LONDON, UK, and ARLINGTON, Virginia — Kraken Technology Group and Auterion have announced a strategic partnership to exponentially develop autonomous capabilities in the high-performance littoral security boat sector.

The partnership is focused around the development and implementation of modular, low-cost autonomy software and UxV systems for the maritime domain. The agreement will initially focus on integrated autonomy architecture for Kraken’s K3 Scout and K4 Manta uncrewed platforms.

Auterion’s Skynode X, AuterionOS and numerous capability apps have already been developed and integrated into Kraken’s K3 Scout USV, which is currently undergoing open-water sea trials. AuterionOS’ open software architecture unlocks the ability to create new apps as needed, continuously expanding Kraken’s ability to serve the wide variety of use cases necessary in maritime domains. 

“We are thrilled to be able to extend our expertise into the maritime domain alongside like-minded pioneers and littoral platform experts Kraken. The work done and the progress achieved to date on the development of K3’s uncrewed capability has been impressive and visionary,” said Auterion CEO Lorenz Meier.

“Collaborating with Auterion on the rapid development of the K3 Scout USV has opened our eyes to the size and scale of the technical transformation already underway and has already delivered unique capabilities in record time,” said Kraken founder and CEO Mal Crease. “We very much look forward to an exciting future transforming littoral maneuver with Auterion.”

UVision Inc. and SAIC (Science Applications International Corp). announced a collaboration agreement for manufacturing of the Hero 120 Loitering Munition system. This cutting-edge defense solution will be produced in Charleston, South Carolina, significantly enhancing rapid response capabilities for all UVisionUSA clients in the United States. 

The collaboration with SAIC is aimed at establishing a fully independent domestic supply chain, ensuring that UVision’s USA clients benefit from reduced dependency on international supply chains, faster delivery times, local training by expert teams, and comprehensive post-sale support and maintenance. 

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, Chairman of the board of directors of Uvision USA, said, “UVisionUSA Inc.’s business activity has expanded significantly in the second half of 2023, with several new contracts signed with the US military and other government bodies. Our collaboration with SAIC stems from the need to provide a complete solution to our US clients, independent of the international supply chain. We are proud to announce that the manufacturing facility itself will commence operations in March 2024.”  

The Hero 120 Loitering Munition System is a state-of-the-art, mid-range, anti-tank system designed to address the complexities of the modern battlefield. It offers high-precision strikes against anti-armor, anti-material, and anti-personnel targets, including tanks, vehicles, and soft targets in urban environments. With its ability to cause minimal collateral damage and equipped with a range of multi-purpose warheads, the Hero 120 provides operational users with an unparalleled effective engagement solution. 

From HII, Mar. 25, 2024 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted commencement exercises today, celebrating 133 graduates of the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. The ceremony was held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., NNS leadership, and local shipbuilding supporters, alongside family and friends of the graduates. 

Thomasina Wright, NNS vice president of fleet support programs, and a 1986 graduate of The Apprentice School, delivered the keynote commencement address. 

“Newport News Shipbuilding is the best place to be to support our national defense and become a leader,” Wright said. “Graduates, please focus on continuous learning, setting goals and priorities, and giving back to your community.” 

NNS President Jennifer Boykin addressed the graduates as the shipyard’s newest leaders. 

“You were chosen to complete a truly rigorous program — and you succeeded,” Boykin said. “Hold your head high, and consider your impact on those around you. Our future is brighter with you in it.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school-graduation-2024/. 

The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School has been accredited since 1982. Students can earn academic degrees through its partnerships with institutions of higher education. Certification to grant associate degrees and confer degrees on its own came in July 2020, after the school was approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate as a postsecondary institution. 

This year’s commencement exercises marked the first time the school has conferred an associate’s degree in the field of applied science maritime technology. Adam Ryan West, a welding equipment repairer, is the first to earn the degree, which became an option at the same time he was accepted to the school. 

West initially chose welding equipment repair for his apprenticeship, but through his shipyard work and classroom study, he was able to expand his scope of skills to earn the degree. 

“There is a satisfaction in fixing something that wasn’t working,” West shared. “It is an honor to be the first to earn this degree from The Apprentice School and I am thankful I get to apply what I learned every day while working in the shipyard.” 

Scott Sinowitz received the Homer L. Ferguson Award, which recognizes the apprentice graduating with the highest average in combined required academic and craft grades. 

Sinowitz joined NNS in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from James Madison University and currently serves as an electrician supporting the refueling and complex overhaul of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). 

During his address, Sinowitz asked graduates to reflect on the knowledge and craftsmanship learned in their apprenticeships that set them up for success as shipyard leaders. 

“Those skills take time to develop and even longer to refine. So, while we continue to improve ourselves, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a strong work ethic, good attitude, desire to learn, and preparedness,” Sinowtiz shared. “With one another’s support, we create the culture Newport News Shipbuilding deserves.” 

Replay coverage of the ceremony is available at: https://hii.com/events/apprentice-school-graduation/ 

• The following is a profile of the graduating class: 

• Fourteen graduates completed an optional advanced program, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree. The program includes coursework in subjects such as marine design, modeling and simulation, production planning and marine engineering. 
• Fifty-nine graduates earned honors, a combination of academic and craft grades that determine overall performance. 
• Two graduates completed the Advanced Shipyard Operations Program, allowing them to continue their postsecondary education, expand their experience in waterfront operations and develop leadership skills to improve the quality and efficiency of production, manufacturing and maintenance processes. 
• Forty-five graduates completed Frontline FAST, an accelerated skills training program for potential foremen. 
• Twenty-seven graduates were inducted into The National Society of Leadership Success. 
• Nine graduates completed the World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum and advance optional program with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. 
• Seven graduates are military veterans or are currently serving in the armed services as reservists and guardsmen. 
• Twelve graduates earned Gold Athletic Awards. One graduate, Logan David Mize, earned a Gold Athletic Award in two sports. 

The Apprentice School accepts more than 200 apprentices per year. The school offers four- to eight-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and eight optional advanced programs. Apprentices work a 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes. 

Through partnerships with Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, The Apprentice School’s academic program provides the opportunity to earn associate degrees in business administration, engineering and engineering technology and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering. 

The state-of-the-art facility is part of a five-year, $85 million contract with the Department of Defense

TAMPA, Fla. (March 25, 2024) – The University of South Florida has opened a cutting-edge lab aimed at providing quick, innovative solutions to the different challenges facing the U.S. Department of Defense. Managed by USF’s Institute of Applied Engineering, the new Rapid Experimentation Lab (REL) provides a unique, collaborative space to rapidly test concepts. 

As one of nation’s most research-intensive universities, USF is helping to solve problems throughout society, and the facility is a key part of those efforts. 

“Our new lab will further enhance the University of South Florida’s focus on developing technologies and providing innovative solutions that address critical global and national security challenges,” USF President Rhea Law said. “This facility will provide research opportunities for our faculty, hands-on learning experiences for our students and help grow important partnerships with governmental agencies and private industry.” 

The state-of-the-art facility is part of a five-year, $85 million contract with the Department of Defense. It aims to streamline the prototyping process by bringing together engineers from a wide range of disciplines under one roof, significantly reducing development timelines. 

“The lab provides the necessary infrastructure, tools and collaborative environment to enable the curious and inspired to design, build and test technologies for today and tomorrow,” said Peter Jorgensen, the associate director of engineering for the IAE. “More than just a makerspace, the REL is a playground for mechanical, electronics, sensors, communications, and software teams to quickly iterate on designs to solve problems, invent new products and rapidly deliver cutting-edge capabilities.” 

The new 8,000-square-foot facility will be utilized not just by USF faculty and student engineers, but also partners in the Department of Defense and private industry, who are working to support missions ranging from the battlefield, to the oceans and to space. The lab houses various equipment, including electrical and mechanical computer design and analysis tools, communications networks to support testing, electronics and circuit boards, as well as manufacturing technology. It will allow multiple engineers to collaborate, test and retest an idea or product before presenting it to the Department of Defense for consideration. 

The IAE also plans to work with the USF Technology Transfer Office to identify start-up companies interested in utilizing the lab for development of their own inventions. 

Partners who would like more information can email [email protected]. 

From Military Sealift Command Public Affairs 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (March 21, 2024)—The Bob Hope-class MV Roy P. Benavidez (T-AKR 306), a large, medium speed roaying heavy equipment and material needed to construct a temporary pier to support the flow of multinational humanitarian aid into Gaza. 

The ship will anchor in the area to receive fuel prior to proceeding to the Mediterranean Sea. 

MV Roy P. Benavidez, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Fleet, is transporting components for a floating modular pier system which will be delivered to the U.S. Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade who will construct the temporary pier in the Mediterranean. 

This capability is known as Joint Logistics-Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS. 

“JLOTS is a critical capability that allows ship-to-shore cargo distribution in the absence of a usable pier,” said Army Lt. Gen. John P. Sullivan, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). “It can be used to augment an established port or to create a pier where one is needed, and allows us to support areas where large populations are isolated from food, water, and other forms of humanitarian aid.” 

JLOTS operations are part of USTRANSCOM’s strategic sealift mission. 

Operated by Military Sealift Command for the current JLOTS mission, MV Roy P. Benavidez is crewed by contracted merchant mariners and is dry cargo surge sealift carrier capable of transporting up to 380,000 square feet of containerized cargo and rolling stock between developed ports. 

“MARAD’s ability to activate the Ready Reserve Force vessel MV Roy P. Benavidez is a hallmark of our strategic sealift capability,” said Maritime Administrator Ann C. Phillips. “Missions like this — supporting the Armed Forces, highlight the cornerstone capabilities MARAD delivers in support of interagency operations.”  

By Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs | March 20, 2024 

MANAMA, Bahrain — Combined Maritime Forces welcomed the Republic of Poland as the 42nd member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership, March 17. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Poland as a member of CMF,” said Vice Adm. George Wikoff, CMF commander. “We greatly benefit from Poland’s participation in this coalition of nations committed to regional maritime security. I look forward to being ‘Ready Together’ with our new partners as CMF continues to set the global standard for maritime cooperation.” 

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes. 

With 42 nations, CMF is the largest naval partnership in the world. Other task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and eastern Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden; and CTF 154, established in May to enhance maritime security training throughout the region.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., March 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted their apprentice graduation today, celebrating 99 graduates during a ceremony at the shipyard. Each of these apprentice graduates have invested time in the classroom and shipyard to prepare them for a shipbuilding career with the company. 

Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, addressed the graduates providing words of encouragement for these new first-class shipbuilders. 

“Each of our graduates has a role to play and an important job to get done on behalf of millions of Americans,” Wilkinson said. “Together they form an elite and special team to do the work of the nation.” 

Enrollment for the apprentice program is competitive, and students work full-time while learning a craft through classes and on-the-job training. The prestigious workforce development program has produced more than 4,000 graduates since its inception in 1952 and currently has 700 students enrolled in the program, the highest enrollment since prior to the pandemic. 

Russel Sand Jr. received the 2023 Overall Apprentice of the Year Award, which recognizes the apprentice who has set a standard of excellence among their peers and has performed at the top of their class continuously. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-ingalls-shipbuilding-celebrates-apprentice-school-graduates-2024/. 

Sand has been with the company for four years and is currently a transportation rigger. When asked where his motivation came from to complete the four-year program, Sand said, “My fellow rigging apprentices were some of the best motivators, we all encouraged each other as we went through classes and rotated through crafts.” 

While in the apprentice program Sand learned about the various aspects of shipbuilding and gained a greater purpose for the work he does saying, “In a four-year span I have seen ships go from the keel to delivery, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Our purpose is to build some of the finest warships in the world, and I am proud of my decision to become an Ingalls shipbuilder.” 

The apprentice program offers a comprehensive three- to four-year curriculum with 15 registered Department of Labor apprentice programs for students to pursue. Apprentices earn competitive wages and receive a comprehensive benefit package upon entering the program. This allows apprentices to receive an education, build work ethic, gain experience and develop into world-class journeymen of their crafts.  
For more information about Ingalls Shipbuilding’s apprentice school visit https://hii.com/careers/ingalls-apprentice-school/. 

CHANDLER, AZ, March 14, 2024 – ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC (“ArmorWorks”), a portfolio company of Littlejohn Capital, LLC, announced today the acquisition of Fox Valley Metal-Tech, Incorporated (“Fox Valley”), a provider of complex, precision metal fabrications for use on naval ships, submarines, combat vessels, and other critical defense applications. 

Founded in 1989 and based in Green Bay, WI, Fox Valley specializes in complex metal fabrications primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”), as well as commercial industries. The company manufactures custom electrical enclosures and consoles, components and fabrications for military trailers, radar systems as well as watertight doors and hatches. Fox Valley actively supports leading defense industry companies, and its precision components and fabrications are incorporated on the latest naval platforms such as the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarine, amongst others. The company has a state-of-the-art 185,000 square foot facility that enables it to meet the highest of quality standards. For more information, visit www.fvmt.com. 

Kevin Dahlin, Chief Executive Officer of ArmorWorks, commented, “Fox Valley’s components meet the Navy’s stringent requirements, and combine unique fabrication, machining, precision welding, and painting/finishing capabilities to provide customers with a vertically-integrated manufacturing solution in compliance with the highest U.S. military standards. Fox Valley’s fabrications are trusted on high priority naval programs amid a historical fleet expansion, and we look forward to supplementing our existing business with the addition of Fox Valley’s superior products.” 

Angus Littlejohn III, President of Littlejohn Capital, said, “Fox Valley’s focus on mission-critical Naval systems instantly propels ArmorWorks into a broader segment of the DoD. The acquisition also adds impressive manufacturing capabilities in the Midwest expanding the geographic reach of ArmorWorks. Fox Valley is a trusted partner to the defense industry, and we are proud to add this company as an integral part of ArmorWorks as they continue to protect the military personnel who defend our country.” 

Steve Corbeille, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Valley, added, “Fox Valley has built its business and reputation over the past 25 years by developing products whose standards are designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Fox Valley will continue to thrive and better serve its customers as part of a larger organization within ArmorWorks.” 

KAL Capital served as exclusive financial advisor to Fox Valley. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MARCH 12, 2024 

Earlier today, the Milestone Decision Authority, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William A. LaPlante, approved the Milestone C / Full-Rate Production (MSC/FRP) of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft with the signing of an Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) after a meeting with the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB). 

The F-35 achieved this milestone after considering the results from the F-35 Combined Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and Live Fire Test and Evaluation Report, System Development and Demonstration exit criteria, statutory/regulatory documentation compliance, future production strategy, and draft acquisition program baseline details. Proceeding to MSC/FRP requires control of the manufacturing process, acceptable performance and reliability, and the establishment of adequate sustainment and support systems. 

The DAB, which met on March 7, 2024, was chaired by Dr. LaPlante, and is the department’s senior-level forum for critical decisions concerning acquisition programs at the Department of Defense. 

“This is a major achievement for the F-35 Program,” LaPlante said. “This decision—backed by my colleagues in the Department—highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed. The F-35 Program is the premier system that drives interoperability with our allies and partners while contributing to the integrated deterrence component of our National Defense Strategy.” 

With this milestone, the program is now well positioned to efficiently produce and deliver the next generation of aircraft to meet the evolving needs of our services, partners, and FMS customers. 

“I am very proud of our team, and this is a huge accomplishment!” said Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, Director and Program Executive Officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. “The F-35 enterprise has made significant improvements over the last decade, and we will always be driven to continuously improve sustainability, interoperability, and lethality so warfighters have the capability needed to fight and win when called to do so. Moreover, the Program and our great people can now focus on the future of the F-35 instead of the past.” 

In September 2023, a key gateway for MS C/FRP was achieved when F-35 Runs for Score in the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and initial trial validation were completed. 

“DOT&E conducted analysis of the results from Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Live Fire Test and Evaluation and delivered a comprehensive, combined report as required by statute to inform the Milestone C / Full Rate Production decision. DOT&E also provided a separate annex that assessed post-IOT&E Block 4 operational testing of the 30P06 and 30P07 software.” said Dr. Raymond D. O’Toole, Jr., Acting Director, Operational Test & Evaluation. “The Program is working to address DOT&E’s findings and recommendations contained in the report. One of DOT&E’s concerns is to continue to improve test infrastructure for support development and to ensure readiness to test of the upcoming Block 4 capabilities. This includes timely deliveries of the next iterations of F-35-In-A-Box for integration into the JSE.” 

Achieving MSC/FRP is important to the program, and it helps to validate the aircraft’s capabilities for present and future partners of the F-35 enterprise. 

To date, over 990 F-35 aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers. 

The F-35 offers multi-mission capability, including strategic attack, suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD), offensive/defensive counter air, anti-surface warfare, strike coordination and reconnaissance, and close air support. It brings stealth, sensor fusion, and interoperability to enable access in contested environments and enhances situational awareness. 

Anaheim, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2024) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and Leonardo S.p.A., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to evaluate cooperation opportunities in the tiltrotor technology domain.  

As global leaders in designing, manufacturing, and supporting rotorcraft for commercial and military applications, Bell and Leonardo share a multi-decade history of industrial cooperation on both traditional helicopters as well as tiltrotor technology collaboration.  

The cooperative effort will begin in earnest with the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) Concept Study #5, where Leonardo will take the lead on a tiltrotor architecture proposal with Bell in support. 

“This cooperative effort between Bell and Leonardo reflects our shared vision that next generation rotorcraft will be influenced by the speed, range and maneuverability only tiltrotor technology can deliver,” said Lisa Atherton, president and CEO, Bell. “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Leonardo as we continue to explore emerging vertical lift programs in Europe and the United States.” 

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said “We’re thrilled to evaluate new joint efforts for the next generation of rotorcraft technologies, based on our solid and shared view of the unique advantages of tiltrotors. Leonardo has always firmly endorsed tiltrotor technologies to meet evolving rotorcraft requirements, even more so as new needs emerge in the market.”