Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro named the Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer, the future USS Robert Kerrey (DDG 146).

DDG 146 honors former U.S. Senator, Nebraska Governor, and naval officer Joseph Robert Kerrey, who received the Medal of Honor for heroism displayed during the Vietnam War. This will be the first Navy vessel named after Kerrey.

“One of the great privileges I have as Secretary of the Navy is to name ships, and it is my honor to name the future USS Robert Kerrey (DDG 146),” said Del Toro. “This will be the first Navy vessel named in his honor, and it is most appropriate we do so, for his actions in Vietnam and his continued service to this country well beyond his Naval service.”

On Jan 3, Del Toro and Kerrey met in NYC to share the news of the naming of the destroyer. Del Toro named DDG 145 at a press conference at the Intrepid Museum prior to the meeting with Kerrey.

“My sincere thanks to President Biden, Secretary of the Navy Del Toro, and the United States Navy that gave me the opportunity to serve my country for three of the best years of my life,” said Senator Kerrey. “I am very grateful for this recognition.”

Born in Lincoln, NE in 1943 and entering the Navy in 1966, Kerrey completed Officer Candidate School and Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training. He deployed to the Republic of Vietnam as a platoon officer with Delta Platoon, SEAL Team 1 in 1969. On 14 March 1969, he led his team on a mission to capture important Viet Cong political leaders who had set up a base of operations on an island in the bay of Nha Trang. The platoon scaled a 350-foot cliff and were descending from a ledge overlooking the enemy camp when a grenade exploded at Kerrey’s feet, severely injuring his right leg and propelling him backward onto jagged rocks. Immobilized by his multiple wounds, Kerrey nonetheless continued directing his team in securing the enemy camp and finding an extraction site for helicopter evacuation. Kerrey ultimately would lose his lower leg, but his steadfast courage and leadership under fire earned the gratitude of his Nation.

He received the Medal of Honor in 1970, the first Navy SEAL to be so honored. He subsequently served as the 35th Governor of Nebraska (1983-1987) and as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska (1989-2001), as well as a member of the 9/11 Commission.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, built around the Aegis Combat System, are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet providing protection to America around the globe.

They incorporate stealth techniques, allowing these highly capable, multi-mission ships to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface domains. These elements of sea power enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad.

Source: United States Navy

NEW YORK – Today, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer, the future USS Intrepid (DDG 145) aboard the former aircraft carrier which shares its namesake as the Intrepid Museum in New York City.

DDG 145 honors the skilled, fearless crews of the four previous Navy ships to bear the name. This will be the fifth ship named Intrepid.

“It is deeply meaningful to stand aboard USS Intrepid—the fourth vessel to bear the name, and whose proud legacy continues to inspire and remind so many visitors of the courage, resilience and sacrifice that define the U.S. Navy — and it is with profound respect that we also look to the future of our Navy from these decks,” said Del Toro. “It is my pleasure to announce that the fifth vessel named Intrepid will be an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, DDG 145, USS Intrepid, in honor of her past namesakes and the courageous service of all our Sailors globally from the South China Sea to the Red Sea.”

The first Intrepid was captured from the Barbary state of Tripoli in December 1803 where she sailed under the name Mastico. In February 1804, she then slipped into Tripoli harbor to set fire to the captured US Navy ship Philadelphia.

The second Intrepid was an experimental steam torpedo ram, operating from 1874 to 1892.

The third Intrepid was a receiving and barracks ship assigned to the Yerba Buena Training Station and Mare Island Naval Yard.

The fourth Intrepid, an aircraft carrier, served from 1943 to 1974. She supported the capture of the Marshall Islands in early 1944. In September, she struck targets in the Palaus and provided close air support to Marines on Peleliu. She helped liberate the Philippines and took part in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, where her air wing helped sink or damage three aircraft carriers, four battleships, and a cruiser. She was later hit by multiple kamikazes. She participated in the invasion of Okinawa and attacks on mainland Japan. She was decommissioned in 1947 and recommissioned in 1952, becoming the first carrier to use American-built steam catapults. She supported NATO in the 1950s and 1960s, and recovered several NASA space capsules. Intrepid then joined Seventh Fleet to support combat operations off Vietnam, where she was lauded for her speed in launching aircraft. In 1969, she returned to the North Atlantic, sailing there until decommissioning in 1974. She is preserved as a museum ship in New York City.

“We know this namesake ship will serve our Navy and our nation proudly as the former USS Intrepid did and continues to do, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that it begins its proverbial journey today at the Intrepid Museum,” said Intrepid Museum President Susan Marenoff-Zausner. “For all of its missions, the entire Museum team wishes the ships and its crew safety and success.”

Along with announcing the ship’s name, Del Toro also announced the sponsor for the future USS Intrepid (DDG 145) as Mrs. Betty Del Toro, who in her role as the ship’s sponsors will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

Mrs. Del Toro is not only the wife of Secretary Del Toro but is also a lifelong supporter of the Navy and a steadfast advocate for Sailors and Marines. She served as a military spouse for 22 years, encompassing 17 military moves. She is passionate about matters that involve military families and children. Over the last three years, she has met with hundreds of service members, spouses and dependents.

“I am especially proud to serve as for a ship whose name embodies American courage and resilience,” said Betty Del Toro. “Having had the honor and opportunity to stand alongside my husband throughout his active duty Navy career and as the 78th Secretary of the Navy, I embrace this new role— one which emphasizes something that is deeply important to me; supporting Navy Sailors and Marines, and their families.”

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, built around the Aegis Combat System, are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet providing protection to America around the globe. They incorporate stealth techniques, allowing these highly capable, multi-mission ships to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface domains. These elements of sea power enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad.

Source: United States Navy

This visit marks the second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier visit to Malaysia in just over a month since 2012. The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Malaysia in 1957 following Malaysia’s independence from the United Kingdom, elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in April 2014.

“Malaysia is a key partner for us in the Indo-Pacific. Our visit reinforces the importance of this partnership to the United States,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE (CSG-1). “Visiting Port Klang provides us with an important and unique opportunity to collaborate with our Royal Malaysian Navy counterparts, continuing to build upon our strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, while also providing our Sailors well-deserved downtime to explore the area and build connections within the community.”

The U.S. and Malaysia cooperate closely on security matters, including counter-terrorism, maritime domain awareness, and regional stability, and participate frequently in bilateral and multilateral training, exercises and visits.

“The back-to-back visits of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and the USS Abraham Lincoln to Malaysia underscore the depth and strength of our security ties—an enduring cornerstone of the U.S.-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership,” said U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan. “Building on decades of close collaboration, we continue to bolster our security partnership and remain committed to working with Malaysia to advance our shared vision of a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”

During their stay in Malaysia, the nearly 7,500 Sailors from CSG-1 will participate in cultural exchanges, community relations events, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored tours to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

“On behalf of America’s Favorite Aircraft Carrier, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the people of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for welcoming the Sailors of USS Carl Vinson with such enthusiasm and warm hospitality,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson. “We are delighted to welcome Malaysian Navy and government officials aboard Vinson, and we are grateful for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Malaysia.”

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ONE and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) one, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Two, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

CVW-2 is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 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.

For more news from CSG-1 and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

Source: United States Navy

Statement by Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro:

“On behalf of our Sailors, Marines, and Department of the Navy Civilians, I express my deepest condolences to the Carter Family for the loss of a respected public servant, committed family man and devoted American.

President Carter will always be remembered for his dedication to the greater good, from his early days in the U.S. Navy, to his terms in office as the 76th Governor of Georgia and 39th President of the United States, to his continued philanthropy and volunteer activities.

In October, I announced that the future Virginia-class submarine (SSN-813) will be named USS Atlanta during a ceremony at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. His legacy lives on through Seawolf-class submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, and his countless incentives focused on improving the quality of life for people across the globe. His legacy will also shine where his naval career started in Annapolis, where I had the privilege of renaming an academic building at the United States Naval Academy in honor of President Carter.

President Carter’s servant leadership and enduring commitment to the well-being of others will continue to inspire me and others around the world.

My wife Betty and I extend our deepest condolences to their children Amy, Jack, Donnel and James; their grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the entire Carter Family during this time of grieving.”

Statement by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti: 

“Today we mourn the loss of a shipmate as we celebrate and honor the life and memory of an exemplary public servant and patriot, President Jimmy Carter, who earned our admiration with his courage and won our hearts with his compassion.

From humble beginnings on a peanut farm in Georgia, he began his adult life in the Navy, entering the Naval Academy during World War II. He said that his naval service prepared him for the rest of his life, instilling courage, self-sacrifice, idealism, and self-discipline which would combine to form his moral core. Throughout his life, he was guided by his unshakeable conviction that, “an individual is not swept along on a tide of inevitability but can influence even the greatest human events.” 

His legacy and beliefs are imbued in the Sailors that set sail aboard the USS Jimmy Carter and walk the halls of the newly renamed Carter Hall at the United States Naval Academy.

President Carter’s life of service will continue to be an example for us and help us navigate our course. His work is finished, but America’s work continues. President Carter, we have the watch.”

President Jimmy Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977-1981. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and served as a submariner from 1946-1953 when he left active duty service as a lieutenant and continued his service as a reservist until 1961. The Seawolf-class submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) and the newly renamed Carter Hall are named after him.

For more information about President Carter’s life and service in the Navy, please see the below links: 

President Carter’s Navy Career

1.       DVIDS: 

2.       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com.mcas-gov.us/watch?v=uNbgd4IYsWY

Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Biography and Photos:

1.       https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/biographies-list/bios-c/carter-james-e.html

2.       https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/presidents/carter.html

Source: United States Navy

Emerging from the devastation of World War II, the alliance united 12 nations with the principle that an attack on one would be an attack on all. NATO’s mission evolved beyond military deterrence, fostering political cohesion, economic stability, and a transatlantic partnership that has supported global security for decades.

In today’s complex security environment, NATO’s strength lies not only in its 32 member nations but in the infrastructure, personnel, and partnerships that support its operations. Among the critical enablers of NATO’s collective defense are the naval installations and personnel under the purview of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT).

Enabling a Strong Maritime Presence:
“Geographically and logistically, our region serves as the backbone for NATO’s ability to project power and protect global stability,” said Rear Adm. Brad Collins, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central.
Region EURAFCENT’s area of responsibility encompasses some of the most strategically significant installations in the world for NATO, including bases in Spain, Greece, Italy, and the AEGIS Ashore Missile Defense Systems in Poland and Romania. These locations enable the U.S. Navy and its NATO allies to maintain readiness, secure sea lanes, and counter emerging missile threats.
With the establishment of the new missile defense bases in Romania and Poland, NATO’s defensive capabilities are more robust than ever, providing a shield against potential threats from adversarial forces seeking to destabilize the region.

These bases, part of NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defense system, symbolize the alliance’s readiness to defend any member from any threat. They are a tangible reminder of NATO’s motto: “Not today, not ever.” For anyone considering aggression against a NATO ally, the message is clear—peace will be protected, and any threat will be met with swift and decisive action.
In an address to EURAFCENT service members and civilians, Rear Adm. Collins emphasized the region’s impact on global operations, highlighting the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group’s historic deployment. The strike group launched 155 standard missiles and 135 Tomahawk land-attack missiles, taking down Houthi adversaries who were threatening peace in the area. These actions were critical in protecting vital waterways and maintaining stability in a region under tension.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) was forward deployed for nine months, with few opportunities for port calls or the ability to replenish in port. Region EURAFCENT answered the call to support CVN 69’s readiness and their continued operations. In Collin’s address he goes on to say, “We saw this in the 30 replenishments-at-sea the Eisenhower strike group received. The supplies and logistic support received by the [Eisenhower] strike group, in order to sustain a forward deployed posture, was only made possible by you.”

Supporting NATO’s Strategic Goals:
As NATO faces new challenges—ranging from Russian adversarial actions in Eastern Europe to security threats in the Mediterranean—the alliance states it has undertaken the largest reinforcement of its collective defense in a generation. This includes increasing forces along the eastern flank, deploying carrier strike groups to the Adriatic, Baltic, and Mediterranean Seas, and conducting joint exercises with allies and partners.
EURAFCENT’s installations are essential to these efforts, enabling the rapid deployment of forces, sustaining carrier operations, and facilitating joint exercises that enhance interoperability among NATO members. These exercises not only prepare forces for crises but also send a clear message of deterrence: NATO’s commitment to collective defense is unwavering.

Securing the Future:
As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, its ability to adapt and strengthen remains a cornerstone of its success. Region EURAFCENT’s support is critical to the alliance’s ability to counter threats and safeguard freedom from economic coercion, ensuring the free flow of trade and resources essential to global stability.
Rear Adm. Collins summed up the region’s critical role: “We are living in an unprecedented time, rendering aid in the fight of major, global conflicts, and our region is at the heart of it. Our EURAFCENT warriors are the backbone, geographically and logistically, in pursuit of protecting and controlling the seas. We have done that.”
From its inception to its current role as one of the world’s most influential military alliances, NATO’s strength lies in its unity—and the unwavering support of shore side installations that ensure unity will endure for generations to come.