Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) recently completed the final cross-pollination (CROSSPOL) event of the group’s U.S.-led deployment. CROSSPOL is designed to give Alliance Sailors the opportunity to spend one to two days aboard another Allied ship. While aboard, Sailors are assigned running mat
The amphibious transport docks ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) participated in a live-fire missile exercise (MISSILEX), June 14, while underway with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During the exercise, Arlington fired three MK31 guided missiles
US Navy’s Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 held a change of command ceremony aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) at Naval Base San Diego, June 17. Rear Adm. Daniel Fillion relieved Rear Adm. Frank Ponds as Commander ESG-3. During Pond’s tenure as Commander, ESG-3 ser
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) workers safely drydocked USS Annapolis (SSN 760) June 15 for planned maintenance work and several system upgrades. Annapolis arrived at PNSY April 25, and the dry-docking of the submarine is part of a greater engineering overhaul scheduled to last 23 months. More tha
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) arrived in Yokosuka June 18, joining the 7th Fleet’s Forward-Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Chancellorsville completed a combat systems update through the Navy’s Cruiser Modernizati
U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka to patrol the Indo-Asia-Pacific region June 17, after a month-long continuous maintenance availability (CMAV). The CMAV gave Blue Ridge the opportunity to replace 4,500 square feet of decking and complete c
After conducting an extensive maintenance period, the Italian Navy’s replenishment oiler ITS Vesuvius returned to the sea on June 8. The modernization works started at the end of 2013 and lasted for 17 months, covering the complete planned renovation and adaptation works. Prior to deploying, the cre
A Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a personnel and equipment onload. The operation was conducted in the Atlantic Ocean on June 15. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) are part
The U.S. Navy’s USS Desert Ship (LLS-1) crew fired a Raytheon Company Standard Missile-6 at a medium-range supersonic target, successfully engaging the simulated ‘over-the-horizon’ threat. This mission was the next in a test series for Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air (NIFC-CA), a program
US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus concluded a two-day visit to Poland June 16 with a stop aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) as the ship continues its participation in Exercise BALTOPS 2015. During meetings with, among other officials, Poland’s Minister of Defense Tomasz Siemoniak, Mabus applauded Pol
US Navy’s supply ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) will undergo regular overhaul and dry docking at BAE Systems’ San Francisco yard. The contract, worth $13,5 million, is for a 45-calendar-day shipyard availability. Work will include elevator fork truck guard deck and sump removal, upgrade FAS station oil
The Submarine Force provided an inspiring welcome home for the crew of HMAS Rankin on June 4, 2015, after her recent South East Asian deployment. HMAS Rankin came alongside Diamantina Wharf, HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, Western Australia. Under the command of Commander Doug Theobald, Rankin participat
Marines from four nations came together during BALTOPS from June 7-17. U.S. Marines and partner nations integrated to practice expeditionary, ship-to-shore assaults to enhance their capability to work together as a combined amphibious force. Amphibious drills give each nation’s Marines the opportuni
US Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Sydney, Australia for a port visit, June 17. Sailors from both ships partnered with the Royal Australian Navy during the visit to train and enjoy th
