Fast Warship Building

Dry Dock Charleston

The article “How Fast Can We Build Warships Today?” discusses the challenges of rapidly building warships in times of crisis, specifically in response to China’s increasing naval power. The author notes that the US Navy’s shipbuilding process is currently slow and inefficient, with complex procurement procedures and limited shipyards.

Key takeaways from the article include:

  • The US Navy needs to be able to rapidly increase its shipbuilding capabilities to counter China’s growing naval power.
  • Current shipbuilding processes are slow and inefficient, and the Navy needs to streamline its procurement procedures and expand its shipyard capacity.
  • Private shipyards could play a larger role in building warships for the Navy.
  • Building a large number of smaller, simpler warships may be a more effective strategy than building a few large, complex ones.

Credit: The National Review, a conservative media outlet that covers politics, policy, and culture. The article was written by Jerry Hendrix, a retired Navy captain and former director of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Completes Multi-Week Exercise to Ensure Combat Readiness

USS Gerald R. Ford

The United States Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, recently led a multi-week exercise to fully certify the carrier strike group’s combat readiness. The exercise, which took place in the Pacific Ocean, involved a fleet of warships that were tested in scenarios simulating real-world combat situations.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, which was commissioned in 2017, is the lead ship of the Gerald R. Ford class of aircraft carriers. It is the first new carrier design in over 40 years and incorporates advanced technologies that enhance its operational capabilities.

During the exercise, the carrier’s crew worked around the clock to ensure everything was functioning perfectly. Planes were launched and retrieved on the flight deck, weapons were loaded onto aircraft, and communications equipment was tested. The other ships in the strike group were engaged in their own exercises, focusing on anti-submarine warfare tactics, air defense scenarios, surface warfare, and anti-piracy exercises.

As the exercise progressed, the scenarios became more complex and intense, testing the strike group’s readiness to respond to any threat. Despite the intensity of the training, morale remained high among the crew. They knew that the skills they were honing could one day save lives and protect their country.

The strike group was tested in a variety of scenarios, from air attacks to submarine warfare. The sailors were constantly on high alert, ready to respond to any threat. The exercises were designed to fully certify the carrier strike group’s combat readiness, ensuring that they were prepared for any situation they may face in the future.

Finally, after weeks of intense training, the strike group returned to port. The sailors were exhausted but proud of what they had accomplished. They had proven their readiness to take on any challenge that came their way, and they knew that they were part of one of the most formidable fighting forces in the world.

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group’s multi-week exercise to fully certify their combat readiness demonstrates the United States Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong and capable fighting force. The advanced technologies and skills honed during the exercise will ensure that the Navy is prepared to face any threat to national security.

Navy Tech Bridge Matters

The United States Navy has long been at the forefront of technological innovation and advancement. However, in recent years, it has become clear that the Navy needs to adapt to new technologies more quickly and efficiently in order to remain competitive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global security environment. That is where the Navy Tech Bridge program comes in.

The Navy Tech Bridge program, which is part of the larger Navy Agility Office, is a collaborative effort that aims to connect the Navy with private sector companies and academic institutions to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. The program currently operates in six different regions across the United States: New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the Southwest, and the West Coast.

The program’s focus is on developing partnerships between the Navy and private sector entities that have expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. Through these partnerships, the Navy is able to leverage the knowledge and resources of these organizations to more quickly and effectively develop and implement new technologies that can enhance its operational capabilities.

One of the key reasons why the Navy Tech Bridge program matters is that it helps the Navy to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technological innovation. As new technologies emerge and evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, it is crucial for the Navy to be able to identify and adopt those technologies quickly in order to maintain its edge over potential adversaries. The Navy Tech Bridge program helps to facilitate that process by connecting the Navy with private sector entities that are on the cutting edge of technological innovation.

In addition to its benefits for the Navy, the Navy Tech Bridge program also has positive implications for the broader economy. By facilitating partnerships between the Navy and private sector companies, the program creates opportunities for innovation and collaboration that can lead to new jobs and economic growth in the regions where it operates.

Americans for a Stronger Navy, a non-profit education and advocacy organization that supports a strong and technologically advanced United States Navy, has been a vocal supporter of the Navy Tech Bridge program. In a statement, the organization said that it “applauds the Navy’s efforts to build bridges with the private sector and academia to accelerate the adoption of new technologies that can enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.” Americans for a Stronger Navy recognizes the importance of staying ahead of potential adversaries and believes that the Navy Tech Bridge program is an important step in that direction.

Overall, the Navy Tech Bridge program is an innovative and important initiative that has the potential to significantly enhance the Navy’s technological capabilities. By facilitating partnerships between the Navy and private sector entities, the program helps to ensure that the Navy remains at the forefront of technological innovation and is able to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

Most Common Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence, Unmanned Systems, CyberMachine Learning, Modeling and Simulation, Autonomous Systems, Advanced manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Digitalis EngineeringpHigh Performance, Computing Command, and Control, Data Analytics.

NavalX Locations

As a naval organization, the United States Navy has an interest in a wide range of topics related to maritime operations, national security, and defense. Some of the key areas of interest for the Navy include:

Naval warfare and tactics
Naval aviation and air defense
Surface ship operations and maintenance
Undersea operations, including submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)
Cybersecurity and information technology
Space operations and satellite communications
Maritime security and counterterrorism
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
Logistics and supply chain management
Environmental sustainability and conservation
Medical and health services for naval personnel
Research and development of new technologies for naval operations
International partnerships and cooperation with allied navies
Education and training for naval personnel.
These topics are all critical to the Navy’s mission of defending the United States and its allies, maintaining global security and stability, and ensuring freedom of navigation on the world’s oceans.

USS Springfield’s Indo-Pacific Patrol Strengthens Partnerships in Republic of Korea

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Feb. 23, 2023) Tugboats assist the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) as it pulls into port in Busan, Feb. 23. Springfield is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed to the island of Guam and assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 15. CSS-15 is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to multiple Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Craft)

The USS Springfield, a United States Navy submarine, recently visited the Republic of Korea as part of its Indo-Pacific patrol. During the visit, the submarine’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Brett A. Sechrist, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received from their Republic of Korea hosts. He emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships and alliances in the region, saying, “It’s important that we continue to strengthen our partnerships and alliances in the region, and visits like this one help us to do that.”

The USS Springfield’s visit to the Republic of Korea is part of a larger mission to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the United States and its allies have increased their naval presence in the area to deter potential threats and maintain peace. Capt. Michael D. Luckett, commodore of Submarine Squadron 11, noted the critical role that submarines play in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, saying, “Our submarines play a critical role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we are committed to working with our allies and partners in the region to achieve this goal.”

The United States has long-standing partnerships and alliances with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Republic of Korea, which is an important ally in the region. The visit of the USS Springfield to the Republic of Korea reinforces the strong partnership between the two countries and their commitment to working together to maintain stability and security in the region.

Overall, the USS Springfield’s visit to the Republic of Korea highlights the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. It also emphasizes the role that the United States Navy plays in promoting stability and security in the area. As tensions continue to rise, the need for these partnerships and alliances becomes even more crucial.

The Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Collaborative Effort of the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in Defeating the Axis Powers

Press reports from Politico reflect that a plan by the United States, Australia, and the U.K are to share submarine technology as part of a strategic effort to counter Chinese naval power in the Pacific. The three countries have agreed to deepen their defense cooperation and share information on the development of new submarines, including advanced propulsion systems and stealth technology. The plan is aimed at strengthening the allies’ ability to detect and deter Chinese submarines, which have become increasingly active in the region. The article also notes that the plan is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the three allies and China.

Takeaways:

  • The US, Australia, and the UK plan to share submarine technology as a strategic effort to counter Chinese naval power in the Pacific.
  • The plan includes deepening defense cooperation and sharing information on the development of new submarines with advanced propulsion systems and stealth technology.
  • The aim is to strengthen the allies’ ability to detect and deter Chinese submarines that have become increasingly active in the region.
  • The plan is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the three allies and China.

The Power of Collaboration: The Story of the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in World War

Historical Context

  • The U.S., the U.K., and Australia collaborated in World War II to defeat the Axis powers.
  • The allies faced significant challenges, including the threat posed by German U-boats in the Atlantic.
  • The U.S. and the U.K. developed a plan to build aircraft carriers capable of tracking and destroying enemy subs
  • Australia provided the necessary shipbuilding expertise to build two carriers, which played a key role in the final months of the war.
  • The collaboration between the three nations continued after the war and remains strong today, reflecting the enduring power of collaboration and shared values.
  • In the early days of World War II, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia came together in a collaborative effort to defeat the Axis powers. The three nations formed an alliance that would prove to be instrumental in turning the tide of the war.

As the war raged on, the Allies faced numerous challenges and setbacks. One of the most significant was the threat posed by German U-boats, which were wreaking havoc on Allied shipping in the Atlantic. To combat this threat, the U.S. and the U.K. came up with a plan to build a new type of vessel – an aircraft carrier that could launch planes capable of tracking and destroying enemy subs.

The U.S. and the U.K. quickly realized that they didn’t have the resources to build these carriers on their own. They needed help from a nation with a strong naval tradition and the necessary shipbuilding expertise. That nation was Australia.

Australia eagerly joined the project and quickly set to work building two of these new carriers – the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Sydney. The carriers were launched in 1945 and played a key role in the final months of the war, helping to track down and destroy numerous German U-boats.

The collaboration between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia didn’t end with the war, however. In the years that followed, the three nations continued to work closely together on a wide range of issues, from defense to trade and beyond.

Today, the bond between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia remains strong, a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the shared values that unite us all.

Secretary of the Navy warns China’s warship production outpacing US, emphasizes need for acceleration

Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro

The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has expressed concerns over China’s faster production of warships, which could impact the future of the US Navy. Del Toro has called for an acceleration of efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization by building more warships and expanding its fleet. The report emphasizes the significance of the US Navy’s industrial base in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies. Del Toro made these remarks during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Takeaways

The Secretary of the Navy has warned that China is outpacing the US in warship production, posing a threat to American naval supremacy.

The US needs to accelerate its efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization, including building more warships and expanding its fleet.

The US Navy’s industrial base is crucial in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies.

These remarks were made by the Secretary of the Navy during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Navy Adopts Augmented Reality and Awards Contract

ThirdEye Gen, a provider of augmented and mixed reality solutions, has won a contract from the US Navy to enhance its operations with augmented reality technology. The company will provide its X2 MR Glasses and software platform to enable hands-free access to critical information in real-time. The technology will improve situational awareness, reduce errors, and enhance the overall performance of Navy personnel. The contract marks a significant milestone for ThirdEye Gen as it expands its presence in the defense industry.

Why does this matter?

The US Navy has recognized the potential benefits of augmented reality technology in enhancing its operations. With the use of ThirdEye Gen’s X2 MR Glasses and software platform, Navy personnel can access critical information in real-time and hands-free, which improves their situational awareness and reduces errors. The technology can also enhance the overall performance of Navy personnel, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.

How does Augmented Reality work?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information or virtual objects onto the real-world environment in real-time. It’s different from virtual reality (VR) which creates a completely immersive, computer-generated environment.

AR can be experienced through devices like smartphones, tablets, or special glasses that use cameras, sensors, and software to superimpose digital content on the user’s view of the physical world. This can include anything from 3D models and animations to text, images, and videos.

AR has a wide range of applications, from gaming and entertainment to education, healthcare, and manufacturing. It can also be used for training and simulation purposes, as well as in military and defense operations to enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

Retention award for USS George Washington

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday officiates a re-enlistment aboard USS George Washington. The ship received the FY-22 Retention Excellence Best in Class award for U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The USS George Washington, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has been awarded the Distinguished Retention Excellence Award for the 2020 retention cycle. The award recognizes the ship’s outstanding performance in retaining its talented sailors and ensuring that they are able to serve at their highest potential. The ship’s commanding officer praised the crew’s hard work and dedication in achieving this honor, and emphasized the importance of retaining top talent to maintain the ship’s readiness and effectiveness.

The USS George Washington is the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. Its commissioning in 1992 marked the first time a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier had been built in over a decade, and it has since played a significant role in various military operations and humanitarian missions around the world. The ship can carry up to 90 aircraft and has a crew of over 5,000 personnel, making it one of the largest and most powerful warships in the world.

Delivery of USNS John Canley

Expeditionary sea base USNS John L. Canley (ESB-6), Military Sealift Command’s newest ship, at its christening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.

The US Navy has taken delivery of USNS John L. Canley (ESB 6), an ESB-class ship designed for various military operations such as Airborne Mine Counter Measures, Special Operations Force operations, Crisis Response Sea-basing, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and Unmanned Aviation Systems operations. The ESB-class ships have a flight deck capable of supporting MH-53E helicopters, accommodations, workspaces, and ordnance storage for embarked forces, and enhanced command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence. The ship is part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces. The future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) is currently under construction at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

US Navy has taken delivery of its fourth Lewis B Puller-class expeditionary

The US Navy has taken delivery of its fourth Lewis B Puller-class expeditionary sea base (ESB) ship, USNS John L Canley. The ship was handed over to the Navy during a ceremony at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company’s (GD-NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego. The ESB ships are designed to act as critical infrastructure to support equipment supply and deployment of forces at sea. The highly flexible vessels can perform a wide range of military operations, including Special Operations Force missions, crisis response sea-basing, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. The new ship is named in honour of former US Marine Corps gunnery sergeant John L Canley.

General Dynamics NASSCO has been designing and building ships in San Diego’s industrial corridor since 1960 and is the only full-service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States.

Today, General Dynamics NASSCO has locations on both the West and East Coasts. The company specializes in the design and construction of auxiliary and support ships for the U.S. Navy and oil tankers and dry cargo carriers for commercial markets. It is also a major provider of repair services for the U.S. Navy’s global force for good, with capabilities in San Diego, Norfolk, Mayport, and Bremerton.

General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies

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