The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) was certified ready for sea after successfully completing Crew Certification Phases II and III, May 2. Crew Certification is a five-day process where the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) ensures a ship is ready to
Thursday night, 10 April 2014, was another beautiful night on the deck of HMAS Choules when “Hands to Flying Stations” was called. Contently walking towards the Helicopter Control Console, the Ship’s Aviation Officer (SAVO) Lieutenant Commander John Sime, set up for yet another night of flying. Th
Guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) returned to its Naval Station Norfolk homeport May 4 after a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Ramage, which deployed Aug. 7, 2013, supported maritime security operations and conducted theater security cooperation efforts d
The Royal Australian Navy’s developing Romeo capability has achieved another significant milestone with the first ab-initio Pilots and Aviation Warfare Officers (AvWO) graduating recently from MH-60R Operational Flying Training (OFT) Course Number One in Jacksonville, Florida. The course included
Command of USS Stout (DDG 55), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, officially changed hands during a ceremony May 2 at Naval Station Norfolk. Cmdr. Andrew Fitzpatrick assumed command from Cmdr. Bob Alpigini. Past and present crew members, friends, and family attended the time-honored change of comma
Guided-missile frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) was awarded the 2014 Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award for Food Service Excellence (Small Afloat Category) April 29, marking the second time Rentz has won the prestigious award in the last three years. The Ney Award is co-sponsored by the secretary of t
The Chilean diesel-electric submarine CS Thomson (SS 20) arrived at U.S. Naval Base Point Loma May 1 while participating in the U.S. Navy’s Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI). Partnering with South American navies to employ diesel-electric submarines in support of fleet readiness events o
On 30 April, container ship MV Jumme Trader launched a SOS message after a crew member became very ill. The SOS was picked up by the EU Naval Force flagship, FGS Brandenburg and the Force Commander on board immediately directed EU Naval Force French warship, FS Floréal, to provide medical assistance
Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) held a Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony during a port visit to Haifa, Israel, April 27. Vella Gulf’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Robert Katz; Executive Officer, Capt. Francis Castellano, Command Master Chief Scott Nagle; the chaplain, a
U.S. Navy Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen arrived in Port Everglades, Fla., to participate in the U.S. Navy’s largest community outreach program in South Florida, April 28. Participating military units include: USS New York (LPD 21) from Naval Station Mayport, Fla. USCGC Dependable from Cape
The X-47B unmanned combat air system is gearing up for shore-based flight test activities in preparation for the next round of sea trials this summer. The program’s test team will conduct various test events with the X-47B over the next few months in an effort to mature air traffic control and gro
A £36M (USD 60.6M) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been placed with MBDA for the Land variant of the Future Local Area Air Defence System (FLAADSLand). This will fund an Assessment Phase that will demonstrate the adaptation and evolution of core weapon system subsystems (e.g. co
Leidos was awarded a United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) competitive acquisition subcontract for Combatant Craft Medium Mk-1 (CCM Mk1). The contract will include production of low observable systems, integration and testing of craft tactical computing systems, full life-cycle integr
An MQ-8B Fire Scout sits on the flight deck of USS Freedom (LCS 1) April 30 off the coast of San Diego, Calif. Sailors from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 are conducting the first combined operations between the unmanned Fire Scout and the manned H-60 helicopter aboard the littoral c
