Month: September 2023

Source: United States Navy

When in Rome, as the saying goes, do as the Romans do. So, when in Britain, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global does what the British do – take tea at least once a month with potential industry partners.

Jeffrey Brewer, co-director, ONR Global London Tech Bridge (LTB), said the Tea and Tech engagement is more than just a fun event. Its aim is to find solutions to problems that have been identified by U.S. Navy and Marine personnel or by the Royal Navy. Most of the companies that are invited are based in the U.K., although other European-based companies as well as U.S. companies may be approached.

“We meet with several innovative companies in a rapid-fire format,” said Brewer. “Companies have a limited time to make their pitches, and we have subject matter experts from both navies on hand to ask questions and provide feedback. It’s almost a “Shark Tank” format.”

It was during one of the recent Tea and Tech events that Marc Christino, innovation program manager, London Tech Bridge, said he and colleagues saw a pitch for a bridge simulator called Vasco and recognized it could be a potential solution for a request from TechSolutions, ONR Global’s rapid-response technology development program that produces prototype solutions to problems identified by Sailors and Marines.

“ONR TechSolutions had an end user who was looking for some way to be able to do VR [virtual reality] type of bridge training,” said Christino.
“This is a commercial-based system for yachts and cruise ships and their crews. And, they have master mariners teaching and evaluating the crews all over the world, remotely.”

As a retired Navy captain and former navigator, Christino had not seen that type of capability before. So, they tried out the system by integrating it on a laptop with a router that didn’t have to connect through the Department of the Navy’s (DoN) virtual protocol network (VPN).

“We did a demonstration to see whether or not this had a feasibility and desirability from end users to take it to the next step,” said Christino. “To have the ship handling capabilities and the visuals of an actual Navy ship.”

The demonstration of the bridge simulation worked out well, but the London Tech Bridge does not invest directly into companies. Rather, Christino said, “We go and find something that’s happening in the commercial world that we could use as dual-use technology. The advantage of dual-use technology is that the R&D [research and development] is paid for by the company – instead of the R&D being paid for by the government.”
Industry engagements, like Tea and Tech, are meant to uncover the cutting-edge of industry innovation and build the connections that will link those commercial applications with the naval programs in need of the technology.

“We provide a level of filtering so we’re connecting only the most promising companies,” said Brewer. “In general, we endeavor to reach small, innovative companies and non-traditional defense contractors, who may not have established relationships with DoD and MoD [Ministry of Defence] programs.”

Because of the London Tech Bridge, those links are being made between the DoN and private industry, which may have something to offer the warfighter but have not yet had the opportunity to pitch their innovations. Of the hundred or so companies vetted in the past year and a half, they have connected one to two companies per month with naval programs or needs. Brewer said for Tea & Tech, they typically focus on a problem statement provided by a stakeholder in the U.S. Navy or Royal Navy in order to provide answers back to Naval Programs.

“My favorite part of Tea & Tech is the “aha” moment,” said Brewer. “When we realize how to connect a novel technology in an innovative way to meet a naval requirement.”

Source: United States Navy

Operation Polar Dagger demonstrates the United States’ continued commitment to maintain mission readiness in various environments and to preserve capacity for follow-on operations. The integration of SEALs with Murtha, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, underscored the flexibility and adaptability of the U.S. military in responding to the evolving strategic environment.

“Integrating U.S. Navy SEALs with the USS John P. Murtha during Operation Polar Dagger further prepares our forces to operate effectively in the extreme environment of the high-north – while contributing to our national security objectives,” said Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Commodore Capt. Bill Gallagher. “Naval Special Warfare’s ability to operate with fleet assets provides combatant commanders greater flexibility in deploying forces to counter emerging challenges in the region.”

The Murtha’s advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology played a pivotal role in the successful deployment of SEALs and combat craft assault boats. Equipped with state-of-the-art command and control systems, the vessel offers unparalleled flexibility in orchestrating amphibious operations. Its well deck and specialized equipment facilitate swift and seamless launch and recovery of NSW assets, enabling precision missions even in challenging environments like the Arctic. This integration not only showcases the synergy between modern fleet assets and elite special forces but also underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced and adaptable fleet.

“Amphibious transport dock ships, such as ours, have many unique capabilities that make them ideal platforms to support special operations forces,” said Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of USS John P. Murtha. “The amphibious Navy’s participation in Operation Polar Dagger in the High North allows us to test new capabilities and advance response options, giving our joint force an asymmetric advantage over our competitors in a maritime environment.”

During the operation, the SEALs deployed from the well deck of the Murtha in combatant craft assault boats in the Bering Sea, navigated to a remote island, conducted an over-the-beach patrol, and exfiltrated via helicopter. The joint operation underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic region, while also highlighting the United States’ commitment to employing a multi-faceted approach to homeland defense.

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy

“Our purpose is coordinating the transportation and movement of everything from supplies and parts, to anything else the ship might need,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Sebastian Martin, assigned to the Supply Department of Gerald R. Ford. “Our main job is to receive high-priority materials and move them to the next spot.”

Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, deployed from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, May 2, 2023. Since arriving in theater, the ship and its associated carrier strike group have conducted joint and combined training, exercises, and operations to support maritime stability and security, and defense of U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

Remotely-located logistics detachments from forward operating ships, often referred to as “Beach Dets,” operate as staging locations for carrier onboard deliveries (CODs) of materials, supplies, mail and personnel. CODs are typically aircraft from Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons that provide dedicated airborne logistics support to underway aircraft carriers. The ability to base units and personnel in strategic locations like NSA Souda Bay enhances the Navy’s ability to keep forces on station and on mission.

“Team Souda is here to extend the reach of U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces,” said Cmdr. James Kotora, executive officer, NSA Souda Bay. “We’re home to an all-weather airfield and a deep-water pier facility, so we act as a vital supply line to friendly forces operating in the region.”

In conjunction with NSA Souda Bay, the Beach Det. was supported by Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella, Site Souda Bay.

“Our strategic geographic location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea provides the ideal distribution hub for Fleet logistical support in the European theater,” said George Flowers, transportation officer, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, Site Souda Bay. “When high priority items need to make it to a ship operating in the region, there is a good chance we are within that ship’s reach—either pulling into our port or by COD.”

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, Site Souda Bay is a tenant command at NSA Souda Bay that provides logistics, business and support services to the Navy, Military Sealift Command, Joint and Allied Forces throughout Navy Region Europe Africa Central.

In support of Gerald R. Ford, NSA Souda Bay and NAVSUP Site Souda Bay transited 22,050 pounds of cargo, including 2,750 pounds of mail and 844 individual parts. This cargo was transited by 10 COD flights performed by Detachment Two of the Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) Squadron 40, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. and currently assigned to Gerald R. Ford.

“We fly the C-2A Greyhound, which has a range of roughly 1,000 miles, or four hours of flight time,” said Lt. Nikolas Fagen, a pilot assigned to VRC-40. “For the last few days, we’ve been delivering cargo and personnel back and forth between the ship and out here to lovely Souda Bay.”

The team effort required to make this mission a success, from the logistics specialists on the ground, to support staff onboard NSA Souda Bay and throughout theater, to the C-2A pilots and operations and planning personnel, imbues pride throughout the combined team.

“The Gerald R. Ford is the newest and biggest aircraft carrier of the Navy, and we are the most important part to get the supplies to them,” said Martin. “That’s why I feel pride and ownership to know that I’m one of the people who is helping to keep the carrier mission-ready.”

NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NSASoudaBay.

Source: United States Navy

While in Riga, Marines and Sailors will have the opportunity to learn about the region’s history and experience the city’s rich culture.

“We are excited to be welcomed to Latvia,” said Capt. Marc Davis, commanding officer, USS Mesa Verde. “This is a great opportunity for the Sailors and Marines of the USS Mesa Verde and 26th MEU (SOC) Bravo Command Element to further strengthen relationships with our NATO Ally, as well as experience Riga’s rich culture.”

While in port, the 26th MEU (SOC) Bravo Command Element will begin to offload equipment and personnel in preparation for their participation exercise Northern Coasts 2023, a German-led multinational naval exercise series for NATO, EU and participating countries in the Baltic Sea region.

“The Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU(SOC) Bravo Command are excited to be here in Latvia as well as demonstrate our warfighting proficiency and competency during Northern Coasts 2023,” said Lt. Col. Josef Wiese, executive officer, 26 MEU(SOC), officer in charge of the Marines aboard the USS Mesa Verde. “The Marines and Sailors are looking forward to integrating and building trust with the German Sea Battalion on board as well as showcasing their interoperability and interdependence with our Allies and Partners in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.”

This year approximately 3,200 military members, 14 nations, 30 ships and submarines and up to 15 aircraft will participate in exercise Northern Coasts, strengthening the partnership and interoperability amongst Allies and partners.

The 26th MEU (SOC) serves as one of the United States’ premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander. Coupled with the USS Bataan ARG, the 26th MEU (SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of an adversary.

The Bataan ARG and embarked 26th MEU (SOC), under the tactical command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.