The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) fires a Harpoon missile during a live-fire drill. Fitzgerald is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Image: US Navy
The Philippine Navy’s, in an effort to develop a robust island defense force, christened two newly-acquired Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels and two armed Agusta Westland (AW) 109 helicopters in a joint ceremony in Manila. The two LCH vessels were christened as Barkong Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP)
The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Aug. 13, for a port visit in support of embarked Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet’s (C7F) participation in bi-lateral exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG). UFG is an annual combined command and control exercise
In an effort to modernize its naval fleet, the South Korean Navy has launched a new guided missile frigate named Gwangju. This is the sixth in a series of 20 vessels ordered by the Navy to be delivered by 2020. The new frigates are expected to replace the country’s old frigates and corvettes. Gwangj
Six people were injured and a U.S. Army H-60 helicopter was damaged during a hard deck landing today, August 12, aboard the USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR-313). At the time the vessel was underway at approximately 20 miles east of Okinawa. The helicopter is currently on the deck of the USNS Red Cloud. The in
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for DDG 7 and 8 AEGIS Combat System, Underwater Weapon System, Cooperative Engagement Capability and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. Under the proposed sale, Japan
Quartermaster 2nd Class Thomas Hoffman, from Los Angeles, Calif., looks through the Big Eyes aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). The vessel entered Saipan Harbor recently where it provided disaster relief after Typhoon Soudelor made landfall. Ashland is assigned to the Bonh
USA and India have formed a Joint Working Group for possible co-operation in the field of aircraft carrier technologies in the future. The collaboration, which will result in building aircraft carriers, is expected to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s capabilities. Indian Defence Minister Shri M
US Navy’s amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) departed Saipan on August 9. The vessel was in Saipan Harbor August 7 – 9 providing disaster relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor, which devastated the island on August 2-3. Agencies including the Government of Guam, American Red Cro
The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) pulled into Guam for a four-day port visit, Aug 3. The ship’s crew and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in three community service events; Umatac Village Cleanup, Juan M. Gerrero Elementary School painting and Chagui
UK to Upgrade Its Type 23 Frigates The UK MOD has awarded contracts worth £80 million to upgrade the backbone of the Royal Navy surface flotilla, the Type 23 Frigates. Australia to Invest Big in Its Surface Fleet The Australian Government announced a long-term investment of over $89 billion in ships
US Navy’s amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) arrived in Guam for a port visit, Aug. 7. Green Bay traveled to Guam from Australia after participating in Talisman Sabre 2015, a bilateral exercise executed with Australian military forces. While operating in the region, the crew had t
US Navy’s Destroyer Squadron Fifteen (CDS 15) received a new commander in a change of command ceremony at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 7. During the ceremony Capt. Christopher J. Sweeney relieved Capt. Shan M. Byrne as commodore of CDS 15. Byrne, CDS 15’s 54th commodore, began his tour
US Navy’s USS Ashland (LSD 48) is scheduled to arrive in Saipan on August 7 to provide relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor, which devastated the island on August 2-3. Agencies including the Government of Guam, American Red Cross, Ayuda Foundation and other non-profit/non-governmental organiz
