The Navy announced Nov. 26 that it successfully installed the first operational next generation tactical afloat network aboard the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 80). Based in Yokosuka, Japan, McCampbell completed its installation of the Consolidated Afloat Network
USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Bangladesh navy ship BNS Somudro Joy (F-28), Nov. 26. The PASSEX occurred as both ships transited across the Pacific Ocean in support of multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. Freedom ha
Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, directed that the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) be returned to a reduced operating status Nov. 25. Following a devastating typhoon in the Philippines, Mercy was activated Nov. 13 for possible deployment to support disaster relief effort
There are many factors that contribute to mission success on any given operation. Some are enablers which, when combined, set the stage for success and provide the command team with the necessary tools to achieve a positive mission outcome. Highly trained and effective personnel are critical to miss
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the not-yet-launched Zumwalt-class destroyer he toured Nov. 21 “represents the cutting edge of our naval capabilities.” The ship, now known as the Pre-Commissioning Unit, or PCU, Zumwalt, will become the USS Zumwalt, named for former Navy Adm. Elmo Zumwalt. Officia
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) commemorated the 70th anniversary of the battle for which it was named at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 25. The ship is named after the Battle of Cape St. George, which took place on Nov. 25, 1943, in the South Pacific off the isl
The guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) conducted a change of command ceremony while in homeport at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 22. Cmdr. Steven Foley, who has been the ship’s executive officer since September, relieved Cmdr. Dwayne Ducommun as commanding officer of Sampson during a ceremo
The guided missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) conducted a change of command ceremony while in homeport at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 22. Cmdr. Steven R. McDowell, a native of Millbrook, N.Y., relived Cmdr. James E. Brown, a Las Vegas native, as commanding officer of Gary during a ceremony on the pier
USS Chancellorsville Finishes Combat Systems Upgrades Naval Sea Systems Command completed the first-ever Air Defense Cruiser Aegis Baseline 9 combat systems upgrade for USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), March 29. The upgrade, part of the Navy’s Cruiser Modernization program, began in April 2012 at BAE S
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) returned to its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 22 from a deployment to the Western Pacific. Commanded by Capt. Patrick Kelly, the ship and its crew of nearly 340 Sailors departed Hawaii on April 30th and conducted integ
Chaplain Lt. Brian Kirschenbaum, of Carrier Air Wing Five, assisted aircrews in the Guiuan area with the loading and unloading of supplies and interacted with local citizens who were in need of food and shelter. Members from the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) helped hundreds of
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) PM 11’s berthing team are beginning the rebuilding process by overhauling spaces and bringing in replacement racks Nov. 20. The PM 11 team, consisting of 31 Sailors, successfully removed more than 1,500 racks from Lin
The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 departed Norfolk to begin Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX)Nov. 20. COMPTUEX is a series of training exercises designed to certify the carrier strike group deployment-ready by testing its ability to react to real-world scenarios and perform
The Aegis guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) returned home to Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 18 marking the successful completion of her nine-month maiden deployment. Gravely deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations Feb. 15. She supported maritime security and theater security opera