KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley and crew recently returned to its homeport of Kodiak following a successful 30-day patrol in the Bering Sea.
Nicknamed the “Bulldog of the Bering,” the Alex Haley and crew maintained a vigilant search and rescue presence throughout the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands enforcing federal fishery laws and ensuring mariners maintained all required safety equipment.
The Alex Haley embarked a Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter and aircrew from Air Station Kodiak for the patrol, significantly increasing the range and speed at which the cutter could respond to search and rescue cases. In early April, the aircrew responded to a medevac request for a patient in King Cove. The helicopter and aircrew navigated over 170 miles in low visibility, successfully transporting the patient to Cold Bay where they were transferred to a higher level of care.
The Alex Haley crew sailed over 2,000 nautical miles from the Alaskan Peninsula to Adak and north of the Pribilof Islands. They also steamed west and crossed the 180th Meridian into the eastern hemisphere where they conducted a time-honored naval ceremony.
Training and drills were performed throughout the patrol ensuring mission readiness. Crewmembers donned firefighting gear for simulated engine room fires, arranged dewatering pumps for flooding drills, and manually navigated the cutter without GPS all of which enhanced proficiency in damage control and navigation.
“As always, I am very proud of the crew’s accomplishments,” said Cmdr. Brian Whisler, Alex Haley’s commanding officer. “They worked incredibly hard during a short 30-day patrol, completing essential qualifications, trainings, and operations. We’re thrilled to return to our families here in Kodiak and begin preparations for the next patrol.”
Alex Haley is a 282-foot Medium Endurance Cutter that performs search and rescue, fisheries law enforcement and vessel safety inspections across Alaska and has been home-ported in Kodiak since 1999.
PARRIS ISLAND, SC – In a milestone emphasizing the Marine Corps’ successful standardization in recruit training, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island will deactivate its Fourth Recruit Training Battalion in a ceremony June 15, 2023, and realign personnel between the service’s two recruit training locations.
“This is a moment to celebrate the legacy of so many of our Marines who made the transformation through 4th Recruit Training Battalion,” said Gen. David H. Berger, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. “It’s also a moment to celebrate progress. I’m proud to see our male and female recruits benefit from having access to the quality of all our leaders—at Parris Island and San Diego—through an unchanging, tough, and realistic recruit training curriculum.”
Since 1949 and until recently, Parris Island served as the sole point of entry into the Marine Corps for all enlisted female Marines. Since that time, female Marines have trained under multiple guidons, with 4th Recruit Training Battalion transforming Marines since 1986. Male recruits began training within Fourth Battalion in 2020. Today, successful recruit training standardization makes an all-female training battalion unnecessary, as all recruits have been training in gender-integrated companies since 2022.
“On 1 November 1986, 4th Recruit Training Battalion was established as the Corps’ only unit through which women could earn the title of U. S. Marine,” said Brig. Gen. Walker M. Field, Commanding General of MCRD Parris island and the Eastern Recruiting Region. ”Since then, those Marines have transformed thousands of young women, and since 2021 men, through rigorous basic training and our Corps’ cherished legacy, preparing them to win our nation’s battles. On 15 June 2023, we will bid farewell to 4th Battalion in a deactivation ceremony that concludes her glorious tenure, closing the final chapter of integrating recruit training. We are forever grateful to the Drill Instructors, staff, and legions of Marines who so proudly call 4th Battalion home.”
The personnel move to standardize the recruit training experience includes a portion of the personnel structure previously serving 4th Recruit Training Battalion moving from Parris Island to San Diego. This will create a more similar organization at both depots while MCRD San Diego increases their throughput of integrated training companies to match that of MCRD Parris Island. MCRD San Diego is scheduled to train approximately half of the female Marine population by fiscal year 2024.
“What matters most is making the very best Marines,” said Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. “It won’t be long before there are female Drill Instructors who, as recruits, graduated alongside their male counterparts. They will train recruits and make Marines with that experience.”
The ceremony will be held at Parris Island this summer to formally deactivate the battalion, honor its legacy, and highlight the historic unit’s impact on the transformation of female Marines. More details on the event will follow in a later release.
Second Merchant Vessel Seized within a Week by Iran
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
STRAIT OF HORMUZ – On May 3 at approximately 6:20 a.m. local time, Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The oil tanker departed Dubai and was transiting from the Arabian Gulf toward the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates when a dozen IRGCN fast-attack craft swarmed the vessel in the middle of the strait. The IRGCN subsequently forced the oil tanker to reverse course and head toward Iranian territorial waters off the coast of Bandar ‘Abbas, Iran.
A previous incident occurred six days ago when the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy seized Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Advantage Sweet while it transited international waters in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability. Over the past two years, Iran has harassed, attacked or interfered with the navigational rights of 15 internationally flagged merchant vessels.
Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are unwarranted, irresponsible and a present threat to maritime security and the global economy.
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Marine Corps’ UH-1Y helicopter completed an initial flight to test the data transmission of the new Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capability for MQ-25 Stingray April 26 at Pax River.
The team at both the Dedicated Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Development Environment (DUDE) lab at Webster Outlying Field in St. Inigoes, Maryland, and the Communications Systems Integration Laboratory (CSIL) at Pax River transmitted data utilizing unique test equipment to the UH-1Y during flight, proving MOUS connectivity, resilience, and viability using a maneuvering aircraft.
“This type of testing is a way to show how two very different programs can team up and develop capabilities together,” said Capt. Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation (PMA-268) program manager.
MOUS is a communications satellite system that provides global connectivity to military networks. The next generation of this system works much faster and has additional payloads that support new waveform capabilities and compatibility with the legacy UHF satellite communications systems.
“Testing MUOS with H-1 will facilitate the MQ-25 test infrastructure development and ensure MUOS connectivity configuration,” said Ray Belcher, MQ-25 Integrated Test Team communications lead. “It also provides an opportunity for the PMA-268 program team to observe MUOS flight characteristics.”
The MQ-25 Stingray will be the world’s first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft that will provide aerial refueling as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that will enhance the carrier air wing and carrier strike group.
HII to Provide Shore-Based Training, Engineering and Development Support for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren
McLEAN, Va., May 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Mission Technologies division was awarded a $242 million contract to provide shore-based training, engineering and development support (SBEDS) for the U.S. Navy.
The task order was awarded under the Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) SeaPort Next Generation (SeaPort-NxG) contract to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Dam Neck Activity (NSWCDD DNA) and has a one-year base period plus four one-year options.
“HII is proud to expand our partnership with the U.S. Navy to realize its digital engineering transformation,” said Glenn Goodman, president of Mission Technologies’ LVC Solutions business group. “We have built a strong team with full capabilities across customer requirements and training systems and look forward to supporting this important program.”
With more than two decades supporting the U.S. Navy’s live, virtual, constructive (LVC) training architecture environments, HII’s team will provide a development, security and operations (DevSecOps) model that drives innovation and creates new features at a faster pace, which includes full life-cycle software development and engineering, hardware engineering, systems engineering, cyber engineering, and related integration, testing and lab support.
230502-N-QI061-0364 NORFOLK, Va. – Line handlers stand by as the capital ship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), departs Naval Station Norfolk for a routine deployment, May 2. GRFCSG consists of Gerald R. Ford, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathan T. Beard)
NORFOLK, Va. — The capital ship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), departed Naval Station Norfolk for a routine deployment, May 2.
“This strike group is the cornerstone of our Navy’s forward operations, capable of meeting any tasking provided by regional combatant commanders to ensure peace and stability at sea,” said Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12. “Our presence at sea throughout the deployment will provide reassurance to our partners and Allies that sea lanes will remain open and our joint operations will demonstrate our commitment to interoperability and maritime stability.”
Ford’s second deployment marks the flagship’s first combat deployment, following its two-month deployment to the U.S. 2nd and 6th Fleet areas of operation in autumn 2022.
“The Sailors of Gerald R. Ford are ready and able to perform because of the strenuous training they have put in to get this ship ready to deploy, and also in large part to the support of their families and friends,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Ford’s commanding officer. “This ship and crew are actively reshaping the face of our Navy’s capabilities and strengthening the future of naval aviation.”
The GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emerging missions, deter potential adversaries, reassure allies and partners, enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce.
The GRFCSG consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 staff, Gerald R. Ford, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 staff and units, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and the Information Warfare Commander. In total, the GRFCSG deploys with more than 6,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander’s tasking.
The ships of DESRON 2 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).
The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 located in Norfolk, Va., the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” a of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 located in Virginia Beach, Va., the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 located in Whidbey Island, Wa., and the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 located in Mayport, Fla.
Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. Ford-class aircraft carriers introduce 23 new technologies, including Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Advanced Arresting Gear and Advanced Weapons Elevators. The new systems incorporated onto Ford-class ships are designed to generate a higher sortie rate with a 20% smaller crew than a Nimitz-class carrier, paving the way forward for naval aviation.
For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @Warship_78, DVIDS www.dvids.net/CVN78 and LinkedIn at USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability of Mine Countermeasures Mission Package
By Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mine countermeasures mission package (MCM MP) and AN/AQS-20 Sonar Mine Detection Sets achieved initial operational capability (IOC), officials announced on May 1.
IOC was declared by Vice Adm. Scott Conn, deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting requirements and capabilities (OPNAV N9).
An integrated suite of unmanned maritime systems and sensors, the MCM MP counteracts mines in the littorals while increasing the host vessel’s standoff distance from the threat area. Embarked with the MCM MP, an LCS or a vessel of opportunity can conduct the full spectrum of detect-to-engage operations (hunt, neutralize, and sweep) against mine threats using sensors and weapons deployed from the MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), an MH-60S multi-mission helicopter, and associated support equipment.
“The declaration of the MCM MP and AQS-20 IOC is a significant accomplishment for the LCS Mission Modules program and the future of mine countermeasures,” said Capt. Godfrey Weekes, program manager of the LCS mission modules program office (PMS 420). “This milestone enables the Navy to field modern MCM systems to the fleet, replacing aging platforms and sensors. The new equipment utilizes cutting-edge unmanned and autonomous technologies and keeps our Sailors out of harm’s way.”
The AN/AQS-20 is a mine hunting and identification system with sensors housed in an underwater towed body that integrates the Wideband Forward-Looking Sonar (WBFLS), two multi-function Side Look Synthetic Aperture Sonars (MFSLS), and Digital Gap Fill Sonar (DGFS) for the detection, classification, and localization of targets. The integration of the Electro-Optic Identification (EOID) sensor allows additional capability. Like the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS), which achieved IOC in July of 2022, the AN/AQS-20 is towed from the MCM USV.
“Achieving IOC of the entire mine countermeasures mission package is the result of rigorous testing and evaluation of each component of the package and then integrating the systems and the mission to ensure the fleet is receiving the best MCM capabilities possible,” said Rear Adm. Casey Moton, program executive officer, unmanned and small combatants (PEO USC), which oversees the LCS mission modules program. “This is also a critical step in the Navy’s progress towards the hybrid fleet described in Force Design 2045 by providing a modular MCM capability that leverages unmanned technologies to prosecute mines.”
The MCM MP IOC declaration follows rigorous initial operational testing and evaluation (IOT&E) of the full mission package, including the AN/AQS-20 system, during the fall of 2022 aboard USS Cincinnati (LCS 20).
Brig. Gen. Marcus Annibale, director of Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95) and resource sponsor for mine warfare, noted the importance of the IOC declaration.
“Fielding the MCM MP on Independence-Class LCS is one of the top priorities for OPNAV N95 in order to deliver the capability to the warfighters forward in the fleet. Mine countermeasures are a critical enabler for the joint force and in safeguarding sea-lanes for the global commons.” He also added, “This new capability includes advanced technologies in unmanned systems, allowing greater standoff from the LCS platform as the ‘mothership,’ as well as providing greater precision and capacity while keeping our personnel out of the minefield.”
PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants designs, develops, builds, maintains and modernizes the Navy’s expanding family of unmanned maritime systems, mine warfare systems and small surface combatants.
USNS Bruce C. Heezen (T-AGS 64) arrives in Monaco for IHO Assembly 2023
MONACO CITY, Monaco – The Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bruce C. Heezen (T-AGS 64) arrived in Monaco City, Monaco, May 1, 2023, for a scheduled port visit to participate in the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Assembly 2023.
The Assembly is formed by the representatives of 98 Member States. It meets every three years to provide general guidance on the functioning and work of the Organization, as well as taking decisions of technical and administrative nature.
The ship’s presence in Monaco is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment and support to the European region and reinforces the strong bond between the United States and Europe.
Naval Oceanography operates the T-AGS class of ships, owned and operated by Military Sealift Command, to conduct scientific work such as oceanography, hydrography, and many other scientific fields from the ocean floor to the stars.
The U.S. and Monaco, along with the IHO, are committed to working together and improving collaboration on the collection of scientific data to help create a safer ocean for all.
Bruce C. Heezen will host a reception later this week to support the US delegation in hosting representatives from many of the countries participating.
The International Hydrographic Organization works to ensure that all the world’s seas, oceans, and navigable waters are surveyed and charted, thereby supporting the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. It coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices and sets standards in order to promote uniformity in nautical charts and documents. It issues survey best practices and provides guidelines to maximize the use of hydrographic information.
Naval Oceanography has approximately 2,500 globally distributed military and civilian personnel, who collect, process, and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to guarantee the U.S. Navy’s freedom of action in the physical battlespace from the depths of the ocean to the stars.
Bollinger Shipyards to Refit NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown
Side view of NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown underway. Image courtesy of Wade Blake/NOAA.
At 274 feet, the Ronald H. Brown is the largest ship in the NOAA fleet
Refit will create 100 jobs at Bollinger Mississippi Repair
Work is scheduled to be completed by summer 2024
PASCAGOULA, Ms., — (May 2, 2023) – Bollinger Shipyards has begun fabrication at its newly acquired Mississippi repair facility, Bollinger Mississippi Repair, in preparation to refit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) Ship Ronald H. Brown, the largest ship in NOAA’s fleet. The overhaul is expected to extend the life of the vessel, first launched in 1996, by an additional 15 years. Work is scheduled to be complete by summer 2024.
“Here on the Gulf Coast, we’re intimately familiar with the breadth and importance of NOAA’s mission, so we’re proud to be entrusted to extend the service life of the Ronald H. Brown,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “The refit will be performed by our team at our newly acquired Bollinger Mississippi Repair facility, which is capable of executing projects from simple to the most complex, and doing so with the highest levels of quality, support and service in our industry. We look forward to supporting the NOAA mission with a vessel that will continue to serve as a platform for cutting-edge research and exploration for many years to come.”
“NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown is a global class vessel supporting scientific research to increase our understanding of climate and the ocean,” said NOAA Commissioned Corps Capt. Amanda Goeller, Commanding Officer of NOAA Marine Operations Center – Atlantic. “These repairs, system overhauls and modernization will allow the ship to continue operating for many years to come.”
The refit of the 27-year-old ship will be performed at Bollinger Mississippi Repair in Pascagoula, Mississippi, adding an additional 15 years to the original 30 year expectant service life of the vessel. During the refit modification, the propulsion system will largely be replaced with new more environmentally friendly diesel generators, renewal of the bow thruster and propulsion motors, new switchboards, control systems, and alarms. Additional ship systems that are scheduled to be upgraded include the potable water plants, sewage plant, uncontaminated seawater sampling system, HVAC systems, tank level indicators, navigational components, radar renewals, overhead lighting, and ballast and exterior fuel tank vent renewals. Bollinger will replace much of the ship’s piping, along with steel as identified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
The vessel refit is scheduled to be completed and redelivered to NOAA in August 2024.
To perform the work, over 100 jobs will be created at Bollinger Mississippi Repair, where the company will be looking to hire Pipefitters, Pipe Welders, Shipfitters, Ship Welders, Riggers, Scaffold Builders, and other production support positions. Additional positions need to be filled to continue repair work on semi-submersible rigs and marine vessels on drydock and at the wet dock.
The ship is named to honor the late Ronald H. Brown, the first African American to serve as Secretary of Commerce. Brown made it his mission to generate jobs and provide opportunities for ordinary Americans, and he was an ardent supporter of the NOAA fleet. He was killed in a plane crash on April 3, 1996, while on a trade mission to Bosnia.
100+ RI Students Connect with Industry, Explore Careers in Defense
Providence, RI – Project MFG, SENEDIA, the alliance for defense tech, talent, and innovation, and General Dynamics Electric Boat hosted the inaugural Project MFG Rhode Island Maritime Welding Competition yesterday at the Providence Career & Technical Academy. At the event, Trey Lazauskas from CHARIHOtech was awarded first prize for successfully welding a model submarine.
This collaborative effort, which drew more than 100 students from the region, was organized to raise awareness about high-skill, high-tech, high-wage careers in submarine shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing, including welding, machining, and logistics. In addition to a career expo where students could learn more about opportunities in the industry, more than a dozen employers were on site to engage with and begin recruiting students.
“The workers we will need in the future to build the submarines we are contracting for today are only in elementary school. That’s how significant and sustained the demand is for fostering the pipeline for next-generation talent,” said Shawn Coyne, vice president of Human Resources at General Dynamics Electric Boat. “We have to engage young people early and often, showcasing the benefits and sense of purpose behind careers in defense, and offer them hands-on learning opportunities like Project MFG.”
The full day event featured elected leaders and dignitaries—including Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Senator Jack Reed, who got an up-close look at the “welding wars.” Reed was also joined by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner, who underscored the importance of the defense economy to Rhode Island.
The event allowed students from high school CTE programs to gain real-world experience and exposure to leaders and employers in the defense manufacturing space. As part of Project MFG Connect, a career exploration event, representatives from local career and technical education programs, industry experts, and employers came together to showcase the careers available in the industry. The next-generation workforce in turn had the opportunity to network with and hear from government officials, defense business leaders, industry partners, and members of the armed forces who discussed the critical trade skills needed for defense manufacturing.
“Including events like Project MFG Connect is imperative for the future. We want to show potential students how challenging and rewarding manufacturing jobs are,” said Ray Dick, Project MFG founder. “Connecting young students from the local community and showcasing the exciting opportunities available right at home is an important part of our mission and one of the ways we promote the prestige of manufacturing.”
Project MFG’s Maritime Welding Competition featured four technical training programs with 16 local competitors. Competitors were tested on skills required for shipbuilding while completing a challenging air pressure vessel project.
“I want to congratulate all of the students and schools that participated and took this opportunity to explore the important careers related to submarine shipbuilding,” said Molly Donohue Magee, executive director of SENEDIA. “These students are our future manufacturing workforce, filling the needed high-tech, high-demand, high-wage jobs to help ensure our national security.”
Competitors raced against a two-hour clock to finish a challenge that tested skills required for shipbuilding. They were cheered on by the U.S. Navy Department of Defense, and industry partners, leaders, and government officials. After showcasing their skills, the top three welders were announced: Trey Lazauskas of CHARIHOtech in first place; Asa Hoxie, also of Chariho High School, in second place; and Giovanni Lacap of PCTA in third place.
In addition to the competitors, program participants included PCTA students from the welding program and several other CTE programs in the Construction, Engineering, Computer Science and Transportation industry clusters, along with 60 students representing Mount Pleasant, Hope, Central, Juanita Sanchez, and 360 High Schools and the Newcomers’ Academy. Many of the student attendees have already secured full-time job offers at Electric Boat.
“The Office and Career and Technical Education at PPSD is thrilled to partner with SENEDIA, Electric Boat and General Dynamics to create high wage/high growth opportunities for our graduates,” said Brett Dickens, CTE director of the Providence Public Schools.
SENEDIA, the alliance for Defense tech, talent, and innovation, is a catalyst for thought leadership, technical innovation, and workforce development. SENEDIA connects, convenes, and partners to support talent, innovation, and growth. For more information on SENEDIA, please visit www.senedia.org.
