Author: Robert Luster

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Preserving Our Naval Heritage: The Important Mission of the Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA)

The HNSA: Preserving Our Naval Heritage

The HNSA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving historic naval vessels that played a significant role in our country’s maritime history. These vessels include some of the most iconic ships in the history of the United States Navy, such as the USS Constitution, the USS Missouri, and the USS Iowa.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial rests in the heart of Pearl Harbor offering activities and tours to Hawaii’s visitors from across the world.

The HNSA is committed to ensuring that these historic ships are maintained and preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. This organization provides resources and support to its members, which include museums, non-profits, and government agencies. Through its annual conference, the HNSA brings together members from across the country to share knowledge and best practices, and to promote the preservation of historic naval ships.

Why We Should Honor and Support the HNSA

The preservation of our naval heritage is important for many reasons. Our naval history has played a significant role in shaping our country’s identity and values, and it continues to inform our national security strategies and policies today.

The HNSA is an organization that recognizes the importance of our naval heritage, and is dedicated to preserving it for future generations. By supporting this organization, we can ensure that our naval history is not forgotten, and that the lessons learned from it continue to inform our national security decisions.

The Importance of a Strong Navy

The HNSA’s mission is closely tied to the importance of a strong Navy. A strong Navy is essential to our national security, and it plays a crucial role in protecting our interests around the world.

A strong Navy requires more than just modern ships and advanced technology; it requires a deep understanding and appreciation of our naval history and traditions. By preserving and promoting our naval heritage, the HNSA is helping to ensure that we have a strong Navy that can meet the challenges of the future.

Conclusion

The Historic Naval Ships Association is an organization that we should honor and support for its dedication to preserving our naval heritage. Our naval history has played a significant role in shaping our country’s identity and values, and it continues to inform our national security decisions today.

“At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong Navy is essential to our national security. The @HNSA_Shps mission is closely tied to this belief, as preserving our naval heritage is crucial to maintaining a strong Navy for the future. As the saying goes, rising tides lift all boats, and a strong Navy benefits us all.”

By supporting the @HNSA_Shps and visiting its historic ships, families can not only enjoy a unique and educational experience, but also contribute to the preservation of our naval heritage and the strengthening of our Navy. Big Ships, Small Ships, fun for the whole family!”

Follow this link to their website.

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US Navy Successfully Intercepts Medium-Range Ballistic Missile in Test

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, successfully conducted Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 31 Event 1a (FTM-31 E1a).

USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Hall)

The test aimed to demonstrate the capability of a ballistic missile defense ship to detect, track, engage, and intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target.

The USS Daniel Inouye fired two SM-6 Dual II missiles to successfully intercept the target launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill congratulated the entire test team, including sailors and industry partners, for achieving this milestone in an operationally realistic scenario.

  • The US Navy successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile in a test on March 30, 2023.
  • The test was conducted in cooperation with the US Missile Defense Agency and aimed to demonstrate the capability of a ballistic missile defense ship to detect, track, engage, and intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target.
  • The USS Daniel Inouye fired two SM-6 Dual II missiles to successfully intercept the target launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.
  • The successful interception was described as “an incredible accomplishment” and “a key milestone” by the Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill.
  • The test team, including sailors and industry partners, were congratulated for achieving this milestone in an operationally realistic scenario.

About USS Daniel Inouye

The USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) is named in honor of Daniel Inouye, who served as a United States Senator for Hawaii from 1963 until his death in 2012.

USS Daniel Inouye is a Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission ships able to hold targets on land, at sea, in the air, and under water at risk with a suite of sophisticated weapons and sensors.

Senator Inouye received the Medal of Honor on June 21, 2000 for his extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team in Italy during World War II.

“Following delivery to the Navy in March 2021, the entire team has continued to prepare DDG 118 for this important readiness milestone,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 program manager, Arleigh Burke-class program office, Program Executive Office, Ships. “The fleet will soon be receiving an advanced warship capable of performing the core roles of sea control and power projection.”

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Navy commissions USS Santa Barbara

The Navy will commission the USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) on April 1, 2023, as the newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship in Port Hueneme, California.

The Independence-variant variant littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) is in port at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) for its commissioning ceremony, March 31, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Drew Verbis)

The ship’s sponsor is Mrs. Lolita Zinke, and the ceremony will feature notable speakers such as Admiral Samuel Paparo and U.S. Representative Julia Brownley.

The #USSSantaBarbara is named after the city with a strong military history and connection with the Navy and Marine Corps.

The ship is part of the LCS class of ships, which consist of two variants, the Freedom and the Independence, designed and built by two industry teams with the Independence-variant team led by Austal USA for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls, including the USS Santa Barbara.

Littoral Combat Ships are fast, mission-tailored surface combatants designed to operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments. USS Santa Barbara is the third U.S. ship to bear the name Santa Barbara, with the previous two being a single-screw steel freighter and a Kilauea-class ammunition ship.

The commissioning ceremony will be live-streamed at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/31155.

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US Navy Ramps Up Chaplain Deployment to Tackle Escalating Mental Health Crisis Among Sailors

The US Navy is deploying more chaplains aboard ships to address the growing mental health concerns among its sailors, including an increase in suicides.

Chaplains are being deployed to connect with sailors, regardless of their religious affiliation, and provide them with confidential counseling.

Navy officials hope to have 47 chaplains on ships based in Norfolk, Virginia, up from 37 today, and to enhance access to mental health care without stigma or retaliation.

Suicide and mental health concerns among enlisted men under 29 are rising, with more than 500 service members taking their own lives in 2021.

US Navy Chaplain Responsibilities

According to the official website of the Navy Chaplain Corps, the daily responsibilities of a US Navy Chaplain include:

Providing religious ministry: The chaplain conducts religious services and sacraments, such as Mass, Communion, and Baptism, to meet the religious needs of sailors and their families.

Counseling and pastoral care: Chaplains provide confidential counseling to sailors and their families on a variety of issues, including marital problems, financial difficulties, and personal stress.

Advising the command: The chaplain advises the command on the religious and spiritual needs of the crew and provides guidance on ethical and moral issues.

Crisis response: Chaplains are trained to provide crisis response and emotional support during natural disasters, accidents, and combat situations.

Training and development: The chaplain also provides training and development programs to sailors and their families on religious and spiritual topics.

Source: United States Navy Chaplain Corps, “Roles and Responsibilities,” accessed March 30, 2023, https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/chaplain/Pages/Roles-and-Responsibilities.aspx.

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Raytheon Awarded Contract for Navy Radars

Raytheon Technologies has been awarded a $619 million contract to produce AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy. This contract is the second option exercised from the March 2022 hardware, production, and sustainment contract, which is valued up to $3 billion over five years.

The SPY-6 radars can defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, and surface ships simultaneously, and provide significantly greater detection range, increased sensitivity, and more accurate discrimination than legacy radars.

The radars are being integrated into the US fleet, and this contract will enable them to be added to more ships, including the first of existing Flight IIA destroyers that will be modernized.

About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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US Navy won’t be “bullied” says Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney

The commander of a US Navy aircraft carrier in Northeast Asia, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, has said that American forces will not be deterred by China’s warnings of conflict.

On Board the USS Nimitz courtesy of Sky News

“We’re resolute in that we’re not going to be bullied, we’re not going to be coerced, and we are going to stay here and fly and operate in international norms,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, who heads up Carrier Strike Group 11, a flotilla of warships led by the “supercarrier” USS Nimitz.The USS Nimitz and its escorts have arrived in South Korea after back-to-back war games with Japan and South Korea.

China is challenging America’s right to operate in the region, but Sweeney stated that the Navy will sail, operate and fly wherever international law allows, and they do not seek conflict with China.

About Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney

Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney
Commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN

Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney is a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and also a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, with a master’s degree in International Policy and Practice.

Sweeney has served in a diverse range of sea and shore assignments. As a surface warfare officer, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 15 (CDS 15) from 2015 to 2016 in the Western Pacific and the Destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) from 2009 to 2010, deploying twice to the Arabian Gulf in support of U.S. and Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His service at sea since 1992 includes assignments aboard USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Cyclone (PC 1) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) deployed to the Middle East, Western Pacific, Mediterranean and South America.

His shore tours included deputy for Combat Systems and Warfighting Integration, responsible for future surface combatant force requirements and integration of warfighting investments for the Director of Surface Warfare (N-96). He has also served as the branch head for Integrated Air & Missile Defense for the Director of Surface Warfare (N-96) and as a strategic and political-military planner on the staffs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-5) and the Chief of Naval Operations.

His first flag tour was as the deputy director for Policy, Plans, Strategy, Capabilities and Resources (J-5/8), U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal and various personal, unit, service and campaign awards.

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This week in Navy History – March 26 – April 1, 2033

March 26, 1942

Task Force 39, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Wilcox, Jr., sails from Portland, Maine, for Scapa Flow, Orkeny Islands, Scotland, to reinforce the British Home Fleet due the British Fleets involvement in Operation Ironclad, the British invasion of the Vichy French controlled Madagascar. The following day, Rear Adm. Wilcox, while taking an unaccompanied walk on his flagship, USS Washington (BB 56), is washed overboard and disappears in the heavy seas.

Rear Adm. John W. Wilcox, Jr.

John Walter Wilcox Jr. (22 March 1882 – 27 March 1942) was a rear admiral of the United States Navy. He saw service in World War I and in the opening weeks of United States involvement in World War II before being lost overboard from his flagship in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1942.

March 27, 2007
The last known female veteran of World War I, Charlotte Louise Berry Winters, dies at the age of 109. She enlisted in the Navy in 1917.

March 28, 1953
USS Philippine Sea (CV 47), USS Princeton (CV 37), and USS Oriskany (CV 34) launch 216 sorties against a North Korean supply depot during the Korean War.

March 29, 1960
The first fully integrated Fleet Ballistic Missile system test, an A1X test vehicle, is launched from USS Observation Island (EAG 154).

March 30, 1991
USS Princeton (CG-59) and crew are awarded the Combat Action Ribbon in recognition of the superior and arduous work the crew put in to keep the ship in war-fighting status following the Feb. 18 mining of the ship where three crew members were injured and the ships propeller was damaged during Operation Desert Storm.

March 31, 1917
Rear Adm. James H. Oliver takes possession of the Danish West Indies for the United States, and they are renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also becomes the first governor of the islands under American control.

April 1, 1899
A landing party of 60 men from USS Philadelphia (C 4) and a force of 100 friendly natives join 62 men from HMS Porpoise and Royal Isle in Samoa to establish order over Samoan throne.

*Source: Naval History and Heritage Command. https://www.history.navy.mil

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USS Nimitz carrier strike group docks in South Korea amid heightened regional tensions

USS Nimitz (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr/Released)

Kyodo News, a nonprofit cooperative organization and the leading news agency in Japan, reports that the US aircraft carrier Nimitz has entered the South Korean port of Busan for a scheduled port visit amidst recent North Korean missile tests and military posturing.

The port visit is part of the ongoing partnership and security alliance between the US and South Korea. The USS Nimitz’s presence in the region is seen as a show of force and a signal to North Korea of the US commitment to its allies in the region. North Korea has recently conducted several missile tests, including a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, which has raised concerns about its military capabilities and intentions.

The US and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises in the region, which North Korea has criticized as a provocation.

The situation on the Korean peninsula remains tense, with North Korea continuing to pursue its nuclear and missile programs, and the US and its allies monitoring the situation closely.

The US Navy’s aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has arrived in the South Korean port of Busan for a scheduled port visit. The campaign aims to ensure that the US Navy remains the world’s most powerful maritime force, capable of maintaining peace, protecting US interests, and deterring potential adversaries. The USS Nimitz’s presence in the region is seen as a demonstration of the US Navy’s commitment to supporting its allies in the region and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. Despite recent North Korean missile tests and military posturing, the US and its allies remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the security of the Korean peninsula and the broader region.

Key takeaways from the article “US aircraft carrier enters S. Korea port amid N. Korean posturing” are:

  • The US Navy’s aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has arrived in the South Korean port of Busan for a scheduled port visit amid recent North Korean missile tests and military posturing.
  • The port visit is part of the ongoing partnership and security alliance between the US and South Korea.
  • The USS Nimitz presence in the region is seen as a show of force and a signal to North Korea of the US commitment to its allies in the region.
  • North Korea has recently conducted several missile tests, including a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, which has raised concerns about its military capabilities and intentions.
  • The US and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises in the region, which North Korea has criticized as a provocation.
  • The situation on the Korean peninsula remains tense, with North Korea continuing to pursue its nuclear and missile programs, and the US and its allies monitoring the situation closely.
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U.S. Navy Monitors North Korea

Introduction:

The United States Navy has long been a symbol of strength and security around the world. As tensions rise in various regions, the importance of maintaining a strong Navy is more critical than ever. In recent news, North Korea test-fired two missiles into the sea of Japan while the US conducted military exercises with South Korea. The situation highlights the importance of a strong navy and the need for the US to continue to support and strengthen its naval capabilities. As members or subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy, let’s dive deeper into this issue and why it is crucial to support our naval forces.

North Korea’s Missile Tests:

North Korea’s recent missile tests have raised tensions in the region. The tests were conducted while the US and South Korea were conducting joint military exercises. The missiles are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, and while they do not pose an immediate threat to the US, they do show that North Korea continues to develop its missile capabilities.

US Commitment to Defending Its Allies:

The US has reaffirmed its commitment to defending its allies in the region. The joint military exercises with South Korea demonstrate the US’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. As a member or subscriber of Americans for a Stronger Navy, it is important to understand that a strong Navy is necessary to support this commitment. A strong Navy ensures that the US can respond to any potential threat quickly and effectively.

The Importance of a Strong Navy:

A strong Navy is essential to US national security. A strong Navy can deter potential adversaries, ensure the safety of US citizens, and project US power around the world. As the US faces growing challenges from various regions, it is critical to continue to support and strengthen the Navy. This includes investing in new ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, as well as modernizing existing assets. The US Navy must remain a technologically advanced and highly trained force to maintain its global presence.

Conclusion:

The recent missile tests by North Korea and joint military exercises by the US and South Korea highlight the importance of a strong Navy. As a member or subscriber of Americans for a Stronger Navy, it is essential to support and advocate for a strong Navy to ensure US national security. The US Navy must continue to be a symbol of strength and security around the globe.

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Cmdr. Donald A. Gary, U.S. Navy Medal of Honor recipient remembered – USS Franklin

Thanks to the U.S. Departnent of Defense and their “Medal of Honor Monday” program we are pleased to recognize Navy Lt. Cmdr. Donald A. Gary, Medal of Honor recipient.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Donald A. Gary, Medal of Honor recipient.

Navy Cmdr. Donald A. Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II.

As an engineering officer on the USS Franklin, Gary saved hundreds of men who were trapped when the ship was nearly destroyed by the Japanese.

Despite intense flames, floodwaters, and threats of more explosions, Gary used his knowledge of the ship to lead the men to safety. He continued to rally the men to organize themselves and fight the fires still plaguing the ship.

Gary retired from active duty on June 1, 1950, and was advanced to the rank of commander thanks to his stellar service record. He passed away on April 9, 1977, and was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

About USS Franklin

USS Franklin (CV-13, later CVA/CVS-13, then AVT-8)
Essex-class aircraft carrier, USS Franklin (CV-13) was commissioned on January 31, 1944, and departed for service in the Pacific during World War II. Arriving in the region, she took part in the Mariana Island Campaign where her aircraft provided aerial strikes for landing forces at Bonin Islands, Guam, Palau Islands amongst others.

USS Franklin (CV-13), March 19, 1945
Shown in smoke and flames as a result of an attack of Japanese dive-bomber.

Supporting the Peleliu landing in September, Franklin continued in her supporting role during the landing at Leyte in October, where she also participated in the Battle of Sibuyan Sea and the Battle of Cape Engano during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On October 30, she was attacked by Japanese Kamikazes, which hit the flight deck and crashed through to the galley. Due to the damage, she departed for repairs at Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington.

Returning for service in the Pacific in March 1945, Franklin joined Task Force 58 for air attacks on the Japanese homeland to support the Okinawa landings. On March 19, a Japanese aircraft attacked, with one of her bombs striking the flight deck. Penetrating the hangar deck, the bomb caused destruction and fires. In the resulting chaos, Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. O’Callahan, the Catholic chaplain, and Lieutenant Donald A. Gary, both were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic efforts attending to the wounded and saving numerous lives. In the attack, 807 men perished and 487 were wounded. Following temporary repairs, she made the journey to Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City, for restorations.

Following World War II, Franklin was decommissioned in February 1947 at Bayonne, New Jersey. While in the reserve fleet, she was redesiginated as an attack aircraft carrier, CVA-13, in October 1952, then as antisubmarine support carrier, CVS-13, in August 1953. Finally, in May 1959, she was redesignated as an aircraft transport, AVT-8. In October 1964, Franklin was stricken from the Naval Reserve Register and was sold for scrap two years later.