Month: February 2024

Source: United States Navy

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 23, 2024) – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti visited Naval Foundry and Propeller Center (NFPC), the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Compatibility Test Facility (CTF), and the Philly Shipyard, Feb. 22.

Franchetti’s visit provided her the opportunity to receive updates on submarine production, to discuss innovative practices in the shipbuilding industry, and to engage with members of Congress as they work together to ensure the U.S. Navy remains the world’s preeminent fighting force.

“Thank you for your continued leadership in working to strengthen our organic industrial capacity and building the partnership we need to reach the submarine production cadence the Navy requires,” Franchetti said. “It’s not just service in a uniform, its service to our nation – and strengthening our organic industrial base is one of the Navy’s top priorities to ensure we maintain our warfighting advantage.”

CNO heard from NFCP’s Director Nate Bird how their 100 percent civilian workforce has the ability to test and design simultaneously, running hundreds of simulations on equipment to optimize submarine efficiency, and ensure on-time delivery of key components.  Bird explained that NFCP is on track to deliver four key components of the Columbia-class submarine on time.

CNO then saw first-hand why the unique machining capabilities of the Navy’s only foundry and propulsor manufacturing facility make it a national asset – flexible to support the Navy’s needs, while observing the pouring of the aft outer structure of the future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827).  

“Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines are the nation’s future sea based strategic deterrent and will provide the most survivable leg of the nation’s strategic triad,” Franchetti told NFCP personnel during her tour. “The work you’re doing is important not just to our Navy but to our nation, and our national defense. Thank you for being part of the team.” 

While touring the Philly Shipyard with representatives from the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), TOTE Services, and Philly Shipyard leadership, Franchetti learned about MARAD’s Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) program and how they are using the VCM model to build their newest National Security Multi-Mission Vessels – on time and on budget.

The three organizations explained how the innovation of the VCM model is the combination of three things: providing the shipyard a very mature design, contracting with a firm-fixed price model, and the use of a small government oversight team.

“It’s great to see how you’ve put this partnership together,” said Franchetti. “Your philosophy, core values and teamwork are great for our nation. You are creating opportunities to procure ships in different ways. Increasing U.S. ability to affordably build ships is critical to our national security.”

Following the shipyard tour, Adm. Bill Houston, Director Naval Reactors, hosted CNO for a tour of the NAVSEA CTF. Franchetti saw how NAVSEA engineers test, operate, and maintain the first-of-its-kind Colombia-class integrated power system (electric drive) and propulsion plant electric distribution system. This innovative, state-of-the-art facility allows the Navy to conduct pre-delivery testing, troubleshooting, and training, ensuring we produce reliable capabilities that are essential to maintaining our sea-based strategic deterrence. 

“The CTF serves as the Navy’s premiere test facility for the new Columbia class electric drive propulsion system,” said Houston. “This facility has been invaluable in proving out this transformative technology for the Columbia class. Future testing of components here before installation is a game-changing approach to shipbuilding and will ensure these parts are ready to support the Navy’s priority procurement effort to replace the most survivable leg of the Nation’s strategic deterrent.”

This was Franchetti’s first visit to Philadelphia as Chief of Naval Operations and part of a series of visits to see the Navy’s manufacturing and testing capabilities. CNO conducted the visit alongside Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) and Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), as well as Professional Staff Members from the offices of Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT).

Source: United States Navy

Resilient Shield is an annual week-long exercise focused on ballistic missile defense (BMD), designed to test combined tactics, techniques and procedures against potential regional threats. The exercise took place in a simulated computer-based environment and advanced the combined forces’ all-domain missile defense capabilities.

“Resilient Shield provides us with an important opportunity to conduct high-end ballistic missile defense training with our Japanese allies,” said Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Fred Kacher. “Enhancing our integrated missile defense capabilities strengthens our security and demonstrates the iron clad trust we have in each other as we safeguard stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy BMD-capable ships along with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps, provide an all-domain robust missile defense capability that supports regional security and stability.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

Operation FLINTLOCK was a pivotal invasion during World War II in the Marshall Islands. It represented the largest amphibious assault at that time and significantly contributed to the allied victory over the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy in the Pacific. The invasion commenced with pre-invasion attacks starting in November 1943, followed by D-Day on January 31, 1944. Soldiers quickly seized key islands, facilitating the establishment of fire support bases and providing access to the atoll’s interior waters for rapid buildup of combat power.

“As a historian, I was honored to assist U.S. Army Garrison – Kwajalein Atoll commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Flintlock,” said Francis. “Being able to explain the complexities, difficulties and significance of the operation to staff and their families was a wonderful experience. In light of their struggles after the wave damage last month, the events also allowed me to emphasize the continued importance of the Marshall Islands to contemporary DoD operations as well as possible future naval logistics in the central Pacific.”

A massive bombardment preceded the assault, decimating Japanese defenses on Kwajalein. Lead elements of two Regimental Combat Teams then landed, facing resistance from entrenched defenders. Despite obstacles, troops moved inland with support from armored amphibian tractors and tanks. Intensive training in Hawaii prior to deployment proved vital in efficiently neutralizing enemy bunkers and strongpoints. Over the next days, the assault progressed, culminating in the island’s capture on February 4, 1944, with minimal casualties for U.S. forces compared to heavy losses for the Japanese.

“This is the 80th anniversary of a momentous military operation that not only shaped the course of history but also set the Marshall Islands on the path to liberation and eventual statehood as an independent Republic,” said U.S. Army Col. Andrew Morgan, USAG-KA commander. “It laid the foundation for a future where freedom and resilience became defining characteristics of both this remarkable community and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Following the conquest, U.S. forces quickly converted Kwajalein into a base, enabling subsequent operations against remaining Japanese-held islands. The success of Operation FLINTLOCK validated American amphibious doctrine and informed future tactics and strategies. Notably, the swift seizure of the Marshall Islands allowed for the advancement of plans for the Marianas invasion, hastening the course of the war in the Pacific and ultimately contributing to the Japanese surrender. The operation exemplified the innovation and adaptability of U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific and their significant impact on the war effort.

For more information regarding Operation FLINTLOCK, visit: https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Recent/Article-View/Article/3677906/operation-flintlock-invasion-of-the-marshall-islands-january-february-1944/

For more information regarding the USAG-KA Operation FLINTLOCK commemoration ceremony and full leadership remarks by of U.S. Army Col. Andrew Morgan, USAG-KA commander, visit:
https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Portals/66/Documents/Operation%20FLINTLOCK%2080th%20Anniversary%20Commemoration.pdf

NHHC, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for preserving, analyzing, and disseminating U.S. naval history and heritage. It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy’s unique and enduring contributions through our nation’s history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services. NHHC comprises many activities, including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, 10 museums, USS Constitution repair facility, and the historic ship Nautilus.

Source: United States Navy

MEDEC, co-chaired by our Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (RD&A), Vice Admiral Francis Morley, and Chief of Staff Chris Diaz, will focus on mitigating adversarial foreign investment risks, innovation and technology protection, supply chain integrity initiatives, and coordination and protection of research efforts.

MEDEC is DON’s acknowledgement of these risks and represents a commitment to identify and address them early, for the safety of our personnel, as well as the security of our allies and partners, depends on us getting this right. 

“MEDEC’s work is more than just preserving military advantages for our Sailors, Marines, and civilians. It is an effort to better support the business and investment communities that we rely on to design, test, and build the technologies and capabilities we adopt and field. The risks posed by adversarial capital investments and intellectual property theft affect all of us – from investors and industry leaders to our present-day Sailors, Marines, and civilians who support the DON,” said Secretary Del Toro.

MEDEC, empowered to act by authorities already granted to the DON, is a component of Secretary Del Toro’s whole-of-government national Maritime Statecraft approach, which calls for building up industries that are vital to our nation’s efforts to re-build and sustain our comprehensive maritime power.

“It is imperative to bring together representatives from within the defense industrial ecosystem in a unified, focused council to address Maritime Economic Deterrence within our department, allowing the DON to better synchronize our efforts and be leaders in the larger Department of Defense (DoD) Economic Deterrence initiative,” said Secretary Del Toro.

As the DON broadens its engagements with investment and business communities that are responsible for driving advances in critical technologies, MEDEC’s work becomes more important to ensure that the companies with which engage are properly shielded from adversarial influence.

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Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON – Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby met with Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy Vice Adm. René Tas at the Pentagon, Feb. 22.

The two leaders discussed the navies’ interoperability including Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest international exercise, and Operation Prosperity Guardian.

Operation Prosperity Guardian is bringing together countries to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity.

Kilby also discussed strategic competition and both countries’ operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy regularly operate together around the world.

This was the first meeting between the two admirals since Kilby assumed the office.