From Austal USA, May 18, 2024 

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA celebrated the christening of the company’s 19^th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) today – the future USS Pierre (LCS 38).  Ship sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens executed the ceremonial bottle break over the bow of Pierre witnessed by an audience of over four hundred excited guests. 

Hargens, a native of South Dakota, graduated from Bethel University, in Saint Paul, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history.  Since graduating, Hargens has held several positions with the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota and currently owns her own LLC, Red Writer, where she does freelance marketing and social media.   

The call to serve runs deep in Hargens’ family.  Her grandfather was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18) on the USS Intrepid (CV-11) during World War II and her father is U.S. Senator John Thune. Hargens has continued that tradition by serving with a non-profit incentive program that helps limited-income pregnant women. 

Key speakers at the ceremony included Vice Admiral Morley, USN, Commander Naval Sea Systems Command; Rear Admiral Anderson, USN, Program Executive Office Ships; U.S. Senator John Thune representing South Dakota; and Austal USA President Michelle Kruger.   

“One of my proudest moments since joining Austal USA, was looking out into the audience today and seeing the many talented Austal USA employees and other Navy and industry guests who are responsible for the success of the LCS program,” stated Austal USA President Michelle Kruger. “Austal USA has grown from a small commercial shipyard to a large, advanced defense ship manufacturer primarily thanks to the Indy-variant LCS program.  Christening this ship, the last Austal USA-built LCS, makes me a bit nostalgic but I know, for this company and the great team we’ve assembled, the future is bright and limitless.”  

LCS 38 is the second ship named in honor of the capital city of South Dakota, a region with a rich American culture that includes a great history of service to the Navy and Marine Corps.  The first USS Pierre, a World War II PC class submarine chaser, was commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned in 1958.  Pierre (LCS 38) is the last Independence-variant LCS to be christened.  Following delivery, she will join her sister ships homeported in San Diego and deploying to the INDO-PACOM region.  

“It is truly an honor for PEO USC to have led the construction of this remarkable class of ships,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, Program Executive Officer, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC). “Built by an industry team lead by Austal USA, the Littoral Combat Ship stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in naval shipbuilding. As we christen the USS Pierre, we also celebrate the extraordinary crews that will sail this ship, employing the capabilities and versatility of the Littoral Combat Ship class, which will continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s interests now and for years to come.” 

The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. In November 2023 the Navy reported it had six Independence-variant LCS deployed in the Pacific throughout 2023, including the record-breaking 26-month overseas deployment of USS Charleston (LCS 18). The Austal USA-built LCS variant is also providing support to the Navy’s unmanned programs with USS Oakland (LCS 24) operating as a mothership for the Unmanned Surface Division 1 vessels Ranger, Mariner, Seahawk and Sea Hunter; the large flight decks support unmanned drones, like the MQ-8C Fire Scout. Integration of the mine countermeasures (MCM) mission package placed aboard USS Canberra (LCS 30) signifies additional capabilities planned for Independence-class ships. 

By Karli Yeager, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs, 20 May 2024 

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The U.S. Navy has approved the commissioning date for the future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29). 
 
The Navy will commission Richard M. McCool Jr., an amphibious transport dock, September 7, 2024 at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida. 
 
The naming of LPD 29 honors U.S. Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured sailors. LPD 29 will be the first of its name. 
 
Richard M. McCool Jr. is co-sponsored by Shauna McCool and Kate Oja, granddaughters of the ship’s namesake. As the co-sponsors, McCool and Oja lead the time-honored Navy tradition of giving the order during the ceremony to “man our ship and bring her to life!” At the moment, the commissioning pennant is hoisted and Richard M. McCool Jr. becomes a proud ship of the fleet. 
 
Richard M. McCool Jr. will be the Navy’s 13th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. 
 
Amphibious transport docks are used to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft (MV-22). These ships support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious operations. 

From U.S. Central Command, May 18, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 1 a.m. (Sanaa time) May 18, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) into the Red Sea and struck M/T Wind, a Panamanian-flagged, Greek owned and operated oil tanker. M/T Wind most recently docked in Russia and was bound for China. 

The impact of the ASBM caused flooding which resulted in the of loss propulsion and steering. A coalition vessel immediately responded to the distress call by M/T Wind, but no assistance was needed. The crew of M/T Wind was able to restore propulsion and steering, and no casualties were reported. M/T Wind resumed its course under its own power. 

This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

May 19 U.S Central Command Update 

From U.S. Central Command, May 19, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 9:35 p.m. (Sanaa time) May 18, Iranian-backed Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen over the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

U.S. Department of Defense, May 17,2024 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 

Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Anderson for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Sixth Fleet; commander, Task Force Six; commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and Joint Force Maritime Component commander Europe, Naples, Italy.  Anderson is currently serving as director of Operations, J-3, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. 

Navy Rear Adm. Christopher C. French for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as judge advocate general of the Navy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  French is currently serving as deputy judge advocate general of the Navy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Rear Adm. Nancy S. Lacore for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as chief of Navy Reserve, N095, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  Lacore is currently serving as commandant, Naval District Washington, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Rear Adm. Scott W. Pappano for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as principal military deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  Pappano is currently serving as program executive officer, Strategic Submarines, Naval District Washington, Washington, D.C. 

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The delay in the program to build the Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG) has been caused by a labor shortage brought on by poor shipyard worker retention, the secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) told a Senate committee, noting that the Navy is trying to rectify the problem by funding retention bonuses for shipyard workers. 

Fincantieri’s Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, has a contract to build up to 10 FFGs for the U.S. Navy. Delivery of the first FFG, Constellation, originally was scheduled for 2026, with operational availability in 2029. 

With Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti testifying May 16 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, the ranking member, Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, delivered in his opening statement a criticism of the Navy’s shipbuilding delays noted in the service’s 45-day shipbuilding review. 

“For example, the Constellation-class frigate will be three years late and will take nearly 10 years to deliver the lead ship,” Wicker said. “This is largely because the Navy cannot keep requirements steady. Almost 70 percent of the requirements have changed since the Navy signed a contract, so the outcome we see today is no surprise. This is not an example of the industry underperforming. This is senior officials unable to manage a program. This is acquisition malpractice, and a terrible waste of time and resources.” 

Del Toro countered that in the case of the frigate program, the delay was the result of a “recruiting and retention problem in Wisconsin.” 

The SECNAV said that Fincantieri’s “retention rate actually last year was atrocious. That is part of the reason why we have actually established up to a three-year delay in the delivery of the Constellation-class frigate. What we’re actually trying to do is put positive efforts in place to help Fincantieri get to a better place.” 

Del Toro said that the Navy was investing $750 million in the surface industrial base over the Future Years Defense Plan, including funds for Fincantieri.  

“In Fincantieri alone we’ve provided $100 million in resources to the shipyard so they could provide $5,000 bonuses to the shipyard workers for the first year if they stayed in place throughout construction of the ship itself,” he said.  

Franchetti as well said the Navy is committed to helping Fincantieri deliver on the frigate program. 

“I just had the opportunity with the secretary [Del Toro] to go up to Marinette and talk with the folks there and [we’re] really committed to supporting them and addressing the workforce challenges that they have,” she said. “The frigate is an absolutely critical ship for our Navy.”  

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Dimal, May 16, 2024 

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  The U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, Japanese Government officials and leaders from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) bid farewell to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) before the ship departed Yokosuka, Japan, for the last time as the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, May 16. 
 
Ronald Reagan’s departure from Japan marks the beginning of the ship’s final scheduled Indo-Pacific patrol. 
 
“We have a debate in the United States about who constitutes the 1 percent. The true measure is not in how much wealth you acquire, but in how much you give in service to something bigger than yourself,” said Emanuel. “So, to the sailors and aviators of the USS Ronald Reagan, who devote their lives to preserving and protecting the freedoms we all enjoy, it is you and your fellow service members who make up America’s true 1 percent. After nine years of deployment to Japan, the USS Ronald Reagan and her 6,000 crew deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their selflessness, their service, and their sacrifice in keeping the Indo-Pacific safe, secure, and stable.” 
 
Departing with Ronald Reagan were the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83). 
 
“On behalf of the strike group, I want to express my gratitude to the people of Japan and city of Yokosuka. You are our friends, family and our close and trusted allies,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. “Our relationship with Japan and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has never been stronger. Whether it’s aboard USS Ronald Reagan today or USS George Washington in the future, we will continue to strengthen those ties at all levels, on-shore and at-sea.” 
 
As the ship pulled away from the pier and made its final transit through Sagami Bay, hundreds of CSG 5 Sailors manned the rails in their summer dress white uniforms. 
 
Ronald Reagan is scheduled to turn over with USS George Washington (CVN 73), and then transit to Bremerton, Washington, later this year. 
 
“For nearly nine years, thousands of Ronald Reagan Sailors have lived and worked here in Yokosuka, and have deployed throughout the region to uphold the international rule of law and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific along with our allies and partners,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “And as forward-deployed naval forces, we had the privilege of living in Japan. Japan has been an incredible host and a second home for the crew. And for this, I am very grateful to the Japanese people, the City of Yokosuka, and the Japanese government for their support and for welcoming us as citizens.” 
 
In 2011, while deployed near the Korean Peninsula, Ronald Reagan was heavily involved with the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission during Operation Tomodachi. Following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the ship and its crew was instrumental in refueling JMSDF ships, transporting soldiers and Marines, and providing food, water and supplies to affected communities. In addition, Ronald Reagan’s embarked airborne assets flew reconnaissance missions. 
 
In 2015, Ronald Reagan arrived to Japan as part of an historic tri-carrier hull swap. 
 
In 2021, the Nimitz-class carrier deployed to the Middle East in 2021 to assist in Operation Allies Refuge providing safety and security to more than 7,000 U.S. citizens and evacuees in Afghanistan. 
 
“While the crew and I are sad to bid Japan farewell, the Ronald Reagan’s strong relationships with the JMSDF and rich history with the Japanese people assure me that we shall see each other again,” added Cardone. 
 
CSG 5 is forward-deployed under U.S. 7th Fleet, 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. 

From U.S. Central Command 

May 15, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. –  At approximately 9 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 14, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.  

It was determined these systems 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 for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

From U.S. Central Command 

May 13, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 3:41 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 13, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.  

Later, between approximately 5:51 p.m. and 6:02 p.m. (Sanaa time), USS Mason (DDG 87) successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea. Additionally, USCENTCOM forces destroyed one UAS launched by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. 

It was determined these weapons 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 for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. 

NORFOLK, Va. (May 10, 2024) – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti welcomed the crew of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) to the United States from a historic deployment to the Middle East, May 10. 

Carney conducted a brief stop in Norfolk for logistics before returning home to Naval Station Mayport later this month. 

“I could not be more proud of what the Carney team has done since September. Called to action on the very first day that you entered the U.S. 5th Fleet, you conducted 51 engagements in 6 months,” said Franchetti. “You saved lives, ensured the free flow of commerce, and stood up for the rules-based international order and all the values that we hold dear. It has been eye-watering to watch, you are truly America’s Warfighting Navy in action.” 

Carney was conducting routine operations in U.S. 6th Fleet when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Carney entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations on Oct. 18, ready to conduct operations in support of maritime stability and security in defense of U.S., Allies, and partner interests.  

Throughout the ship’s seven-month deployment, Carney successfully destroyed Houthi-launched weapons, including land attack cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and unmanned systems. Additionally, Carney conducted two defensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, destroying 20 targets, and successfully destroyed one Iranian-launched medium-range ballistic missile.  

During her visit to the ship, CNO recognized 14 Sailors for their outstanding achievements while on deployment. 

“As Surface Warriors, we train to this. We train to this level of readiness and boldness, with a clear commitment to the warfighting excellence that you all exhibited on the world stage for everyone to see. You did exactly what you were trained to do,” said Franchetti. “It is absolutely wonderful to be onboard today and have the opportunity to welcome you back and give you a great big Bravo Zulu – for a job incredibly well done.” 

Carney departed Naval Station Mayport, September 27, 2023, on a scheduled independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. While deployed, Carney predominately operated with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, and initially operated with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group upon arrival to the U.S. 6th Fleet. 

By Team Ships Public Affairs, May 8, 2024 

PASCAGOULA, (April 12, 2024) – Combatant Command and OSD senior leaders visited SUPSHIP Gulf Coast to tour the USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) and receive an update on the Navy’s efforts to integrate the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon system into the DDG 1000 class. Mr. Robert J. Taylor, STRATCOM Director of Capability and Resource Integration, Dr. Martin Lindsey, INDOPACOM Science and Technology Advisor, and Dr. James Weber, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Principal Director for Hypersonics, joined Navy Program leaders for the visit on April 4, 2024. 

“United States Strategic Command remains committed to ensuring the Conventional Prompt Strike Capability is rapidly integrated on ZUMWALT Class DDGs,” said Mr. Robert J. Taylor.  “My team and I will continue to work across Combatant Commands, Offices of the Secretary of Defense, and the Navy to integrate this highly lethal platform into plans and operations to assure Allies and Partners while sending a strong deterrence message to our adversaries”. 

USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) arrived at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Ingalls Shipyard (HII-Ingalls) on August 19, 2023, to enter a modernization period and receive technology upgrades including the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system. These upgrades, and the integration of the CPS weapon system, will help ensure Zumwalt remains one of the most technologically advanced and lethal ships in the U.S. Navy. 

“The Navy / Industry team is moving with a sense of urgency to integrate CPS capability into USS ZUMWALT” said Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, Program Executive Officer (PEO), Ships. “Many steps have been taken and are on track to get this important player on the field on time.” 

The unique design and advanced capabilities of the Zumwalt-class is well-matched with the CPS weapons system that enables precise and timely strike capability in contested environments. CPS is a non-nuclear hypersonic weapon system being designed and developed by the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) that will provide an intermediate range, prompt, conventional strike capability to the Department of Defense. The missile will be delivered to the Navy onboard ZUMWALT Class DDGs starting in the mid-2020’s and on Block V VIRGINIA Class SSNs starting in the early 2030’s, as well as to the Army as the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). 

“Conventional Prompt Strike will deliver a cutting-edge capability and strategic options to our Armed Forces, supplementing our existing unparalleled capabilities,” Weber said. “The Navy is accelerating development and transition of this transformational warfighting capability.”