Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Dynamic Manta builds on the success of previous iterations, incorporating new tactics, technologies and operational insights, ensuring NATO’s forces remain at the forefront of undersea warfare. The exercise prepares NATO submarine crews to respond and adapt to any type of threat below the surface.

Hosted by Italy, the exercise was planned by NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) based in Northwood, UK. Commander Submarines NATO, US Navy Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, said this is the largest and most complex submarine exercise to take place in the Mediterranean Sea.

“Exercises like Dynamic Manta help NATO maintain the edge when it comes to anti-submarine warfare,” he said. “By practising coordinated operations against both conventional and advanced undersea threats, NATO continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the strategic waterways that connect member states.”

For only the third time since the exercise began in 2013, submarine assets will also work with Allied maritime Special Operations Forces (SOF), consolidating interoperability with this critical asset. The capability of Allied SOF teams to cooperate with Allied submarines from different nations represents a force multiplier for NATO. For this iteration of the exercise, a Greek SOF team will make a landing from an Italian submarine to conduct its mission.

The aim of Dynamic Manta is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills. Each participating unit will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.

The exercise plan to involve units, sailors and airmen from nine NATO nations.

The submarines belong to the navies of France, Greece, Italy, Türkiye and the United States, with NATO Submarine Command (COMSUBNATO) exercising operational control on several, as required by the exercise scenario.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Canada, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States are also planning to take part, alongside Maritime Patrol Helicopters (MPH) from France, Italy and the US, supported by surface ships from Greece, Italy, Spain, Türkiye and the US.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is taking part, commanded by Turkish Navy Rear Admiral H. Ilker Avci.

As the host nation, Italy is providing support in Catania and Augusta Harbors, the naval helicopter base in Catania, Naval Air Station Sigonella, as well as support from Augusta Naval Base.

Representing Italy during the exercise as the host nation guest is Rear Adm. Alberto Tarabotto, Commanding Officer, 4th Naval Division.

There are two sister ASW training events as part of NATO’s continuous submarine warfare training and cooperation.  Exercise Dynamic Mongoose which takes place in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, and Playbook Merlin which takes place in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea.

Dynamic Manta is one of nearly a dozen MARCOM-led maritime exercises held each year in addition to numerous national exercises, which increase readiness in defense of the Alliance.

Source: United States Navy

During the visit, Cheever, the U.S. Navy’s “Air Boss,” engaged leadership and Sailors at Kadena Air Base, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. He also visited the forward-deployed Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and multiple forward-deployed squadrons, emphasizing the integral role of Naval Aviation in the Indo-Pacific.

“Our forward-deployed aviation forces are the tip of the spear, and their ability to operate at the highest levels helps maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” said Cheever. “It is critical that we provide them with the training, resources and support they need to maintain readiness and execute the mission.”

Throughout the visit, the Air Boss and Force Master Chief met with command leadership to discuss key priorities, including sustaining warfighting excellence, improving the quality of life for Sailors and their families overseas and fostering a culture of trust and respect. They also took time to recognize outstanding Sailors for their hard work and contributions.

“People are our most valuable asset,” said Kuers. “We must ensure every Sailor – whether on the flight line, in maintenance shops, onboard the ship or supporting operations – has what they need to succeed and thrive.”

Air Boss also had the opportunity to see the U.S. Navy’s latest aviation capabilities in action, including the F-35C Lightning II, the CMV-22B Osprey and the MQ-4C Triton. These platforms enhance the U.S. Navy’s ability to strengthen deterrence to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During engagements with squadron personnel, Air Boss flew with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, reinforcing his commitment to safe, effective operations and firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.

“Our aviators and maintainers work around the clock to ensure our air wing is combat-ready, strong and lethal,” said Capt. Brian Kesselring, commander of CVW-5. “Having the Air Boss fly with our squadrons and engage with our teams underscores the importance of our mission and the trust he has in our warfighters.”

While in Guam, Air Boss visited Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25, the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed MH-60S expeditionary squadron, which plays a critical role in search and rescue, logistics and fleet support operations across the Indo-Pacific.

The visit marked the first time Cheever visited Japan and Guam as Air Boss, and reinforced morale, strengthened trust and underscored Naval Aviation as indispensable to operations around the world.

Source: United States Navy

Strengthening NATO alliances, U.S. East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and U.S. Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC) recently conducted a two-week training exercise with Lithuanian and German Special Operations Forces.

The exercise, which took place in the Baltic region, aimed to increase warfighting readiness and allied lethality through a series of challenging maritime operations, small boat tactics, and low-light weapons live-fire drills. The training event was designed to foster greater cooperation and interoperability between the participating nations, maintaining a strategic advantage in the region.

“Exercises like this are crucial to ensuring we can operate seamlessly together to fight and win wars,” said CAPT V. Scott King, Commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. “By training alongside our Lithuanian and German counterparts, we’re not only enhancing our own warfighting readiness but also strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation that underpin our alliance.”

Allied training exercises like this are vital to bolstering the collective defense capabilities of NATO nations and builds a stronger, more lethal alliance to address threats in the area.

Throughout the exercise, the units focused on developing and enhancing their skills in maritime special operations, as well as advanced marksmanship and close quarters combat techniques. The special operations forces refined their ability to launch, operate and recover small raiding crafts from the well decks of the Combatant Craft Medium, one of Naval Special Warfare’s most versatile boats. The event culminated with a full-mission profile, bringing together all aspects of the training into a real-world scenario that showcased the special operations forces’ readiness in the maritime domain.

“The training we conducted was both realistic and challenging,” said the senior Naval Special Warfare Operator on site. “We were able to learn from each other and share best practices. This type of cooperation is essential to achieving shared goals and maintaining elite levels of lethality.”

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy

This marks the third U.S. Navy ship to moor in Ishigaki, further strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance, which has served as the foundation for regional peace and security for nearly 75 years.

During a ceremony aboard the ship, San Diego’s commanding officer, Capt. Timothy Carter, expressed his gratitude to the people of Ishigaki for their warm welcome and extended thanks to several key organizations, including the Yaeyama Defense Association, Ishigaki Port Authority, and the Japan Coast Guard for their support and assistance in ensuring the ship’s safe arrival.

“It is truly an honor to be here today representing the United States Navy,” said Carter. “This visit stands as a testament to the deep, enduring friendship we share with Japan. Our presence in Ishigaki today underscores the strength and commitment of the U.S.-Japan alliance, a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

San Diego operates in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners. The ship serves as a ready-response force for any type of contingency, from operational to humanitarian assistance missions.

“Our military-to-military relationships have never been stronger,” he continued. “We look forward to engaging with the local community and deepening our understanding of each other’s cultures. Our partnership is not only important today, but will remain vital in the years to come.”

While in Ishigaki, the crew will have the opportunity to engage with local residents, learn about the island’s rich history, and enjoy its unique culture and cuisine. This visit represents another milestone in the strong and enduring ties between the U.S. and Japan.

San Diego, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is forward-deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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.

For more news from USS San Diego, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lpd22/
On Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/LPD22

Source: United States Navy

Features

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.

Ohio Class

Each of the 14 Ohio-class SSBNs originally carried up to 24 SLBMs with multiple, independently targeted warheads. However, under provisions of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, each submarine has had four of its missile tubes permanently deactivated and now carry a maximum of 20 missiles. The SSBN’s strategic weapon is the Trident II D5 missile, which provides increased range and accuracy over the now out-of-service Trident I C4 missile.

SSBNs are specifically designed for extended deterrent patrols. To decrease the amount of time required for replenishment and maintenance, Ohio-class submarines have three large-diameter logistics hatches that allow sailors to rapidly transfer supply pallets, equipment replacement modules and machinery components, thereby increasing their operational availability.

The Ohio-class design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in-port for maintenance. Each SSBN has two crews, Blue and Gold, which alternate manning the submarines and taking them on patrol. This maximizes the SSBN’s strategic availability, reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategic requirements, and allows for proper crew training, readiness and morale.

Columbia Class

The Columbia-class SSBN is the nation’s future Sea Based Strategic Deterrent, is the Navy’s number one acquisition priority, and will provide the most survivable leg of the Nation’s strategic triad. It replaces the currently serving Ohio-class SSBNs and must be ready for patrol no later than October 2030 to meet United States Strategic Command requirements.

Representing a generational recapitalization of the SSBN force, Columbia-class will ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s. The Columbia-class will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by our nation.

General Characteristics, Ohio Class Ballistic Missile Submarines – SSBN

Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division

Propulsion: One nuclear reactor, one shaft

Length: 560 feet (170.69 meters)

Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)

Displacement: 16,764 tons (17,033.03 metric tons) surfaced; 18,750 tons (19,000.1 metric tons) submerged

Speed: 20+ knots (23+ miles per hour, 36.8+ kph)

Crew: 15 Officers, 144 Enlisted

Armament: Trident II D5 (LE), 20 missile tubes, Mk48 torpedoes 

Ships:
USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) Bangor, Washington
USS Alabama (SSBN 731) Bangor, Washington
USS Alaska (SSBN 732) Kings Bay, Georgia
USS Nevada (SSBN 733) Bangor, Washington
USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Kings Bay, Georgia
USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) Bangor, Washington
USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) Kings Bay, Georgia
USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) Bangor, Washington
USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Kings Bay, Georgia
USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) Bangor, Washington
USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) Kings Bay, Georgia
USS Maine (SSBN 741) Bangor, Washington
USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) Kings Bay, Georgia
USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) Bangor, WashingtonPoint of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communications (SEA 00D

General Characteristics, Columbia Class

Lead Design Shipbuilder: General Dynamics – Electric Boat

Propulsion: Electric-drive propulsion system

Length: 560 feet

Beam: 43 feet

Displacement: 20,800 long tons

Speed: 20+ knots (23+ mph)

Crew: 15 Officers, 140 Enlisted

Armament: Trident II D5 (LE), 16 missile tubes, MK48 torpedoes

Ships:

District of Columbia (SSBN 826) – Under construction

Wisconsin (SSN 827) – Under construction

Groton (SSBN 828)

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communications

Washington, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123Washington, D.C. 20376