Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) successfully undocked USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Feb 21. SSBN 738 is now pier-side to finish its Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO), a complex, major shipyard availability at the submarine’s mid-life point that enables the submarine to operate for its entire design servic
Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) for Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) were announced Feb. 27 following a week of events where 9 SOY candidates representing various commands from the Pacific submarine community competed for the distinguished title. The 2014 Sea Sailor
The Navy’s DDG 51 modernization program has met two key milestones Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Dec. 22. The milestones involve the successful installation and testing of the new Aegis baseline 9 combat system on two DDG 51 destroyers, and a hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) mod
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado Feb. 26. At the ceremony, Cmdr. Bobby E. Brown relieved Cmdr. Jason E. Rimmer as the commanding officer of the “Scorpions” of HSL-49. Rimmer, a native of Sherman, Texas,
An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter landed aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) during night flight operations. The helicopter, assigned to The Immortals of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 60, conducted the operation on February 24, while it was in the Caribbean Sea. Ka
The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) returned Feb. 25 to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. Olympia completed an array of undersea operations and training evolutions, and worked with allied partners in several multinational
The Blue and Gold crews of USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) were named as the recipients of the 2014 Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance Award Feb. 13 in a letter signed by Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Rear Adm. Philip G. Sawyer. The award, which is also known as the Olympic Bowl T
The U.S. Navy conducted successful test flights Feb. 22 of two Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles built by Lockheed Martin. This brings the D5 missile’s record to 155 successful test flights since design completion in 1989, a 25-year-plus reliability record unmatched by any other large ballistic
USS Alaska (SSBN 732) Blue and Gold crews were presented the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for increased warfighting readiness that enhanced global and national security Feb. 23 in a ceremony on Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay. According to the award citation from Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV
Commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma Feb. 23. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Russell E. Allen assumed command from Rear Adm. William Merz. Merz assumed command of NMAWC in October 2013 as a career submariner and w
Rear Adm. Sandy L. Daniels will relieve Rear Adm. Matthew J. Carter as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group/Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pacific in a change of command ceremony Feb. 20 at the command’s headquarters at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads. Daniels served as Reserv
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Feb. 19, for a port visit during its deployment to the Western Pacific. This was the second port visit for Louisville’s crew of 140 during its current deployment. Measuring more than 360 feet lo
US Navy Names New Virginia-Class Submarine US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recently announced that SSN 795, a Virginia-class attack submarine, will bear the name USS Hyman G. Rickover. Royal Navy’s New Jets Carry Out Operational Testing The first British squadron has begun operational testing of
Capt. Rod Hutton, deputy commander for the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force, led the Enlisted Women in Submarines Road Show to different military bases in the San Diego area Feb. 9-11. The road show is spreading the word that the submarine force is now open to female enlisted Sailors from E-1
