The Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter, the Merlin Mk2, has achieved Full Operating Capability (FOC), on time and under budget. The significant milestone of the £807 million programme has now been met, following the delivery of 24 out of a total of 30 Merlin helicopters to the Royal Navy
Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo relieved Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor as Commander, Submarine Forces in a change of command ceremony aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) in Norfolk, Virginia, Sept. 11. Since taking command of the submarine force in September 2012, Vice Adm. Co
NATO’s Submarine Warfare Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA 2015 (DYMA 15) began Friday off the Sicilian coast, with ships, submarines, and aircraft and personnel from 9 Allied nations converging on the Central Mediterranean Sea for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare training. Submarines from
The annual U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted multinational training exercise Sea Breeze 2015 concluded in Odesa, Ukraine and the Black Sea Sept. 12, 2015. Maritime forces from 11 allied and partnering nations participated in the 14th iteration of Sea Breeze. This year’s exercise included training at Ukrainian
After sailing over 10,000 km each, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMA Ships Sirius, Arunta and Sheean are in Visakhapatnam, India preparing to exercise with the Indian Navy. The inuagural bilateral maritime activity, AUSINDEX, will commence on 12 September and will start with briefings and practical de
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived in Sasebo, Japan, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific, Sept. 10. The visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crews’ interaction with the Japan Maritime Se
The guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) is scheduled to depart Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 9 on an independent deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and Middle East. Prior to proceeding on deployment Russell will participate in an independent deployer certification exercise (IDCERTEX). T
Members of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and Ukrainian naval ship Hetman Sahaydachniy (U-130) conducted visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) and damage control training during exercise Sea Breeze 2015, Sept. 4, 2015. Sea Breeze is an annual multination
The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) returned to its homeport at U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, from a regularly-scheduled deployment on Sept. 4. Under the command of Cmdr. Todd Moore, New Mexico returned from the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility w
The commanding officer (CO) of the Groton-based Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) was relieved of his duties September 4th due to loss of confidence in his ability to command. Commander Daniel Lombardo was removed from his position by Captain John McGunnigle, Commander, Su
After two years at the helm, Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer turned over duties as commander of Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC), and commander of Task Force 134, to Rear Adm. Frederick J. “Fritz” Roegge in a ceremony at Sharkey Theater on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Sept. 3. Having a
US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus hosted a ship-naming ceremony on September 2 in Ames, Iowa to announce that SSN 797, a Virginia-class attack submarine, will bear the name USS Iowa. The submarine will be named to honor the history its namesake state has with the Navy. Iowa is home to former Naval
Capt. J.J. Cummings relieved Capt. Michael McKenna as commanding officer aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during a change of command ceremony Sept. 3. This change of command was special for Capt. McKenna because it was his last. He retired after 26 y
US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus yesterday announced that the next Freedom-variant littoral combat ship will be named USS Minneapolis/St. Paul (LCS 21). The future Minneapolis/St. Paul was named to honor the citizens of Minnesota’s Twin Cities who have a long and proud history of naval service. It
