Month: March 2024

Source: United States Navy

The joint training took place in Sattahip, Thailand, and included visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics, close-quarters combat, tactical combat casualty care, live weapons ranges and training, airborne water entry training, and mission planning.

While JCET events inherently focus on U.S. military readiness and training, they also mutually enhance bilateral relations, contribute to regional stability and improve interoperability among partners and allies.

“Working with the Thai special warfare unit has given us a chance to share knowledge and expand our working relationships with a partner nation,” said a U.S. Naval Special Warfare operator. “JCETs like this enhances our integrated special warfare capabilities and fosters growth as partners and allies.”

During the JCET, the RTN SWC also hosted a cultural day for NSW operators.

“The opportunity to take a day to learn and share in our Thai partners’ rich culture only deepened our partnership,” said the NSW operator. “While warfighting and mutual capabilities are always our shared focus, the opportunity to learn more about our cultures together is invaluable.”

The United States and Thailand have enjoyed nearly two centuries of diplomatic relations and have been security treaty allies for over 65 years. The enduring relationship covers political, security, and economic cooperation, as well as a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and ensure readiness for future security challenges.

Source: United States Navy

Good morning, and what a wonderful morning it is for so many family members and friends who are pierside with us today.

It is my honor and privilege to say to the more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit—Welcome Home and Well Done!

The men and women of the ARG-MEU Team did a phenomenal job during their eight-and-a-half-month deployment.

The ARG-MEU operated in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation, ensuring the free flow of maritime traffic and regional stability.

Following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7th, both ships participated in Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea to deter further escalation and protect innocent commercial shipping against Iranian-aligned Houthi attacks.

Our Navy-Marine Corps Team remains a key contributor to maintaining maritime safety, security, and global stability, and we remain committed to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters.

As you all know, service is not an obligation; it’s a privilege—a chance to be a part of something greater than ourselves and to uphold the values that define us as a nation.

Service to our country and service in the armed forces are not merely jobs or careers; they are fundamental aspects of our democracy, deeply ingrained in the very fabric of our nation.

Every Sailor and Marine of the Bataan ARG-MEU team has chosen to serve. They answered our National Call to Service as part of our all-volunteer force. They chose to raise their right hand and swear an oath to defend the Constitution.

The Bataan ARG-MEU is a perfect example of the dedication we ask of our people. They were deployed forward, protecting our national interests, reassuring our allies, and deterring our adversaries.

I am so proud of these Sailors and Marines. They truly represent everything that is great about our Department of the Navy and indeed our Nation.

However, their service in defense of our country is only possible because of the love, support, and sacrifice of their families, many of whom are here today to welcome them home.

Over the past eight and a half months, the family members of our Sailors and Marines have endured missed birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries.

Spouses have shouldered the burdens of daily life without their partners, and parents have had to take on sole responsibility for caring for their children.

While these last 255 days have certainly not been easy for them, I am forever grateful to them for keeping the faith, and for believing that their family’s sacrifice in defense of their fellow Americans was worth it.

On behalf of the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and the entire country—to the Sailors, Marines, and families of the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU: thank you for your service and steadfast support to our grateful Nation.

Well done and welcome home!

Source: United States Navy

In a collaborative effort to promote STEM education and inspire future leaders in science and technology, over 40 volunteers from Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes lent their expertise to support the eighth annual SeaPerch Regional Competition held on March 16 at Lake Forest Academy.

Source: United States Navy

Deputy commodore Capt. Stig Sanness has assumed duties as commodore. There is no impact to NSWG-8’s mission readiness.

Navy leaders are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards.

For questions related to this release, contact NSWC Public Affairs at 619-537-1351 or by email at chelsea.k.irish.mil@socom.mil.

Source: United States Navy

“We’re thrilled to welcome Poland as a member of CMF,” said Vice Adm. George Wikoff, CMF commander. “We greatly benefit from Poland’s participation in this coalition of nations committed to regional maritime security. I look forward to being ‘Ready Together’ with our new partners as CMF continues to set the global standard for maritime cooperation.”

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

With 42 nations, CMF is the largest naval partnership in the world. Other task forces include CTF 150, focused on maritime security in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and eastern Gulf of Aden; CTF 151, which leads regional anti-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, responsible for maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden; and CTF 154, established in May to enhance maritime security training throughout the region.