Category: United States Navy

Source: United States Navy

“The U.S. and Japan have a strong strategic alliance,” said Capt. Robert R. Williams, Commodore of MSC Far East in Singapore. “Interoperable refueling capabilities enhance this partnership by enabling joint operations, training exercises, and real-world missions. This cooperation reinforces mutual defense commitments and helps promote regional stability.”

CONSOL capability is when a specially outfitted MSC-controlled tanker conducts underway refueling operations, transferring cargo to combat logistics-force (CLF) ships at sea.

Typically, CLF ships are required to return to shore to a supply depot to resupply. A CONSOL eliminates those round-trips to a supply point, thereby, reduces cost and increases time at sea to support the fleet.

The training evolution builds upon a previous SQT between a U.S. Navy commercial oiler and a JMSDF oiler in October 2023. The ability of a JMSDF tanker to CONSOL allows them to also carry fuel out to the fleet, and provide underway replenishment of fuel, fleet cargo, and stores to customer ships at sea, thereby increasing capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Badlands Trader is one of a few commercial oil tankers that has been chartered and outfitted to pump fuel to CLFs at sea, which allows the CLF ships to stay closer to the fleet.

“CONSULs between JMSDF and U.S Navy fleet replenishment oilers are not new,” said Peter P. Bok, strategic sealift officer, MSC Far East. “However, the ability for JMSDF vessels to connect with an MSC-chartered commercial oiler is a capability that we are honing. This increases operational reach and endurance of both naval forces.”

In a CONSOL, providing fuel to CLF ships means they don’t have to return to a Defense Fuel Support Point to refuel, added Bok.

The two-day SQT began at port on board U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, and both crews participated in safety briefings, discussions and cross-deck training.

Day one involved pier side SQTs: deploying, retrieving and re-deploying the fuel lines between the two ships while at port.

Day two, both ships got underway and connected at sea as planned offering a successful proof-of-concept.

Both ships returned to port on day three.

“The SQTs reduce the risk of misunderstandings during CONSOL operations,” said Bok. “It also encourages the adoption of standardized procedures and equipment.”

MSC Far East supports the U.S. 7th Fleet and ensures approximately 50 ships in the Indo-Pacific Region are manned, trained, and equipped to deliver essential supplies, fuel, cargo, and equipment to warfighters, both at sea and on shore. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations, with a workforce that includes approximately 6,000 Civil Service Mariners and 1,100 contract mariners, supported by 1,500 shore staff and 1,400 active duty and Reserve military personnel.

Source: United States Navy

The exercise tested the Navy’s emergency response capabilities and its ability to work with multiple agencies to respond to a spill consisting of a mixture of water and cleaning solution at the facility, ahead of the commencement of pressure washing fuel tanks that have completed successful fuel and sludge removal. 

Experts from the Navy, Environmental Protection Agency, Hawaii Department of Health, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and Honolulu Department of Emergency Management participated in the drill.  

“As we move into the next stages of tank cleaning operations, our goal is to ensure our teams are prepared to respond to any situation if there is an unplanned release or spill,” said Rear Adm. Marc Williams, NCTF-RH deputy commander. “We remain committed to ensure the safety of our workers, our community, and the environment.”  

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 pipelines, conduct long-term environmental remediation, and ensure continued access to safe drinking water in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, policies and regulations. 

For more information about NCTF-RH, visit www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil or download the mobile app by searching for “NCTF-Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store.   

SAFE. DELIBERATE. ENGAGED. COMMITTED. 

– NCTF – RH –  

Source: United States Navy

Norfolk, Va. (July 14, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Naval Station Norfok to welcome the ships and squadrons of Carrier Strike Group TWO home, July 13-14.

Secretary Del Toro was in Norfolk for the arrivals of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Gravely (DDG 107). In May, Secretary Del Toro presented a Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) for forces assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, including the Eisenhower Strike Group, at the return to homeport ceremony of USS Carney (DDG 64).

“By defending our allies as well as innocent civilian merchant mariners against relentless attacks, they made an incredible impact that will be an enduring part of our naval services’ legacy,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Their achievements and actions are worthy of the Navy Unit Commendation and Combat Action Ribbon that I awarded to them earlier this year.”

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 Department of the Navy, behind the Presidential Unit Citation. 

Following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, USS Carney operated alongside the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Groups in the Red Sea, defending commercial shipping lanes, innocent merchant mariners, and American, allied, and partner vessels against drone and missile attacks launched by the Iranian-aligned Houthis in Yemen. 

In all, the Eisenhower Strike Group conducted more than 750engagements, utilizing 792 munitions in combat. The threats included land attack cruise missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and unmanned systems.

While in Norfolk, Secretary Del Toro also addressed families on the pier for the three ships, thanking them for their support throughout the strike group’s deployment and discussing how proud their Sailors’ service makes him.

“We must also remember that our Sailors and Marines are volunteers—volunteers who chose to dedicate their careers and their lives to defending the values and ideals we as an American people hold dear,” said Secretary Del Toro. “They understand that service is not an obligation—it is indeed a calling. And as we’ve witnessed throughout the IKE Carrier Strike Group’s deployment, it is an opportunity to be a part of something much greater than ourselves, standing tall against the terrorist acts of the Iranian-aligned Houthis in defense of the defenseless. “

On Saturday, Secretary Del Toro accompanied National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Chief of Naval Operations, to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) before their return on Sunday.

Read Secretary Del Toro’s full remarks online.

Read the full Navy Unit Commendation online.

Source: United States Navy

During the visit, Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, met with Malaysia Deputy Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Dato’ Zulhelmyu, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Director General Vice Adm. Datuk Saiful, and other key leaders.

“Thank you to the people of Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur for their warm welcome of our Blue Ridge and Seventh Fleet teams,” said Vice Adm. Kacher. “Malaysia is a key partner for us in the region, and this port visit provides us an important opportunity to meet with our Royal Malaysian Navy counterparts, engage with the community, and enjoy the local sights and culture.”   

While in port, crew members returned the hospitality of their Malaysian hosts by volunteering in a community relations (COMREL) events organized by Blue Ridge’s Command Religious Group, demonstrating and reinforcing the U.S. commitment to their Malaysian counterparts beyond maritime matters.

Service members prepared, packed, and delivered meals to refugees and other underserved members of the community at the Assembly Soup Kitchen, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing hot and nutritious meals to those in need, predominately in the Klang Valley.

“It’s rewarding to take part in helping those in need,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Amanda Martin, assigned to Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Food is a vital resource that everyone needs, so it’s something truly special when you can ensure someone gets fed.”

Another way some Sailors were able to connect with the local community was through sports. The Sailors participated against local teams in soccer and volleyball.

“Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we still laughed and had fun together,” said Retail Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Taitt, assigned to Blue Ridge. “Through sports, you’re able to quickly build bonds that transcend culture, language, ethnicity and background.

Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, Blue Ridge’s commanding officer, spoke with local media and community leaders on strengthening the cooperation and deepening the friendship between the two countries.

The crew also indulged in well-deserved rest and recuperation through events organized by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department, including tours of Klang Town, Kuala Lumpur and surrounding attractions. Service members decompressed while immersing themselves in the rich Malaysian culture, contributing to the ship’s overall mission readiness.

Port visit events like MWR tours, COMRELS, joint exercises and collaborative efforts not only heighten morale, but also play a critical role in enhancing people-to-people relationships and showcase our partners’ mutual commitment to maritime freedom and regional security.

As the 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

Hurricanes, typhoons, flooding and tsunamis can inundate coastal communities and trap residents in their buildings, often driving them into their attics or roof spaces to escape rising waters. Members from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team, the Peruvian Naval Infantry and the Mexican Navy collaborated for three days of combined training, simulated search and rescue coordination and survivor extraction and triage as part of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response component of RIMPAC.

The exercises paired teams from the three countries in a range of disaster scenarios. The Mexican and Peruvian teams brought expertise at rescuing survivors from damaged structures, while the U.S. team contributed tactics for water-based rescues and the detection and identification of hazardous materials.

“Natural disasters present serious rescue challenges in urban areas, so we were all grateful for the chance to share our experiences and tactics that have saved hundreds of lives during recent storms and flooding events around the United States,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ian Thompson, the Urban Search and Rescue coordinator for the USCG Pacific Strike Team. “All three teams leave this collaboration with a greater capability to collaborate and to save lives after disasters in our home countries and abroad.”

The teams drove inflatable boats into a simulated flooded community and practiced cutting through a roof. In a separate exercise area on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, they practiced vertical extraction, or moving injured medical patients up and out of buildings using vertical rescue systems with tripods, ropes and pulleys and entering confined spaces with atmospheric contamination to rescue victims.

Additionally, the USCG utilized the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Geographic Information Systems “SARCOP.” This smartphone app connects rescue coordinators and search teams via a common operating picture. By the end of the exercise, the three countries could coordinate via SARCOP, which will streamline coordination during future responses.

“Participating in these exercises has been invaluable for our teams,” said Lt. j.g. Gonzalo Hernandez of the Peruvian Naval Infantry. “We have not only improved our technical skills but also strengthened our ability to work alongside our international partners. The use of the SARCOP app has significantly enhanced our coordination capabilities, which will enhance our collective response to natural disasters.”

“Working with the U.S. Coast Guard and Peruvian Navy is really good for us, we can learn a lot of their techniques and share how we work in Mexico,” said Seaman Lizeth Magaña, Mexican Navy USAR team member. “We are so grateful for this partnership opportunity in RIMPAC.”

The Novato, Calif.-based U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team provides an expert deployable force for search and rescue operations, pollution and hazardous material spills, and recovering from weapons of mass destruction.

Historically, the Strike Team has conducted search and rescue missions following major disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, Katrina, and most recently Hurricane Ian. The Coast Guard has enhanced its disaster response capabilities in the past decade by incorporating flood response abilities into Catastrophic Incident Search and Rescue. This modernization effort involved strategically placing Mobile Response Kits across the US and formalizing training programs for all CISAR teams. This training is jointly led by the USCG and US-based USAR teams.

“We are honored to have participated in such a comprehensive exercise,” said Hernandez. “The shared experiences and knowledge gained here are invaluable, and we look forward to applying these lessons to improve our disaster response capabilities.”

To support people affected by different natural or man-made disasters, the principal mission of the Mexican Navy USAR Team is to carry out operations of search, location, access and stabilization of rescued people. They also perform body recovery.

Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.