Month: July 2023

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Defense News: CNO Travels to Colombia, Australia, Singapore, and Japan

Source: United States Navy

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and his wife, Linda, visited Colombia, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, to meet with partner navies, government and military leaders, and Sailors, July 16-27.

The overseas trip began in Cartagena, Colombia, and was followed by visits to Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Tokyo and Yokosuka, Japan.

Gilday visited Colombia, where the Colombian Navy hosted UNITAS 2023, the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise, which featured 26 warships/vessels, three submarines, 25 aircraft, and approximately 7,000 people from 20 partner nations.  This year’s exercise marked the first time unmanned systems were operationalized at scale, integrating an unmanned and AI-supported family of systems to provide persistent Maritime Domain Awareness capability in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

In Cartagena, Gilday toured the UNITAS maritime operations center, where he observed deployed unmanned systems and artificial intelligence tools, as well as preparations for a live-fire sinking exercise. 

“Colombia is a maritime nation like the United States, and shares common goals in keeping the seas free and open,” said Gilday. “One of the most important aspects of this year’s UNITAS is the introduction of unmanned platforms in the air, at sea, and under the sea.”  He added, “Unmanned platforms are synchronizing with manned platforms and providing us additional sensors in the maritime environment so that countries like Colombia and other neighbors have better insight into illegal activity.”

Separately, CNO met with the Commander of the Colombian Navy Adm. Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados, who presented Gilday with the Order of Naval Merit “Almirante Padilla” for his work and leadership as the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Colombian Order of Naval Merit from my friend and ally Adm. Cubides,” said Gilday. “Colombia has been an incredible host during UNITAS 2023, and I am proud of our long-standing friendship and partnership.”

CNO and Linda then traveled to Sydney for the commissioning of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30).

The commissioning aligned with the opening ceremonies for Talisman Sabre 2023, a bilateral exercise with multinational participation that focuses on crisis-action planning and contingency responses. CNO attended the opening ceremony for the exercise held aboard HMAS Canberra (L02), where he met with senior leaders from the Australian government and military.

“Trained, ready forces help us preserve peace and prevent conflict,” said Gilday. “Realistic exercises like Talisman Sabre allow our forces to work with partner nations to increase interoperability and strengthen relationships to ensure we are ready in the event of conflict or crisis.”

Australia hosted the commissioning of USS Canberra, which is one of the first U.S. Navy warships to be commissioned in an allied country. The commissioning took place at Royal Australian Fleet Base East in Sydney, July 22. 

“Today we commission USS Canberra into service as a combat unit that will integrate with the Australian fleet and with the combined maritime force of allies and partners who stand united across the entire Indo-Pacific,” said CNO. “The Sailors of the USS Canberra are the men and women who underwrite our Navy’s commitments: to safeguard our country, to defend our allies and partners, and to honor the nation of Australia, who has embarked with us on our voyage through the seas of history to defend freedom and democracy around the world.”

Afterward, CNO and Linda traveled to Singapore, where CNO met with Singapore’s Minister for Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Chief of Defense Vice Adm. Aaron Beng, and Chief of Navy Rear Adm. Sean Wat. Throughout the meetings, the leaders discussed their shared commitment to promoting safety and stability in the region. 

The visit concluded with Dr. Eng Hen presenting CNO with the Pingat Jasa Gemilang, Singapore’s Meritorious Service Medal, for his work in advancing the relationship between the two navies during his tenure.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet with Singaporean government and military leadership, and I am humbled to receive this award,” said Gilday. “Our partnership with Singapore is rooted in our shared common values and commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

After their stop in Singapore, CNO and Linda traveled to Tokyo, where they participated in an honor guard reception and wreath laying ceremony at Ichigaya.

CNO also met with government officials and military leaders to include Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Adm. Ryo Sakai.

On behalf of the Japanese emperor, Hamada conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon CNO for his contributions in strengthening the national defense relationship between the United States and Japan.

Established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, the Order of the Rising Sun recognizes individuals who have accomplished distinguished achievements in international relations, the promotion of Japanese culture, and the preservation of the environment. After World War II, the Japanese government began presenting the award to individuals who demonstrated exemplary military service or contributed to national defense.

“I am overwhelmed and honored to be bestowed the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun today,” said Gilday. “I’m grateful for this strategic partnership, deep friendship, and mutual commitment to peace and security.”  He added, “I have no doubt that the strong bond between our two nations will only continue to grow.”

After his engagements in Tokyo, Gilday traveled to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, where he met with and presented awards to Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Milius (DDG 69). Aboard Milius, he presented the crew with the Spokane Award.  The Spokane Award is presented annually to the most combat ready ship in the Pacific Fleet area of responsibility.

While aboard Higgins, Linda spoke with Sailors about the Women In the Navy (WIN) initiative and exchanged dialogue about mentorship, leadership and service.

“The United States Navy is committed to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said CNO. “Every day, our Sailors are standing the watch, operating forward, strengthening our strategic partnerships, and increasing interoperability.

“I am continually impressed and proud of the incredible talent and dedication from our Sailors and their families,” he added. 

The visit to Japan marked the conclusion of Gilday’s last international trip as the CNO. Gilday became the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations Aug. 22, 2019, and is scheduled to relinquish office in mid-August.  

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Kentucky Man Found Guilty of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Related to Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            A Kentucky man was found guilty in the District of Columbia today of two felony and seven misdemeanor charges related to his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

            Chad Barrett Jones, 44, of Mount Washington, Kentucky, was found guilty of all nine charges against him following a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon. A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Nov. 8, 2023.

            Jones was convicted of civil disorder; obstruction of an official proceeding; destruction of property belonging to the United States; entering or remaining in a restricted building; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building; disorderly conduct in a capitol building; act of physical violence in the capitol building; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building.

            According to the government’s evidence, Jones traveled from his home in Kentucky to Washington, D.C., to attend the “Stop the Steal” rally and other protests. After attending the rally, Jones made his way to the Capitol building and unlawfully entered the restricted grounds. Jones then climbed the scaffolding on the Lower West Terrace and waved a blue flag at the crowd.

            Court documents say that at approximately 2:34 p.m., after rioters had breached police lines, Jones entered the Capitol building through the Upper west Terrace door. Once inside the building, Jones made his way through the Crypt, Statuary Hall, and the main door hallway to the House Chamber before joining a crowd near the Speaker’s Lobby, a hallway that connects to the House of Representatives Chamber in the U.S. Capitol.

            According to the government’s evidence, Jones was part of a large crowd that tried to breach a barricaded door to the Speaker’s Lobby. The doorway, with the words “Speaker’s Lobby” visible at the top, was being guarded by three Capitol Police officers. Chairs were among the items visible through the door’s glass panels as being used to barricade the door from the inside. Members of the crowd then shouted and gesticulated aggressively at the officers. The three officers then moved to the adjacent wall as other officers in tactical gear arrived.

            Seconds after the officers began moving away from the doorway, Jones began striking the doorway’s glass panels with the wooden flagpole of his rolled-up flag. Jones forcefully struck the door nine times with the flagpole while members of the crowd shouted, “break it down.” Jones then attempted to open the door by pulling it open with his hand. Jones was standing near the door when a woman was shot climbing through a glass panel that had been smashed out by another member of the crowd.

            The case is being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. 

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Louisville Field Office and Washington Field Office, with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 30 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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Georgia Man Sentenced for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON — A Georgia man was sentenced today for assaulting a law enforcement officer and obstruction of an official proceeding related to his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Bruno Joseph Cua, 21, of Milton, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss to 12 months and one day in prison and 36 months of supervised release.

            Cua was found guilty of two felony charges, obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting, interfering with, intimidating, opposing, or impeding officers, following a stipulated trial before Judge Moss in February 2023.

            According to the stipulated facts, the defendant and his parents drove from Milton, Georgia, to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021. On Jan. 6, 2021, they attended the rally at the Washington Monument, after which they walked toward the U.S. Capitol building. After arriving on the grounds of the Capitol, Cua separated from his parents, and with an asp baton in his hands, climbed the scaffolding on the west side of the building.

            Cua then entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace doors at approximately 2:36 p.m., past a line of United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers who were guarding the door as an alarm was blaring. Cua walked through the Rotunda, and then up the stairs to the third floor.

            While on the third floor, he walked down a hallway, tried to open multiple doors, and yelled, “This is what happens when you piss off patriots!”, Hey! Where are the swamp rats hiding?!”, and “Where are the swamp rats hiding at?”

            At approximately 2:41 p.m., Cua reached the doors to the Senate Gallery. At that time, on-duty USCP officers were attempting to lock the doors to the gallery to prevent the Senate Gallery and Senate Floor from being breached by the mob. Cua then assaulted one of the USCP officers by violently shoving him. As a result of Cua’s and the actions of others, the officers retreated from the doors without locking them. 

            At approximately 2:45 p.m., Cua rushed into the Senate Gallery and yelled in celebration, “This is our house! This is our country!” After several minutes in the Senate Gallery, he jumped from the Senate Gallery down to the Senate Floor, where he walked directly to the dais at the center of the Senate Chamber, where the President of the Senate, the Vice President of the United States, presides over the Senate. Cua then sat in the Vice President’s chair, reclined, and put his feet up on the desk. Cua spent several minutes on the Senate Floor, during which time he accessed several desks belonging to U.S. Senators and helped other rioters enter the Senate Chamber.

            Law enforcement escorted him out of the Capitol at 2:53 p.m.

            Before the attack on the Capitol, Cua made multiple statements on social media about his plans to violently interrupt the certification proceedings. After January 6, the defendant made several more statements on social media confirming his participation in the riot, the use of violence during the riot, and his belief that additional violence may be necessary in the future.

            This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

            This case was investigated by the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Capitol Police.

            In the 30 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,069 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.           

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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Jury Finds District Man Guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Source: United States Department of Justice News

            WASHINGTON – A jury, sitting in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, today found Jonathan Johnson, 35, of Washington, D.C., guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The verdict follows a three-day trial before the Honorable Florence Y. Pan, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for November 15, 2023.

            According to the evidence presented at trial, shortly after 6:00 pm, on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, members of the Metropolitan Police Department patrolling on 13th Street SE, Washington, D.C., saw the defendant crouch behind his car and heard a gun dropped on the concrete curb. MPD Officers approached the defendant and found a gun lying where the defendant was previously bent down. Further examination revealed that the gun was modified with a “giggle” or “selector” switch, which turned the semi-automatic gun into a fully automatic machine gun. In addition, the firearm was loaded with 22 bullets in an extended magazine.

            In announcing the conviction, U.S. Attorney Graves commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. They also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Birney, Lauren Renaud, Janani Iyengar, William G. Hart, who investigated the case, and Josh A. Gold and Colin Cloherty who prosecuted the case.

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Defense News: Rooted in Maritime History: Stennis Holds Mast Stepping Ceremony

Source: United States Navy

The event, held in accordance with almost a millennium of naval tradition, marked the placement of Stennis’ new main mast, not only giving the ship a part of its identity back, but also providing a platform for new combat system capabilities and a safer way for Sailors to climb the mast.

Speakers at the event included Capt. J Patrick Thompson, Commanding Officer of John C. Stennis, Lt. Cmdr. Marco Guidi, Combat Systems Officer, and guest speaker Ms. Jessica Gomez, Program Director for In-service Carrier Programs at Newport News Shipbuilding.

“This mast stepping allows us to acknowledge our past as we move into the future,” Said Thompson. “While the mast of the days of sail represented propulsion, the new mast you see here represents pure combat capability –the ability to guide an aircraft home on the darkest of stormy nights; the ability to communicate and share targeting data with other ships and aircraft via encrypted, jam resistant networks; or the ability to coordinate offensive action with our Navy and Joint partners via low probability of intercept communications. “

The new square and tapered mast, which replaced the smaller, round-shaped pole, provides a larger area to host state-of-the-art defense and communications systems that will help carry the ship into the future.

“This team has put its heart and soul into USS John C. Stennis, and we’ll continue to give our all to prepare her for the second half of her life,” said Gomez. “When she leaves our shipyard to return to the call of duty, Stennis will be equipped with updated aircraft launch and recovery equipment to support the latest aircraft, cutting edge combat systems to protect the ship and the most advanced carrier IT network.”

The practice of mast stepping is not a new. In fact, according to The Society for Nautical Research, the tradition is likely to be as old as shipbuilding itself. Dating back more that 2000 years ago, the ritual has evolved over time and led to Vikings and seafarers of the north who would place coins, amulets and other offerings beneath the masts of their ship for good luck. Even the USS Constitution, one of the U.S. Navy’s six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794, had coins placed beneath her mast in conformity with this time-honored naval tradition.

The practice continued even after the advent of steel-hulled ships, commemorative time capsules containing coins and other remembrances of the current era welded to the mast “step” in lieu of coins being placed beneath a wooden main mast.

“Even a short ceremony like this means a lot to our Sailors and myself,” said Guidi. “So many aspects of our job go back thousands of years, and maintaining these maritime traditions and ceremonies remind us where we came from. Although I work with some of the most advanced systems on the ship, I still enjoy the historic traditions.”

Items placed in the capsule, which was welded to the Stennis’s mast step after the ceremony, included a full roster of the ship’s crew, a commanding officer’s coin and the ship’s mid-life coin.

Unlike other types of ships, modern carriers typically undergo mast stepping twice; once during initial construction, and then again when the ship goes through the RCOH process.

The Stennis, however, is unique that this will be the ship’s third mast stepping, the second installment taking place in 2005 during a planned maintenance availability. Items retrieved from the last time capsule, placed nearly two decades ago, will be placed in the Stennis Room aboard the ship for Sailors to come observe and reflect upon a different time in the carrier’s history.

“I had the pleasure of serving as this ship’s executive officer during its most recent deployment and saw the capabilities of this warship,” reflected Thompson. “Today, we see the next step in its transformation into the most technologically advanced Nimitz-class carrier in the fleet. The amount of hours and dedication put into not only the mast, but revitalizing this ship as a whole is truly remarkable- the strength of our U.S. carrier force is a testament to each individual who has played a part in getting this ship back in the fight.”

The John C. Stennis entered RCOH at the Newport News Shipbuilding, May 2021, for its mid-life refurbishment, preparing the aircraft carrier for an additional 25 years of service.