From the U.S. Department of Defense, Nov. 19, 2024 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 

Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr. for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.  Brady is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, G-3, Marine Forces Pacific, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii. 

Marine Corps Col. Dustin J. Byrum for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Byrum is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Marine Corps Col. Henry Dolberry Jr. for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.  Dolberry is currently serving as chief of staff, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan. 

Marine Corps Col. Lauren S. Edwards for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.  Edwards is currently serving as senior military advisor, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Marine Corps Col. Christopher M. Haar for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Haar is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Installations and Logistics Department, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Marine Corps Col. Sean P. Hoewing for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hoewing is currently serving as director, Air Combat Element, Capabilities Development Directorate, Combat Development and Integration, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. 

Marine Corps Col. Ryan M. Hoyle for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hoyle is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, G-3, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. 

Marine Corps Col. David C. Hyman for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hyman is currently serving as branch head, Manpower Management Officer Assignments, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. 

Marine Corps Col. Robert T. Meade for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Meade is currently serving as military assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Marine Corps Col. Joel F. Schmidt for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Schmidt is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. 

Marine Corps Col. Jeremy S. Winters for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Winters is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, Joint Force Headquarters, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

From HII, Nov. 19, 2024 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has successfully transferred the mid-body hull section of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80), allowing the shipyard to begin the concurrent assembly of two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in the same dry dock. 

The evolution began Thursday, Oct. 31 with the controlled process of slowly filling the dry dock with more than 100 million gallons of water, marking the first time CVN 80 has been floated. It was then transferred to the west end of the dry dock, where construction on the ship will continue.   

Early next year, the shipyard expects to commence assembling Doris Miller (CVN 81) in the east end of the dry dock, marking a historic first that two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers will be under construction in the dry dock at the same time. The dual construction of Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81) is enabled by the successful implementation of the CVN 80/81 two-ship contract modification awarded in 2019 and modifications made to the dry dock by NNS with investment by HII and the U.S. Navy. 

Photos and a video accompany this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-moves-enterprise-cvn-80-for-first-time-enabling-construction-of-two-aircraft-carriers-at-once/. 

“It is only fitting for this Enterprise, CVN 80, to be part of a historic first at NNS, considering the previous Enterprise, CVN 65, was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, proudly built here at the shipyard,” said Les Smith, NNS vice president Enterprise (CVN 80), Doris Miller (CVN 81) and future aircraft carrier programs. “Thousands of dedicated shipbuilders are working with urgency on these aircraft carriers that we know will play a vital role in the Navy’s fleet.” 

NNS is the only shipyard capable of designing, building and refueling nuclear-powered aircraft carriers for the Navy. Enterprise is the first aircraft carrier designed digitally and built digitally using visual work instructions on laptops and tablets rather than paper drawings. 

By Carrier Strike Group 3 Public Affairs | November 18, 2024 

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY — U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, conducted the first F-35C combat air strikes for the platform, Nov. 9-10. 

VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. The facilities housed conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles. The Iranian-backed Houthis used these weapons to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

“The F-35C demonstrated its warfighting advantage by transiting contested airspace and striking targets in the heart of Houthi territory over multiple days,” said U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey “Wiki” Davis, commanding officer of VMFA 314. “My Marines are honored to be first to fight with the F-35C.” 

The F-35C is a fifth-generation, long-range stealth fighter jet used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, and is a multi-role aircraft able to perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. 

“The offensive and defensive capabilities of the F-35C absolutely enhance our air wing’s striking arm,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Gerald “Dutch” Tritz, commander, CVW 9. “The now battle-tested Air Wing of the Future has proven itself a game changer across all carrier air wing missions.” 

Other variants of the aircraft include the F-35A and the F-35B. The F-35B first saw combat in 2018 when units assigned to the Essex Amphibious Ready Group conducted airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan and ISIS in Syria. Air Force F-35A’s first combat mission was completed the year after against ISIS targets in Iraq. 

The “Black Knights” of VMFA 314, based out of Miramar, Calif., transitioned from the F-18 to the F-35C in 2020, making them the first fleet squadron in both the Navy and Marine Corps to operate the 5^th Generation fighter aircraft. VMFA 314 was also the first operational Marine squadron to fly the F-4 Phantom and F-18 Hornet. 

VMFA 314, part of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is the only deployed F-35C squadron in the Marine Corps. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment Corpus Christi, Texas 

Nov. 15, 2024 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Coast Guard established a new Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program at Veterans Memorial High School in Corpus Christi, Nov. 14.   

Veterans Memorial High School’s Coast Guard JROTC unit is the 13^th in the nation and has over 50 cadets enrolled in the inaugural semester.   

“We’re excited to be at Veterans Memorial High School today. They’re off to an excellent start with Commander Gully and Chief O’Leary,” said Cmdr. Clay Cromer, Coast Guard JROTC program manager.  “We’re thrilled with the cadets’ leadership, enthusiasm, and the initiative they’re bringing to the table early on.”  

Coast Guard JROTC instructors are hired and employed by the school district and certified by the service. Instructors must be Coast Guard retired, selected reserve, or qualified veterans with at least eight years of service. Veterans Memorial High School’s Coast Guard JROTC instructors are Cmdr. Matthew Gully (USCG, Ret.) and Chief Petty Officer Mike O’leary (USCG, Ret.).   

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 mandated the Coast Guard to establish and maintain JROTC programs in each of the nine Coast Guard districts by Dec. 31, 2025.  The Coast Guard is establishing four new JROTC units this fall, bringing the total to 14 JROTC units, with program-wide enrollment of over 1200 cadets.  These new units are at the following host schools:   

• Barnstable High School – Barnstable, MA   

• Innovation High School – Orlando, FL 

• Veterans Memorial High School – Corpus Christi, TX   

• Kalani High School – Honolulu, HI   

Coast Guard JROTC is not a recruiting program. Cadets incur no military service obligation by participation in JROTC, but they may be eligible for advanced enlistment opportunities with 2 or more years of participation in the program. The program helps equip cadets with the skills necessary to be more prepared for tomorrow’s challenges, no matter what path they take.   

To learn more about the Coast Guard JROTC program, visit their website:  U.S. Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (CGJROTC).   

By NAVSEA Office of Corporate Communications, Nov. 18, 2024 

NORFOLK, Virginia – USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed sea trials off the coast of Virginia this weekend, marking the successful on-time conclusion of its ten-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). The nation’s tenth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier entered its PIA in January 2024. 

In returning George H.W. Bush to the fleet on schedule, NNSY applied a series of innovative strategies and engineering solutions to modernize the ship’s safety, communications, and combat systems—scheduling a significant volume of advance work at nearby Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA Norfolk) prior to the carrier’s arrival at NNSY. 

Key trades workers and shop mechanics worked alongside engineering and material support personnel at NAVSTA Norfolk, augmented by NNSY’s off-yard carrier team. More than 550 personnel supported the project at the peak of the maintenance availability. NNSY also employed experienced zone managers, who conducted the PIA for USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), completed in December 2022, to improve overall learning and performance. 

As part of the modernization and maintenance work for George H.W. Bush, crews installed combination ovens in the ship’s galley; modular refrigeration equipment to improve system reliability; and upgrades to the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services system—a program the Navy has implemented across the Fleet to enhance shipboard computing systems and to consolidate multiple legacy networks. 

The modernization effort also involved installing the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) system, which enables the ship to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources. NTCDL also facilitates the exchange of command and control information over multiple data links, enhancing situational awareness and operational advantage. 

NNSY’s success in delivering George H.W. Bush on time demonstrates how the nation’s public shipyards are looking beyond traditional workflows to meet the Chief of Naval Operations’ objective of putting more ready players—combat-ready platforms—on the field. 

“The Bush team and crew supported this availability with capability and commitment,” said Capt. Jip Mosman, NNSY Commanding Officer. “Their teamwork and dedication to returning this critical asset to the fleet will serve as the model for future maintenance and modernization programs in America’s shipyards.” 

Getting advanced systems and capabilities into the hands of warfighters at speed and scale requires people at every level of the shipbuilding and maintenance enterprise to think, act, and operate differently. NNSY’s culture of collaborative planning among its highly skilled workforce enabled the shipyard to marshal the material and alternative resources necessary to deliver the aircraft carrier’s complex work packages on schedule. 

NNSY’s on-time completion of the George H.W. Bush PIA adds to a recent list of successes at the shipyard, including the undocking of USS Toledo (SSN 769) undergoing Engineered Overhaul (EOH) and USS Montpelier (SSN 765) docking for its EOH. 

For more information on NNSY and the other U.S. Naval Shipyards—Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility—please visit https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Shipyards/. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, Nov. 15, 2024 

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) returned to its Alameda homeport on Nov. 4, after completing a 110-day patrol in the Arctic Ocean, Chukchi Sea and Bering Sea. 
 
Stratton departed Alameda on July 18 and patrolled the Alaskan Inside Passage to Juneau, Alaska, throughout the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Ocean. The crew supported U.S. strategic interests in the high latitudes and ensured the safety and compliance of domestic fishery operators. This was Stratton’s second 110-day Alaska patrol in 2024. 
 
During the patrol, Stratton’s crew tracked and observed two Russian Federation Navy surface action groups transiting through U.S. waters above the Arctic Circle. Stratton patrolled under Operation Frontier Sentinel, an operation designed to meet presence with presence when strategic competitors operate in and around U.S. waters. The Coast Guard’s presence strengthens the international rules-based order and promotes the conduct of operations in a manner consistent with international law and norms. 
 
While patrolling the Arctic, Stratton conducted the first at-sea refueling evolutions for a national security cutter in the high latitudes. The at-sea refueling extended patrol times in the Arctic and enabled persistent Coast Guard presence in the remote region. 
 
Stratton conducted 20 boardings of commercial fishing vessels and foreign trans-shipment vessels enforcing safety and fishing regulations. Alaska’s fisheries are some of the nation’s largest providers of seafood and are a critical component of the U.S. economy. The Coast Guard’s efforts in ensuring safe fishing practices are essential to support this vital industry. 
 
Stratton’s crew also conducted search and rescue (SAR) operations while deployed to the region. Stratton responded to the fishing vessel Galatea, which was adrift in a storm without propulsion due to a severed engine cooling line. Stratton crew deployed to the fishing vessel, repaired the casualty, and safely escorted Galatea to Dutch Harbor. 
 
Stratton also responded to the 738-foot cargo tanker Pan Viva beset by a storm north of Dutch Harbor. After losing propulsion, the vessel was in danger of running aground in seas greater than 30’ and 90-mile-per-hour winds. Stratton provided operational oversight to Pan Viva as Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter air crews evacuated non-essential personnel and commercial tugs aided the vessel. 
 
Throughout the patrol, Stratton conducted 334 deck landings qualifications with Air Station Kodiak’s MH-60 helicopter air crews operating near the Alaskan towns of Utqiagvik and Kotzebue above the Arctic Circle, to Cold Bay and Dutch Harbor in the Bering Sea. Stratton’s coordination of these flight operations provided training opportunities for the crews to enhance their SAR capabilities in the remote areas of Alaska, which tripled the number of shipboard-qualified pilots in the Alaska region. 
 
“I am extremely proud of the resilience and professionalism of Stratton’s crew who’ve spent eight of the last ten months at sea in Alaska, conducting missions to safeguard our nation and people throughout two deployments to the region,” said Capt. Brian Krautler, Stratton’s commanding officer. “We met foreign presence in the Arctic, demonstrating our ability and resolve to protect our most challenging border and we found new ways to extend our presence, devising means to refuel at sea in the high latitudes. We boarded U.S. and foreign vessels to ensure compliance with legal and safety regulations, we enhanced SAR capabilities through rigorous flight training and conducted important search and rescue cases in our most demanding area of operations.” 
 
Stratton also met with the Royal Canadian Navy leadership during a port call in Victoria, Canada, to discuss strategic interests and cooperative efforts in the region. Stratton hosted three Royal Canadian Navy members during the patrol, enhancing U.S. and Canadian interoperability.  
 
Additionally, Stratton conducted community relations engagements in the remote Alaskan communities of Savoonga, Teller and Brevig Mission. During these engagements, crew members met with tribal and city council leadership, volunteered at elementary schools, provided training in water and boating safety, participated in community-wide events including a high-latitude half-marathon, and learned about Inupiat culture, aiding in the service’s understanding of the communities and how to optimize support for remote Alaskan villages. 
 
Commissioned in 2012, Stratton is one of ten commissioned legend-class national security cutters and one of four homeported in Alameda. National security cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, and can hold a crew of up to 170. Stratton routinely conducts operations throughout the Pacific, where the cutter’s combination of range, speed, and ability to operate in extreme weather provides the mission flexibility necessary to conduct vital strategic missions.  
 
Stratton’s namesake is Capt. Dorothy Stratton, who led the service’s all-female reserve force during World War II. Dorothy Stratton was the first female commissioned officer in the Coast Guard and commanded more than 10,000 personnel. The ship’s motto is “we can’t afford not to.” 

Nov. 18, 2024 

From Lt. Ayifa Brooks 

BOSTON — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Nantucket (LCS 27), Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. To honor naval history, Nantucket became the newest ship in the fleet while moored stern-to-stern with USS Constitution, the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned ship. 

“I want to thank all of you for your service and your dedication, I know it’s been a long journey to get to this point. In the past few weeks alone, you’ve traveled over 2,000 nautical miles through four Great Lakes and 15 locks to get here.” said the Honorable Michelle Wu, mayor of Boston, Massachusetts. “While we know the Charlestown Navy Ship Yard isn’t your final stop, it’s a source of great pride for this city and the people of Boston to be granted the privilege of sending you off to your homeport.” 
 
Guest speakers for the event also included the Honorable Maura Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who delivered the commissioning ceremony’s principal address. Remarks were also provided by the Honorable Polly Spencer, ship’s sponsor; the Honorable Bill Keating, U.S. Representative, Massachusetts’ 8th District; the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment; Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, Director of Navy Staff; and Mr. Paul Lemmo, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors. 
 
“Today we gather to celebrate a remarkable addition to our naval fleet, USS Nantucket. I’m honored to represent Lockheed Martin and we’re proud to partner with the U.S. Navy to build the Freedom-variant littoral combat ships,” said Lemmo. “USS Nantucket is not just a ship, it embodies innovation, resilience, and the spirit of our maritime forces.” 
 
The ship’s sponsor, The Honorable Polly Spencer, wife of the 76th Secretary of the Navy, joined by her two daughters, Sarah Minella and Amy Ambrecht gave the order to “man our ship and bring her to life!” 
 
“I’m so heartened to look out and see young boys and girls here and I hope they leave today inspired to answer the call to service,” said Healy. “The freedom – all the freedoms, all the privileges that we enjoy today as Americans are only possible because of those who have served and those who continue to serve.” 
 
Nantucket is the 14th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) commissioned in the United States Navy and the third to be commissioned in naval service to bear this namesake. 
 
USS Nantucket (LCS 27) was built by the Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The ship was authorized on Oct. 10, 2017, and named on Feb. 13, 2018. It was christened Aug. 7, 2021, and completed acceptance trials the following year. The ship was delivered to the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2024. 
 
“My journey began in September 2021 when I received word that I would be the first commanding officer of USS Nantucket and unveiled the crest on the island.” said Cmdr. Kari Yakubisin, Nantucket’s commanding officer. “Our mission on Nantucket is the same as the Constitution was in 1812, while technology has changed over the last 200 years, the mission of the United States Navy remains the same, keep the sea lanes open for commerce, deter piracy and promote peace around the world. I am proud of this crew and the hard work they put in for the last seven months.” 
 
LCS class ships like Nantucket will be equipped with Over the Horizon – Weapons System (OTH-WS) Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The OTH NSM provides the U.S. and its allies with long range anti-surface offensive strike capability as well as increased coastline defense, deterrence, and interoperability. This will include the MK 70 Payload Delivery System (PDS) which uses combat proven MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) technology to provide mid-range precision fires capabilities. The MK 70 enables rapid deployment of offensive capability to non-traditional platforms and locations. 
 
The ceremony featured early successes, milestones, fair wishes, and following seas while showcasing a weeklong series of events celebrating the ship, its crew, community and namesake city. 
 
USS Nantucket will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. 
 
LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. 
 
The mission of CNSP 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. 
 
For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit DVIDS – Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. 

From the Navy Office of Information, 15 November 2024 

Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Nantucket (LCS 27) will be commissioned on November 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. EST in Boston, Massachusetts. 

The Honorable Maura Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will deliver the principal address at the commissioning ceremony. Remarks will also be provided by The Honorable Bill Keating, U.S. Representative, Massachusetts 9th District, The Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Vice Admiral Michael Boyle, Director of Navy Staff, The Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, and Mr. Paul Lemmo, Vice President and General Manager, Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors, Lockheed Martin. 

The ship’s sponsor is Polly Spencer, a business owner, grandmother, and wife of Richard Spencer, the 76th Secretary of the Navy. Mrs. Spencer’s connection to Nantucket dates back to 1976, when she was a year-round resident of the island, raising her three children and owning and operating a children’s clothing and toy store. As the wife of Richard Spencer, she traveled to visit sailors, Marines, and their families both at home and abroad. Noting the sacrifices and unwavering dedication she observed, she cites this experience—along with being the sponsor of USS Nantucket—as the highlights of her career. 

“The crew, along with our industry partners, have worked tirelessly over the past several years to bring the USS Nantucket (LCS 27) to life, and I am proud of each of them for their contributions and service,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Nantucket already made an impact when she supported a U.S. Coast Guard operation in October in Lake Erie. I take great pride in knowing that Nantucket represents the future of our Fleet and Force — equipped with advanced technology and sailed by our Navy’s best and brightest crews.” 

Nantucket is the 14th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) commissioned in the United States Navy and the third U.S. Navy ship to bear this name. 

The LCS class consists of two variants: the Freedom and the Independence, designed and built by two industry teams. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom-variant team, building the odd-numbered hulls in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team in Mobile, Alabama, constructing LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls. 

Littoral combat ships like Nantucket will be equipped with Over the Horizon – Weapons System (OTH-WS) Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The OTH NSM provides the U.S. and its allies with long range anti-surface offensive strike capability as well as increased coastline defense, deterrence, and interoperability. 

Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in both near-shore and open-ocean environments, countering 21st-century coastal threats. LCS ships integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. 

The ceremony will be live-streamed at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/34487. The link will become active approximately ten minutes prior to the event, at 09:50 a.m. EST. 

Media inquiries may be directed to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. For more information on the littoral combat ship program, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2171607/littoral-combat-ship-class-lcs/ 

Nov. 15, 2024 | By Nicholas Pasquini, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory  

United States Naval Research Laboratory Naval Center for Space Technology, in partnership with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, has successfully completed development of a spaceflight qualified robotics suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit, Oct. 8.  
 
Under DARPA funding, NRL developed the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites Integrated Robotic Payload. This transformative new space capability was delivered to DARPA’s commercial partner, Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics, for integration with its spacecraft bus, the Mission Robotics Vehicle.  
  
“The recent completion of thermal vacuum testing marks a major milestone toward achieving the program’s goal of demonstrating robotic servicing capabilities on orbit in the near future,” said NRL Director of Research Bruce Danly. “NRL’s contributions to the robotic payload are an essential part of realizing this vision, which promises to transform satellite operations in geostationary orbit, reduce costs for satellite operators, and enable capabilities well beyond what we have today. In fact, the anticipated capabilities are potentially revolutionary for both national security and civil applications.”  
  
As DARPA’s robotic payload developer for the RSGS program, NRL looked to the future to design, build, integrate and test groundbreaking satellite servicing capabilities.  
  
“This collaboration unlocks new servicing opportunities for both commercial and government satellites, enabling usual-close inspections, orbital adjustments, hardware upgrades, and repairs,” said Bernie Kelm, NRL NCST superintendent of the spacecraft engineering division. “We’ve created advanced spaceflight hardware and software that will significantly enhance satellite servicing operations, including all robotic controls.”  
  
Satellites in geosynchronous orbit, positioned approximately 22,000 miles above Earth, are crucial for military, government and commercial communications, Earth-observing science and national security services.  
  
Currently, spacecraft face significant challenges, in part because of the inability to perform in-orbit repairs or upgrades. To compensate for the lack of servicing options, satellites are often loaded with backup systems and excess fuel, leading to increased complexity, weight and cost. Should this project prove successful, satellites can receive in-orbit upgrades based on new technology to extend their service life, Kelm added.  
  
“The military regularly fixes aircraft, tanks, ships and trucks that break. We upgrade aircraft and ships with the latest radars, computers and engines,” said Glen Henshaw, NRL senior scientist for Robotics and Autonomous Systems. “Satellites are the only expensive equipment we buy that can’t be repaired or upgraded once they are in the field, and this costs the taxpayer money. RSGS is intended to change this situation; we intend to demonstrate that we can upgrade and repair these valuable assets using robots.”  
  
Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Testing Process  
  
The test campaign put the robotic payload through its paces across the range of temperatures it will face while on-orbit and under vacuum conditions similar to space. Engineers tested all aspects of the payload including avionics, cameras and lights, and demonstrated all operations, with each of its two robotic arms including launch lock deployments, calibrations and tool changing. The test also verified SpaceWire communications and robotic compliance and visual servo control modes.  
  
“NRL’s Team RSGS has spent nearly 10 years focused on the goal of completing this first of a kind, robotic servicing payload,” said William Vincent, NRL RSGS program manager. “The completion of IRP TVAC represents a huge milestone and countless hours of work from an incredible group of dedicated personnel. Like sending a child off to college for the first time, shipping the IRP to Dulles is a bittersweet experience.”  
  
NRL worked for over two decades to mature the technology enabling the RSGS program. RSGS is designed to safely and reliably repair and upgrade valuable commercial, civil and national security satellites, some of which cost over a billion dollars. In the near future, robotic satellite “mechanics” may extend the useful life of satellites by upgrading a variety of capabilities including new electronics, propulsion and sensors capabilities. RSGS robots could demonstrate broad servicing as a precursor to building large structures in-orbit which could include the next great observatory, solar power stations or other revolutionary new systems.  
  
“We hope that this will eventually lead to spacecraft that are more modular and easier to maintain,” Henshaw said.  
  
Following its anticipated 2026 launch on the Northrop Grumman’s MRV spacecraft bus, the robotic payload will undergo initial checkout and calibration with full operational servicing missions to follow.  
  
“We will proudly watch RSGS as it provides resilience for the current U.S. space infrastructure and takes the first concrete steps toward a transformed space architecture with revolutionary capabilities,” Vincent said.  
  
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory  
  
NRL has a long-standing relationship with academia and industry as a collaborator, contractor, and through technology transfer partnership mechanisms, such as commercial licensing, cooperative research and development agreements and educational partnership agreements.  
  
NRL is a critical link within the Navy’s research, development and acquisition chain and naval research enterprise. Through NRL, the Navy has direct ties with sources of fundamental ideas in industry and the academic community throughout the world and provides an effective coupling point to the research and development chain for Office of Naval Research. 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; and Monterey, California, employing approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel. 

Nov. 14, 2024 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 
 
Navy Capt. Erin E. O. Acosta for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Acosta is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. 
 
Navy Capt. Walter H. Allman III for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Allman is currently serving as commandant, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. 
 
Navy Capt. Andrew M. Biehn for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Biehn is currently serving as director of Development and Integration, Program Executive Officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Wesley P. Bringham for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Bringham is currently serving as strategic integration group director for the vice chief of naval operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Kertreck V. Brooks for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Brooks is currently serving as transformation integration branch head, N16, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Richard G. Burgess for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Burgess is currently serving as commanding officer, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
Navy Capt. Daryle D. Cardone for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Cardone is currently serving as aircraft carrier branch head, N98, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Cameron R. Chen for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Chen is currently serving as branch head, N957, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Jereal E. Dorsey for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Dorsey is currently serving as special assistant for public affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Matthew J. Duffy for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Duffy is currently serving as director, Operations Division, Fiscal Management and Budget, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Reginald S. Ewing III for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Ewing is currently serving as fleet surgeon, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
Navy Capt. Damian D. Flatt for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Flatt is currently serving as assistant judge advocate general (operations and management), Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. John P. Friedmann for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Friedman is currently serving as executive assistant to the Director, Naval Reactors, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. William K. Gantt Jr. for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Gantt is currently serving as director, Senate Liaison Office, Office of Legislative Affairs, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Michael R. Jarrett Jr. for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Jarrett is currently serving as chief of staff, Navy Installations Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Daniel L. Lannamann for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Lannamann is currently serving as officer in charge/program manager, Program Executive Office for Aircraft Carriers, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. David Loo for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Loo is currently serving as division chief, Program and Budget Analysis Division, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Brian A. Metcalf Jr. for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Metcalf is currently serving as acting vice commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Gary G. Montalvo Jr. for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Montalvo is currently serving as executive assistant to commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. 
 
Navy Capt. Raymond P. Owens III for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Owens is currently serving as branch head for Security Cooperation and International Affairs, N51, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Davidtavis M. Pollard for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Pollard is currently serving as executive assistant to Commander Naval Air Forces/Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California. 
 
Navy Capt. Matthew T. Pottenburgh for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Pottenburgh is currently serving as executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. William R. Reed for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Reed is currently serving as executive assistant to commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
Navy Capt. Karrey D. Sanders for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Sanders is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy chief of naval operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Charles R. Sargeant for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Sargeant is currently serving as executive assistant to the vice chief of naval operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Benjamin A. Snell for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Snell is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
Navy Capt. John W. Stafford for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Stafford is currently serving as chief of staff, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
Navy Capt. Omarr E. Tobias for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Tobias is currently serving as commanding officer, Naval Facilities, Washington, D.C. 
 
Navy Capt. Thomas J. Zerr for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Zerr is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.