Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta visited U.S. and Coalition service members on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Oct. 7 during a overseas tour that consisted of stops in Israel, Egypt, Belgium and Italy. The purpose of the stop was to thank not only the U.S. service members, but also Itali
The Marine Corps will deploy the Lockheed Martin and Kaman unmanned K-MAX®to Afghanistan next month. The decision follows the successful completion of a five-day Quick Reaction Assessment for the U.S. Navy’s Cargo Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program. A formal report, released last week by Comman
Ships assigned to the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) served as the key platform for counter-piracy training conducted Oct. 1 by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a certification exercise (CERTEX) off the coast of Southern California. Led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron Five (PHI
Statement made Oct. 5 by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on stationing Aegis ships at Rota, Spain: “Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here. This is my first meeting here at NATO as secretary of defense and I am particularly delighted to be here alongside President Zapatero and Secretary-Gene
System upgrades provided by Northrop Grumman Corporation into the ANZAC Class frigate HMAS Perth helped optimize the performance of the ship’s Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) system during recent sea trials conducted by the Royal Australian Navy. Northrop Grumman supplied equipment containing a m
General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $8,109,915 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-4410) for the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) fiscal year 2011 extended docking phased maintenance availability (EDPMA). An EDPMA provides for an extensive renovation and mo
The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) arrived in Subic Bay Oct. 1 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. With a crew of approximately 160, Ohio will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. “The Officers
Pacific Fleet (PF) command and US Navy’s military delegation visiting Vladivostok in Oct 1-4 agreed to conduct joint anti-piracy exercise off Mariana Islands late in Oct, reports RIA Novosti referring to PF Commander’s press secretary Capt 1 rank Roman Martov. Having finished official visit to PF ma
The future USS San Diego (LPD 22) successfully completed Builder’s Trials, Oct. 1, marking a significant milestone as the ship progresses toward delivery to the Navy. LPD 22 is the sixth LPD 17 class amphibious transport dock ship and the second ship of the class to be completely constructed at Hunt
The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed San Diego Sept. 29 to begin a MEU certification exercise (CERTEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. Led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, the Makin Island ARG c
Forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) departed Okinawa, Japan Oct. 1, to commence a patrol of the Western Pacific region after embarking elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Germantown will conduct amphibious integration training (AIT) exercises as pa
BAE Systems Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded on Sept. 30, a $16,516,656 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4408) for USS Lake Erie (CG-70) drydocking selected restricted availability. Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Februa
The Navy and Marine Corps Team made naval aviation history Oct. 3 as the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft BF-2 landed safely on USS Wasp’s (LHD 1) flight deck, the first at-sea vertical landing for the Marine Corps’ F-35 JSF version. Marine Corps test pilot Lt. Col. Fred Schenk landed
USS Spruance (DDG 111) became the newest member of the Navy’s Pacific fleet after being placed in commission during a sunset ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West Oct. 1. The new destroyer honors legendary Adm. Raymond Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership at the Battle of Midway contributed
