As Australia’s largest naval warfare exercise for 2014, KAKADU is providing an important opportunity to hone and exchange knowledge for Australia and fourteen coalition nations working together on a variety of air defence, anti-submarine and surface warfare serials. Five of the participating natio
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) will enter the Black Sea to promote peace and stability in the region, Sept. 3. Ross’ presence in the Black Sea serves to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to strengthening the collective security of NATO allies and partner
On Tuesday 2 September 2014, eight ships of the coalition Task Force defended themselves against 11 opposition aircraft as a part of an air defence exercise for KAKADU. The ships faced threats from a range of aircraft and had to respond to a simulated use of long range and short range missile deploy
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 29, for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. With a crew of approximately 160, Key West will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of th
Over the weekend, the ship’s company of HMAS Stuart, weighed anchor to mark the start of the sea phases of Exercise KAKADU 2014. Stuart led the ‘Red Force’ Task Group 628.2 out of Darwin Harbour, before conducting Officer of the Watch Manoeuvres with members of the Command Task Group. HMA Ships Ar
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Annapolis, Maryland, is being awarded a $27,6 million modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-type contract to exercise an option for the production of proof of manufacturing/first articles and functional item replacement level c
U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff departed Busan, Republic of Korea Aug. 30 after conducting joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2014 (UFG 14) with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy during a 17-day port visit. The exercise enhances combat readiness and i
The US Navy accepted delivery of PCU North Dakota (SSN 784), the 11th ship of the Virginia Class, on Aug. 29, two days prior to its contract delivery date. North Dakota is the first of eight Virginia Class Block III ships. Approximately 20 percent of North Dakota was redesigned as part of the Virg
A ceremony held aboard the USS Midway Museum Aug. 27 recognized the heroism and bravery of two naval aviators during Operation Lion’s Den, a critical nighttime surface operation late in the Vietnam War. The Air Medal was presented to Rear Adm. William W. Pickavance, Jr. and Rear Adm. Patrick D. Mo
Raytheon Co., Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $36,5 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the repair and maintenance of the SM-1 standard missile for the governments of Taiwan, Spain, Turkey, Japan, France, Chile, Bahrain, Italy, and Poland, inclu
The Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) arrived in Singapore Aug. 20 for a good will and friendship building port visit as well as a voyage repair maintenance availability. Prior to arriving in Singapore, the ship participated in the 2014 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC
HMS Defender has marked the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Heligoland Bight while on her maiden deployment to the Gulf. In a poignant service led by Chaplain Michael Meachin, the entire ship’s company of the Type 45 destroyer mustered to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice during th
Raytheon Company delivered the first Block 2 variant of its Rolling Airframe Missile system to the U.S. Navy as part of the company’s 2012 Low Rate Initial Production contract. RAM Block 2 is a significant performance upgrade featuring enhanced kinematics, an evolved radio frequency receiver, and an
The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) will depart Hawaii Friday, Aug. 29 for a new homeport in San Diego. USS Lake Erie was commissioned in Pearl Harbor July 24, 1993. It is the first Navy ship in modern times to be commissioned in Hawaii since the commissioning of the USS Willamette (A
