Vessels
USNS Spearhead deploys in support of Continuing Promise 2017
U.S. Navy’s first expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Spearhead began a four-month deployment in support of operation Continuing Promise 2017 on January 17. Continuing Promise is a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet conducted deployment, focused on civil-military operations inclu
Virginia-class submarine changes command in Pearl Harbor
USS North Carolina (SSN 777), the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class, fast attack submarine held a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, January 20. Cmdr. Gary Montalvo, commanding officer of North Carolina, was relieved by Cmdr. Matthew Lewis. Capt. Robert Roncska, commander, Submar
Raytheon gets $235M for SM-6 missile production
The U.S. Navy has contracted Raytheon to produce and deliver Standard Missile-6 all-up round missiles and spares. Raytheon will begin deliveries under the $235 million contract in 2018. The missiles will be deployed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers to support U.S. Navy fleet operations. Raytheon not
USS John S. McCain arrives in Subic Bay
U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) stopped in Subic Bay, Philippines, January 23, during its regular patrol. The Arleigh Burke-class ship will use the stop to conduct some minor repairs with the assistance of Filipino companies. McCain’s crew will also participate in a
Russia to modernize Udaloy-class ASW destroyers
The Russian Navy plans to modernize five Udaloy-class anti-submarine warfare destroyers by 2022, a Russian Navy spokesman told reporters. Ships from the Northern and Pacific Fleets will undergo modernization of life support systems and radio-electronic weapons systems at shipyards in the north and f
George H.W. Bush carrier strike group to deploy
U.S. Navy’s George H.W. Bush carrier strike group (GHWBCSG) is set to depart on a deployment to Europe and Middle East on Saturday, January 21. Nearly 6,000 sailors assigned to the carrier strike group will depart Norfolk and Mayport, Florida, after they spent more time ashore than it was anticipate
Royal Navy ships prepare for carrier strike group operations
Royal Navy warships have been preparing for carrier strike group operations that will begin once the UK’s first Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier arrives this year. The Commander UK Carrier Strike Group (COMUKCSG) battle staff has been conducting transatlantic exercises ahead of the arrival in
NATO escorts Russian flotilla en route home from Syria
NATO said it is monitoring the Russian carrier strike group centered around the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov as it sails back home after spending several months off the coast of Syria. The aircraft carrier took part in Russian military operations in Syria. Admiral Kuznetsov has been monitored
US Navy to christen USS Sioux City in Annapolis, Maryland
The U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced on January 19 that the navy’s next littoral combat ship, the USS Sioux City (LCS 11), would be commissioned in the city of Annapolis, Maryland. The navy added that no date was set for the ceremony, but the ship is expected to be commissioned later t
BAE Systems gets $ 51M for USS Roosevelt maintenance
The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has contracted BAE Systems Southeast Shipyard Mayport to carry out depot maintenance period availability on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Rosevelt (DDG 80). This type of maintenance is a long-term availability and was competed on a coast-wide (East and Gulf
US Navy introduces new flame resistant coveralls
U.S. Navy sailors will be receiving new flame resistant uniforms as the U.S. Fleet Forces commander announced on January 19 that an improved variant of the flame resistant coverall was approved for use. The approval came after a review of the results from recently completed afloat wear tests conduct
USS Hopper docks in Colombo, Sri Lanka
U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a visit on January 19. During their four-day visit, the crew will have the opportunity to engage with members of the Sri Lanka Navy and public. The visit also provides the opportunity for the crew of Hopper to
German Navy Sea Lynx helicopters return to full operational capability
German Navy’s Sea Lynx helicopters returned to their full operational capability after they were grounded in 2014 due to a recurring fault on the helicopters’ fuselages. The helicopters were pulled from service due to a 20 cm rupture or hole found on 15 of the navy’s 22 helicopters. The issue was fi
USCGC Polar Star cuts through 60 miles of ice to reach Antarctica
U.S. Coast Guard cutter Polar Star carved through more than 60 miles of Antarctic ice in the Ross Sea to arrive at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station on Tuesday. By carving a navigable path through seasonal and multi-year ice, the Polar Star assists in the annual delivery of operating