Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti toured Boeing’s Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) manufacturing facility, met with Boeing contractors and Sailors assigned to Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron (UUVRON) 3, and gave remarks about the importance of having robotic multi-mission submersibles in the fleet, Dec 6.

The Orca XLUUV is one of several unmanned maritime systems programs that the Navy is developing and acquiring to expand to the hybrid Fleet.

“Getting Orca into the hands of our warfighters will help us get after my project 33 targets because she is another player – with some really unique capabilities – on the field in America’s Warfighting Navy,” said Franchetti. “Orca, and other platforms like her, are an important step forward as we drive towards our future hybrid fleet, which is going be composed of manned and unmanned platforms. It’s a hybrid fleet that we know we will need to maintain our warfighting advantage.”

Orca and other autonomous systems represent a leap forward in naval warfare, providing unmatched operational advantages by extending reach, reducing risks to personnel, and enhancing strategic capabilities.

“I have no doubt that Orca will contribute to our future lethality, to our warfighting effectiveness, and further bolster our ability to deter any potential adversaries,” said Franchetti. “What we learn from this capability will inform the development of future robotic and autonomous systems, and ultimately provide a lot of agility, flexibility and new options to our nation’s decision makers, so that if deterrence fails, we’re ready to fight and win decisively.”

As reflected in CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy “operationalizing robotic and autonomous systems: move proven systems into the hands of the warfighters”, is one of seven project 33 targets that will help the Navy permanently raise the baseline level of readiness for the possibility of war with the People’s Republic of China by 2027.

Construction of XLE-1 is complete, and the vehicle is at Marina Shipyard for contractor pierside and at-sea testing. Delivery of XLE-1 to the Navy is expected in early 2025, with follow-on Navy Developmental and Operational Testing (DT/OT) through the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. After completion of Developmental and Operational Testing, UUVRON 3 will complete crew certification, and XLE-1 will be ready for deployment.  

Source: United States Navy

The new Surface Advanced Warfighting School (SAWS), located aboard Naval Base San Diego, will host courses in Anti-Submarine/Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Amphibious Warfare (AMW) and Mine Warfare (MIW). For the first time, these WTI courses of instruction will be conducted in a single, centralized location, directly contributing to the Navy’s Competitive Edge 2.0 initiative and enhancing the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains.

“Today’s an important day for SMWDC and for the entire Navy—the official opening of the Surface Advanced Warfighting School. It could not come at a better time,” said Vice Adm. McLane, commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific Fleet. “Now more than ever, we need intelligent organizations that will enhance our competitive edge and encourage prolific warfighting adaption throughout the force.”

The decision to co-locate the four WTI courses was driven by the reorganization of SMWDC in 2022, aimed at streamlining operations and fostering collaboration. The initiative began in 2020, when Rear Adm. Scott Robertson, former commander, spearheaded efforts to bring the vision to life. SMWDC worked closely with Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific (CNSP); Commander, Navy Region Southwest (CNRSW); Commander, Naval Base San Diego; and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) to refurbish and transform an administrative building into a cutting-edge training center.

“This state-of-the-art training facility represents years of teamwork and dedication,” said Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, Rear Adm. Wilson Marks. “By co-locating our four WTI courses, we’re not just improving how we train our surface Navy’s elite warfighters, but also creating a center of excellence for experimentation and tactical development. This world-class facility and the training it supports are foundational for achieving tactical warfighting improvements and increasing the lethality of the Surface Fleet.”

The SAWS facility underscores SMWDC’s commitment to deliver tactical excellence by design. The centralized location will also integrate the Multi-Warfare Planning and Training System (MWPTS) in 2026, providing realistic combat systems training for platforms like Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), Aegis, and Surface Fires. This innovation will support the development and validation of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), a capability previously limited to live onboard testing.

“Your organization is crucial to our competitive edge and SAWS furthers this strategic vision, centralizing four Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses and transforming our Sailors with the tools, training, and knowledge they need to win,” McLane emphasized.

Located near the west coast controlled training facility, the new SAWS schoolhouse enhances collaboration, integration, and accessibility. It also ensures parity with training facilities available to aviation and submarine communities, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to providing surface warfighters with the resources they need to excel.
“Our WTIs are leading the way in improving warfighting capabilities across the fleet,” said Marks. “This schoolhouse ensures they have the tools and environment to continue excelling in their mission and delivering combat-ready warfighters.”

With its opening, the SAWS facility not only honors the Navy’s investment in operational excellence, but also sets the standard for the next generation of Surface Warriors. The first convening of all four WTI courses in the new schoolhouse is scheduled for January 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in surface warfare training.

Source: United States Navy

The WSP ARG flagship, first-in-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, while the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious landing dock ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) is expected to return to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. 

The embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) returned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 3.

“This deployment demonstrated the versatility and strength of amphibious forces,” said Capt. Nakia Cooper, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4. “Whether enhancing NATO interoperability or on station as the crises response force, the Sailors and Marines of the ARG-MEU team consistently executed with precision and remained ready. To our families and loved ones—thank you for your unwavering love and support.”

Throughout the deployment, the ARG-MEU team operated extensively in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility under the authority of Task Force 61/2, participating in high-profile exercises such as Baltic Operations 2024 in the Baltic Sea and Neptune Strike 24.2 in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The 24th MEU (SOC) routinely rotated its landing forces to the Republic of Cyprus to participate in bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard and their elite special operating forces. These engagements reinforced partnerships with NATO Allies and regional partners, highlighting the strategic importance of amphibious forces in fostering multinational cooperation.

The ARG-MEU also conducted more than a dozen port visits across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, strengthening relationships with Allies and partners while offering opportunities for bilateral training and cultural exchanges. The port visits included Klaipeda, Lithuania and Kiel, Germany as part of BALTOPS 24; Rota, Spain and Skagen, Denmark for brief stops for fuel and resupply operations; Brest and Cherbourg, France, as part of the ARG-MEU’s participation in the 80th D-Day anniversary ceremony; Aksaz and Izmir, Türkiye to strengthen relationships with NATO Ally Türkiye; Souda Bay and Thessaloniki, Greece, where 24th MEU (SOC) units were positioned to conduct bilateral training with Greek military forces; and finally, to Limassol and Larnaca, Cyprus, during bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard and their Special Operations Forces.

“We forged stronger ties with our international Allies and partners during this deployment,” said Col. Todd Mahar, commanding officer, 24th MEU (SOC). “Every Marine and Sailor displayed remarkable adaptability and professionalism, proving the value of our forward-deployed, rapid response capabilities.”

The deployment displayed the ARG-MEU’s mission sets as a crises response force by providing readiness and flexibility to the Combatant and Fleet Commanders. From deterring aggression in contested waters to standing by for crisis response, the team consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and deliver results.

“Our presence ensured regional stability and deterred adversaries,” added Mahar. “The ARG-MEU team was ready at every turn to uphold peace, provide aid, and project strength where it was needed most, if called upon.”

The deployment’s success was underpinned by the ARG-MEU’s operational flexibility and the integration of sea, air, and land assets, providing combatant commanders with a versatile contingency force.

“Deployments like these prove the critical role of forward-deployed amphibious forces,” said Cooper. “We are a tangible reminder of America’s commitment to our Allies and partners and a powerful deterrent to any potential adversary.”

The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) team began deployment operations on June 1, 2024 following an extensive eight-month pre-deployment training program to certify the Navy and Marine Corps units for deployment. Together, the ARG-MEU is organized, trained, equipped, evaluated, and certified to conduct maritime expeditionary warfare and amphibious operations across the full range military operations. As a highly mobile, versatile, and integrated naval formation, the ARG-MEU offers geographic combatant commanders an organic combined arms force that remains forward deployed and capable of persistent competition.

The WSP ARG includes the Wasp, New York, and Oak Hill, with embarked units including Fleet Surgical Team 4, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22 Detachment 1, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, and Beach Assault Unit 21. The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air Ground Task Force, comprised of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) as the Aviation Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/8 as the Ground Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24 as the Logistics Combat Element, and a command element as their higher headquarters.

Source: United States Navy

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800) will be commissioned on Dec. 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST at HII-Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia.

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the principal address at the commissioning ceremony. Remarks will also be provided by The Honorable Phillip Jones, Mayor of Newport News; Mr. Mark Rayha, President of General Dynamics Electric Boat; Admiral William “Bill” Houston, Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and The Honorable French Hill, U.S. Representative for Arkansas’s Second District.

The submarine’s sponsors are the six women of the Little Rock Nine: Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, and Thelma Mothershed Wair. In the 1954 landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional. Three years later, nine African American students became the first people of color to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, a previously all-white institution. President Dwight D. Eisenhower later federalized the Arkansas National Guard to protect the students during their integration.

The Little Rock Nine, as they came to be known, have spent their lives advocating for quality education. While all members of the group will be honored at the ceremony, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Elizabeth Eckford, and Gloria Ray Karlmark will represent them at the christening.

“With her advanced systems, the Nation’s best and brightest crew, and her formidable presence, USS Arkansas will play a vital role in maintaining our strategic advantage, ensuring our readiness to respond to any challenge, and protecting our Nation’s interests, both at home and abroad,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I am honored to have members of the Little Rock Nine serving as her sponsors—and I know their spirit of resilience will guide this ship and her crew wherever they sail.”

The future USS Arkansas will be the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the fifth naval vessel to bear the name Arkansas. The original Arkansas was a Civil War-era screw steamer. In 1902, an Arkansas-class monitor, one of the last monitors in the U.S. Navy, was commissioned with the same name. The third Arkansas, a Wyoming-class battleship, was commissioned in 1912. The fourth Arkansas, which served from 1980 until 1998, was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to operate in both littoral and deep waters while conducting a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. Their stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower enable them to support five of the six core capabilities of maritime strategy—sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. These capabilities allow the submarine force to contribute to regional stability and the preservation of future peace while operating in all areas permitted by international law.

The ceremony will be livestreamed at https://hii.com/events/ssn800/. The link will become active approximately ten minutes prior to the event, at 10:50 a.m. EST.

Source: United States Navy

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800) will be commissioned on Dec. 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST at HII-Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia.

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the principal address at the commissioning ceremony. Remarks will also be provided by The Honorable Phillip Jones, Mayor of Newport News; Mr. Mark Rayha, President of General Dynamics Electric Boat; Admiral William “Bill” Houston, Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and The Honorable French Hill, U.S. Representative for Arkansas’s Second District.

The submarine’s sponsors are the six women of the Little Rock Nine: Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, and Thelma Mothershed Wair. In the 1954 landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional. Three years later, nine African American students became the first people of color to attend Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, a previously all-white institution. President Dwight D. Eisenhower later federalized the Arkansas National Guard to protect the students during their integration.

The Little Rock Nine, as they came to be known, have spent their lives advocating for quality education. While all members of the group will be honored at the ceremony, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Elizabeth Eckford, and Gloria Ray Karlmark will represent them at the christening.

“With her advanced systems, the Nation’s best and brightest crew, and her formidable presence, USS Arkansas will play a vital role in maintaining our strategic advantage, ensuring our readiness to respond to any challenge, and protecting our Nation’s interests, both at home and abroad,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I am honored to have members of the Little Rock Nine serving as her sponsors—and I know their spirit of resilience will guide this ship and her crew wherever they sail.”

The future USS Arkansas will be the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the fifth naval vessel to bear the name Arkansas. The original Arkansas was a Civil War-era screw steamer. In 1902, an Arkansas-class monitor, one of the last monitors in the U.S. Navy, was commissioned with the same name. The third Arkansas, a Wyoming-class battleship, was commissioned in 1912. The fourth Arkansas, which served from 1980 until 1998, was a Virginia-class nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to operate in both littoral and deep waters while conducting a variety of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. Their stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower enable them to support five of the six core capabilities of maritime strategy—sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. These capabilities allow the submarine force to contribute to regional stability and the preservation of future peace while operating in all areas permitted by international law.

The ceremony will be livestreamed at https://hii.com/events/ssn800/. The link will become active approximately ten minutes prior to the event, at 10:50 a.m. EST.