By U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/ U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs 

June 5, 2024 

CHERBOURG, France  –  Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) arrived in Cherbourg, France June 3, 2024, to commemorate their namesake’s region while paying tribute to the 80th year of D-Day. 
 
During the visit, USS Normandy will participate in a remembrance event that marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of France, scheduled for June 6, 2024, which marked the turn in America’s campaign during World War II. Leadership will also participate in a reception attended by The 76th Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and Allied Joint Forces Command (JFC) Naples, and Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, 63rd Chief of Staff of the French Navy. 
 
“It is an honor to be a part of this historic milestone and pay tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate price in the name of freedom,” said Capt. Errol Robinson, Commanding Officer of USS Normandy. “Representing not only these Sailors, but the countless other French, American, and Allied heroes who gave their lives on these hallowed grounds is a moment in time that will never be forgotten.” 
 
USS Normandy is named after the French region of Normandy, the site of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 that shifted the tide of WWII in favor of the allies. In the months that followed D-Day, American, French resistance, and Allied forces fought to drive Nazi occupiers from the region and establish a strong base for the final push to liberate France. 
 
USS Normandy is independently deployed to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region. 
 
For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 
 
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. 

By Chief Petty Officer Mark Faram 

06 June 2024 

CORONADO, California — Eighty years ago today, June 6, 1944, 132,500 Allied forces stormed ashore on France’s Normandy coast to begin the final liberation of Europe from Nazi rule. 
 
It was the biggest amphibious operation the world has ever seen. Nearly 12,000 Allied aircraft and 7,000 ships landed 132,000 troops on the beaches or by parachute behind German lines. 
 
By the end of the day, a tenuous foothold in Hitler’s “Fortress Europe” had been won at a cost of more than 4,500 Allied soldiers killed and another 5,500 wounded or missing. 
 
It was an operation that could have gone either way. That day in Normandy, the fate of the war hung in the balance for both the Allies and the Axis powers. 
 
“Victory is not assured, but it can be achieved,” Capt. Tim Steigelman, deputy commodore of Naval Beach Group 1 (NBG 1), told a gathering of West Coast Navy amphibious units in a ceremony on the beach near Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. 
 
“The Allied armies’ foothold was tenuous,” he said. “We might have been thrown back into the sea. The Allied advance might have stalled out in the hedgerows or later that winter at the Bulge. But the advance continued, and allied forces prevailed.” 
 
The perceived outcome was in doubt for much of the day. Preparing for any contingency, the Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower prepared two messages for release to the troops and the public that day. One would trumpet success, and in the other, he took responsibility for defeat. 
 
In many cases, Steigelman said, what could go wrong did go wrong. 
 
“When the allied troops hit the beaches with codenames like Utah, Omaha, and Juno, 
they faced fierce resistance,” he said. “Much else went wrong; not all amphibious landings occurred at the right locations; paratroopers got separated in their jumps. And yet the allied armies kept coming and kept coming. Eisenhower would not publish his scribbled message of failure.” 
 
Present on the Strand Beach were nearly 200 Sailors from all units under the San Diego-based Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1. Those include Beachmasters Unit 1 (BMU) 1, Assault Craft Units (ACU) 1 and 5, and Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB)1. All are current Navy units whose jobs or unit lineage can be traced back to World War II and in some cases, the Normandy landings on D-Day. 
 
New modern amphibious technology and technique was highlighted on the beach with arrival of two Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) craft from ACU-5 which disembarked two Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicles (LAV-25). 
 
These are the Sailors and units that would be called should the Nation need to assault an enemy beach again. 
 
Also present were midshipmen from around the nation learning about the Navy, which they will soon join as ensigns. 
 
The Sailor’s role in the fight for Normandy started early before sunrise as they prepared to bring the attacking force ashore. Amphibious operations are a team sport. But it’s the Army who must win the fight ashore. 
 
It’s the Navy’s role to get them there and keep them supplied with reinforcements and supplies to sustain the fight. In the aftermath of the battle and for many years this role became little more than a footnote in history. Movies like 1998’s “Saving Private Ryan” helped bring the Navy’s story back to light. 
 
Most soldiers coming ashore that day arrived on the beach in an LCVP, a Navy abbreviation for “Landing Craft, Vehicle, and Personnel.” These boats were also known to the Sailors and Soldiers alike as “Higgins Boats.” 
 
The name is a nod to Andrew Jackson Higgins, the New Orleans entrepreneur who invented the craft and others like it and supplied them to U.S. and Allied navies by the thousands. 
 
According to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was in overall command of the Normandy Landings, Higgins was “the man who won the war for us,” historian and author Steven Ambrose wrote in his book D-Day – June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II. 
 
“If Higgins had not designed and built those LCVPs, we never could have landed on an open beach,” Eisenhower said. “The whole strategy of the war would have been different.” 
 
Some of the youngest Sailors in the Navy were driving those boats. If not for the grit and determination of these boat coxswains, there might not have been the resounding victory that came with the arrival of the Allies on European soil. 
 
“[The Navy coxswains], as much as anybody, won that lengthy battle for the storm-stricken Normandy beaches of Omaha,” wrote Lt. Cmdr. Max Miller in his 1944 book The Far Shore which describes in detail U.S. Navy’s role in Normandy both on June 6th and in the days after. 
 
The book’s title words — the “Far Shore,” was the Navy’s official word for where the invasion would take place. Miller’s account, written shortly after the battle for the beaches brings their role to light in a way rarely described elsewhere. 
 
Miller called these Sailors “small-boat boys.” It is the legacy of these Sailors that now falls to the men and women of the Navy’s Beachmaster, assault craft and amphibious Seabee units for whom this kind of work is done by today. Back in the day, these units were all male, but in today’s Navy, women fill this role, too. 
 
“He is of high-school age perhaps, or just about to become a college freshman,” Miller wrote in his description of these coxswains. 
 
“His craft would vary from [landing craft] to anything small which could be beached quickly, then backed away again before the [German 88mm artillery] would get adjusted on him,” Miller wrote. “The usual time required for the adjustment of these guns was four minutes. This means that the small-boat boy would try to accomplish each beach assignment within three minutes.” 
 
Miller wrote that there wasn’t time to check their watches. This battle timing was instinct, born of trial and error and many trips from ship to shore. Many of those who didn’t meet that timeline paid the ultimate price. Others lost their lives to mines and other obstacles. 
 
During the opening days of the battle for Normandy, his boat became his home, battered by the sea and “grimy inside and out” with sand and grease and “with a hull bearing the bumps of many batterings (sic) and with some bullet holes,” Miller wrote. 
 
His existence was that of constant motion from ships to the shoreline, which Miller described as the life of a “water gypsy,” who often never returned to the ship that launched them at 6:30 a.m. on June 6. 
 
To sleep, he said, these amphibious Sailors would “hot rack” in stretchers used for evacuating the wounded and the dead. They became experts at scrounging food and candy. Sometimes, they’d even manage a shower or a hot meal from the ships they’d visit after depositing the wounded and before being reloaded for another trip to the beach. 
 
Their role and that of Sailors throughout the D-Day armada was crucial to the battle’s successful outcome that day. Many more served on the destroyers who brought fire support to the soldiers on the beaches or scoured the beaches as Naval Combat Demolition Units (NDCU) in the dark hours before the landing, clearing mines and obstacles in the way of the landing force. 
 
In the days following the landings, Rear Adm. Alan G. Kirk, commander of U.S. Naval Forces off Omaha and Utah beaches reflected on the Navy’s participation, saying, “Our greatest asset was the resourcefulness of the American Sailor.” That phrase has often been used as a reason for Navy successes in war and peace in the years since. If needed, that asymmetrical advantage could loom large again in future operations. 
 
“Looking at you all here today, I am heartened,” Steigelman said. “You are training, you will continue to train…you may be called upon sooner than you think.” 
 
“With great sacrifice and some good fortune, 80 years ago today, D-Day at Normandy was a painful, hard-fought success for America and her allies — keep your chin up, keep working every day — when the nation calls, we must be ready again.” 
 

From U.S. Central Command, June 6, 2024

TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight Houthi uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen over the Red Sea. Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea.  

Separately, a coalition ship successfully engaged one UAS launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea.  

Also, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen over the Red Sea.  

There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.  

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels.  

Chief of Naval Operations Spokesperson Cmdr. Desiree Frame provided the following readout: 

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, June 4. 

Franchetti thanked the Crown Prince for the inviolable U.S. – Bahrain defense relationship and expressed her gratitude for the continuous hospitality Bahrain shows in hosting the U.S. Navy. 

The CNO also highlighted Bahrain’s leadership in the security and stability of the region and expressed her gratitude to the Crown Prince for being one of the United States’ longest and closest partners in the Middle East, a major non-NATO Ally, and their participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian.  

During their discussion, Franchetti applauded the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) signed last year to formalize U.S – Bahrain cooperation to deter conflict in the region, enhance regional stability, and de-escalate tensions. Franchetti added that C-SIPA is as a significant upgrade in our strategic bi-lateral relationship with Bahrain. Right now, C-SIPA is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Bahrain, however both leaders said they welcome other friendly countries to join because the more integrated and coordinated we are, the more secure, stable, and prosperous the region will be. 

This is the first time Franchetti has met the Crown Prince. 

NASHUA, N.H. — June 5, 2024 — BAE Systems received a $95 million contract from the U.S. Navy for advanced countermeasure pods to protect the P-8A Poseidon Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft from missiles and other threats. The electronic warfare (EW) pod detects and counters inbound threats, protecting the Poseidon and its crews, and expanding the aircraft’s operating range in contested environments. 

“We’re working closely with the U.S. Navy to deliver innovative solutions to protect this critical, high-value aircraft,” said Don Davidson, director of Advanced Compact Electronic Warfare Solutions at BAE Systems. “We quickly prototyped a very capable system using proven technology to defend against air-to-air and surface-to-air guided threats.” 

BAE Systems’ survivability pod provides early threat detection and effective countermeasures to protect U.S. and international high-value airborne assets. The system’s flexible, open architecture design allows rapid and affordable modernization, is compatible with future threat-detection and decoy countermeasure capabilities, and can host third-party EW techniques. 

The engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract follows a rapid-response contract from the U.S. Navy to demonstrate the system in 2021. The BAE Systems team designed, built, and tested a demonstration pod, exhibiting strong military-industry collaboration and rapid prototyping. The EMD contract follows successful airworthiness and effectiveness testing. 

The P-8A self-protection pod is part of BAE Systems’ Intrepid Shield^TM layered approach to aircraft and ground platform survivability that uses the full electromagnetic spectrum to detect, exploit, and counter advanced threats. The pod can be rapidly adapted for other high-value airborne assets, enabling them to operate in contested environments. 

Work on the P-8A pod and its components is conducted at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire and Austin, Texas. 

From Naval Air Systems Command, June 3, 2024 

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — The stars were out for over 200 attendees May 29 at the Naval Aviation 3-Star Summit in Lexington Park, Maryland. The evening’s theme was “Advancing Naval Aviation Readiness for the High-End Fight.” 

The event marked the first-time leaders of the Naval Aviation Enterprise, including NAVAIR Commander, Vice Adm. Carl “Chebs” Chebi; Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific and “Air Boss” Vice Adm. Daniel “Undra” Cheever; Director, Air Warfare Division (N98) Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly; and Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Bradford “Gilla” Gering gathered for the event, hosted by The Patuxent Partnership, Association of Naval Aviation and Marine Corps Aviation Association. 

The panel spent 90 minutes addressing a wide range of questions on topics including recruiting and retention, overcoming budget challenges, joint capability development, accelerating capability delivery, unmanned aviation, increased automation (artificial intelligence and machine learning), and Live Virtual Constructive Training.   

Vice Adm. Chebi opened the discussion with an audience question about improvements to the requirements process to help the naval aviation community be a little more flexible. 

“I think that is a very specific area we need to look at formally,” replied Adm. Donnelly, director of the Air Warfare Division (N98) at the Pentagon. “There is a recognized shortfall in the speed we need to move with innovation…to take advantage of what industry can do. The current process cannot keep up with the way we are doing things right now.” 

Chebi said while it is a “long, laborious process, there’s a lot we can effectively apply within the construct of ‘big R’ requirements to get capability out there now. There are so many authorities and flexibilities we can leverage to increase warfighting capability and the availability of our platforms.” 

Air Boss Vice Adm. Cheever then addressed retention and recruiting in naval aviation. 

“There are gaps out there. [In the enlisted specialties] we don’t have a lot of young apprentices,” he said. “So they’re not training to become journeymen and supervisors, and the development is a little slower than we’d like right now. In the officer ranks, we’re mitigating department head shortages, as well as junior officer shortages, by assigning temporary duty in key billets. The flexibility and standard of excellence in naval aviation ensures even those who didn’t train with the team, can seamlessly join the team. I’m pulling pros from the bullpen that are really trained and really good.” 

From the Marine perspective, Lt. Gen. Gering said, “in aggregate, we’re making our recruiting mission. If you look at our retention goals, we’re making those as well.” 

Chebi also asked the panel to discuss budget challenges for Naval and Marine Corps aviation. 

“Balancing crisis response with modernization is one of the Commandant’s five priorities,” Gering said. “Crisis response is a must pay bill; we must look for trade space in modernization with a fixed top line.” 

Chebi was then asked about new collaboration with the other services in future launch weapons solutions. 

Donnelly noted an increased level of cooperation in that arena. 

“Coming back into the Pentagon from my previous requirements job… I’m pleased at how close we are cooperating with the Air Force, particularly in weapons. We’ve got a partnership in [long-range and penetrating weapons] as well as air-to-air. With our partnered use of the F-35 Lightning II, the fit, form, and function vis-a-vis weapons carriage and delivery match both our needs.” 

Donnelly also emphasized partnership with industry. 

“I think our industry partners recognize how much the DoD and the services are investing. That partnership has been very helpful, and it’s also included Congress who has given us some legislative authorities for multi-year procurements.” 

An audience member asked the panel the status of a replacement for the Navy and Marine T-45 Goshawk training aircraft. 

“It’s not just the airframe replacement of the T-45. It’s a holistic, undergraduate training system,” said Donnelly. “CNATRA is changing its syllabus based on the way people are learning today, adding virtual reality and simulation.” We recognize with the precision landing mode we expect in future fighters… landing on a carrier may not be the most difficult portion of the mission. We can reduce some of the workload we’re putting into carrier landings, freeing up time to focus on more complex tasks such as information processing and decision making. [It] gives us a holistic new way to look at what we will implement and probably some wider options to consider as a T-45 replacement.” 

A question on automation prompted Chebi to advocate for more development of AI and ML. 

“The smartest folks in the room are not sitting up here. So please provide us your inputs on ways to do this better. My ask of all of you is to show us what the possibilities are from automation, from AI, from ML, so that we can apply them to our programs.” 

“I think where automation can really help us is aviation safety,” Gering said. “And I think the other thing we are struggling with is the tyranny of time-distance logistics in the big fight. I think we could use a lot of help there. We need predictive maintenance. It’s all about logistics, fuel and weapons in the high-end fight. 

The group later discussed a brief they received via video teleconference with leadership from the deployed Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. 

“My takeaway is, it’s really impressive to see the capability employed today in the Red Sea. We provided that capability by working together toward an outcome that matters – delivering the capability the fleet needs, when they need it, so they can deter, fight, win and return home safely,” Chebi said. 

“The operations conducted in the Red Sea validate decades of planning, development, and investment that we’ve gotten out of the fleet,” Donnelly said. “It validates our ability to react very quickly to recognize the gaps and get solutions back immediately to the fleet to give them the advantage we require.” 

Billed as a follow-up to the TPP-hosted Defense Summit in March, the 3-Star Summit served to enhance dialog with industry members and educate the public on the importance of naval aviation to national defense. 

By Team Submarine Public Affairs, June 4, 2024 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) program along with local shipbuilding companies and suppliers, elected officials, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the future of the defense workforce during the inaugural National Signing Day event in Boston on May 30. 

The National Signing Day concluded a series of five Talent Pipeline Program (TPP) events across key maritime hubs, honoring the latest group of talent joining the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).  

The five regional TPPs in Philadelphia, Virginia, Pittsburgh, New York, and New England highlighted the SIB program’s efforts over several years to develop robust talent pipelines within these regions. Across these signing days, more than 2,700 individuals were recognized for starting their careers with small and medium-sized suppliers that support the maritime industry. 

“Serving as a part of the National Signing Day event has been a huge honor,” said Meganne Atkins, executive director, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office, and guest speaker.  “Witnessing the accelerated growth of this program, from my first event at a high school gymnasium in Pittsburgh to this grand stage now at the New England Aquarium in Boston has been a humbling, edifying, and inspirational experience,” said Atkins. 

During the event, each region’s senior representative, or flag sponsor, introduced an employer to represent that specific pipeline. The National Signing Day showcased the scope and scale of the TPP. 

The Signing Day events kicked off in Virginia on May 7, where the region’s TPP celebrated its second year by recognizing 1,200 new hires. The event underscored the critical role these skilled tradespeople, including welders, pipefitters, and electricians, play in our national security. 

“It doesn’t matter your position or title; you contribute to our national security. You are helping the United States of America exercise power projection and diplomacy,” emphasized Team Submarine’s Command Master Chief Jeff Hiscocks during the ceremony. 

Mike Ross, an Assembly Operator at TE Connectivity and a U.S. Army veteran, the event’s new hire guest speaker, expressed his gratitude for the professional development opportunities at TE and the privilege of continuing to serve the military beyond uniformed service. 

“Every day I am driven by a sense of purpose knowing that the parts we develop contribute to the defense of our country and its allies,” said Ross. 

On May 14, the Pittsburgh pipeline recognized over 700 skilled tradespeople who joined or reached their one-year anniversary with employers supporting the Defense Industrial Base. In just its second year, the Pittsburgh pipeline has already doubled its impact, expanding from 30 to 72 participating companies and now reaching across Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland. The event highlighted the growing collaboration across the region. 

The inaugural Signing Day for the New York TPP was held on May 21. It celebrated partnerships with 36 employers and recognized 74 individuals who have found careers in defense manufacturing. This milestone reflects the program’s commitment to fostering new opportunities and supporting the region’s industry. 

Philadelphia’s third Signing Day event on May 23 celebrated the program’s success in helping more than 650 individuals find careers within defense manufacturing. 

The Navy’s Executive Director for Strategic Submarines, Mr. Matt Sermon, highlighted the importance of these roles, stating, “The Pennsylvania Talent Pipeline is a critical workforce program that helps protect our Nation. The skills and hard work you bring are the cornerstones in building the next generation of submarines that will patrol our oceans and protect our shores.” 

Concluding the series of events, the New England TPP hosted its first Signing Day and celebrated its partnerships with 31 employers and recognized 394 individuals on May 30. Following the New England event, key members from the other four TPPs joined the New England leaders and employees for the National Signing Day event.  

“I’m glad we have such a fantastic turnout for the first-ever New England Talent Pipeline Project Signing Day,” said the pipeline’s Flag sponsor Ms. Atkins said Meganne Atkins, executive director, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office. “To everyone who’s walking across this stage today, I say this: embrace this moment. This is your time to shine, to show the world what you’re made of! You’re doing incredibly important work that directly impacts our national security. And together, we will continue to build a future that is safe, secure, and full of endless possibilities.” 

Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, highlighted the occasion in a video message to the group. 

“It brings me great pleasure to participate in the conclusion of one chapter of your lives and the beginning of what will be the next phase of an incredible part of your professional journey,” Caudle said. “You are now an elite member of the foundation that supports our world-class Navy. Celebrate today’s occasion because it is certainly an achievement worth enjoying.” 

As the U.S. Navy prepares to build one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines per year by 2028, which will require hiring more than 140,000 skilled workers over the next decade, initiatives like the SIB’s Talent Pipeline Programs are more critical than ever. 

Prior to these events, Rear Adm. Scott Pappano, Program Executive Officer for Strategic Submarines, noted the program’s importance. 

“These signing days highlight the many meaningful career paths to be found in submarine manufacturing and the good-paying jobs being created in communities across the country,” emphasized Pappano. “These events represent merely the beginning as we work to grow and sustain the Submarine Industrial Base long-term.” 

The May signing days celebrated individual achievements and underscored the collaborative efforts of over 290 defense industry and 140 academic partners dedicated to supporting the Nation’s defense. As the program continues to expand, adding new events and regions, the TPP stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of the skilled tradespeople who are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet strengthening national security and our communities one skilled tradesperson at a time. 

In a world of evolving global security threats, the U.S. Navy’s investment in workforce development through the SIB Program is crucial. These initiatives not only bolster the submarine force but also affirm the Navy’s commitment to maintaining American maritime supremacy. 

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command, 01 June 2024 

ATLANTIC OCEAN – Sailors and Marines assigned to the Wasp (WSP) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) began deployment operations in the Atlantic, June 1. 
 
The deployment is a scheduled rotation of forces that fosters maritime security and increased theater cooperation. The ARG provides a forward naval expeditionary presence with vast, specialized crisis response capabilities to support geographic combatant commander, numbered fleet commander, and joint special operations task force commander. 
 
“The Wasp ARG is ready,” said Capt. Nakia Cooper, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4. “I’m confident in the skill and unwavering commitment of our team. Through robust training and real-world events, we have demonstrated professionalism and proficiency at every level. We are ready to support combatant commanders around the globe in any capacity deemed necessary.” 
 
WSP ARG certified to deploy following a composite training unit exercise, which concluded May 12. The ARG consists of three Hampton Roads-based ships: amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), and dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), totaling more than 4,500 Sailors and Marines across the force. 
 
“The Marines and Sailors of the 24th MEU (SOC) demonstrated their tactical acumen throughout our pre-deployment training program, and we are ready to execute in any clime or place,” said Col. Todd Mahar, commanding officer, 24th MEU (SOC). “We are excited to deploy with our Wasp ARG teammates and take our naval warfighting capabilities forward to support national security objectives.” 
 
Coupled with the WSP ARG, the 24th MEU (SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of an adversary. The 24th MEU (SOC) serves as one of the Nation’s primary crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, including enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the geographic combatant commander. 
 
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. 
 
To learn more about WASP ARG and 24th MEU “Team of Teams,” visit their DVIDS feature page at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu. 
 
You can find Amphibious Squadron 4, Wasp Amphibious Ready Group on Facebook and DVIDS. 
 
You can find the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit on Facebook, Twitter (@the24MEU), Instagram (@24MEU), and DVIDS. 
 
You can find USS Wasp on Facebook and Instagram (@usswas

From U.S. Central Command 

June 3, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces conducted a self-defense engagement over the southern Red Sea, destroying one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system (UAS). 

It was determined the UAS presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure. 

June 1 Red Sea Update 

June 1, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – Between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Sanaa time) June 1, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in the southern Red Sea. USCENTCOM forces also observed two other UAS crash into the Red Sea. No injuries or damage was reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. 

Additionally, between 7 and 11:30 p.m., USCENTCOM forces successfully engaged two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) in the southern Red Sea. The ASBM were fired in the direction of USS Gravely and were destroyed in self-defense, with no damage or injuries reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. 

It was determined these UAS and ASBM presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. USCENTCOM’s actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

May 31 U.S. Central Command Update 

May 31, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 1:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 31, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea. The UAS crashed into the Red Sea with no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. 

Separately, between 2:53 a.m. and 10:59 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one UAS over the Gulf of Aden and three UAS over the Red Sea that were launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.  

At approximately 9:31 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships. 

It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

By Team Ships Public Affairs, May 31, 2024 

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Navy took delivery of the latest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 109 from Textron Systems, May 29. This new addition to the fleet signifies a substantial enhancement in the Navy’s amphibious capabilities, providing a vital asset for rapid deployment and logistical support. 

The delivery of LCAC 109 comes after completion of acceptance trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, which tested the readiness and capability of the craft to effectively meet its requirements. LCAC 109 is the first delivery of 15 craft from the follow-on contract to the original Detail Design and Construction contract. 

“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “The introduction of LCAC 109 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.” 

LCACs are built with configurations, dimensions, and clearances similar to the legacy LCACs they replace – ensuring that this latest air cushion vehicle is fully compatible with existing, well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock. LCACs are capable of carrying a 60 to 75-ton payload. They primarily transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo, and assault element personnel through a wide range of conditions, including over-the-beach. 

“The successful delivery of LCAC 109 is a testament to the strong partnership between the Navy and Textron Systems,” said Captain Grabelle. “This advanced craft will significantly boost our operational capability, providing a critical link in our ability to project power and support joint operations across the globe.” Textron Systems is currently in serial production on LCACs 110-122. 

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift and support ships.