being applied to this critical maritime mine capability. The Hammerhead program will ensure that threats to the fleet will be neutralized safely and effectively. We look forward to delivering these additional Hammerhead systems to the U.S. Navy,” said Paul Dalton, vice president of Undersea Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, 19 August 2024 

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited A.P. Moller-Maersk during a trip to the Kingdom of Denmark last week. During the visit, he met with A.P. Moller-Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc, and stated that the U.S. Navy would continue to protect commercial ships and mariners against unprovoked Houthi attacks on civilian shipping in the Red Sea. 

During the visit, he met with A.P. Moller-Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc, and stated that the U.S. Navy would continue to protect commercial ships and mariners against unprovoked Houthi attacks on civilian shipping in the Red Sea.  As during each of his previous Maritime Statecraft engagements with global maritime industry leaders, Secretary Del Toro encouraged investment in American shipbuilding.  Discussions were productive and centered on attracting demand and investment in constructing commercial sealift vessels in the United States. 

The visit reflects ongoing efforts to renew the foundations of American seapower, since Secretary Del Toro announced his new maritime statecraft initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School on Sept. 26, 2023.  

“With some of the world’s most technologically advanced shipbuilders already heeding our call to invest in integrated commercial and naval shipbuilding facilities in the United States, the next step in our maritime statecraft strategy is to attract the world’s foremost commercial shipping firms to signal their demand for new ships built in American shipyards,” Secretary Del Toro said. 

In a more recent speech to the Naval War College on Aug. 8, Secretary Del Toro explained that “long-term solutions to many of the Navy’s challenges require we renew the health of our nation’s broader seapower ecosystem.”  He added “Making naval shipbuilding more cost effective requires we restore the competitiveness of U.S. commercial shipping and shipbuilding.” 

Secretary Del Toro’s visit follows months of collaboration with interagency partners – such as the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration – and Congress to find innovative ways to leverage existing authorities and craft new incentives to build and flag commercial ships in the United States.  For example, the Department of Energy’s Title 17 Clean Energy Financing program now permits the U.S. Government to offer low-interest loans for U.S.-built dual-fuel commercial ships.  “Our calculus is that bringing a larger portion of the newbuild orderbooks of the world’s biggest shipping firms to American shores in the coming years will offer significant returns to Navy shipbuilding and sealift.” 

Managed by the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Maritime Security Program (MSP) maintains a fleet of commercially viable, militarily useful U.S.-flagged merchant ships in international trade to support military sealift requirements during times of conflict or in other national emergencies. 

Secretary Del Toro said he and his team were looking forward to continuing discussions with the leadership of A.P. Moller-Maersk on their next visit to the United States in the coming weeks. 

From SAIC, August 15, 2024 

Contracts to support work at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Point Mugu, California 

RESTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 15, 2024– Science Applications International Corp. (NASDAQ: SAIC) has been awarded three contracts worth $58.2M to support the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Integrated Product Team (IPT) Jammer Technique Optimization (JATO) Program, the International Program, and the AEA IPT EA-18G Program. 

“These three contracts are a testament to SAIC’s reputation of delivering mission-critical solutions and dedicated support to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Point Mugu,” said Barbara Supplee, executive vice president, Navy Business Group at SAIC. “This work goes beyond technical services. We are contributing to the sustainment of engineering services as well as airborne jammer optimization and effectiveness data collection and reporting for the Navy.” 

Under the JATO contract, SAIC will deliver a wide range of technical services including jammer technique development, test and evaluation engineering, interoperability testing and analysis, threat analysis, tactics development, mission data development and production and Fleet liaison activities. This work will play a crucial role in optimizing jamming techniques, enhancing the effectiveness of Electronic Warfare (EW) platforms and systems and ensuring the readiness of the EA-18G aircraft and other EW assets. 

Under the AEA IPT International contract, SAIC will continue to provide support to the international service project by performing maintenance of existing AEA simulations and development of tools and new simulations. SAIC will also perform the engineering, technical and policy support services for the international program teams, supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Cooperative Development and other relationship programs for the Electronic Attack (EA) and Electronic Warfare products. 

Additional support to AEA IPT includes engineering services for the development and sustainment efforts of both the United States Navy (USN) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configurations of the EA-18G. Engineering services will include cooperative and collaborative engineering support to other laboratories and will include general management, engineering support, product support and systems engineering, integration, and test for the EA-18G team. 

From U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, August 19, 2024 
 
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md. — Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) and the Marine Corps accepted delivery of the final VH-92A helicopter, built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, in August. The achievement signifies the completion of the program of record to deliver 23 new presidential helicopters in support of the executive lift mission. 
 
The total inventory of 23 VH-92A aircraft will consist of 21 operational and two test aircraft. This quantity allows for aircraft to be ready to support the executive lift mission, undergo various levels of maintenance, lifecycle upgrades, and provide assets for pilot/aircrew training. 
 
“This exceptional team has successfully completed the program of record for the VH-92A within budget and schedule,” said Brigadier General David Walsh, program executive officer for air anti-submarine warfare, assault, and special mission programs. “This helicopter not only embodies the hard work and dedication of those responsible for building and delivering the aircraft, but it will remain a recognizable patriotic asset known around the globe for safety, security, and reliability.” 
 
In May 2014, PMA-274, with approval from the Navy, awarded Sikorsky a contract to build the next presidential helicopter, the VH-92A, a derivative of the commercial S-92. 
 
The new presidential helicopter was built to increase performance and payload over the VH-3D and VH-60N. It will provide enhanced crew coordination systems and communications capabilities in addition to improving availability and maintainability. 
 
The Marine Corps works with the White House Military Office, PMA-274, and HMX-1 to ensure the conditions are set for a successful transition from the current in-service VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft to the VH-92A. Currently there are ten VH-3Ds, six VH-60Ns, and nine VH-92As that support various missions assigned to HMX-1. 
 
“Between the program staff and artisans within Sikorsky and PMA-274, we have the best and brightest. These great Americans are experts at their craft and put their all into this platform,” said Colonel Alex Ramthun, PMA-274 program manager. “Not only have we delivered increased performance and reduced maintenance costs and time over the current fleet of presidential helicopters, but we have also delivered the next phase of Marine One helicopters. Knowing those who step aboard any of the 21 VH-92As will have absolute top-notch execution, maintenance, and service for the life of the aircraft makes me proud to be part of this amazing team.” 
 
The VH-92A Patriot is in the midst of a phased plan to ensure a smooth, safe, and timely transition from the legacy VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft. 
 
PMA-274 expeditiously provides safe, ready, high-performing, and affordable aircraft, capabilities, and support to HMX-1. 

From Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 16 August 2024 

FALLON, Nev. – The U.S. Navy is investigating the cause of an incident involving two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 on the training ranges of Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada, at approximately 7:25 p.m. (PDT) on Aug. 15. 

The two helicopters, each with a crew of five personnel, were conducting routine training at the time of the incident. All ten crew members were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and have been released from the hospital following medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries. 

The cause of the mishap remains under investigation. Security personnel from NAS Fallon have secured the mishap site, which is on the Fallon Range Training Complex in a remote location. 

Assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, HSC-12 is currently at NAS Fallon for comprehensive, integrated training in both real and simulated environments. CVW-5 is the ready, reliable and proven Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Japan (FDNF-J) carrier air wing. CVW-5 will remain the FDNF-J air wing following the planned hull swap with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).