Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, July 24.

The visit highlighted the Laboratory’s work with the Navy including studying real-world lessons learned in Integrated Air and Missile Defense, software development, rapid fleet experimentation and cyber resilience.

The Laboratory was founded in 1942 as part of a government effort to mobilize scientific resources to address wartime challenges and is a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center and one of five Navy-sponsored UARCs. UARCs provide innovative and independent technical expertise in support of national security objectives.

Today, APL continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the Navy’s mission readiness through research and development initiatives. This collaboration has focused on enhancing naval operations, ensuring maritime security and bolstering national defense.

“Through our partnership, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in defense technology,” said Kilby. “This collaboration not only strengthens our national security but also reaffirms our dedication to advancing the frontiers of science and engineering.”

During his visit, Kilby spent time with APL’s Air Missile Defense Sector, discussing IAMD performance in the Red Sea, lessons learned and recommendations to prepare for any future conflict.

“The Navy is a learning organization and partnerships with UARCs play a large role in that,” said Kilby. “Our Sailors are ready, but we can’t discount our adversary. The ability to apply lessons learned including rapid engagement reconstruction and technical program correction allows us to arm our warfighters with the best information.”

Kilby also addressed APL leaders during his visit and stressed the importance the Laboratory plays in our Navy’s foundation.

“I’ve worked with APL for more than 17 years and have no doubt the work you do is important, I saw that firsthand today,” said Kilby. “Our Navy wants to work together with our partners who are working to solve our most difficult problems to ensure we can fight and win when that call comes. You are helping us do just that. Thank you for all you do for our Navy and Nation.”

For more information on Johns Hopkins University Laboratory, visit: https://www.jhuapl.edu/

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Source: United States Navy

Originally designated Polaris Missile Facility Pacific in 1964—and renamed SWFPAC in 1980—the field site was established to support the nation’s sea-based nuclear deterrence program.

“It’s the people that have really made SWFPAC a success throughout these years,” said Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP).

“The foundation that they laid back in the 1960s to assemble the facility, this mission and the first generation of trained people who executed the development, oversight, and surety of the nation’s inaugural sea-based strategic weapon system, cultivated a culture that has carried throughout the last 60 years and will stand strong for the next 60 years.”

SWPAC—SSP’s naval shore facility in the Pacific—assembles and deploys Trident II D5 missiles aboard Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines (SSBNs) while safeguarding the nation’s strategic assets. SWFPAC’s strategic deterrence mission has been a vital lynchpin to the nation’s Warfighting Navy in the Pacific—a region where the Navy’s maritime mission is critical to defending against near-peer competitors and adversaries, supporting U.S. strategy and acting as a guarantor for the security of its citizens.

During the gala, Vice Adm. Wolfe presented two awards to Capt. Keith Fahlenkamp, SWFPAC commanding officer, including the fiscal year 2023 Admiral Raborn Award and the fiscal year 2023 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Safety Award—an honor that has now been awarded three times to the command.

“I want to impart a heartfelt congratulations to the incredible team here at SWFPAC that has been directly responsible for the continued security of the Nation for 60 years,” said Capt. Fahlenkamp.

“These awards represent just a fraction of the dedication of this workforce to the mission, our organization and the Nation.”

Against the backdrop of an extremely complex global environment, the Navy must be equipped to operate in challenging conditions, and SWFPAC is at the forefront of ensuring sailors have the right platforms, the right capabilities and weapons, and the right people for the job, today and in the future.

“One example of SWFPAC’s tremendous support to the fleet and the warfighter was the expedited load-out of USS Kentucky (SSBN 737),” Vice Adm. Wolfe recalled during his speech.

“The excellent foresight of the staff enabled Kentucky crucial flexibility to execute a port call in South Korea in July 2023—a reassurance to our Nation’s allies that we are committed to strategic deterrence in the region and for the world.”

The last six decades have paved the way for the next 60 years as SWFPAC focuses forward to supporting SSP’s efforts to sustain and develop weapon systems in support of the Sea-Based Strategic Deterrence mission through the year 2084 (SBSD 2084). Providing the Navy’s warfighters the ability to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war will be at the forefront of SWFPAC’s responsibilities in the coming years. As the Columbia-class SSBNs begin operational patrols in the next decade, SWFPAC will not only sustain the strategic weapons system (SWS) for the current Ohio-class SSBNs but provide our Navy advanced weapon capabilities with the Trident D5 Life Extension (D5LE) II SWS and the W93/Mk7 warhead and reentry body assembly.

“What you do has broad influence nationally and internationally,” said Vice Adm. Wolfe, who highlighted the critical nature of the Navy’s charge in the Pacific.

“As we move away from the last 60 years and into the next 60, we must think, act, and operate outside of the traditional sources of strength our military has relied on for the last six decades in order to be prepared for tomorrow’s complex battlefield, especially in here in the Pacific.”

SSP provides training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II (D5LE) Strategic Weapon System

Source: United States Navy

The hull swap between Ronald Reagan and George Washington was planned in coordination with the government of Japan, and as a part of the 50-year lifespan of the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.

“USS Ronald Reagan has served exceptionally as America’s forward deployed aircraft carrier for nearly a decade, projecting credible combat power while sailing and flying where international law allows and doing so with allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and Carrier Strike Group 5. “Reagan’s crew and those who have served aboard over the past several years should be tremendously proud of what they accomplished.”

George Washington relieving Ronald Reagan marks the second time the ship will serve as the FDNF-J aircraft carrier. In 2008, George Washington became the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier to serve as FDNF-J and was relieved by Ronald Reagan seven years later after a historic tri-carrier hull swap.

“For the last nine years, Ronald Reagan Sailors upheld the international rule of law and maintained a free and open Indo-Pacific alongside our allies and partners through their diligence and dedication towards our common goals,” said Capt. Daryle Cardone, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Their commitment has left a mark on the 7th Fleet area of responsibility and the impact we made will be continued as George Washington makes their way to Yokosuka, Japan. I know 7th Fleet is in good hands and as Ronald Reagan left behind a legacy of ‘peace through strength,’ George Washington will embody the ‘spirit of freedom’ in the Indo-Pacific once again.”

George Washington’s return to Japan continues the long-standing alliances and partnerships, and consistent U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Now is also an exciting time for the men and women of the USS George Washington, who are building on that ship’s history as Reagan’s predecessor in Yokosuka and re-establishing ‘GW’ as America’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier – a tangible and enduring sign of our nation’s commitment to peace, stability and freedom in the region,” said Newkirk. “Over its previous years as our forward-deployed carrier, George Washington built a reputation for professionalism, confidence and true excellence in Japan across the Indo-Pacific. I know today’s GW Sailors are trained and ready to retake the mantle, make their own mark in this consequential theater.”

Prior to arriving in San Diego, the George Washington Carrier Task Group completed Southern Seas 2024, circumnavigating South America, and the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group completed its final patrol as the FDNF-J aircraft carrier in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

“Having the George Washington back in Yokosuka is a new and exciting adventure for the crew, but it more importantly ensures the United States remains best positioned to meet common goals in the region,” said Capt. Tim Waits, George Washington’s commanding officer. “This nuclear aircraft carrier was a huge part of the foundation of trust between the U.S. and Japan, and that trust is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.”

George Washington and crew are in the process of completing the hull swap, replacing USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the forward-deployed U.S. Naval Forces Japan aircraft carrier at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. As part of the transition, the embarked Air Wing and Staffs, which include Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW 5) and Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15) will all cross deck to USS George Washington (CVN 73) bringing with them their vast operations experience operation on one of the most advanced and capable warships in the world. About 350 Sailors, 13 percent of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) crew, will swap with USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors. With them, these Sailors will bring their Indo-Pacific and forward deployed experience to George Washington.

Source: United States Navy

The award recognized the commands for their outstanding performance during the period from October 19, 2023 to May 30, 2024.

Commands include:

Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT); Commander, Task Force (CTF) 53; CTF 54 Bahrain Team; CTF 54 Japan Team; CTF 55 / Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50; CTF 56, Task Group (TG) 56.1 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), TG 56.9 Intelligence Exploitation Team (IET), TG 56.3 Expeditionary Reload Team (ERT); CTF 57; Task Force (TF) 3; Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 21; Commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 7; COMSUBGRU 7 NCCS; Anti-Submarine Warfare Forces; TF 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade; Amphibious Ready Group (COMPHIBRON) 8; 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable); Antiterrorism Security Team Company-Central Command (FASTCENT); 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (BLT 1/6); Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162; Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21; Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8; Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2; Beachmaster Unit 2; Assault Craft Unit 2; Assault Craft Unit 4; USS Laboon (DDG 58); USS Mason (DDG 87); USS Florida (SSGN 728) (Blue Crew); USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116); USS Bataan (LHD 5); USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3); USS Stethem (DDG 63); USS McFaul (DDG 74); USS Gravely (DDG 107); USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3); USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6); USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196); USNS Supply (T-AOE-6); Detachment, Deployable Joint Command and Control (DJC2) Rotation 23.2; DJC2 Rotation 24.1; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (CRC) 40; Tactical Operations Control Squadron (TOCRON) 10; Patrol Squadron (VP) 5; VP 9; VP 10; VP 40; Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.

Established by the Secretary of the Navy on Dec. 18, 1944, and awarded by the secretary with the approval of the President, a unit commendation is conferred on any ship, aircraft, detachment or other unit of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps that distinguished itself for extremely meritorious service in support of military operations, which were outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, and Royal Navy Adm. Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff spoke on a panel at the Indian Ocean Defense and Security (IODS) Conference, discussing AUKUS and security in the Indian Ocean and naval cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific in Perth, Australia, July 24, 2024.