From HII 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program, partnered to host a two-day recruiting event to offer students a direct career path to a job in the shipbuilding industry. The event attracted over 120 students from across 20 states who interviewed for positions in key trades, including welding, electrical, and machining. By the event’s conclusion, 68 students received job offers to begin their careers at HII. 

The recruiting event began on Fri., Dec. 6, with representatives from Ingalls Shipbuilding visiting the Mississippi Job Corps Center in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, where they interviewed students from across the country. Students who received job offers were invited to Ingalls the next day, where they completed onboarding activities and received a tour of the shipyard. 

“Our partnership with Job Corps is a vital component of our overall workforce pipeline strategy and allows us to engage directly with students who are interested in shipbuilding careers,” Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President of Human Resources and Administration Susan Jacobs said. “I am confident that these Job Corps students are joining our Ingalls team fully equipped with the training and skills needed to support the mission of our nation’s military.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-and-job-corps-partner-to-build-careers-at-ingalls-shipbuilding/. 

With a nationwide network of more than 120 centers and 43 nationally accredited training pathways in advanced manufacturing, construction, renewable resources and energy, and transportation, Job Corps partners with employers in communities across America to develop their talent pipelines. 

“For 60 years now, Job Corps has been committed to empowering students with the skills and education needed to succeed in high-demand jobs,” Job Corps National Director John E. Hall said. “The Ingalls recruiting event provided the perfect opportunity for our students to connect with a renowned shipbuilding contractor that is looking for well-trained employees to address the needs our country’s shipyard workforce and contribute to our nation’s defense.” 

The recruiting event further solidifies the partnership between HII and Job Corps, demonstrating how employers can work with Job Corps to provide direct career opportunities for students while also establishing a workforce pipeline to meet the country’s shipbuilding needs. 

For more information about careers and available jobs at Ingalls Shipbuilding, visit hii.com/careers. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, Dec. 12, 2024 

WASHINGTON DC (Dec. 12, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the sponsors of the future USS Charles J. French (DDG 142) will be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young and the late French’s great niece, Ms. Vanessa French Wilson. 
 
Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming celebration held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, in Washington DC, on Dec. 12. 
 
Sponsors are selected by the Secretary of the Navy and hold a unique role of maintaining a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. 
 
“The bond forged between a sponsor and their ship is a testament to the enduring spirit of the sea and the unwavering dedication of those who serve upon its waters,” said Del Toro. “I am honored to announce, today, that Director Shalanda Young and Ms. Vanessa French Wilson have accepted the invitation to serve as sponsors of this great ship.” 
 
Shalanda Young, Director of OMB, joined Secretary Del Toro for the announcement. 
 
“It is a profound honor to be named the sponsor of the USS Charles J. French,” said Director Young. “This ship will carry an important legacy, marking French’s bravery, resilience and duty after his vessel was attacked during the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Without hesitation, French rescued his fellow sailors and swam through the night to bring them to safety, risking his life to ensure fifteen others could live theirs. For too long, French was denied the recognition he deserved from the government. But today, I am proud to immortalize the memory and service of one of America’s most courageous heroes.” 
 
In January, Secretary Del Toro named the ship after Charles J. French during remarks at the Surface Navy Association 36th National Symposium. The ship’s naming honors the tradition of naming Arleigh Burke-class DDGs after Navy and Marine Corps heroes. 
 
Charles Jackson French was a Navy Mess Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer the night the USS Gregory (APD 3) was sunk by Japanese destroyers during the WWII Battle of Guadalcanal. French saved the lives of more than a dozen Sailors by swimming through the night, dragging a raft full of injured shipmates through shark-infested waters. 
 
For his actions, French received a letter of commendation from Adm. William “Bull” Halsey, then commander of the Southern Pacific Fleet. In May 2022, he was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions. The award was presented at Naval Base San Diego, during a ceremony dedicating the base’s rescue swimmer training pool in French’s honor 
 
“The naming of the USS Charles J. French (DDG 142) is a joyful, yet humbling experience for the French family,” said Ms. Wilson, the newly named co-sponsor of the future DDG 142. “Thank you, Secretary Del Toro, for choosing to acknowledge the heroism of Charles Jackson French.” 
 
Fabrication of the ship is projected for 2026 with a projected keel laying set for 2027, projected christening in 2029, and delivery projected for 2031. 
 
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, built around the Aegis Combat System, are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet providing protection to America around the globe. They incorporate stealth techniques, allowing these highly capable, multi-mission ships to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface domains. These elements of sea power enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad. 

Advanced tactical radio system enhances battlefield situational awareness and mission effectiveness 

From BAE Systems 

WAYNE, N.J. — Dec. 11, 2024 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions (DLS), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award with a ceiling value up to $1 billion for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS). The contract includes continued production, retrofits, development, and sustainment of MIDS JTRS terminals for future growth. MIDS JTRS provides situational awareness and enables Link 16 connectivity with jam-resistant, line-of-sight voice, video, and data communications for sea, ground, and air assets. 

The U.S. and its allies operate in network-centric, information-intensive environments where communications, navigation, and identification are missionessential capabilities. Warfighters must make well-informed, interoperable decisions swiftly, requiring large volumes of data to be exchanged in real-time. MIDS JTRS enables the interoperability across forces using Link 16.  

“MIDS JTRS brings different generations of platforms onto a common communications network. It provides more stable and secure gateways in the most contested scenarios,” said Amber Dolan, director of Data Link Solutions. “This award enables Data Link Solutions to modernize thousands of MIDS JTRS terminals and provide new capabilities that support a variety of missions for the U.S. Navy and coalition forces.” 

MIDS JTRS is a four-channel software-defined radio designed to run the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols. Link 16 is a standardized communications system used by NATO, the U.S., and its allies to share real-time tactical data. It is a scalable and flexible solution to tailor networks to mission needs. Tactical Targeting Networking Technology offers a low latency, high communications capability that provides critical platform connectivity and throughput within contested environments. The Department of Defense is fielding MIDS JTRS on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, and F-22 aircraft, as well as ship and command and control assets. 

DLS is a leading supplier of Link 16 terminals and software, as well as logistics and support services for air, land, and sea-based platforms. With more than 25 years of experience providing affordable, high-performance, high-reliability data link terminals for forces, DLS has delivered more than 9,000 Link 16 systems worldwide to more than 50 nations. 

Development, production, and integration of MIDS JTRS will take place in Wayne, New Jersey and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and MIDS Program Office, as well as purchases for NATO nations under the Foreign Military Sales program. As part of the IDIQ, the first task order of $116 million has already been awarded to provide terminals and spares, with follow-on production awards expected. 

By Team Ships Strategic Operations, Dec. 11, 2024 

SAN DIEGO – John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) delivered to the Navy on Dec. 10. 

Delivery follows the completion of Integrated Sea Trials where the ship’s readiness and capabilities are tested and validated to delivery requirements. 

“This delivery is a significant milestone as we bring another oiler to our fleet and increase our replenishment underway capabilities,” said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “This is the final stepping stone in getting this essential ship to our civilian mariners in need of its tools. 

John Lewis-class ships (T-AOs) are operated by Military Sealift Command and feature substantial volume for oil; significant dry cargo capacity; and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and are a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system. 

General Dynamics NASSCO, the shipbuilder, is also in production on T-AOs USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), and USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212). The future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213) and USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) are under contract. Additionally, a Block Buy contract was issued in September 2024 for the detail design and construction of T-AO 214-221. 

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

MELBOURNE, Fla., Dec. 12, 2024 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) provided the Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target and propulsion for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA (SM-3 Blk IIA) used in the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) latest successful test aimed at strengthening U.S. missile defense. 

The Aegis Guam System, integrated with the new AN/TPY-6 radar and Vertical Launching System, fired an SM-3 Blk IIA, which intercepted an air-launched MRBM target off the coast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Flight Experiment Mission-02. 

“Our team’s high-fidelity mobile-launch target and propulsion systems helped enable MDA’s successful test of the SM-3 and other capabilities critical for the defense of Guam,” said Ross Niebergall, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “The MRBM target and SM-3 propulsion systems contribute to streamlined operations in remote locations worldwide, essential to highly effective missile defense system testing.” 

L3Harris designed, manufactured and launched the MRBM Type 1 target for the recent test. The company also provided integrated logistics support, including inventory storage and maintenance, pre- and post-mission analysis, launch preparation, launch execution and engineering services for the test. 

The U.S. Navy uses the SM-3 Blk IIA as a defensive weapon to defeat short- and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. It is an integral part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System on certain Navy cruisers and destroyers. 

L3Harris’ Mk 72 solid rocket boost motors provide the first stage propulsion for SM-3 Blk IIA to safely launch the interceptors, while the company’s Throttling Divert and Attitude Control System helps maneuver the system’s kinetic warhead into the target for the final hit-to-kill impact. 

From U.S. Central Command, Dec. 10, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10. 

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, and flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval. 

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack. 

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis. 

From Saildrone, Dec. 12, 2024 

St. Petersburg, Fla. — Saildrone has been selected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to map Florida’s coastal waters in the Gulf of Mexico as part of the Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative (FSMI), a multiyear effort to provide statewide stakeholders with accessible, high-quality, and high-resolution seafloor data of Florida’s coastal waters within the continental shelf. Updated mapping data of coastal systems is critical for protecting offshore infrastructure, habitat mapping, restoration projects, emergency response, coastal resilience, and hazard studies for the state’s citizens.  

Saildrone has been tasked with collecting high-resolution multibeam data in a region known as Middle Grounds. The mission, valued at $1.66M, will use two 10-meter Saildrone Voyager uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) equipped with NORBIT WINGHEAD i80s echo sounders for high-resolution mapping, and radar, AIS, and cameras for maritime domain awareness. Saildrone will map 2,817 square kilometers of seafloor, approximately 130 kilometers northwest of St. Petersburg. 

“Mapping the Florida coastline is vital for understanding our dynamic coastal environments, supporting sustainable resource management, and enhancing resilience against extreme weather events. FSMI will provide critical insights that empower policymakers, researchers, and local communities to protect vital ecosystems and infrastructure along Florida’s coasts,” said Brian Connon, Saildrone VP Ocean Mapping. “Saildrone USVs efficiently and safely collect high-resolution bathymetric data while minimizing environmental impact.” 

At 2,170 kilometers long, Florida’s coastline is second only to Alaska among US states. Many parts of the Florida coast remain unsurveyed, with existing nautical charts relying on outdated and low-resolution data. 

FSMI builds on the efforts of the Florida Coastal Mapping Program (FCMaP), an initiative led by federal and Florida state agencies and other community stakeholders to generate a comprehensive high-resolution seafloor data set of Florida’s coastal waters by 2028. The data will be available for immediate use to update navigational charts and identify navigation hazards, provide fundamental baseline data for scientific research, and provide information for use by emergency managers and responders. 

The data Saildrone collects will help better understand Florida’s coastal vulnerability and hurricane impact, evaluate the performance of restoration projects, and support ongoing coastal resilience efforts and flood risk mapping. 

From SECNAV Public Affairs, Dec. 11, 2024 

WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro gave remarks at the 2024 U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) Defense Forum, Dec. 11, 2024. 
 
The forum consisted of Senior military officials, members of Congress, industry leaders, and defense analysts who discussed the current state of shipbuilding as well as examined issues such as static fleet size, maintenance challenges, operational availability, and the difficulties shipyards face with labor, training, budgeting, and requirements. 
 
Secretary Del Toro opened his remarks by discussing the future of building and sustaining the naval force structure for the nation’s needs. 
 
“For the first time since World War II, we face a comprehensive maritime power,” said Secretary Del toro. “Our Navy and Marine Corps Team serves as a proud and powerful testament of our Nation’s commitment to our allies and partners in Europe, the Middle East, and Indo-Pacific regions.” 
 
Secretary Del Toro also discussed strengthening maritime dominance and why it is important to build a culture of warfighting excellence. 
 
“To fight and decisively win our Nation’s wars, we cannot rely on merely maintaining our sea power—we must strengthen our maritime dominance,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Our people are the foundational strength of this Department, and they provide us competitive warfighting advantage over our adversaries.” 
 
“Our priority of building a culture of warfighting excellence is founded on strong leadership that is rooted in treating each other with dignity and respect,” said Secretary Del Toro. 
 
Secretary Del Toro continued by highlighting the importance of enhancing strategic partnerships. 
 
“Our greatest asymmetric strength lies in our network of partnerships with our Defense Industrial Base,” said Secretary Del Toro, “As we look to the future, we must continue to make informed decisions about shipbuilding, maintenance, repair, and the future of the fleet which will impact and shape the Navy for decades to come.” 
 
Secretary Del Toro concluded his remarks with sharing his pride in the U.S. Navy. 
 
“I am extremely proud of everything our department has accomplished over the last three years, and I am excited for our Navy-Marine Corps team as we chart a course for the future—a future that will require us to respond and adapt to whatever geopolitical challenges our Nation may face,” said Secretary Del Toro. 

From Northrop Grumman, Dec. 10, 2024 

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Dec. 10, 2024 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) celebrated the start of production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the French Navy at the company’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility. The ceremony brought together representatives from the French Navy, Northrop Grumman, Naval Air Systems Command and Navy International Programs Office. 

This milestone puts France on course to field the world’s premier airborne command and control aircraft. 

• Northrop Grumman is contracted to produce three E-2D aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in 2027. 

• The E-2Ds will replace France’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000 fleet, which has been in operation for over 25 years. 

• The E-2D brings significant enhancements over its predecessors, including the ability for aerial refueling. 

Expert:  

Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman: “Our partnership with France goes back over 25 years. We are proud to have supported the French Navy with the Hawkeye 2000, and we look forward to providing a generational leap in decision dominance with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.” 

Details on Program:  

Northrop Grumman’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000, which entered service with the French Navy in 1998, provides air defense and supports the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group. France is the only country other than the U.S. to operate its E-2C Hawkeyes from an aircraft carrier. This capability has enabled interoperability exercises that support Hawkeyes and other aircraft from the French and U.S. fleets. 

Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the latest in a line of AEW aircraft that stretches back over 60 years. The E-2D is the world’s premier Airborne Command & Control aircraft, effective over land and sea. Northrop Grumman has evolved the E-2D into a cutting-edge platform, capable of facing threats anywhere in the world. 

E-2 variants are operated by air forces and navies around the world. With an active production line and a 100% on-time delivery history, the E-2D continues to introduce new technology to outpace ever-evolving threats. 

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Dec. 6, 2024 

The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG), commanded by Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 4, returned to Hampton Roads, Virginia following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Dec. 6. 
 
The WSP ARG flagship, first-in-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, while the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious landing dock ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) is expected to return to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. 
 
The embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) returned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 3. 
 
“This deployment demonstrated the versatility and strength of amphibious forces,” said Capt. Nakia Cooper, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4. “Whether enhancing NATO interoperability or on station as the crises response force, the Sailors and Marines of the ARG-MEU team consistently executed with precision and remained ready. To our families and loved ones—thank you for your unwavering love and support.” 
 
Throughout the deployment, the ARG-MEU team operated extensively in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility under the authority of Task Force 61/2, participating in high-profile exercises such as Baltic Operations 2024 in the Baltic Sea and Neptune Strike 24.2 in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The 24th MEU (SOC) routinely rotated its landing forces to the Republic of Cyprus to participate in bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard and their elite special operating forces. These engagements reinforced partnerships with NATO Allies and regional partners, highlighting the strategic importance of amphibious forces in fostering multinational cooperation. 
 
The ARG-MEU also conducted more than a dozen port visits across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening relationships with Allies and partners while offering opportunities for bilateral training and cultural exchanges. The port visits included Klaipeda, Lithuania and Kiel, Germany as part of BALTOPS 24; Rota, Spain and Skagen, Denmark for brief stops for fuel and resupply operations; Brest and Cherbourg, France, as part of the ARG-MEU’s participation in the 80th D-Day anniversary ceremony; Aksaz and Izmir, Türkiye to strengthen relationships with NATO Ally Türkiye; Souda Bay and Thessaloniki, Greece, where 24th MEU (SOC) units were positioned to conduct bilateral training with Greek military forces; and finally, to Limassol and Larnaca, Cyprus, during bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard and their Special Operations Forces. 
 
“We forged stronger ties with our international Allies and partners during this deployment,” said Col. Todd Mahar, commanding officer, 24th MEU (SOC). “Every Marine and Sailor displayed remarkable adaptability and professionalism, proving the value of our forward-deployed, rapid response capabilities.” 
 
The deployment displayed the ARG-MEU’s mission sets as a crises response force by providing readiness and flexibility to the Combatant and Fleet Commanders. From deterring aggression in contested waters to standing by for crisis response, the team consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and deliver results. 
 
“Our presence ensured regional stability and deterred adversaries,” added Mahar. “The ARG-MEU team was ready at every turn to uphold peace, provide aid, and project strength where it was needed most, if called upon.” 
 
The deployment’s success was underpinned by the ARG-MEU’s operational flexibility and the integration of sea, air, and land assets, providing combatant commanders with a versatile contingency force. 
 
“Deployments like these prove the critical role of forward-deployed amphibious forces,” said Cooper. “We are a tangible reminder of America’s commitment to our Allies and partners and a powerful deterrent to any potential adversary.” 
 
The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) team began deployment operations on June 1, 2024 following an extensive eight-month pre-deployment training program to certify the Navy and Marine Corps units for deployment. Together, the ARG-MEU is organized, trained, equipped, evaluated, and certified to conduct maritime expeditionary warfare and amphibious operations across the full range military operations. As a highly mobile, versatile, and integrated naval formation, the ARG-MEU offers geographic combatant commanders an organic combined arms force that remains forward deployed and capable of persistent competition. 
 
The WSP ARG includes the Wasp, New York, and Oak Hill, with embarked units including Fleet Surgical Team 4, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22 Detachment 1, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, and Beach Assault Unit 21. The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air Ground Task Force, comprised of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) as the Aviation Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/8 as the Ground Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24 as the Logistics Combat Element, and a command element as their higher headquarters.