Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Bulkeley’s port visit builds on the United States’ and the Republic of Cyprus’ shared goals to enhance stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.  In pursuit of these goals, the Bulkeley was able to conduct maneuvering exercises with the Republic of Cyprus offshore patrol vessel Commodore Andreas loannides (P61), on November 29, 2024.

“This patrol has been a professionally rewarding experience for this hardworking crew,” said Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commanding officer of Bulkeley. “I can think of no better opportunity than a stop in Larnaca to experience this historic country.”

During the ship’s time in Larnaca, the crew will have an opportunity for rest and to go ashore.  “We are extremely thankful and excited to see Cyprus,” said Yeoman First Class Joshua Kelley. 

The “Griffins” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 are embedded aboard the Bulkeley.  Bulkeley is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests.

Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, 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

Afloat Salvage Exercise 24-2, previously named Expeditionary Battle Damage Response Exercise, was designed to train and evaluate Navy Divers’ and EOD technicians’ ability to access and assess shipboard damages and repair them in a simulated wartime environment, improving the Navy’s ability to respond to combat damage control and to increase salvage effectiveness.

“Navy mobile diving and salvage companies and EOD platoons maintain readiness to conduct afloat salvage and render safe procedures aboard Navy and joint assets anytime, anywhere,” said Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, commanding officer, MDSU 2. “Our training aboard NAVSEA 21 INACT ships in Philadelphia, PA provided EOD Group 2 forces a controlled shipboard environment for our sailors to simulate damage and explosive hazards on vessels afloat and exercise our capability to mitigate shipboard damage and explosive hazards. This was our third iteration of training in Philadelphia, and we continue to improve our warfighting readiness to support the Fleet.”

During the exercise, several different training objectives were met, such as damage control assessment, anti-terrorism force protection dives, render safe procedures on inert ordnance, damage surveys in the ship’s flooded ballast tanks, patch building and dewatering, and salvage of the ship’s damaged spaces while simulating an at-sea vessel.

Historically, the U.S. Navy has suffered ship damaging events such as the devastating attack on USS Stark (FFG 31) by an Iraqi F-1 Mirage fighter jet in 1987, and the terrorist attack on USS Cole (DDG 67) by suicide bombers in the Aden Harbor, Yemen, on Oct. 12, 2000. These events caused significant flooding and shipboard damage and took the ships out of the fight.

When faced with conducting damage control operations at this magnitude, a ship’s necessary systems and manning to repair such damages may be limited or exhausted. This is where Navy Divers and EOD technicians can provide unique support to the Fleet.

In 2000, when Navy Divers from MDSU 2, detachment Alpha, were rapidly deployed to the scene of the attack on USS Cole, they were immediately faced with the deadly and tragic aftermath of the bombing.

“Our first glimpse of the ship that night will be forever fixed in our minds,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Frank Perna, in the first days of their salvage operation of Cole.

“Get in the water,” Perna thought. “Get the Cole back.”

They had a mission at hand, and brothers and sisters in arms to help. So, that is exactly what they did.

24 years later, Navy Divers from the same diving and salvage unit, MDSU 2, are training for a similar mission in the footsteps of Warrant Officer Perna.

“Taking lessons from recent events such as the damage incurred from the missile strikes to USS Stark (FFG 31) in 1987, the mine strike of USS Samuel B. Robert (FFG 58) in 1988, and the attack on USS Cole (DDG 67) in 2000, I did not want to just teach our Navy Divers about the responses to those casualties through lectures or tabletop exercises,” said Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Carroll, MDSU’s salvage engineer. “Personally, I learn best through on-the-job and hands on training. What better way to learn and expand our capabilities to best support the Fleet than to create actual damage scenarios that enable our [Sailors] to hone their skills in afloat salvage techniques?”

Afloat salvage capabilities are a critical mission Navy Divers and EOD technicians are training toward in order to significantly enhance the U.S. Navy’s, as well as NATO Allies’ and partners’, capability to keep vessels operational while in a forward deployed status. The main goal is minimizing damage and ‘keeping our ships in the fight’ after sustaining casualties.

At this exercise, Navy Divers from MDSU 2 had the chance to access, patch and dewater spaces after a simulated missile attack where ordnance failed to detonate, causing major flooding and damage to bulkheads on the ex-USS Fort McHenry.

Flooded ballast tanks with imposed bulkhead penetrations simulated the type of real world scenario Navy Divers may be tasked to respond to in the future.

Before adressing repairs, EOD technicians and Navy Divers had to methodically disarm and render safe an inert rocket shape in the ballast tank. After safely removing the rocket shape, Navy Divers constructed three patches for the affected bulkheads. Once the patches were in place, they dewatered 40,000 gallons of water from the space.

“This was a great opportunity to teach younger divers that diving is not always going to be in warm, sunny and flat seas in Florida,” said Navy Diver First Class Robert Brookins, leading petty officer of MDSU 2 Co. 2-4. “This training event was an eye opener to the gravity of these kind of real-life scenarios that we could be faced with. I’m glad we were able to flex our capabilities and show that our team can work in tight spaces and passageways which restrict the normal dive operations we routinely conduct.”

This exercise also offered a platform to integrate Navy EOD mobile units and Navy Diver companies into one team with one mission, allowing them to exchange skills and tactics with a common objective.

“Working together presents us [EOD technicians and Navy Divers] as a package, capable of fixing more than the normal task at hand,” said Lt. Brent Lawson, training officer of EODMU 6. “It’s a force multiplier for us to be working together to solve these problems. Navy EOD is standing by to support the fleet in these types of emergencies.”

These valuable learning experiences between the diving and EOD communities will further enhance MDSU 2’s afloat salvage mission sets, changing the way the Navy can operate in combative environments which have the potential to present these types of casualties that could require salvors and EOD technicians to integrate with and support ships’ crews in wartime.

Afloat salvage capabilities will enable Navy Divers and EOD technicians to repair damage to a vessel on the battlefield and allow ships the opportunity to reach forward repair sites during conflict. This training event was one of the first of its kind for the Navy special operations community to develop and train on the tactics, techniques, and procedures involved in shipboard damage control and salvage.

EODGRU 2 operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

For the full collection of photos from Afloat Salvage Exercise, and news about U.S. Navy Divers and Navy EOD and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

Source: United States Navy

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) marked a milestone in its support of the F-35 Lightning II program when the depot recently inducted and completed modifications on its 150th F-35 and returned the aircraft to the Fleet.

FRCE is the lead site for depot-level maintenance on the F-35B Lightning II and has conducted modifications and repair on the Marine Corps’ short takeoff-vertical landing variant of the aircraft since 2013. The depot has also worked with the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing) and F-35C (carrier) variants.

“The F-35 plays such a crucial role in our national defense,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti. “It is the next-generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force, Marines and our allies. It gives our warfighters unprecedented capabilities. We’re extremely proud of the support we provide for this aircraft.

“The F-35 was completely new when the first aircraft was inducted in 2013,” continued Berti. “There were a lot of unknowns. Inducting our 150th F-35 highlights how far we’ve come and how dedicated and innovative our people are. They were constantly breaking new ground and they continue to do that today.”

Dustin Schultz, an aircraft planner and estimator with FRCE’s F-35 team, was one of those trailblazers.

“Everything was brand new in the beginning,” said Schultz. “From engineering support to tooling and logistics, we were starting from scratch. We had one aircraft with six of us working on it. Now we have 130 artisans working on the F-35 alone. That’s a lot of growth.

“We have other aircraft programs that are sundowning,” he continued. “The F-35 is filling that gap now as we move forward.”

According to Ike Rettenmair, FRCE’s F-35 branch head, the depots F-35 workload has grown exponentially over the years and is expected to expand further.

“I was in the hangar as a Harrier mechanic when the first F-35 rolled in,” said Rettenmair. “We’ve grown from that one stall to what will soon be multiple hangars of F-35s. The F-35 plays such a significant role in the U.S. military with more and more continuing to enter the Fleet. The number of F-35s used by international partners is also growing. Our F-35 workload goes hand in hand with all of this.”

As the F-35 program continues to grow at the depot, Rettenmair said FRCE continues to expand and develop key F-35 support elements.

FRCE declared capability on its first F-35 component – meaning FRCE is now a verified source of repair and testing for that item – in 2020. Since then, the depot has declared capability on approximately 76 different components for the Lightning II and continues to stand up capability.

In 2023, FRCE personnel became the first within the Department of Defense to perform the successful assembly of a lift fan clutch for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft outside of the original manufacturer’s facility. Additionally, F-35B vertical lift fan testing and processing facilities are scheduled to come online at FRCE in early 2025.

The depot is also capable of bringing F-35 support to the warfighter when and where it’s needed. FRCE’s F-35 Rapid Response Team, made up of highly skilled, cross-trained aircraft maintenance professionals, can deploy at a moment’s notice to any location, from a Marine Corps Air Station halfway around the globe to a Navy aircraft carrier afloat in the Indo-Pacific region.

FRCE’s F-35 support isn’t limited to aircraft repair and modification or component capabilities. Don Werner, an aircraft planner and estimator with FRCE’s F-35 team,  said the lessons learned and the innovation that occurred over the years while expanding FRCE’s F-35 program have also found their way to the warfighter.

“There are so many entities within FRC East working on things you would never even think of,” said Werner. “They create things and come up with ideas that enable us to get aircraft to the warfighter even faster while saving money in the long run. They create things that make the job easier and these go out to the whole Fleet.”

In addition to mechanics, Werner said the team includes quality assurance personnel, parts and logistics experts, planners, engineers and even fabric workers who design and produce heavy-duty protective covers for the aircraft’s tires, intakes and other parts.

“You can see people right here at the depot working on all these things,” said Werner. “They’re designing it, going down to manufacturing and coming up with the tools or equipment our people need because there’s nobody out there that’s going to get it to us in such a timely manner.”

Schultz said the warfighter benefits from the innovative processes and procedures the depot’s F-35 team has come up with over the years.

“We’ve had many modifications that come through here that we were performing for the first time ever,” said Schultz. “The manufacturer would say this mod is going to take 10,000 hours and our artisans and engineers would go look at it and end up saving thousands of hours because they came up with a new way to do the job that nobody else had thought of.”

According to Rettenmair, the success and expansion of the F-35 program at FRCE, lies with the depot’s personnel. He credited their dedication and innovation as instrumental in establishing the reputation of FRCE’s F-35 program.

“We’ve made a name for ourselves as the F-35 facility for depot maintenance,” said Rettenmair. ”It shows the trust and confidence the enterprise has in FRC East to do this work. That trust is a testament to the people working here who’ve earned us this reputation.”

He said everyone at FRCE, no matter what their job, is committed to supporting the Fleet by providing the highest quality, combat ready aircraft and components.

“Every day when we come to work, we know why we’re here,” said Rettenmair. “We deliver product back to the Fleet so the warfighter has what he or she needs to fight and win. The people working here take a lot of pride in that.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

Learn more at www.navair.navy.mil/frce or https://www.facebook.com/FleetReadinessCenterEast.

Source: United States Navy

These port visits highlight the strong relationships the United States has with Thailand and Singapore. In addition to fostering camaraderie and cooperation between nations, Sailors were afforded the opportunity to experience the stunning beaches, rich cultures, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local life during their stay.

“The officers and crew of USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. are honored for the opportunity to visit Singapore. Engagements such as these strengthen the bonds between both nations and our mutual goals of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Kevin Louis, commanding officer, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. “This port visit demonstrates the U.S. commitment to regional partnerships, helps foster growing relationships, and offers Sailors the opportunity to relax and enjoy Singapore’s tremendous culture, cuisine and attractions.”

While in port, Sailors also contributed by participating in community relations projects. Frank E. Petersen Jr. Sailors volunteered for the ‘Child at Street 11’ program, which educates and helps young children, and Michael Murphy and Spruance Sailors volunteered at the Soi Dog Foundation, a prominent animal rescue shelter.

“The crew of the USS Michael Murphy would like to extend our warmest regards to the country of Thailand for hosting us during our recent port visit. We also had the chance to volunteer with a local organization, give a tour of our ship, and share the story of our namesake, LT Michael Murphy,” said Cmdr. Jonathan B. Greenwald, commanding officer, USS Michael Murphy. “We look forward to continuing to grow the bond between our two nations in the years to come.”

These opportunities to connect are essential for strengthening the partnerships between the United States, Thailand and Singapore nations.

“This port visit was definitely a morale boost and opportunity for our Sailors,” said Cmdr. Thomas “Matt” Adams, commanding officer, USS Spruance. “We are thankful to our Thai hosts for allowing the opportunity to participate in local community volunteer events, explore the beautiful country of Thailand and get some well-deserved rest and recovery before we return out to sea.”

Following their respective port visits, the three destroyers will continue their deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Three and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine, integrated air and missile defense Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), and Destroyer Squadron 21’s USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 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 CSG-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72#

Source: United States Navy

The port visit comes just after the two-month point on deployment, following over a month of operations with Allies and partners in the North and Norwegian Seas. Today, Sailors are excited to enjoy liberty, immersing themselves in Marseille’s renowned history, cuisine, and culture while engaging with the community over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The United States and France continue to coalesce around collective defense, exchanging dialogue and culture in the process, exemplified by the Truman Strike Group’s arrival in Marseille. France is the first Ally of the United States, with ties dating back to the American Revolutionary War, and the United States is one of only a few Allies with whom the Marine Nationale has a strategic plan for enhanced cooperation.

“I could not be more grateful for the warm welcome by the French government and, more specifically, the city of Marseille,” said Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). “The strong partnership between our countries is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a steadfast commitment to the rules-based international order through the NATO Alliance. The established, shared naval framework between our countries – fortified through both world wars – enhances our global, high-end warfighting interoperability and gives Fleet commanders tailorable options in competition, crisis, and conflict.”

Before stopping in France, the HSTCSG, including Carabiniere (F 593) and the Spanish Navy Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Méndez Núñez (F-104), transited the Strait of Gibraltar for the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 25. The strike group completed the NATO-led maritime vigilance activity Neptune Strike (NEST) 24-2 Oct. 31, underscoring the U.S. Navy’s commitment to boosting combined force interoperability and enhancing integrated deterrence with NATO Allies, including Italy, France, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to deliver power for peace. NEST 24-2 was the sixth iteration of the vigilance activity established in 2022.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, supporting U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa in the defense of U.S., Allied, and partner interests. The carrier strike group includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, with nine embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and maintain a forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. You can find more information on DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.