Month: July 2024

Source: United States Navy

During Matthews’ time in command, CTF 150 conducted seven successful drug interdictions at sea, with more than 11,600 kg of illegal narcotics seized. These seizures prevented criminal and terrorist organizations from generating income for malign activities. He also met with key leaders from India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Pakistan and Tanzania to discuss about the importance of collaboration, information sharing and exchanging knowledge and best practices to address shared regional maritime security issues, including illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

The CTF, established in February 2002, is one of five operational task forces under CMF and conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf. The core staff of CTF 150 consisted of Australians, Bahrainis, Canadians, and New Zealanders.

“During the past six months I had the privilege to be the CTF 150 Commander and lead a highly competent multinational team. Today marks the end of the 6th Canadian Command of CTF 150, but not the end of this endeavor as Pakistan assumes command of CTF 150,” Matthews said, “I am grateful for Vice Adm. Wikoff’s leadership and for the support of the CMF team. I would like to extend my appreciation of all the nations who contributed to CTF 150’s successes. CTF 150 relies on the ability of CMF nations to work together toward the same goal and I am thankful for having being part of this world-class organization.”

Malik has held numerous key appointments in the Pakistan Navy, most recently as Chief Staff Officer to Commander Pakistan Fleet at Fleet Headquarters. As the new commander of CTF 150, he brings extensive experience having worked with the task force previously. This change of command marks the thirteenth time Pakistan has commanded CTF 150.
Malik said his country’s frequent command of CTF 150 is a manifestation of the trust reposed in Pakistan Navy by coalition partners.

“It is an honor and a privilege to take command of Combined Task Force 150,” Malik said. “My team is fully geared up to efficiently shoulder this prestigious responsibility to contribute towards Maritime Security and stability in the region. I praise Capt. Matthews and his team for their stanch commitment and commendable services to achieve the set objectives of CTF 150.”

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 44 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Source: United States Navy

During the SINKEXs, participating units from Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy gained proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against surface ships at sea. Events like live-fire SINKEXs give participating nations the ability to test and conduct training on weapons and systems in a realistic environment that cannot be replicated in simulators. Additionally, these training events refine partner nations’ abilities to plan, communicate and conduct complex maritime operations such as precision and long-range strike capabilities.

“Sinking exercises give us a chance to sharpen our skills, learn from one another, and get real-world experience,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. John Wade, RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force Commander. “Using advanced weapons and seeing the professionalism of our teams during these drills shows our commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe and open.”

The sinking of the ex-Tarawa included the employment of a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet. As a precise, stealthy, and survivable cruise missile, LRASM provides multi-service, multi-platform, and multi-mission capabilities for offensive anti-surface warfare. Currently, LRASMs are deployed from U.S. Navy F/A-18 and U.S. Air Force B-1B aircraft.

Additionally, in a partnership with the U.S. Navy, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber proved a low-cost, air-delivered method for defeating surface vessels through a QUICKSINK demonstration, as part of the second SINKEX. The QUICKSINK experiment is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and aims to provide options to neutralize surface maritime threats while demonstrating the inherent flexibility of the joint force. This capability is an answer to an urgent need to quickly neutralize maritime threats over massive expanses of ocean around the world at minimal costs.

“The power of RIMPAC is in how it strengthens relationships between participating nations by challenging us to conduct realistic and relevant training together,” said Royal Australian Air Force Air Commodore Louise desJardins, Combined Force Air Component Commander. “It is a real demonstration of how we plan, communicate, and conduct complex operations like a SINKEX together and reflects the value of robust relationships between regional partners.”

Former Navy vessels used in SINKEXs, referred to as hulks, are prepared in strict compliance with regulations prescribed and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under a general permit the Navy holds pursuant to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Each SINKEX requires the hulk to sink to at least 1,000 fathoms (6,000 feet) of water and at least 50 nautical miles from land.

In accordance with EPA regulations, prior to a SINKEX, the Navy rigorously cleans the hulk and removes, to the maximum extent practicable, all materials that may degrade the marine environment, including the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Additionally, petroleum is cleaned from the vessel’s tanks, pipes, and reservoirs and all trash, floatable materials, and mercury or fluorocarbon containing materials are removed. The Navy documents the hulk cleaning process to EPA and keeps EPA informed before and after the SINKEX.

SINKEXs are conducted only after the area has been surveyed for the presence of people, marine vessels, aircraft, and marine species. SINKEXs are planned in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and executed in accordance with the Navy’s permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

Ex-Dubuque, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock, was commissioned on Sept. 1, 1967, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. From 1968 to 1975, the ship saw extensive duty in Vietnam. The ship was based in San Diego until 1985 and then joined the U.S. 7th Fleet in Sasebo, Japan. In the early 1990s, Dubuque joined efforts for Operation Desert Shield. The ship was decommissioned in June 2011.

Ex-Tarawa was the lead amphibious assault ship of her class upon commissioning on May 29, 1976. The ship was named after the Battle of Tarawa fought in the Pacific during World War II from November 20-23, 1943. Tarawa participated in a number of maritime exercises and operations supporting Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and cyclone relief efforts in Bangladesh and other nearby countries. The ship was decommissioned in March 2009.

This year’s sinking of a Tarawa-class ship is the second time a ship of this class has been used for a SINKEX. Previously, the ex-USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) was sunk during the SINKEX as part of RIMPAC 2006.

Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Source: United States Navy

Singapore is one of the United States’ strongest defense partners in the region. This visit underscores the critical importance of the U.S – Singapore security partnership and reaffirms U.S. commitment to maintaining a robust presence in Southeast Asia.

“Thank you to the people of Singapore for welcoming us back to Changi naval base” said Vice Adm. Kacher, commander, 7th Fleet. “Singapore is a longstanding, reliable, and steadfast partner in the region, and I am honored to return to a country I once called home, this time with the USS Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet. We look forward to engaging with our Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and enjoying Singaporean culture and hospitality during our visit.”

During the port visit, 7th Fleet and Blue Ridge leadership will meet with their Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and local leaders.  

Additionally, members from the ship’s crew and the 7th Fleet staff will engage in community relations activities and cultural events. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of local history, contribute positively to the community, and allow cultural exchanges with the people of Singapore.

As the 7th Fleet flagship, Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners as a key element of the United States’ stabilizing role in the region.

Source: United States Navy

 

Cmdr. Keith Turnbull relieved Cmdr. Clinton Christofk as commanding officer of Washington with family, friends, and shipmates in attendance.

Capt. Timothy Poe, Submarine Force Atlantic’s director of operations, and the ceremony’s guest speaker, spoke on Christofk’s time as Washington’s commanding officer.

“Your legacy on the Blackfish is set and you have trained a generation of future war fighters,” said Poe. “Unless you’ve worn the command-at-sea badge, you don’t appreciate the wide range of challenges, stresses and elations that come with it. Command can be lonely, exhilarating and frustrating all in the same day, sometimes in the same hour. You have handled yourself well and you endeavored to overcome.”

Poe went on to welcome Turnbull as the boat’s new commanding officer and offered him advice and words of encouragement.

“I was very happy to hear that you would be taking the reins of Blackfish,” said Poe. “You are the right person to transition into the shipyard and back out again to ensure Washington not only maintains her warfighting spirit and skills, but comes back stronger, better and ready.”

Before the transfer of command took place, Christofk took time to express gratitude to his crew for their support and hard work.

“I want you all to know that it was the honor of my life to serve as your captain,” said Christofk. “I hope I lived up to your expectations. You are not just Sailors. You are steely-eyed killers of the deep. You are 147 men and women from across our nation who answered the call and are ready to take the fight to our adversaries anywhere in the world. On our boat, you demonstrated why those that oppose freedom and democracy should fear the Blackfish.”

After assuming command, Turnbull addressed those in attendance as the boat’s new commanding officer.

“It is both an honor and a profound responsibility as I stand before you, assuming command of this extraordinary submarine,” said Turnbull. “My message today is truly one of thanks and appreciation. To the crew, I am honored and excited to lead such a distinguished group of Sailors. Each of you plays a vital role in our operations, and together, we make a formidable team. As we embark on this new chapter, let us remember that our strength lies in our ability to work together, to support one another, and to uphold the highest standards of our profession.”

Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

U.S. Submarine Forces execute the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. In addition to lending added capacity to naval forces, Submarine Forces, in particular, are expected to leverage those special advantages that come with undersea concealment to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the Nation could not otherwise achieve.

U.S. Submarine Forces and supporting organizations constitute the primary undersea arm of the Navy. Submarines and their crews remain the tip of the undersea spear.