Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

“We share our NATO Allies’ commitment to a safe and prosperous Black Sea,” said Capt. Jeremy Wheat, commodore, Task Force 68 Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Europe-Africa, who oversees EODMU 8. “Poseidon is a demonstration of that collective commitment.”

Poseidon is an annual MCM exercise led by Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye. Activities included MCM training operations, floating mine response (FMR) training serials with live demolition charges, and diving operations with live explosive charges to rehearse bottom mine search, locate, and over-pressure procedures. Poseidon is an inherently defensive exercise that aims to reduce maritime threats for all mariners, while advancing NATO Ally interoperability and capability.

“We achieved various MCM training objectives with our highly capable Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish Allies,” said Cmdr. John P. Kennedy, commanding officer, EODMU 8. “I am personally grateful to Bulgaria for hosting this iteration and to all three nations for inviting us aboard their MCM ships.”

Within the scope of Poseidon, the NATO hosts activated their Black Sea MCM Task Group for the third time since its summer inception. Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye formalized the trilateral task group earlier this year, and Türkiye assumed command first.

The Black Sea NATO Allies invited the U.S. and other non-Black Sea NATO Allies to be observers and to share their expertise and best practices.

“Türkiye graciously invited me aboard TCG Yzb. Güngör Durmuş to observe MCM operations during Poseidon,” said Lt. Chad Keller, EODMU 8 liaison officer. “As the flagship of the Black Sea MCM Task Group, the ship participated in various exercise serials within Bulgarian territorial waters. It was fascinating to witness our allies regional expertise, tactics, techniques, and procedures in the MCM domain.”

Keller also had the opportunity to engage with the crew and task group members, including current Task Group Commodore Capt. Yusuf Karagülle. The Turkish naval officer also commanded Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two in 2021.

“While embarked, Capt. Karagülle and task group liaison officers from Bulgaria and Romania shared their perspectives on present- and post-war, de-mining efforts, given their unique vantage point as Black Sea nations,” said Keller. “We also discussed their thoughts on NATO involvement during future activations of the task group.”

With the Poseidon activation, the task group concluded the three active periods it scheduled for 2024. Bulgaria is scheduled to assume command of the task group after the holidays on Jan. 2, 2025, according to Defense News.

CTF 68 closely tracks floating mines through open-source channels. Since March 2022, more than 120 have been found in the Black Sea, with approximately 78% near Ukraine, 8% near Romania, 7% near Türkiye, and 5% near Bulgaria.

“We are proud to participate in Poseidon and our NATO Black Sea Allies’ MCM Task Group, because both of these initiatives really get after the dangerous but noble and life-saving mission of de-mining the Black Sea,” said Wheat. “Advancing MCM interoperability in this region is crucial at time of unprecedented risk from floating mines as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

CTF 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, is a part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F) and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provide expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.

C6F, 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

The event was the culmination of a course designed to give students hands-on experience in applying AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to real-world defense problems in partnership with the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).

Three teams of students worked to refine and enhance the Lessons Learned/After Action Report (AAR) support tool—a critical system developed for the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned (MCCLL) —to analyze operations and foster organizational improvements across the force. Students leveraged the power of NPS’s High Performance Computing (HPC) Center and its “Hamming” supercomputer to apply AI and ML techniques to analyze data and improve the tool’s ability to provide actionable feedback.

The Lessons Learned tool is vital for the Marine Corps as it captures valuable insights from every operation, ultimately shaping future missions and improving effectiveness. MCTSSA approached NPS to work with students on applying cutting-edge technologies to enhance the tool’s capabilities, ensuring that the Marine Corps can continue to evolve and adapt to new challenges.

AI is one of 14 critical defense technology areas in the National Defense S&T Strategy. With a focus on AI/ML, the event reflected the growing importance of these technologies in modern military operations. The course provided in-depth knowledge of AI/ML tools and platforms, including real-world project analysis, team collaboration, and the integration of industry-standard and emerging technologies.

“We’ve spent this quarter exploring the available AI and ML tools, learning both how to use them effectively and how to collaborate in applying the technologies to real-world problems,” said Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Graves, an NPS graduate student who participated in the event. “The Hackathon format provides a unique opportunity to synthesize our skills as a team and contribute to potential solutions that could directly support the Marine Corps in enhancing operational readiness.”

In addition to the technical challenge, the event fostered significant opportunities for skill expansion, networking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Students had the chance to work closely with their peers from different military services and specialties, exchanging ideas and strategies to tackle the task at hand. The event also allowed them to connect with industry professionals and military experts who provided mentorship and guidance throughout the competition.

 The AI Hackathon concluded with public presentations on Dec. 17 where teams showcased their solutions to military leaders and industry experts. This brief provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of their hard work and to receive feedback that will further shape their academic and professional growth.

“This event is a great example of how NPS blends academia with practical application,” said Mathias Kolsch, an associate professor in the computer science department. “By working side-by-side with MCTSSA and using cutting-edge tools like LLM toolchains on our GPU-studded Hamming supercomputer, these students gained hands-on experience that will serve them in the short term as well as throughout their careers. It’s an excellent example of how our curriculum prepares students for the challenges they will face in the military and in the rapidly evolving field of technology.”

By encouraging realistic engineering team collaboration and the use of cutting-edge technologies, the AI Hackathon is setting the stage for the next generation of military and civilian leaders.

“We’re excited about the potential for hackathons to become a regular part of our computer science curriculum and to create stronger links between academic pursuits and various operational commands,” said Dr. Gurminder Singh, the computer science department chair. “The skills students develop during such hackathon would be directly applicable to real-world military operations, and we are already looking forward to the next competition with a new set of challenges and new topic partners.”

NPS, located in Monterey, California, provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the naval service. Established in 1909, NPS offers master’s and doctorate programs to Department of Defense military and civilians, along with international partners, to deliver transformative solutions and innovative leaders through advanced education and research.

Source: United States Navy

The future USS Travis Manion honors Silver Star recipient, 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion and
his service. The future LPD 33 will be the first Navy vessel named for Travis Manion.

“The San Antonio-class amphibious ship represents the combined power of the Navy and
Marine Corps team and relies on the seamless integration of Sailors and Marines working
together,” said Del Toro. “Here, at his alma mater, I am proud to announce that the next San
Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, LPD 33, will be named USS Travis Manion, serving
as a symbol of courage, bravery, and selfless service for all who follow in her wake.”

Born to a Marine family, Manion graduated from the United States Naval Academy in
2004. After completion of entry-level officer training, he was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance
Battalion and deployed to Iraq for his first tour of duty. In 2006, he was assigned to a military
transition team advising the Iraqi Army and returned to Iraq in December that year.

 On patrol in April 2007, Manion and his fellow Marines were ambushed. With his corpsman
wounded, Manion exposed himself to enemy fire to recover the corpsman. Attacking the
ambushers, Manion again moved through enemy fire to rescue another wounded Marine. With
Iraqi reinforcements blocked, Manion again exposed himself to fire in attempt to find a better
fighting position. He was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. For his actions, he was awarded a
Silver Star.

Manion Hall, a student barracks at The Basic School aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico,
Virginia, is named in his honor. This is the first ship to be named after 1st Lieutenant Manion. 

“The naming of this ship, the USS Travis Manion, is an incredible honor for Travis and our
family, and an honor for all of those who stepped up to serve when our country called after September 11, 2001,” said Col. Thomas Manion, USMC, (Ret.) and Chairman Emeritus, Travis
Manion Foundation. “Through the words he spoke before his final deployment, ‘If Not Me, Then
Who…’, Travis left a legacy of service that lives on through the hundreds of thousands of
veterans and families of the fallen across the country who share this ethos. Today, as our men and women continue to serve on the front lines, I know Travis would want this ship to be a tribute to
this entire generation of veterans and a reminder to honor and remember their service and
sacrifice.”

Along with the ship’s name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsors for the USS Travis
Manion as sister, Ryan Manion, and nieces Maggie and Honor Borek. They, in their role as
sponsors, will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

“I never would have thought when we lost my brother Travis in 2007 that I – alongside Travis’
nieces, Maggie and Honor – would one day serve as sponsors of a ship named after him,” said
Ryan Manion, CEO of Travis Manion Foundation. “Travis would be so proud to know that the
USS Travis Manion will one day carry Marines – men and women like those he walked beside in
the halls of Naval Academy and those he served beside on the battlefield. He’d also be adamant
that this honor is not only about him, but about remembering the legacies of all of those who
wore the uniform.”

Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport and land elements of a
landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. LPDs are used to transport and
land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) or
conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft (MV 22). These ships support amphibious assault, special
operations, or expeditionary warfare missions and serve as secondary aviation platforms for
amphibious operations.

Source: United States Navy

ANNAPOLIS (Jan 10, 2025) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the T-AGOS ocean
surveillance ships the Explorer class, the future USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and the second
ship the future USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26).

Del Toro made the announcement during a ship naming ceremony amongst members of
Congress, National Geographic Explorers, local civic leaders, educators, scientists and a wide
multitude of explorers at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, on Jan. 10.

In 2022, the Navy procured the first of seven larger, faster surveillance ships known as T-AGOS
25. Today, I am proud to announce these vessels will be known as the Explorer-class of ocean
surveillance ships, named in honor of those who made discoveries under sea, on land, and in the
skies above.

“These ships are essential to maintaining strategic deterrence and operational awareness in the world’s oceans,” said Del Toro. “There is no one better to name for the first ship than Captain Don Walsh, a man whose life and career embody the very essence of exploration, innovation, and dedication to our Navy and our Nation. In naming the second T-AGOS, no one is more deserving than Commander Victor Vescovo, for his explorations in the air, on land and under the seas as well as his many scientific contributions. I am proud to name today, the future USNS Don Walsh (T-AGOS 25) and the future USNS Victor Vescovo (T-AGOS 26).”

Operated by the Military Sea Lift Command, the Explorer-class will play an integral role in the
Navy’s anti-submarine warfare operations. T-AGOS ships align with the class’s mission of ocean
surveillance and highlights the wide-range of careers in the Navy and Marine Corps,
encompassing opportunities to explore land, air, and sea.

“I am honored to stand side-by-side with the Navy to launch the new Explorer Class of ocean
surveillance ships” said Jean Case, Chairman of the National Geographic Society. “We could not
be more proud that the inaugural vessel in this class honors our beloved National Geographic
Explorer, retired US Navy Captain Don Walsh. We are grateful for the long-standing partnership
the National Geographic Society and the US Navy have shared embracing the spirit of
exploration and commitment to go to the front lines of the unknown. Together, we champion the
courage and curiosity that drive humanity to discover, protect, and build a better understanding
of our world.”

The future USNS Don Walsh is the first-in-class, named in honor of the late Captain Don Walsh,
USN, a renowned explorer and pioneer of deep-see submergence. Walsh is a 1954 graduate of
the U.S. Naval Academy and served first in the amphibious forces before being selected for
submarine duty aboard USS Rasher (SS-269). Later while assigned to the staff of Submarine
Flotilla 1, he volunteered for the fledgling deep-dive program and became Navy Submersible
Pilot No.1. On Jan. 23, 1960, Walsh, accompanied by scientist Jacques Piccard, successfully
piloted bathyscaphe Trieste 35,797 feet down to Challenger-Deep, the deepest known point of the ocean, located southwest of Guam in the Mariana Trench. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
subsequently presented Walsh with a Legion of Merit for his pioneering work in “innerspace.”

Walsh went on to earn a doctorate in Physical Oceanography while in the service and would
ultimately command USS Bashaw (AGSS-241) before retiring as a Captain and going on to be a
world-renowned ocean scientist and explorer, with countless awards and accolades. Captain
Walsh recently passed away on Nov. 12, 2023, at his home in Oregon. This will be the first Navy
vessel named for Walsh.

“My father was many things to many people- explorer, educator, colleague and mentor. But if
you asked him what most defined his character, Navy Man, would be top of the list. His
contributions to ocean exploration and advocacy spanned 60 plus years and he “wrote the book”
on how we talk about, research and protect our planet’s circulatory system. His historic dive to
Challenger Deep as a Navy Lieutenant was just part of what would become a life of service to
the country, the oceans and the global community,” said Kelly Walsh, son of the late Don Walsh. “To me he was dad: a brilliant example of living a life full of adventure and curiosity. He shared the world with his family over the years, and in turn, we got to share him with the world. His legacy will remain- on the waves, over the horizon and just beyond the next great discovery. He will be there in practice and spirit.”

Secretary Del Toro named Mrs. Joan Walsh, spouse of the late Walsh, and his daughter, Liz
Walsh, as sponsors of TAGOS-25. Sponsors are selected by the Secretary of the Navy and hold a
unique role in maintaining a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

“The Walsh family is profoundly honored that the Navy has chosen to recognize Don Walsh’s
lifetime of service and dedication by naming this new TAGOS ship after him. Don sometimes
described being a kid in the San Francisco Bay area, daydreaming about where all those ships
were going as they sailed to and for over the horizon; that little boy would certainly marvel that
one day his legacy would be memorialized in such an enduring way,” said Liz Walsh. “As the
ship’s Sponsors, my mother Joan and I are proud to now become a small part of the Navy’s
future. We eagerly look forward to developing bonds with the future ship, officers, and crew who
will be a key part in protecting America at sea.”

The future USNS Victor Vescovo is named to honor Commander Victor Lance Vescovo, USNR
(Ret) (1966 — present). Vescovo, a private equity investor, explorer, and retired naval
intelligence officer who currently holds the world record for the deepest dive of a crewed vessel
to Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, was the first person to reach Earth’s highest and
lowest points. Vescovo has also completed the Explorers’ Grand Slam (Last Degree), in which he climbed the highest mountain on each continent and attained both the North and South Poles. Following his dive to Challenger Deep in his custom-built submersible Limiting Factor, Vescovo completed his own Five Deeps challenge, descending to the lowest points in the Earth’s oceans.

He confirmed the identity of the wreck of Johnston (DD 557), which was sunk following a
valiant stand against an overwhelming Japanese force during the Battle off Samar in Leyte Gulf,
October 1944, which had been discovered but not confirmed by Vulcan, Inc., in 2019. The following year he discovered the wreck of Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413), lost in that same battle.
Samuel B. Roberts is the deepest identified wreck at a depth of 22,621 feet. In 2021, Vescovo
won the 2021 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration alongside Patrick Lahey for their 2019 Five Deeps Expedition and history of further dives of scientific and historical interest.
There have been no previous Navy vessels named for Vescovo.

“It is a great privilege to honor my friend and colleague in the US Navy and ocean exploration,
Captain Don Walsh. Vessels such as this upgraded T-AGOS class are essential to the US Navy’s
mission to safeguard the security of the world ocean as well as contribute to its greater
understanding,” said Vescovo, namesake of T-AGOS 26. “I am also beyond honored to follow in
Captain Walsh’s footsteps both to the bottom of the ocean and in the line of succession of naming
these great ships.”

During the naming ceremony, Del Toro also announced the sponsor of the future USNS Victor
Vescovo, Victoria Vescovo Webster, the sister of CDR Vescovo.

“The naming of this ship for my brother, as the USNS Victor Vescovo, is a very deep and
moving honor to me and our family,” said Vescovo Webster. “The role of this ship will be such a
perfect combination of his tremendous achievements as an explorer, and his service as a Naval Intelligence officer. I am truly grateful to be named as the sponsor for this ship, and will
endeavor to fulfill that role with the same spirit of service as the ship’s namesake.” 

T-AGOS 25 class will be part of the tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance (TAGOS) ships fleet operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) of the US Navy. The Navy in FY2022 procured the first of a planned class of seven new T-AGOS 25 class ocean surveillance ships. T-AGOS ships support Navy antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations and gather underwater
acoustical data to support the mission of the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) by providing a ship platform capable of theater anti-submarine acoustic passive and active
surveillance.

T-AGOS 25 class ships will be 356ft (110m) long and feature a steel small waterplane area twin
hull (SWATH) design. The upper section of the ship is supported by two struts that reach down to
a set of submerged hulls resembling those of a submarine. The struts feature a slender profile
where they meet the waterline, resulting in a minimal waterplane area.

The ships will have an 8,500t displacement and accommodation for 68 personnel. They will
support the navy’s Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) for collecting underwater acoustical data, using Surveillance Towed-Array Sensor System (SURTASS) equipment. The high stability of the SWATH design in adverse weather conditions is useful for SURTASS operations.

The other associated electronic equipment on the ships will help in processing and transmitting
the data to shore stations through satellite, for evaluation. The ship will be able to sail at a
maximum speed of 20 knots.

Source: United States Navy

The eight squadrons, from Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, that provided aircraft for the flyover were: The “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34, the “Rampagers” of VFA-83, the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, the “Wildcats” of VFA-131 and the “Checkmates” of VFA-211.

All squadrons are based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Prior to flyover execution the squadrons were staged at NAS Jacksonville.

During a missing man formation, a single aircraft breaks away from the formation and soars skyward. This symbolizes the departure of life from the ranks.

“Today, Naval Aviators from Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic were honored to salute President Carter with a 21-plane flyover over his home in Plains, Georgia,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT). “On behalf of the men and women of Naval Air Forces, we are grateful to commemorate the legacy of a leader who lived his life in service to our nation.”

Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Allgood, assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, was one of the pilots supporting the flyover. Allgood is a Georgia-native whose grandfather was the Senate Majority Leader of the Georgia State Senate during President Carter’s time in office.

“Getting to be part of this flyover was truly an amazing experience and something that’s only once in a lifetime,” said Allgood. “I am very humbled to be a part of the team who soared overhead Plains to recognize an incredible naval officer and friend of my grandfather.”

Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1946. As a naval officer and submariner, he served on USS Wyoming (E-AG 17), USS Barracuda (SSK-1), and the Naval Reactors Branch, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, in Washington, D.C.

Capt. Chris Dentzer, commodore, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, emphasized the historic significance of this flyover.

“The U.S. Navy pilots and aircrew who supported the flyover today are humbled to honor a former naval officer who selflessly served his country in uniform and in public office. President Carter represents our Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment,” said Dentzer.

“Flyovers demonstrate not only the projection of power and capability of Naval Aviation, but the high level of respect we have for our fallen leaders.”

The U.S. Navy also supported a flyover with four F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for President Carter when he celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 1, 2024.

Annually, AIRLANT coordinates flyovers for numerous authorized events nation-wide. The events include community outreach, sporting events, funerals and notable commemorations.

AIRLANT is responsible for six nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, 55 aircraft squadrons, 1,200 aircraft and 43,000 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel based on the East Coast of the United States. It provides combat ready, sustainable naval air forces with the right personnel, properly trained and equipped, with a focus on readiness, operational excellence, interoperability, safety, and efficient resourcing.