Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Hosted by the White House Historical Association (WHHA), the gathering at the Historic Decatur House brought together many notable guests, including some of Commodore Decatur’s descendants and The Honorable John Dalton, the 70th Secretary of the Navy.

The event also paid tribute to the legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, whose life and leadership continue to inspire the Navy and Marine Corps. A memorial service for President Carter had been held earlier in the day.

In his keynote remarks, Secretary Del Toro noted the United States Navy and Marine Corps had stood the watch and defended the nation’s values for the past 250 years. From the “shores of Tripoli” to the depths of the Pacific, the Navy and Marine Corps’ have embodied American strength and resilience.

“This year marks 250 years of unparalleled service,” Secretary Del Toro said. “For 250 years, our Sailors and Marines have answered the call to defend liberty—whether in the jungles of Iwo Jima or the deserts of the Middle East. We are here tonight to celebrate not only this extraordinary history but also the legacy of one of the most heroic naval leaders to ever serve our country.” Secretary Del Toro offered a personal tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, a naval officer who exemplified the qualities of resilience, integrity, and stoicism that continue to define the Navy and Marine Corps today.

“President Carter embodied what it means to serve with honor,” Secretary Del Toro reflected. “His resilience in the face of adversity, his unwavering conviction to do what was right, and his dedication to selfless service stand as examples for all who wear the uniform today.”

Secretary Del Toro emphasized that the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ future success would depend on continuing to uphold the high standards set by past leaders, including President Jimmy Carter and Commodore Stephen Decatur.

“Our Sailors and Marines today are part of a long, proud legacy of service,” Secretary Del Toro said. “From Commodore Decatur’s audacious victory in Tripoli to the courageous efforts of President Carter, we are all part of the same thread woven into the fabric of our nation’s history. Our success is not inevitable—it is earned through integrity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

As the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps celebrate their 250th birthday in 2025, Secretary Del Toro closed with a message of hope and optimism: “Our Sailors and Marines embody the spirit of our naval heroes and the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. Together, we will continue to defend our nation’s values, honor the legacy of those who came before us, and ensure that the Navy and Marine Corps remain the bedrock of American strength for generations to come.”

The event concluded with a moving tribute to the men and women who have served in the Navy and Marine Corps throughout history, from Commodore Decatur’s time to the present day, and a reminder that the challenges of the future will require the same courage and resolve that have defined the Navy and Marine Corps for the past 250 years.

Source: United States Navy

PORTSMOUTH – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the future Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ship (EMS 3) USNS Portsmouth during a ship naming ceremony at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Jan. 8.

The decision to select Portsmouth was made to honor the legacy and commitment of the Navy doctors, nurses, corpsmen and staff of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and the city of Portsmouth, Virgina.

“As Secretary of the Navy, I remain committed to the readiness of our Sailors and Marines and that readiness includes the crucial work to ensure the healthcare and vitality of our people,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I am proud to honor the city of Portsmouth and the Navy’s first operating hospital, Navy Medical Center Portsmouth, by naming the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3).”

The naming selection of the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3) follows the tradition of naming expeditionary medical ships after prominent military hospitals. Secretary Del Toro previously named USNS Bethesda (EMS 1) and USNS Balboa (EMS 2).

EMS 3 will be the fifth Navy vessel named Portsmouth. The four previous vessels were a full-rigged ship (1798–1801), a sloop-of-war (1844–1915), a light cruiser (1945–1970), and a nuclear-powered submarine (1983–2005).

Rear Adm. Darin Via, the U.S. Navy Surgeon General and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, who spent the majority of his professional military and medical life at the medical center, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to military readiness and healthcare support.

“USNS Portsmouth, a symbol of our Navy’s progress, also carries the weight of our history. It represents a significant advancement in our Navy’s warfighting capability and will provide essential medical support across the maritime environment,” said Via. “Together with USNS Bethesda and USNS Balboa, USNS Portsmouth will deliver agile and responsive medical care, advanced trauma management, and support to naval operations and humanitarian and disaster relief missions.”

Representing the city of Portsmouth, Mayor and Navy Veteran Shannon Glover spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest expeditionary medical ship.

“Today, we stand united in pride and gratitude as we honor the incredible contributions of the dedicated medical professionals at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. For generations, they have provided compassionate care and unwavering commitment to our military families, veterans, and the Portsmouth community,” said Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth. “The USNS Portsmouth represents more than just a ship – it is a testament to the resilience, care, and service that define the heart of Portsmouth. And this is an appropriate and fitting tribute to the selfless men and women who serve at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.”

Located along the banks of the Elizabeth River in Virginia, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a nationally acclaimed, state-of-the art Defense Health Agency military treatment facility (MTF), where 5,000 medical professionals provide quality healthcare to warfighters, veterans, and their families in the Hampton Roads area.

Originally established in 1830 as the Navy’s first and oldest continuously operating hospital, today it is home to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth, which provides a skilled and combat-ready medical force to support warfighting requirements and enables the Department’s highly skilled personnel to maintain mission critical proficiencies through valuable training in a military treatment facility. Navy medical personnel lead pioneering research and teaching programs to prepare new doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and hospital corpsmen for combat operations and public health crises.

In addition to the medical center, the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the Navy’s oldest shipyard (est. 1767) and one of its key facilities for overhauling and repairing its largest ships.

For every Navy ship named, a sponsor is chosen to advocate for both the ship and crew. Sponsors participate in key milestones in the life of their ship and form lifelong relationships that contribute to the well-being of the ship and her crew members. For the future USNS Portsmouth, Mrs. Terri Ann Via, spouse of Rear Adm. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy, was hand-selected for this important role.

“Portsmouth is more than just a name to me; it has been the cornerstone of my family’s life in the Navy. Portsmouth has been our home for as long as I can remember,” said Mrs. Via. “As the sponsor of the Portsmouth, I am committed to upholding the values of service, courage, and compassion that define both the Navy and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Having had the honor and opportunity to stand alongside my husband throughout his Navy career and now as the Surgeon General of the Navy, I look forward to sharing in the adventures, triumphs, and challenges that lie ahead for this ship and crew. May this ship always be a source of pride for our nation, a symbol of our strength and resolve, and a living tribute to the heroes of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.”

Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ships are designed as a dedicated medical ship that optimizes hospital-level medical care in support of distributed maritime operations (DMO). EMS will feature a shallow draft enabling greater reach and allowing direct access to shallow austere ports, while also providing a flight deck that accommodates military helicopters. This design provides a full range of medical capabilities including triage/critical care, three operating rooms, medical laboratory, radiological capability, blood bank, dental, mental health, OB/GYN and primary care, rapid stabilization and follow-on evacuation of multiple casualties and combat search and rescue including recovery at sea.

The primary mission of the EMS as a high-speed forward-deployed medical ship is to provide rapid responsive sea-based and near-shore hospital level critical care, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, non-combatant evacuation operations and special operations. The EMS is designed to respond and provide care at a more rapid pace than their predecessors, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, sailing at speeds of at least 30 knots with a range of 5,500 nautical miles at 24 knots.

Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

Source: United States Navy

For Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Trevor Lamoreau, assigned to Center For Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment North Island, joining the Navy marked the start of a transformative journey. Inspired by his grandfather, a Navy veteran who spent over 20 years working on the P-3 Orion Airframe, Lamoreau enlisted in 2012 to forge his own path of service and growth.

“My grandfather’s stories about traveling the world with the Navy showed me what was possible,” Lamoreau recalls. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps and create my own experiences.”

From Street to Fleet: A Career Shaped by Training

Lamoreau’s Navy career began at Recruit Training Command (RTC). This initial training instilled the discipline and foundational skills needed to thrive in Naval Aviation. Upon graduating basic training, Lamoreau was then assigned to the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center “A” school, under Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). Following this initial training, Lamoreau then joined Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-22 aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), supporting critical Central Command (CENTCOM) operations.

“NETC’s training programs gave me the tools to adapt and succeed,” Lamoreau says. “Every step prepared me for new challenges, whether it was advancing my technical skills or stepping into leadership roles.”

A pivotal moment in Lamoreau’s career came in 2016 when he transitioned from Aviation Machinist Mate to Aviation Electrician’s Mate. NETC’s rigorous and fleet-relevant training ensured he was equipped to handle the demands of his new role, which would eventually lead to a position as a lead troubleshooter with VFA-122.

Reaching New Heights with the Blue Angels

In 2018, Lamoreau joined the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, otherwise known as the Blue Angels; an assignment that highlighted the pinnacle of Navy professionalism and precision. Over three years, he participated in airshows across the nation and earned a meritorious promotion to petty officer 1st class.

“Working with the Blue Angels was an incredible experience,” Lamoreau says. “It was an honor to showcase what our Navy is capable of and to demonstrate the impact of the training we receive.”

Returning as an Instructor

Today, Lamoreau serves as the leading petty officer for the Resistance Department at the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) schoolhouse in San Diego, a program under the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR), part of NETC. SERE equips service members with critical survival skills for high-risk scenarios, contributing directly to fleet readiness.
“SERE training directly enhances fleet readiness by building confidence and resilience,” Lamoreau explains. “Our goal is to prepare service members to navigate difficult missions and come home with honor.”

As an instructor, Lamoreau draws on his extensive fleet experience and the teaching methodologies he learned through NETC’s training programs. His role has allowed him to mentor students from diverse backgrounds, helping them overcome challenges and grow into capable service members.

A Personal and Professional Transformation

Lamoreau’s time in the Navy has shaped him not only as a Sailor but also as a husband and father. Balancing the demands of service with family life has taught him to prioritize his time and appreciate the support his loved ones provide.

“The Navy has taught me to be a more present and thoughtful leader, both at work and at home,” Lamoreau reflects. “Family is essential, and I’m committed to nurturing that foundation.”

Shaping the Future of Fleet Readiness

Lamoreau’s career embodies the NETC’s “Street to Fleet” philosophy. From his early days at RTC to his current role as a SERE instructor, his journey highlights how NETC’s world-class training transforms Sailors and prepares them for success. Through his dedication to teaching and leadership, Lamoreau is helping ensure the next generation of Sailors is ready to meet the challenges of the fleet.

For more stories about how NETC transforms Sailors into fleet-ready leaders, follow @NETC_HQ and visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy

Under the contract, Northrop Grumman of Melbourne, Florida, will serve as the prime contractor to integrate TACAMO mission systems, including the Collins Aerospace Very Low Frequency system, into government-furnished C-130J-30 air vehicles built by Lockheed Martin Corp. The contract is for three Engineering Development Models (EDMs) and options for up to three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and up to six aircraft in the first lot of production. Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin are directed subcontractors to support the integration and airworthiness.

“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”

The acquisition effort is being led by the Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) within the Program Executive Office for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)).

“Today is a tremendous day for the future of naval aviation’s contribution to our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission,” said Capt. Adam Scott, PMA-271 program manager. “With the selection of Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor for the TACAMO Recapitalization Program, we are ready to move out with developing this critical asset. In carrying on the legacy of the E-6B Mercury, the E-130J will ensure our nation’s leadership is always connected to its nuclear forces for decades to come.”

Work developing this asset in conjunction with the prime contractor begins today.

The contract award is the result of a competitive source selection that included significant engagement with industry. PMA-271 released the request for proposals on sam.gov on Sept. 21, 2023, with proposals due by April 22, 2024.

The Navy selected the winner based on the proposal that offered the best value to the government, considering the offeror’s technical approach and cost. The total contract value is $3,459,276,000.

The E-130J is a critical part of the United States’ nuclear modernization program, which includes new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, new bomber aircraft such as the B-21 Raider, and Sentinel, a new ground-based system to replace the silo-based Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. The E-130J will ensure that leadership can always communicate with those nuclear forces to order or cancel strikes, even if ground-based communications are unavailable.

The E-6B is a communications relay and strategic airborne command post aircraft. It provides survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) for the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command. It is a dual-mission aircraft capable of fulfilling the no-fail TACAMO mission and the Looking Glass mission, which facilitates the launch of U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles using an airborne launch control system. The E-130J will relieve the E-6B of the TACAMO mission.

PMA-271 is headquartered at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Its mission is to deliver and support survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications for the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command.

Source: United States Navy

The Battle “E” competition is conducted to strengthen and evaluate both command and overall Force warfighting readiness and to recognize outstanding command performance. The criterion for the Battle “E” Award is the overall readiness of a crew to execute its combat mission.

COMSUBLANT Battle “E” winners are the following:

USS North Dakota (SSN 784), Commander, Submarine Squadron TWO (CSS-2)
USS Virginia (SSN 774), CSS-4
USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), CSS-6
USS New Jersey (SSN 796), CSS-8
USS California (SSN 781), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (BLUE), CSS-16
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD), CSS-16
USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (BLUE), CSS-20
USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (GOLD), CSS-20

Special Category – Shipyard Readiness

USS Hartford (SSN 768)

Special Category – Submarine Readiness Squadron

Submarine Readiness Squadron 32

Engineering Red “E” winners:

USS North Dakota (SSN 784), CSS-2
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), CSS-4
USS Albany (SSN 753), CSS-6
USS Montpelier (SSN 795), CSS-8
USS Delaware (SSN 791), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (BLUE), CSS-16
USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (BLUE), CSS-20

White Weapons “W” winners:

USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), CSS-2
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), CSS-4
USS Pasadena (SSN 752), CSS-6
USS Montana (SSN 794), CSS-8
USS Indiana (SSN 789), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD), CSS-16
USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (BLUE), CSS-20

White Strategic “S” winner:

USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (BLUE), CSS-20

Navigation Red and Green “N” winners:

USS North Dakota (SSN 784), CSS-2
USS Virginia (SSN 774), CSS-4
USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), CSS-6
PCU Massachusetts (SSN 798), CSS-8
USS Delaware (SSN 791), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD), CSS-16
USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (BLUE), CSS-20

Communications/Cyber Green “C” winners:

USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), CSS-2
USS South Dakota (SSN 790), CSS-4
USS New Mexico (SSN 779), CSS-6
USS John Warner (SSN 785), CSS-8
USS California (SSN 781), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD), CSS-16
USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (BLUE), CSS-20

Electronic Warfare Green “E” winners:

USS North Dakota (SSN 784), CSS-2
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), CSS-4
USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), CSS-6
USS Boise (SSN 764), CSS-8
USS Delaware (SSN 791), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD), CSS-16
USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (GOLD), CSS-20

Supply Blue “E” winners:

USS Texas (SSN 775), CSS-2
USS Oregon (SSN 793), CSS-4
USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), CSS-6
USS Montana (SSN 794), CSS-8
USS Indiana (SSN 789), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (BLUE), CSS-16
USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (GOLD), CSS-20

Personnel White “P” winners:

USS North Dakota (SSN 784), CSS-2
PCU Iowa (SSN 797), CSS-4
USS Albany (SSN 753), CSS-6
USS Montana (SSN 794), CSS-8
USS Hartford (SSN 768), CSS-12
USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (BLUE), CSS-16
USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (BLUE), CSS-20

Medical Yellow “M” winners:

USS Texas (SSN 775), CSS-2
USS Virginia (SSN 774), CSS-4
USS Pasadena (SSN 752), CSS-6
USS Montpelier (SSN 765), CSS-8
USS California (SSN 781), CSS-12
USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD), CSS-16
USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (GOLD), CSS-20

On-time periodic maintenance requirements (PMR) and KMRC accomplishment is essential to meeting submarine force readiness goals. PMRs and KMRCs help ensure the material readiness of the force and are critical inputs to completing the engineering analysis necessary to get more players on the field by extending operating intervals, reducing idle time, and reducing depot availability durations.

The KMRC “K” is a first-time Submarine Force-wide award acknowledging the performance monitoring team (PMT) site that bests supports the fleet and KMRC accomplishment. The PMR “P” is a first-time TYCOM-specific award acknowledging the submarine squadron with the best assigned submarine PMR performance.

KMRC “K” winner:
Submarine Squadron 15/ PMT Guam

PMR “P” winner: Submarine Squadron 12

“The competition for these awards is, as always, extremely keen,” said Gaucher. “These awards should be a source of great pride to each and every crew member – Bravo Zulu for a job well done.”

The Battle “E” competition recognizes commands that attained the highest overall or departmental readiness to carry out assigned wartime tasks as a unit of the Atlantic Submarine Force and is based on a year-long evaluation.

For commissioned ships in the shipyard, being awarded the Battle “E” is reflective of overall readiness to meet production milestones throughout the year and the crew’s combat readiness as indicated per the CTQM, pursuit of underway time for the crew, crew-shipyard relationships, inspections, audits, etc.

These ships were considered the most ready for combat throughout the year and were judged based on their warfighting readiness; mission accomplishments; self-assessments and ability to improve; ability to innovate; and resiliency in executing the ship’s schedule.

The Submarine Force executes the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. In addition to lending added capacity to naval forces, the Submarine Force, in particular, is expected to leverage those special advantages that come with undersea concealment to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the nation could not otherwise achieve.

The Submarine Force and supporting organizations constitute the primary undersea arm of the Navy. Submarines and their crews remain the tip of the undersea spear.