Release from 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

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Four Nations’ Navies Flex Partnership While Operating in the Western Pacific 

09 June 2023 

From 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

PHILIPPINE SEA – Ships from the navies of Japan, France and Canada joined two U.S. Navy carrier strike groups to operate as a unified force in the Philippine Sea, June 9. 

The aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) met the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s large-deck helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183) and surface units from Canada and France. 

The integrated at-sea exercise brought together more than 12,000 Sailors from across the four maritime nations and supports U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE) 23. LSGE demonstrates the U.S. military’s interoperability with allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 

“The credibility of an integrated carrier strike force is the U.S. Navy’s greatest deterrent to those who threaten the international rules based order,” said Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture, commander, CSG 11, aboard USS Nimitz. “Together with our allies and partners, we’re demonstrating our capability to seamlessly integrate across all domains, our readiness to respond to any contingency, and our commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific region.” 

JMSDF Rear Adm. Takahiro Nishiyama, commander, Escort Flotilla 1, said: “The First Surface Unit of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023, JS Izumo and JS Samidare, departed their mother ports by June 1 to begin their three-and-a-half-month deployment operations. As the first multinational exercise, I was very excited and reassured to have the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with our important like-minded countries, the Royal Canadian Navy and the French Navy, in addition to the U.S. Navy, with which we have strong bonds of cooperation. I also believe that this exercise embodied the willingness and ability of Japan and our allies and comrades to continue our engagement in the Indo-Pacific region toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” 

The combined force conducted flight operations and air defense exercise scenarios as well as simulated strikes against maritime targets. Other ships in the partnership included USS Antietam (CG 54), FS Lorraine (D 657) from the French Navy (Marine Nationale), and frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336) from the Royal Canadian Navy. 

The training and events provided commanders the chance to practice capabilities across the maritime domain as participating forces focused on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare tactics and procedures. Moreover, cooperative maritime engagements with such enduring partnerships help strengthen existing relationships and increase collective war-fighting readiness, maritime superiority and power projection. 

Nimitz from CSG 11 is operating with Ronald Reagan from CSG 5 for the first time since June 2020. 

“The combined operations of CSG 5 and CSG 11 — exercising with our Canadian, French and Japanese allies — demonstrates our interoperability, combined capability and common commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly, commander, CSG 5/Commander, Task Force 70. “As a Pacific nation, our presence allows us to coordinate across all domains and maintain a responsive maritime force that is able to support stability and security in the region by being ready across the full spectrum of naval capabilities.” 

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

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The “world’s first” port with three ship shore power systems for cruise liners to turn off diesel engines and connect to shoreside electricity to reduce emissions 

he Port of Seattle is installing a third shore power system at Pier 66, making it the world’s first port with three of the systems for cruise ships. The technology can significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality by allowing ships to connect to electricity and turn off diesel engines while at the dock.  

The port operates the largest and fastest-growing cruise port on the West Coast with more than 200 vessels in a typical season between April and October. Adding a third shore power system is a major component of the port’s Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy, which will help improve air quality in historically underserved communities, modernize and optimize grid resources, support green maritime industry investments, increase resiliency of critical port infrastructure, and spur growth and employment in electrification, renewable fuels, and the clean technology sector. 

The new shore power connection is expected to be fully operational by the 2024 Alaska cruise season.  

The contract for the shore power system components was awarded in November 2022 to Kingston, WA-based Watts Marine, an innovator and integrator of shore power technology systems. To date, the company has installed ten shore power systems globally at ports in Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Halifax, Vancouver BC, Brooklyn, and Long Beach. An estimated 700 cruise ships connect to Watts Marine’s shoreside electrical power equipment each year.  

The company facilitates every aspect of the shore power process, from helping the marine industry navigate the fine points of regulatory advising through design, build, heavy equipment installation, and system operation and maintenance. Each shore power system consists of proprietary equipment developed specifically to serve the cruise ship industry. This includes equipment for dual-voltage electrical service, custom-developed electrical cable handling, and electronic monitoring and control. 

The Port of Seattle will also use Watts Marine’s innovative, cost-effective Mobile Cable Positioning Device (CPD), which facilitates shore power connections by moving the cabling strategically to the ideal location. The mobile design simplifies moving the system to accommodate docked vessels of all sizes and configurations, making shore power available almost immediately.  

The mobile cable positioning device can be used with any shoreside electric power systems, not just Watts Marine installations. The unit is designed to allow the operator to strategically position the Mobile CPD, then plug into shore power cables on the back side while extending the cables from the end of a boom. The vessel’s crew can then reach out, pull the power cables in, and plug them into their connection box. 

Once the connection has been made using the mobile CPD, the Watts Marine shoreside operator then selects the ship to be connected from the database in the automation system, which determines the proper operating parameters. Protection relays and redundant safety systems ensure the safety of the ship and shore electrical systems.  

Watts Marine’s custom software also allows the specialists in its dedicated control center in Seattle to oversee every connection. All the ship’s systems then run on shore electricity instead of its diesel engines, virtually eliminating fuel emissions while in port.  

Release from U.S. Coast Guard 13th District 

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June 9, 2023 

Coast Guard crew offloads $76 million worth of narcotics in San Diego 

SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) crew offloaded more than 5,776 pounds of cocaine worth more than $76 million, Friday, in San Diego.  

The interdiction occurred in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Central and South America in May.  

“Preventing these drugs from reaching our country not only saves lives, but reduces violence, corruption and instability,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard Eleventh District. “I commend the Alert’s crew for their hard work and continued efforts to ensure the illegal and dangerous process of bringing drugs into this country is put to a stop.” 

Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperate in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, play a role in counter narcotic operations.   

“Alert’s crew and attached aviation detachment overcame numerous challenges to flawlessly execute our assigned counternarcotics patrol,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kolodica, commanding officer of the Alert. “I am extremely impressed with the crew’s resiliency and unwavering dedication to safe, efficient, mission execution.  Stopping $76 million worth of narcotics from reaching American soil is something we can all be proud of, and I’m truly honored to lead such a fine team.” 

The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring, and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in districts across the nation. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard.  

The Alert is a United States Coast Guard 210-foot medium endurance cutter and is the fourth cutter to carry the namesake. Coast Guard missions take the Alert throughout the Pacific Ocean, from the maritime boundary line between Russia and the United States and the coastal waters off Washington, Oregon, and California to the waters off the Central and South American coasts.  

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs 

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By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | June 12, 2023 

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Egyptian Navy turned over command of a multinational Red Sea task force to the U.S. Navy, June 12, six months after Egypt began leading the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operational staff for the first time. 

U.S. Navy Capt. Anthony Webber relieved Egyptian Navy Rear Adm. Mahmoud Abdelsattar as the commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 during a ceremony in Bahrain where CMF his headquartered. 

Established in April 2022, CTF 153 is one of five CMF task forces responsible for conducting maritime security and training operations across the Middle East. The multinational staff supporting CTF 153 specifically focuses on international maritime security efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden. 

“It was a great honor to be the commander of CTF 153,” said Mahmoud. “For the last six months, we have worked closely with partner nations, maintained stability in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden, and proved once again that Egypt is committed to maintaining maritime security and enhancing our capabilities through trust, training and working together.” 

Webber assumes command of CTF 153 while still serving as commander for Task Force 55, U.S. 5th Fleet’s operational staff overseeing U.S. Navy surface assets employed in the Middle East. 

“It takes all of us working together to make a winning team, and I have all the confidence in the world that we will do just that in carrying out our duties with honor and commitment,” Webber told the CTF 153 team. “Your achievements are vast and I am honored in having this remarkable opportunity to serve with you.” 

With 38 nations, CMF is the largest naval partnership in the world. Other task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; and CTF 154, established in May to enhance maritime security training throughout the region. 

Release from Curtiss-Wright 

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DAVIDSON, N.C. – June 12, 2023 – Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that it has been awarded a $24 million contract from Nellis Air Force Base to provide Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) equipment in support of the F-35 Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) program. Technology Refresh 3 represents a series of critical upgrades to the F-35′s hardware and software meant to improve its displays, memory and computer processing capability and support future modernization capabilities. 

“We are proud to have been selected by Nellis Air Force Base to provide our aerospace instrumentation technology for use on critical flight tests of the F-35 TR-3 program,” said Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “The receipt of this contract reflects our long-standing relationships and ongoing collaboration with the F-35 Joint Program Office and U.S. Flight Test Range engineers and personnel, and demonstrates the trust and confidence that customers place in Curtiss-Wright’s advanced and reliable integrated high-speed flight test instrumentation systems.” 

Curtiss-Wright has worked closely over the past three years with U.S. Flight Test Ranges, including Nellis AFB and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, as well as the F 35 Joint Program Office, to define and architect the Distributed Flight Test Instrumentation (DFTI) system that enables the test and evaluation of F-35 TR-3 configured aircraft. Curtiss-Wright’s FTI technology forms part of the DFTI system, where products and subsystems that enable the acquisition, collation, processing, recording, and telemetry of flight test data support the seamless transport of that data. Because it is networked, DFTI enables the distribution of flight test instrumentation equipment closer to the measured parameters, resulting in increased test accuracy. 

Since 1998, Curtiss-Wright has successfully supported Nellis AFB with FTI solutions that meet the highest standards. As a total systems provider for FTI, Curtiss-Wright provides products and services that collect, collate, process, record, transmit via RF links, and analyze and display flight test data.  

Curtiss-Wright is performing the work at its TTC facility in Newtown, Pa., within its Defense Solutions division in the Defense Electronics segment. For more information about Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division products, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com.  

Release from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs  

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By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | June 09, 2023 

MANAMA, Bahrain — Maritime forces from Iraq, Kuwait and the United States completed a joint patrol in the Arabian Gulf, June 6, marking the third time in less than a year the three nations sailed together to promote regional maritime security. 

U.S. Navy mine countermeasures ship USS Gladiator (MCM 11) operated with patrol boat P-312 from Iraq as well as Kuwait’s missile-attack craft Failaka (P3715). The three nations previously conducted similar exercises in the Arabian Gulf in December and August last year. 

Gladiator is a mine countermeasures ship designed to clear mines from vital waterways. The ship is forward-deployed to Bahrain where U.S. 5th Fleet is headquartered. 

The U.S. 5th Fleet operating area includes 21 countries, the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and Suez Canal. 

Release from U.S. Fleet Forces Command 

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By U.S. Fleet Forces Command And U.S. Marine Forces Command Public Affairs 

09 June 2023 

NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Fleet Forces Command and U.S. Marine Forces Command will conduct Fleet Battle Problem 2023 (FBP 23-1) June 9-13 on land and off the coast of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and the Virginia Capes to further develop integrated maritime capabilities with the II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. 2nd Fleet. 
 
FBPs occur multiple times a year to practice and assess new warfighting concepts that culminate in large and complex events, such as Large Scale Exercise (LSE). FBP 23-1 will focus on integrated naval capabilities, distributed logistics, and capabilities in support of Expeditionary 
Advanced Base Operations (EABO). 
 
“Across the spectrum of the Navy’s operational level of war learning continuum, Fleet Battle Problems employ real-world equipment and conditions to create challenging and realistic environments designed to enable our Navy and Marine Corps team to assess innovative capabilities and explore new operational concepts,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “These Battle Problem events are an investment toward developing an integrated maritime force ready to keep pace with the latest technologies, innovative tactics, and 
warfighting concepts needed to overmatch our adversaries.” 
 
FBP 23-1 allows the Navy and Marine Corps to maintain and improve EABO and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE). Both LOCE and EABO contribute to naval operating concepts, such as Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), that place a growing emphasis on Navy-Marine Corps integration. 
 
“The Navy-Marine Corps team continues to innovate and adapt to current and potential threats,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Cavanaugh, the commanding general of Marine Forces Command. “Working together in events like Fleet Battle Problem strengthens our warfighting team, builds on our 
integration and simply makes us a better Naval force ready to answer our Nation’s call.” 
 
Events like Fleet Battle Problem 23-1 improve how the Navy and Marine Corps work together to form a strong and cohesive Maritime Force capable of projecting American power from sea to shore at home and around the world. 

Release from Northrop Grumman

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – June 8, 2023 – The U.S. Navy awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a production contract for the new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module (ISM). Northrop Grumman’s AN/WSN-12 ISM is a next-generation sensor that significantly improves maritime navigation in Global Positioning System (GPS) denied environments for surface ships and submarines. 

“The new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System will deliver more precision and performance for the warfighter while occupying the same footprint as its predecessor.” said Todd Leavitt, vice president, naval and oceanic systems, Northrop Grumman. “This allows upgrades to be made on existing systems where space is at a premium.” 

The new AN/WSN-12 ISM is a key component of the U.S. Navy’s AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System (INS), upgrading the Northrop Grumman built AN/WSN-7 INS. The WSN-7 is on nearly every ship in the U.S. Navy and has been the program of record for more than two decades. Surface ships and submarines rely heavily on the positioning data provided by GPS for navigation, for safety at sea and to fire weapons. The AN/WSN-12 ISM provides highly accurate positioning data with or without GPS, a key component to establishing  Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) maritime solutions. The first ISM will be fielded later this year. 

Release from SENEDIA

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SENEDIA Releases Economic Impact Report   

Details the Economic Strength and Growth in the Region  

MIDDLETOWN, RI – SENEDIA, the alliance for Defense tech, talent, and innovation, today released a new report that highlights the importance of the New England Defense Cluster to U.S. economic growth. The term “Defense Cluster” encompasses all defense-related activities including both the private Defense Industry (defense contractors) and the Military Defense Infrastructure, which includes civilian employees working for the Department of Defense (DoD), active-duty military personnel (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force), and U.S. Coast Guard and National Guard personnel.  

In addition to state-level impacts for all six New England states, the report provides a comprehensive look at the New England region’s impact. In 2022, the cluster accounted for $119.1 billion in economic output, representing 9.2 percent of the region’s GDP. It also accounted for 407,523 jobs, generating more than $40 billion in income for households.  

“The Defense Cluster is an engine of innovation nationwide, and especially here in New England, where billions of dollars in economic activity are generated and hundreds of thousands of military and civilian employees have high-wage, high-tech, high-demand careers,” said Molly Donohue Magee, SENEDIA executive director. “A robust Defense Cluster is essential to national security and this report demonstrates that it is equally critical for our economy.”   

New England’s Defense contracts are growing at a faster rate than the national average, making it a major contributor to the U.S. defense industry and regional economy. The cluster significantly impacts job creation, income, and output across every New England state, and has a strong multiplier effect and economic linkages with other sectors in the region.  

“From small, advanced manufacturing businesses and start-up tech companies to major defense contractors and military installations, the Defense Cluster represents tremendous opportunities for the workforce and for our economy,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI). “Across New England, we are developing new technologies and capabilities, modernizing our military, building next-gen submarines, and driving broader economic growth today and for the future.”  

High-level findings from the report are summarized on the SENEDIA website, with a full version and state-level highlights available for download.  

“Today’s report provides a timely, comprehensive look at the power and potential of the Defense Cluster and we look forward to seeing how policymakers, employers, and military leaders can make use of this important information,” said Magee.  

To learn more and to download the report, visit the SENEDIA website.

Release from Kongsberg

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We have received an order from Raytheon Missiles & Defense for Naval Strike Missiles to the US Navy Over-The-Horizon Weapon System (OTH WS) program worth MNOK 1 345. 

Raytheon is prime contractor to the US Navy. 

The order is related to the OTH WS framework agreement announced 31 May 2018. We have signed orders for MNOK 3 110 under this framework agreement. 

“This is the largest Naval Strike Missiles-order from US Navy so far. This generates jobs and demand for increased production capacity, both for us and our suppliers. As announced at our CMD in June 2022, we have started a significant investment in a new missile production facility that will be finished in June next year,” says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. 

 
NSM 
The NSM provides superior operational performance and high survivability against all enemy defence systems. 

High resolution imaging infrared seeker provides ATR and precise hitpoint for each ship class. Thrust to weight ratio above 1 and high-g programmable endgame maneuvers provide unsurpassed defence penetration capabilities. 

 
Over-The-Horizon Weapon System 
The Over-The-Horizon Weapon System is a long-range, surface-to-surface missile employed by either the Littoral Combat Ship or the planned guided-missile frigate, intended to engage maritime targets both inside and beyond the firing unit’s radar horizon. 

The OTH-WS is a stand-alone system consisting of an operator interface console, naval strike missile, and a missile launching system, requiring minimal integration into the host platform. 

The OTH-WS receives targeting data via tactical communications from combatant platforms or airborne sensors and requires no guidance after launch.