Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

The drill, held under a rotating annual scenario framework, tested response capabilities, information-sharing protocols, and environmental monitoring procedures this year. A joint team composed of engineers from the U.S. Navy and Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) collaborated on environmental monitoring efforts, supported by the Japan Coast Guard Kinugasa (MS 01) monitoring vessel, which collected seawater and seabed soil samples near the carrier.

This year’s scenario simulated a valve malfunction, prompting the activation of emergency operations centers at Yokosuka City Hall and Fleet Activities Yokosuka, facilitating joint response efforts and environmental monitoring. The drill involved more than 180 participants, including representatives from the U.S. Navy, Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japan Coast Guard, and Yokosuka City emergency services.

The exercise reinforced coordination between Japanese and American teams, emphasizing seamless communication and adherence to established safety protocols. By rehearsing these measures, the participants ensure readiness to mitigate risks associated with low-probability events and are better prepared for future joint response.
The annual Joint Response Drill, initiated in 2007, reflects the robust collaboration between Japan and the U.S., highlighting their shared commitment to regional security and disaster preparedness. Each year, the lessons learned enhance the partners’ operational effectiveness, contributing to the safety and security of the Yokosuka community and beyond.

Source: United States Navy

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Center for Information Warfare Training recently completed a yearlong initiative to update and modernize the Cyber Warfare Technician (CWT) Rate Training Manual, known as NAVEDTRA 15025A within Naval Education and Training Command.
 
The CWT Rate Training Manual was under a life-cycle update and this project streamlined and modernized the current look of the online series. Updated interactive courseware, illustrations and augmented reality technology were introduced in the CIWT app version with revised training aids.
 
In addition, all courses on the CIWT Knowledge Port app now feature a flash card option for taking notes, much like index cards, to be saved and reviewed at the Sailor’s discretion. Several links were also added: Navy Cyber Workforce Program, United Services Military Apprenticeship Program and Service Member Life-Cycle (MilGears), a customized career-building tool developed to assist military members while they serve, through transition and beyond.
 
“This update provides additional insight to help CWT Sailors lead, develop and employ the Navy’s cyber and information-based capabilities of network operations, wireless technologies, programming, cyberspace operations, cyber development and several more areas of concentration,” said Sam Kelley, CIWT’s Enterprise Training Requirements Branch head. “This will deliver assured command and control, battlespace awareness and integrated fires that decisively shape, degrade and defeat adversary warfighting capacity while optimizing the effectiveness of friendly-force operations across the full spectrum of conflict. Completion of the CWT Rate Training Manual will directly increase the overall baseline level of knowledge and provide a better understanding of the positions in the information warfare enterprise enlisted workforce.”
 
The CWT Rate Training Manual is available on Navy e-learning at https://learning.nel.navy.mil and the CIWT Knowledge Port app via www.applocker.navy.mil.
 
CIWT collaborated with a team of contracted training specialists and fleet subject matter experts to develop and deliver a fresh look to the manual to assist in the professional development of all information warfare Sailors.
 
“This initiative is consistent with our mission and the prevailing effort of the CIWT domain to provide world-class, foundationally trained information warfighters mission ready on Day 1,” said Capt. Sarah Sherwood, CIWT commanding officer. “Information warfare is constantly in demand across our Navy and joint force, from seabed to space. We are committed to ensuring information warfare Sailors have the tools, training, skills and knowledge to perform at their best afloat and ashore.”
 
In addition to RTM life-cycle updates, CIWT added beneficial content to create more awareness, critical thinking and contribute to the Navy’s “whole Sailor concept.” This effort produced two additional chapters of Language, Regional Expertise and Culture material, along with a Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence overview.
 
Officials said the extra chapters will be implemented in all information warfare non-resident training courses, RTMs and officer training manuals during their life-cycle updates.
 
“Each year, CIWT updates a few training manuals or non-resident training courses, and in doing so, we ensure that the fundamental baseline of knowledge for a given rating is modernized and relevant,” said Neil Watson, the CIWT RTM/Non-Resident Training courses program manager. “Our information warfare enterprise of cryptologic technicians, cyber technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians and IW officers are consistently investing in their professional level of knowledge, and we insist on meeting the challenge of providing up-to-date, significantly germane information ready for fleet access.”
 
Navy training manuals are used primarily to prepare for advancement exams, expand life-cycle rating knowledge, increase professional development, align with internal and external enterprise mission updates, and ultimately each NRTC and RTM self-study package, which is essential in supporting career progression and the professional development of all Sailors.
 
“This RTM is a valuable self-paced resource for all Sailors, for those considering cross-rating and want a peek at the CWT rate, for those who want a leg up preparing for an advancement exam and for leaders who want some insight on what is the latest being taught to our young Sailors,” said Chief Petty Officer Margarita Baez, a cyber warfare technician and CIWT training manager.
 
Updated NRTCs, along with rate and officer training manuals, help Navy leadership meet operational, readiness, policy, acquisition and professional development requirements while also assisting Sailors in learning at a higher velocity.
 
The enlisted and officer NRTCs, RTMs and OTMs provide entry-level information warfare enterprise Sailors with an excellent overview of the officer community, as well as the enlisted ratings they will manage and train throughout their careers, Navy training officials said.
 
They also detail information that directly supports the baseline level of knowledge for information warfare officer qualification, IW personnel qualification standards (designator-centric PQS) and enlisted information warfare specialist qualifications. All updates and modernization of those courses and manuals support the chief of naval operations focus on warfighting, the warfighter and future Navy.
 
To access the material and complete the electronic assessment for credit, information warfare enterprise personnel should visit Navy e-learning at https://learning.nel.navy.mil or the CIWT Knowledge Port app at www.applocker.navy.mil to enroll in a course.
 
With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, Center for Information Warfare Training provides instruction for over 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic, information systems and electronics technicians; intelligence specialists and officers in the information warfare community.
 

Source: United States Navy

Hosted by the White House Historical Association (WHHA), the gathering at the Historic Decatur House brought together many notable guests, including some of Commodore Decatur’s descendants and The Honorable John Dalton, the 70th Secretary of the Navy.

The event also paid tribute to the legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whose life and leadership continue to inspire the Navy and Marine Corps. A memorial service for President Carter had been held earlier in the day.

In his keynote remarks, Secretary Del Toro noted the United States Navy and Marine Corps had stood the watch and defended the nation’s values for the past 250 years. From the “shores of Tripoli” to the depths of the Pacific, the Navy and Marine Corps’ have embodied American strength and resilience.

“This year marks 250 years of unparalleled service,” Secretary Del Toro said. “For 250 years, our Sailors and Marines have answered the call to defend liberty—whether in the jungles of Iwo Jima or the deserts of the Middle East. We are here tonight to celebrate not only this extraordinary history but also the legacy of one of the most heroic naval leaders to ever serve our country.” Secretary Del Toro offered a personal tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, a naval officer who exemplified the qualities of resilience, integrity, and stoicism that continue to define the Navy and Marine Corps today.

“President Carter embodied what it means to serve with honor,” Secretary Del Toro reflected. “His resilience in the face of adversity, his unwavering conviction to do what was right, and his dedication to selfless service stand as examples for all who wear the uniform today.”

Secretary Del Toro emphasized that the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ future success would depend on continuing to uphold the high standards set by past leaders, including President Jimmy Carter and Commodore Stephen Decatur.

“Our Sailors and Marines today are part of a long, proud legacy of service,” Secretary Del Toro said. “From Commodore Decatur’s audacious victory in Tripoli to the courageous efforts of President Carter, we are all part of the same thread woven into the fabric of our nation’s history. Our success is not inevitable—it is earned through integrity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

As the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps celebrate their 250th birthday in 2025, Secretary Del Toro closed with a message of hope and optimism: “Our Sailors and Marines embody the spirit of our naval heroes and the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. Together, we will continue to defend our nation’s values, honor the legacy of those who came before us, and ensure that the Navy and Marine Corps remain the bedrock of American strength for generations to come.”

The event concluded with a moving tribute to the men and women who have served in the Navy and Marine Corps throughout history, from Commodore Decatur’s time to the present day, and a reminder that the challenges of the future will require the same courage and resolve that have defined the Navy and Marine Corps for the past 250 years.

Source: United States Navy

PORTSMOUTH – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the future Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ship (EMS 3) USNS Portsmouth during a ship naming ceremony at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Jan. 8.

The decision to select Portsmouth was made to honor the legacy and commitment of the Navy doctors, nurses, corpsmen and staff of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and the city of Portsmouth, Virgina.

“As Secretary of the Navy, I remain committed to the readiness of our Sailors and Marines and that readiness includes the crucial work to ensure the healthcare and vitality of our people,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I am proud to honor the city of Portsmouth and the Navy’s first operating hospital, Navy Medical Center Portsmouth, by naming the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3).”

The naming selection of the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3) follows the tradition of naming expeditionary medical ships after prominent military hospitals. Secretary Del Toro previously named USNS Bethesda (EMS 1) and USNS Balboa (EMS 2).

EMS 3 will be the fifth Navy vessel named Portsmouth. The four previous vessels were a full-rigged ship (1798–1801), a sloop-of-war (1844–1915), a light cruiser (1945–1970), and a nuclear-powered submarine (1983–2005).

Rear Adm. Darin Via, the U.S. Navy Surgeon General and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, who spent the majority of his professional military and medical life at the medical center, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to military readiness and healthcare support.

“USNS Portsmouth, a symbol of our Navy’s progress, also carries the weight of our history. It represents a significant advancement in our Navy’s warfighting capability and will provide essential medical support across the maritime environment,” said Via. “Together with USNS Bethesda and USNS Balboa, USNS Portsmouth will deliver agile and responsive medical care, advanced trauma management, and support to naval operations and humanitarian and disaster relief missions.”

Representing the city of Portsmouth, Mayor and Navy Veteran Shannon Glover spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest expeditionary medical ship.

“Today, we stand united in pride and gratitude as we honor the incredible contributions of the dedicated medical professionals at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. For generations, they have provided compassionate care and unwavering commitment to our military families, veterans, and the Portsmouth community,” said Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth. “The USNS Portsmouth represents more than just a ship – it is a testament to the resilience, care, and service that define the heart of Portsmouth. And this is an appropriate and fitting tribute to the selfless men and women who serve at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.”

Located along the banks of the Elizabeth River in Virginia, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a nationally acclaimed, state-of-the art Defense Health Agency military treatment facility (MTF), where 5,000 medical professionals provide quality healthcare to warfighters, veterans, and their families in the Hampton Roads area.

Originally established in 1830 as the Navy’s first and oldest continuously operating hospital, today it is home to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth, which provides a skilled and combat-ready medical force to support warfighting requirements and enables the Department’s highly skilled personnel to maintain mission critical proficiencies through valuable training in a military treatment facility. Navy medical personnel lead pioneering research and teaching programs to prepare new doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and hospital corpsmen for combat operations and public health crises.

In addition to the medical center, the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the Navy’s oldest shipyard (est. 1767) and one of its key facilities for overhauling and repairing its largest ships.

For every Navy ship named, a sponsor is chosen to advocate for both the ship and crew. Sponsors participate in key milestones in the life of their ship and form lifelong relationships that contribute to the well-being of the ship and her crew members. For the future USNS Portsmouth, Mrs. Terri Ann Via, spouse of Rear Adm. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy, was hand-selected for this important role.

“Portsmouth is more than just a name to me; it has been the cornerstone of my family’s life in the Navy. Portsmouth has been our home for as long as I can remember,” said Mrs. Via. “As the sponsor of the Portsmouth, I am committed to upholding the values of service, courage, and compassion that define both the Navy and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Having had the honor and opportunity to stand alongside my husband throughout his Navy career and now as the Surgeon General of the Navy, I look forward to sharing in the adventures, triumphs, and challenges that lie ahead for this ship and crew. May this ship always be a source of pride for our nation, a symbol of our strength and resolve, and a living tribute to the heroes of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.”

Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ships are designed as a dedicated medical ship that optimizes hospital-level medical care in support of distributed maritime operations (DMO). EMS will feature a shallow draft enabling greater reach and allowing direct access to shallow austere ports, while also providing a flight deck that accommodates military helicopters. This design provides a full range of medical capabilities including triage/critical care, three operating rooms, medical laboratory, radiological capability, blood bank, dental, mental health, OB/GYN and primary care, rapid stabilization and follow-on evacuation of multiple casualties and combat search and rescue including recovery at sea.

The primary mission of the EMS as a high-speed forward-deployed medical ship is to provide rapid responsive sea-based and near-shore hospital level critical care, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, non-combatant evacuation operations and special operations. The EMS is designed to respond and provide care at a more rapid pace than their predecessors, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, sailing at speeds of at least 30 knots with a range of 5,500 nautical miles at 24 knots.

Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

Source: United States Navy

For Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Trevor Lamoreau, assigned to Center For Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment North Island, joining the Navy marked the start of a transformative journey. Inspired by his grandfather, a Navy veteran who spent over 20 years working on the P-3 Orion Airframe, Lamoreau enlisted in 2012 to forge his own path of service and growth.

“My grandfather’s stories about traveling the world with the Navy showed me what was possible,” Lamoreau recalls. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps and create my own experiences.”

From Street to Fleet: A Career Shaped by Training

Lamoreau’s Navy career began at Recruit Training Command (RTC). This initial training instilled the discipline and foundational skills needed to thrive in Naval Aviation. Upon graduating basic training, Lamoreau was then assigned to the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center “A” school, under Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). Following this initial training, Lamoreau then joined Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-22 aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), supporting critical Central Command (CENTCOM) operations.

“NETC’s training programs gave me the tools to adapt and succeed,” Lamoreau says. “Every step prepared me for new challenges, whether it was advancing my technical skills or stepping into leadership roles.”

A pivotal moment in Lamoreau’s career came in 2016 when he transitioned from Aviation Machinist Mate to Aviation Electrician’s Mate. NETC’s rigorous and fleet-relevant training ensured he was equipped to handle the demands of his new role, which would eventually lead to a position as a lead troubleshooter with VFA-122.

Reaching New Heights with the Blue Angels

In 2018, Lamoreau joined the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, otherwise known as the Blue Angels; an assignment that highlighted the pinnacle of Navy professionalism and precision. Over three years, he participated in airshows across the nation and earned a meritorious promotion to petty officer 1st class.

“Working with the Blue Angels was an incredible experience,” Lamoreau says. “It was an honor to showcase what our Navy is capable of and to demonstrate the impact of the training we receive.”

Returning as an Instructor

Today, Lamoreau serves as the leading petty officer for the Resistance Department at the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) schoolhouse in San Diego, a program under the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR), part of NETC. SERE equips service members with critical survival skills for high-risk scenarios, contributing directly to fleet readiness.
“SERE training directly enhances fleet readiness by building confidence and resilience,” Lamoreau explains. “Our goal is to prepare service members to navigate difficult missions and come home with honor.”

As an instructor, Lamoreau draws on his extensive fleet experience and the teaching methodologies he learned through NETC’s training programs. His role has allowed him to mentor students from diverse backgrounds, helping them overcome challenges and grow into capable service members.

A Personal and Professional Transformation

Lamoreau’s time in the Navy has shaped him not only as a Sailor but also as a husband and father. Balancing the demands of service with family life has taught him to prioritize his time and appreciate the support his loved ones provide.

“The Navy has taught me to be a more present and thoughtful leader, both at work and at home,” Lamoreau reflects. “Family is essential, and I’m committed to nurturing that foundation.”

Shaping the Future of Fleet Readiness

Lamoreau’s career embodies the NETC’s “Street to Fleet” philosophy. From his early days at RTC to his current role as a SERE instructor, his journey highlights how NETC’s world-class training transforms Sailors and prepares them for success. Through his dedication to teaching and leadership, Lamoreau is helping ensure the next generation of Sailors is ready to meet the challenges of the fleet.

For more stories about how NETC transforms Sailors into fleet-ready leaders, follow @NETC_HQ and visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/