Release from Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

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Nov. 20, 2023 

PORTSMOUTH, Va.– The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba returned home to Portsmouth, Monday, following a 51-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 

Patrolling in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Escanaba worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and several international partners to conduct counterdrug operations. 

Escanaba’s crew disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting 3,520 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $102 million, which were offloaded in Port Everglades, Florida. While in theater, Escanaba worked to detect and interdict drug-smuggling vessels and suspected traffickers. Escanaba’s crew directly contributed to Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations and enhance regional stability and security. 

Escanaba’s operations were augmented by a Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron crew, which delivered air support for the use of force, and a tactical law enforcement detachment, which supplied skilled boarding personnel for mission strategy and strengthened law enforcement activities. 

“The Escanaba hasn’t patrolled the Eastern Pacific for nearly a year, so this is the first counterdrug experience for many in the crew,” said Cmdr. Jared Silverman, the commanding officer of Escanaba. “I am beyond impressed with their ability to perform in less-than-ideal weather and circumstances. Beyond our operational success, the crew was able to build life-long bonds through once-in-a-lifetime experiences like transiting through the Panama Canal, to having fish calls in the Eastern Pacific. I’m glad that we could make these memories while accomplishing the mission as a unified crew.” 

Escanaba is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counterdrug 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 HII 

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PASCAGOULA, Miss., Nov. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The U.S. Coast Guard’s newest Legend-class national security cutter, Calhoun (WMSL 759), departed from HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division on Sunday, Nov. 19. 

“We congratulate the NSC team of shipbuilders on a job well done,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding NSC Program Manager Amanda Whitaker. “Watching Calhoun sail away is a proud moment for us all and we look forward to watching this highly capable national security cutter serve for decades to come.” 

Calhoun is scheduled for commissioning in 2024 and will be homeported in Charleston, S.C., joining cutters Hamilton, James and Stone. 

Ingalls has delivered 10 Legend-class national security cutters to the Coast Guard, including Calhoun and is continuing construction on the final ship in the class, Friedman (WMSL 760). 

A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/national-security-cutter-calhoun-wmsl-759-sails-away-from-hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding/ 

For over two decades, Ingalls Shipbuilding has designed and built the Coast Guard’s Legend-class national security cutters. These ships are capable of embarking and supporting a wide range of Coast Guard, Navy and NATO missions. National security cutters have proven to be ideal platforms for drug interdiction, global illegal fishing, disaster relief and defense support operations. 

NSC 10 is named to honor Charles L. Calhoun, the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. Calhoun served in the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 as a torpedoman’s mate petty officer 2nd class. He enlisted in the Coast Guard that same year and held varying positions of leadership over the course of his career. 

Release from USS Ronald Reagan 

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YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), returned to its forward-deployed port in Yokosuka, Japan, following a six-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, Nov. 19. 
 
During the ship’s final full deployment as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier, which spanned from early May to late November, Ronald Reagan participated in numerous multi-national integrated military exercises, with participants including the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea Navy, and the Indonesian Navy. In November, the Nimitz-class supercarrier also participated in a multi-large deck event with USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Strike Group 1, and Japanese Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, JS Hyuga (DDH 181). 
 
“In their hard work and professionalism throughout this deployment, Ronald Reagan Sailors have stood firm behind our partners and allies,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan. “Our mission of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific is enabled by the trust we continue to build through exercises at sea and cultural exchanges ashore.” 
 
Ronald Reagan travelled 56,219 nautical miles and conducted daily flight operations with fixed and rotary-wing aircraft amounting to 1,838 launches and recoveries, and 2,157 rotary wing sorties. Ronald Reagan also conducted maritime security operations, maritime strike training, and replenishments-at-sea and fuelings-at-sea. 
 
During the deployment, the ship made port visits to Vietnam, Republic of Korea and the Philippines, with Sailors participating in 12 community relation events, resulting in 2,016 hours of volunteer service. Sailors also had the opportunity to learn about each countries’ culture through cultural exchange events and tours hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. 
 
In port, Ronald Reagan will continue to provide presence and act as a deterrence through continuous training and proficiency in warfighting, as well as conduct routine maintenance and upkeep of the ship and her systems. 
 
Upon liberty call, Sailors disembarked the ship in dress blues in an orderly but excited manner. Families and friends filled the pier, holding signs and searching for their Sailor among the thousands of crew members exiting. 
 
“Our Sailors have more than earned their time back home,” said Cardone. “In addition to time with loved ones, their time in port is a chance to invest in the incredibly valuable partnership we have with the Japanese people. We are thankful for our relationship and we will continue to forge those bonds, whether at sea or ashore.” 
 
The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict. 

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

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MANAMA, Bahrain — A U.S. Coast Guard cutter crew seized about $21 million worth of illegal drugs from a stateless vessel while operating in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 14. 

Coast Guardsmen from the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), working under the command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized 2,000 kilograms of hashish and 384 kilograms of methamphetamine from the vessel during an interdiction operation. 

“This new seizure shows once again the operational effectiveness of Combined Maritime Forces assets and nations,” said French navy Capt. Yannick Bossu, CTF 150 commander. “It illustrates that nations from all around the world are committed to regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean alongside their regional partners.” 

This event marks the fifth time in recent months the French-led CTF 150 has interdicted illicit narcotics at sea. In those previous operations, CTF ships seized more than 4,522 kilograms of methamphetamine, heroin, and hashish from stateless vessels during interdiction operations, with a street value of more than $94 million. 

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. 

Since 2021, Combined Maritime Forces has seized more than $1 billion in illegal drugs while patrolling waters across the Middle East. 

The 38-nation naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes. 

Release from HII 

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PASCAGOULA, Miss., Nov. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division received a cost-plus-award fee contract from the U.S. Navy for follow yard support of the Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer program. 

This contract, which allows for the continuation of key technical management and support functions that enable coordinated production of DDGs under existing construction contracts, includes four option years with a total potential contract value of $185 million if all options are exercised. 

“This is another exciting opportunity for our shipbuilders to demonstrate their versatility in handling all aspects of shipbuilding,” Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 Program Manager Ben Barnett said. “We are honored to provide this support to our Navy customer and the nation’s defense.” 

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Guided missile destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. surface fleet and are capable of fighting multiple air, surface and subsurface threats simultaneously. 

A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-ddg-51-class-follow-yard-support-award-2023/ 

Release from Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs  

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MANAMA, Bahrain — A French navy ship working with Combined Maritime Forces seized about $34 million worth of illegal drugs from a stateless vessel while operating in the international waters of the Indian Ocean, Nov. 4. 

The frigate, working under the command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized 722 kilograms of methamphetamines from the vessel during an interdiction operation. 

“This new seizure shows once again the operational effectiveness of Combined Maritime Forces assets and nations. It illustrates that nations from all around the world are committed to regional maritime security in the Indian Ocean,” said French navy Capt. Yannick Bossu, CTF-150 commander. 

This event marks the fourth time in recent months the French-led CTF 150 has interdicted illicit narcotics at sea. In those previous operations, CTF ships seized more than 3,800 kilograms of methamphetamines, heroin, and hashish from stateless vessels during interdiction operations, with a street value of more than $60 million. 

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations outside in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. 

Since 2021, Combined Maritime Forces has seized more than $1 billion in illegal drugs while patrolling waters across the Middle East. 

The 38-nation naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes. 

Release from USNAVSOUTH/4TH FLEET PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

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CALLAO, Peru  –  25 naval officers from eight partner nations recently completed the first-ever U.S. 4th Fleet Maritime Planning Symposium at the Peruvian Naval War College (Escuela Superior de Guerra Naval) in Callao, Peru. 
 
Supported by the College of Operational Warfare – International Maritime Staff Officer Course at the U.S. Naval War College, professors Sean Carroll and Raymond Tortorelli and U.S. 4th Fleet planners led this inaugural maritime planning symposium in Peru to introduce and work through the Military Decision Making Process – Multinational. Navies from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay sent junior officers to participate in the seminar. 
 
“In the U.S. Navy, we get many reps and sets in maritime planning early on in our careers,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cassie Redner, U.S. 4th Fleet Maritime Operations Center (MOC) Training Officer. “This symposium gives an opportunity for partner nation naval junior officers to get some experience with the Military Decision Making Process – Multinational by working through a scenario so that when they participate in operations and exercises they have already spent time working together and learning together. This effort seeks to increase proficiency and improve interoperability earlier in the officers’ careers.” 
 
Professors Carroll and Tortorelli led symposium participants through a UNITAS-like scenario and worked through the steps of the Military Decision Making Process – Multinational. The planning process helps staff members conduct essential planning in support of missions that naval forces execute at sea. 
 
“We intend to make this an annual symposium, offering our partner navies an opportunity to host,” said Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Our desire is to have a continuum to build a cadre of partner nation naval officers who understand and are able to execute maritime planning for exercises and operations. This is our latest step in that effort, and we thank the Peruvian Naval War College for hosting this first symposium.” 
 
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. 
 
Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT. 

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17 November 2023

As part of his commitment to strengthen the Nation’s shipbuilding and maintenance, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Government Shipbuilders Council (GSC) at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Nov. 16.

To improve the way U.S. government does business in ship acquisition and ship maintenance, Secretary Del Toro underscored the council’s mission to address common and singular challenges among those that contract in shipbuilding; identify opportunities to leverage each organization’s resources to maximize government savings in costs, time and resources; share best practices and lessons learned; and support strategic decision making to strengthen the shipbuilding industrial base.

“Together, we represent four different cabinet departments—Defense, Transportation, Homeland Security, and Commerce—and five separate government shipbuilders. This Council is a tremendous example of the whole-of-government effort we need to rebuild our nation’s comprehensive maritime power—a strategic imperative requiring a new Maritime Statecraft,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Collectively, our organizations are at the heart of what it will take to restore our Nation’s competitive shipbuilding and repair landscape—including private and public investments in world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities—and the highly-skilled workforce necessary to keep them running.”

In September, Secretary Del Toro called for a new maritime statecraft to prevail in an era of intense strategic competition, during remarks at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He said it must be bold and “renew our commitment as a nation to recapitalizing national maritime power.”

“We must establish programs that build capacity in fields like naval architecture, engineering, and lifecycle management, as well as technical expertise in nuclear welding, robotics, software management, and additive manufacturing,” Secretary Del Toro told the GSC members. “As we’re developing these skillsets throughout our shipbuilding workforce, we must continue to leverage our nation’s advantage in technology and innovation in the maritime domain.”

Secretary Del Toro added that agility in ship production and design requires developing new, digital tools for our workforce to improve efficiency and capacity. He also encouraged GSC members to convene at shipyards, other institutions, or academies where future maritime leaders are trained.

“For example, last month, I visited the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on our Navy’s birthday to demonstrate our partnership, my commitment to maritime statecraft, and our whole-of-government effort to tackle these challenges,” said Secretary Del Toro.

Before departing, Secretary Del Toro reiterated to the GSC that he will “tirelessly work to raise awareness to the challenges we all face in shipbuilding and ship repair and will continue advocate on your behalf so that together we can restore the maritime power of our nation.”

Initial members of the GSC will include:

Navy: Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (DASN) for Ships, and Military Sealift Command (MSC), Director of Ship Management

Coast Guard: Assistant Commandant for Acquisition (CG 9) and Assistant Commandant for Engineering & Logistics (CG-4)

Army: Program Executive Officer, Combat Support & Combat Service Support (CS & CSS)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Director of Marine and Aviation Operations

Maritime Administration: Associate Administrator for Strategic Sealift

Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD): Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Materiel Readiness

Release from U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam 

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Nov. 15, 2023 

SANTA RITA, Guam — The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew successfully completed a multifaceted patrol from Oct. 16 to Nov. 5, 2023, underscoring the Service’s unwavering commitment to the community and partners in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). 
 
During this period, the cutter’s crew achieved several key objectives, including the delivery of vital donations and supplies, and facilitating critical wellness checks in the wake of Typhoon Bolaven. 
 
Lt. Jalle Merritt, commanding officer of the Myrtle Hazard, expressed pride in her crew’s accomplishments, stating, “The value and impact of our efforts in the CNMI are a testament to the dedication and skill of our personnel. We are honored to serve these communities and contribute positively to their resilience and well-being.” 
 
Community Support and Disaster Response 
 
In a joint effort with Guam Animals in Need (GAIN), the Myrtle Hazard team ensured the timely delivery of 500 lbs. of dog food to support animal rescue initiatives in Rota and Tinian. This gesture highlights the U.S. Coast Guard’s broader commitment to supporting local communities and non-governmental partners. In addition, they delivered supplies to the U.S. Marine Corps in Tinian.  
 
Moreover, the cutter crew played a pivotal role in transporting the CNMI Northern Islands Mayor, Val Taisakan, enabling essential post-storm wellness checks and the distribution of necessary supplies to Agrihan and Pagan residents. This timely intervention, following Typhoon Bolaven, was critical in assessing and addressing the immediate needs of the island communities. 
 
Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, emphasized the humanitarian nature of the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission. “Our service to the community goes beyond maritime safety and security. It’s about building strong relationships and being there for our partners, especially in times of need.” 
 
Training and Maintenance Achievements 
 
Alongside these community-focused initiatives, Myrtle Hazard personnel diligently conducted shipboard training, encompassing navigation and damage control drills. This training ensures the crew’s preparedness for a wide range of maritime operations and emergencies. The cutter’s engineering team also successfully completed repairs to four maintenance and casualty items, reinforcing operational readiness. 
 
The Myrtle Hazard’s most recent patrol reflects the U.S. Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to serving and protecting the communities within its area of responsibility. The successful completion of this patrol not only demonstrates operational excellence but also reinforces the humanitarian values at the core of the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission. 
 
About the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Myrtle Hazard 
 
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard is a 154-foot Sentinel-class cutter homeported in Guam. It plays a vital role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security operations in the region. 

Release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems 

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Mojave Flights for the Royal Navy Highlight UAS’ Ability to Operate From Warships 

SAN DIEGO – 17 November 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted a first-of-its-kind demonstration of its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability on the HMS Prince of Wales, a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, using the Mojave Unmanned Aircraft System. The demonstration took place on November 15, 2023, when the Prince of Wales was underway off the East Coast of the U.S., and the Mojave was controlled by an aircrew within a control station onboard the ship. The demonstration included takeoff, circuits, and approaches and ended with a landing back onto the carrier. 

“We applaud the Royal Navy’s foresight in embracing this unprecedented capability for its carriers,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We knew our STOL capability would enable a UAS to safely take off and land on the Prince of Wales. Seeing our Mojave operate successfully in this environment opens myriad new ways our aircraft can be used to support multi-domain naval operations.”  

Mojave is a short takeoff and landing UAS demonstrator originally developed to prove STOL operations at unprepared landing sites. While Mojave shares common systems and components with GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle model, a STOL wing set option is likewise being planned for the larger, more capable MQ-9B aircraft, which includes SkyGuardian^®, SeaGuardian^®, and the new Protector RG Mk 1 currently being delivered to the UK Royal Air Force. The MQ-9B version, called MQ-9B STOL, is being considered by the Royal Navy and other navies that operate aircraft from large flat-deck warships without catapults and arresting gear.  

Royal Navy Director Develop, Rear Admiral James Parkin, whose team planned the trial, said: “The Mojave trial is a European first – the first time that a Remotely Piloted Air System of this size has operated to and from an aircraft carrier outside of the United States. The success of this trial heralds a new dawn in how we conduct maritime aviation and is another exciting step in the evolution of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group into a mixed crewed and uncrewed fighting force.” 

Equipping UAS with STOL capability provides greater versatility and allows the aircraft to operate in areas previously deemed unsuitable for UAS operations, including landing onto and taking off from an aircraft carrier. MQ-9B STOL will be capable of carrying the same payloads and conducting the same missions as the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, including maritime surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Airborne Early Warning (AEW), and surface strike.