San Diego (Oct. 11, 2023) – The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) departed San Diego, marking the beginning of Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Oct. 10.
The U.S. Navy will join allied and partner nation forces for the 19th iteration of Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multilateral disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region. This annual maritime humanitarian and civic assistance mission focuses on improving disaster response preparedness, resiliency and capacity while enhancing partnerships with participating nations and civilian humanitarian organizations throughout the region.
For this year’s mission, medical and dental practitioners will be embarked on the 1,000-bed hospital ship. Aboard the Mercy, a combined 800 military and civilian personnel will support the multi-month mission led by U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Quin, PP24-1 mission commander, and Rear Adm. Mark A. Melson, PP24-1 executive agent under U.S. Pacific Fleet, and commander, Task Force 73.
“The Pacific Partnership mission teams work collectively each year with host and partner nations to strengthen existing regional interoperability, and increase disaster-response-capacity,” said Melson. “I am honored to be part of this year’s mission because this annual mission helps increase security and stability in the region, while fostering new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Pacific Partnership mission team aboard the Mercy will make stops in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Experts in the fields of engineering, medicine and disaster response will partner with each host to conduct civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, and disaster response training activities.
“This mission reflects the continued commitment to the region and dedication to disaster-response-readiness from the United States, our partners and allies, and the host nations,” said Quin.
Engagements between Pacific Partnership participants and host nations ensure the international community is better prepared to function together when responding to a disaster emergency by increasing capacity, enhancing regional partnerships, and increasing multilateral cooperation for disaster preparedness.
The Pacific Partnership began in response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters, the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of Southeast Asia. The mission has evolved over the years from emphasis on direct care to an operation focused on enhancing partnerships through host nation subject matter expert and civil-military exchanges.
TAMPA, FLORIDA (Oct. 7, 2023) – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H Lucas (DDG 125) was commissioned at Tampa, Florida, Oct. 7.
DDG 125 is named for Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima, when he was just 17 years old. He is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. In 1961, he returned to military service as a captain in the U.S. Army and trained younger troops headed for Vietnam. Lucas passed away on June 5, 2008, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
During the ceremony, guest speaker Under Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Erik Raven wished the crew of Jack H Lucas fair winds and following seas as the ship begins its commissioned service.
“Commissioning the Jack H. Lucas means we continue to deliver fast, agile, and networked surface combatants to the Navy. The Jack H. Lucas is built to fight. It is a fast, maneuverable, versatile, and lethal ship – capable of tackling any mission it is given,” said Raven. “It will keep the Navy and Marine Corps adaptive and ready, and also uphold our commitment to maintaining the free flow of commerce, deterring military aggression, and facilitating quick responses to natural disasters across the globe.”
Ruby Lucas, one of the ship’s sponsors, and Jack’s wife at the time of his death, emotionally thanked the audience for coming to honor her husband before giving the order to “man our ship and bring her to life!” alongside co-sponsor, philanthropist Catherine B. Reynolds.
On behalf of the President of the United Sates and for the Secretary of the Navy, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, USMC, placed the USS Jack H Lucas into commission.
“Something inside Lucas’ souls said, ‘I need to get to the fight.’ And fight he did,” Ruiz reflected. “The Navy and the Marine Corps team – our destinies are intertwined. The Navy, the ship, represents the perseverance of Americans. This beautiful ship represents the grit, the determination, of enlisted Marines, enlisted Sailors, and all of us that we will not give up until we win.”
“My charge to you and your team is to keep that tenacity, that toughness, and grit going because the challenges will keep coming,” Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command counseled Oster and his crew. “It will be hard, but I know that you and the 330 of the Navy’s finest Sailors are the team to do it. Your namesake, 17-year-old Medal of Honor recipient, Jack H Lucas, carried that same fiery passion.”
Capt. Brett Oster, Jack H Lucas’ commanding officer, recognized the driving force behind the ship’s namesake, and how his crew reflects that memory.
“There is something you can never, ever deny about Jack H Lucas. That man loved this country. That is why we’re here, because we love this country. You can never take that away – his dedication,” said Oster. “When you have a purpose, and you have dedication, and you have vision, and you have teamwork, anything that you set your sites on can come together.”
To cap off a week of special memories, three Sailors were meritoriously promoted at the close of the commissioning ceremony, Petty Officer First Class Boatswain’s Mate Victor Mejia, Petty Officer Second Class Boatswain’s Mate Lloyd Tillman, and Petty Officer Third Class Damage Controlman Ruben Rubio.
Today’s commissioning ceremony is the culmination of five years of work from everyone involved in the construction of Jack H Lucas, its operations, and all those involved in bringing the ship to life.
The city of Tampa and its residents welcomed the ship and its crew with events throughout the week. Along with other residents, family, and friends, the Tampa Lightening toured the ship to see the new technology aboard the first Flight III Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer. In turn the Lightening invited the crew on the ice not only to present their ship’s color guard, but to introduce the Jack H Lucas’ first, new chief petty officers. Local restaurants opened their kitchens to the ship’s culinary specialists, teaching the Sailors advanced techniques used for the chef’s dining rooms.
Honoring the whole of Lucas’ life, his widow Ruby, The Trail of Honor Foundation, and Flags of Honor Escort presented the ship with a vest adorned with his Medal of Honor. The vest traveled to Jack’s gravesite in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; numerous locations and Memorials to include the United States Marine Corps War Memorial and the World War II Memorial; the Never Forget Flag travelled to or thorough 20 states and the District of Columbia, amassing a total of 11,325.8 miles as part of Jack’s Vest Run before the presentation earlier this week.
The ship’s motto, “Indestructible” is reflection of Lucas’ survival, first on Iwo Jima and later from several other traumatic events after the war that rivaled his exploits as a Marine.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface. The Flight III upgrade is centered on the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporates upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity.
USS Jack H Lucas is the first AEGIS Weapon System, Baseline 10, to be commissioned. It integrates air and missile defense capability with the new AN/SPY6(V)(1) air and missile defense radar to provide significantly greater detection and tracking capacity among its warfighting capabilities across mission areas. Flight III also incorporates upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity, plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet.
The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.
General Dynamics Electric Boat and the Metal Trades Council Agree to a New Contract
Release from General Dynamics Electric Boat
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GROTON, Conn. (October 6, 2023) – General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), and the Metal Trades Council (MTC) announced today union members ratified a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement. The MTC represents more than 3,400 employees in the skilled trades at the company’s Groton shipyard which includes welders, electricians, machinists, pipefitters, laborers, painters, transportation services and administrative support.
The agreement provides for significant increases in compensation and benefits, including:
General wage increases for all MTC members totaling 21.4% over the term of the contract.
Retention and sign on bonuses with the opportunity to earn up to $6,000.
A one-time, $2,500 contribution to the employee’s 401k retirement savings account.
Continuation of a comprehensive, competitive medical plan with modest premium and deductible increases.
Increases to vacation days and paid sick time for most members.
The contract is effective as of September 30, 2023.
“This is the largest wage package in more than 30 years and demonstrates the value we place on the skills and experience necessary to build the world’s finest submarines,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “This investment in our people complements investments by General Dynamics in our facilities and infrastructure and is a key element of our strategy to grow our production rate to deliver more submarines faster to the U.S. Navy.”
“Ratification of this robust contract is a five-year ironclad guarantee of economic security for the Electric Boat metal trades workforce, which they richly deserve. It also sends a powerful message to the Navy and Congress, who fund their work, that the Groton waterfront is in for the long haul as our nation grows its undersea fleet, a decades-long enterprise. Kudos to Peter Baker and the Metal Trades Council team, and Shawn Coyne from Electric Boat Human Resources who spent months hammering out the many details of this historic contract,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02).
“This new agreement will help attract and retain new employees while providing for the current membership,” said Peter Baker, president of the Metal Trades Council. “This will also provide Electric Boat with a stable workforce that will continue to build our nation’s defense. We want to thank the membership for their support throughout the negotiations process.”
Electric Boat is in the midst of an unprecedented expansion to increase production of Virginia-class fast-attack submarines and the Columbia class of ballistic missile submarines. The company is the prime contractor for the Columbia class, designated by the U.S. government as the nation’s number one defense priority. Electric Boat plans to hire 5,750 new employees in 2023. Interested applicants should visit EBCareers.com to see available positions.
U.S. 5TH FLEET ENHANCES MIDDLE EAST MARITIME SECURITY WITH UNMANNED CAPABILITIES
MANAMA, Bahrain – Last month, naval forces in the Middle East region successfully integrated unmanned platforms with traditionally crewed ships and aircraft to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula.
Seven task forces falling under U.S. 5th Fleet integrated 12 different unmanned platforms with manned ships for “manned-unmanned teaming” operations, tracking Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
This operation bolstered presence in and around a critical chokepoint that in recent months has seen Iran unlawfully seize internationally flagged merchant ships.
Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were involved in the operation.
“We have been operating UAVs and UUVs in the region for years,” said Capt. Joe Baggett, Director of Maritime Operations for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. “Adding our new USVs, and then integrating all of these platforms into fleet operations, is how we expect to fly and sail well into the future.”
Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, ships and aircraft from Task Force 51/5 (Amphibious/Marine), Task Force 52 (Mine Countermeasures), Task Force 53 (Logistics), Task Force 55 (Surface Warfare), Task Force 56 (Expeditionary), Task Force 57 (Patrol/Reconnaissance) and Task Force 59 (Unmanned/Artificial Intelligence) conducted the operations.
“The integration of new, multidomain unmanned platforms into routine fleet operations provides more ‘eyes on the water,’ enhancing maritime domain awareness and increasing deterrence in the region,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.
Cooper added that collectively, these platforms support the safe navigation and free flow of commerce through vital regional chokepoints, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
“This enhanced maritime security serves as a deterrent against malign activity and strengthens regional stability, which is good for everybody,” he said.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.
PASCAGOULA, Miss., Oct. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced the successful launch of the Navy’s third America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8) from its floating dock into the Pascagoula River on Saturday.
“This launch is a significant accomplishment for our entire LHA shipbuilding team, and we are honored to be building such a versatile ship for our Navy and Marine Corps partners,” Ingalls Shipbuilding Amphibious Ship Program Manager Gene Miller said. “It is also a testament to the outstanding teamwork we see every day as our shipbuilders continue the critical work of preparing Bougainville for delivery.”
On Sept. 9, Bougainville was translated from land to the company’s floating dry dock using translation railcars to support the ship. While in the dry dock, the Ingalls team completed final prep work for launch.
Bougainville is the first ship in the America class to be built with a well deck. The ship will retain aviation capabilities while adding the surface assault capability of a well deck and a larger flight deck configured for F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft. These large-deck amphibious assault ships also include top-of-the-line medical facilities with full operating suites and triage capabilities.
The America class is a multi-functional and versatile ship that is capable of operating in a high density, multi-threat environment as an integral member of an expeditionary strike group, an amphibious task force or an amphibious ready group.
Ingalls has delivered 15 large-deck amphibious ships to the U.S. Navy. The shipyard delivered the first in the new America class of amphibious assault ships (LHA 6) in 2014. The second ship in the America class, USS Tripoli (LHA 7), was delivered to the Navy in early 2020. In addition to Bougainville, Fallujah (LHA 9) is also under construction, and the company authenticated the keel during a ceremony in September 2023.
Navy to Commission Future Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas
Release from the U.S. Department of Defense
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OCT. 6, 2023
The Navy will commission the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) as the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Port Tampa Bay, Berth 150, Tampa, Florida.
The Honorable Erik Raven, under secretary of the Navy, will deliver the commissioning ceremony’s principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Kathy Castor, U.S. representative, Florida’s 14th District; Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps; the Honorable Jane Castor, mayor of Tampa, Florida; and Ms. Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and executive vice president, HII. The ship’s sponsors are Ruby Lucas, widow of the ship’s namesake, and philanthropist Catherine B. Reynolds.
DDG 125 is the 73rd Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer to be commissioned and the first in the Flight III configuration. She is the first naval warship to bear the name of USS Jack H. Lucas. USS Jack H. Lucas received its name on Sept. 17, 2016. DDG 125 is named for Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima, when he was just 17 years old. Lucas was the youngest Marine and youngest serviceman in World War II to be awarded the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. In 1961, he returned to military service as a captain in the U.S. Army and trained younger troops headed for Vietnam. Lucas passed away on Jun. 5, 2008, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The selection of Jack H. Lucas is a constant reminder of the immense impact that actions taken by any sailor or marine can truly have.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct various operations, from peacetime presence to national security. DDGs provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface environments.
USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Paul Ignatius (117), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), and USS Momsen (DDG 92) are currently deployed overseas. These deployed Arleigh Burke-class destroyers contribute to various manned, unmanned, joint and maritime operations in support of operational commanders’ strategic vision.
The ceremony will be live streamed at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/32606. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event (9:50 a.m. EDT)
U.S. Navy Selects Lockheed Martin to Develop Integrated Combat System
Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Combat System is a scalable combat management system for the U.S. Navy that uses common software and computer infrastructure to rapidly field capability across all domains to the surface fleet. Rendering: Lockheed Martin.
MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 28, 2023 – The U.S. Navy selected Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) as its Integrated Combat System (ICS) Systems Engineering and Software Integration (SESI) agent. Lockheed Martin will design integrated warfare system architecture and capabilities so that software updates can be delivered in real time across the Navy’s surface fleet of Aegis destroyers, cruisers, and frigates, plus carriers and amphibious ships.
“Our 21st Century Security strategy is delivering capabilities like the Integrated Combat System, a next generation of combat management system capabilities to give decision-makers the tools needed to determine a course of action and then execute their critical missions,” said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager for Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin. “By leveraging the best of industry, we are creating the environment to quickly develop and field capabilities that will keep the Navy ready for current and future threats.”
Lockheed Martin continues to support the U.S. Navy’s vision to transform into a fully cohesive ICS by connecting multi-domain assets and driving to a common architecture across the surface fleet.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
In support of the ICS, Lockheed Martin is utilizing a digital thread that encompasses the entire ecosystem, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), DevSecOps and model-based engineering to manage new upgrades and cyber security considerations from the beginning of the development cycle through sustainment.
The ICS SESI program is formerly known as the Surface Combatant Combat Systems Engineering Agent role. Lockheed Martin has over five decades of experience providing the Aegis Weapon System to the Navy and international navies, and as the current provider of the Ship Self Defense System on large deck amphibious ships.
U.S. 5th Fleet Enhances Middle East Maritime Security with Unmanned Capabilities
GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 6, 2023) An Aerovel Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicle launches from the deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) in the Gulf of Oman, in an image released Oct. 6. U.S. 5th Fleet forces recently conducted an operation integrating unmanned platforms with traditionally crewed ships and aircraft to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. Seven task forces falling under U.S. 5th Fleet integrated 12 different unmanned platforms with manned ships for “manned-unmanned teaming” operations tracking Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs)
MANAMA, Bahrain – Last month, naval forces in the Middle East region successfully integrated unmanned platforms with traditionally crewed ships and aircraft to conduct enhanced maritime security operations in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula.
Seven task forces falling under U.S. 5th Fleet integrated 12 different unmanned platforms with manned ships for “manned-unmanned teaming” operations, tracking Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
This operation bolstered presence in and around a critical chokepoint that in recent months has seen Iran unlawfully seize internationally flagged merchant ships.
Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were involved in the operation.
“We have been operating UAVs and UUVs in the region for years,” said Capt. Joe Baggett, Director of Maritime Operations for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. “Adding our new USVs, and then integrating all of these platforms into fleet operations, is how we expect to fly and sail well into the future.”
Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, ships and aircraft from Task Force 51/5 (Amphibious/Marine), Task Force 52 (Mine Countermeasures), Task Force 53 (Logistics), Task Force 55 (Surface Warfare), Task Force 56 (Expeditionary), Task Force 57 (Patrol/Reconnaissance) and Task Force 59 (Unmanned/Artificial Intelligence) conducted the operations.
“The integration of new, multi-domain unmanned platforms into routine fleet operations provides more ‘eyes on the water,’ enhancing maritime domain awareness and increasing deterrence in the region,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.
Cooper added that collectively, these platforms support the safe navigation and free flow of commerce through vital regional chokepoints, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
“This enhanced maritime security serves as a deterrent against malign activity and strengthens regional stability, which is good for everybody,” he said.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.
Curtiss-Wright Awarded $34 Million Contract to Provide Airborne Data Recorder Technology to the U.S. Navy
DAVIDSON, N.C. – October 5, 2023 –Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that it has been awarded a five-year, $34 million firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) to provide Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) based airborne data recorder technology for use on U.S. and Australian manned and unmanned maritime aircraft.
Under the agreement, Curtiss-Wright will provide and service Keyed Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Airborne Recorder (K-BAR) Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions including chassis, docking stations, removable storage modules and lab cable sets.
“We are pleased to have been selected by the Naval Surface Warfare Center to provide our rugged airborne network attached storage technology and support services for Naval manned and unmanned aircraft programs,” said Lynn M. Bamford, Chair and CEO of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. “This award reflects our commitment to provide the most advanced and reliable open architecture data storage systems in support of our warfighters.”
As a leading supplier of MOSA based encrypted, solid-state network-attached storage subsystems, Curtiss-Wright is providing the NSWC with commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) open architecture K-BAR NAS equipment supporting MQ-4C Triton and future PMA-290 aircraft. The sole source contract provides training and engineering services support to the K-BAR equipment.
Ford Strike Group Strengthens Interoperability with Italy
IONIAN SEA – The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) concluded a series of high-end training events with Italian naval forces in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023, to increase interoperability as NATO allies and strengthen regional stability in the Mediterranean region.
“This opportunity to train with the Italian Navy again builds on our previous interactions during our current deployment and strengthens our interoperability skills as members of NATO,” said Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. “The exercise demonstrates our continued commitment to promote our shared interests of security, stability, and prosperity in the region and I am proud of our collective work to sustain this effort.”
The world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), and squadrons assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 participated with Italian Navy flagship ITS Cavour (CVH 550), Italian Orizzonte-class guided-missile destroyer ITS Caio Duilio (D 554), and Italian Bergamini-class guided-missile frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591).
The bilateral training events included multi-ship formation sails, cross-deck personnel training, helicopter cross-deck evolutions, various simulated defense exercises and airborne interoperability exercises between CVW-8 assets and ITS Cavour airwing.
“I am beyond proud of the work and training the Italian Carrier Strike Group has executed together with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group throughout their deployment. It has reinforced the interoperability and interchangeability within our naval forces and air assets, vital to the alliance. Our current multi-carrier operations continue to promote our shared dedication to the security and freedom of the seas in the Wider Mediterranean region” said RADM Giacinto Sciandra, Commander, Second Naval Division/Italian Maritime Forces.
Sailors assigned to Gerald R. Ford and Normandy participated in cross-deck evolutions with their foreign counterparts aboard Cavour and Duilio, further enhancing mutual understanding of operations and capabilities.
The GRFCSG is conducting a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations in support of interoperability and maritime security. 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. In total, the GRFCSG is deployed with more than 5,000 Sailors across all platforms ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking.
Gerald R. 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.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more information about 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).
