Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

The bilateral operations included the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) and the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).

“Operating alongside our Royal Navy partners shows a unified front,” said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15. “We are committed to strengthening and demonstrating interoperability with our allies.”

During the operations, Higgins and Ottawa conducted maritime communications training and dynamic coordinated maneuvering.

“Exercise Noble Wolverine was, for our team, another successful integration between two highly trained and capable navies. The anti-submarine warfare, communications exercises and flying operations were seamless as usual, and occurred in the international waters of an area of the world where undisrupted movement of maritime trade is critical to the region and greater global community,” said Cmdr. Adriano Lozer, commanding officer of HMCS Ottawa. “This activity served once again to demonstrate how strong historic partners in defense at home and around the world, with enduring relationships that promote international law in a free and open Indo Pacific, can interchangeably play an active role in contributing to peace and security”

The U.S. Navy regularly operates alongside our allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of our shared commitment to the rules-based international order. Bilateral operations such as this one provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest destroyer squadron and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. It is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

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.

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal to U.S. Fifth Fleet for exceptional leadership and achievements from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2024 during Operation Unified Takedown today, Jan. 14.

Operation Unified Takedown is a comprehensive effort to disrupt smuggling networks that fund extremism and contribute to the global circulation of illegal substances. Over the three-year period, the operation resulted in the seizure of more than 70 tons of explosive propellant, 1,400 weapons, 226,000 rounds of ammunition, and 43,000 kilograms of narcotics. These actions significantly disrupted terrorist supply chains, bolstered regional stability, and curbed the global impact of illicit trafficking.

“The Sailors and Marines of U.S. Fifth Fleet have set an extraordinary standard of excellence and perseverance,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Their success in Operation Unified Takedown has not only enhanced maritime security but also strengthened global partnerships and fostered long-term regional stability.”

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Fifth Fleet, also expressed his gratitude and pride in the fleet’s accomplishments.

“This recognition reflects the relentless commitment, courage, and professionalism of our Sailors and Marines,” said Vice Adm. Wikoff. “Operation Unified Takedown has been a team effort, and our success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our coalition partners and the dedication of every individual involved.”

The award recognizes the fleet for its innovative use of resources, including advanced unmanned systems, robust intelligence sharing, and seamless integration with coalition forces.

“This operation showcases how innovation and collaboration can drive success in addressing complex maritime challenges,” added Secretary Del Toro. “The men and women of COMFIFTHFLT exemplify the Navy’s commitment to protecting our national interests and those of our allies.”

The Navy Expeditionary Medal highlights the profound contributions and unwavering resilience of COMFIFTHFLT’s Sailors and Marines. Their efforts have disrupted illicit activities, saved lives, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

This announcement follows Secretary Del Toro’s recent visits with units in Manama, Bahrain, and Rota, Spain, that will be eligible for the award.

Source: United States Navy

Dwight D. Eisenhower departed on its most recent deployment in Oct. 2023 and returned to Naval Station Norfolk in July 2024 having executed sustained operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. As the ship transitions to its maintenance phase, the focus shifts to ensuring its long-term mission readiness and technical upgrades to maintain its edge as a forward-deployed force and extend its service life.

“Our Sailors have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and operational excellence during our recent deployment,” said Capt. Chris Hill, commanding officer, Dwight D. Eisenhower. “We look forward to working with America’s finest shipyard workers to address necessary repairs and prepare the ship for a few more deployments.”

PIA 2025 will include comprehensive work on the carrier’s propulsion systems, crew habitability, combat systems, and aviation support capabilities. In addition to routine maintenance, upgrades to critical systems will ensure the carrier remains mission-ready and extends its operational effectiveness.

A PIA is part of the maintenance phase of the Navy’s Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). OFRP is a plan that helps the Navy balance operational requirements with time for training and maintenance, enabling readiness and ensuring deployability with the right skills and equipment.

“This maintenance period is a crucial opportunity to reset and upgrade the IKE after an exceptional deployment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Meadors, ship’s maintenance manager. “Our team, alongside the skilled workforce at NNSY, will ensure that IKE is prepared to meet the Navy’s evolving mission requirements. This effort reflects a strong partnership and a shared commitment to excellence.”

The maintenance period also marks a significant opportunity for the crew to focus on professional development, family reintegration, and personal readiness after a demanding deployment.

“While our ship undergoes maintenance, our Sailors will continue to exemplify the same dedication they’ve shown throughout the deployment,” added Hill. “We will emerge from this phase stronger, ready, and more capable than ever before.”

For more information about USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, head to Facebook (/TheCVN69) or Instagram (@TheCVN69). For inquiries, email pao@cvn69.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

This year’s Sacramento Navy Week holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday — a historic milestone celebrating a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security and global leadership.

“America is a maritime nation and 90% of commerce travels through the seas that the Navy has protected for 250 years,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “We’re thrilled to bring your Navy Sailors to Sacramento.  Though America’s Navy operates the world’s most sophisticated weapons systems, it is our highly skilled people – at sea and ashore – who provide an unmatched advantage. At Navy Weeks, Americans connect with Sailors who have tremendous character, competence, and dedication to the mission, and who continue a tradition of decisive power from seabed to space.”

Sacramento hosted four previous Navy Weeks, most recently in 2018. This year promises an impressive lineup designed to inform, educate and inspire the Sacramento community:

• Senior Navy Leaders: Meet and hear from senior Navy officials, including those with local ties to Sacramento.
• Namesake Sailors: Interact with Sailors serving aboard the USS California (SSN 781), a Virginia-class submarine.
• U.S. Navy Band Southwest: Enjoy live musical performances and masterclasses led by talented Navy musicians.
• Naval History and Heritage Command: Explore the rich connection between Sacramento and the Navy through interactive presentations and educational programs.
• USS Constitution: Witness demonstrations featuring the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship and its enduring legacy.
• U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command: Engage in STEM-focused sessions highlighting oceanographic and atmospheric science.
• Navy Talent Acquisition Group: Discover opportunities within the Navy through community projects, displays, and career discussions.

Navy Weeks bring the Navy to regions without a major naval presence, fostering connections and showcasing how the Navy’s mission ensures the security, prosperity and freedom of our nation. The Navy Week program has visited over 95 U.S. markets since the program’s inception in 2005.

For more details on Sacramento Navy Week, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/navy-weeks/ or contact Lt. j.g. Josh Keim at (901) 232-4451 or via email at joshua.a.keim.mil@us.navy.mil. Follow Navy Outreach on Instagram (@navy.outreach); Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn (@navyoutreach); and #NavyWeeks.

About Navy Week:

Navy Week is the Navy’s flagship outreach program, designed to connect Americans with their Navy. Over the past two decades, the program has brought the Navy’s mission, people, and capabilities to hundreds of communities nationwide, inspiring new generations and strengthening the bonds between the Navy and the American people.

Source: United States Navy

“From the Civil War to World War II, from the Cold War to the Global War on Terror, graduates of the Academy have been at the forefront of naval and maritime operations,” Secretary Del Toro said. “Our alumni have commanded fleets, led Marine expeditionary forces into battle, and served at the highest echelons of government, including the presidency.” 

In his address, Secretary Del Toro reflected on the lessons learned throughout his career, the evolving role of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and the critical importance of maintaining readiness to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global security environment. As an alumnus, Secretary Del Toro advocated for the values instilled by the Naval Academy honor, courage, and commitment and has worked tirelessly to support the future of naval leadership. His remarks served as an inspiring and heartfelt message to the next generation of leaders as they embark on their own journeys of service to the nation. 

“We must create environments where our Sailors and Marines feel empowered to speak truth to power, where they are encouraged to challenge the status quo, and where they are rewarded for their initiative and creativity,” Secretary Del Toro said. “When you graduate, we will entrust our Sailors and Marines our nation’s greatest asset and our strategic advantage in any competition to you, and I challenge you to be ready at that moment for the Navy and Marine Corps and, indeed, the world.” 

Secretary Del Toro has led the Department of the Navy during a period of significant transformation, focusing on strengthening maritime dominance, building a culture of warfighting excellence, and enhancing strategic partnerships to ensure the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps remain agile and prepared for the challenges of the future. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a stronger, more dynamic defense posture for the United States, and his farewell address celebrates the accomplishments of his tenure while inspiring the future of naval leadership. 

“To succeed in this environment, we must recognize that the seas are not just pathways for commerce, but the very arteries of global power and influence,” Secretary Del Toro said. “As you lead, remember that you are not just protecting American interests you are part of a broader international effort, working with allies and partners to preserve the international order.” 

Secretary Del Toro leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the men and women of the Naval Academy, inspiring the next generation of leaders to carry the torch forward. His leadership has reinforced the values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the Academy and the Navy, ensuring that the future of our nation’s defense remains in capable hands.