Author: Robert Luster

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USS Porter (DDG 78) Arrives in Tallinn, Estonia

USS Porter (DDG 78)

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, March 20, 2023 for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Estonia relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.

The ship’s presence in the Baltic Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment to collective defense of the European region and reinforces the strong bond between the United States and Estonia.

While inport Tallinn, the ship and her crew will have the opportunity to partake in several Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours and see many historical sights and experience the rich culture of Estonia and its citizens.

“We’re grateful for the chance to see Estonia and to enhance our relationship with a key NATO ally,” said Cmdr. Joe Hamilton, Porter’s commanding officer. “This is a great opportunity for our crew to experience Estonian culture and meet the people of Tallinn.”

The ship has conducted previous port stops in Funchal, Portugal and Rostock, Germany while on its current deployment.

Porter’s deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations comes months after a homeport shift from Naval Station Rota, Spain to Naval Station Norfolk in October 2022. Porter spent seven years in Spain as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe force, conducting eleven patrols in that time period. The patrols took Porter throughout the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, including the Baltic, North, Norwegian, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, in support of U.S., allied, and partner interests.

“Porter’s crew has performed superbly since our return to the region for this deployment,” said Hamilton. “We’ve learned and enjoyed our training with our allied and partner Navies. We are looking forward to this interoperability training with the Estonian Navy.”

The ship’s visit to Tallinn follows multiple port calls from U.S. Navy ships in recent years, including the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in May 2022 and guided-missile destroyers on deployment from the United States East Coast and on patrol from the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) force stationed at Naval Station Rota, Spain.

The U.S. and Estonia are committed to working together and improving interoperability through port visits, operations, and exercises like Siil and Baltic Operations (BALTOPS).

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

History

lUSS Porter is the fifth ship to bear the name of two naval legends: Commodore David Porter (1780-1843) and his son, Admiral David Dixon Porter (1813-1891). Their legendary naval exploits earned them a place of honor iNaval History.

Commissioned on February 20, 1897 in Newport, RI, USS Porter (TB-6) was a torpedo patrol boat that helped enforce the blockade of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. When the United States declared war on Spain, Porter was ready patrolling the waters of Key West. She soon made contact with the enemy by capturing two Spanish schooners. TB-6 resumed blockade duty off Cape Haiteien, Haiti, keeping a watchful eye out for the Spanish squadron. She participated in the three-hour bombardment of San Juan in May 1898 with the 9 ships of Rear Admiral W. T. Sampson’s fleet. During the attack, Porter maintained a close position under the batteries but was not hit. Later, she supported the Marine beachhead landing at Guantanamo Bay. The first USS Porter (TB-6) was struck from the Navy List on November 6, 1912.

USS Porter (DD-59) was commissioned April 17, 1916 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After shakedown in the Caribbean, USS Porter (DD-59) sailed in convoy duty escorting the first USS troops to Europe during WWI. She arrived at Queenstown, Ireland, where she was based during World War I, meeting and escorting convoys from the U.S. as they transited from Ireland to France. Kept busy as a convoy escort, she severely damaged U-108 on April 28, 1918. The second USS Porter (DD-59) was struck from the Navy List July 5, 1934.

The third USS Porter (DD-356) was also commissioned in Philadelphia on August 25, 1936. After shakedown in waters off northern Europe, DD-356 visited St. Johns, Newfoundland for coronation with the Pacific Fleet. On December 5, 1941, Porter got underway from Pearl Harbor, escaping the Japanese attack by two days. She vigorously patrolled with cruisers and destroyers in Hawaiian waters. In late October 1942 Task Force 16 exchanged air attacks with strong Japanese forces northeast of Guadalcanal in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. During the ensuing action, Porter was torpedoed by a submarine and her crew was forced to abandoned ship. Her name was struck from the Navy List November 2, 1942. For her valiant service in WWII, USS Porter (DD-356) earned on battle star for World War II service which is represented by a star on the DDG 78 crest.

The fourth Porter (DD-800) was commissioned June 24, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. After shakedown off San Diego, Porter trained with Task Force 92 and made an offensive sweep against the Japanese naval base at Suribachi Wan, Paramushiru. Porter participated in the first extensive sweep by surface vessels into the Japanese-controlled Sea of Okhotsk. In doing so, DD-800 encountered a small convoy and sank a 2,000-ton Japanese merchantman with gunfire. During the Korean conflict, USS Porter (DD-800) served in Korean waters with Task Force 95 and joined the ranks of the “Trainbusters Club,” destroying one North Korean train and damaging 2. She was placed out of commission on August 10, 1953. Porter earned one battle star for World War II service and one battle star for Korean War service. These are represented on the DDG 78 crest

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Navy Contracts Awarded

(Navy) funds in the amount of $30,925,000 will be obligated at time of award, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $13,383,172 firm-fixed-price modification to indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract M67854-21-D-0073 for the production and delivery of full-rate production air-to-air launchers (ATAL), item unique identification registration for ATAL systems, and other direct services and supplies in support of the Program Manager Ground-Based Air Defense, Marine Air Defense Integrated System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (66%); and Dine, New Mexico (34%), with an expected completion date of September 2026. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $6,684,164 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-21-D-0073).

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US Navy challenges China’s maritime claims in South China Sea with freedom of navigation operation

USS Milius (DDG-69). Navy photo

The US Navy conducted a freedom of navigation operation in the disputed waters around the Paracel Islands, which are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The operation was carried out by the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius, which sailed within 12 nautical miles of the islands to challenge China’s maritime claims in the region according to press reports.

AP reported that China threatened “serious consequences” Friday after the United States Navy sailed a destroyer around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea for the second day in a row, in a move Beijing claimed was a violation of its sovereignty and security.

In response to the operation, US Navy spokesperson Lt. j.g. Luka Bakic stated, “The United States conducts routine and regular freedom of navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do so in the future. These operations are designed to uphold the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.”

China has claimed almost the entire South China Sea as its own, a claim that is disputed by other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The US has been conducting freedom of navigation operations in the region to challenge China’s excessive claims and assert its right to sail through what it sees as international waters.

The operation comes amid tensions between the US and China over a range of issues, including trade, human rights, and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. China has accused the US of “provocation” and “interference” in the region, while the US has said it will continue to challenge what it sees as China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea.

In a report from PBS, the U.S. has no South China Sea claims itself, but has deployed Naval and Air Force assets for decades to patrol the strategic waterway, through which around $5 trillion in global trade transits each year and which holds highly valuable fish stocks and undersea mineral resources.

A United Nations-backed arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that the historical claim from China on the waters had no legal basis under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, and Washington maintains that freedom of navigation and overflight of the waterway are in the American national interest.

U.S. forces currently operate daily in the South China Sea, and have been present for more than a century. China regularly responds angrily, accusing the U.S. of meddling in Asian affairs and impinging upon its sovereignty.

China’s claims have frequently brought it into conflict with other nations in the region as well. Filipino diplomats unleashed a slew of protests Friday over China’s recent targeting of a Philippine coast guard ship with a powerful military laser and other aggressive behavior.

.In 2018, CNN also reported on the Paracel Islands, a group of islands in the South China Sea that are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The islands have long been a source of tension between the two countries, with China asserting its sovereignty over the region and Vietnam claiming that the islands are part of its territory. This conflict has escalated in recent years, with China building military facilities on some of the islands and Vietnam protesting these actions.

The Paracel Islands are a group of around 130 small islands, reefs, and atolls that are located in the South China Sea, approximately equidistant from the coasts of Vietnam and China. The islands are located in an area that is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and fish, which has made them a source of contention between the two countries. Both China and Vietnam claim historical rights to the islands, with China pointing to records dating back to the Han Dynasty and Vietnam citing evidence of its control of the islands during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Despite the competing claims, China has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the Paracel Islands in recent years. China has built military installations on several of the islands, including airstrips, radar systems, and naval bases. This has led to concerns among Vietnam and other countries in the region that China is seeking to establish de facto control over the South China Sea.

Vietnam has responded to China’s actions by protesting its sovereignty over the islands and conducting its own military exercises in the region. In 2016, Vietnam’s prime minister called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, stating that “Vietnam will resolutely and persistently protect its sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea [South China Sea].”

The Paracel Islands dispute is just one of several territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which has become a key flashpoint in the region. China’s claims to the islands are part of a larger effort to assert its dominance over the region, which has led to tensions with other countries in the region, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The dispute over the Paracel Islands is likely to continue in the coming years, as both China and Vietnam remain committed to their competing claims to the region. The United States and other countries in the region have called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, but it remains to be seen whether this will be possible given the complex geopolitical factors at play.

In conclusion, the Paracel Islands dispute is a complex and contentious issue that has significant implications for the region. While China has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the islands, Vietnam and other countries in the region have expressed concern over China’s actions. The dispute is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as both China and Vietnam remain committed to their claims to the region

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Search Continues for Missing U.S. Navy Sailor Seamus Gray in Waukegan, IL

Seamus Gray, a 21-year-old U.S. Navy sailor, has been missing since March 19, 2022, and both the Waukegan Police Department and Naval Station Great Lakes have been searching for him. According to Lake & McHenry County Scanner, Gray was last seen leaving a bar at 2 am in the vicinity of Waukegan Harbor. Illinois.

While it’s unclear what happened after he left the bar, search teams have been combing the area with specialized equipment. Despite their efforts, Gray has not yet been found, and the search continues.

As Americans for Stronger Navy, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Seamus Gray’s family and friends during this difficult time. We appreciate the efforts of the authorities and the community in searching for him, and we hope that he will be found soon.

We also recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our sailors in serving our country and protecting our freedoms. We stand with our Navy community and their loved ones, and we are grateful for their service to our nation.

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Navy Admiral Appointment Announced

Rear Adm. James P. Downey courtesy U.S.Navy

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations.

Navy Rear Adm. James P. Downey for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Downey is currently serving as program executive officer for Aircraft Carriers, Washington, D.C.

About Rear Adm. James P. Downey

Rear Adm. James Downey is a native of New York. He is a 1986 graduate of the State University of New York, Albany, New York with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Computer Science. He was commissioned in 1987 and is a 1997 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California with a Master of Science in Computer Science followed by Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) School in Port Hueneme, California, where he graduated with distinction and received the Founder’s Award.

He qualified as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Hayler (DD 997) in 1989. Additional operational assignments include intelligence briefing officer to the Commander in Chief, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea , Seoul, Korea; and multiple deployments afloat in the North Atlantic, Baltic, Arctic Circle, and Pacific.

Engineering duty officer assignments include assistant program manager for surface and subsurface integration for GPS and Navigation Sensor System Interface programs, leading Tomahawk integration; chief engineer for high assurance systems at the Defense Information Systems Agency and National Security Agency; officer in charge of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command , Yokosuka, Japan; CVN 21 program chief engineer, principal assistant program manager , and warfare systems director; CG(X) major program manager; and major program manager for the DDG 1000 program including delivery of the first ship of the class.

His first flag assignment was commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center during which time he also served as Naval Sea Systems Command’s deputy commander for surface warfare. He assumed duties as program executive officer, Aircraft Carriers in June 2019.

Downey’s awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and various other personal, unit, and service awards.

Naval Sea Systems Command

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is comprised of more than 86,643 (as of 1 Oct 2021) civilian and military personnel in 42 activities located across the United States and Asia. Together, we build, buy and maintain ships, submarines and combat systems for the U.S. Navy

Comptroller (SEA 01) provides financial policy, advice and quality services to ensure NAVSEA’s customers’ budgets are efficiently and effectively executed. SEA 01 manages appropriation areas as well as providing cost engineering, and industrial analysis.

Contracts (SEA 02) and its field contracting offices under the Contracts Competency award approximately $36 billion in contracts annually for new construction ships and submarines, ship repair, major weapon systems and services.

Cyber Engineering & Digital Transformation (SEA 03) has the responsibility for providing the infrastructure and support services for the programs and developers in the NAVSEA community. SEA 03 delivers combat power to the fleet through enterprise digital capabilities, infrastructure for cyber-secure digital work and innovation, and enhanced enterprise user’s experience.

Cyber Security: SEA 03 provides the NAVSEA Enterprise with guidance on cyber issues and ensures that all ships are able and ready to detect, defend and recover from cybersecurity attacks.
IT Services: SEA 03 maintains and facilitates Network Operations and IT Service Delivery for Headquarters NAVSEA end users to enable maximum productivity for NAVSEA civilians and military personnel in the support of the warfighter.
Digital Transformation: SEA 03 transforms NAVSEA digital capability adopting new digital technologies, capitalizing on data, increasing digital skills, and modernizing business processes.
Industrial Operations (SEA 04) has the important mission of getting ships to sea and keeping them ready. SEA 04 is the preferred integrator of maintenance and industrial operations for its Enterprise customers. SEA04 manages the four Naval Shipyards and the four Supervisors of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIPS).

Navy Drydocking: To request Navy Drydocking Reference Materials and/or the Navy Drydocking Course & Exam, contact NAVSEA’s Drydocking Safety Certification Representatives at (843) 794-7339 or (843) 794-7340.​
​The Naval Systems Engineering & Logistics Directorate (SEA 05) is responsible for providing the engineering and scientific expertise, knowledge, and technical authority necessary to design, build, maintain, repair, modernize, certify, and dispose of the Navy’s ships, submarines, and associated warfare systems. SEA 05 is organized into 16 groups:

Office of the Chief Engineer (SEA05B)
Cost Engineering and Industrial Analysis (SEA 05C)
Surface Ship Design and Systems Engineering (SEA 05D)
Explosive Ordnance Engineering (SEA 05E)
Integrated Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05H)
L&MW Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05M)
Undersea Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05N)
Ship Integrity and Performance Engineering (SEA 05P)
Readiness & Logistics (SEA 05R)
Industrial Engineering, Technical Policy and Standards (SEA 05S)
Technology Office (SEA 05T)
Submarine/Submersible Design & Systems Engineering (SEA 05U)
Aircraft Carrier Design & Systems Engineering (SEA 05V)
Surface Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05W)
Weapons Systems, Ordnance, and Explosive Safety and Security (SEA 05X)
Marine Engineering (SEA 05Z)

Undersea Warfare (SEA 07) provides a full spectrum of research, development, test and evaluation, HM&E systems engineering and fleet support services to the in-service submarine and undersea forces. Submarine/Undersea Warfare Technology (SUBTECH) coordinates the development of technologies to fulfill undersea warfare capability requirements.

​Surface Warfare (SEA 21) manages the complete lifecycle support for all non-nuclear surface ships and is the principal interface with the Surface Warfare Enterprise. The directorate is responsible for the maintenance and modernization of non-nuclear surface ships currently operating in the Fleet. Through planned modernization and upgrade programs, SEA 21 will equip today’s surface ships with the latest technologies and systems to keep them in the Fleet through their service lives. Additionally, SEA 21 oversees the ship inactivation process, including ship transfers or sales to friendly foreign navies, inactivation and/or disposal.

Corporate Operations (SEA 10) performs all operations support for NAVSEA directorates and field activities as well as PEOs. Support includes administrative products and services, career planning, employee development, facilities, foreign military sales coordination, human resources, security, and university research assistance.

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The Complex History and Ongoing Dispute over the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea

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The Destroyer Milius (DDG-69) proudly displays it’s large American Flag as it sails

U.S. rejects China’s claim that its warship illegally entered waters in the South China Sea.

China’s military said Thursday that it had monitored and driven away the USS Milius, a guided missile destroyer, around the Paracel Islands.

U.S. rejects Chinese claim that warship illegally entered waters in South China Sea.

Sailors on the USS Milius conduct an operation in the East China Sea on Monday. China accused the ship of illegally entering its territorial waters Thursday.

Washington has rejected Beijing’s claims that a U.S. warship was driven out of waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea on Thursday.

China’s military said that the USS Milius, a guided missile destroyer, had “illegally intruded into China‘s Xisha territorial waters without the approval of the Chinese government.”

Chinese forces monitored, warned the vessel and drove it away, Tian Junli, a spokesman for China’s Southern Theater Command, said in a statement early Thursday.

He added that the United States was “threatening the peace and stability of the South China Sea region” and that Beijing’s forces would “always maintain a high state of readiness and take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security and peace and stability” in the area.

But the American military swiftly disputed the Chinese statement.

According to Reuters, the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet said in a statement that the Milius “is conducting routine operations in the South China Sea and was not expelled. The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.”

The Xisha Islands, also known as the Paracel Islands and as the Hoang Sa Archipelago in Vietnam, are a disputed archipelago of reefs and coral islands in the South China Sea.
USS Milius accused of entering disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The Paracel islands, which China considers part of Hainan province, pictured in 2018. Several nations lay claim to the disputed South China Sea region.

In its daily news briefing, China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry underlined Beijing’s position that an American ship had breached its waters, calling on the U.S. to “stop such provocations.”

“China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,” spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

Geopolitical tensions have been high in the strategically important waterway for years, with frequent flashpoints between the world’s two largest economies.

In July 2021, China accused another American warship, the USS Benfold, of entering what it considers its territorial waters near the Paracel Islands.

NBC News was on board a U.S. patrol plane last month as a Chinese fighter jet flew alongside 500 feet away for more than an hour.

China, which has the world’s largest navy, claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea despite a landmark 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that its claims have no legal basis. Its stance has antagonized a number of countries in the region with which it has territorial disputes.

The U.S. and many of China’s neighbors accuse Beijing of using “gray zone” tactics that are not legally acts of war to intimidate other countries and assert greater control over the area. In response, the U.S. regularly conducts “freedom of navigation” and other operations in international waters and airspace.

The Milius is named after Capt. Paul L. Milius, a U.S. airman whose aircraft was presumed destroyed over Laos during the Vietnam War in 1968.

The ship is capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, surface and strike warfare simultaneously, according to the Navy website.

The United States has rejected China’s claim that the USS Milius, a guided missile destroyer, illegally entered its territorial waters in the disputed South China Sea on Thursday. China’s military said that it had monitored and driven away the warship around the Paracel Islands, but the US Navy’s 7th Fleet disputed this, stating that the Milius was conducting routine operations and was not expelled. The Xisha Islands, also known as the Paracel Islands, are a disputed archipelago of reefs and coral islands in the South China Sea. Geopolitical tensions have been high in the strategically important waterway for years, with frequent flashpoints between the world’s two largest economies.

The Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands, are a group of islands, reefs, and atolls located in the South China Sea. They are situated approximately equidistant from China and Vietnam and are claimed by both countries, as well as Taiwan.

The history of the Paracel Islands is disputed, with various countries claiming sovereignty over the islands at different points in history. The islands were first recorded by Chinese sailors in the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) and were later claimed by the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). In the 19th century, European powers began to take an interest in the region, with France claiming the islands in 1933 and Japan occupying them during World War II.

After the war, China regained control of the islands, but they were later occupied by South Vietnam in 1956, which was backed by the United States. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the islands came under Vietnamese control, and China has since contested Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Paracels.

The dispute over the Paracel Islands is rooted in historical claims, but it is also tied to the strategic importance of the region. The South China Sea is a major shipping route, and the islands are located near important oil and gas fields. China’s claim to the Paracel Islands is part of a broader claim to most of the South China Sea, which is contested by several Southeast Asian countries.

The Paracel Islands have been the site of several naval confrontations between China and Vietnam. In 1974, China launched an attack on Vietnamese forces on the islands, killing over 70 soldiers and seizing control of the archipelago. In 1988, the two countries clashed again when China sank several Vietnamese ships near the Spratly Islands, another disputed territory in the South China Sea.

More recently, the United States has become involved in the dispute over the Paracel Islands. The US has conducted freedom of navigation operations in the region, challenging China’s claims to the islands and asserting its right to sail through the region’s international waters.

In conclusion, the history of the Paracel Islands is complex and disputed, with various countries claiming sovereignty over the islands at different points in history. The dispute over the islands is tied to their strategic location in the South China Sea, which is a major shipping route and a source of oil and gas reserves. The dispute has led to several naval confrontations between China and Vietnam and has drawn in the United States, which has conducted freedom of navigation operations in the region.

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$2.5bn of US Naval Defence work Awarded

The Seven teams chosen for $2.5bn of US naval defence work according to Global Construction Review. The article reports that seven teams have been selected by the US Navy to compete for a series of design and construction contracts worth up to $2.5 billion over the next five years.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

The US Navy has selected seven teams to compete for a series of design and construction contracts worth up to $2.5 billion over the next five years.
The contracts will focus on infrastructure and facility construction projects at US Navy and Marine Corps locations throughout the continental US and Hawaii.
The seven teams selected include some of the largest construction companies in the US, including Fluor, Hensel Phelps, and Jacobs.
The contracts will be awarded through a competitive selection process, with each team given the opportunity to bid on individual projects as they are announced.
The goal of the contracts is to improve the infrastructure and facilities that support the US Navy and Marine Corps, allowing them to better carry out their missions and operate effectively.

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USS Ashland departs Sasebo, Japan – CDR Dirk Sonnenberg, Commanding Officer

SASEBO, Japan — The dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) departed Sasebo March 22, 2023 for its new homeport of San Diego, California. Ashland had been stationed in Sasebo since August 2013, during which time it participated in numerous exercises and operation.

This will be a permanent change of station for the crew and family members.

“I can’t thank the wonderful city of Sasebo enough for all their warm hospitality,” said Cmdr. Dirk Sonnenberg, the commanding officer of Ashland. “I’ve done multiple tours in Japan, but Sasebo will always be special to me as the warmest and most welcoming city to be hosted at. The experience will never be forgotten by the Sailors who served here. It has been an extreme privilege for Ashland to have served the U.S./Japan Alliance for nearly 10 years from Sasebo.”

Ashland arrived at Sasebo in August of 2013 and conducted operations under Expeditionary Strike Group 7.

The ship participated in numerous exercises and operations, to include Iron Fist, Balikatan, and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series events. Additionally, the crew conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in Saipan and Tinian in 2015 and 2018.

Ashland’s operations included first-in-class and proof of concept tasking to increase the interoperability of the U.S. Navy with Allies and partners in the region.

“Coming from Shelbyville, Kentucky, it was amazing to come half-way around the world to experience Sasebo and everything the Western Pacific has to offer,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Stephen Ruddy. “Everyone in Sasebo was so helpful and friendly. I’ll miss the camaraderie of being stationed in such a great town.”

Maintaining a forward-deployed naval force capability with the most advanced ships supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

Ashland’s homeport change complies with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which mandates that U.S. Navy ships forward deployed to Japan not exceed 10 years. The ship expects to arrive in San Diego in mid-Spring, following her Trans-Pacific voyage.

CDR Dirk Sonnenberg

CDR Dirk Sonnenberg is the Commanding Officer of USS ASHLAND (LSD 48). He hails from Tucson, Arizona. He received his commission in 2004 from the University of Arizona NROTC program in Tucson, Arizona. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in History, as well as a Master of Arts in Security Studies for Homeland Defense and Security from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is also Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI).

CDR Sonnenberg has served at sea as Executive Officer in USS ASHLAND (LSD 48), as Operations Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) in Norfolk, VA and Mayport, FL, Navigation Officer in onboard USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) in Yokosuka, Japan, and Strike Officer in USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62) and USS SHILOH (CG 67) also in Yokosuka, Japan.

Ashore, he served as Director, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Ship Support Unit Japan, in Yokohama, Japan, Deputy Operations Officer for Commander, Task Force 76/Expeditionary Strike Group Seven in Okinawa, Japan and as Exercise/Staff Officer in Naval Forces Korea in Seoul, South Korea.

He attended SMWDC’s inaugural Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor course becoming one of the first Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructors.

Awards and achievements include: COMNAVSURFLANT Finalist for Surface Warfare Officer of the Year and earned Navy and Marine Association Peer Leadership Award. Other awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medals (5 awards), the Navy Achievement Medals (3 awards) and the Battle “E” Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (9 awards), and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5 awards), as well as various unit and campaign awards.

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Navy discusses training sites in Louisiana – Rear Admiral Dion D. English, (RDML)

The Shreveport Time reports that Rear Admiral Dion D. English, (RDML) with the United States Navy. met with Caddo Parish, Louisiana residents to discuss potential plans for a training site. Navy representatives addressed concerns about noise, environmental impact, and potential land acquisition. The meeting was part of a larger process to gather public input and assess potential sites for training operations.

Key takeaways:

  • The United States Navy is considering potential sites for a training facility and held a meeting with Caddo Parish residents to gather public input
  • Navy representatives discussed concerns about noise, environmental impact, and potential land acquisition.
  • The meeting was part of a larger process to assess potential sites for training operations.

About Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Caddo Parish is a parish located in the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Louisiana. According to the 2020 U.S. census, the parish had a population of 237,848. The parish seat is Shreveport, which developed along the Red River.

About Admiral Dion D. English, (RDML) with the United States Navy

Rear Adm. Dion English

Rear Adm. Dion English is a native of Monroeville, Alabama and Slidell, Louisiana. English entered the Navy’s Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection Training program in 1987. In 1993, he graduated from Louisiana State University and was subsequently commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at Southern University. He earned master’s degrees in business administration from Old Dominion University and in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College, and attended the Executive Program in Strategy and Organization at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

His afloat assignments include disbursing and sales officer, USS Scott (DDG 995); cargo and stock control officer, USNS San Diego (T-AFS 6); supply officer, USS Barry (DDG 52); and commanding officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One.

His shore assignment include ship force support officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia; executive assistant to the Commander, Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio; deputy logistics operations officer, Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS), Fort Monroe Virginia; Logistics readiness officer, Logistics Current Operations Division, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director, Supply Corps Detailing, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-4412); commanding officer, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella; deputy director, supply and distribution, J44, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia; and director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

English is designated as a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer and as a Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps Officer. He is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is a Joint Qualified Officer. While under his command, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella earned recognition in partnership with the team that received the prestigious Admiral Stan Arthur Award for 2018 Logistics Team of the Year.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.

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US and Philippines Condemn China’s “Gray Zone” Activities in the South China Sea

The United States and the Philippines have issued a joint statement condemning China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea. These activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region. The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.

Key takeaways:

The US and the Philippines have condemned China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea.

China’s activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region.

The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.

Source: The Manila Times

What are the Gray Zones?

U.S. Position on Maritime Claims in the South China Sea:

In a 2020 U.S. Secretary of Defense the statement, the PRC has no lawful territorial or maritime claim to (or derived from) James Shoal, an entirely submerged feature only 50 nautical miles from Malaysia and some 1,000 nautical miles from China’s coast. James Shoal is often cited in PRC propaganda as the “southernmost territory of China.” International law is clear: An underwater feature like James Shoal cannot be claimed by any state and is incapable of generating maritime zones. James Shoal (roughly 20 meters below the surface) is not and never was PRC territory, nor can Beijing assert any lawful maritime rights from it.

The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law. We stand with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and respect for sovereignty and reject any push to impose “might makes right” in the South China Sea or the wider region.