Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

MONTEREY, Calif. – Students and faculty from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) conducted expeditionary advanced manufacturing research during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and Trident Warrior 2024 exercises demonstrating new technology applications at sea and ashore.

Ten NPS students from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Army, along with representatives from the school’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (CAMRE) and FLEETWERX, spent time at installations and aboard ships during the exercises to experiment with cutting-edge additive manufacturing equipment producing repair parts for a variety of use cases with real-world impact.

The CAMRE team aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) included NPS students, Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Innovation Unit, and Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division. Ashore at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii, a Joint Advanced Manufacturing Cell (JAMC), led by retired Marine Corps Col. Patrick Tucker, was assembled to focus on readiness challenges where advanced manufacturing could provide a solution.

Applying learned techniques during real scenarios in training environments like RIMPAC, which concluded early this month, allows students and operators in the fleet to better understand the importance and practical impact of their applied research in solving readiness problems.

“At NPS, our primary focus is graduate education,” said Emre Gunduz, Ph.D., an associate professor in NPS’ mechanical and aerospace engineering department and the technical director at CAMRE, who was the principal investigator, along with CAMRE program manager Chris Curran. “For Trident Warrior, the students applied their NPS education in a real operational environment, while at the same time advancing the capabilities of the Navy. This allowed NPS students to see the relevance of their studies and research to real-world Navy challenges, which could greatly enhance learning outcomes here. At the same time, we are targeting the current gaps in the rapid deployment of these emerging technologies.”

NPS Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with industry partners enabled cutting-edge equipment to be explored and included an expeditionary cold spray printer from XSPEE3D, which was co-located with the JAMC on MCB Hawaii, and a hybrid wire directed energy deposition machine from Snowbird Technologies. The Snowbird machine was installed in a 10-foot container and embarked on Somerset for an additive and subtractive capability afloat, joining a pair of Advanced Manufacturing Operational System polymer printers designed by Spencer Koroly, an engineer from Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.

“Ship and submarine repair is one of our crucial focus areas,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Vrtis, an engineering duty officer currently pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering with a dissertation focused on metal additive manufacturing. “We are working to implement advanced metal manufacturing to better supplement traditional fabrication methods, repair fleet assets quicker, and assist in revitalizing the submarine industrial base to meet production goals.”

Advanced manufacturing machines and tools available to NPS use computer-controlled processes to create objects layer by layer from digital designs. This method allows for precise and complex shapes, reduced waste, shortened production times, and customized production from materials like aluminum and steel. These new techniques are tested and refined at the NPS Advanced Manufacturing Center, a new interdisciplinary facility for 3D metal printing and related technologies to explore defense applications.

“It was important to make the leap from ‘thinking differently’ to ‘executing differently’ and show how the Department of Defense (DOD) can pair excess capacity of existing machines with top-tier service members to deliver real metal parts in days, not months,” said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Radigan of the Marine Innovation Unit, who also serves as the government lead on the CAMRE team. “I am truly impressed with what got accomplished and how it was accomplished.”

One significant accomplishment by the NPS team aboard Somerset was using the embarked additive manufacturing technology to repair a reverse osmosis pump, which kept Somerset from terminating its participation in the exercise early.

“It was great to see how resourceful the entire team was on the Somerset in a time of need,” said Marine Corps Maj. Daniel Szurick, a master’s student at NPS. “That’s exactly the naval culture that will allow us to succeed in conflict.”

From an operational perspective, having the right machines and talent on Somerset ensured shipboard equipment could be repaired without impacting operational mission requirements, ultimately reducing the reliance on distant logistics and increasing resiliency. From an experimentation perspective, this research validated the concept of how to employ advanced manufacturing in a contested logistics environment.

“Exercises give us a chance to sharpen our skills, learn from one another, and get real-world experience,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. Third Fleet. “A lot of hard work went into making sure the equipment worked and that we were trained and certified … to conduct these operations. There is no doubt that we achieved the main objectives of the exercise.”

Navy asset readiness is at risk when the industrial base is limited by agility and depth. Shipboard systems often rely on original equipment manufacturer components, which can have unacceptably long acquisition lead times for legacy systems.

The DOD’s Additive Manufacturing Strategy, released in 2021, is focused on operationalizing 3D printing capabilities. Advanced manufacturing, which includes additive manufacturing, is poised to be a crucial component of solutions offering unprecedented supply chain agility, ensuring the Navy can provide continuous security and stability – anywhere at any time.

“This innovative technology is becoming an increasingly game-changing capability that is improving operational readiness and afloat self-sufficiency,” said Navy Capt. Jeremy Gray, who serves as surface warfare chair at NPS. “The partnership between Commander Naval Surface Forces and NPS is accelerating fleet experimentation and Sailor experience with advanced manufacturing techniques and processes.”

In his capacity as surface warfare chair, Gray works with the fleet and NPS to include research for advanced manufacturing capabilities to get technologies and talent aboard ships for testing. These efforts, combined with those of the NPS CAMRE team and partners, contribute to the operationalization of advanced manufacturing at sea.

“CAMRE offers hands-on education to NPS students and fosters talent and technologies through applied research with operational forces,” said CAMRE Director Garth V. Hobson, Ph.D. “We are dedicated to advancing additive manufacturing education for defense applications and seamlessly integrating these technologies across the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint forces.”

In addition to the NPS CAMRE team, this applied research was supported by U.S. 3rd Fleet, Program Executive Office for Strategic Submarines, the Marine Innovation Unit, and NPS’ Naval Innovation Exchange Additive Manufacturing program.

NPS, located in Monterey, California, provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the Naval service. Established in 1909, NPS offers master’s and doctorate programs to Department of Defense military and civilians, along with international partners, to deliver transformative solutions and innovative leaders through advanced education and research

Source: United States Navy

“This award is only possible because of the amazing Sailors who continue to advance operational logistics and supply chain support for all our naval forces and assets in the 5th Fleet,” said Capt. Marcus Jones, Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics at NAVCENT.

The Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence recognizes both military and civilian logisticians who epitomize excellence in the realm of logistics and sustainment planning, representing the top individuals for global naval logistics. The awardees exemplify the importance of logistics to achieving the Navy’s mission and advancing a competitive edge over adversaries.

“This award is distinctly a humbling acknowledgement of the value that the U.S. Navy places on logistics and the profound impact of the work the NAVCENT N4 team has done in support of combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility,” said Cmdr. Colin Engels, NAVCENT Logistics Readiness Center Chief. “I have a tremendous amount of pride in our team.”

The NAVCENT team demonstrated exceptional leadership, unparalleled flexibility and tremendous logistics proficiency synchronizing logistics requirements for 15 task forces, 10 subordinate units, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, and USS Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group by rapidly developing a full transportation plan and establishing crucial supply nodes across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

“The work we put in over the last year had immediate real-world impacts in a combat environment and the team repeatedly demonstrated their ability to quickly think outside the box to solve a myriad of complex logistics challenges,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Murphy, NAVCENT Force Fuels Officer. “Receiving the Stan Arthur award reinforces the camaraderie of our group and affirms that we are logisticians of the highest caliber.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Navy

On August 13, 2024, U.S. Army combat medics assigned to 4th Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, and U.S. Navy corpsmen assigned to 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, engaged in a rigorous cross-training exercise during Pacific Fortitude. They focused on refining their expertise in care under fire, tactical field care, and evacuation procedures.

“Today’s objective was to evaluate our teamwork and gain insight into how we would operate together in future combat situations,” said Sgt. Rachael Dickson, a combat medic.

The exercise began with a simulated scenario where a tactical vehicle struck a landmine, causing a fire and multiple casualties. Medics quickly responded providing care under fire while simulated small arms fire intensified. Soldiers returned fire to secure the area allowing medics to move the injured to safety and transition to tactical field care.

During this phase, medics conducted thorough assessments, including blood sweeps and identifying injured areas, while monitoring airway, respiratory, and circulatory issues, and applying care.

“We thoroughly reviewed all treatments administered by the line medics,” said Spc. Joshua McAlister, combat medic. “We rechecked every intervention, continued any incomplete procedures or medications and ensured all documentation was current, providing the patient with the best possible care.”

Once stabilized, medics called in a 9-line medevac request for air evacuation. The crew then transported the litter to the helipad and loaded the patients onto the helicopter for evacuation.

Throughout the exercise, combat medics and corpsmen worked closely together, assuming diverse roles such as note taking and documentation, transporting casualties, retrieving tools and equipment, and performing essential procedures like applying tourniquets, inserting intravenous catheters, and simulating chest tube placements, all while maintaining clear and professional communication.

“My team will take away valuable lessons from today, including the camaraderie built, the opportunity to make new connections, and the experience of working with medics from outside the Army,” said Dickson. “This exercise was a great chance to see how well we function as a joint force.”

Teams were continuously evaluated by a primary care physician, emergency room doctor, and multiple physician assistants who provided feedback and oversight, facilitating detailed treatments and improvements in care.

At the end of the day, evaluators and leaders offered comprehensive feedback, helping teams identify areas for improvement. To conclude their cross-training, the teams enjoyed morale flights on the helicopters taking in the stunning vistas of Korea.

“This was an excellent opportunity for our different branches to come together, learn from one another, and advance our medical expertise,” said Lt. Cmdr. Meghann Wilson. “We gained valuable insights from our Army counterparts and look forward to continuing our joint practice and working seamlessly as a unified force.”

Story originally posted on DVIDS: Strengthening the joint medical force: U.S. Army combat medics and Navy corpsmen conduct dynamic cross-training during Pacific Fortitude 

Source: United States Navy

In a collaborative effort between Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States, PP24-2 participants held basic first aid workshops for 98 members of the community; taught health and music fundamentals to 2,776 local students; facilitated training for search and rescue professionals and K-9s; organized a multinational conference with faith community leaders; provided free spay and neuter clinics including rabies vaccinations for 281 cats and dogs; performed eight public concerts for approximately 7,500 people with the Philippine Navy Seabees Band; and renovated a building at Legazpi Port Elementary School.

The Pacific Partnership team also worked with the Legazpi City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to test the city’s tsunami response plan for the first time.

“Pacific Partnership brings nations together to prepare in calm to respond in crisis,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 mission commander. “Multilateral efforts with the local government and military representatives alike are crucial to laying the groundwork for Indo-Pacific disaster response preparedness, maritime security and stability.”

The largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Partnership enables participants, including U.S. and Philippine personnel, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships.

In addition to mission leadership, the Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal and Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox, commander Southern Luzon Command, also attended the closing ceremony.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the services and projects you have shared with us and our community,” said Mayor Rosal. “Our collaboration is a testament that we can do great things if we put our efforts together for the benefit of the people.”

In the aftermath of the December 2004 “Boxing Day” tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia, the United States mobilized numerous military assets and personnel to support the relief effort. Recognizing the opportunity to build on the goodwill and lessons learned from that initial mission, the U.S. Navy planned and executed the inaugural Pacific Partnership (PP) mission in 2006; its primary aim was to proactively prepare for a more effective response to natural disasters while strengthening relationships and security ties between nations.

The Pacific Partnership mission brings a unique opportunity for collaboration and cooperation to the Indo-Pacific in a deliberate, sustainable, and transparent way by working to enhance the knowledge, experience, and capacity of all participants.

“Building upon the success of last year’s Pacific Partnership, we have strengthened our collaboration, expanded our capabilities and deepened our commitment to regional resilience,” said Palafox. “This year’s progress is a clear reflection of our dedication to enhancing the partnerships that are essential to our collective security and humanitarian efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The United States stands ready to assist when called upon and continuously demonstrates its commitment to the region. Recent relief efforts include the 2023 volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea, 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, 2018 Super Typhoon Yutu relief efforts in Northern Mariana Islands, 2016 earthquake relief efforts in New Zealand, 2013 relief efforts in the Philippines for Operation Damayan in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan, and 2011 relief efforts during Operation Tomodachi in Japan following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Pacific Partnership 2024-2 will conduct mission stops in Vietnam and the Federated States of Micronesia.

For more information about Pacific Partnership visit, www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.

Source: United States Navy

Pacific Dragon, hosted by U.S. 3rd Fleet, is a biennial exercise designed to improve participating forces’ ability to work together to track and intercept ballistic missiles. Participating forces conducted live-fire and simulated ballistic missile intercepts and tracking events with the goal of exercising, refining and improving their integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) capability in a coalition environment.

PD24 was the first to use a new and improved target called an Integrated Air and Missile Defense Target (IAMD-T). An IAMD-T is a semi-guided target designed to trigger and engage terminal ship defense combat systems, such as Standard Missile (SM)-2 and SM-6.

Participating units and assets included the HMAS Sydney (DDG 42) and E-7A from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), ITS Montecuccoli (P432) from the Italian Navy (ITN), JS Haguro (DDG 180) from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), ROKS Yulgok Yi I (DDG 992) from the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), HNLMS Tromp (F803) from the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN), an MQ-9 from the 163rd Attack Wing of the California Air National Guard, and USS Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Shiloh (CG 67), as well as a P-8A from the U.S. Navy.

“Through exercises and engagements like Pacific Dragon, we improve system interoperability and tactical procedures with our allies and partners,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. Third Fleet. “Combined operations and Integrated Air and Missile Defense tracking and live-fire events improve our proficiency and contribute to maritime security.”

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Third Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy’s role, in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the joint force, across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. Third Fleet works with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security and a free and open Indo-Pacific.