Month: April 2022

Source: United States Navy

HydroNet is an open, modular and programmable underwater modem that powers an autonomous wireless communications system bringing the internet underwater and empowering the network with artificial intelligence-driven, software-defined technologies.

Its plug-and-play capability with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) creates a network of mobile assets. Bionet Sonar replaces radio frequency (RF) waves with ultrasonic waves that are secure, long-range, and enable high-speed, real-time monitoring.

Bionet Sonar was able to test HydroNet at Division Newport’s Narragansett Bay Test Facility through a collaboration process with the Northeast Tech Bridge, as part of the Blueswell Incubator Program, a New England-based early-stage blue tech innovator. Senior researcher and Bionet co-founder Dr. Emrecan Demirors was introduced to Division Newport through Blueswell and soon after the company signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Division Newport to conduct the testing.

The Bionet team worked with Dr. Steven Bordonaro, director, Northeast Tech Bridge, and Dillon Fournier, manager of the Narragansett Bay Test Facility, to arrange the testing needed for their technology.

“The Navy and our local team have a wealth of experience testing underwater systems,” Bordonaro said. “We want companies developing technology to be able to leverage this experience. The goal is to advance and field technologies quicker, whether the application is for defense only, or if it also has commercial application.”

“They were really helpful with logistics,” Demirors said about Division Newport’s testing team. “They prepared the moorings and anchors for the modems and provided guidance on the deployments. The team was very helpful, always ready. They made it very easy for us to deploy. With the Navy taking care of the logistics, it was much, much easier. We could focus on the technology itself rather than the logistics.”

For the test, the team deployed two wireless modems that were connected to two Bionet smart buoys, which allowed for interface and computing capabilities. The smart buoys were connected to the company’s server through a secure channel. During the two days of testing, the team was able to collect the data needed to move their project forward.

“The results were fantastic,” Demirors said. “Everything was functioning as it should be.”

The HydroNet project is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, which encourage small businesses to engage in government research and development with the potential for commercialization.

“We are extremely pleased about this partnership with Bionet Sonar,” said Mary Sylvia, Division Newport’s technology partnership officer and deputy director of the Northeast Tech Bridge. “It is an example of how the Northeast Tech Bridge enables our local maritime ecosystem. Using the tech transfer tools that we have available — such as this CRADA — Division Newport has the ability to advance technology of mutual benefit to both the Navy and the partner. The fact that this testing initiated through a Tech Bridge engagement, using our Narragansett Bay Test Facility via a CRADA, and in support of the company’s SBIR award, connects a lot of dots to bring technical capability further.”

The Bionet team would like to return to the Narragansett Bay Test Facility this summer to work on communications techniques to further improve data rates. The company plans to integrate with UUVs, not just fixed nodes but mobile nodes and would like to work on a semi-permanent deployment of a grid of modems – 1 kilometer by 1 kilometer, with nine modems – in order to provide wireless connectivity in that grid to wireless assets.

“The goal this summer is to generate a real underwater network that’s wireless,” Demirors said.

NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.

Source: United States Navy

Mrs. Stacy Wilson, the cemetery director, reached out to the naval detachment looking volunteers willing to help with weeding and mulching. The high volume of burials at the cemetery keeps the cemetery staff busy and the task of spreading mulch can take them more than a month on average to complete.

However, because of the Seabee’s and their “Can-Do” mentality, CSFE Leonard Wood staff and students were able to complete the entire project in just a little more than four hours.

 “I have been with the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard Wood for more than a decade and have met many volunteer groups through the years” said Wilson. “The Fort Leonard Wood Navy Detachment is by far the finest group of individuals that I have had the pleasure of meeting.” 

Wilson and her team were appreciative of the Seabee’s willingness to help and the speed they were able to complete the much needed task.

“These fine men and women are not volunteering because they have to, they are volunteering because they want to-for no other reason than to pay respect to their fellow veterans and give back to their community,” said Wilson. “I appreciate their generosity and everything they do for us and the families we serve.”

The CSFE detachment at Leonard Wood is constantly on the lookout for volunteer opportunities to spread the word about the Seabees’ long-standing heritage and commitment to serving the community.
 

Source: United States Navy

Civilian and military guests gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Cheeseman and welcome Velez as the new commander.

Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command was the presiding officer at the ceremony. Pyle emphasized the importance of the capabilities the strike group brings in today’s security climate.

“I truly believe that one of the core strengths of our Navy comes from our commitment to the principles underpinning command,” said Pyle. “The authority, responsibility, and accountability of command are absolute, which, in fact, make this ceremony quite distinct.”

Pyle emphasized the importance of the capabilities the strike group brings in today’s climate.

“A strike group’s agility, resilience, and strength, as well as its diverse array of capabilities make it the Navy’s premiere unit of issue,” said Pyle. “Neither China or Russia can replicate it – they can’t train, deploy, and sustain operations with the responsiveness, command and control capability, and multi-dimensional might like that of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group.”

Cheeseman, a native of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, and 1989 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, assumed command of CSG-10 in December 2020. Throughout his speech, Cheeseman lauded the tenacity and dedication to service of all CSG-10 Sailors under his charge.

“How can I not be emotional after developing such a strong bond with 7,566 Sailors whom I am proud to lead,” asked Cheeseman. “Make no mistake, these Sailors understand the challenges ahead and they are neither hesitant nor scared. They are resolute in their preparation for their future mission – whatever that may be.”

Velez, a native of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, and a graduate of United States Naval Academy arrives as the strike group is preparing for a deployment. He thanked Cheeseman for his devotion to service.

“I know you hate to go, but hopefully you can find satisfaction in the fact that you are leaving behind a legacy of excellence and combat readiness in the entire strike group.”

Valez then addressed the Sailors of CSG-10 for the first time as their new commander.

“I am not sure what the future will bring as we get ready to complete our work ups and deploy overseas, but I know without question that this strike group will be ready to answer our Nation’s call,” said Valez. “I am ready to go to work.”

CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security and is preparing to deploy as the George H.W. Bush CSG.

The major command elements are the aircraft carrier USS. George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the Information Warfare Commander.