Release from Naval Sea Systems Command 

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By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON NAVY YARD – Vice Adm. William J. Galinis relinquished his assignment as Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) after successfully concluding his three-year tenure in a retirement and assumption of command ceremony held at the Washington Navy Yard, Sept. 1.

During the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro spoke about Galinis’ accomplishments throughout his 40 years of service to the Navy and the critical role NAVSEA plays in our nation’s defense.

“NAVSEA oversaw the successful completion of thousands of maintenance availabilities, all while taking critical steps to reduce maintenance delays across both private and our public shipyards,” said Secretary Del Toro. ”With each new ship delivered and every maintenance availability completed, Vice Admiral Galinis and his team ensured our fleet remained ready, lethal, and capable of responding to the demands of our Fleet and Combatant Commanders around the world. For the past three years, he has led the men and women of NAVSEA with the utmost integrity, developing a strong, mission-focused team while never wavering in his commitment to take care of his people.”

The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti served as the presiding officer over the ceremony.

“When you think about it, Naval Sea Systems Command is the engine that powers our entire fleet,” said Franchetti. “Our Navy would not be in the position of advantage we are today – with well over 100 ships and submarines deployed around the world – without Bill’s leadership these past three years.”

Vice Adm. Galinis, who became NAVSEA’s 45th commander in June 2020, thanked the command and its partners throughout the fleet and industry during his farewell address.  

During his tour of duty, Galinis led the NAVSEA enterprise, a global workforce of more than 86,000 civilian and military personnel, with a fiscal responsibility for nearly one quarter of the Navy’s entire budget. He ensured NAVSEA continued to deliver warfighting readiness through the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the fleet to continue normal operations.

“I am extremely proud of the NAVSEA team and work this team does for our Navy and country every day,” said Vice Adm. Galinis. “Across the spectrum from early stages of ship, submarine and combat system design to the construction, maintenance and modernization of these platforms and combat systems, it really is a true team effort. It has been a tremendous honor to work with and lead this incredibly talented and hardworking team.”  

During Galinis’ tenure, he oversaw the delivery of 22 battle force ships and 260 boats and craft to the U.S. Navy fleet, the completion of 168 CNO availabilities, and 1,600 continuous maintenance availabilities. He engaged his leadership team in sustained efforts focused on the four public shipyards, and surface ship availabilities in private shipyards, driving performance improvements and leadership expectations.

As the Head Contracting Authority, he oversaw the execution of over 160,000 contract actions valued at more than $180 billion. With awards for programs including the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, and Constellation-class multi-mission guided missile frigates, Galinis helped promote a long-term demand signal across shipbuilders and the vendor base while laying the foundation for a more capable and interoperable Navy fleet.

Through his leadership, the NAVSEA enterprise improved its overall warfighting readiness and provided an inherently flexible naval force and systems 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. Anderson thanked Galinis for his leadership and commitment to the nation.

Rear Adm. Tom Anderson assumes the role of acting NAVSEA commander having most recently served as Program Executive Officer, Ships where he was responsible for Navy shipbuilding of surface combatants, amphibious ships, logistics support ships, support craft, and related foreign military sales.

Anderson, a surface warfare officer who transferred to the engineering duty community in 1996, has served in a variety of industrial, fleet, program office, and headquarters assignments in ship design and construction, maintenance, budgeting, and requirements. Anderson’s previous flag assignments include commander of NAVSEA’s Surface Warfare Centers; and commander Navy Regional Maintenance Center and NAVSEA director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization and Sustainment.

Rear Adm. James Downey has been nominated as the next commander of NAVSEA, and has been temporarily assigned as a special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition while awaiting confirmation.

NAVSEA is the largest of the Navy’s six system commands, responsible for the building, buying, maintaining, and inactivation of ships, submarines and systems for the U.S. Navy.

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

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By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs | September 01, 2023 

MANAMA, Bahrain — 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) welcomes the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as the latest member of the International Maritime Security Construct, a multinational maritime coalition established in 2019 to deter attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East.  

Jordan becomes the twelfth member of IMSC and its operational arm, Coalition Task Force Sentinel, which also welcomed the Seychelles last October. The NAVCENT-led IMSC is headquartered in Bahrain.  

“Jordan as a proud nation understands the importance of free flow of global commerce and freedom of navigation and is committed to continuing its important role in underpinning global maritime security in cooperation with our allies and partners,” said Commander of the Royal Jordanian Naval Force, Col. Hisham Khaleel Al-Jarrah, in a statement announcing the move. “From this standpoint and in order to effectively confront the multifarious challenges this region faces in the complex maritime environment of the 21st century, we are excited to join the IMSC team.” 

He said Jordan has a proud naval tradition and that the RJNF, “is looking forward to adding our skills and professionalism to one of the most essential and effective multinational organization in the Middle East.” 

“Joining IMSC is the latest of many multilateral engagements by Royal Jordanian Navy,” he said, “and it is a continuation of our commitment to the collective responsibility of Maritime Security in the Middle East. Together as a team with our partners in IMSC, we can ensure the inherent right of freedom of navigation to merchant masters and enhance our maritime domain awareness.” 

“We’re very excited to have Jordan as part of IMSC,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “Regional security and stability is an imperative and Jordan has long played a key role in that endeavor.  Their representation on the IMSC makes our team that much stronger.” 

“I’m both thrilled and honored to welcome the Kingdom of Jordan to IMSC,” said United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore Peter Laughton, commander of IMSC. “Jordan brings to the construct a long history of championing the international rules-based order, and will join a vibrant and dynamic multinational coalition, committed to freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade in the Middle East. With Jordan’s addition, IMSC will continue delivering its vital mission along with our other important regional and European partners.”   

IMSC was formed in July 2019 in response to increased threats to merchant mariners transiting international waters in the Middle East. CTF Sentinel was established four months later to deter state-sponsored malign activity and reassure the merchant shipping industry in the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz. 

In addition to Jordan, IMSC’s member-nations include Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.  

Jordan is also a member of Combined Maritime Forces, another major naval partnership based in the Middle East, and also led by Cooper. 

Release from SENEDIA 

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Led by SASC Chair, SECNAV, and Navy VCNO, Conference Speakers Call for Innovation and Collaboration to Maintain American Competitiveness  

NEWPORT, R.I. — SENEDIA, the alliance for defense tech, talent, and innovation, yesterday concluded Defense Innovation Days, an important national defense convening that featured three days of policy discussion, industry networking, and planning for the future in an increasingly-complex national security landscape.  

Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, participated in multiple sessions, providing critical insight and underscoring the urgency of the moment.  

“Our defense industry leaders understand the urgency and enormity of the challenges we face today in a constantly changing national security landscape,” said Reed. “Our adversaries have found ways to exploit this environment, and in order to keep pace, we need to transform the Department of Defense to innovate at the speed of progress. Innovation must be nourished and maintained. We must work smarter and harder to regain ground lost.”  

Urgency, innovation, and collaboration emerged as key themes at this year’s 9^th annual event, with speakers warning of the potential consequences if investments stall in research and development, workforce training, or military deterrence.   

“Defense Innovation Days brings together the most influential voices in national security, paired with the most innovative leaders of the defense industry, and this year’s event illustrated the power of that partnership,” said Molly Donohue Magee, Executive Director of SENEDIA. “When we collaborate in service of our nation—guided by a desire to support our men and women in uniform—we can maintain and advance our strength at home and abroad.”  

Among the key takeaways are:    

• China and climate change are among the greatest threats and sources of instability facing our national security landscape.   
• We are in a “decade of maximum danger,” which calls for a “decisive decade” of investment, training, and strategic planning in return.   
• By working with and learning from private industry, as well as investing in its own internal capacity, DoD is rapidly scaling up the development and deployment of innovative and emerging technologies. Innovation must concurrently include the ability to scale to meet the demand.  
• Collaboration is essential to accelerate progress, including connecting supply chain companies to DoD contracts, investing in workforce development, and enacting meaningful public policy like AUKUS.  

Distinguished speakers at this sold-out event with more than 400 registrants included the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Dr. William LaPlante, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; and Rear Adm. John Mauger, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard First District.  

Urgency: Navigating a Complex Threat Environment  

America faces a range of threats at home and abroad, including the short- and long-term impacts of climate instability. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse ticked off a list of threats to the military created or worsened by the changing climate, such as sea level rise threatening coastal Naval bases.   

“Climate is also a huge catalyst of conflict. A lot of that will have to do with migration and a lot of that will have to do with the battle over resources,” said Whitehouse. “It gets real in a hurry.”  

Multiple speakers referenced DoD efforts to reduce climate emissions, including Rear Admiral John Mauger, Commander of the First Coast Guard District. The Coast Guard and their counterparts across branches have increasingly had to navigate severe storms, fires, floods, and other weather-related challenges.   

“Reflecting on all of this, I can’t help but feel that this level of complexity is our new normal. As complex as these situations are, I understand that command, control, multi-domain warfighting is even more complex,” he said.   

China was the other major threat highlighted extensively throughout the convening. Dr. Andrew Erickson, a Professor of Strategy at the Naval War College and Research Director of its China Maritime Studies Institute, offered a sobering conclusion, calling this the “decade of maximum danger,” as China maximizes its capabilities and investment.  

Innovation: Transforming Government and Industry, Together  

With the challenges clearly laid out, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro emphasized that, across the board, innovation is a key solution, particularly in the undersea environment.  

“Our nation expects us to be ready with the necessary capabilities and capacity to prevail now and in the future. We cannot do that without a tremendous and continuous push to innovate,” he said. “Our competitors have invested huge amounts of money into building up their capabilities and we must maintain the pace.”  

Innovation is happening as the Navy modernizes its fleet, with 86 ships under contract and 54 in construction, reducing maintenance delays in the process. Dr. William LaPlante, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, likewise pointed to billions of dollars in investments to industrial base activities and the supply chain and called on the audience to find additional ways to work together to drive progress.   

“We cannot be complacent in the undersea domain,” he said, pointing to the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—an initiative powered by SENEDIA that has supported the training of more than 3,400 defense professionals since 2020—as an example of ensuring that the armed services have the talent and technology they need to be effective. “It has been a poster child of how we can work together.”  

Task Force 59, charged with rapidly integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into maritime operations, is a hotbed for technology being tested, developed, and deployed. “We’re learning a lot. We’re failing fast. We’re iterating and we’re getting better,” said Captain Colin Corridan, Commodore of Task Force 59.  

Nickolas Guertin, Director of Department of Defense Operational Test and Evaluation, noted that some of the innovation needed is not just in the technologies and systems used, but in the processes behind them and the organizational culture that inspires people to think outside the box.  

“We need to better understand what it takes to move people in a different direction,” he said. “We need to embrace what we don’t know.”  

Collaboration: Making Connections to Accelerate Progress  

Complex challenges demand multi-pronged solutions. Most of all, said Vice Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti, they require collaboration. She said we are in the midst of a “decisive decade,” and compared the heightened need for defense investments today to the pre-war readiness efforts of the 1930s.   

“A decisive decade requires a decisive Naval force,” she said. “Only a concerted effort across the executive branch, Congress, Navy, and industry can provide and maintain the fleet America needs to deter, fight, and win wars at sea. The stakes are too high, and the time is too short, to act otherwise.”  

AUKUS was cited as a strong example of the power of collaboration. Lisa Radocha, Executive Director of the Program Executive Office Attack Submarines, and Vice Admiral William Houston, Commander, Naval Submarine Forces, served on a panel about the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Radocha called it a “monumental opportunity” and a “generational endeavor,” stressing that undersea warfare is one of the most important missions in the DoD.  

Defense Innovation Days is one of the mechanisms SENEDIA uses to increase collaboration between industry and DoD. On the exhibitor floor, best-in-class technology, products, and programs were on display as 30 sponsors connected with one another. During open questions across the three days, companies learned more about how to do business with and compete for contracts with the Department of Defense.  

Other speakers featured at Defense Innovation Days include Congressman Seth Magaziner; Dr. Brett Seidle, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test, and Engineering; Marie Bussiere, acting Technical Director for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport and DASN RDT&E Digital Transformation Executive for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center; and Brigadier General David Trybula, Deputy Commanding General, Combat Capabilities Development Command and Senior Commander of Natick Soldier Systems Center.  

The 10th annual Defense Innovation Days will take place 26-28 August 2024 in Newport, RI. Registration will open in January.  

Release from U.S. Fleet Forces Command 

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By Lt. Kevin Radford 

31 August 2023 

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Afloat Watch-station Intelligence Course (AWIC) Teams, formally known as Information Warfare Team Trainer, in both Virginia Beach and San Diego are continuing to efficiently and effectively prepare afloat Information Warfare teams from the fleet for deployment. 
 
AWIC is a scenario-based building block curriculum for commands that comprise Carrier Strike Groups, and Amphibious Readiness Groups, designed to help Sailors prepare for their Composite Training Unit Exercise, better known as COMPTUEX, as they seek deployment certifications. 
 
The San Diego and Virginia Beach AWIC teams collaborate and coordinate training evolutions for deploying information warfare teams in order to help enable operational readiness across the fleet. 
 
Cryptologic Technician Technical 1st Class Jasmine Turner, course supervisor for AWIC at the Virginia Beach site, explained that both officer and enlisted personnel within these Information Warfare teams are provided the knowledge and skills “to perform as an integrated Information Warfare team at the basic phase level, capable of providing indications and warnings for battlespace awareness to appropriate commanders in support of fleet intelligence operations.” 
 
Turner summarized the course as an opportunity for teams to understand the baseline for how to run their watch floors while on deployment. 
 
The AWIC course at IWTC Virginia Beach consists of three week long iterations (AWIC 1, 2, and 3) that steadily build in difficulty. AWIC 1 is a scenario simulated underway that helps supplementary plot and expeditionary plot Sailors develop their fundamental watch standing skills and processes, such as monitoring chat rooms and tactical reports, learn about the greater composite warfare command structure, and understand standard operating procedures. AWIC 2 increases the level of tension and amount of reporting during the simulated underway period, requiring the students to collaborate, incorporate, and fuse all source intelligence for the appropriate warfare commander. AWIC 3 raises the level of underway simulation to extremely heightened tensions and integrates all aspects of the information warfare community. 
 
Cryptologic Technician Collection Chief Marlena Peter, the course supervisor for AWC at the San Diego site, described the cohesive and organic flow from AWIC 1 to AWIC 3 as a process that becomes “more kinetic and increasingly difficult as the teams becomes more proficient.” Only after teams are deemed proficient at the basic fundamentals can they proceed to the more difficult stages of the course. 
 
The AWIC courses provide each command with a scenario based on the area of responsibility in which the command will be deployed. The Pacific and the Middle East are the current predominant options. The San Diego AWIC team has been instrumental in the development of new scenarios for the course, spearheading the development of a new series of 5th Fleet scenarios and the first ever scenario for 7th Fleet. 
 
Thus far in 2023, Virginia Beach and San Diego have helped train eleven commands including seven Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) and four Amphibious Readiness Groups (CPR); including CSG-2 (USS Dwight D. Eisenhower), CSG-8 (USS Harry S. Truman), CSG-5 (USS Ronald Reagan), CSG-1 (USS Carl Vinson), CSG-9 (USS Theodore Roosevelt), CSG-3 (USS Abraham Lincoln), CPR-8 (USS Bataan), CPR-4 (USS Wasp), CPR-5 (USS Boxer), CPR-11 (USS America). 
 
IWTCVB currently offers 74 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of over 300 military, civilian, and contract members who train over 7,000 students yearly at five training sites. It is one of four schoolhouses for the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) and also oversees learning sites at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; Jacksonville and Mayport, Fla.; Kings Bay, Ga.; and Groton, Conn. 
 
With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, Center for Information Warfare Training trains over 26,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. Center for Information Warfare Training also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community. 

Release from HII 

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PASCAGOULA, Miss., Aug. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division was awarded a $154.8 million contract modification today for the modernization of USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). 

“It is an honor to serve the sailors of Zumwalt and to welcome them to our community,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 1000 ship construction manager Bruce Knowles. “The Ingalls team is ready to support you in completing this important work.” 

USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) arrived in Pascagoula on Aug. 19 after leaving San Diego earlier in the month. The ship will enter a modernization period and receive technology upgrades including the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system, ensuring USS Zumwalt remains one of the most technologically advanced and lethal ships in the U.S. Navy. 

In January 2023, Ingalls was awarded a $10.5 million contract for the modernization period planning of Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). USS Michael Monsoor will receive the CPS install at Ingalls during a future modernization period. Additionally, Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002) arrived at Ingalls in January 2022 and is undergoing a combat systems activation. 

A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/zumwalt-ddg-1000-arrival-ingalls-shipbuilding-2023/. 

Zumwalt-class destroyers feature a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design and are equipped with the most advanced warfighting technology and weaponry. These ships will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control missions. 

In the last five years, HII has invested nearly $1 billion in the infrastructure, facility and toolsets at Ingalls, enabling their people, improving product flow and process efficiency, and enhancing product quality. As a long-standing partner in the construction and system activation of Navy destroyers, Ingalls is able to leverage their 85-year shipbuilding legacy and modernized facilities to support future generation systems and platforms. 

Release from Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Public Affairs  

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Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Public Affairs  

The future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) will join the active fleet on October 7, with a commissioning ceremony in Tampa, Florida. DDG 125 will be the Navy’s first Flight III destroyer with notable technological upgrades. The Flight III upgrades are centered on the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporates upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity. 

Guided-missile destroyers provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, and expeditionary strike groups. They are capable of conducting anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). 

The ship’s name was selected on Sept. 17, 2016 by then Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to serve as a constant reminder to the immense impact actions taken by any one Sailor or Marine can truly have. 

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 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 June 5, 2008 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 

Ruby Lucas, widow of the ship’s namesake, and philanthropist Cathy Reynolds are the ship’s sponsors. 

This will be the first Naval warship to bear the name Jack H. Lucas. 

Following commissioning, USS Jack H. Lucas will transit to its homeport of San Diego. 

Release from Marine Corps Systems Command 

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By Johannes Schmidt, Marine Corps Systems Command 

29 August 2023 

QUANTICO, Va. — The 2018 National Defense Strategy warns that U.S. adversaries are actively challenging the long-standing rules-based international order, thus “creating a security environment more complex and volatile than any we have experienced in recent memory.” 
 
Building on the Pentagon’s observations, Gen. David H. Berger, then-commandant of the Marine Corps, released his seminal 2019 Commandant’s Planning Guidance, in which he proposed sweeping changes aimed at transforming the Corps from its established land-focused role in the Middle East into a naval expeditionary force-in-readiness primed for active engagement in contested maritime spaces within the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
This ultimately led to the initiation of Force Design 2030—a strategic overhaul aimed at transforming the Marine Corps into a more agile, technologically advanced force, prioritizing stand-in forces, littoral operations, modernization, force sizing and composition, training, and international cooperation. 
 
For the acquisition community, the shift to Force Design 2030 opens doors for creativity and innovation, as seen in the development and fielding of cutting-edge gear by Marine Corps Systems Command and Program Executive Officer Land Systems. 
 
As Marine Corps Systems Command’s Executive Director, Dr. Todd Calhoun, recently told Quantico’s acquisition workforce, “As we prepare to face potential future adversaries, it is becoming increasingly evident that acquisition is the pacing element of Force Design 2030.” 

 
In reimagining the Corps for future battlefields, Force Design 2030 centers on a leaner, agile force equipped for naval expeditionary warfare and prepared for an unpredictable future. 
 
“Force Design 2030 is more than a strategy – it’s a vision for the future of the Marine Corps, one that takes into account the evolving challenges of the modern battlefield,” said Brig. Gen. David C. Walsh, commander of MARCORSYSCOM. “As we shift focus towards the Indo-Pacific, it’s imperative we equip our Marines with the cutting-edge tools and technologies that give us an edge in this new operational landscape.” 
 
A significant aspect of this transformation is the realignment and reduction in ground and aviation forces, signaling a transition from traditional ground combat and emphasizing naval expeditionary warfare and its distinct demands. 
 
In parallel, the strategy underlines the deployment of cutting-edge technologies like unmanned aerial and ground systems, advanced air defenses, and anti-ship missiles to enhance the Corps’ ability to sense, strike, and counter targets. 
 
These capabilities are acquired through a process of continuous experimentation and an emphasis on user feedback, particularly from the fleet. 
 
“Our requirements are well-defined, but there’s been an intriguing rediscovery process within the acquisition community,” shared Program Executive Officer Land Systems Stephen Bowdren. “We’ve come to understand that, as important as our requirements are, the unique needs and experiences of each Marine are just as critical. We’re not merely fulfilling a requirement; we’re also taking into account the user experience and focusing on ensuring the success of our warfighters.” 
 
Walsh is confident that MARCORSYSCOM will continue to prepare the warfighter to fight and win in any clime or place. 
 
“While China stands as our primary adversary, our commitment remains unwavering to protect American interests across the globe,” he said. “The strategic rationale behind our approach is clear: equipping our forces with the capabilities to effectively engage in this highly challenging theater ensures that we have the necessary tools to respond to crises, conflicts, and responsibilities wherever they may arise worldwide.” 

As Ukraine’s successful use of the American High Mobility Artillery Rocket System has shown in Eastern Europe, American capabilities remain versatile—especially against our stated adversaries. 
 
“Nevertheless, we must acknowledge the magnitude and breadth of the challenges confronting us, in both military and economic terms, that pose the most substantial threat we’ve faced in generations,” Bowdren explained. “That said, I wouldn’t say we were ever unprepared for this challenge. We just never want a fair fight. We want a completely unfair fight if it comes to that. Our part in that effort is to develop, build, deliver, and sustain dominant warfighting capabilities for our Marines.” 
 
Evolving Acquisition for Future Battlefields 
 
While Force Design 2030 reimagines the operational role of the warfighter, it also opens the door for innovative acquisition, putting bleeding-edge gear in the hands of Marines. 
 
“Change and evolution are hardwired into the DNA of the Marine Corps,” said Calhoun. “The shift towards the Indo-Pacific under Force Design 2030 brings new challenges and opportunities in acquisition. Our commitment is to drive innovation and smart procurement strategies that ensure our Marines have the best tools and technologies to adapt, succeed and ultimately dominate in this evolving landscape.” 
 
Three years into Force Design 2030’s ten-year timeline, the modeling and experimentation stage, which permitted the divestment of legacy gear, is complete. That means the focus lies solidly on equipping the warfighter—both at home and in the field. 
 
“One of the big shifts that we did this year from a planning and possibly a programming perspective is that we said divestments are complete. We are no longer looking to figure out what do we need to get rid of in order to modernize,” Brig. Gen. Stephen Lightfoot, director of Marine Corps’ Capabilities Development Directorate told reporters in June. 
 
So far, this has meant a shift towards acquiring state-of-the-art gear allowing Marines to beat their adversaries on the battlefield while operating independently in small, distributed forces—often for extended periods with limited outside support. 
 
This has led to the development of capabilities like the expeditionary fueling systems, multi-wave radio systems, an updated vehicular fleet, and the Corps’ first medium-range air defense capability since HAWK. 
On the MARCORSYSCOM side, one program that stands out is the Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessel—or LRUSV. 

Lauded as one of the Corps’ first semi-autonomous vessel programs, the LRUSV aligns with the Commandant’s latest Force Design 2030 update, where Berger envisioned a future in which “amphibious warfare ships will offer even more capability, serving as ‘motherships’ for a variety of manned, unmanned, and human-machine teamed systems.” 
 
“Through Middle Tier of Acquisition rapid prototyping authorities, the team was able to assess the market, place vendors on agreement, and quickly deliver LRUSVs, autonomy software, sensors, and C2 equipment,” said Col. Paul Gillikin who, until recently, served as program manager for Fire Support Systems. 

“Due to our strong vendor-program office team, we had a boat in the water one year from agreement award despite COVID supply chain impacts. The benefits of the LRUSV prototyping effort allows the Marine Corps to understand the concept, costs, and [Doctrinal, Organizational, Training, Materiel, Leadership and education, Personnel, Facilities and Policy] implications before the Service becomes fully invested,” he continued. 
 
This rapid prototyping process ultimately allowed Gillikin’s team to get LRUSV on the water and in the hands of Marines for testing quickly, allowing for increased Marine feedback throughout the acquisition process. 

Col. Craig Clarkson, commanding officer at Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, adds perspective to this emphasis on feedback, stating, “Force Design 2030 is not simply a blueprint for the future; it’s a call for dynamic engagement with the Fleet. Their firsthand experiences, tactical insights, and invaluable feedback are integral to our acquisition process and help shape our understanding of what is needed to fight and win on the modern battlefield.” 
 
Similarly, PEO Land Systems has been successful in bringing back the Corps’ air defense capabilities through its Ground-Based Air Defense systems. The Medium-Range Intercept Capability, or MRIC, is one example of this programmatic success. 
 
“A striking example of successful acquisition support to Force Design 2030 execution can be seen in our Ground-Based Air Defense system,” said Bowdren. “Just five years ago, our primary air defense weapon was the Stinger Man-Portable Air-Defense System. Today, we’ve implemented systems like the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System, MRIC, and we’re seeing the emergence of Installation Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. In a very short period of time, we’ve established a comprehensive suite of capabilities designed to counter the full range of aerial threats to Marines.” 
 
The transformation undergone by the Marine Corps is manifest in the groundbreaking gear that equips Marines. The past three years have been marked by a radical overhaul, with MARCORSYSCOM and PEO Land Systems leading the acquisition charge towards force modernization. 
 
The journey, though charted with unerring foresight and audacity, continues to evolve. Experimentation, an integral part of this process, has allowed for the rapid adaptation and refinement of systems to best serve Marines’ operational needs. The input and feedback from Marines, those on the ground, have been invaluable in this phase, fine-tuning advancements to the unique demands of the modern battlefield. 
 
Through the vision of Force Design 2030, MARCORSYSCOM and its supported Program Executive Offices have updated the Corps’ equipment and embraced a new generation of warfare—utilizing bleeding-edge gear and cutting-edge tactics that redefine the landscape of conflict. The transformation promised by FD 2030 is underway, and with it, the Marine Corps is poised to ensure America’s continued military superiority, no matter the time or place. 

Release from Draper 

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Draper begins work on a new campus in Florida to support the nation’s defense, security and space exploration interests. 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Draper will further demonstrate its commitment to the Strategic Deterrence Mission and to the nation’s defense, security, and space exploration interests today with the groundbreaking ceremony for its Strategic Enhanced Ground Test Facility (SEGTF) in Riverfront Center, Titusville, Fla. 

As part of the infrastructure investment, the Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Test Facility will enable testing of critical Guidance, Navigation & Control technologies with the support of a world-class centrifuge and associated Navy Test Facilities resident at Cape Canaveral. Approximately 50 Draper employees will be initially located in the SEGTF. 

The ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. EDT at the Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Test Facility site located at 6280 Riverfront Center Boulevard, Titusville, Fla. 

Highlighting the occasion will be remarks from Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe, Jr., USN, Director, Strategic Systems Programs; Draper CEO and President Dr. Jerry M. Wohletz; Draper Vice President and General Manager of Navy Strategic Systems Robert Bacon; and Draper Board of Directors Chairman David Shedd. 

“As the U.S. Navy’s strategic guidance prime contractor, Draper has designed and supported the guidance system for every fleet ballistic missile deployed since the program began in 1955,” Wohletz said. “This new facility enables Draper to continue to deliver on that legacy while preparing for major nuclear triad modernization efforts and underscores Draper’s commitment to national security.” 

The Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Test Facility will have approximately 37,000 square feet. This facility will house Draper employees, providing core capabilities in simulation, hardware-in-the-loop and system test to continue to enable a ‘test-as-you-fly’ approach for exquisite guidance components required in high accuracy, reliability and survivability applications. This range of services will provide local hiring opportunities. The long-term vision expands Draper’s campus footprint and includes future expansion to support over 150 employees. 

“We look forward to continuing this important mission with our industry partners,” said Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe, Jr., USN, Director, Strategic Systems Programs. “Draper has long pioneered innovative test approaches for Strategic Weapons Systems and this facility will continue that legacy.” 

Robert Bacon, Vice President and General Manager of Navy Strategic Systems at Draper, said, “The Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Test Facility continues our commitment to provide the Navy with a highly capable, reliable, flexible test infrastructure that replicates environments only seen in costly missile tests. These proven approaches are critical as we look to develop and deploy capabilities at a pace we have not seen in decades across the Strategic mission domain.” 

Construction of the building is scheduled for completion in summer of 2026. Draper will serve as the sole tenant of the Draper Strategic Enhanced Ground Test Facility. North American Properties was the property seller and will be serving as the property development partner. 

Release from Naval Air Systems Command 

***** 

Sparks, Nev.–The Tailhook Association’s 2023 symposium—Hook ’23—took place August 24- 26, 2023, ending with a banquet keynoted by the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Adm. John Aquilino, and Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell. The three-day event featured dialogue from across carrier aviation, providing opportunities for naval aviators to honor their past as well as to discuss the requirements for current readiness and the future force. 

As senior leaders and senior naval aviators, Aquilino and Whitesell participated in multiple events throughout the three-day symposium, listening to the needs of the fleet and sharing with them high-level perspectives. 

Aquilino emphasized that Naval Aviation members have to “be ready … We are doing everything, every day, to prevent conflict. That’s what we do.” He added that a war in the Pacific would be detrimental to every nation on earth. The United States doesn’t want that but would win if necessary. “The integrated joint force of the United States is not something you’re ready to take on today, tomorrow or any day,” Aquilino stated. 

The camaraderie and unmatched abilities of Naval Aviation were common threads throughout Hook ’23. Whitesell stated, “It is up to us, every person in this room, to make the Navy and Naval Aviation an elite culture that America’s brightest, toughest and most innovative youth choose to join … it relies on us to maintain the mindset of duty, preparedness and sacrifice–a culture evidenced in past heroes, who have truly set the example.” 

This year’s theme focused on Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), with two panels exploring how Naval Aviation has progressed in the two decades since that conflict began, the lessons learned from those who flew operations and how the experiences of that generation form the new generation of warfighters. One panel featured speakers who were junior officers during the conflict while the other featured senior leaders from the conflict.  

Naval Aviation played a pivotal role in OIF’s success and in supporting joint and coalition forces on the ground. “There’s a constant steady push for integration across the force from seabed to space,” said Naval Air Warfare Development Center, Deputy Commanding Officer, Capt. Michael “Snap” Langbehn. Operating from aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, pilots and aircrew provided crucial air support, reconnaissance and strike capabilities that significantly contributed to the campaign’s achievements.  

For many of the people involved in OIF, the confidence in them to execute combat operations safely showcased the level of training and skill needed to be an immediate asset. “There was an amazing amount of trust that was put into us; we went from flight school to flying combat missions in a short amount of time,” said the Commander of Carrier Air Wing One, Capt. Brad “Keds” Converse.  

During the most emotionally powerful panel, four Vietnam Prisoners of War (POWs) shared stories and lessons from captivity. In a large ballroom filled to standing room only, attendees listened to the compelling narratives of Capt. Rod Knutson, Capt. Irv Williams, Mr. Dave Everett and Capt. Jack Ensch as they described how they endured as POWs in the infamous Hanoi Hilton and came back to live meaningful, productive lives of contribution. 

“We didn’t stop fighting when we were captured,” Williams said. “We were proud to serve. We are proud of this country.” 

Another cornerstone of the symposium was the Aviation Flag Panel. In addition to Aqulino and Whitesell, panelists were: U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm; Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Vice Adm. Carl Chebi; Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Rear Adm. Douglas Verissimo; the Navy’s N98, Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly; Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel, Rear Adm. Michael Baze; and Chief of Naval Air Training, Rear Adm. Richard Brophy. They answered questions from the crowd and provided updates to a number of projects and initiatives.  

Donnelly spoke about how carriers are a lynchpin in Naval Aviation. The ability to get the carriers in the new Ford-class delivered on-time is essential, and the Navy is working closely with industry to optimize the process. 

Other topics touched included the Air Wing of the Future including the incorporation of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, an improved pipeline for new students training to be naval aviators and the continued press for improving quality of life/quality of service.  

Chebi encouraged aviators to come to his command, NAVAIR, as part of the test community. They need the best and the brightest, he said, to test the future capabilities of Naval Aviation. 

Other programming from the symposium included panels about resourcing, the Naval Safety Command, careers and industry as well as a winging ceremony in which several new aviators pinned on their wings of gold–a meaningful experience for everyone in the community. For additional information from Hook ‘23 and pictures from the winging, POW panel and more, visit then follow the NAE on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/naval-aviation-enterprise, on Facebook @NAEready and on X @NAE_Readiness. 

Release from Lockheed Martin 

***** 

The $2.7 billion contract is the largest for the King Stallion 
 
STRATFORD, Conn., Aug. 24, 2023  — The U.S. Navy awarded Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, a  $2.7 billion contract to build and deliver 35 additional CH-53K helicopters – the largest procurement to date for this multi-mission aircraft. 
 
“This contract award for 35 CH-53K helicopters stabilizes Sikorsky’s nationwide supply base, creates additional production efficiencies, and provides the U.S. Marine Corps with transformative 21st century technologies,” said Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky. “Our long-standing partnership led to this best value contract award providing the capability and readiness the Marines need.” 
 
The agreement includes 12 U.S. Marine Corps Lot 7 aircraft, 15 U.S. Marine Corps Lot 8 aircraft, and eight aircraft for Israel. 
 
Sikorsky will begin delivering these aircraft in 2026. 
 
This contract significantly advances Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy on the path toward a multi-year agreement and the 200-aircraft Marine Corps Program of Record. 
 
Eight More CH-53K Special Ops Helicopters for Israeli Air Force 
 
This contract award includes eight additional CH-53K helicopters for the Israeli Air Force and follows the initial production announcement in 2022 for the first four aircraft under a U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales agreement. 
 
The multi-mission CH-53K will support Israeli special operations programs, as well as provide the Israeli Defense Forces with a platform that has the speed, safety, survivability, and gross weight capability to support all of its missions including troop and cargo transport and search and rescue. 
 
Focus on Full-Rate Production 
 
The U.S. Navy declared Full-Rate Production for the CH-53K program in December 2022. This is expected to increase production to more than 20 helicopters annually in the coming years. 
 
Sikorsky is procuring long-lead items and critical materials to support ramp up of CH-53K production in its digital factory. 
 
“Our skilled employees are using digital tools to build more efficiently as these helicopters roll off the production line and into the hands of the Marines,” said Dana Fiatarone, vice president, Sikorsky Marine Corps Systems. “The performance of the CH-53K in the fleet validates its capabilities to provide a strategic advantage and shows that even more is possible with this aircraft.” 
 
The CH-53K operated by Marines in the fleet continue to achieve milestones: 
• U.S. Marines exceed 1,000 operational flight hours in the CH-53K. 
• CH-53K completed second successful sea trial. 
• U.S. Marines transferred supplies from KC-130 into a CH-53K 
 
#OnlytheKCan 
 
The CH 53K is a multi-mission helicopter with heavy-lift capabilities that exceed all other U.S. Department of Defense rotary-wing aircraft and is the only heavy-lift helicopter that will remain in production through 2032 and beyond. The CH-53K can carry a 27,000-pound external load over 110 nautical miles in high/hot conditions, which is more than triple the external load-carrying capacity of the legacy CH-53E in the same conditions. 
 
The CH-53K King Stallion is designed to conduct expeditionary assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations, critical in the Indo-Pacific region. The CH-53K is a digitally-designed, market-available aircraft, enabling a range of operations such as humanitarian relief, firefighting, and search and rescue. 
 
For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-ch-53k-helicopter