Category: Defense

Source: United States Navy

With five ships, more than 60 aircraft and roughly 5,500 sailors, the Gerald R. Ford CSG – as other Navy strike groups – provides combatant commanders and America’s civilian leaders a highly-capable force that deter adversaries, reassures Allies and partners, and underpins American security and economic prosperity.

Group Sail was first training opportunity for the entire Gerald R. Ford CSG team – USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, and the Information Warfare Commander and his team – to integrate as a cohesive warfighting team at sea.

“A dedicated training period like Group Sail focused on strike group integration was invaluable for our entire team down to our tactical watch standers,” said Rear Admiral Thomas P. Moninger, commander, CSG 12, Gerald R. Ford CSG. “We will increase our tactical proficiency at a higher-level in upcoming training events as the result of this at sea period. I am proud of the work that our Sailors are doing, and am grateful for the dedication of their families as we prepare for deployment.”

Carrier Strike Group 4 led the event as the officer in tactical command as part its mission to train, mentor, and assess CSGs, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers for global combat against peer competitors. The civilian and military team provided support from the ship and ashore to complete the Group Sail training schedule.

“The Gerald R. Ford CSG Group Sail represents hard work from our civilian and uniformed staff to deliver high-quality, integrated warfighting training early in the work up cycle,” said Rear Adm. Max McCoy, commander, Carrier Strike Group 4. “Training events and exercises led by our headquarters along with Tactical Training Group Atlantic (TTGL), Training Support Vessel Squadron (TSVRON) 4, and CSG-4 Navy Reserve units accelerate tactical proficiency and provide competitive advantage to strike group commanders, warfare commanders, and their teams sailing into harm’s way.”

Group Sail is the first at-sea element in carrier strike group integrated phase training led by CSG-4 and their subordinate commands, and was preceded by an in port Warfare Commander’s Conference. After Group Sail, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will participate in Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) – Group Commander and FST – Joint in preparation for their final at sea certification event – Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

At sea and ashore, CSG-4 led training incorporates elements of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training throughout through close alignment with Fleet Forces Command’s Hefti Global LVC Operations Center and the expertise of TTGL and Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona.

Planning and preparation for integrated phase training starts approx. six months prior to the commencement of training, often in parallel to unit basic phase certification and warfare commander advanced phase training through the Navy’s Warfighting Development Centers.

“Completing Group Sail immediately after SWATT and Live Fire With a Purpose gave use the chance to take lessons observed and begin to turn them into lessons learned,” said Capt. James Von St. Paul, commodore, DESRON 2. “What has most impressed me across our team is the willingness to critically self-assess, identify mistakes or shortfalls, and to rapidly move out as a team to correct those issues. In my experience, that’s the difference between good teams and truly great teams.”

CSG-4’s mission is to train, mentor, and assess carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers for global combat against peer competitors.

CSG-12 is comprised of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81), and the Information Warfare Commander.

DESRON 2 ships in CSG-12 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

The squadrons of CVW-8 include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, “Ragin’ Bulls,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, “Blacklions,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, “Tomcatters,” Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, “Golden Warriors,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, “Gray Wolves,” Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, “Bear Aces,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, “Tridents,” Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, “Spartans,” and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, “Rawhides.”

Source: United States Navy

VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. The facilities housed conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles. The Iranian-backed Houthis used these weapons to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

“The F-35C demonstrated its warfighting advantage by transiting contested airspace and striking targets in the heart of Houthi territory over multiple days,” stated Lt. Col. Jeffrey “Wiki” Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314. “My Marines are honored to be first to fight with the F-35C.”

The F-35C is a fifth-generation, long-range stealth fighter jet used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, and is a multi-role aircraft able to perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.

“The offensive and defensive capabilities of the F-35C absolutely enhance our air wing’s striking arm,” said Capt. Gerald “Dutch” Tritz, commander, CVW 9. “The now battle-tested Air Wing of the Future has proven itself a game changer across all carrier air wing missions.”

Other variants of the aircraft include the F-35A and the F-35B. The F-35B first saw combat in 2018 when units assigned to the Essex Amphibious Ready Group conducted airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan and ISIS in Syria. Air Force F-35A’s first combat mission was completed the year after against ISIS targets in Iraq.

The “Black Knights” of VMFA-314, based out of Miramar, Calif., transitioned from the F-18 to the F-35C in 2020, making them the first fleet squadron in both the Navy and Marine Corps to operate the 5th Generation fighter aircraft. VMFA 314 was also the first operational Marine squadron to fly the F-4 Phantom and F-18 Hornet.

VMFA 314, part of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is the only deployed F-35C squadron in the Marine Corps.

Source: United States Navy

Del Toro made the announcement during a reception amongst members of Congress and local civic leaders at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, in Washington DC, on Nov. 19.

“It is in the spirit of bipartisanship that I am honored to announce the sponsors of the future USS Congress (FFG 63) represent both institutions of Congress and both major political parties,” said Del Toro. “There is no one better than Senator Baldwin, Senator Ernst, Representative McCollum, and Representative Kiggans to connect Congress with the highly capable frigate that will bear its name.”

Sponsors are selected by the Secretary of the Navy and hold a unique role by maintaining a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. Senator Ernst was previously invited to serve as sponsor by 77th Secretary of the Navy, Kenneth Braithwaite. The additional co-sponsors added by Secretary Del Toro enable the ship to be represented by sponsors from both congressional institutions.

“We honor the institution that has been at the heart of our Democracy,” said Senator Ernst. “I am humbled by the responsibility of standing as her sponsor, not just for the men and women who will serve on board, but for the country we are sworn to protect.”

Senator Tammy Baldwin, from Wisconsin, joined Secretary Del Toro for the announcement.

“I am truly honored to serve as one of the sponsors of the future USS Congress alongside a bipartisan group of my colleagues,” said Senator Baldwin. “I take great pride in representing Wisconsin’s shipbuilding industry in Washington because our workers have helped sustain America’s security for generations, boasting a successful history of building ships for our nation’s defense. The USS Congress will play a critical role in continuing that tradition. Wherever the USS Congress takes our flag, she will be a symbol of America’s strengths – strength of our brave service men and women who will assume command of the ship, but also the hard-working Wisconsinites that will make the USS Congress a reality.”

Providing remarks after Senator Baldwin, Representative McCollum shared her thoughts on the distinction of being named a sponsor alongside her fellow members of Congress.

“It is my honor to be asked alongside with three colleagues to serve as ship sponsor for the new USS Congress,” said Representative McCollum. “The USS Congress name is a long and proud lineage including one of the six original frigates of the US Navy.”

Representative Jen Kiggans, a Navy veteran, also participated in the announcement and highlighted the honor and meaning behind the naming of the ship.

“It is truly a privilege to be selected as a sponsor of the USS Congress,” said Representative Kiggans. “This ship, named in honor of one of the original six frigates of the U.S. Navy, will ensure our sailors can continue to fulfill their commitments to our citizens, our nation, and freedom around the globe.”

The U.S. Navy’s second Constellation-class frigate FFG 63, was named USS Congress by the 77th Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite. The name honors the first six heavy frigates of the U.S. Navy.

The ship naming honors the rich history and legacy of the Navy. Congress was among the six original frigates authorized by Congress in the Naval Act of 1794, which established the U.S. Navy as an agile, lethal and ready force and cemented the enduring partnership between the sea service and our nation’s elected legislative officials.

The Constellation-class guided-missile frigate represents the Navy’s next generation small surface combatant. This ship class will be an agile, multi-mission warship, capable of operations in both blue-water and littoral environments, providing increased combat-credible forward presence that provides a military advantage at sea.

The Constellation-class will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations.

Source: United States Navy

Mancinelli’s visit focused on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), a long-term effort to modernize the Navy’s four public shipyards, and also included a tour of the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), a Seawolf-class submarine currently undergoing maintenance.

During his visit, Mancinelli met with Capt. JD Crinklaw, PSNS & IMF commander, and other senior leaders to discuss shipyard operations, infrastructure updates, and challenges.  They also discussed programmatic improvements, technical innovations, and Quality of Service initiatives.  As the Navy’s largest public shipyard, and the only shipyard capable of servicing Nimitz-class carriers on the West Coast, PSNS & IMF is essential to help ensure fleet readiness.

“We must continue to build, maintain, and modernize ships, submarines and aircraft to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Mancinelli. “What you do here matters deeply to the Navy and to our nation’s security.  Your work is vital to defending our country and our way of life.”

Mancinelli toured Dry Docks 3, 5, and 6, where he observed seismic upgrades and discussed planned improvements under SIOP.

“The Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan is a once-in-a-century investment that reflects the Department of Navy’s commitment to ensuring our fleet remains ready for future challenges,” said Mancinelli.  “These upgrades are critical to the overall strength of the Navy and are critical to our effort to keep our fleet ready.”   

SIOP is an investment plan at the Navy’s four public shipyards to meet nuclear fleet maintenance requirements and improve Navy maintenance capabilities by expanding shipyard capacity, optimizing shipyard configuration, creating resilient infrastructure, and modernizing industrial plant equipment. SIOP upgrades enable shipyard to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of time vessels spend in a maintenance period.

The Acting Under Secretary also visited the USS Jimmy Carter, the last and most advanced of the Seawolf-class attack submarines.  The submarine features a unique 100-foot hull extension, known as the multi-mission platform, which enables it to carry advanced technology and enhanced warfighting capabilities.

On board, Mancinelli met with the submarine’s leadership and crew, toured the vessel, and dined with Sailors while learning more about the submarine’s capabilities.

“It is always inspiring to meet the extraordinary Sailors who bring our platforms to life,” said Mancinelli.  “The crew of the Jimmy Carter exemplifies the innovation, dedication, and selflessness that define our Navy.  I have no doubt they will continue to do great things for our nation.”

Throughout his visit, Mancinelli reinforced maritime statecraft and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro’s priorities:  strengthening maritime dominance, building a culture of warfighting excellence, and enhancing strategic partnerships.

“Our shipyard workers here at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard directly support the strength and readiness of the fleet,” said Mancinelli.  “Your dedication and hard work ensure that our nation maintains the strongest Navy in the world.  Thank you for your contributions to the security of our nation.”

The visit marked Mancielli’s first trip to the Pacific Northwest, underscoring the Navy’s focus on maintaining a ready and modern fleet capable of meeting global and strategic challenges.

Source: United States Navy

The Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) F-35 Lightning II aircraft modification line continues to grow with the recent addition of a new storage system that will improve safety and efficiency.

As part of the F-35 modification line’s transformation efforts, FRCE has installed three new vertical lift modules – also referred to as vertical stackers – that act as a centralized storage unit for aircraft parts and components. The system effectively consolidates items that have traditionally been stored in various areas throughout the facility.

According to F-35 Branch Head Ike Rettenmair, the vertical stackers offer additional storage, safety improvements and time savings benefits, all of which allow FRCE to support the fleet more efficiently.

“Our main goal is to support our nation’s warfighters by providing quality, combat-ready aircraft,” said Rettenmair. “With the F-35 platform continuously growing, we need to do everything we can to deliver on our promise. That means constantly looking for ways to maximize efficiency, which is exactly what the vertical stackers do.”

FRCE’s F-35 modification line installed its first set of vertical stackers in 2020. Rettenmair said going up instead of out in search of storage solutions allows for more effective use of the limited space in the aircraft hangars, a strategy that proved successful with the initial set of stackers.

“Real estate is prime around here, so the only place we can really store is up,” said Rettenmair. “The vertical stackers help us make the most out of the space we have in our hangars. We saw how well they worked in our other hangar, so we put in a request for more. Now, instead of having parts stored throughout the area, we can put them all in one, organized place. They truly are a worthwhile investment.”

The vertical stackers feature a welded frame, integrated tray locating system and trays with a maximum load of up to 1,000 pounds each.

Measuring 13.5 feet wide by 27 feet tall, each stacker contains 18 trays set at varying heights, customized to their contents. The flexible configuration allows artisans to store aircraft parts and hardware, big and small, with their locations documented in a database that is updated whenever items are added or removed. This makes it easy to quickly locate items as needed. Artisans can access the tray retrieval system using a touchpad located on the front of the module. Once a specific tray is selected, the system directs the lift platform to the appropriate height to retrieve the tray and position it in the retrieval window, similar to the way a vending machine functions. Artisans can then move the tray clear of the column using the column’s pick and delivery system, an integrated carriage that facilitates convenient access to the tray and its contents.

F-35 Overhaul and Repair Supervisor Brent Ward said not only will the vertical stackers remedy a good portion of the line’s storage constraints, but they will also save time.

“The lack of storage space in the hangar forced us to store most of our aircraft parts and panels in another building, while keeping some larger components and engines in the hangar,” said Ward. “The engines and larger components took up a good amount of space in the hangar, making things quite difficult at times. We basically had to shift everything in the hangar just to move one thing, which is a very time-consuming and laborious task for our artisans.

“Now, we can consolidate many of those parts and panels into the stackers, giving us the room we need to move the larger components, engines and landing gear out of the hangar,” Ward continued. “The stackers make it much easier to access commonly used parts and panels and allow us to avoid using extra time and manpower to move things around just to work a task.”

The vertical stackers will also bolster safety, said Rettenmair.

“With the limited space available, the hangar could easily become cluttered with tools and aircraft parts,” Rettenmair said. “The stackers mitigate that; they optimize our hangar space, creating a more efficient environment for our aircraft mechanics and artisans. With the additional room, they can maneuver more freely and perform maintenance tasks more effectively.”

F-35 Overhaul and Repair Supervisor Rusty McCoy added that the vertical stackers will also improve parts management.

“Previously, we didn’t have a designated space to store some of our tools and smaller aircraft parts or panels,” said McCoy. “With the stackers, everything will have a home; we will be able to assign designated spaces for all of our parts, making them easier to locate every time we need them.”

According to Rettenmair, there are plans to incorporate the vertical stackers throughout the depot’s F-35 facilities.

“We are planning to add more stackers as we continue to build and renovate,” said Rettenmair. “We want other people to see how helpful the stackers are and hope to convince folks that this is the way to go for parts storage. They aren’t just for aircraft parts – they can be for side shops, too. They really are so helpful.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.