Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

IMX 2025 brought together 5,000 personnel from over 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.

The 12-day exercise took participants through several exercise serials across multiple locations at sea in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, as well as ashore and in the air. Some of the serials included diving, harbor security, mine countermeasures, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration, visit, board, search and seizure procedures, and global health management events.

“It’s inspiring to see so many nations working together. The incredible level of international representation is pivotal to our success of safeguarding regional waterways and enabling the free flow of commerce,” said U.S. Navy Vice Adm. George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, in his remarks at the closing ceremony. “IMX 2025 was truly about partnering to strengthen and expand our capabilities.”

“[The] exercise brought forward many viewpoints [about how] to handle a single situation in various different ways. I am confident that the takeaways of this exercise will serve all the participants in planning and executing various exercises in their respective countries,” said Pakistan Navy Commodore Rashid Mahmood Sheikh, who led the CPX exercise for IMX 2025, in his remarks.

IMX 2025 ran in conjunction with a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa exercise, Cutlass Express 25, with each exercise’s respective maritime operations centers exercising their information sharing capabilities to improve theater-to-theater coordination, reduce regional seams, and strengthen interoperability.

The ninth iteration of the series, IMX began in 2012 as the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise, before changing its name to reflect a more expansive mission set.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

For imagery, photos and information on IMX, visit the feature page at: https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/IMX/.

Source: United States Navy

NEWPORT, R.I. – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti traveled to New England to meet with area Sailors, civilians, and leadership, tour General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), and meet with students and faculty at Navy school houses and the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., Feb. 18-19.

This visit underscores the Navy’s commitment to putting more ready players on the field and prioritizing training with a focus on warfighting, wargaming, and readiness.

At BIW, in Bath, Maine, Franchetti met with two dozen shipbuilders who are working on the new radar and combat suite for Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), BIW’s first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. She commended them for their hard work and recognized their vital contributions to the Navy’s shipbuilding efforts.

“I’m focused on warfighting and the warfighters that do that warfighting, and they can’t do that without platforms like this,” said Franchetti to Bath Iron Works shipyard workers aboard DDG-126. “I believe in service both in uniform and out. Your service here, building this amazing warship, is also service to your nation. You’re making sure we have the most ready, capable, and lethal Navy that our Nation needs to be able to protect our national security interests all over the world. That all starts right here.”

Franchetti also met with Sailors from the PCUs Harvey C. Barnum Jr (DDG 124) and Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), the final DDG Flight IIA being built for the Navy.

“It’s exciting to be the plank owners of ships that are going to serve our Nation for 30 years,” said Franchetti. “At the commissioning ceremony for the first Arleigh Burke destroyer, Adm. Arleigh Burke told the crew, ‘this ship was built to fight.  You better know how,’ and I know that’s what this crew thinks about when you go to work every day.”

Franchetti added, “we’ve had 26 warships operating in the Red Sea over the last 15 months, at a level of combat intensity we haven’t seen since World War II. Twelve of those ships were built right here at BIW and have been performing magnificently. That performance is because of our investments in lethal systems, investments in our foundation – shipyards like this one – and investments in Sailors who live and breathe the warrior ethos every day.”

Continuing the visit, CNO took a Quality of Service tour at PNSY where she visited various facilities, including the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, the Navy Exchange, and the Micromart. During the tour, she engaged in discussions about initiatives focused on improving the quality of life for Sailors. These efforts are part of the ongoing commitment to deliver the high level of service that Sailors deserve and are a key Project 33 target outlined in the CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy.

CNO also received updates on ongoing Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program modernization efforts, ship maintenance, and refit timelines at PNSY. She emphasized the need to build readiness and capability now as the Navy partners to scale industrial capacity and expand budgets for future growth—an effort that aligns with another key target in the CNO’s Navigation Plan, to strengthen and modernize the Navy’s industrial base to get platforms in and out of maintenance on time. While at PNSY, she presented the FY24 Battle “E” award to the crew of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS North Dakota (SSN 784).

“One of the big tenants of America’s Warfighting Navy is getting more players on the field. That’s platforms with the right capabilities, the right modernization, the right lethality, and people with the right skillset, toolset, and mindset, and you embody that every single day,” Franchetti told the crew. “I’m confident that you’re going to get this player back out on the field as fast as possible because of your very clear commitment to getting after every challenge that comes your way. Your partnership with the shipyard team is second to none, and together, you got left of any barrier that came up. Our submarines are the Apex Predators of the Fleet, and I know the ‘Reapers of the Deep’ are excited to get back out there.”

Following the visit, the CNO went to Newport, R.I., to meet with leadership at the Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) and to speak at the department head graduation. While there she also relayed her charge of command and spoke about standards to the prospective commanding officers.

“You’re going back to the Fleet at a critical time for our Navy and our nation. As you have seen this past year, our Navy-Marine Corps team, and really our surface warfare community, has been in high demand in every region around the globe,” Franchetti said. “We are operating in contested waterways and airspaces to underwrite the global security environment, and to keep the sea lanes of communication open for all to use. There’s no other Navy that operates at this scale, no other Navy can train, deploy and sustain such a lethal, globally deployed, combat credible force at the pace, the scale, and the tempo that we do.”

The CNO then met with leadership from the U.S. Naval War College and received briefs from the college’s Halsey Group advanced research programs, which conduct data collection, research, analysis and wargaming to examine challenges at the operational level of war in the Middle East and East Asia.

To wrap up the visit, CNO met with leadership and students from both the Naval Supply Corps School and the Naval Justice School to thank them for their work delivering warfighting advantage every day.

Source: United States Navy

Thomas Hudner will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) to support bilateral and multinational maritime operations with partners in the region and conduct Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits.

“The crew of the USS Thomas Hudner is proud to answer the call for presence in USSOUTHCOM AOR,” said Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, USS Thomas Hudner Commanding Officer. “Our Team is ready to ensure maritime freedom of action in the Caribbean, protect our interests throughout the region and strengthen maritime partnerships.”

Thomas Hudner returned to Mayport, Florida after an eight-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Africa area of operations, Jan. 4, 2024. Thomas Hudner was assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG). During the deployment, Thomas Hudner served as an air defense unit for the strike group off the coast of Israel, and worked closely with Allies and Partners on a variety of missions. Additionally, Thomas Hudner led a Surface Action Group comprised of Allied and Partner nations in the English Channel, designed to flex advanced Surface Warfare and Subsurface Warfare tactics.

U.S. 4th Fleet employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the USSOUTHCOM AOR.

USSOUTHCOM AOR encompasses 31 countries and 16 dependencies and areas of special sovereignty, including the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico, waters adjacent to Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea. The region represents about one-sixth of the landmass of the world assigned to regional unified commands.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command is responsible for manning, training, equipping, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe.

Source: United States Navy

Just as adversaries seek exploitable vulnerabilities in traditional warfare, they also leverage cyber-operations in an effort to gain operational advantage. Cyber capabilities function both as a non-kinetic offensive weapon and force multiplier supporting other domains—such as anti-missile defense at sea or the protection of space-based assets.

Prior to the creation of the MCWO community, the Navy relied on Information Warfare (IW) officers, including Cryptologic Warfare (CW) and Information Professional (IP) specialists, to fill cyber-related billets within the cyber operations forces. With the establishment of the Reserve MCWO specialty, Reserve officers can build focused expertise, deepening the Navy’s bench of cyber talent.

“Reserve Maritime Cyber Warfare Officers bolster U.S. Navy Reserve Information Warfare Community (IWC) cyber capabilities, ensuring the Navy maintains a decisive edge in modern warfare,” said Rear Adm. Gregory Emery, Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve. “Their specialized skill sets enable us to confront emerging threats and strengthen our strategic advantage.”

To meet the growing complexity of the cyber domain, the Navy Reserve’s MCWO and CWT communities continue to refine their training pipelines and development programs. CWTs and MCWOs, working alongside other IW professionals, are advancing in proficiency and readiness. The Reserve component aligns closely with supported commands, predominantly contributing to cyberspace planning and defense activities—ensuring cyber warfare is a core element of warfare planning and execution.

“The seamless integration of Reserve Sailors into active-duty missions is critical to our success,” said Capt. Daniel Krowe, Reserve Maritime Cyber Warfare Community Lead. “Readiness is essential to operationalizing our Reserve IW Sailors and amplifying their effectiveness.”

Cyber operations play an indispensable role at the OLW. Sailors within the IWC must be both technically skilled and strategically minded, recognizing that cyberspace is a domain where state and non-state actors pose significant threats to U.S. interests. Effective cyber operations require both technical expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment and implications of each action.

“Repeated and intentional application of OLW concepts during exercises and training will strengthen Reserve Component MCWO and CWT expertise,” Capt. Krowe continued. “This iterative approach ensures our Sailors maintain a decisive warfighting edge.”

Training exercises, particularly those simulating realistic cyber threats, play a pivotal role in readying Sailors for complex, contested environments. Through events like the MAKO Exercise series—annual Reserve OLW Maritime Operation Center (MOC) exercises—CWT and MCWO personnel refine their skills on simulated watch floors. These scenarios mirror real-world challenges, enabling Reserve Sailors to improve coordination, decision-making, and the delivery of cyber capabilities alongside their active-duty counterparts.

The Navy’s investment in cyber operations reflects a broader acknowledgment of cyberspace as a decisive warfare domain. By cultivating and deploying highly trained CWTs and MCWOs, the Navy ensures it can project influence, defend critical infrastructure, and maintain forward presence in both traditional and digital arenas.

“As we focus on current and future security landscapes, our ability to operate effectively in cyberspace will be a decisive factor in future maritime operations and conflicts,” said Rear Adm. Emery. “Our commitment to mastering cyber operations at the OLW is both a tactical necessity and a strategic imperative.”

In an era where digital networks underpin combat systems, communications, and logistics, the Navy’s integration of cyber capabilities into OLW activities is essential for mission success. Through the dedication and readiness of its Reserve cyber professionals, the Navy will sustain operational superiority in every domain.

As global tensions escalate and adversaries sharpen their cyber tactics, the Navy’s emphasis on cultivating a robust cyber security Reserve Force underscores its resolve. By strengthening the training, expertise, and operational readiness of CWTs and MCWOs, the Navy Reserve is poised to maintain its formidable presence and protect U.S. interests across the physical and digital battlespaces.

Source: United States Navy

Commander, Navy Region EURAFCENT, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Naval Support Activity Naples, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, and Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu all received retention recognition.

The Retention Excellence Awards evaluation is conducted on 19 platforms and is earned by commands that meet or exceed their specified platforms’ reenlistment rate benchmarks and do not exceed their specified platforms’ attrition rate benchmarks for at least two quarters.

Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Central, Rear Adm. Brad Collins, remarked on the excellence and talent across the region at a time when it is most needed. Collins said, “We live in critical times, where threats to American security are ever-present. We rely heavily on our qualified, subject matter experts to ensure we answer the Nations call to deter, protect, and sustain a combat-ready force. Retaining skilled operators is of the highest importance at this critical juncture. ”

NSA Bahrain not only received the REA for a seventh consecutive year but has also received the first Best-In-Class (BIC) distinction for the large installation category. NSA Bahrain achieved a 68% or higher retention rate and in honor of their achievement, they have been authorized to fly a blue pennant on their installation.

In a press release, Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer of NSA Bahrain, stated “Our installation earning the REA for the seventh straight year and first-ever best-in-class is a remarkable achievement; one that is shared by the entire team, from our most junior Sailors to our most senior leaders. The Navy is able to retain the highest-caliber talent because of this installation’s commitment to development and excellence.”

Navy Region EURAFCENT received the Legacy REA, representative of their installations and have been authorized to fly a gold pennant. NSA Naples, NAS Sigonella, NSA Souda Bay, and NSF Deveselu met the criteria required for BIC consideration and have been authorized to fly a gold pennant on their installations, in recognition of their achievement.
Each Sailor within Navy Region EURAFCENT, whether located in NSF Deveselu or NSA Souda Bay is an integral part of the larger mission.

Collins stated, “The fervent commitment of the Sailors throughout the largest Navy Region, a region that spans three combatant commands, is needed to execute decisive and timely support. The Retention Excellence Awards are a testament to every Sailor’s dedication to the mission. Leadership’s ability to encourage retention along with the institutional knowledge and expertise that it preserves is what keeps our operations not only running but constantly improving.”

The retention requirements to receive these awards take into account not only retention but also attrition rates, or Sailors who do not remain in the Navy for various circumstances. Each installation and command cannot exceed a certain percentage of attrition, based on a sliding scale of personnel density and makeup. For example, Sailors who have been in the Navy six years or less are considered ‘Zone A’ and an installation must remain at or below a 4% attrition rate amongst their 1-6 year Sailors in order to be eligible for the REA. Taking into consideration attrition rates ensures the data for retention accurately shows a positive trend in manning numbers.

Navy Region EURAFCENT provides mission-critical logistics and support to the warfighter, their families, and the fleet across seven countries, enabling U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to maintain security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.