Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

SUBIC BAY, Philippines – The U.S. Navy, ​U.S. ​Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines​, and allied forces commenced the eighth iteration of Exercise Sama Sama in the vicinity of Subic Bay, the ​Republic of the ​Philippines, marking the beginning of two weeks of maritime engagements designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen security ties among regional partners, Oct. 7.

​​Sama Sama 2024, part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series, builds on the legacy of ​previous maritime ​collaboration​,​ ​expanding its​ scope of operations​ with​​ both shore and sea phases​.​ ​Participants ​will engage ​​in specialized training across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, legal operations, engineering, logistics, and public affairs. ​

“This exercise has evolved significantly since its inception. What began as a bilateral event between the United States and the Philippines has grown into a multilateral and multiplatform operation, bringing together like-minded partners from across the Indo-Pacific,” said the U.S. Head of Delegation, Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander Logistics Western Pacific, and Task Force 73. “This development highlights the strength of our alliances and our shared commitment to peace, security, and cooperation in the maritime domain and it’s never been more important.”

​​Working alongside naval vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft, ​​​​specialized teams​, including ​diving and explosive ordnance disposal units​,​​ ​will conduct high-intensity drills focusing on anti-submarine warfare​, ​anti-​surface warfare​, ​anti-​air warfare​, and maritime domain awareness.

“Sama Sama”​,​ which means “togetherness​” ​in Tagalog, reflects ​​the spirit of the decades-long partnership between allies in the region. Sama Sama 2024, a Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise with invited allied and partner participants, continues to evolve in both complexity and scope into a more sophisticated and multinational environment with each iteration.
This year​’s​ ​exercise includes participants from ​Australia, Japan, Canada, France​, and​ Japan, representing a collective ​commitment ​to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Today we witness the deepening of ties between the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy along with our partners from Australia, Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Japan” said the Philippine Navy Head of Delegation, Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy. “This exercise is a powerful investment for our collective movement and an opportunity to address regional challenges together.”

​​Participating assets​ from the United States​ include the​ Navy’s​ Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), and a P-8A Poseidon ​maritime surveillance aircraft​.​ ​P​​ersonnel from ​U.S. 7th Fleet​;​ Command Task Forces (CTF) 76, 75 and 72​;​ Command, Destroyer Squadron Seven (DESRON 7)​;​ and the Marine Corps’ ​​Marine Rotational Force​ – Southeast Asia​ (MRF-SEA)​​,​​ are also taking part in Sama Sama 2024​.​

From partner nations, we welcome the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150)​;​ BRP Waray (LC-288)​;​​ BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380)​;​​ a Force Reconnaissance Group, Naval Special Operations Unit 2​;​ and supporting units ​that include​ a medical and media team. ​The Royal Canadian Navy​ will bring the Halifax-class frigate ​​HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) and a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter​. A​ ​Japa​n Maritime Self-Defense Force​Shin Maywa US-2 amphibious aircraft and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft​ ​​are​​​ also participating.

“Through exercises like Sama Sama, we continue to improve our interoperability and our readiness while deepening our understanding of each other’s capabilities. This exercise reflects our enduring partnership—one built on trust, shared values, and mutual defense,” said Cimicata. “Together, we will refine our ability to respond to natural disasters, maritime threats, and humanitarian crises, while ensuring the safety and security of this vital region.

This year marks the 30th iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

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 Singapore​. DESRON 7 also​​ functions as ​the ​​​CTF ​​76 Sea Combat
​
​​Commander and​ builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements as the executing agent of Commander, Task Group CARAT.

​​U.S. ​7th Fleet is the​ ​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

SAN FRANCISCO — The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7); San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) and the Unmanned Surface Vessel Ranger (OUSV 3) arrived in San Francisco in support of San Francisco Fleet Week 2024.

Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from several ships, squadrons and military units will be in San Francisco for the annual San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 7-14.

Participating ships and units also include the Coast Guard Legend-class maritime security cutter USCG Bertholf (WMSL 750); the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Regina (FFH 334); the unmanned surface vessel Ranger (OUSV 3); Naval Beach Group One; U.S. Marine Corps Task Force San Francisco (Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit 2; Combat Logistics Battalion 13; Combat Logistics Battalion 15; and Battalion Landing Team 1/5); the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels; the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs; Navy Band Southwest; 1st Marine Division Band; 12th Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station San Francisco; Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate; Assault Craft Unit 1; Beachmaster Unit 1; Amphibious Construction Battalion 1; Amphibious Squadron 7; Combat Logistics Regiment 17; U.S. 3rd Fleet; Expeditionary Strike Group 3; and Navy Region Southwest.

Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces and assets also participate in a robust disaster response exercise, an annual event joint training event that adds a serious, practical objective to San Francisco Fleet Week. The exercise is designed to train military forces and local, county, state and federal government agencies to work together to respond to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires and industrial accidents.

Service members will have an opportunity to interact with the local community while participating in a number of community relations projects and entertainment events throughout the week.
Navy, Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force bands will perform a series of free neighborhood concerts throughout San Francisco. For a full list of concerts, visit the San Francisco Fleet Week website: Neighborhood Concert Series – San Francisco Fleet Week (fleetweeksf.org)

San Francisco Fleet Week also offers the public an opportunity to take a tour of the ships and interact with service members as they showcase their ships’, units’, and services’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States and protect freedom of the seas.
The schedule for ship tours is as follows and is subject to change:

Wednesday, October 9
Pier 27
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, October 10
Pier 27, Pier 35
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, October 11
No tours, however, the ships can be seen in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships 11am-12p.m. from along the San Francisco waterfront.

Saturday, October 12
Piers 27, 30/32, 35
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pier 15/17
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 13
Piers 27, 30/32, 35
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pier 15/17
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Monday, October 14
Pier 27, Pier 30/32
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend tours and interact with service members.
Prohibited items aboard include the following:
– Food or drinks, including ice chests and coolers
– Camera tripods
– Skateboards, bicycles, hover boards
– Gang-related clothing
– Unmanned aerial systems
– Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons
– Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray
– Spray cans of any type, fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
– Illegal drugs and drugs considered illegal at the federal level, including marijuana, and/or drug-related paraphernalia
– Electronic cigarettes
– Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search)
– Strollers
– Drinks, other than water, to facilitate security
– Smoking, dipping, or chewing gum while onboard USN Ships or within 100FT of watch-standers
– Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of service dogs for the disabled
– Open-toe shoes are not recommended. High heels are not permitted
– Ship tours may not be appropriate for those with disabilities and access and functional needs or certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse on board the ship. An alternative experience will be provided on the pier for those who wish to learn more about the ships in port.

You’re also invited to visit Fleet Fest, a free family-friendly festival celebration at Pier 30/32, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Military bands and local entertainers will perform throughout the weekend.

For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org.

Source: United States Navy

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii—Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) returned to its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a historic maiden deployment, Oct. 4.

While in the U.S. 5th and 7th fleet areas of operation as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), Daniel Inouye promoted regional stability and security, deterred aggression, and protected the free flow of commerce throughout its nine-month deployment.

“When you look at the history of Daniel Inouye, he had to fight to prove that he was an American through joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. On this deployment, we as the Sailors of USS Daniel Inouye, carried his name into the Pacific and then into the 5th Fleet area of operation for the very first time, honoring his legacy,” said Cmdr. Kevin Dore, commanding officer of Daniel Inouye. “I’m extremely proud of the readiness and responsiveness our crew displayed throughout deployment. We were always ready to go, as evidenced by how quickly we manned our RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) to come to the aid of two distressed Iranian mariners lost at sea.”

TRCSG rescued the two civilian Iranian mariners in international waters, Aug. 23, 2024. A RHIB from Daniel Inouye, along with a search and rescue helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, successfully recovered the mariners from the water and took them to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for medical care.

“Every single day this crew goes about their daily routines, treating every drill like it’s real life. Every time a real situation comes up, everyone is cool, calm and collected under pressure,” said Cmdr. Ryan Kelly, executive officer of Daniel Inouye. “That is ‘going for broke,’ when you give everything you have to everything you do in training. I’m honored to be part of a crew that gives their all every single day like the team on this ship.”

“Go For Broke” was the motto of the Army’s storied 442nd Regimental Combat Team and is now carried on by the crew of Daniel Inouye, featured prominently on the ship’s crest.

When not at sea, Daniel Inouye Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy foreign cultures during port visits to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

“Being a plankowner, I’ve been here since commissioning. One thing that stands out about this ship and this crew is its resiliency,” said Command Master Chief Simeon Yeboah, Daniel Inouye’s senior enlisted leader. “I think the crew learns through history and what we teach about the man who represents this ship. I see Sailors who are proud of what they mean to the team and how they come together to make this ship work.”

The ship is named after Honolulu native Daniel Inouye, a decorated World War II veteran who was elected as one of Hawaii’s first representatives in the U.S. Congress. In 1962, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until his death in 2012, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history. He served as President pro tempore of the Senate in his final years, which made him the highest-ranking Asian American politician in U.S history.

After graduating high school in 1942, Inouye, tried to enlist in the Army but Japanese-Americans were not allowed to join following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 activated the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, made up exclusively of Japanese-American enlisted men but commanded almost entirely by Caucasian officers. In October 1944, Inouye received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant for his actions rescuing 211 U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment from German forces. During the battle, enemy fire hit Inouye in the chest, but a silver dollar in the chest pocket deflected the bullet, saving his life. In April 1945, Inouye lost his right arm in combat and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery. In the 1990s, Congress and the military reviewed the cases of WWII soldiers who may have been denied the nation’s highest honor due to racism. In 2000, Inouye and 19 other Japanese-American veterans of the 442nd were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, becoming the first – and to date, only – senator to receive both the Medal of Freedom and Medal of Honor.

The TRCSG is commanded by Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG 9) and composed of the flagship Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Halsey (DDG 97), Daniel Inouye, and USS Russell (DDG 59) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23.

An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.

For more information on Daniel Inouye, please visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ddg118/

Source: United States Navy

Galveston will host the city’s first Navy Week since 2008 when the Navy visits the area for a week of events Oct. 21-27, 2024, in conjunction with the Wings Over Houston Airshow featuring the Blue Angels.

Galveston Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Galveston, the state of Texas, and the nation.

More than 75 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city.

Participating Navy organizations include:
– Rear Adm. Guido F. Valdes, Commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific Director, Defense Health Network Pacific Rim Chief of the Navy Medical Corp.
– U.S. Fleet Forces Band
– Navy History and Heritage Command
– Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 133
​- USS Constitution
– Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command
– United States Ceremonial Guard and Color Guard
– Navy Talent Acquisition Group Houston
– U.S. Navy Esports
– U.S. Fleet Forces Command
– USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
– USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
– Navy Reserve Houston
– Navy Reserve Region Readiness & Mobilization Command Fort Worth
– The Strike Group (VR Asset)
​- U.S. Naval Academy
– U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

The Navy’s senior executive is Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, Commander, Navy Personnel Command/Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel. Baze is a native of San Antonio, Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Rice University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1990 and designated a Naval Aviator in 1992. During Galveston Navy Week, He will be participating in community engagements, meeting with students, and speaking with local business, civic, and government leaders.

“I am honored to represent our Navy in Galveston and connect more with this historic port city,” said Baze. “During Galveston Navy Week, our teams will demonstrate important naval capabilities and support community organizations while building lasting relationships within the city. We are bringing talented, young

Sailors who will proudly share with you why they serve and why your Navy is so critically important to our nation. Please join us as we partner with the Galveston community to bring your Navy to you.”

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Galveston.

“Sailors are the reason America’s Navy is the most powerful in the world,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Julie Holland. “We are thrilled to bring your Navy Warfighters to Galveston Navy Week. At Navy Weeks, Americans will connect with Sailors who have strong character, competence, and dedication to the mission, and who continue a nearly 250-year tradition of decisive power from seabed to cyberspace.”

Throughout the week, Sailors are participating in various community events across the area, including engaging with students across multiple high schools and at the Galveston Naval Museum, volunteering with Galveston County Food Bank, Turtle Island Restoration, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, and visible at multiple parades, Tall Ship ELISSA, and at Saengerfest Park for the Galveston Navy Week proclamation Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. Residents will also enjoy free live music by U.S. Fleet Forces Band at venues throughout the week.

Galveston Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2024, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 130 million people — about half the U.S. population.

Media organizations wishing to cover Galveston Navy Week events should contact John Hankemeier at (541) 844-9789 or john.t.hankemeier.civ@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

TUSCON, AZ (October 4, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Raytheon Technologies (RTX) to receive updates and provide feedback on advanced naval capabilities and programs today.  Discussions with Raytheon leadership addressed production timelines, industrial base health, and future technology development.

Secretary Del Toro met with Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon, Gina Cunningham, Vice President for Naval Missile Systems, and Gerard Hueber, Vice President of Requirements and Capabilities.

During discussions, the Secretary emphasized the importance of continued investment in the defense industrial base to deliver cutting-edge solutions that strengthen maritime dominance amidst ongoing operations and in strategic competition.  He pointed to proven success of U.S. Navy weapons systems aboard carrier strike groups and guided-missile destroyers to defeat Houthi and Iranian attacks in the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.  He also noted competitors were watching those engagements closely and taking note of the Navy’s success.

“No one should doubt our Navy and Marine Corps team’s ability to deploy and operate the world’s most complex naval weapons systems in self-defense and in defense of our allies and partners,” said Del Toro.  “That is exactly why we invest so much to develop our maritime threats, but also to deter our strategic competitors from testing our resolve.  That is also why this important visit is timely before our Navy demonstrates the ability to rearm at sea for the first time next week. “

The Secretary received updates on several critical programs including, the Standard Missile family, the AN/SPY-6 radar, the Tomahawk missile system and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS) capabilities.  The Secretary also received updates on accelerating SM-6 Block IA production, including investments to increase production capacity, secure more sources for critical components, and modernize manufacturing processes.  Discussions also addressed the evolving threat of unmanned aircraft systems and the company’s ongoing efforts to develop and deploy effective countermeasures.

This visit reinforced the importance of a robust and resilient defense industrial base.  The Secretary expressed confidence in Raytheon’s commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions that support the Department of the Navy’s mission.