Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Indianapolis deployed in March 2024 as a dual-crewed command, conducting two exchanges of command between LCS Crew 112 and LCS Crew 118. This final deployment marked LCS Crew 118’s second 5th Fleet deployment in 2024 and the consolidation of the crews into a single command. LCS Crew 118 deployed on May 5, 2024 to the U.S. 5th Fleet operating area to support the U.S. Navy’s mission to promote freedom of navigation and the rules-based international order.

“What this team of amazing Americans achieved over the course of this deployment will pay dividends in the maintenance planning and tactics development arenas for years to come,” said Cmdr. Matthew Arndt, USS Indianapolis’ Commanding Officer. “As the workhorse of the Arabian Gulf, Indy executed the lower tier missions necessary to maintaining good diplomatic relations in the Middle East which allowed Standard Missile shooters to reposition to deal with bad actors in the Red Sea. I think it’s pretty special that we were able to provide the 5th Fleet commander with more tools and options to aid in the free flow of commerce through a contested waterway.”

Shortly after arriving at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, LCS crews 118 and 112 merged and integrated a detachment from the “High Rollers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 into the crew. Indianapolis and HSC 28 supported operations as part of Task Force 52. The ship also worked with Task Force 59, the Navy’s first unmanned and artificial intelligence development force, to validate crewless technology and mesh networks. Indianapolis also supported other interoperability initiatives and aviation training events with regional partners.

“This deployment clearly marks a significant chapter in the ship’s history and serves as proof the LCS class is capable of fulfilling operational and strategic goals across all theater of operations, but most of all, this deployment records the mountainous amount of teamwork, dedication and grit from our Sailors and their friends and families who support them – without them none of this would be possible,” said Cmdr. William Green, USS Indianapolis’ Executive Officer.

Indianapolis validated the littoral combat ship concept both operationally and through administrative successes. During the final months of an 18-month deployment, Indianapolis completed a Mobility Aviation Reset, two Initial Ship Aviation Team Training events to support HSC 28.7 and HSC 28.9, certified in Explosive Safety and Cyber Security, and demonstrated navigational excellence during a mobility navigation assessment.

The ship’s deployed maintenance and repair experiences were supported by Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) and included maintenance availabilities in locations throughout the Middle East region, and Rijeka, Croatia.

“The resilience and flawless performance of this crew during this historic deployment have exemplified the highest standards of naval excellence,” said Command Senior Chief Darrell Shelton, USS Indianapolis’ Senior Enlisted Leader. “Their unwavering dedication and skill ensured mission success and strengthened our maritime capabilities.”

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats and can support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
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.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Source: United States Navy

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Gustavo Benavides, from Brownsville, Texas, assigned to Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Littoral Training Facility (LTF) Pacific (PAC), embarked on his Navy career with a passion for service that started in high school. Now serving as an instructor at, Benavides shares his experiences and lessons learned from fleet service to the classroom, helping shape the next generation of Sailors.

Benavides’ Navy journey began in December 2007, after years of participating in his high school ROTC program, which solidified his commitment to joining the military. His first assignment aboard the USS Comstock (LSD 45) laid the foundation for his Navy career, providing him with valuable hands-on experience and teaching him the importance of teamwork and technical proficiency. He then transitioned to Port Operations in Port Hueneme and later served as a loadmaster for LCAC Hovercrafts at Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU-5), where he honed his leadership skills.

“Each role brought new challenges and reinforced the importance of teamwork and technical skill,” says Benavides. “These experiences prepared me for my current position as an instructor, where I have the opportunity to give back by training the next generation.”

Transitioning to the Classroom
 

“Teaching was initially a challenge for me,” Benavides reflects. “NETC gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. I have come to appreciate the rewarding experience of sharing my knowledge and watching my students grow.”

Today, Benavides serves as a deck instructor for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program at SCSTC LTF PAC, where his focus has shifted from fleet operations to education and mentorship. He admits that the transition was not easy, as his career had always centered around hands-on roles, but he credits the world-class training he received under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) with preparing him for this new responsibility.

“Teaching was initially a challenge for me,” Benavides reflects. “NETC gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. I have come to appreciate the rewarding experience of sharing my knowledge and watching my students grow.”

Through his role as an instructor, Benavides contributes to the Navy’s mission of maintaining surface warfare superiority by training Sailors in the operation and maintenance of LCS deck systems. By sharing his real-world experiences and technical skills, he empowers his students to face the challenges of fleet service with confidence.

Essential Qualities for Success

Benavides believes that certain personal qualities are essential for success in NETC’s training programs. He emphasizes the importance of motivation and drive, highlighting that students who bring a strong desire to learn and persevere through challenges are often the most successful.

“Motivation is key,” Benavides explains. “Students who are eager to embrace the challenges of training tend to excel. Alongside that, a genuine curiosity and openness to new experiences enhance their learning and contribute to a positive classroom environment.”

He notes that the diverse backgrounds and learning styles of his students push him to adapt his teaching methods, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to maximize their potential.
 

The Impact of Teaching and Mentorship

Benavides reflects on the personal and professional growth he has experienced as an instructor. Witnessing his students’ progression from limited knowledge to moments of understanding has been a rewarding journey, reinforcing his own mastery of the material and sharpening his communication and leadership skills.

“Seeing students reach those ‘aha’ moments is incredibly rewarding,” says Benavides. “It challenges me to find new ways to engage and support them, which ultimately enriches my own learning experience and deepens my passion for education.”

By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Benavides not only prepares his students for the demands of fleet service but also strengthens his own commitment to the Navy’s mission. As he continues his journey with SCSTC LTF PAC, he remains dedicated to developing the next generation of Sailors and contributing to the Navy’s operational readiness.

Commitment to the Next Generation of Navy Sailors

Benavides’ journey from active fleet duty to his role as an instructor at SCSTC LTF PAC exemplifies the dedication and resilience that define Navy leaders. By sharing his skills and experiences, he not only equips his students with the technical knowledge they will need in the fleet but also instills in them the values of teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance. As Benavides continues to guide and mentor the next generation of Sailors, his contributions help ensure the Navy remains strong, ready and capable, demonstrating the lasting impact of NETC’s commitment to excellence in training and development.

For more information on how Naval Education and Training Command prepares Sailors for success in the fleet, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy

Participating U.S. assets in CARAT Brunei 2024 included staff from U.S. 7th Fleet, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, CTF 73, CTF 74, CTF 75, and CTF 76, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, Marine Rotational Force – Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA), Naval Special Warfare, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, and the U.S. Embassy Brunei.

“Building maritime relationships is what the CARAT exercise series is all about,” said Rear Adm. Katie Sheldon, Vice Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Over the past week, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Royal Brunei Armed Forces trained together with the aim of further strengthening their cooperative maritime security capabilities in support of peace and stability.”

This year’s CARAT exercise featured a variety of subject matter expert exchange events, covering topics that included cyber security, emission control, force protection, international maritime law, maritime domain awareness, public affairs for humanitarian assistance disaster relief, and women, peace and security. Bilateral training opportunities also included best practices for a medical evacuation, mine countermeasures, visit, board, search and seizure, underwater demolition, amongst other topics.

“Exercise CARAT provided a very good platform for us to hone these capabilities,” said Yang Mulia Colonel Aldi Bin Haji Hassan, Deputy Joint Force Commander, Royal Brunei Armed Forces. “Over the past several days, we have witnessed the seamless integration of our forces in diverse scenarios. Beyond the tactical and operational gains, CARAT is also about fostering relationships. Every skill refined, every lesson learned and relationship built contributes to the greater goal of maintaining peace, stability and security in the region.”

CARAT Brunei 2024 focused on a full spectrum of dynamic naval capabilities, featuring cooperative evolutions that highlight the U.S.-Brunei partnership and its shared goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. This bilateral exercise demonstrates the United States’ longstanding commitment to allies and partners, respect for international law, as well as regional prosperity.

“We’re grateful to exercise alongside the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, seeing firsthand the progress our combined forces make when working together towards a common goal,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Stuart W. Glenn, commanding officer, MRF-SEA. “CARAT Brunei 2024 has showcased the strength of our Navy and Marine Corps team, demonstrating our unique strengths and providing regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. We look forward to continuing to train and reinforce our strong partnership with our Brunei counterparts in the years to come.”

After 30 years of annual training events between the armed forces, CARAT Brunei remains a model for cooperation that has evolved in complexity and enables both navies to refine operations and tactics in response to both traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges. It symbolizes the enduring trust between the U.S. and Brunei.

MRF-SEA, the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest rotational force, is derived from elements of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with allies and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF presence west of the International Date Line.

As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, functioning as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander and building partnerships through training, exercises and military-to-military engagements.

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.

Source: United States Navy

“After the completion of these patrols, DESRON 15 has reaffirmed our underway proficiency,” said Capt. Dave Huljack, deputy commodore and sea combat commander for DESRON 15. “We are thrilled to reintegrate with our team ashore and realign with our theater surface warfare responsibilities.”

DESRON 15 splits its staff between two distinct missions. In addition to serving as the Theater Surface Warfare Commander (TSUWC) for U.S. 7th Fleet from the shore, DESRON 15 embarks deployed aircraft carriers as the Sea Combat Commander (SCC).

Throughout patrols for the two carriers, DESRON 15 directed maritime strike operations and managed the anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations of the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers attached to Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 as the SCC.

The SCC team, in concert with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, planned and executed numerous exercises to include Valiant Shield, Freedom Edge, and Keen Sword. The CSG and SCC teams operated alongside nations of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Canada to conduct routine security and stability operations.

“It is invaluable to lead a team that can operate on two fronts,” said Capt. Justin Harts, Commander, DESRON 15. “While half of our staff is ashore conducting independent theater surface operations with allies and partners, our other half is seamlessly integrating with the CSG to provide continuity underway.”

CTF 70 has operational control of Carrier Strike Group 5 from aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed destroyer squadron and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. It is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: United States Navy

Minnesota arrives as the first Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to be forward deployed to Guam.

“The entire crew is thrilled to be in Guam,” said Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer, USS Minnesota. “Minnesota is composed of exemplary individuals who represent some of our brightest Sailors in the Fleet. They’re eager to get out into the local community and stand ready to contribute to our strategic objectives and maintain warfighting readiness in the Pacific.”

Commissioned Sept. 7, 2013, in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota was the 10th Virginia-class submarine commissioned for service. Virginia-class submarines are the Navy’s next-generation attack submarines and are set to replace Los Angeles-class submarines as they retire. Minnesota has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors and is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable units forward. This posture allows flexibility for maritime and joint force operations, with forward-deployed units ready to rapidly respond to deter aggression and promote a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“I would like to personally extend a warm welcome to the Sailors and families of Minnesota,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “Guam serves as a strategic outpost in the Western Pacific, playing a vital role in maintaining stability across the region. With its motto, ‘From the North, Power,’ Minnesota embodies the strength and resolve that will make it an exceptional addition to our forward-deployed submarine force. Its presence will enhance our operational capabilities and further strengthen deterrence efforts throughout the Indo-Pacific. We are excited to have Minnesota as part of the team and look forward to the great accomplishments it will achieve while deployed forward.”

Minnesota joins four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed in the Pacific. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, helping to reaffirm the submarine forces’ forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit www.csp.navy.mil/css15/