US Navy

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(Jan. 26, 2013) Huntington Ingalls Industries celebrated significant progress today as the 555-metric ton island was lowered onto the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The 60-foot long, 30-foot wide island was the 452nd lift of the nearly 500 total lifts needed to complete the aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy Huntington Ingalls Industries/Released)

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Boeing to Provide 9 P-8A Poseidon to US Navy, 4 to RAAF as Part of 2nd Full-Rate Production Lot
Boeing will provide the first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft for Australia and additional P-8As for the U.S. Navy following a $1.49 billion contract award from the Navy for 13 aircraft. The order includes nine aircraft for the U.S. Navy and four Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a long-time partner to the U.S. Navy on P-8A development.


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2015/08/boeing-to-provide-9-p-8a-poseidon-to-us.html?m=1

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Raytheon and U.S. Navy Collaborate to Optimize LCS' AN/AQS-20A Minehunting Sonar

Raytheon Company is working closely with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) – Division Newport to enhance the features of the company's AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar. Together, the team is analyzing the system's synthetic aperture sonar to fully optimize its ability to capture and process high- and low-resolution images of mine threats undersea.

"Extending our long history of collaboration with our NUWC neighbors, this project brings together our respective sonar experts to maximize the performance of a critical undersea warfare capability," said Kevin Peppe, vice president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Seapower Capability Systems. "Our goal is to build on the system's proven performance and further the advantage that AN/AQS-20A provides to the Navy to safely detect and effectively identify these undersea threats."

Under a 'work for private party' contract funded by Raytheon, NUWC joins the ongoing initiatives of the AN/AQS-20A team which has been providing these systems to the U.S. Navy for more than 10 years. The system leverages advanced sonar technologies to support the Navy's critical minehunting missions, ensuring safe access and passage for military and civilian vessels on the world's oceans and waterways.

Enhancements provided by the synthetic aperture sonar include higher-quality imaging of objects found deep undersea to aid in the identification and classification of mines. Through a series of lab- and sea-based tests, the team will extensively evaluate and exercise the sonar's features to optimize the quality of both high- and low-resolution imaging.





http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3055

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USS Ronald Reagan Completes Sea Trials and Post Hull Swap Assessment

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to Naval Base Coronado in San Diego after completing sea trials and a post hull swap assessment, Aug. 29. In order to prepare the ship for her upcoming patrol and to re-certify shipboard qualifications, the crew completed five days of drills and training. Carrier Air Wing (CVW-11) was embarked to assist.


"Anytime there is a significant change of personnel the ship has to re-certify its flight deck and hangar bay,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate First Class Demetrius Davis, V-3 division leading petty officer. “The certification process ensured our personnel were able to secure aircraft properly, combat causalities and properly execute drills such as moving aircraft to different spots on the flight deck and hangar bay.”

Not only were newly updated networking systems tested during the evolution, but after completing a recent hull swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) a newly integrated Ronald Reagan team was tested as well.

“This was our first time operating the entire system underway with the staff, squadron, and airwing onboard,” said Ensign Kyle DeVries, Ronald Reagan’s Combat Systems division officer. “This is a relatively new system for aircraft carriers, so we tested to see how the system would work in support of this ship’s new mission as the forward-deployed aircraft carrier.”

Afloat Training Group (ATG) Pacific was on board for the last time before the ship’s departure to Yokosuka, Japan to evaluate the damage control teams as they conducted drills.

"ATG was here to evaluate how well the two crews blended together and to provide training to ensure the unified Reagan team is on the right track as we transition to deployment," said Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Schaub, Ronald Reagan's Damage Control Assistant. "They are here to certify we are training watch standers properly, our flying squad is capable of handling casualties and the ship as a whole is still capable of combating causalities."

Ronald Reagan is the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.






http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/august-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/3056-uss-ronald-reagan-completes-sea-trials-and-post-hull-swap-assessment.html

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Boeing Offers Holistic Solution to Help Address U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Shortfall

At a recent discussion on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviation at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, Naval Air Force commander, highlighted a Super Hornet Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) as part of the solution for the U.S. Navy’s shortfall of F/A-18 E/Fs in the mid-2020s



“I think we’ve got a pretty good plan right now to move forward and avoid a significant impact to our strike fighter inventory as those airplanes come out of service to get repaired and get back into service,” Shoemaker says of upgrading F/A-18s. “It’s not an inconsequential challenge we have ahead of us.”

Boeing is having ongoing dialogue with U.S. Navy officials to offer a holistic solution to help solve their inventory management issues. As described in an article from National Defense, the company is working to help accelerate the SLEP program to help provide continual maintenance and extend the life of the Super Hornet fleet. The Navy plans to extend the Super Hornet’s life from its 6,000 hour design limit to 9,000 hours but still faces significant strike fighter inventory issues even with this life extension.

This spring, the Chief of Naval Operations testified before Congress that the Navy was facing a Super Hornet shortfall of two to three squadrons, or 24 – 36 aircraft. The Navy requested 12 Super Hornets as a top unfunded priority this year.

With the unmatched capability of the carrier strike group and its embarked air wing, funding the 12 aircraft in fiscal year 2016 is critical to not only address the Navy’s near-term needs, but also to keep the door open so Boeing can provide an integrated solution to be sure the Navy has enough Super Hornets – the workhorse of our Nation’s carrier fleet – not only now but through 2040.



http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3057

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NAVAIR Announces Full Rate Production Milestone for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missile

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Featuring a “lock on after launch” capability and other advances, the joint Navy and Air Force air-intercept missile (AIM)-9X Sidewinder Block II reached the full rate production milestone Aug. 17.



Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, signed the Acquisition Decision Memorandum allowing the Air-to-Air Missile Systems Program Office (PMA-259), located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, and industry partner, Raytheon Missile Systems, to move forward with mass production of the missile.

“With our adversaries constantly advancing technologies within their aircraft and weaponry, we must continue to advance our capabilities to stay ahead of future threats,” said Capt. James Stoneman, PMA-259 program manager. “AIM-9X FRP is the end product of much engineering and testing to ensure our warfighters are equipped and ready to respond to any scenario.”

Approximately 6,000 AIM-9X Blk II missiles will be procured through 2026.



http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3058

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DLS, ViaSat to deliver new MIDS-LVT systems to US Navy

Geoff Fein, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
31 August 2015



he US Navy (USN) awarded Data Link Solutions (DLS) and ViaSat indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts totaling more than USD870 million for production and maintenance of new Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT) that enable platforms to join a Link 16 communications network.

The awards are for new MIDS-LVT terminals including the current Block Upgrade (BU) 1 configuration as well as the BU 2 configuration. The award does not include any pricing for upgrading the BU 1 terminals to BU 2, a BAE Systems spokesperson told IHS Jane's on 27 August.

On 21 August, the USN's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command announced DLS, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins, received USD366.5 million for MIDS-LVT. ViaSat was awarded a USD514.3 million contract.

MIDS-LVT BU 2 is a 39-month five-country collaboration effort to upgrade MIDS-LVT terminals with enhanced throughput, crypto modernisation, and frequency remapping. The European partner countries are France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The United States is the host country and manages the MIDS International Program Office (IPO).

"Many international customers and US military support platforms will stay with MIDS-LVT," the BAE Systems spokesperson said. "The last estimate that the MIDS programme office gave was that the US military has approximately 5,000 MIDS-LVT terminals and half will migrate to MIDS JTRS. The remaining terminals will remain with MIDS-LVT. Internationally we would expect that there [will be] some migration [to MIDS JTRS], but many countries will stay with MIDS-LVT."

MIDS LVT history goes back more than 20 years, and has been in production since around 2000. MIDS-LVT was the follow-on terminal to the legacy Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). MIDS JTRS is the follow-on to MIDS-LVT.




There are three families of MIDS-LVT: LVT (1) for air and some ground platforms, LVT (2) specifically for ground platforms, and LVT (3) specially designed for the US Air Force (USAF) F-15s, according to DLS.

The MIDS-LVT provides secure, high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital data, and voice communications capability for USN, USAF, and US Army platforms. It provides two secure voice channels, supporting 2.4 Kbps and 16 Kbps voice, according to DLS.

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Fourth MUOS launch completes communications satellite constellation

Geoff Fein, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
02 September 2015





The US Navy launched the fourth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) communications satellite on 2 September from Cape Canaveral, Florida, providing worldwide satellite communications (satcom) coverage that will also extend from the North to South poles.

The 6:18 am EDT lift-off of the Atlas Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle configuration, referred to as 551, represents the completion of the MUOS operational constellation. There are currently three on-orbit and operational MUOS satellites. The fifth and final satellite (which serves as an on-orbit spare) is set to launch in 2016.

MUOS is a narrowband satcom system operating in the ultra-high-frequency (UHF) spectrum. Its main focus is tactical communications on the move for individual soldiers, vehicles, aircraft, and navy ships and boats. With more than 200,000 legacy radios in use by US and coalition forces, narrowband satcom is critical for warfighting missions, US Navy Captain Joseph Kan, MUOS programme manager, said on 28 August during a media briefing.

"Narrowband communications is used by every COCOM [Combatant Commander], every ship, submarine, aircraft, and on ground vehicles, as well as troops in the field," he said.

When fully operational, the system will provide a 10x increase in coverage over the current UHF Follow-On (UFO) legacy satellite system. MUOS will also provide forces with 3G Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA): a capability similar to cellular phone service.

The UHF payload is operational and providing COCOMs with support to carry out missions on a daily basis, Capt Kan noted.

MUOS's legacy payload is also ensuring continued UHF communications as the legacy UFO system reaches its capacity. The future of the UFO system has not yet been decided and is up to the operational community to determine, Capt Kan said.

WCDMA is not currently operational. It is set to begin several months of multiservice operational test and evaluation starting in October, he added.

The US Army has also been demonstrating the MUOS waveform on its two-channel manpack radio. In fact, the manpack radio will be the first man-portable radio to use the MUOS waveform.

The new capability will enable soldiers to talk, text, and share mission data seamlessly, Army Colonel James Ross, programme manager for tactical radios, said on 28 August.

"MUOS increases operational ranges so we are mitigating these line-of-sight waveforms that we currently have that work well on the ground, such as Soldier Radio Waveform and the Wideband Networking Waveform," he said.



The army has demonstrated the MUOS waveform with the US Coast Guard in terms of extending the waveform to very high latitudes in the Arctic Circle, and a team led by the US Air Force Research Laboratory recently sent text and data over MUOS from McMurdo and Amundsen-Scott stations in Antarctica for the annual resupply mission of the National Science Foundation.

"It shows MUOS and the manpack radio can operate in a denied environment and enable troops to communicate all over the world," Col Ross added.

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U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Award Lockheed Martin $66 Million Contract for Joint Air-to-Ground Missile

The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $66.3 million contract for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program.



“Since contract award in August, we conducted a fifth flight test that further demonstrated the high degree of design maturity and readiness for operational testing that will support future JAGM production,” said U.S. Army Project Manager Col. James Romero. “The Aug. 25 test was the first JAGM test using the Active Fire and Forget, Lock-On After Launch engagement mode against a stationary armored target. Throughout all five tests, we have demonstrated that both sensors - onboard radar and semi-active laser - effectively operate together to provide an enhanced capability against stationary and moving targets for precision point or fire-and-forget targeting.”

The 24-month EMD phase will include JAGM production, test qualification and integration on the AH-64 Apache and AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters. The EMD phase also establishes an initial low-rate manufacturing capability in support of two follow-on low-rate initial production options.

“The EMD contract validates the merits of our mature, modular and proven JAGM design,” said Frank St. John, vice president of tactical missiles and combat maneuver systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We will continue to work closely with the Army and Navy as we move through the EMD phase and into low-rate initial production, ensuring we meet Initial Operational Capability in 2018 on budget and on schedule.”

Prior to EMD contract award, Lockheed Martin completed the Army’s Continued Technology Development (CTD) phase, which included design, test and demonstration of the JAGM guidance section. During CTD flight testing, Lockheed Martin’s JAGM achieved 100 percent mission success.

JAGM is the next generation air-to-ground missile for use on joint rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft systems for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. JAGM’s multi-mode seeker provides the warfighter with precision strike and fire-and-forget capabilities against moving targets


http://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/u.s._army_and_u.s._navy_award_lockheed_martin_$66_million_contract_for_joint_air-to-ground_missile.html

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Outfitting Aegis: Lockheed Martin Wins Contract to Integrate Combat System on U.S. Navy Ships

Expanding upon a 40-year legacy integrating the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Combat System, Lockheed Martin) will continue to modernize Aegis hardware and software onboard Navy vessels as part of a recent contract award.




In the next phase of integrating the Aegis Combat System on the U.S. Navy’s fleet, Lockheed Martin has won a ten-year contract that will, with options, have the potential to be worth about $428 million. The Ship Integration & Test (SI&T) program will integrate Aegis onboard new Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and modernize destroyers and cruisers to operate the latest iteration of the Aegis configuration, called Baseline 9.

Through Baseline 9, ships can simultaneously defend against airborne threats, such as aircraft or cruise missiles, while also targeting and intercepting ballistic missiles. It is the only naval combat system in the world to demonstrate the ability to conduct integrated air and missile defense simultaneously.



“When a ship goes into harm’s way, the combat system must work 100 percent of the time – there is no margin of error,” said Chris Minster, SI&T senior program manager of Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training. “Whether it is designing a system for a brand new ship or working hand-in-hand with sailors pierside, Ship Integration and Test is there to deliver.”

Lockheed Martin’s SI&T team delivers both planned upgrades and engineered innovations to make ships more capable and survivable. In tandem with SI&T, Lockheed Martin also provides engineering services including design, development, integration, test and life cycle support for all Aegis-equipped ships through the Combat System Engineering Agent (CSEA) contract, which was re-awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2013.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3067

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Raytheon awarded contract for AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar for US and Allied Navies

The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company a $33 million contract for the production, integration, testing and delivery of AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) systems. The contract includes an option for additional systems for U.S. inventory and potential Foreign Military Sale. The option, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to more than $98 million.


"Access and safe passage on the world's oceans are critical to our global interests, economy and security," said Raytheon's Kevin Peppe, vice president of Integrated Defense Systems' Seapower Capability Systems business area. "ALFS' proven capabilities make it the U.S. Navy's airborne anti-submarine warfare sensor of choice, able to effectively ­ sense and detect the otherwise unseen threat of enemy submarines."

As the primary undersea warfare sensor for the Navy's MH-60R multi-mission helicopter, ALFS provides significantly improved airborne anti-submarine warfare capability. ALFS is highly integrated with the helicopter and with the MK 54 lightweight torpedo, providing the full detect to engage ASW mission capability from the helicopter.

Raytheon began low-rate initial production in 2002 and has delivered more than 130 ALFS systems. Eight systems have been delivered to the Royal Australian Navy under U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sale, with an additional 17 planned for delivery by 2016. As international interest continues to grow, ALFS is emerging as the ASW sensor of choice for allied navies worldwide.

About AN/AQS-22
ALFS is the mission-critical ASW capability for the defense of U.S. Navy strike groups, providing submarine detection, tracking, localization, classification, acoustic intercept, underwater communication and environmental data collection. It is the only in-service dipping sonar with multi-frequency operation, allowing the system to adapt its performance to varying environmental conditions. With a rapid search rate and extended range, ALFS identifies threats sooner, enabling it to cover a larger area. The system's longer detection range over a wider area also reduces the number of helicopters required to perform active anti-submarine warfare screening.

End-to-End Anti-Submarine Warfare Capability
Coupling ALFS with the MK 54 lightweight torpedo, Raytheon can deliver the full anti-submarine warfare engagement capability. The MK 54 is the U.S. Navy's next-generation ASW weapon deployed from surface ships, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to detect and attack underwater targets. Integrated onboard the MH-60R, MK 54 is the primary weapon for the helicopter's ASW mission.

The advanced technologies of these systems deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end solution – detect to engage – enabling the Navy to safely and effectively execute its mission.



http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3068

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U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II Detachment Visited NAS Fallon For the First Time

From Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific Public Affairs
U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft assigned to the "Grim Reapers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, homeported at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada, Sept. 3. The evolution is part of a 12-day VFA-101 detachment focused on the integration of F-35C with the Fallon Range Training Complex. This visit will also allow coordination among VFA-101 and the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center to refine tactics, techniques and procedures of F-35C as it prepares to join the carrier air wing.



"F-35C Lightning II will be an absolutely critical addition to the carrier strike group's integrated warfighting package," said Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces. "With its stealth advantages, it penetrates threat envelopes, detects and fuses information from many sources, and links that fused picture to other strike group aircraft and ships."

The visit also provides pilots and aviation maintenance personnel at NAS Fallon, as well as local dignitaries, an opportunity to become familiar with the aircraft through capabilities briefs and a static display.

"It was great to see so many interested Sailors," said Lt. William Snead, a pilot with VFA-101. "Because Lightning II joint strike fighters will operate alongside (F/A-18E/F) Super Hornets starting in 2018, I think there was a lot of interest to see what it looks like up-close and get a preview of it sitting beside the Super Hornets that it will be operating within the air wing of the future."

The F-35C is a fifth generation stealth fighter that provides the all-sensor fusion and long range combat identification capability, networked to the rest of the air wing, strike group and Joint Force. With a broad wingspan, reinforced landing gear, ruggedized structures and durable coatings, the F-35C is designed to stand up to harsh shipboard conditions while delivering a lethal combination of fighter capabilities to the fleet.

The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces.

The U.S. Navy's future aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers electronic attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye battle management and control aircraft, MH-60R/S Sea Hawk helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.

Although VFA-101 is the Navy's newest fighter squadron, they possess a rich heritage. The original Fighter Squadron (VF) 101 was established in 1942 and flew various aircraft including the F-14 Tomcat. When the F-14 was retired in 2005, VF-101 was disestablished.




http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3073

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U.S. Navy Awards Orbital ATK 4th & 5th AARGM Anti-Radiation Missile Production Lot

Orbital ATK, a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced today that it has been awarded a $119 million contract by the U.S. Navy for the fourth full-rate production lot of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and a fifth lot for up to $141 million. The contract covers All-Up Round missiles and captive air training missiles for the U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force as well as the second Foreign Military Sales order for the Royal Australian Air Force. The contract award reinforces the customers need for AARGM’s critical mission capabilities.


With the rapid proliferation of threats emerging around the world, AARGM provides significant advanced capabilities to those protecting our nation each and every day,” said Bill Kasting, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Defense Electronic Systems division of the Defense Systems Group. “AARGM continues to provide the U.S. Navy and our allies with the most advanced system against surface-to-air threats.”

AARGM is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile system, upgrading legacy AGM-88 HARM systems with advanced capability to perform destruction of enemy air defense missions. AARGM provides the most advanced system for pilots, with in-cockpit, real-time electronic order of battle situational awareness against today’s modern surface-to-air threats. It is able to rapidly engage traditional and non-traditional advanced land- and sea-based air-defense threats, as well as striking, time-sensitive targets.

AARGM is a U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force international cooperative major acquisition program with the U.S. Navy as the executive agent. AARGM is currently deployed and supporting operational requirements for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. The missile is integrated into the weapons systems on the FA-18C/D Hornet, FA-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. AARGM is anticipated to achieve Initial Operational Capability on the Italian Air Force’s Tornado ECR aircraft in 2017.




With additional integration efforts, AARGM could be employed on the F-35.
AARGM is currently deployed with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. AARGM achieved Initial Operational Capability in July 2012 and was approved by the Navy for Full Rate Production in September 2012. AARGM is a U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force international cooperative major acquisition program with the U.S. Navy as the executive agent. AARGM is currently deployed on U.S. FA-18C/D Hornet aircraft and is being integrated for use on the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler and FA-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, as well as the Italian Air Force's Tornado ECR aircraft. The missile is also compatible with the F-35, EA-6B, allied FA-18, and U.S. and allied F-16.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/september-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/3083-us-navy-awards-orbial-atk-4th-a-5th-aargm-anti-radiation-missile-production-lot.html

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U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Group 2 Accepts the First Two of Twelve MK VI Patrol Boats

U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Group 2 has taken ownership of the first two of 12 Mark VI Patrol Boats, in Portsmouth, Sept. 8. The MK VI, an 85-foot combatant craft, will provide a persistent capability to patrol shallow littoral areas for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces as well as critical infrastructure.



"The MK VI is an amazing boat with great capabilities," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Michael Schwartz, who operates the patrol boat. "The ability to conduct our mission without having to return to homeport every night is quite empowering. Considering how well it performs, I foresee an expanded mission set on the horizon. Plus, it is fun to drive."

The MK VI PB offers the Coastal Riverine Forces a variety of mission sets from waterborne to mine counter measures to theater security cooperation enabling operators to provide their critical security know how and force protection worldwide.

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's Cmdr. Peter Berning emphasized the enhanced capabilities of the Navy's newest and next generation patrol boats.

"Globally transportable, the MK VI Patrol Boats can operate from amphibious ship well decks to forward locations while partnering with allied navies at a new and more effective level than at any time in recent history," said Berning, who added the unique design of the patrol boats is its configurability, which will provide the opportunity for installation of future systems directly supporting the operational commander.

The MK VI PBs will also provide operators enhanced capabilities such as speed to range to maneuverability.

"These patrol boats can reach speeds in excess of 35 knots and have a range of more than 600 nautical miles," said Berning, who added the redesigned pilothouse and a reconfigurable, modular main deck cabin provides space for a sizeable crew and their payload.

Over the course of the next few years, the Coastal Riverine Force will continue to accept patrol boats. The first deployment of the MK VI PBs is expected early 2016.

The Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CORIVFOR is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.




http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3091

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U.S. Navy is Still Looking at MBDA's Dual Mode Brimstone for F/A-18E/F AGM Solution

Following our article published last year about U.S. Navy evaluation of MBDA's Dual Mode Brimstone, it was brought to our attention earlier this year that the U.S. Congress did allocate the $10 Million funding for "Brimstone weapon system qualification for the F/A-18 aircraft".


The unclassified document issued by congress explains that U.S. Navy "F/A-18 aircraft capabilities are being expanded and upgraded to incorporate new/enhanced weapons systems and avionics including Dual Mode Weapons".

The $10 million funding for FY2015 objective is to "Conduct missile and launcher subsystem qualification efforts, characterization of system performance and airworthiness analyses with Boeing Aircraft Company (BAC). Conduct qualification test which will culminate in the delivery of specfici reports of test results for each test effort and in the delivery of BAC analyses for weapon/launcher interfaces with the F/A-15".


With the recent announcement of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy contract award to Lockheed Martin for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program, Navy Recognition contacted the U.S. Navy NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) to find out about the differences between the two programs (JAGM and Dual Mode Brimstone).

NAVAIR got back to us explaining:
"Joint Air-to-Ground Missile is the program of record (por) for the Department of the Navy (DoN) for the AH-1Z Attack Helicopter and was approved by Under Secretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics July 29, 2015. the DoN threshold platform for this joint weapon system is the AH-1Z Viper with other rotary wing and unmanned aircraft systems (uas) platforms as objective requirements. the DoN is executing a brimstone feasibility analysis on the F-18 with the $4m FY14 congressional add. While there are currently no programs of record for development at this time, any activities pursuing a future air-to-ground missile (AGM) for fixed-wing aircraft will consider new and existing weapon solutions that best meet DoN requirements while balancing priorities and resources."



avy Recognition: What exactly does "Brimstone weapon system qualification for the F/A-18 Aircraft" comprise ? Does it involve captive carry flights, store separation tests or just land-based tests such as fit checks? Have those already happened?
NAVAIR: Navair is currently conducting a feasibility analysis to evaluate Brimstone’s abilityto meet F/A-18E/F platform requirements.This analysis does not include flight testing (only lab testing).



NAVAIR could not answer several other questions (number of Dual Mode Brimstones a Super Hornet may carry, for which type of missions the U.S. Navy may use the missiles...) explaining that the feasibility analysis is on going.

Earlier this year, the British MoD and Eurofighter consoritum announced that Dual Mode Brimstone would be integrated on the Eurofighter Typhoon as part of the Phase 3 Capability Enhancement contract.

Last year, MBDA successfully demonstrated its Dual Mode BRIMSTONE missile against fast moving and manoeuvring Fast Inshore Attack Craft even in a cluttered environment with multiple neutral vessels in very close proximity.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3087

Citation :

USA: l'armée limitera les sonars et explosifs près des mammifères marins


Los Angeles, 15 sept 2015 (AFP) -

La Marine américaine a accepté de limiter l'usage de sonars et explosifs à proximité des dauphins, baleines et autres mammifères marins dans un règlement à l'amiable qualifié d'"historique" par les groupes de défense de l'environnement.

Le règlement approuvé lundi par un juge fédéral à Hawaï concerne les activités de la Marine dans le Pacifique au sud de la Californie et au large de l'archipel d'Hawaï

Les groupes ayant attaqué l'armée en justice dans deux procès estimaient que les entraînements et les tests effectués dans ces secteurs étaient néfastes pour la faune et la flore marine.

"Pendant des années, la Marine affirmait qu'il lui était impossible de rester à l'écart des zones biologiquement importantes pour les mammifères marins (...). Désormais, ils ont reconnu qu'ils pouvaient le faire", a affirmé David Henkin, avocat du groupe Earthjustice, qualifiant le règlement d'"historique".

Le règlement prévoit que l'armée poursuive ses entraînements, tout en réduisant les dangers sur l'environnement marin, ont expliqué des avocats.

Selon plusieurs études, l'usage de sonars ou d'explosifs peut endommager l'ouïe des dauphins et des baleines, avaient mis en avant les défenseurs de l'environnement.

"Si une baleine ou un dauphin ne peut pas entendre, il ne peut pas survivre", a martelé Me Henkin.

http://www.marine-oceans.com/actualites-afp/11413-usa-larmee-limitera-les-sonars-et-explosifs-pres-des-mammiferes-marins

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AIR FAN a ajouté 4 nouvelles photos.

Ca mailloche à Fallon
Les F-35C de la VFA-101 Grim Reapers venus d'Eglin et les F/A-18E/F du NAWDC de Fallon ont fait des combats aériens simulés au dessus du Fallon Range Training Complex pour intégrer le nouveau chasseur dans le système d'entrainement de la Navy.
Les compte-rendus restent à suivre mais l'idée ici est de mettre les systèmes à jour pour inclure le F-35 dans les procédures de la Navy, pas de savoir si le Lightning II est meilleurs que le Rhino, ce que les pilotes ne tarderont pas à commenter de toutes façons.
En attendant, on est bien loin de la variété colorée des CVW des générations précédentes...

SP

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Zumwalt destroyer set for trials as questions loom over programme's future

Grace Jean, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
16 September 2015


he US Navy's (USN's) lead Zumwalt-class destroyer is expected to commence dock trials in the final quarter of 2015 ahead of its first at-sea period, officials confirmed to IHS Jane's on 14 September.

Zumwalt (DDG 1000) is completing construction and undergoing testing at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. At 97% build complete, navy officials are estimating that the ship's construction will be finished in September.

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First SeaRAM missile fired from a US Navy Littoral Combat Ship
By Raytheon -September 17, 2015



Weapon system tracks and engages target in LCS 4 exercise

For the first time, the U.S. Navy successfully fired a tactical missile from a SeaRAM launcher on an Independence variant littoral combat ship. The missile was launched Aug. 14 during a live-fire exercise at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division sea range off the coast of California. U.S.S. Coronado (LCS 4) fired a Rolling Airframe Missile from a SeaRAM® anti-ship defense system, both produced by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN).

During the test, the SeaRAM detected, tracked and engaged an inbound threat target, and fired a RAM Block 1A that successfully intercepted the target.

“This test success marks a major milestone toward full operation and employment of the SeaRAM system on U.S. Navy ships,” said Rick Nelson, vice president of Naval Area and Mission Defense product line at Raytheon Missile Systems. “SeaRAM demonstrated that it is a vital weapon for defending navies against anti-ship cruise missiles, and provides warfighters with a capability found nowhere else.”

The exercise also was designed to provide information to reduce risk in future combat and certification exercises for the LCS.

About Close-in Defense Solutions

Raytheon’s Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defense systems.
Intended to enlarge Phalanx’s keep-out range against evolving anti-ship missiles, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft and other threats, SeaRAM Anti-ship Missile Defense Systems use advanced Phalanx Block 1B sensors and replaces the gun with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile guide.
SeaRAM is aboard the Independence variant of the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ships.
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cybersecurity and a broad range of mission support services.




http://www.defencetalk.com/first-searam-missile-fired-us-navy-littoral-combat-ship-65403/

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CNO Greenert’s Farewell Message
As I complete my tenure as the Chief of Naval Operations, I want to thank you for your inspiring efforts that ensured the Navy operated where it mattered, when it mattered – while laying the foundation of our future fleet. You are our greatest strength and asymmetric advantage. Families that support you are essential to our success.


Tomorrow I will be relieved by Adm. John Richardson, an exceptional leader. You are in excellent hands.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve you and serve with you, over the last four years. Darleen and I send our sincere wishes for happiness, safety and success to you and your families.

- Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations
http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2015/09/17/cno-greenerts-farewell-message/

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Admiral John Richardson


Admiral John Richardson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He holds master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and National Security Strategy from the National War College.

At sea, Richardson served on USS Parche (SSN 683), USS George C. Marshall (SSBN 654) and USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716). He commanded USS Honolulu (SSN 718) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Richardson also served as commodore of Submarine Development Squadron (DEVRON) 12; commander, Submarine Group 8; commander, Submarine Allied Naval Forces South; deputy commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; chief of staff, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa; commander, Naval Submarine Forces, and director of Naval Reactors.

His staff assignments include duty in the attack submarine division on the Chief of Naval Operations staff; naval aide to the President; prospective commanding officer instructor for Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; assistant deputy director for Regional Operations on the Joint Staff; and director of Strategy and Policy at U.S. Joint Forces Command.

Richardson served on teams that have been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Navy “E” Ribbon. He was awarded the Vice Admiral Stockdale Award for his time in command of USS Honolulu.
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=440

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Sous-marin nucléaire US en Ecosse: un message pour Moscou



© Flickr/ Defence Images

Défense
20:07 18.09.2015(mis à jour 20:33 18.09.2015)


Le sous-marin nucléaire américain Wyoming est arrivé dans une base militaire en Ecosse, conformément aux accords entre les Etats-Unis et le Royaume-Uni. Selon le Washington Free Beacon, Washington cherche ainsi à faire comprendre à la Russie que la Grande-Bretagne est sous leur "parapluie nucléaire".

Le sous-marin nucléaire américain Wyoming est arrivé dans une base militaire en Ecosse. Selon le journal américain The Washington Free Beacon, normalement, on ne rend pas publique les informations concernant le déplacement de sous-marins. Mais cette-fois-ci, cette déclaration doit servir de "message stratégique pour Moscou".

Le Pentagone révèle l'existence d'un "drone sous-marin" nucléaire russe
L'itinéraire de ce sous-marin qui porte 24 projectiles nucléaires Trident II doit traduire la proximité existant entre Washington et Londres au niveau militaire. Selon des sources militaires, cette visite a été planifiée il y a longtemps et elle ne vise pas d'adversaire concret.

Le sous-marin est arrivé au Royaume-Unis après les déclarations du Pentagone selon lesquelles la Russie construit un drone sous-marin pour lancer des armes nucléaires sur des ports et des zones côtières dans le cadre du projet "Kanyon".

Le Washington Free Beacon rappelle que la Russie intensifie son potentiel nucléaire en construisant des sous-marins de classe "Yassen" et "Boreï".


http://fr.sputniknews.com/defense/20150918/1018254614.html#ixzz3m7hui8Hc

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Northrop Grumman AQS-24B Mine Hunting System Sets New Standard for Synthetic Aperture Sonar

In a U.S. Navy field test, Northrop Grumman Corporation's AQS-24B mine hunting system successfully demonstrated the ability to perform synthetic aperture sonar processing at 18 knots in real time.




The AQS-24B was developed at Northrop Grumman's Undersea Systems campus in Annapolis. The field testing took place at the U.S. Navy Central Command in Bahrain, May 19-28. The AQS-24B finished 12 for 12 in successfully executing missions during the test exercise. During separate Tactics Development trials in Panama City, Florida, the AQS-24B achieved a record long single sortie tow duration of 16.25 hours from a surface ship.

Northrop Grumman has three decades of in-fleet airborne mine countermeasure experience with 27 systems fielded. The company was the first to field electro-optic mine identification, and developed the first long-range synthetic aperture sonar for mine warfare, the first mine warfare unmanned surface vessel (jointly with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center) and the first mine warfare unmanned underwater vehicle. The AQS-24B has significantly improved image resolution, as well as the speed of real-time sonar processing.

"The AQS-24B represents a significant advancement of the U.S. Navy's mine hunting capability, on both the MH-53E helicopters as well as the Mine Hunting Unmanned Surface Vessels (MHUs)," said Alan Lytle, vice president, Undersea Systems business unit, Northrop Grumman. "With the AQS-24B, Northrop Grumman and the Navy have worked together to effectively advance the state of the art in undersea synthetic aperture sonar."

The U.S. Navy can detect, classify and localize modern-day mine threats through the AQS-24B's enhanced mine hunting sonar.






http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3103

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U.S. Navy Awards General Dynamics $322 Million for Nuclear-Submarine Support Work

The U.S. Navy has awarded a $321.7 million contract option to General Dynamics Electric Boat to provide planning yard work, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarines. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.



Under this option, Electric Boat will provide design, engineering, material and logistics support, and research and development activities for active U.S. submarines and submersibles. Electric Boat also will provide information services, planning, scheduling and technical support for submarine maintenance and modernization activities, training and facility support, and affordability/cost reduction support.

The contract will be worth approximately $1.5 billion over five years if all options are exercised and funded.

This work will engage Electric Boat’s engineering and design organization, which comprises more than 4,400 employees. Possessing proven technical capabilities, these employees work on all facets of the submarine life cycle from concept formulation and design through construction, maintenance and modernization, and eventually to inactivation and disposal.




http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/september-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/3104-us-navy-awards-general-dynamics-322-million-for-nuclear-submarine-support-work.html