By MCSN Aaron Haro Gonzalez, Oct.4, 2024 

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  –  Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) returned to its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a historic maiden deployment, Oct. 4. 

While in the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of operation as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), Daniel Inouye promoted regional stability and security, deterred aggression, and protected the free flow of commerce throughout its nine-month deployment. 

“When you look at the history of Daniel Inouye, he had to fight to prove that he was an American through joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On this deployment, we as the Sailors of USS Daniel Inouye, carried his name into the Pacific and then into the 5th Fleet area of operation for the very first time, honoring his legacy,” said Cmdr. Kevin Dore, commanding officer of Daniel Inouye. “I’m extremely proud of the readiness and responsiveness our crew displayed throughout deployment. We were always ready to go, as evidenced by how quickly we manned our RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) to come to the aid of two distressed Iranian mariners lost at sea.” 

TRCSG rescued the two civilian Iranian mariners in international waters, Aug. 23, 2024. A RHIB from Daniel Inouye, along with a search and rescue helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, successfully recovered the mariners from the water and took them to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for medical care. 

“Every single day this crew goes about their daily routines, treating every drill like it’s real life. Every time a real situation comes up, everyone is cool, calm and collected under pressure,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kelly, executive officer of Daniel Inouye. “That is ‘going for broke,’ when you give everything you have to everything you do in training. I’m honored to be part of a crew that gives their all every single day like the team on this ship.” 

“Go For Broke” was the motto of the Army’s storied 442nd Regimental Combat Team and is now carried on by the crew of Daniel Inouye, featured prominently on the ship’s crest. 

When not at sea, Daniel Inouye Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy foreign cultures during port visits to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. 

“Being a plankowner, I’ve been here since commissioning. One thing that stands out about this ship and this crew is its resiliency,” said Command Master Chief Simeon Yeboah, Daniel Inouye’s senior enlisted leader. “I think the crew learns through history and what we teach about the man who represents this ship. I see Sailors who are proud of what they mean to the team and how they come together to make this ship work.” 

The ship is named after Honolulu native Daniel Inouye, a decorated World War II veteran who was elected as one of Hawaii’s first representatives in the U.S. Congress. In 1962, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until his death in 2012, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history. He served as President pro tempore of the Senate in his final years, which made him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S history. 

After graduating high school in 1942, Inouye, tried to enlist in the Army but Japanese-Americans were not allowed to join following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 activated the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up exclusively of Japanese-American enlisted men but commanded almost entirely by Caucasian officers. In October 1944, Inouye received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant for his actions rescuing 211 U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment from German forces. During the battle, enemy fire hit Inouye in the chest, but a silver dollar in the chest pocket deflected the bullet, saving his life. In April 1945, Inouye lost his right arm in combat and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. In the 1990s, Congress and the military reviewed the cases of WWII soldiers who may have been denied the nation’s highest honor due to racism. In 2000, Inouye and 19 other Japanese-American veterans of the 442nd were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, becoming the first – and to date, only – senator to receive both the Medal of Freedom and Medal of Honor. 

The TRCSG is commanded by Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG 9) and composed of the flagship Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Halsey (DDG 97), Daniel Inouye, and USS Russell (DDG 59) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23. 

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. 

From HII 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division Thursday. 

“I firmly believe that honing our warfighting skills has primacy in all we do,” Brown said. “It was great to see the hard work of the Navy’s shipbuilding team alongside our defense industry partners ensuring we maintain our edge through the construction of the next Ford-class carrier and Columbia-class submarine. These efforts provide our military with unmatched capabilities, reinforcing our ability to operate effectively across any mission, in any domain, and in any region of the world.” 

While at NNS, Brown visited shipbuilders and sailors on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), saw construction progress on Virginia- and Columbia– class submarine modules, and met with shipyard leadership. Adm. William Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, and Vice Adm. Jim Downey, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, accompanied the chairman. 

“Our shipbuilders’ commitment to supporting the Department of Defense is unwavering, and we are grateful General Brown invested time to see that for himself,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. “The nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines we build and maintain are vital to our national security, and we are proud to deliver these critical capabilities to those who defend our freedoms.” 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff-at-newport-news-shipbuilding/. 

NNS is the nation’s sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear‐powered submarines. 

Contract Overview 

The scope of the contract, which was booked in the second quarter of 2024, includes the design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation of two independent PLS units at a U.S. Navy facility over a three-year period. The program and the facility, managed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD), will serve as the primary site for testing and qualification of propulsion systems for a new generation of advanced naval vessels, such as the FFG-62 and DDG(X).  By simulating real-world shipboard conditions, the PLS is designed to help reduce technical risks, streamline development timelines, and train future crews, providing a strategic advantage to the Navy. 

The system is expected to incorporate a full suite of power conversion technologies, including propulsion load electric motors, E-houses, power electronic motor drives, switchboards, motor control centers, load banks, transformers, and related essential infrastructure. 

“GE Vernova is proud to contribute to the U.S. Navy’s future naval capabilities by delivering innovative testing solutions that help lower the technology risk and prepare crews for the next generation of surface vessels,” said Ed Torres, Business Line Leader of GE Vernova’s Power Conversion Business. “This contract reflects our commitment to advancing naval technology through reliable, efficient propulsion load management systems.” 

Technological Significance: 

The contract further solidifies GE Vernova’s leadership in providing more energy-efficient electric propulsion technologies for complex naval applications. With over 40 U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessel references, decades of experience with land-based test facilities, and successful integration of similar systems in programs such as the Columbia Class and Zumwalt Class, GE Vernova continues to demonstrate its expertise in this field. 

Program Background 

The award comes from the US Navy’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships under the program offices PMS 515 (frigates) and PMS 460 (DDG(X) program), with technical and programmatic ownership by the NSWC. The agreement, administered through the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium (MSTIC) and managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI) is the largest agreement awarded to date on the MSTIC Other Transaction Authority (OTA). 

This is GE Vernova Power Conversion’s first Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award. OTAs provide the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies with the flexibility needed to carry out innovation, prototype, research, and production programs by adapting and incorporating business practices that align with commercial industry standards. They promote flexible, faster, and more cost-effective product design and execution. 

LOCKPORT, La., — (October 3, 2024) – Bollinger Shipyards (“Bollinger”) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to build the U.S. Navy’s seventh Auxiliary Personnel Lighter–Small (APL 73) Class berthing and messing barge. The contract award is for a fixed-price option for the detail design and construction of the vessel.   

“We’re honored to be entrusted by the U.S. Navy to continue building these critical vessels that improve the quality of life for our sailors,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “We take great pride in every single vessel we build and deliver to the U.S. Navy. This contract reflects the relentless work ethic of our skilled workforce and their commitment to upholding the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship that our company was founded on and, 78-years later, remains dedicated to.”   

Bollinger delivered APL 70 and 71—to the U.S. Navy in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and is currently building APL 72.  APLs are used by the Navy to house crewmembers when ships are in port for availabilities and Inter-Deployment Training Cycles. Notably, Bollinger tailors the barge’s mobility requirement into the design, ensuring they can be towed to new bases or shipyards to support changing fleet requirements. Such mobility offers additional capabilities to serve humanitarian missions and other temporary assignments.   

APLs are 269 feet long, 69 feet wide and have a draft of 7 feet. Each vessel is equipped with offices, classrooms, washrooms, laundry facilities, medical treatment areas, a barber shop and fitness center. With mess seating for 224 enlisted personnel and 28 officers, each meal is served via five 20-minute shifts to allow food service for 1,130 personnel (three meals per day). The vessels are fitted with mixed-gender berthing spaces for 74 officers and 537 enlisted personnel, for a total of 611 people.   

From SECNAV Public Affairs, Oct.4, 2024 

TUSCON, AZ (October 4, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Raytheon Technologies (RTX) to receive updates and provide feedback on advanced naval capabilities and programs today.  Discussions with Raytheon leadership addressed production timelines, industrial base health, and future technology development. 

Secretary Del Toro met with Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon, Gina Cunningham, Vice President for Naval Missile Systems, and Gerard Hueber, Vice President of Requirements and Capabilities. 

During discussions, the Secretary emphasized the importance of continued investment in the defense industrial base to deliver cutting-edge solutions that strengthen maritime dominance amidst ongoing operations and in strategic competition.  He pointed to proven success of U.S. Navy weapons systems aboard carrier strike groups and guided-missile destroyers to defeat Houthi and Iranian attacks in the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.  He also noted competitors were watching those engagements closely and taking note of the Navy’s success. 

“No one should doubt our Navy and Marine Corps team’s ability to deploy and operate the world’s most complex naval weapons systems in self-defense and in defense of our allies and partners,” said Del Toro.  “That is exactly why we invest so much to develop our maritime threats, but also to deter our strategic competitors from testing our resolve.  That is also why this important visit is timely before our Navy demonstrates the ability to rearm at sea for the first time next week. “ 

The Secretary received updates on several critical programs including, the Standard Missile family, the AN/SPY-6 radar, the Tomahawk missile system and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS) capabilities.  The Secretary also received updates on accelerating SM-6 Block IA production, including investments to increase production capacity, secure more sources for critical components, and modernize manufacturing processes.  Discussions also addressed the evolving threat of unmanned aircraft systems and the company’s ongoing efforts to develop and deploy effective countermeasures. 

This visit reinforced the importance of a robust and resilient defense industrial base.  The Secretary expressed confidence in Raytheon’s commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions that support the Department of the Navy’s mission. 

By Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Public Affairs, Oct. 3, 2024 

U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations – The Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS), operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, has established a third orbit in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR), Oct. 1.  

“Enabled by the Navy’s Get Real, Get Better charge to think and act differently, and executed by the women and men of ‘Big Red’, the MQ-4C has achieved the unprecedented stand-up of three orbits, vastly increasing the maritime domain awareness for the Joint Force. Additionally, and through capitalizing on U.S. 10th Fleet’s distributed networks, we are rapidly closing the sensor to shooter gap,” Capt. Ronald Rumfelt, commanding officer VUP-19 said. 
 
Triton first deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam as an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in August 2023 soon followed by a second detachment flying from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy in April 2024. With the stand-up of a third orbit in U.S. Central Command, VUP-19, or “Big Red,” achieved the unprecedented milestone of remotely operating simultaneously in three AORs from its home base at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. 
 
More impressive is that the squadron, supported by Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, achieved this milestone in just over one year from IOC.     
 
The MQ-4C Triton provides a persistent maritime ISR capability using multiple sensors. Along with P-8A Poseidon manned aircraft and TacMobile ground support system, the MQ-4C Triton is integral to the Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) Family of Systems (FoS). The MQ-4C is the numerical replacement for the retiring EP-3 Aries II, Navy’s long standing manned signals intelligence platform. 
 
The recently released CNO Navigation Plan 2024, Navy’s strategic guidance from the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, specifically calls out the operationalization of robotic and autonomous systems. CNO Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Project 33 sets priorities for accelerated implementation and seeks to move proven autonomous systems into the hands of the warfighters. Embodying this warfighting approach, that is exactly what VUP-19 is doing. 
 
Currently, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group / Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific (CPRG/CPRG-PAC) provides oversight to more than 7,000 men and women on both coasts operating the U.S. Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft. 
 
The Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Force is administratively organized into two CONUS Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington: including 14 Patrol and Reconnaissance squadrons, one Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and over 45 subordinate commands. The forward-deployed MPRF consists of three Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings in Manama, Bahrain (CTF-57); Sigonella, Sicily (CTF-67) and Atsugi, Japan (CTF-72). The MPRF is the Navy’s premiere provider for airborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. 

By U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs  

Sept. 27, 2024 

KEY WEST, Fla.  –  U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet demonstrated unmanned air, surface and undersea capabilities from the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington during the command’s annual Hybrid Fleet Campaign Event in Key West from Sept. 19-26, 2024. 
  
The event focused on evaluating attritable unmanned kill chains, assuring command and control, and leveraging non-traditional small business innovations. It served as both a proving ground for emerging technologies and an opportunity for partner nations and industry leaders to witness capabilities that could support the hybrid fleet. 
“We are excited about again collaborating with the Office of Naval Research, other Navy commands, and our academic and industry partners to conduct multiple experiments in the Key West Operating Area,” said Dr. Chris Heagney, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Fleet/Force Advisor, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “We consider our Fleet as the test bed for experimentation and innovation, and the Fleet experiments we will conduct will hopefully lead to future victories on the battlefield.” 
  
U.S. 4th Fleet is operationalizing robotic autonomous systems with many partners including Navy Small Business Innovation Research Experimentation Cell and Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic in support of Chief of Naval Operations objectives outlined in Project 33 of the 2024 Navigation Plan. 
  
Experiments were conducted using unmanned aircraft systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles to focus on Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting, Assured Command and Control, and Small Business Innovative Research. A key tenant of operationalizing these systems is to push technologies to their limits, embrace risk, and ensure lessons learned. 
  
“These experiments are not about reaching 100% of our objectives,” said Cmdr. David Edwards, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet N9 Technology and Innovation Director. “The goal of the campaign is to push these technologies to their limits and learn from the exercises no matter the outcome.” 
  
The campaign aimed to combine manned and unmanned systems to allow U.S. 4th Fleet to deploy and integrate unmanned systems and AI tools to bolster maritime domain awareness, counter narcotics and counter illegal unreported and unregulated fishing efforts throughout the area of operations while learning how other fleets across the world could use robotic systems to support their objectives. 
  
In addition to demonstrating unmanned capabilities for partner nations in attendance like Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, STEM subject matter experts from various Department of the Navy laboratories participated in the Scientists-to-Sea program during the event as observers aboard USNS Burlington in the Atlantic Ocean. 
  
While weather did impact the end of the event, crews demonstrated remarkable flexibility in adapting to schedule changes. Their efforts allowed for all predetermined objectives to be met, despite the challenges. 
  
“Overall, it was a great event that wouldn’t have been possible without support from the 37 participating DoD commands, our 31 industry partners, 4 universities, and our NAS Key West hosts,” said Cmdr. Jason Queen, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet N9 Technology and Innovation Deputy Director. “We had 4 vessels, including Burlington, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that will inform and help shape the Hybrid Fleet of the future. This collaborative effort truly exemplifies the power of partnership in advancing naval capabilities.” 
  
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides the Navy a permissive theater to operate unmanned systems, develop tactics, techniques, and procedures against near-peer competitors, refine manned-unmanned command and control infrastructure, and inform the Navy’s hybrid fleet of the 2030’s. 

By Team Ships Public Affairs, Sept. 6, 2024 

New Orleans, Louisiana – The U.S. Navy accepted the delivery of the latest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), LCAC 110, from Textron Systems on Sept. 6. This new addition to the fleet signifies a substantial enhancement in the Navy’s amphibious capabilities, providing a vital asset for rapid deployment and logistical support. 

The delivery of LCAC 110 comes after completion of Acceptance Trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, which tested the readiness and capability of the craft to effectively meet its requirements. 

“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “The introduction of LCAC 110 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.” 

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

Textron Systems is currently in serial production on LCACs 111-123. 

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

By Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) Public Affairs, Oct. 1, 2024 

MARINETTE — The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Beloit (LCS 29) from Lockheed Martin at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, Sept. 30. Beloit is the 15th Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship and the 29th in the LCS class. She is also the first Navy warship named in honor of the city of Beloit, Wisconsin. 

“Beloit is another shining example of what it means to finish strong,” said Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program manager of the Littoral Combat Ship program office. “Our industry partners stood up to the challenge to deliver this ship on an aggressive schedule. Beloit’s delivery is helping the Navy to put more players on the field.” 

The LCS class consists of fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored small surface combatants capable of operating in both near-shore and open-ocean environments to address 21st-century coastal threats. 

Beloit successfully completed her Acceptance Trials in August 2024, marking the final milestone before delivery to the Navy. During these trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive testing of LCS 29’s systems across multiple functional areas essential to performance at sea — including combat systems, main propulsion, auxiliaries and electrical systems. These successful trials paved the way for delivery, and the Navy will continue post-delivery certifications and qualifications to ready her for Fleet operations. After commissioning, scheduled for later this year, Beloit will be homeported in Mayport, Florida. 

LCS 29 is equipped with the Freedom-class combining gear correction, which will enable unrestricted operations. This correction addresses a class-wide issue that was identified as the Fleet deployed Freedom-variant LCS in greater numbers. 

Following Beloit, the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31) — the final Freedom-variant LCS – is in the final stages of construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with delivery scheduled in 2025. 

The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independence, designed and built by two separate industry teams. The trimaran-hulled Independence-variant team is led by Austal USA (for the even-numbered ships). The monohull Freedom variant is built by a team led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered ships). 

The Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship program is a part of the Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants portfolio, which designs, develops, builds, and delivers the Navy’s unmanned maritime systems, mine warfare systems, special warfare systems, expeditionary warfare systems, and small surface combatants. 

From U.S. Central Command 

Sept. 30, 2024 

TAMPA, Fla. - In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed six Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.   

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