Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

This marks the second time George Washington has served as the forward-deployed naval forces-Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed to Japan before being relieved by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in 2015.

“A US carrier represents the most advanced maritime capability we have, and it’s the most advanced investment we can make in the security of Japan and of the Western Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “The George Washington returns with modernized, cutting-edge technology that represents our investment in deterrence and security in this region.”

During George Washington’s transit from Norfolk, Virginia to Japan, the crew completed Exercise Southern Seas in U.S. 4th Fleet and a seven-week transit from San Diego.

“Arriving here in Yokosuka has been a milestone for this crew for many months, and for some the journey started in April when we departed from Virginia,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “I could not be more proud of this team. Not only have we arrived safely and on time, but from day one of deployment we have met every goal, exceeded all expectations, and were ready for tasking the day we arrived in the 7th Fleet area of operations.”

George Washington, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, recently participated in the multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy in the East China Sea. U.S. participation included Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the first F-35C Lightning II squadron to join FDNF-J, adding fifth generation strike fighter jets to the roster of forward-deployed carrier-based aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We are proud to bring George Washington back to Yokosuka and back to the location of the most meaningful time in the ship’s history,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, Commander, Task Force 70 and the George Washington Carrier Strike Group. “Her crew is made up of both returning friends and many new to Japan, where they and their families will create lifelong memories and friendships in this magnificent Japanese city. Together, the combined community – back dropped by the JMSDF fleet and America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier – represents a shared vision of peace and prosperity across the region. We are truly allies, friends and family.”

George Washington recently hosted distinguished visitors at sea, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel; Japan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. OKANO Masataka; and the mayor of Iwakuni City, Mr. FUKUDA Yoshihiko.

CVW-5 includes VFA 147 “Argonauts,’ VFA-102 “Diamondbacks,” VFA-27 “Royal Maces,” VFA-195 “Dambusters,” Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 “Shadowhawks,” Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRM) 30 Detachment 5 “Titans,” Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125 “Tigertails,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 “Golden Falcons,” and Helicopter maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 “Saberhawks,” operating F/A-18F Super Hornets, F/A-18E Super Hornets, F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, EA-18G Growlers, CMV-22 Ospreys, E-2D Hawkeyes, MH-60S, and MH-60R Helicopters.

George Washington is 7th Fleet’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and operates alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet.

Source: United States Navy

“Our port visit in Málaga, Spain, is incredibly important for the ship,” said Cmdr. Beth-Ann Martin, Oak Hill’s executive officer. “It is useful to top off our fuel prior to making a trans-Atlantic crossing to reduce the requirement for [underway replenishments].”

The visit to Málaga allows Oak Hill to take on the necessary supplies and stores before transiting between the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Coast. The brief stop follows-up Oak Hill’s previous port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, where the ship conducted an agricultural wash down, one of the final preparations before concluding a deployment.

“Preparation for a brief stop for fuel takes days, and sometimes weeks, of planning prior to the port visit,” said Lt. Lilly Payne, Oak Hill’s supply officer. “There is constant communication with Commander, Task Force 63, along with Task Force 61/2, regarding our stores and fuel. The planning process should start early to alleviate headaches from last-minute requests.”

While visiting Spain, Sailors and Marines embarked on Oak Hill will have time to explore the vast history and cuisine the city has to offer.

Oak Hill is conducting operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) in the 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) areas of operations, in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is comprised of its flagship namesake, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Oak Hill, and the embarked 24th MEU (SOC).The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a command element, Aviation Combat Element (Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced)), Ground Combat Element (Battalion Landing Team 1/8), and Logistics Combat Element (Combat Logistics Battalion 24).

For more than 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with U.S. Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

To learn more about USS Oak Hill, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ussoakhilllsd51
To learn more about WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC), please visit our DVIDS feature page: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu

Source: United States Navy

Wasp previously visited Rota in June for a similar replenishment in advance of traveling to the eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in promoting regional stability and deterring aggression in the region.

“While in the Eastern Mediterranean, our crew, both Sailors and Marines, had to sustain an increased level of vigilance and caution,” said Capt. Paul O’Brien, Wasp’s executive officer. “After being on alert as the nation’s crisis response force, it was good for the crew to experience one final port visit to celebrate and reflect on everything we’ve accomplished over the last several months, before returning home.”

Wasp is scheduled to return to Naval Station Norfolk early December, 2024.

Wasp has been underway conducting operations in the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and the Mediterranean since early April as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th MEU (SOC). The Amphibious Ready Group remains on a scheduled deployment supporting U.S. Allied and partner interests, to promote regional stability and deter aggression.

The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) providing strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe. The MEU can respond rapidly from longer ranges with greater capabilities across the spectrum of military conflict.

You can follow USS Wasp’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram (@usswasp_lhd1).

To learn more about WSP ARG and 24th MEU (SOC) “Team of Teams,” visit their DVIDS feature page at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu.

Source: United States Navy

Beloit is the 15th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) commissioned in the United States Navy and the first U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake.

The Honorable Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin, will deliver the principal address at the commissioning ceremony. Remarks will also be provided by The Honorable Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin; The Honorable Gwen Moore, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 4th District; The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations; and Mr. Ali Ruwaih, Vice President of Small Combatants and Ship Systems, Lockheed Martin.

The ship’s sponsor, retired Army Maj. Gen. Marcia M. Anderson, a native of Beloit, Wisconsin, became the first female African American officer to earn her second star in the U.S. Army Reserves. After 37 years of service, Anderson retired in 2016 as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve. Her previous assignment was Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Noting Beloit’s long history of supporting national security—both by providing personnel who serve and by helping to build the ships and vehicles that make our military the envy of the world—Anderson expressed confidence that the USS Beloit and her crew will become an integral part of our nation’s history.

“USS Beloit (LCS 29) reflects many of the engineering and weapons improvements that the littoral combat ship has gained since the Navy first began operating these ships,” said Secretary Del Toro. “When it receives new capabilities, such as the Naval Strike Missile, it will sail even more confidently in contested waters. The ship’s namesake honors the contributions of the people of Beloit, Wisconsin, to the U.S. Navy, including the Fairbanks Morse plant, which built engines that power many of the Navy’s ships and submarines.”

The LCS class consists of two variants: Freedom and Independence, which are designed and built by two industry teams. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom-variant team (odd-numbered hulls) in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team (even-numbered hulls) in Mobile, Alabama.

Littoral combat ships like Beloit will be equipped with the Over-the-Horizon Weapons System (OTH-WS) Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The OTH NSM provides the U.S. and its allies with long-range anti-surface strike capability, as well as increased coastline defense, deterrence, and interoperability.

Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, defending against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS ships integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

The ceremony will be livestreamed at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/35146. The link will become active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 9:50 a.m. CST.

Source: United States Navy

“The arrival of Hampton at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard underscores our commitment to ensuring that our attack submarines remain ready for the challenges of tomorrow. The maintenance and modernization of these vital assets, not only extend their operational lifespan, but directly contributes to the Navy’s warfighting readiness,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Michael Oberdorf. “In alignment with the CNO’s NAVPLAN 2024, this work is a clear reflection of our unwavering focus on lethality, readiness, and the integration of cutting-edge capabilities into the fleet. The critical work we do here strengthens our nation’s ability to project power and deter adversaries, ensuring that our warfighters are always prepared to fight and win, wherever and whenever required.”

While at the shipyard, Hampton will undergo scheduled maintenance and system upgrades. The work will prioritize technological advancement and modernization of systems to maintain a competitive edge in maritime operations ensuring Hampton remains mission-ready and is returned to the Navy fleet ready to meet any tasking the Navy and Nation needs.

Commissioned in 1993, Hampton is named for four cities: Hampton, Virginia; Hampton, Iowa; Hampton, South Carolina; and Hampton, New Hampshire. Over the years, Hampton has built a reputable deployment record, completing three Western Pacific deployments in support of U.S. national security interests. Its most recent operational service was in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, where it carried out crucial maritime security operations and demonstrated the Navy’s forward presence in the region focusing on deterrence strategies to counter threats from potential adversaries. Hampton has also participated in numerous training exercises, including the Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem and the multinational UNITAS LXV exercise off the coast of Chile. These exercises help the Navy build collaborative partnerships with other nations and services to enhance collective security and interoperability within the joint forces strengthening them as a whole.

Attack submarines like Hampton are designed to excel in a wide array of mission areas. These include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, strike operations, special forces deployment, intelligence gathering, and mine warfare. With its advanced systems, Hampton plays a key role in maintaining maritime security, projecting power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and supporting special operations forces in various global theaters.

“We’re excited to welcome the USS Hampton to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Getting the Hampton back to the fleet to defend freedom is a top priority for our team. We’re fully committed to putting in the hard work necessary to ensure the Hampton is ready to fight and serve wherever the Navy is needed,” said Tim Doyon, Hampton Project Superintendent.

Hampton’s Commanding Officer is Cmdr. Grant Wanier, who assumed command on May 30, 2024.

Throughout the maintenance period, Hampton will be supported by its host community of Hampton, New Hampshire. The host community program helps strengthen the bond between the Navy and the surrounding community. Hampton’s crew may help the host community in a variety of ways, including painting projects at schools, park cleanups, participating in parades, or other community events as scheduled. Residents in the seacoast community often show their support for the crew, the mission, and the shipyard.

As Hampton undergoes its scheduled work, the crew will continue training and preparation to ensure they are ready to execute a full range of missions upon returning to the fleet. The maintenance and modernization work at PNSY will position the Hampton for continued success as it remains a key player in the Navy’s operations around the world.

As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization, PNSY is enhancing critical warfighting capabilities by delivering first time quality service, on-budget, on time to the fleet and helping enable warfighters to be battle-ready when called upon.