On U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s first official visit to China, the Peoples’ Liberation Army allowed him, in response to a request made in January, to become the first foreign visitor to tour the sleek refitted Russian aircraft carrier, the PLA’s first, called Liaoning. China is Hagel’s thi
U.S. Navy engineers are making final adjustments to a laser weapon prototype that will be the first of its kind to deploy aboard a ship late this summer. The prototype, an improved version of the Laser Weapon System (LaWS), will be installed on USS Ponce for at-sea testing in the Persian Gulf, ful
The staff of the US Navy’s Destroyer Squadron has embarked the Royal Navy ship HMS Illustrious to participate in Joint Warrior 14-1 March 31. Joint Warrior 14-1 is a semiannual, United Kingdom-led training exercise designed to provide NATO and allied forces a unique, multi-warfare environment in w
Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) participated in a community engagement project during its scheduled port visit in Toulon, France, April 4. Fifty Sailors traveled to a cemetery in Rhone and spent the morning working on the grounds and laying wreaths in honor of Ame
The crew of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) started a vigorous shipwide training program to ensure the Sailors aboard are ready for operational status. Training, along with preparation and restoration of the ship, has been the priority during an 18-month, $200 million Dry-dock Planned Ma
After more than 30 years of Naval service, crew members, plankowners, family members and friends gathered at Naval Station Mayport April 4, to bid farewell to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45) during a decommissioning ceremony. De Wert completed its last deployment Dec. 23
Britain’s Only WW2-Era Submarine Reopens to Public HMS Alliance – Britain’s only WW2-era submarine – reopens to the public today after a three-year restoration project. Around £7m has been spent revamping the boat at the RN Submarine Museum in Gosport, making her appear brand new both inside and out
More than 4,000 guests watched as the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) joined the Navy’s surface fleet during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif., April 5. Coronado is the fourth littoral combat ship, the second of the Independence variant, commi
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived in Palma, Spain for a scheduled port visit, April 3. The port visit is designed to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with European nations to improve maritime safety and security in the region
Guided-missile destroyer USS San Jacinto (CG 56) arrived in Palma, Spain for a scheduled port visit, April 3. The port visit is designed to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with European nations to improve maritime safety and security in the region.
The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) relieved the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) of its duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) March 24. The HST CSG deployed July 22, 2013, and since then has conducted maritime security operations, theater securit
A flotilla of coastal patrol (PC) ships launched four missiles at target sleds last week to test the operational capability of the system. Each missile fired resulted in a successful test of the system and destruction of the target, the U.S. Navy said in a release. The U.S. Navy recently completed
Guided-missile destroyer USS Gettysburg (CG 64) arrived in Toulon, France for a scheduled port visit, April 2. The port visit is designed to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with European nations to improve maritime safety and security in the region
On Monday, 1 April 2014, the NATO counter-piracy task force (CTF-508) frigates ESPS CRISTOBAL COLON and ITS FRANCESCO MIMBELLI conducted an Air Defence Exercise (ADEX) with USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH and USS PHILIPPINE SEA, testing their surface warfare and anti-air warfare skills. Before commencing the
