Vessels
Australian frigate underway for Asia Pacific deployment, exercise RIMPAC
Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Melbourne departed her home port of Fleet Base East bound to start a seven month deployment to the South West Pacific and North East Asia. Melbourne’s deployment will include participation in the second iteration of Indo-Pacific Endeavour, exercise Kakadu in Austra
Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan starts western Pacific patrol
US Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) got underway from Yokosuka, Japan, for patrols and operations in the western Pacific Ocean. The carrier departed Japan May 29 together with the accompanying carrier strike group composed of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile dest
First high-speed vessel for Italian Navy special forces launched
The first of two high-speed multi-purpose vessels for the Italian Navy’s special forces – the Operational Raiders Group – was launched on May 26. The vessel was launched by Italian shipbuilder Intermarine SpA at its Messina shipyard. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Italian Nav
US warships sail near Chinese-claimed Paracel Islands in South China Sea
A US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a Ticonderoga-class cruiser sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China in a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) on May 27. USS Higgins (DDG-76) and USS Antietam (CG-54) sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands, which are control
Canadian World War II destroyer becomes ceremonial flagship
A 75-year-old destroyer and World War II and Korean War veteran officially became the Royal Canadian Navy’s flagship in a ceremony on May 26 in Ontario. The ceremony was part of a two-day community event co-hosted by the Royal Canadian Navy and Parks Canada, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian
Virginia-class submarine Indiana (SSN 789) completes first sea trials
US Navy Virginia-class submarine Indiana (SSN 789) has completed initial sea trials, submarine builder Huntington Ingalls Industries announced. The initial round of sea trials, known as alpha trials, provides an opportunity to test all systems and components. It includes submerging for the first tim
Luerssen, Civmec form “Australian Maritime Shipbuilding and Export Group” joint venture
German shipbuilder Luerssen – the prime contractor in the Australian SEA 1180 offshore patrol vessel program – has formed a joint venture with Australian engineering and defense contractor Civmec. The joint venture will be called the Australian Maritime Shipbuilding and Export Group and will play a
Independence-variant LCS Manchester (LCS 14) entering service
The US Navy’s seventh Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Manchester (LCS 14), is entering service in a ceremony on Saturday, May 26, at the State Pier in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William Moran will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Sen.
Indian Navy commissions fourth Mk-IV LCU
The Indian navy has commissioned its fourth Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV, IN LCU L54, in a ceremony at Port Blair on South Andaman Island. The ceremony took place Friday and was led by Indian Navy Chief of Materiel, Vice Admiral GS Pabby. A total of 8 vessels in the class are planned to be buil
HMAS Warramunga makes two more drug hauls in Arabian Sea
Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga has continued her drug interception streak with an additional two hauls of illicit narcotics in the Arabian Sea. The narcotics were intercepted following boarding operations in international waters of the Arabian Sea this week and are valued at approxima
Royal Navy receives first upgraded Merlin Mk4 helicopter
The Royal Navy has taken delivery of the first upgraded Commando Merlin Mk4 which has been designed for Royal Marine aircraft carrier operations. The helicopters are being upgraded to a faster and more powerful aircraft than their predecessors. With a new maritime grey coat, a folding main rotor and
Seal Team Six vet receives Medal of Honor for Afghanistan operation
US president Donald Trump awarded retired Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Britt Slabinski with the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony held May 24. Slabinski was awarded for his actions while leading a team under heavy effective enemy fire in an attempt to rescue teammate Petty Officer First
Australia’s ASC starts digital transformation program
Australian submarine and warship builder ASC has announced the launch of a digital transformation program which will help apply new technology and innovation to the state-owned shipbuilder’s defense programs. ASC expect the transformation program to have flow-on effects for Australian and overseas s
US disinvites China from exercise RIMPAC 2018
The US defense department has decided to withdraw its invitation for China to take part in the upcoming large-scale exercise Rim of the Pacific in Hawaii. This was announced by Pentagon spokesman Marine Lt. Col. Christopher Logan who said the decision was part of the US response to China’s actions i