USS Wasp Enters 4th Fleet

CORAL SEA (Aug. 1, 2019)- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) transits the Coral Sea. Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready response force for any type of contingency. 

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker/Released.

From U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived in U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations Oct 1. The Wasp is transiting around South America while conducting a homeport shift from Japan to Norfolk.

“The entrance into U.S. 4th Fleet is a significant milestone for the crew–many of whom came with Wasp to Japan in 2017–and an excellent opportunity to visit our partners in South America, and to continue strengthening our relationships in this very important part of the world,” said Wasp Commanding Officer Capt. Greg Baker.  “I am very proud that these Sailors will be ambassadors of the United States Navy during our time in this fleet.”

Wasp will participate in maritime engagements enhancing interoperability with our partners.  Wasp is scheduled to visit Valparaiso, Chile and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil building on our strong relationships that foster regional security.  

The newly formed Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force–WASP departed with the ship including Marines and Sailors from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and El Salvador to provide amphibious and cultural subject matter expertise to South America. 

Embarking aboard the Wasp in Valparaiso will be a Combined Task Force (CTF) comprised of approximately twenty personnel from the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. 

The CTF will focus on a mission analysis and planning for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise scenario. Training alongside our partner nations demonstrates the commitment to stability in the region. 

“Partnerships in the region are an absolute priority,” said Wasp Executive Officer Cmdr. Javier Medina. “By focusing on our partnerships in this region, naturally we will have better relationships that have the opportunity to bloom and become stronger, enhancing our mission set of ensuring security in the region, and being able to better act in any case of contingency.”

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Navy to Christen Submarine Oregon

U.S. Navy graphic.

From the Office of the Navy Chief of Information

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine, the future USS Oregon (SSN 793), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5 at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.

Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The submarine's sponsor is Dana Richardson. The ceremony will be highlighted by Richardson breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow to formally christen the ship, a time-honored Navy tradition.

"The future USS Oregon will play an important role in the defense of our nation and maritime freedom," said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. "She stands as proof of what teamwork — from civilian to contractor to military — can accomplish. I am confident USS Oregon and her crew will ensure our Navy remains safe and strong to proudly serve our nation's interest for decades to come."

Oregon, a Virginia-class submarine designated SSN 793, is the third U.S. Navy ship to honor the state. The first USS Oregon was a brigantine ship purchased in 1841 and used for exploration until 1845. The second Oregon (Battleship No. 3) was commissioned July 15, 1896. Known for one of the most dramatic voyages ever undertaken by a ship of the U.S. Navy, Oregon sailed over 14,000 miles in 66 days, leaving San Francisco in 1898 and travelling south through the Straits of Magellan until finally arriving at Jupiter Inlet, Florida, where she reported for battle in the Spanish-American War. While the ship demonstrated the capabilities of a heavy battle ship, it also eliminated any opposition to the construction of the Panama Canal, as the country could not afford two months to send warships from one coast to another in times of emergency. Decommissioned in 1906, she was later recommissioned in 1911, and remained in the reserve, until stricken from the Navy list in 1942.

Oregon (SSN 793) is the 20th Virginia-class attack submarine and the second Virginia-class Block IV submarine. The ship's construction began in the fall of 2014, and it is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2020. Oregon will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea superiority well into the 21st century.

Block IV Virginia-class submarines include design changes to reduce total ownership cost (RTOC) and increase operational availability by decreasing the planned number of depot availabilities from four to three.

Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities — sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

LCS Successfully Launches Naval Strike Missile

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 1, 2019) Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) launches a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) during exercise Pacific Griffin. The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that is designed to find and destroy enemy ships. Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies. 

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released.

From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Oct. 1 (local date) during Pacific Griffin.

Pacific Griffin is a biennial exercise conducted in the waters near Guam aimed at enhancing combined proficiency at sea while strengthening relationships between the U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies.

“Today was a terrific accomplishment for USS Gabrielle Giffords crew and the Navy’s LCS class,” said Cmdr. Matthew Lehmann, commanding officer. “I am very proud of all the teamwork that led to the successful launch of the NSM.”

The NSM is a long-range, precision strike weapon that can find and destroy enemy ships at distances up to 100 nautical miles away. The stealthy missile flies at sea-skimming altitude, has terrain-following capability and uses an advanced seeker for precise targeting in challenging conditions.

Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, who oversees security cooperation for the U.S. Navy in Southeast Asia, said Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment sent a crystal clear message of continued U.S. commitment to maritime security in the region.

"LCS packs a punch and gives potential adversaries another reason to stay awake at night," Tynch said. "We are stronger when we sail together with our friends and partners, and LCS is an important addition to the lineup."

The NSM aboard Gabrielle Giffords is fully operational and remains lethal. The weapon was first demonstrated on littoral combat ship USS Coronado in 2014. It meets and exceeds the U.S. Navy’s over-the-horizon requirements for survivability against high-end threats, demonstrated lethality, easy upgrades and long-range strike capability.

Gabrielle Giffords’ deployment represents a milestone for the U.S. Navy and LCS lethality, and marks the first time that an NSM has sailed into the Indo-Pacific region. The successful missile shoot demonstrates value for long-range anti-ship missiles.

Gabrielle Giffords, on its maiden deployment, arrived in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility Sept. 16, for a rotational deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. This marks the first time two LCS have deployed to the Indo-Pacific region simultaneously. Gabrielle Giffords is the fifth LCS to deploy to U.S. 7th Fleet, following USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the currently-deployed USS Montgomery (LCS 8).

Gabrielle Giffords will conduct operations, exercises and port visits throughout the region as well as work alongside allied and partner navies to provide maritime security and stability, key pillars of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Its unique capabilities allow it to work with a broad range of regional navies and visit ports larger ships cannot access.


Littoral combat ships are fast, agile and networked surface combatants, optimized for operating in the near-shore environments. With mission packages allowing for tailored capabilities to meet specific mission needs and unique physical characteristics, LCS provides operational flexibility and access to a wider range of ports.

East Coast Surface Action Group Deploys

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2019) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) transits the Atlantic Ocean. Lassen is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. 
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tamara Vaughn/Released.

From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) - Ships and units from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group formed a Surface Action Group (SAG) and are deploying from their East Coast homeports of Norfolk, VA, and Mayport, FL, over the next several days.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) departed Mayport today, and will be joined by USS Farragut (DDG 99) and Norfolk-based Ticronderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) in coming days. The command staff of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 will lead the SAG, which also includes embarked helicopter detachments from Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 72, from Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

“This deployment demonstrates our Navy’s inherent capability to maneuver and flex to accomplish the task at hand,” said Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Our ships remain flexible, ready and capable to operate in multiple theaters supporting a variety of missions.”

The scheduled deployment enables the Navy to rotate forces on station in order to sustain support to Combatant commanders. The SAG, made up of approximately 1200 Sailors, is trained and prepared to conduct high-end combat operations, routine patrols, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation activities to enhance regional security and stability.

“We have an important mission ahead,” said Capt. Jennifer Couture, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 28. “SAG operations allow the Commander tremendous flexibility and responsiveness in the types of missions that can be conducted, and geographic reach into varied and diverse areas. The SAG ships are ready and able to support a variety of exercises and missions with our partners and allies in support of maritime stability and security around the globe.”

In August, the Navy announced an emergent maintenance requirement for an electrical issue aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The aircraft carrier’s repairs are progressing, and all efforts are being made to deploy the carrier and air wing as soon as possible.

U.S. Coast Guard, partners conduct mass rescue exercise off Oahu

The 8th Pacific Search and Rescue workshop gathers for a static display of participating assets at Kalealoa Airport on Oahu, Hawaii, July 24, 2019. The United States is hosting this year's event with more than 15 countries to discuss search and rescue throughout the Pacific Region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Wyrick/Released).

The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126) and international partner agencies take part in a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, July 24, 2019. The purpose of the exercise is to improve SAR response capability and capacity throughout the Pacific. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West/Released).

A Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter crew participates in a mass rescue exercise off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, July 24, 2018. The exercise was a part of the Pacific Search and Rescue Steering Committee's biennial Pacific regional SAR workshop. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West/Released).

A first responder jet crew conducts operations off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, during a mass rescue exercise, July 24, 2019. The exercise was a part of the Pacific Search and Rescue Steering Committee's biennial Pacific Regional SAR workshop. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West/Released).

The crew of an HC-130 Hercules airplane from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point drops a life raft kit to a simulated vessel in distress during a mass rescue operation off Waianae, Hawaii, July 24, 2019. The exercise, part of a larger weeklong international search and rescue workshop, simulated a commercial inter-island ferry taking on water and sinking during a 70-mile transit between islands with around 80 people onboard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarists Bill Melohn and Buzz Paxton/Released).

The crew of an HC-130 Hercules airplane from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point prepare a dewatering pump to be dropped to a simulated vessel in distress during a mass rescue operation off Waianae, Hawaii, July 24, 2019. The exercise, part of a larger weeklong international search and rescue workshop, simulated a commercial inter-island ferry taking on water and sinking during a 70-mile transit between islands with around 80 people onboard. On behalf of the Pacific Search and Rescue Steering Committee, the United States is hosting delegations from more than 15 countries this week in Honolulu to discuss search and rescue throughout the region at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarists Bill Melohn and Buzz Paxton/Released).

The crew of an HC-130 Hercules airplane from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point drop a dewatering pump to a simulated vessel in distress during a mass rescue operation off Waianae, Hawaii, July 24, 2019. The exercise, part of a larger weeklong international search and rescue workshop, simulated a commercial inter-island ferry taking on water and sinking during a 70-mile transit between islands with around 80 people onboard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarists Bill Melohn and Buzz Paxton/Released).

HONOLULU — As part of the 8th Pacific Regional Maritime Search and Rescue workshop in Hawaii, the U.S. Coast Guard hosted a joint static display and on-the-water demonstration Wednesday on the westside of Oahu.

Partners simulated a response to a vessel in distress during a mass rescue operation off Waianae. Assets included the observation vessel Dolphin Star, the USCGC Joseph Gerczak (WPC 1126), and a Coast Guard Station Honolulu 45-foot Response Boat-Medium as well as crews from the Honolulu Fire Department. Aircraft from the U.S. Navy, France, Australia, and New Zealand also participated. 

The workshop will continue Thursday with a review of the MRO, case studies, systems and tools such as the Tsunami warning system and advances in personal locator beacons, and other panels. Friday participants are anticipated to review the team's goals, outcomes, and action items to carry forward for further growth. 

More than 15 different Pacific countries are participating in the workshop. PACSAR 8 is a continuation of the biennial event sponsored in part by the International Maritime Organization, secretariat of the Pacific Community, and Pacific SAR steering committee to build SAR capacity across the Pacific. Every other year, a different country hosts the workshop. Maritime New Zealand hosted the last round, PACSAR 7, in Aukland in May 2017.

The long-term goal of these regular workshops is to further the mission of the steering committee to measurably improve the SAR capability of each of the Pacific Island countries or territories in line with international standards and the PACAR measures of success by 2021. The PACSAR 8 workshop is a place to collaboratively share successes and continue the learning process by assessing strengths, risks, opportunities for partnerships, and to learn from each other.

-USCG-

Ronald Reagan Strike Group Arrives in Brisbane

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Codie L. Soule, Commander Task Force 70 Public Affairs.

BRISBANE, Australia (July 5, 2019) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) pulls into Brisbane, Australia. Ronald Reagan is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Codie L. Soule/Released).

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The Ronald Reagan Strike Group arrived in Brisbane, Australia, July 5 for a regularly scheduled port visit.

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) pulled into Brisbane July 5, while the Arleigh Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) pulled into Townsville, Australia, July 4.  

“USS Ronald Reagan Sailors are excited to engage in Talisman Sabre 2019 with their Australian counterparts,” said Capt. Pat Hannifin, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "Having served alongside Aussies in every conflict for 100 years, we are truly honored to visit your beautiful country again.  We look forward to the sights of Brisbane and the hospitality that Australians are known for.” 

While in port, Ronald Reagan Strike Group personnel will have the opportunity to go on tours and participate in several events with the local community prior to starting exercise Talisman Sabre 2019. The Ronald Reagan Strike Group operates as part of Commander, Task Force 70.

“As a forward-deployed force, the Ronald Reagan Strike Group enjoys the latitude and freedom to operate where it matters, when it matters, while training side-by-side with our allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said Rear Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander, Task Force 70.  “Visiting the beautiful city of Brisbane and taking part in Talisman Sabre 19 is a phenomenal way to fortify our alliance with Australia and demonstrate to other nations in this critical region our steadfast commitment to sustaining a stable security environment." 

CTF 70’s forward deployed forces ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific Region by providing credible, ready forces help to preserve peace and prevent conflict.  Forward-deployed forces act as force multipliers for the Navy enabling a response time in days instead of the weeks it would take units from the United States to respond.  With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.

CTF 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Carrier Strike Group Nine Completes Exercise Northern Edge 2019

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Pyoung K. Yi, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

GULF OF ALASKA (May 17, 2019) An MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to the "Wolf Pack" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 hovers while an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Liberty Bells" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) while participating in Exercise Northern Edge 2019. Northern Edge is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Exercises in 2019 that prepares joint forces to respond to crisis in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Wheeler/Released)

GULF OF ALASKA (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and select ships from Carrier Strike Group Nine (CSG-9), along with U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and Marine Corps service members, successfully concluded Exercise Northern Edge 2019 (NE19), the past May 24, bringing an end to Alaska's largest biannual joint-military training exercise.

The training exercise, which ran from May 13–24, was designed to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Indo-Pacific. More than 10,000 service members and approximately 250 aircraft from the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy, from active duty, reserve, and National Guard units, participated in the exercise.

“Northern Edge was special because it took the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group away from our home waters into an operating area we’re not used to exercising in,” said Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer, Commander, CSG-9. “The training we received in the Gulf of Alaska will make our strike group a more capable, ready, and lethal naval force.”

The exercise, hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces, was conducted in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, which encompassed more than 60,000 miles of airspace throughout Alaska, and included support infrastructure from two Air Force bases.

“This is a very demanding operating area and not something we’re used to,” said Capt. David Fowler, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 23. “We, as a Navy, need to get acclimated to these regions and work in a joint environment to gain a better appreciation for what our sister services do and what they bring to the table, because should we ever need to truly defend our nation against adversaries, it is going to take all of us working together to achieve that objective.” 

NE19 provided Theodore Roosevelt personnel and Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) an opportunity to sharpen their skills and practice operations and techniques. Also, it gave the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group a chance to strengthen relationships with other U.S. military branches and develop cooperative plans and programs with these organizations.

“On your high school football team at practice, you train at a certain level. You bring in a cross-town rival and you scrimmage against that team, you raise your game. You exercise at a higher intensity and at a higher level,” said Dwyer. “That’s what it’s like at Northern Edge. We were training with the Air Force and Marine Corps. Every member of this Navy combat team raised their game and was at their best.”            

The last time an aircraft carrier participated in Northern Edge was 2009. Roosevelt’s presence and accomplishments during NE19 proved it can operate in the Indo-Pacific region and carry out the Navy’s mission anywhere around the globe.

“We had a great opportunity to train as a joint force in a new environment, hone our lethality, and our ability to communicate and operate in a new domain,” said Capt. Carlos Sardiello, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “Roosevelt training [in the Gulf of Alaska] helps us to be ready to go wherever, whenever we need to, to operate as a joint force.”

NE19 participants served as part of a joint task force to enhance multi-service integration and exercise a wide range of joint capabilities.

“Our integration into the joint environment has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Dwyer. “Flawless execution is what I witnessed at every level.”

The Navy is deepening its commitments to Artic security and operations in Alaska. The U.S. is an Artic nation and it is incumbent on the Navy to be ready to operate in this part of the world to ensure freedom of navigation and that the Artic remains conflict free, according to Dwyer.

“For us to travel from our home waters to the Gulf of Alaska and compete at the highest end of naval combat in this unique and very challenging environment is incredibly impressive,” said Dwyer.

Along with Theodore Roosevelt and its embarked CVW-11, four additional Navy ships participated in NE19: USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS John Finn (DDG 113), and USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187).

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For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.

U.S. Government Approves Release of Boeing EA-18G Growler to Finland

The U.S. Department of Defense has authorized the U.S. Navy and Boeing to offer the EA-18G Growler to Finland. Previously only the Royal Australian Air Force had been permitted to fly the Growler alongside the U.S. Navy. (Boeing photo)

ARLINGTON, Va., February 18, 2019 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy have received U.S. Department of Defense approval to offer the EA-18G Growler to Finland. Previously only Australia had been authorized to purchase the airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft.

Boeing and the Navy have offered the Growler and F/A-18 Super Hornet in a response to query issued by the Finnish Ministry of Defense as part of their HX fighter program procurement.

“All strike fighter aircraft rely on Growler escort to increase survivability during high-threat missions,” said Dan Gillian, Boeing vice president, F/A-18 and EA-18G programs. “The combination of the Super Hornet Block III and Growler would provide Finland with superior technological capability particularly suited to Finland’s HX mission requirements.”

An F/A-18 variant, the Growler is the world’s most advanced AEA platform and the only one in production today. It’s capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems including radar and communication systems.

In addition to the U.S. Navy, the Growler is flown by the Royal Australian Air Force.

USS Green Bay, HMAS Adelaide Cross Deck Flight Ops

CORAL SEA

181119-N-DX072-1037 CORAL SEA (Nov. 19, 2018) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Walter Rutherford, from Cheyenne, Wyo., signals a UH-1Y Huey helicopter, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469, as it takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) prior to cross deck flight operations with the Royal Australian Navy helicopter landing dock ship HMAS Adelaide (L01). Green Bay, part of Commander Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anaid Banuelos Rodriguez)

Coast Guard responds to downed aircraft 110 miles east of Charleston

MH-60 Jayhawk ©USCG (archive)

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard is responding to a downed aircraft Thursday approximately 110 miles east of Charleston.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) notified Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders of a civilian aircraft emergency at 11:33 a.m. The Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center received a report from the aircraft of an in-flight emergency, lost contact on radar and notified the AFRCC. The aircraft, a Piper PA-31, was leaving from South Carolina to the Bahamas. 

Assisting in the response are:

• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules aircraft
• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
• Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton
• Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal
• Commercial vessel Seabulk Challenge
• Navy P-3 Orion

USCG Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal ©USCG (archive)

HC-130J Hercules ©USCG (archive)

USCG Cutter Hamilton ©USCG (archive)

US Navy P-3 Orion ©United States Navy

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-USCG-

Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu Celebrates Commencement of Triton Flight Operations

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, POINT MUGU, Calif. – June 1, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE: NOC) joined the U.S. Navy in officially welcoming the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system to the fleet with a ceremony on May 31 to celebrate the commencement of flight operations.

The first two operational MQ-4C Triton aircraft at home in their newly refurbished hangar at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. The insignia of Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP)-19, the Navy’s first unmanned patrol squadron, can be seen behind them.

Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu is home to the maintenance detachment of Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP)-19 DET Point Mugu, the Navy’s first unmanned patrol squadron. Maintainers are conducting training and tests on the Triton aircraft before it deploys to Guam later this year.

Point Mugu has also completely refurbished an existing hangar that will accommodate up to four Triton aircraft with its 130.9-foot wingspan. The first two Triton aircraft are located at Point Mugu.

Brian Chappel, sector vice president and general manager, Autonomous Systems, Northrop Grumman, joined Doug Shaffer, vice president, Triton programs, Northrop Grumman, and Rear Admiral William Wheeler III in cutting the ribbon on the refurbished hangar.

“With each new part of the Triton infrastructure that the Navy stands up, we move closer to making Triton operational and showing the fleet what this remarkable aircraft system can do,” Shaffer said. “I look forward to the day when this hangar is full of activity leading up to the Guam employment.”

“As Naval Base Ventura County’s representative in Congress, I am proud to support the MQ-4C Triton aircraft system,” said U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, Ventura County. “The Triton is an essential component of the Navy’s future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, and a critical program for the continued strength of Naval Base Ventura County and our national security. I have made funding for research, development, and procurement of the Triton a top priority. When fully developed, this program will bring jobs and an economic boost to Ventura County.”

Built by Northrop Grumman, the MQ-4C Triton is an unmanned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft system with an autonomous capability that is piloted from a ground station. Triton can fly for up to 24 hours and reach altitudes of up to 55,000 feet. Flying high above the battle space, Triton provides a critical common operating picture, disseminating images and near-real time video to commanders around the world.

Ten Years Ago the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Made its First Flight from St. Augustine, Florida

August 03, 2017 - marks the 10-year anniversary of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye’s first flight. The aircraft known as Delta One, took off from the St. Augustine, Florida, airfield piloted by Northrop Grumman Flight Test Pilot Tom Boutin and then-U.S. Navy Flight Test Pilot Lt. Drew Ballinger along with Northrop Grumman Flight Test Lead Weapon Systems Operator Zyad Hajo. Wheels-up was shortly before 11 a.m., and the flight lasted an hour and twenty minutes.

Photo captured from the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye's first flight, ten years ago, on Aug. 3, 2007.

This was a major milestone in a program that launched with the U.S. Navy’s award of the E-2D System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract on Aug. 4, 2003. In addition to delivering a significantly more capable aircraft, the SDD program goals focused on reducing total ownership costs including the use of advanced manufacturing methods, two-level maintenance concepts, and automated systems test capabilities.

In the ten years since the E-2D’s first flight, 30 aircraft have been delivered and two Japanese E-2Ds are approaching their final production phases. A mature aerial refueling test program with production cut-in is planned for 2018 and initial operating capability is planned for 2020. Advanced development work is continually being done to ensure the E-2D remains the most capable airborne early warning , battle management, command, and control aircraft in the world.

The program is seen as a model for success and has produced an aircraft that provides customers the added edge needed to stay ahead of adversaries. Today, the Navy has E-2Ds deployed around the world as men and women continue to fly and maintain the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

Modernized Lockheed Martin Trident II D5 Missile Test Certifies Submarine for Patrol

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With the successful launch of two Trident II D5 Life Extension missiles built and upgraded by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Navy submarine USS Nebraska demonstrated the readiness of the crew and strategic weapon system. The test, known as Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) 28, took place in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern California March 26.

"In addition to certifying the submarine and crew for patrol, the test launch collected valuable data about the performance of the D5 Life Extension missile configuration," said Eric Scherff, vice president of Navy Strategic Programs at Lockheed Martin. "Instead of warheads, the missiles carried test kits and instrumentation to give us troves of information about flight and subsystem performance. The joint government and industry team will use this data to assess performance and to inform maintenance and sustainment plans for the upgraded Trident missile fleet for decades to come."

The joint government-industry team achieved initial fleet introduction of the D5 Life Extension, or LE, design last year. With modernized electronics and upgraded avionics subsystems, the Trident II D5 LE configuration will be in service with the U.S. Navy and U.K. Royal Navy through the 2040s. The Life Extension program modernized the submarine-launched ballistic missile while maintaining the proven performance of the D5 missile for significantly less than the cost of designing a new missile.

DASO-28 increased the Trident II D5 record to 167 successful test launches since design completion in 1989 – the most reliable test record for a large ballistic missile.

For more information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/trident