Category: United States Navy

Source: United States Navy

Secretary Del Toro detailed the announcement Jan. 13 during video remarks directed to the Department of Navy’s (DoN) submarine community.

“Today’s submarine force is the most capable force in the world and in the history of U.S. Navy,” said Secretary Del Toro. “It is my honor and privilege to announce the names of the future submarines which will protect us from deep below the ocean’s waves.”

Secretary Del Toro previously named USS Long Island (SSN 809), USS San Francisco (SSN 810), USS Miami (SSN 811), USS Baltimore (SSN 812), and USS Atlanta (SSN 813).

The naming of the future USS Potomac (SSN 814) honors a river on the Eastern seaboard of the United States and six prior ships so named. Rising in West Virginia and emptying into Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac’s banks are home to Washington, District of Columbia, and running through three states.

The first Potomac was a frigate laid down in the Washington Navy Yard in 1819. She served in the Pacific, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. The second Potomac was part of the “Stone Fleet” to block the entrances to Confederate harbors. The third Potomac (AT-50) was acquired for service in the Spanish-American War, later serving as a fleet and submarine tender, as well as supporting Marine Corps operations in the West Indies. The fourth Potomac (AG-125) was launched as the Coast Guard ship Electra, but taken into Navy service in 1935 to serve as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s yacht. She is preserved as a museum ship in Oakland, California. The fifth Potomac (T-AO-150) was wrecked by a fatal fire at a refueling pier in 1961, after which the forward part of the ship was declared a total loss. Rebuilt, she served in the Military Sea Transportation Service as Shenandoah. She became the sixth Potomac (T-AO-181) in 1976 when accepted back into Navy service as part of Military Sealift Command. In 1990 she joined the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Prepositioning Force. She took part in the Persian Gulf War, provided humanitarian relief during the Rwandan Genocide, supported military operations in Bosnia, and assisted Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The future USS Norfolk (SSN 815) honors the city of Norfolk, VA (2023 pop. 230,930) and three previous U.S. Navy vessels: a brigantine (1798–1800); destroyer leader DL-1 (1953–1970); and Los Angeles-Class nuclear attack submarine SSN-714 (1983–2015). The first Norfolk undertook convoy duty during the Quasi-War with France to protect American commerce. The second Norfolk served as an antisubmarine hunter-killer ship in the Atlantic. The third and most recent Norfolk spent her time in the silent service conducting operations in the Atlantic during both the Cold War and the Global War on Terror.

Founded in 1682, the city grew into a major center of trade and shipbuilding, with Gosport Shipyard (present-day Norfolk Naval Shipyard) in particular playing a critical role in both the city and the Navy’s development. The shipyard completed construction of Chesapeake, one of the original six frigates, in 1799. The Federal Government subsequently purchased the shipyard in 1801. From this point on, the Navy’s presence would only continue to grow, leading to the eventual establishment of Naval Operating Base Hampton Roads (present-day Naval Station Norfolk) in 1917. As of 2024, Norfolk and the surrounding area hosts over 82,000 active-duty military personnel and multiple installations including Naval Station Norfolk, which is now the world’s largest naval station, and Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, which serves as headquarters for U.S. Fleet Forces and NATO Allied Command Transformation.

The future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816) is named to honor the New York City borough of Brooklyn (2020 pop. 2,736,074) and three previous Navy vessels: a screw sloop of war (1859–1889), armored cruiser CA-3 (1896–1921), and light cruiser CL-40 (1937–1947). The first Brooklyn participated in the U.S. Navy blockade of the Confederacy and fought at both the Battle of Mobile Bay and Fort Fisher. CA-3 also proved her mettle in battle, playing an important role at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Finally, CL-40 participated in antisubmarine warfare operations in the Caribbean during WWII, as well as the Allied invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, and southern France, earning four battle stars in the process.

Founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century on the western edge of Long Island on lands inhabited by the Lenape tribe, Brooklyn was incorporated as a city in 1834 and subsequently consolidated into New York City in 1898 as one of its five boroughs. Critical to Brookyln’s growth and development was the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which was established in 1801. During its 165-year history, the navy yard constructed some of the Navy’s most famous vessels, including second-class battleship Maine, battleship Arizona (Battleship No. 39), and battleship Missouri (BB-63). Although it closed in 1966, the Navy Yard continues to serve as an industrial park, playing a vital role in Brookyln’s ongoing economic development.

Along with the ship names, Del Toro has also selected the sponsors for the three newly named submarines. The sponsor plays an important role in the life of each ship and is typically selected because of a relationship to the namesake or to the ship’s current mission. In their role as the ship’s sponsor, they will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. The following individuals were identified as sponsors:

Lisa Collis, spouse of Sen. Warner, will sponsor the future USS Potomac (SSN 814).

Ann Holton, spouse of Sen. Kaine, will sponsor the future USS Norfolk (SSN 815).

Dorothy McAuliffe, spouse of former Virginia Gov. McAuliffe, will sponsor the future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816).

Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.

Source: United States Navy

The announcement was made during Del Toro’s video remarks directed to the Department of Navy’s (DoN) submarine community.

“Our ballistic-missile submarines form a critical pillar of the Nation’s nuclear triad, playing an indispensable role in deterring conflict while upholding strategic stability,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Building on this strategic foundation, it is with great pride that I now turn to the next chapter in our Navy’s capabilities.”

Groton honors the port town in Connecticut and three previous vessels so named: a frigate (1944-1946), a patrol craft (1945-1960), and a nuclear fast attack submarine (1978-1997). USS Groton (SSBN 828) will be the third named Columbia-class submarine.

Both Senators for Connecticut expressed their appreciation for the naming and the constituents of the city of Groton.

“Naming the USS Groton recognizes this iconic Connecticut town as the submarine capital of the world — honoring the unsurpassed skill and dedication of men and women who work there. Groton has a rich shipbuilding legacy, and proven commitment to our national defense — manufacturing and maintaining vital weapons platforms, sustaining our undersea superiority,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “It is a proud community of hard workers, veterans, patriots, and public servants, and this honor celebrates them.”

“It’s only fitting the U.S. Navy is naming our next Columbia-class submarine after Groton, Connecticut — the submarine capital of the world,” said Sen. Murphy. “This is a well-deserved recognition of Groton’s rich history as a global leader in submarine technology and innovation, and a home to the thousands of Electric Boat workers and small businesses who power our nation’s naval defense. I will continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to make sure the next administration advances our submarine programs quickly and cost-effectively,

supports our maritime industrial workforce, and ensures the full and timely delivery of the cutting-edge submarines we need to uphold our national security.”

Rep. Courtney highlighted the legacy of Groton and the impact of Del Toro’s decision to name SSBN 828.

“Today’s decision by the US Navy to honor Groton, Connecticut as the name of its next submarine is welcome news. Groton is the birthplace of the modern nuclear-powered Navy under Admiral Hyman G. Rickover and home to our nation’s oldest submarine base as well as the Electric Boat shipyard whose talented shipbuilders have played a leading role since World War II where they constructed 74 submarines to fight the Axis powers. The naming of the third Columbia-class submarine as the future USS Groton is a well-deserved badge of honor that rightly acknowledges our community’s historic role in the United States submarine force,” said Courtney.

Located on lands originally settled by the Pequot, Groton was founded in 1705 when it split from New London. The English settlers turned to shipbuilding, and Groton ever since has excelled in the industry. A Navy Yard was established in 1868. It became a submarine base during World War I and the home to Electric Boat, which launched 74 diesel submarines during World War II. Today, Groton is celebrated as the Submarine Capital of the World and hosts the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Submarine Force Library and Museum, and the first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus.

The first Groton (PF-29) served on a North Atlantic weather station operating from Newfoundland and guiding wartime maritime traffic safely to Europe. She was subsequently transferred to the Coast Guard in 1946. The second Groton (PCE-900) operated in Hawaiian waters during World War II before serving as a Naval Reserve training ship out of Boston. Transferred to the Atlantic Fleet in 1955, she was renamed Groton and served until struck from the Navy List in 1960. The third Groton (SSN-694) completed an around-the-world cruise in 1980 on her first deployment to the Indian Ocean. She was decommissioned in 1997.

Along with announcing the ship’s name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsor for the future USS Groton (SSBN 828) as Mrs. Cynthia M. Blumenthal, who in her role as the ship’s sponsor will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

Mrs. Blumenthal is not only the wife of Sen. Blumenthal, but she is also a military mother, who advocates for service members and their families. She has served as a senior advisor for fourteen successful campaigns for Sen. Blumenthal, while also serving on multiple boards for charitable organizations assisting wide-ranging communities, dedicating her life’s work to supporting others.

“I am tremendously honored to sponsor the future USS Groton (SSBN 828) and look forward to a lifelong relationship with the ship and its crew. Connecticut’s contributions to our nation’s maritime strength and national security are a source of great pride to all Nutmeggers,” said Cynthia M. Blumenthal. “On behalf of Connecticut’s citizens, I thank the Secretary of the Navy for this recognition. As a military parent, I know firsthand the commitment military families make in support of their members who serve. Those families also serve. It is a privilege to be allowed to dedicate myself to both the USS Groton and the submariners who be deployed on her as she protects our shores and our people.”

Sen. Blumenthal expressed his gratitude to Secretary Del Toro upon Mrs. Blumenthal’s invitation to sponsor the future USS Groton.

“I am proud that my wife, Cynthia, will be the sponsor of the USS Groton and serve as a bond between the vessel, her crew, and our nation – an honor and privilege Cynthia is perfectly qualified to take on,” said Blumenthal.

The Columbia-class submarine, formerly known as the SSBN-X Future Follow-on Submarine, is a new class of nuclear submarines designed to replace the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.

The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). They are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads.

Source: United States Navy

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Thank you for allowing me to serve you as your Secretary of the Navy. Every day that I’ve woken up these past 3.5 years, it’s you I have thought about in the morning, as I go to work in the Pentagon, or anywhere else I am, and when I go to sleep at night,” said Del Toro. “What makes our country great, is that our leadership at every level, we care about each other. We’re a team. We’re shipmates. That’s what makes the difference between us and them.”

Upon Del Toro’s arrival to the ship, he visited the mess decks where he was able to talk with Sailors on duty and answer their questions about his time in the Navy and as Secretary, as well as Sailor quality of life and service.

“So we really went to work the last 4 years. Every year making more investments in your quality of life, and quality of service. And I’m not suggesting it’s perfect…but the other thing that we did is we listened to you in this process,” said Del Toro. “We listened to you, and we are making far more investments now than we ever have in the Navy.”

Del Toro was sworn in as the 78th secretary of the Navy Aug. 9, 2021. In 1983, he joined the United States Navy as a surface warfare officer for 22 years before departing active duty to enter the private sector.

Bush is currently in the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. This period of time allows the crew to practice damage control, deck seamanship, and flight deck operations, simulating real scenarios that Sailors encounter at sea during future operations.

For media queries, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Madie Hansen, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs Officer, at pao@cvn77.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

“We share our NATO Allies’ commitment to a safe and prosperous Black Sea,” said Capt. Jeremy Wheat, commodore, Task Force 68 Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Europe-Africa, who oversees EODMU 8. “Poseidon is a demonstration of that collective commitment.”

Poseidon is an annual MCM exercise led by Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye. Activities included MCM training operations, floating mine response (FMR) training serials with live demolition charges, and diving operations with live explosive charges to rehearse bottom mine search, locate, and over-pressure procedures. Poseidon is an inherently defensive exercise that aims to reduce maritime threats for all mariners, while advancing NATO Ally interoperability and capability.

“We achieved various MCM training objectives with our highly capable Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish Allies,” said Cmdr. John P. Kennedy, commanding officer, EODMU 8. “I am personally grateful to Bulgaria for hosting this iteration and to all three nations for inviting us aboard their MCM ships.”

Within the scope of Poseidon, the NATO hosts activated their Black Sea MCM Task Group for the third time since its summer inception. Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye formalized the trilateral task group earlier this year, and Türkiye assumed command first.

The Black Sea NATO Allies invited the U.S. and other non-Black Sea NATO Allies to be observers and to share their expertise and best practices.

“Türkiye graciously invited me aboard TCG Yzb. Güngör Durmuş to observe MCM operations during Poseidon,” said Lt. Chad Keller, EODMU 8 liaison officer. “As the flagship of the Black Sea MCM Task Group, the ship participated in various exercise serials within Bulgarian territorial waters. It was fascinating to witness our allies regional expertise, tactics, techniques, and procedures in the MCM domain.”

Keller also had the opportunity to engage with the crew and task group members, including current Task Group Commodore Capt. Yusuf Karagülle. The Turkish naval officer also commanded Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two in 2021.

“While embarked, Capt. Karagülle and task group liaison officers from Bulgaria and Romania shared their perspectives on present- and post-war, de-mining efforts, given their unique vantage point as Black Sea nations,” said Keller. “We also discussed their thoughts on NATO involvement during future activations of the task group.”

With the Poseidon activation, the task group concluded the three active periods it scheduled for 2024. Bulgaria is scheduled to assume command of the task group after the holidays on Jan. 2, 2025, according to Defense News.

CTF 68 closely tracks floating mines through open-source channels. Since March 2022, more than 120 have been found in the Black Sea, with approximately 78% near Ukraine, 8% near Romania, 7% near Türkiye, and 5% near Bulgaria.

“We are proud to participate in Poseidon and our NATO Black Sea Allies’ MCM Task Group, because both of these initiatives really get after the dangerous but noble and life-saving mission of de-mining the Black Sea,” said Wheat. “Advancing MCM interoperability in this region is crucial at time of unprecedented risk from floating mines as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

CTF 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, is a part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F) and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provide expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.

C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Source: United States Navy

The event was the culmination of a course designed to give students hands-on experience in applying AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to real-world defense problems in partnership with the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).

Three teams of students worked to refine and enhance the Lessons Learned/After Action Report (AAR) support tool—a critical system developed for the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned (MCCLL) —to analyze operations and foster organizational improvements across the force. Students leveraged the power of NPS’s High Performance Computing (HPC) Center and its “Hamming” supercomputer to apply AI and ML techniques to analyze data and improve the tool’s ability to provide actionable feedback.

The Lessons Learned tool is vital for the Marine Corps as it captures valuable insights from every operation, ultimately shaping future missions and improving effectiveness. MCTSSA approached NPS to work with students on applying cutting-edge technologies to enhance the tool’s capabilities, ensuring that the Marine Corps can continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges.

AI is one of 14 critical defense technology areas in the National Defense S&T Strategy. With a focus on AI/ML, the event reflected the growing importance of these technologies in modern military operations. The course provided in-depth knowledge of AI/ML tools and platforms, including real-world project analysis, team collaboration, and the integration of industry-standard and emerging technologies.

“We’ve spent this quarter exploring the available AI and ML tools, learning both how to use them effectively and how to collaborate in applying the technologies to real-world problems,” said Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Graves, an NPS graduate student who participated in the event. “The Hackathon format provides a unique opportunity to synthesize our skills as a team and contribute to potential solutions that could directly support the Marine Corps in enhancing operational readiness.”

In addition to the technical challenge, the event fostered significant opportunities for skill expansion, networking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students had the chance to work closely with their peers from different military services and specialties, exchanging ideas and strategies to tackle the task at hand. The event also allowed them to connect with industry professionals and military experts who provided mentorship and guidance throughout the competition.

 The AI Hackathon concluded with public presentations on Dec. 17 where teams showcased their solutions to military leaders and industry experts. This brief provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of their hard work and to receive feedback that will further shape their academic and professional growth.

“This event is a great example of how NPS blends academia with practical application,” said Mathias Kolsch, an associate professor in the computer science department. “By working side-by-side with MCTSSA and using cutting-edge tools like LLM toolchains on our GPU-studded Hamming supercomputer, these students gained hands-on experience that will serve them in the short term as well as throughout their careers. It’s an excellent example of how our curriculum prepares students for the challenges they will face in the military and in the rapidly evolving field of technology.”

By encouraging realistic engineering team collaboration and the use of cutting-edge technologies, the AI Hackathon is setting the stage for the next generation of military and civilian leaders.

“We’re excited about the potential for hackathons to become a regular part of our computer science curriculum and to create stronger links between academic pursuits and various operational commands,” said Dr. Gurminder Singh, the computer science department chair. “The skills students develop during such hackathon would be directly applicable to real-world military operations, and we are already looking forward to the next competition with a new set of challenges and new topic partners.”

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.