Category: Defense

Source: United States Navy

SNOWCRABEX, controlled this year by Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, is a two-week exercise designed to test and evaluate Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces (NECF) capabilities in a simulated arctic environment and, ultimately, improve Navy EOD’s combat effectiveness in mountain and arctic, winter warfare. During the exercise, U.S. Navy EOD technicians from EOD Mobile Units (EODMU) 12 and 2 and Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 tested, evaluated, and refined tactics, equipment and operations in an austere and demanding environment with unpredictable weather conditions and temperatures dropping below zero.

“Snow Crab Exercise is about training Arctic capable forces individually and collectively in cold weather operational skills like ice diving, skiing, shooting, unit movement, medical care, equipment sustainment, and survival—skills required for successful joint and combined operations in an arctic environment, so our units can successfully complete their mission when and where they’re called to,” said Lt. Samuel Baker, MDS Co. 2-1 company commander, MDSU 2. “This exercise provides a perfect training environment for our forces to build readiness for operations at high latitudes.”

As stated in the Department of Defense’s Arctic Strategy 2024, “The United States is an Arctic nation, and the region is critical to the defense of our homeland, the protection of U.S. national sovereignty, and our defense treaty commitments.”

Minnesota provides an ideal setting for Navy EOD and salvage divers to learn what it takes to not only survive in sub-zero temperatures and operate in heavy snow, but also how to succeed and thrive to become experts in an Arctic environment.

SNOWCRABEX 2025 also allowed units to test equipment and refine load out standards to improve their ability to operate in harsh regions. Navy EOD and Navy divers utilize highly specialized equipment to conduct their missions, and this exercise provides a valuable opportunity to test sensitive gear in an austere environment that it wasn’t necessarily designed for, allowing for refinement of methods or the development of alternative solutions. The key lessons learned from the exercise will inform capability requirements and strategic planning for future arctic operations.

“The training at SNOWCRABEX this year was priceless. It takes experience training in extreme cold weather so Sailors know how to operate, and prevent their hands and equipment from freezing,” said Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, commander, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2. “When you’re diving under ice or mitigating explosive threats, the extreme conditions in mountain and arctic environments aren’t forgiving; the training experience gained at Snow Crab allows us to reduce risk already inherent in Navy EOD and salvage operations. We’ll continue to improve U.S. Navy EOD and mobile diving and salvage teams’ readiness to support Fleet operations anywhere, anytime.”

U.S. Navy EOD cleared simulated unexploded ordnance, secured critical infrastructure, and integrated with local U.S. Air Force EOD; exercising communication between distributed operating units. Prior to arriving at Camp Ripley, they learned avalanche safety, mountain survivability, and winter mobility skills at training courses in Utah and Wyoming.

Navy divers successfully completed ice dive training, arctic survivability, and mobility training, scenario based response drills, and diving casualty medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training. The unique training environment at Camp Ripley allowed Navy divers to expand their capabilities for diving and salvage operations in an Arctic environment.

In preparation for SNOWCRABEX 2025, components of EODGRU 2’s medical unit attended a week-long arctic mountain medicine course in Anchorage, Alaska, Jan. 6-13, 2025, where they learned extraction techniques and cold weather injury treatment that will enhance medical care capabilities within the Naval Expeditionary Force (NECF). Treating a casualty in an austere environment with difficult terrain, such as crevasse, cliff sides, and mountains requires special extraction techniques.

The medical team exercised these techniques at SNOWCRABEX and trained EOD and ND units on advanced cold weather care, including rewarming techniques, hypothermia and frostbite treatment, and prolonged casualty care. Their training culminated with integrated support to MDSU 2 executing a complex MEDEVAC scenario simulating an ice diving casualty, extracting the diver from the water, coordinating helicopter landing at a local landing zone, and transporting the victim by medical support helicopter to a medical facility.

“In an austere environment, where we have difficulty moving them out of location to a medical facility, we need a way to get someone the care they need within or as close to the ‘golden hour’ – the window of time that is most critical for a life-threatening injury. At SNOWCRABEX 2025, we are honing our medical skills and developing techniques which will enhance our medical care capabilities in these far out, hard to reach environments to support prolonged casualty care,” said Cmdr. Nikunj Bhatt, the Undersea Medical Officer (UMO) and Senior Medical Officer for EOD Group 2.

“We have an incredible team developing techniques to deliver medical supplies, including blood, using unmanned air systems. Snow Crab is a unique environment to exercise these techniques; we are looking at temperature integrity, drone handling, drone payload capacity, its range of travel, and other variables. Having tools like this will be powerful for enhancing care capabilities for an expeditionary unit; to increase odds of survivability in the event of a cold weather medical casualty,” continued Bhatt.

The exercise was a success due to the support from The Minnesota National Guard and Camp Ripley leadership and staff. MN Air National Guard provided air support for portions of the exercise. U.S. Air Force EOD Technicians from the 148th Fighter Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Flight provided support to demolition training and operations.

The U.S. Navy routinely patrols on, above, below and around Arctic waters to ensure the security of commerce and demonstrate freedom of navigation. Navy EOD and expeditionary divers constantly train to operate in all environments to execute the Nation’s tasking and enable the Fleet’s freedom of maneuver. Exercises like SNOWCRABEX 2025 allow our teams to improve Arctic literacy, training proficiency, and tactical competency to build readiness for operations in the austere and demanding Arctic environment.

Other Navy Expeditionary Combat Command units that participated in SNOWCRABEX 2025 included: EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command (NEIC), and Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center (NEXWDC).

EODGRU 2 operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

For additional news about U.S. Navy EOD and diving, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti traveled to Indiana to visit Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division, located on Naval Support Activity (NSA) Crane to speak with Sailors, civilians, and elementary school students, and then visited Purdue University for a series of engagements with university leadership, research lab professors, and midshipmen, Feb. 10.

The visit enabled CNO to see and discuss key efforts that support her Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy to include the project 33 targets to operationally integrate robotic and autonomous systems, restore critical infrastructure, and recruit and retain talent, as well as elements of the NAVPLAN’s 5+4 related to building long-term warfighting advantage.

“Our Navy is the most powerful Navy in the world, but it doesn’t do anything without cutting-edge technology and the people who develop and operate it. For well over 80 years Crane, Indiana has been making a difference for the warfighter, and that was evident in everything I saw today,” said Franchetti. “You provide critical warfighting capability from readiness and modernization to the kinetic and non-kinetic effects we need to deter – and defeat – any adversary.”

At NSWC Crane, Franchetti recognized top performing Sailors and civilians, visited NSWC Crane’s Electromagnetic Warfare Center of Excellence, and received updates on the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Program, hypersonic programs, and microelectronics investments. 

NSWC Crane has a STEM partnership with over 40 area schools, providing education opportunities to over 10,000 students annually, and CNO had the opportunity to engage with a group of elementary school students participating in the program.

“Being in the Navy is really fun, you can operate ships, submarines, and planes – from seabed to space, and work alongside Allies and partners to defend our nation,” Franchetti told the 4th grade students. “I joined the Navy for free college and to see the world, but I stayed for the mission and the teams we get to be a part of. With over 150 job specialties, there’s something for everyone. I hope you will think about joining our Navy team.”

At Purdue University, Franchetti met with academic leadership including Dr. Mung Chiang, Purdue University president and toured their Applied Research Institute laboratories where she learned about their research with hypersonics and reviewed their rapidly evolving additive manufacturing capabilities, toured their infrastructure and innovation laboratory, and observed simulated flight operations at Purdue’s UAS Research and Test Facility.

“I’m grateful for our research partnership and its focus on battlefield innovation,” said Franchetti. “The importance of our initiatives on advanced technology development such as hypersonics, microelectronics and energetics are critical to the future of our nation’s defense and directly contribute to my priorities of warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them.”

CNO also met with Purdue University’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, which hosts 102 midshipmen and 11 staff members, and she commended their decision to serve in America’s Warfighting Navy.    

“Thank you for being part of NROTC, and for wanting to serve something greater than yourselves. You have an amazing opportunity in front of you,” Franchetti told the midshipmen. “Our Navy – Marine Corps team provides options to our Nation’s decision makers every day. From the Red Sea where we’ve been defending the free flow of commerce, protecting innocent mariners and our Allies and partners in the region – to the Indo-Pacific where we deter the PRC, your Navy is in high demand.”

For over eight decades, NSWC Crane has delivered innovative solutions and readiness to the Nation, with a focus on Electromagnetic warfare, Expeditionary warfare and Strategic Missions.

Source: United States Navy

The crew earned the NUC for their efforts during the ship’s recent deployment to the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

“Despite being caught off guard by the sudden deployment, the crew of USNS Kanawha rose to the challenge as Military Sealift Command has done for the past 75 years, answering the call of duty with professionalism and dedication,” said First Officer Anthony Canseco, USNS Kanawha’s Officer-in-Charge. “Operating in a contested environment, we quickly adapted to heightened threats, ensuring vital fuel deliveries to U.S. and allied forces in the region.”

“The crew’s resilience and commitment underscored MSC’s longstanding tradition of supporting global naval operations, even in the most demanding circumstances,” he added.

The NUC is awarded to any ship, aircraft or other unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that has distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against enemy forces and is the second highest unit award in the U.S. Navy; behind the Presidential Unit Citation.

Portions of the NUC citation Kanawha’s crew earned read as follows:

“The Secretary of the Navy takes great pleasure in presenting the Navy Unit Commendation to U.S. Central Command set forth in the following: for outstanding performance in action against terrorist forces from October 19, 2023 to May 30, 2024. The personnel of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and its operational forces combatted highly kinetic and asymmetric threats regional stability,” the citation reads.

“They protected vital global commerce through two strategic maritime chokepoints, defended key allies and partners, deterred aggression, and forged partnerships founded in trust and unity of effort against violations of international law,” it continued. “They provided a crucial naval presence in the region at a pivotal moment in history.”

While deployed Kanawha safely executed, without incident, 111 at-sea replenishments, delivering more than 30 million gallons of marine diesel fuel and aviation fuel, along with 4,696,274 gallons of marine grade oil, transferred 3,389 critical cargo pallets, and transported five personnel while supporting 14 U.S. Navy ships and 12 allied ships from six countries.

“For the crew of USNS Kanawha, receiving the Navy Unit Commendation is a profound honor that recognizes their hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices they have made,” according to Canseco. “Spending months away from family, friends, and loved ones, they have endured long hours and challenging conditions to ensure mission success in a contested environment. This award is not just a symbol of their excellence in service, but also a tribute to the personal sacrifices they have made to support the fleet and protect vital maritime routes.”

USNS Kanawha was forward deployed for 264 days and traveled 55,539 nautical miles.
“While the time away is never easy, this recognition reinforces their commitment to duty and the proud legacy of Military Sealift Command in answering the nation’s call,” Canseco stated.

In addition to the NUC, specific crewmembers received individual awards for outstanding performance during the deployment.

The following Kanawha CIVMARs were awarded the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal, which is an award presented to civilian government employees who go above and beyond in their work: First Officer Anthony J. Canseco, Operations Chief Nicholas Petrone, Chief Engineer Able C. Reyes, 1st Engineer Alexander Bacalso, Cargo Engineer Hesham Mohamed and Deck Machinist Gerardo B. Gonzales.

“The crew is excited to be recognized today and the morale of the crew is really high too,” said Third Mate Alexander Robinson, one of the Kanawha CIVMARs recognized during the ceremony. “We were deployed on a short notice to for a difficult deployment and it was nice to have USNS Kanawha credited just as USNS Supply recently was.”

In addition, multiple Kanawha CIVMARs were presented the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal for outstanding performance during the deployment.

Ship Bosun Theo Niang, Cargo Bosun Heberito Santos, Able Seaman Previn R. Byrd Jr, Able Seaman William R. Stephens, Third Officer Alexander Robinson, Bosun David Generette, Able Seaman Atiya Wooden, Chief Electrician Randy A. Rosero and Engine Utilityman Ardrian T. Lincoln were awarded Navy Civilian Achievement Medals.

The Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal is awarded to Department of the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps civilians who, while serving in a capacity within the Navy or Marine Corps, are to be recognized for sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature at the equivalent level of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal awarded to military personnel.

Canseco offered some advice for CIVMARs who will be sailing in a contested environment.

“For CIVMARs deployed to a contested environment, preparation and adaptability are key,” Canseco said. “Stay informed on the latest threat assessments and operational procedures and always follow security protocols to ensure both personal safety and mission success.”

“Trust in your training, your shipmates, and the expertise of the Navy and MSC leadership to navigate challenges effectively. Mental resilience is just as important as physical readiness—remain focused, stay vigilant, and lean on the camaraderie of your crew. Above all, remember that your role is critical to sustaining naval operations,” he added.

Kanawha is part of MSC’s Combat Logistics Force (CLF) who are the supply lines to U.S. Navy ships at-sea. These ships provide virtually everything that Navy ships require to remain on station at sea including fuel, food, fleet ordnance, dry cargo, spare parts, mail and other supplies. CLF ships enable the Navy fleet to remain at sea and combat ready for extended periods.

Source: United States Navy

Tanks 7 & 8 Pressure Washing:
The Navy began pressure washing tanks 7 and 8, the first two tanks to be pressure washed at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), in January. The pressure washing process, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), includes using a mixture of 3% Simple Green cleaning solution and 97% water. After pressure washing, the cleaning solution is rinsed off, collected, analyzed, and disposed of in accordance with DOH approved waste management requirements. The surface of each tank is then visually inspected by the Navy contractor. Upon completion of the inspection, NCTF-RH personnel will conduct a quality assurance check, after which a third party, independent quality validator will inspect and certify the tanks surfaces as clean. The Navy will submit a cleaning report for final approval by the regulatory agency before beginning the tank decommissioning process.

Tanks 3 & 4 Degassing Operations:
The Navy is preparing tanks 3 and 4 for degassing operations later this month. They will be the fifth and sixth tanks to be ventilated since the project began on October 1, 2024. Hourly updates of Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) will be provided by NCTF-RH throughout the ventilation process on its mobile app, with daily summaries on its website (www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil). The tanks are ventilated and cleaned in staggered pairs to safely prepare each tank for the sludge removal, pressure washing and decommissioning processes.

According to AQM results, Volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, which are pollutants emitted as gases and include a variety of chemicals, have consistently remained below DOH’s regulatory standard limit of 38 parts per million (PPM) by volume with an average of 0.1 PPM by volume total VOCs since the start of ventilation. For questions or concerns, contact the Navy Call Center at 808-210-6968.

BWS Discussion on Drinking Water:
The Navy hosted a meeting with members of the Drinking Water Swarm Team and Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) at the Military and Family Support Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, December 10, 2024. Representatives from the Navy, Army, Hawaii DOH, EPA, and BWS and its consultants attended the technical discussion.

The meeting provided participants a deeper insight into the Swarm Team’s technical memo released in April 2024. The event facilitated productive dialogue among all parties and enabled an in-depth technical discussion about the Navy’s findings, supporting data and the scientific rigor supporting the Navy’s long term drinking water monitoring program.

A full recording of the meeting is available on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Safe Waters website (www.jbphh-safewaters.org), the NCTF-RH website (www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil/Media/Videos/) and the NCTF-RH YouTube page (www.youtube.com/@NCTF-RH/featured).

Spill Drill Exercise:
NCTF-RH exercised spill response under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) framework and principles during two spill drill tabletop exercises on December 6, 2024, and January 28, 2025. The exercise rehearsed roles, responsibilities, and actions that would mitigate environmental and community impacts in the event of a spill at the Red Hill facility.

“Let’s Talk Red Hill” Podcast: NCTF-RH released the following seven episodes of the podcast series hosted by Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Marc Williams in December and January:
– Episode 13: Redaction
– Episode 12: Waste Management
– Episode 11: Pressure Washing
– Episode 10: Looking Ahead in 2025
– Episode 9: 2024 in Review – Progress on Red Hill Closure
– Episode 8: Integrated Master Schedule
– Episode 7: Frequently Asked Questions

The weekly series offers experts the chance to share the latest updates and insights on the Navy’s progress in closing the RHBFSF. The series can be found on the NCTF-RH YouTube page (www.youtube.com/@NCTF-RH/featured), the NCTF-RH website (www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil/Media/Videos/), Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website, and the NCTF-RH mobile app.
Open House: The next NCTF-RH open house is at Alfred Los Banos Hall at Ke`ehi Lagoon Memorial, 2685 North Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI, on March 12, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. The open house theme is “NCTF-RH at One Year.” The open house will feature information about NCTF-RH activities over the past year and those planned for 2025 and beyond.

Navy Releases 2025 Community Engagement Plan: The Navy published the 2025 Community Engagement Plan that outlines NCTF-RH’s robust and inclusive public engagement program, in accordance with the EPA’s 2023 ACO amendment. The plan represents the Navy’s commitment to a continued interactive relationship with the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) community, both on and off base, with regards to the safe and deliberate closure of the RHBFSF and enhanced water resiliency at JBPHH. The plan is available for viewing on the Commander Navy Region Hawaii website (https://cnrh.cnic.navy.mil/).

Engagements: In December and January, NCTF-RH leadership and staff participated in or attended the following engagement events:

INDOPACOM Hawaii State Legislature brief
Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI) meeting
Governor’s Water Committee meeting
Military Affairs Council (MAC) meeting
Biannual Military Affairs Council State of the Indo-Pacific
Hawaii State Legislature Opening Day 2025
Governor Josh Green’s State of the State Address 2025
Participated in seven neighborhood boards
Held eight drinking water information booths

Additionally, Deputy Commander of NCTF-RH Rear Adm. Marc Williams, met with Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam and his staff during a site visit to the RHBFSF. During the visit, they discussed environmental assessments, water monitoring initiatives, and the Navy’s commitment to safely and deliberately close the RHBFSF.

NCTF-RH is committed to working with all government agencies and community stakeholders to safely and deliberately close the RHBFSF underground storage tanks and associated piping system, conduct long-term environmental remediation, and ensure continued access to safe drinking water in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

For more information about NCTF-RH, visit https://www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil/ or download our free mobile app by searching for “NCTF-Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store. For imagery, video and other digital media please visit our DVIDS site here: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NCTF-RH.
SAFE. DELIBERATE. ENGAGED. COMMITTED. – NCTF – RH –

Source: United States Navy

The interdiction by the Sentinel-class fast-response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC-1145) represents CTF 150’s first drug seizure since New Zealand assumed command Jan. 15.

The cutter’s boarding team discovered and seized 2,357kg of hashish from the vessel. After weighing and documenting the haul, the crew properly disposed of the narcotics.

Commodore Rodger Ward, commander of CTF 150, said he’s proud of the team effort that went into making this interdiction a reality after only a few weeks in command.

“Our command is a small cog in a system focused on interdicting illicit trafficking on the high seas,” Ward said. “This is a team effort and this bust would not have been possible without the support of the 46 nations who make up the Combined Maritime Forces.”

Ward noted that every bust we make reduces the flow of finances to terrorist organizations. “This is why we’re here, to contribute to maritime security and protect the rules-based international order,” he said.

Emlen Tunnell is forward deployed to Bahrain. The fast response cutter is part of a contingent of U.S. Coast Guard ships operating in the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships alongside U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest international naval partnership. CTF 150’s mission is to deter and disrupt the ability of non-state actors to move weapons, drugs and other illicit substances in the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

Combined Maritime Forces is a 46-nation naval partnership upholding the international rules-based order by promoting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.