MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES 

09.29.2023 
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. — The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing deactivated VMFAT-101, an historic F/A-18 Hornet training squadron, here on September 29, 2023. 
 
Since 1969, instructor pilots of the VMFAT-101 “Sharpshooters” have qualified combat aviators and sent them to operational squadrons worldwide. 
 
The squadron commemorated the event by “flying the barn” – launching 18 aircraft in a single flight. More than 300 Marines, Sailors, veterans, family members, and community supporters then gathered for a sundown ceremony to commemorate the squadron’s history and contributions to Marine Corps readiness. 
 
“Pilots come to VMFAT-101, cut their teeth, and are transformed into aviation warriors,” said Col. William J. Mitchell, commanding officer of MAG-11. 
 
Since October 2019, VMFAT-101 has trained Navy and Marine Corps aviators as the only remaining F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron in the Department of the Navy. 
 
“Thousands of aircrew have passed through the halls of VMFAT-101 – fighter pilots, fighter radar intercept officers, fighter weapon systems officers, and it’s bigger than that,” said Brig. Gen. Robert B. Brodie, Assistant Wing Commander of 3rd MAW. “This squadron has trained more maintenance Marines than any other in the Marine Corps. It’s a holistic approach to ensure we are ready to fight and win.” 
 
The training mission of VMFAT-101 will transfer to the “Death Rattlers” of VMFA-323, a 3rd MAW operational squadron at MCAS Miramar. As outlined in the 2022 Marine Corps Aviation Plan, the Hornet will continue to operate and provide combat capability until its complete transition to the F-35 Lighting II in 2030. 
 
Brodie is an F/A-18 pilot and served as commanding officer of VMFAT-101 from 2011 to 2013. He and Lt. Col. Ryan J. Franzen, the final commanding officer of VMFAT-101, were joined by ten former VMFAT-101 commanding officers and two spouses representing their late husbands. 
 
“We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Franzen. “You helped shape the ‘Sharpshooter’ legacy.” 
 

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EASTPORT, ME, UNITED STATES 

09.30.2023 

Story by Julie Ann Ripley  

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet   

EASTPORT, MAINE (Sept. 30, 2023) – Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Augusta (LCS 34) commissioned at Eastport, Maine, Sept. 30. 
 
In the week leading up to the commissioning ceremony, the Augusta’s crew spent time with their ship’s sponsor, Chief Justice Leigh Saufley, and participated in community relations events in their namesake city to build a strong connection with their namesake city community. 
 
During the ceremony guest speaker, The Honorable Jared Golden, U.S. Representative, Maine’s 2nd District, wished the crew of Augusta fair winds and following seas as they brought the ship to life and began its commissioned service via recorded remarks. 
 
Remarks were also provided by Vice Adm. John Fuller, Naval Inspector General. 
 
“Competing and being successful in the maritime starts at home. The state of Maine’s has a strong bond with the sea and our nation’s military. More than 30 ships proudly represent this state, its cities, places, and people” said Fuller. “The USS AUGUSTA and her crew will play an important role in defending our nation and enabling global maritime freedom and commerce. She will be integrated into operations that provide presence and support both sea control and power projection, which are at the core of the Navy’s mission.” 
 
Rear Adm. James Downey, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; the Honorable Mark O’Brien, Mayor of Augusta, Maine; and the Honorable Chris Gardner, Director of the Eastport Port Authority and Washington County Maine Commissioner. The ship’s sponsor is the Honorable Leigh Saufley, President and Dean of University of Maine School of Law and former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. 
 
“This ship, born of American aluminum, is a testament to the versatility, resolve, and unwavering spirit that have defined our nation from its very inception. The USS Augusta stands as a living embodiment of our shared commitment to safeguarding liberty, defending democracy, and preserving peace around the world,” said Cmdr. Christopher Polnaszek, USS Augusta’s commanding officer. “Augusta, Maine, a place steeped in tradition and history, has given rise to brave sons and daughters who have answered the call of duty time and again. From the early days of our nation’s founding, through the trials of the Civil War, to the modern challenges of the 21st century, the people of Augusta have shown an indomitable spirit, unyielding in the face of adversity. As we commission this warship, we pay homage to that spirit. May it sail the seas as a testament to the enduring strength of the American spirit. Protecting the Frontier.” 
 
Augusta is the 17th Independence-variant LCS commissioned in the United States Navy, and the second U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake. 
 
Augusta (SSN-710), the first Naval vessel to be name for Maine’s capitol, served from 1985 – 2009, taking part in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Its sponsor was Mrs. Diana D. Cohen, wife of Senator William S. Cohen of Maine, who later served as the Secretary of Defense (1997–2001). 
 
USS Manchester (LCS 14), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Mobile (LCS 26), and USS Oakland (LCS 24) are deployed to Commander, 7th Fleet area of operations under Destroyer Squadron 7. USS Jackson (LCS 6) is currently deployed and is supporting Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. 
 
Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. 
 
Independence-variant littoral combat ships (LCS) are built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. 
 
The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet 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 https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/. 
 
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/ 

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First high-energy laser demonstration in Texas takes down drone targets in flight at Texas A&M-RELLIS 

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On Sept. 21 and 22, Raytheon, an RTX company, conducted an open-air test of an operational laser weapon on the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC). Raytheon’s high-energy lasers (HEL) are combat-ready weapons that use silent, invisible beams of light to destroy drone threats at great distances. The open-air test was the first such shot of a laser weapon in the State of Texas, creating a new capability to advance critical defense technologies. 

“We are proud to collaborate with Raytheon on the latest technologies for national security,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This is another example of the world-changing impact that Texas A&M-RELLIS will have for generations to come.” 

“We see drone attacks having an out-sized impact in combat zones and even civilian settings, and they are extremely difficult to detect and defeat,” said Michael Hofle, senior director of high energy lasers at Raytheon. “That’s why we’re making Texas a hub for solving these challenges, side-by-side with the Bush Combat Development Complex. Our combat-ready laser weapons are a cheat code against drones. So, having the ability to test our systems in our own backyard is a game changer for getting this technology into the hands of uniformed personnel quickly and affordably.” 

The 15-kilowatt laser weapon is the ninth Raytheon has produced in McKinney, Texas. Previous tests and demonstrations were conducted in other states where appropriate firing ranges already exist. With the successful test on the BCDC Innovation Proving Ground (IPG), Raytheon can now design, produce and test laser weapons in Texas. 

“We are proud to collaborate with Raytheon on the latest technologies for national security,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This is another example of the world-changing impact that Texas A&M-RELLIS will have for generations to come.” 

The Raytheon test is an example of how the BCDC will help various customers accelerate innovative research and development on behalf of national security. The complex’s labs offer a wide array of capabilities for collaboration among the defense industry, universities, government and the tech sector. 

A team of experts transported the laser weapon to the RELLIS campus for final adjustments, and the calibrations and tests performed on the laser weapon included tracking, targeting and destroying multiple drone targets while fine-tuning system parameters. The system will be shipped to the United Kingdom in October for final integration and delivery to the U.K. Ministry of Defense. 

“When we met with Army Futures Command four years ago, they identified a need for our assistance in advancing their directed energy capabilities,” said BCDC director Tim Green. “Texas A&M System leadership then worked with the 2019 Texas legislature and the Board of Regents to obtain a combined $130 million toward the development of facilities here on Texas A&M-RELLIS, designed to accelerate the development of key national security technologies, including directed energy, at what is now known as BCDC. We are proud to bring together industry and academic experts, working closely together to provide a capability Texas needs to be a leader in delivering directed energy weapons to meet urgent military needs.” 

When Raytheon representatives visited BCDC in February 2023, the BCDC team anticipated the primary discussion topic would be related to directed energy testing inside the Ballistic, Aero-optic and Materials (BAM) range, which is scheduled for completion in Spring 2024, and ongoing research at the Texas A&M Aerospace Laboratory for Lasers, ElectroMagnetics and Optics (ALLEMO). Following a full overview and tour, Raytheon officials saw an opportunity to test both weapon systems and potential platforms using the IPG, and they inquired about the ability to conduct open-air shots on the IPG. 

Dr. James Creel, a BCDC-directed energy senior research engineer, served as lead for the project. 

“When Raytheon asked about our ability to perform live-fire tests, it did catch us off guard. But when we saw how much of a game changer this could be for the State of Texas and for our troops, we quickly established a team of experts from across the Texas A&M University System, and other state agencies like the Texas Department of State Health Services, (DSHS) to quickly develop the capability where that kind of test could be conducted safely here on the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus,” said Creel. “We’re proud of the way this team came together to provide this new capability, and we’re excited to work with Raytheon to help them develop future capabilities.” 

BCDC is in the process of establishing a more formal relationship with Raytheon over the coming months. 

“This type of HEL testing and evaluation was previously considered impossible within Texas. I am so thankful to have partners from Raytheon, other state agencies, and many system organizations working together to solve problems and create capabilities here that will help make us more secure and protect our military personnel,” Green said. “Dr. Creel did a great job pulling together our system teammates from RELLIS administration, safety, the Texas A&M Experiment Station (TEES) and the IPG. Col. (U.S. Army, Ret) Brian McHugh’s excellence at range operations was critical to winning state approval for the permit. I see this as the beginning of several emerging partnerships, and I’m honored to be a part of it.” 

Directed energy weapons are proving to be a critical need as the U.S. and partner nations work to develop counter-drone capabilities. Industry, government and academia are working diligently to deliver the technology to protect both our forces as well as the homeland. 

***** 

Air Station Detroit 

Sept. 29, 2023 
 

MT. CLEMENS, Mich. — Coast Guard Air Station Detroit received its first upgraded MH-65E Dolphin helicopter Tuesday to replace the legacy MH-65D helicopters that support Coast Guard missions throughout the Great Lakes region. 
 
The avionics upgrade to the “E” configuration provides enhanced search and rescue capabilities including modern “glass cockpit” technology that increases pilot and aircrew situational awareness and provides commonality with the service’s MH-60T Jayhawk fleet. 
 
The Dolphin upgrades also include reliability and capability improvements for the automatic flight control system, enhanced digital weather and surface radar, and multifunctional displays with more accurate fuel calculations. 
 
The upgrades comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Next Generation Airspace Transportation System requirements and extend the aircraft service life to the late 2030s. 
The transition of Air Station Detroit’s five MH-65D helicopters to the upgraded “E” configuration is expected to take approximately two months. 
 
During the upgrade period, the unit’s 23 pilots will undergo a three-week transition course at the Coast Guard’s Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala. Aircrew and mechanics will receive formal training specific to their roles and duties delivered by a team from the Coast Guard’s Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, N.C. 
 
“The upgrades and advanced training will enhance the situational awareness of our aircrews and improve our mission planning capabilities” said Cmdr. Christian Polyak, commanding officer of Air Station Detroit. “The replacement and inspection of key aircraft components as a part of the upgrade also extend the aircraft’s service life and enable us to continue ensuring maritime safety, security and stewardship far into the future.” 
 
Air Station Detroit Dolphin helicopter crews perform search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and marine environmental protection, and provide aids to navigation and ice patrol support throughout the Great Lakes region. Air Station Detroit helicopters and aircrews also provide support to augment the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s airspace security mission in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country as required for national security. 
 
Each MH-65D undergoes a six-month conversion to the MH-65E at the Coast Guard’s Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, N.C. Detroit is the 11th of 13 MH-65 Air Stations to receive the upgraded MH-65E. The Coast Guard plans to complete conversion of all 98 of its Dolphin helicopters to the MH-65E configuration by the end of 2024. 
 
For more information visit the MH-65 Program page at SRR – MH-65 (uscg.mil). 

Release from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Sept. 29, 2023 

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NORFOLK, Va. — The United Kingdom’s largest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales (R09), will make Naval Station Norfolk its temporary homeport this fall beginning Sept. 30 as it pushes the boundaries of Naval Aviation with F-35 Lightning advancement and drone launches off the East Coast over the next few months. 

HMS Prince of Wales left for deployment in early September with a goal to further develop how the Royal Navy utilizes Carrier Strike Groups. After a visit to Mayport, Florida, the warship will be pushing the limits of their carrier, operating drones, strike fighters, tilt-rotors and helicopters from both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps.  

Over the next few months the warship will specifically be pushing the boundaries of carrier landings for the U.K.’s fifth-generation jets, the F-35 Lightning stealth fighter.  

Allowing the jets to land on the carrier faster and while carrying heavier loads (i.e. more fuel and weapons) will allow HMS Prince of Wales to launch more strike missions, faster. 

The carrier will also practice launching and landing the F-35 in heavy sea states to demonstrate their ability to operate in harsh environments.  

These sea states are why the HMS Prince of Wales is operating off the East Coast, to capitalize on the heavy seas that come with hurricane season in the United States. 

Part of HMS Prince of Wales’ deployment will include multiple port calls to Naval Station Norfolk this fall, where they will be hosted by Carrier Strike Group-10 and the Nimitiz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). 

Sailors aboard HMS Prince of Wales will be able to tour Naval Station Norfolk and visit surrounding areas in the coming months.

Release from Strategic Systems Programs Office, Sept. 28, 2023

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SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs conducted a scheduled, missile test flight of an unarmed life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missile from USS Louisiana (SSBN-743), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, on the Western Test Range off the coast of San Diego, California, at approximately 2:10 p.m. Sept. 27, 2023. 

This test marks 191 successful missile launches of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) strategic weapon system (SWS) missile since it began operations in 1989. Trident II missile remains unmatched in its reliability. 

“I am immensely proud of the government-industry team,” said VADM Johnny Wolfe, Jr., Director of Strategic Systems Programs. “The completion of DASO-32 marks an historic milestone in the life of the Trident II D5 weapons system, and provides the SSP team with a tangible reminder of the great responsibility before us—sustain this unmatched weapons system while developing the next generation strategic weapons system to ensure our nation’s sea-based strategic deterrence capability through 2084.” 

This was part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, designated DASO-32.  DASO-32 is the last DASO conducted by an Ohio-class SSBN coming out of Engineering Refuel Overhaul (ERO). The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of the SSBN’s strategic weapon system and crew before operational deployment following the submarine’s midlife refueling overhaul or as part of new construction. 

The Trident II (D5) SWS is a highly accurate and reliable weapon system that has been actively deployed on Ohio-class SSBNs since its introduction to operational deployment on USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) in 1990.  It is the deployed system for the remaining service life of U.S Ohio-class and United Kingdom Vanguard-class SSBNs, and is the initial loadout for the U.S. Columbia-class and U.K. Dreadnought-class SSBNs. 

Test launches are conducted on a recurring basis to evaluate and ensure the continued reliability and accuracy of the strategic weapon system. Each test provides valuable information about our strategic weapon systems, thus contributing to assurance in our capabilities. 

The Navy’s last DASO was in October 2021 off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, from USS WYOMING (SSBN-742). The Navy’s most recent flight test—a Follow-on Commander’s Evaluation Test—was a series of two missile launches from USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) in June 2023 also off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 

Flight test missiles are not armed. Safety of the public and the crew conducting the mission is paramount.  Today’s launch was conducted from sea, the missile flew over the sea, and landed in the sea.  At no time did the missile fly over land.  

The missile test was not conducted in response to any ongoing world events or as a demonstration of power. Test launches, including DASOs, are scheduled years in advance. 

Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the Navy’s strategic weapon systems.  This includes training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine 

Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II (D5LE) strategic weapon system. In addition to maintaining the current Trident II (D5LE) strategic weapons system, Strategic Systems Programs is looking towards the future. Nuclear modernization is crucial to the continued success of the U.S.’s sea based strategic deterrent. Strategic Systems Programs is developing the next generation strategic weapon system, and modernizing shore-based infrastructure and capabilities to sustain the Ohio-class to end of life and support Columbia-class fleet introduction. 

SLBMs are the sea-based leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent Triad that also includes the U.S. Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and nuclear-capable bombers.  Each part of the Triad provides unique capabilities and advantages.    

The sea-based leg makes up the majority – approximately 70 percent – of the U.S.’s deployed strategic nuclear deterrent Triad. The SLBM is the most survivable leg of the triad, provides a persistent presence, and allows for flexible concepts of operations. 

A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies. Deterrence remains a cornerstone of national security policy in the 21st century. 

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Sept. 28, 2023 

***** 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Confidence (WMEC 619) returned to their homeport in Cape Canaveral, Sept. 20, following a 62-day deployment to the Caribbean Sea. 

From their homeport in eastern Florida, Confidence’s crew sailed to the central Caribbean Sea and conducted a counternarcotics patrol with an embarked helicopter and aircrew from the Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron while in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South. While underway, Confidence worked with air and sea assets from partner agencies, allied militaries, and other Coast Guard units. 

Confidence’s crew conducted four separate drug cases within a span of four days and prosecuted an additional case while returning to homeport. In total, these five interdictions resulted in the apprehension of 15 suspected narco-traffickers and prevented the flow of over 6,000 pounds of illicit substances, valued at over $85 million, from reaching the United States. 

In addition to enforcing U.S. law at sea and supporting the Coast Guard’s counterdrug mission, the crew of the Confidence also interdicted an unlawful migrant venture in the Mona Passage that originated from the Dominican Republic. While protecting the sovereign maritime borders of the U.S., the interdiction by Confidence resulted in the successful rescue of 42 migrants aboard the makeshift vessel, which was taking on water. 

“I am extremely proud of the Confidence crew for their teamwork, devotion to duty and commitment to keeping the streets of the U.S. and our partner allies safe,” said Cmdr. Thomas Martin, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Confidence. “Members of all ranks showcased exceptional professionalism and perseverance over the course of this patrol, enabling our success. I also appreciate the contributions of our DoD, DHS and international partners, making this patrol a success.” 

The seized drugs were later transferred in Miami to partner law enforcement agencies during Confidence’s transit home. 

Confidence’s crew steamed over 9,000 miles while conducting training, law enforcement missions, search and rescue, and helicopter operations throughout the Caribbean Sea deployment. 

Confidence is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium-endurance cutter with a crew complement of 70. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer, and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here. 

Release from Naval Air Systems Command, Sep 28, 2023 

***** 

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md. — The U.S. Navy awarded an $845.5 million contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation for the E-2D Delta System Software Configuration 6 (DSSC 6) on Sept. 12. 

DSSC 6 is scheduled to be introduced in fiscal year 2027 and aims to add the “most significant change to this platform since the E-2D rolled out,” said Capt. Pete Arrobio, E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) program manager. 

“Essentially, with the changes and upgrades with DSSC 6, this will be an E-2D ‘Block II’ which will reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness, and bring vital readiness and reliability upgrades paired with architecture and cybersecurity improvements,” said Arrobio. 

DSSC 6 replaces the current integrated navigation and controls and display systems and tactical mission computer and display systems on E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft with a modern Hawkeye cockpit technology refresh and theater combat identification that allows for rapid integration of new capabilities, including non-proprietary applications from industry partners. 

Fielding of DSSC 6 in the fleet is scheduled to begin in 2029. 

PMA-231’s mission is to develop, acquire and sustain unmatched carrier-based airborne command, control, and logistics aircraft with the E-2C Hawkeye, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound. 

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense, Sept. 29, 2023 

*****

The Navy will commission the future USS Augusta (LCS 34) as the newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during a 10:00 a.m. EST ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Eastport, Maine. 

The Honorable Jared Golden, U.S. Representative, Maine’s 2^nd District, will address the ceremony via recorded remarks. Remarks will also be provided by Vice Admiral John Fuller, Naval Inspector General; Rear Adm. James Downey, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; the Honorable Mark O’Brien, Mayor of Augusta, Maine; the Honorable Chris Gardner, Director of the Eastport Port Authority and Washington County Maine Commissioner; and Mr. Larry Ryder, Vice President of Business Development, and External Affairs, Austal USA.  The ship’s sponsor is the Honorable Leigh Saufley, President and Dean of University of Maine School of Law and former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. 

LCS 34 is the 17th Independent-variant LCS, the 33rd in the class. She is the second naval warship named for the city of Augusta, Maine. LCS 34 continues the legacy of USS Augusta (SSN 710), a Los Angeles-class submarine that was in active service for 24 years and decommissioned on February 11, 2009. 

The selection of Augusta as the ship’s namesake, the easternmost state capital in the U.S., recognizes the value of Maine’s maritime history and landscape. The state’s rugged Atlantic coast is home to fishermen, lobstermen, and a thriving maritime industry that is testament to Maine’s enduring contributions to the nation. 

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, the odd-numbered hulls, in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team in Mobile, Alabama, for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls. 

Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS 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 https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32605. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 09:50 a.m. EST. 

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information on the littoral combat ship program can be found at:  https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2171607/littoral-combat-ship-class-lcs/ 

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command public affairs 

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MANAMA, Bahrain – Statement from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Spokesman Cmdr. Rick Chernitzer: 

“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner with a U.S. AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as the aircraft was conducting routine operations in the international airspace of the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 27. The interaction took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time. The aircraft is attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), deployed aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), on a scheduled deployment to the Middle East Region. 

“IRGCN vessels shone a laser multiple times at the aircraft while in flight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the aircraft was not damaged. 

“These are not the actions of a professional maritime force. This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately. 

“U.S. naval forces remain vigilant and will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows while promoting regional maritime security.”