Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

Naval Medical orces Pacific (NMFP) conducted a Command Post Exercise (CPX) at Naval Medical Center San Diego, October 29-31, as part of Exercise Keen Sword 25, highlighting Navy Medicine’s readiness and expeditionary medical capabilities.

Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.

The CPX served to ensure that NMFP’s deployable Task Group headquarters maintains key skill sets and remains prepared to support Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) in regional operations.

“Our objective is to confirm our readiness to support COMPACFLT and the joint force with essential Health Service Support (HSS) functions and establish conditions for future operations,” said Cmdr. Noah Apusen, deputy director of the NMFP’s Maritime Operations Center.

The CPX tested the team’s ability to coordinate medical operations under austere conditions, replicating the challenges of a contested environment. It simulated coordinated efforts to sustain the joint force through command and control (C2), medical logistics, patient movement, and force health protection, bringing together personnel from NMFP, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego, NMRTC Yokosuka, NMRTC Guam, NMRTC Camp Pendleton, and elements of Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Alpha and the reserve component EMF Camp Pendleton.

Months of planning, working groups, and “road-to-crisis” briefings contributed to the team’s success, despite challenges, including managing high operational tempo with limited communication, Apusen explained.

“Our team met the training objectives, demonstrating command and control, establishing Role 3 hospitalization, moving critical supplies, and coordinating multi-modal patient movement,” Apusen said. “This exercise builds our ‘bench’ by acclimating new Task Group members to their responsibilities, from medical logistics to battle watch and patient movement.”

The CPX also underscored the support provided to medical units supporting the warfighters, like the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) 150-Bravo, which concurrently conducted field training alongside the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. The exercise demonstrated EMF Bravo’s capacity to integrate with JSDF counterparts in mass casualty scenarios, refining Role 2 to Role 3 casualty evacuation procedures, multi-service ward bed expansion, and walking blood bank activation.

Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of NMFP, emphasized the value of these exercises in enhancing the responsiveness of Navy Medicine.

“Exercises like the CPX and EMF Bravo’s field training with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces exemplify the power of collaboration and preparation,” Valdes said. These scenarios reinforce our ability to provide timely, life-saving medical support under any conditions, which is vital to maintaining the readiness of our warfighters.”

Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) provides oversight for 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTC), on the West Coast and Pacific Rim that train, man, and equip medical forces, primarily in military treatment facilities. Globally, NMFP oversees eight research laboratories that deliver research expertise in support of warfighter health and readiness. Additionally, NMFP manages the Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center (NEMWDC), which plays a critical role in preparing medical teams for expeditionary and operational environments.

Source: United States Navy

NCIS Director Omar Lopez delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of using the skills and knowledge gained from training in the field before introducing Secretary Del Toro as the keynote speaker.

During his address, Secretary Del Toro remarked on the history of the FLETC, which up until 1974 was known as the Glynco Naval Air Station, and its deep connection to the Navy. He also thanked NCIS Director Lopez and acknowledged his commitment to the Navy first as a judge advocate and now as the first Hispanic American to serve as NCIS director.

He then told graduates that regardless of what led them to this point in their lives, whether it was another agent or the popular television series, this was a special moment to celebrate the end of a long journey before they step into their new role.

“Your journey has been arduous, and there have been moments when you faced self-doubt,” Secretary Del Toro said. “But we are here today to celebrate the culmination of your training and hard work. I thank you for your continued service and commitment to the United States of America.”

The NCIS Special Agent Basic Training Program is an accredited, 12-week program that uniquely combines FLETC basic Special Agent training — common to all federal law enforcement agencies –with advanced skills development in areas like cyber, crime scene management, tactics, family and sexual violence, counterintelligence, and complex interviewing.

Secretary Del Toro emphasized in his remarks that the graduates’ expertise, commitment and service was needed in every part of the world — from the Indo-Pacific to Europe to the Red Sea — and highlighted challenges the Department of the Navy faces in those areas.

As he reflected on his tenure as Secretary of the Navy, he restated the Navy’s most enduring priorities of strengthening maritime dominance, building a culture of warfighting excellence and enhancing strategic partnerships — emphasizing the importance of the people who form the strong foundation for meeting those priorities.

“No organization better embodies these priorities than the Naval Criminal Investigative Service—what you accomplish every day as NCIS special agents underscores our Department’s ethos. No other agency shoulders such a substantial and varied responsibility than NCIS. NCIS protects our Sailors, Marines, and Department of the Navy civilians from those who mean us harm.”

He praised NCIS for demonstrating the ethos of putting its people first and said that as special agents, what they accomplish everyday will underscore the department’s priorities.

“Our nation will ask much of you, and as protectors of our service members, justice and the law, the responsibility entrusted in you is great,” Secretary Del Toro said in closing. “And whether you serve for a few years or for a lifetime, your time in the NCIS will be a fulfilling and significant endeavor. Go forth with confidence of the power within you, your teammates besides you and a grateful nation behind you.”

Secretary Del Toro was sworn in as the 78th Secretary of the Navy Aug. 9, 2021. As Secretary, he is responsible for over 900,000 Sailors, Marines, reservists and civilian personnel and an annual budget exceeding $210 billion.

NCIS is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates felony crime, prevents terrorism and protects secrets for the U.S. Department of the Navy. NCIS employs approximately 2,300 personnel, including approximately 1,000 federal special agents, in 41 countries and 191 locations around the world.

To learn more about NCIS, visit www.ncis.navy.mil and follow NCIS on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. To report suspected crime, please submit a tip to NCIS via the NCIS Tips app or at www.ncis.navy.mil. Tips may be reported anonymously.

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti hosted the Turkish Head of Navy Adm. Ercüment Tatlıoğlu for an official counterpart visit, Nov. 5-8. 

Tatlıoğlu’s trip to Washington D.C. was part of a four-day trip to the United States, that also included stops in Annapolis, Md. and Norfolk, Va., where the delegation visited Navy commands and spoke with Navy leaders and Sailors.

“With today’s security challenges and the changing character of war, it is important that we work together with our Allies and partners – alongside the Joint Force – in a global security ecosystem to preserve the peace, and be ready to respond in crisis, and win decisively in war, if called,” said Franchetti.

Tatlıoğlu began his trip visiting the U.S. Naval Academy, where he met with Superintendent Vice Adm. Yvette Davids and held discussions with leaders from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Energy Academic Group.

After arriving in Washington, the Türkiye delegation then met with leaders from Naval Sea Systems Command to discuss potential ship maintenance cooperation opportunities and coordination of International Fleet Working Group meetings.

Franchetti and Tatlıoğlu had multiple engagements to include a Navy Full Honors Arrival Ceremony, an office call and a luncheon, where the leaders emphasized a collaborative approach to defense modernization.

“We are looking forward to enhance Turkish-American naval cooperation which will boost stability and peace in our region,” said Tatlıoğlu.

The CNO also noted that the U.S. – Turkish alliance and Türkiye’s steadfast presence straddling two areas of operation has proven to be critical in ensuring regional stability.

During their office call, Franchetti and Tatlıoğlu discussed Türkiye’s offer of support for U.S. Navy deployment maintenance requirements. They also discussed their shared commitment to interoperability, and key elements of the CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy.  

“My job is to get more players on the field to ensure our Navy is as ready as possible for potential conflict. To do that, we know we need to be interoperable with Allies and partners,” said Franchetti. “The Turkish Navy has been a strong partner in that endeavor, working with us in exercises like BALTOPS, operations in the Mediterranean Sea, and around the world. I look forward to future opportunities to increase interoperability with such a capable Navy.”

Following the visit to Washington, D.C., Turkish delegation representatives traveled to Naval Station Norfolk to meet with Rear Adm. Diana Wolfson, Director of Fleet Maintenance, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and tour USS Richard McCool (LPD 29) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). 

Source: United States Navy

“Conventionally armed SSNs provide a strong and credible deterrent by creating doubt and uncertainty for any potential adversary,” said Seif. “Our speed means that we can cover tremendous distances quickly. Our stealth and endurance mean that we can operate undetected for months at a time, ceding no water space, and we are always ready to appear at a time of our choosing.”

The conference’s theme was “Australian Submarines – Cornerstone of Deterrence” with speakers addressing the Royal Australian Navy’s current fleet of Collins-class diesel-electric submarines, as the nation prepares to transition to nuclear powered submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement.

Seif commented on the strong partnership and history of collaboration between the submarine forces of Australia, U.K., and the U.S., stating, “In this maritime century, the critical role of the undersea will continue to grow in importance. As we add AUKUS Pillar II capabilities now, and then sovereign Australian conventionally armed SSNs under Pillar I, Australia will be better postured to ensure its national defense and deter aggression throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

Notable distinguished speakers throughout the two-day conference included Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, High Commissioner of the U.K. to Australia Victoria Treadell, and Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, chief of navy. Conference topics ranged from development of a nuclear workforce in Australia, to artificial intelligence, to supply chain and infrastructure, and more.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force provides strategic deterrence, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, early warning, and special warfare capabilities around the globe.

For more information about Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/.

Source: United States Navy

NATO’s Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) and NPS collaborated to launch their first Climate Change and Security course on September 23, 2024. The course supported common objectives in the Secretary of the Navy’s Climate Action 2030 strategic plan, as well as the Naval Education Strategy to address common challenges and enhance partnerships through opportunities to learn alongside our allies and partners.

According to scientific attribution studies, the record-breaking hot sea surface temperatures that fueled recent hurricanes Helene and Milton were both stronger and more destructive to communities in the southeastern United States due to global warming induced climate change. The U.S. is not alone.

It’s climate disasters like these, occurring across the planet, that make cooperation between international partners and allies more critical than ever when building resiliency and finding sustainable solutions to the global security threats caused by the intensifying worldwide climate crisis.

“The weeklong course was designed for mid-career government officials and military officers who are responsible for supporting senior staff in strategic decision-making that addresses climate change and security issues,” said NPS researcher Kristen Fletcher, who helped develop, organize, and co-lead the course for NPS.

Fletcher, who cofounded the NPS Climate and Security Network, emphasized the importance of the interactions between the attendees. 

“The course is more than information sharing and analysis of the extremely challenging problems that climate change poses to military operations,” she said. “It also creates a strong network for attendees to share experiences, find ongoing support, and continue working together when they return home.”

In attendance were faculty and participants from 19 countries, which included NATO members Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, U.K. and U.S. Attendees from Australia, Austria and Switzerland, which are NATO partner countries, also participated.

Paul Rushton, the course’s NATO co-lead, serves as the lead for the Climate Change and Security team in NATO’s Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber Division (IHC). He believed the course was the first step toward fulfilling crucial needs of the nations.

“There’s a huge demand for dedicated climate change and security training, especially with a focus on military and security sector stakeholders,” Rushton said. “There’s a genuine gap at the moment. We intend to take the lessons that we’ve learned from this course, build on this experience, and use it as part of the foundation for our next courses.”

On March 7, 2024, Sweden became the newest member of NATO, following Finland, which had become a NATO member in 2023.

“We are new to NATO, so it’s a great opportunity to learn more about their work,” said Jenny Lundén, the head of Branch Capability Development for the Swedish Defense Research Agency. “I think the NATO network and community are very important.”

As with the other attendees, she sees the impacts of human-made climate change firsthand. 

“We see a shift in the seasons,” she said. “Winter comes later, and summer has become longer. And it’s warmer in the north.”

A former Arctic ice researcher, Lundén continued, “In supporting future studies for the Swedish armed forces, climate change and security plays an important role because it affects the operation of the military.”

During the course, content sessions included climate change science, energy security, operational impacts, resiliency, and financial and policy topics. A tabletop exercise also ran throughout the course, allowing participants to break into teams that focused on science and environment, security impacts, human and social impacts, and operational challenges of climate change covering three different regions—the Arctic/High North, Eastern Flank, and Middle East and North Africa.

Policy officer Marijana Petrov, who attended from the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Defense, recognized the valuable opportunity for her country to learn more about climate security and to engage with the other nations. 

“I’ve been having a lot of discussions with colleagues from other countries who are steps ahead of where we are. So, it’s very useful for me to hear about their approaches and best practices,” she said.

In what’s becoming a frightfully too common severe event around the globe, only 10 days prior to the course, extreme rain caused catastrophic flooding in the Czech Republic and the surrounding countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. One Czech town received 435 mm (17 inches) of rainfall over three days, while flooding put another town 80 percent underwater.

“A priority is defining questions that we need to ask ourselves at the ministry,” Petrov added. “I’m bringing back ideas to set for climate change and security goals, and I hope we can implement them.”

Inadequate or nonexistent climate change and security policies inhibit the ability of the military to meet their operational responsibilities, which threaten the security of nations and global stability.

A recent law school graduate and fellow of the inaugural class of the NPS-Stanford Climate Security Fellowship, Rebecca Grippo helped organize the course and presented two sessions related to economics, policy, and law.

“Climate change case law is indicative of policy trends but is also setting them,” Grippo explained. “We’re seeing a lot that concerns the military right now, so we must have a very good understanding of the policies that govern what the military can and cannot do. This will show what isn’t working well enough and what more needs to be done.”

Recognizing the importance of collaboration between the Department of Defense (DOD) and NATO allies needed to address the climate crisis, Grippo was excited by the large number of countries in attendance. Joining forces with the Navy, the U.S. Army fielded both faculty and participants.

“We focus on what the Army’s impact is on the environment, but also what the environment’s impact is on the Army. So, climate change falls within this realm,” said Army Lt. Col. Matt Horwatt, director of Environmental Security to the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Installations, Energy & Environment (ASA IE&E) and a member of NATO’s Environmental Protection Working Group.

“In this course, I’m seeing professionals who are looking at climate change and security from all different angles, all different countries, all different positions and all different areas of influence where they can actually make change,” he said. “I think that’s really encouraging. And I think having the tools to help us translate decision making into a form that our senior leaders and policymakers can understand and appreciate is a phenomenal resource.”

Horwatt is also part of the leadership that started the U.S. Army War College Environmental Security Scholars Program this year. Like the NPS-Stanford Climate Security Fellowship, which started last year and is now beginning its second class, the Army scholars study climate change. In addition, their concentration also encompasses the multifaceted aspects of environmental security needed to maintain or gain strategic advantages.

“For too long, the military as a whole has focused on the three B’s—beans, bodies, and bullets. That’s usually what drives resourcing and missions,” said Horwatt. “But there’s a fourth aspect to consider—the environment. If we’re not taking care of our environment and natural resources, then what are we fighting for? Who are we actually protecting? At the end of the day what we want is to help people and their communities.”

Participants said the curriculum and collaboration were exceptional, and NPS and NATO planners are looking to continue with future climate and security courses in 2025.