Amphibious & Support Ships
F-35Bs arrive in Japan
U.S. Marines’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on January 18 as the first F-35B squadron on an operational overseas deployment. With this deployment, the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 begins a permanent change of station to MCAS Iwakuni from MCAS Yuma, Ari
Attack submarine USS Topeka visits Japan
U.S. Navy’s attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan for a visit on January 17. The port visit is part of the Los Angeles-class submarine’s Indo-Asia-Pacific patrol. “We are honored to have the opportunity to visit Japan,” said Cmdr. Steven Tarr III, commandi
Royal Marines train with Indian Navy during Konkan 2017
Royal Marines recently got an opportunity to train with the Indian Navy during a joint maritime security exercise. Named Konkan, the exercise is an annual military drill conducted between the Royal Navy and Indian Navy. This year, the week-long exercise focused on maritime security and, in particula
US Marines’ F35 head for first operational overseas deployment
A U.S. Marines’ F-35B squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, will become the first F35B squadron on an overseas deployment after heading for the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on January 9. Iwakuni, Japan is thereby becoming the first location to receive the Marine Corps’ F-
US Navy deploys new early warning aircraft to Japan
U.S. Navy’s newest E-2D Advanced Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft will join the forward deployed naval forces in Japan, the service announced Thursday. The E-2Ds from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 will become part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 at the Marine Corps Air Stat
Russian warships on five-day visit to Philippines
Two Russian Navy ships with the deputy commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet on board docked in Manila, Philippines on January 3. The good-will visit that will last until January 7 will not involve any naval exercises but Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov told reporters that Russia was looking forward to sta
2016 a year of firsts for the US 7th Fleet
As the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet looks back at 2016, it looks back at a year of innovations, new partnerships and upgraded ships. Ships and personnel teamed up with allies and partner nations in more than 110 exercises to exchange information, enhance capabilities and train together throughout 2016. Maj
South Korea decommissions final US naval ship in its fleet
The Republic of Korea Navy decommissioned ROKN ship Pyeongtaek (ATS-27), the last U.S. ship transferred to the ROK Navy, on December 28. Former USS Beaufort (ATS-2), an Edenton-class salvage and rescue ship, joined the U.S. Fleet in 1972 and served 24-years in the Indo-Asia-Pacific before being deco
US Navy destroyer visits Puerto Princesa, Philippines
U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain arrived in Puerto Princesa, the Philippines for a brief port call on December 24. During the visit, the McCain crew will participate in a series of community service projects and sporting events. The visit comes months after
USS Wasp wraps up 6-month stint ahead of Japan deployment
After 12 years of idleness in port, U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) deployed this year for a busy 2016. After six months underway, the ship is now set to return to Norfolk on December 24. Once there, Wasp will undergo a planned maintenance availability that is expected to be fin
VIDEO: VCNO visits Singapore
U.S. Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm Bill Moran, visited Singapore Dec 12-13 to reaffirm the U.S. Navy’s strong partnership and ties with the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces. During the two-day visit, Moran met with the Chief of the Republic of Singapore Navy, Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han, visi
India, Russia to hold naval exercise in Bay of Bengal
Russian and Indian Navy ships will be taking part in a wide range of drills in the Bay of Bengal from December 14 to 21, the Indian press office announced. In existence since 2003, this will be the 9th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise dubbed Indra Navy. The primary aim of the exercise will
Canada takes over command of counter-piracy task force CTF 150
Canada has taken command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ counter-piracy task force operating in the Middle East region. Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson of the Royal Canadian Navy assumed command on Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 after conducting a change of command ceremony with the Pakistan Navy on De
LM2500 marine gas turbines to power Indian Navy’s P17A stealth frigate
The Indian Navy’s new P17A stealth frigates that are to start construction next year will be powered by LM2500 marine gas turbines, GE’s Marine Solutions announced. The gas turbines will be provided by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Industrial and Marine Gas Turbine division, Bangalore, India u