While in the midst of its incremental availability, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) held its change of command ceremony in Portsmouth, Va., Feb. 5. Capt. Ryan Scholl took the helm from Capt. Bob Roth in the ceremony presided by Rear Adm. Victorino G. “Vic” Mercado, commander of Car
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team officially laid the keel for the U.S. Navy’s thirteenth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Wichita, in a ceremony held at Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wisconsin, February 9. Ship sponsor Mrs. Kate Staples Lehrer completed the time-honored t
The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 711) returned to its homeport Feb. 9 following an extended seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific. Steaming more than 45,000 miles, San Francisco executed the Chief of Naval Operations’ Maritime Strategy in supporting national
The crew of US Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley returned to Kodiak, Alaska, Sunday following a successful 70-day deployment patrolling more than 10,800 miles throughout the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Alex Haley, known as the “Bulldog of the Bering,” departed Kodiak on Dec. 1, 2014, and spent the
A Sailor signals an AH-1Z Viper helicopter attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced) to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The operation was conducted during routine flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, February 4. Makin Island, the flagshi
The Navy, Air Force and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) completed a successful test of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) Feb. 4, marking a significant step in maturing key technologies for the future operational weapon system. The joint-service team, known as the LRASM Deplo
On February 6, NATO ships assigned to Standing Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) arrived in Split, Croatia, for a scheduled port visit during the Group’s deployment to the Mediterranean to enhance maritime security and readiness, and in support of NATO counter-terrorism Operation Active Endeavour. Led by R
A mine-hunting exercise in the Gulf turned up the real thing when Royal Navy ship HMS Chiddingfold found a live depth charge. The ship’s clearance divers were dispatched to dispose of the explosive during the incident in the Persian Gulf. The real-life scenario came as Royal Navy minehunters, based
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet Rear Adm. George Ballance spoke at the final planning conference for Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15) aboard Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 5. Military, non-governmental agency planners and prospective participants in the upcoming CP-15 humani
The Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship, HMS Bulwark, has welcomed her new commanding officer. Captain Nick Cooke-Priest assumed command of the Plymouth-based amphibious assault ship from Captain Dean Bassett. He joins at a particularly intensive time as the ship prepares for the forthcoming period of opera
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) arrived in Constanta, Romania, for a scheduled port visit, Feb. 9, 2015. Cole’s presence in Romania reaffirms to NATO allies that the U.S. Navy shares a commitment to strengthen ties while working toward mutual goals of promoting pea
The Commander of NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CB CBE, paid an official visit to the Swedish Navy on Thursday, February 5, to discuss the security situation in the Baltic Sea and areas of cooperation between NATO and the partner nation. During the visit, Vice Admir
US Navy’s USS Simpson (FFG 56), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, engaged in counter-piracy operations, has taken the role of one of “the bad guys” during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015. Exercise Cutlass Express, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional coo
The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) warship, Japanese Ship Harusame, engaged with local fishermen during a recent port visit to Salalah, Oman. JS Harusame, currently supporting the counter-piracy task force CTF-151, handed out leaflets to fishermen, written in both English and Arabic, and discussed h
