Guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) held a change of command ceremony Sept. 2. Cmdr. Michael Concannon relieved Cmdr. Jennifer Couture as commanding officer. Kauffman’s 17th commanding officer, Couture assumed command in February 2013. Her tour was highlighted by successful unit certifica
The US Coast Guard Cutter Legare offloaded approximately 2,800 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated wholesale value of more than $93 million Thursday morning at Base Miami Beach, Florida. The offload is a result of two successful drug interdictions in the Caribbean since Aug. 23. While on routi
The U.S. Coast Guard and Washington State Department of Ecology continue to oversee the cleanup and investigate the cause of an oil spill that appeared earlier this week in the Ballard Mill Marina, on Salmon Bay, along the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The Coast Guard and Ecology received reports Mo
Military Sealift Command Joint High-Speed Vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) moored to the pier in Puerto Castilla, Honduras Aug. 30, to commence the offload of gear and personnel for the final leg of Southern Partnership Station 2014 (SPS-JHSV 14). Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen, all part of t
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) will enter the Black Sea to promote peace and stability in the region, Sept. 3. Ross’ presence in the Black Sea serves to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to strengthening the collective security of NATO allies and partner
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 29, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. With a crew of approximately 160, Key West will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of th
During the U.S. Navy Exercise Spearhead IIA held off the coast of Key West, Fla., in June, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) proved that its Lynx® Multi-mode Radar successfully demonstrated the ability to support maritime operations in a littoral environment. Integrated aboard a
United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is being awarded a $9,4 million modification to the previously awarded F-35 Lightening II Lot VI Low Rate Initial Production cost-plus incentive fee contract. This modification provides for support equipment
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Annapolis, Maryland, is being awarded a $27,6 million modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-type contract to exercise an option for the production of proof of manufacturing/first articles and functional item replacement level c
The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) completed a material inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Aug. 28. The extensive three-day assessment of the entire ship was evaluated by 98 subject-matter experts assigned to INSURV
U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Busan, Republic of Korea Aug. 30 after conducting joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2014 (UFG 14) with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy during a 17-day port visit. The exercise enhances combat readiness and i
The US Navy accepted delivery of PCU North Dakota (SSN 784), the 11th ship of the Virginia Class, on Aug. 29, two days prior to its contract delivery date. North Dakota is the first of eight Virginia Class Block III ships. Approximately 20 percent of North Dakota was redesigned as part of the Virg
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited Naval Air Station Key West for an all-hands call Aug. 27 and tour of enlisted housing. Greenert’s visit was part of a Southeast U.S. tour which included stops at Southern Command, Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Naval Station Guantanamo
A ceremony held aboard the USS Midway Museum Aug. 27 recognized the heroism and bravery of two naval aviators during Operation Lion’s Den, a critical nighttime surface operation late in the Vietnam War. The Air Medal was presented to Rear Adm. William W. Pickavance, Jr. and Rear Adm. Patrick D. Mo
