Peace Through Strength – Community Driven – Membership Supported
Category: U.S. Navy News
Covering U.S. naval news is crucial for the members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy as it keeps them informed of the latest developments, initiatives, and challenges faced by the Navy. This information enables them to advocate for policies that support a stronger and more capable Navy, including increased funding, modernization, and recruitment efforts. Additionally, following naval news helps them to engage with the public and raise awareness about the critical role the Navy plays in protecting national security interests and promoting global stability.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we stand in solidarity with the sailors of the @US7thFleet and the USS Milius in Taiwan Strait transit.
Freedom of Navigation apply, in accordance with International law. We believe that such operations are essential to maintaining #PeaceThroughStrength in the region, and we applaud the crew of the @USSMilius for their professionalism and dedication.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 16, 2023) – Ensign Zachary Bradberry, from Pflugerville, Texas, stands watch on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) while conducting routing underway operations. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)
The U.S. Navy said its guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a navigational rights and freedoms mission in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands on Monday.
The announcement came as China’s military simulated precision strikes against Taiwan in military drills around the island amid growing tensions between China and the U.S. in the region.
The U.S. Navy said the operation by the destroyer was consistent with international law.
Dear members and subscribers, we at Americans for a Stronger Navy would like to greet you all.
We are delighted to share the news of the launch and christening of the USS Cleveland, the latest addition to the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
As an organization that promotes peace through strength, this milestone event is consistent with our mission. We hope this blog post will inform and inspire you to support our cause by subscribing to our website.
Navy to christen new ‘USS Cleveland’
Wikimedia Commons
Introduction
The U.S. Navy is set to launch and christen the Lockheed Martin USS Cleveland (LCS 31) its newest combat ship, in a shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, today April 15, 2023.
The USS Cleveland, a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship, is set to be launched and christened in Marinette, Wisconsin on Saturday morning, according to a press release from the U.S. Navy. It is the 16th and final Freedom-variant LCS and the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city.
The USS Cleveland is designed for missions along coastal areas, such as counteracting mines and submarines, and conducting coastal surface warfare.
This ship, which is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the city’s name, is 387 feet long and has accommodations for 98 sailors. It can carry two helicopters and is designed for missions along coastal areas, such as counteracting mines and submarines, and conducting coastal surface warfare.
The last ships to be named the USS Cleveland include a World War I cruiser, a World War II light cruiser, and a Vietnam-era amphibious transport dock that was decommissioned in 2011.
“This christening is a significant milestone for the future USS Cleveland, the ship’s sponsor Mrs. Robyn Modly, and the prospective crew,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “LCS 31 will be another step closer to joining our fleet, sailing the open seas, continuing to defend our nation, and representing the strong connection our Navy has with the city of Cleveland.”
The USS Cleveland will be launched into Wisconsin’s Menominee River and will make its way to its permanent base in Mayport, Florida.
Key Takeaways
The USS Cleveland is the newest addition to the U.S. Navy’s fleet and is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the city’s name.
The USS Cleveland is 387 feet long and has accommodations for 98 sailors. It can carry two helicopters and is designed for missions along coastal areas.
The ship will be launched into Wisconsin’s Menominee River and will make its way to its permanent base in Mayport, Florida.
The USS Cleveland is capable of handling a variety of tasks from anti-submarine duties to dropping off Navy SEALs.
The USS Cleveland is a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed for missions along coastal areas, such as counteracting mines and submarines, and conducting coastal surface warfare.
It is the 16th and final Freedom-variant LCS and the fourth ship to be named in honor of the city of Cleveland.
The ship’s christening ceremony will feature remarks from Austin Davis, Senior Police Advisor for the City of Cleveland, and the bottle will be broken by Robyn Modly, wife of former Acting Secretary of the Navy and a Cleveland native.
The USS Cleveland’s christening is a significant milestone for the ship, its sponsor, and the prospective crew.
Conclusion
The launch and christening of the USS Cleveland is an important milestone for the U.S. Navy and the City of Cleveland.
As an organization that supports a stronger navy and promotes peace through strength, we are delighted to share this news with our members and subscribers.
We hope this blog post has informed and inspired you to support our cause by subscribing to our website. Let us continue to work together to ensure a stronger navy for the safety and security of our nation.
Americans for a Stronger Navy is an organization that focuses on advocating for a stronger Navy to protect American interests and promote national security and Peace Through Strength.
As part of their outreach initiatives, the US Navy hosts Navy Weeks in partnership with various organizations throughout the country.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the USS San Jacinto, (CG-56) an active Navy ship that is currently participating in Navy Week in Wilmington, N.C. and with pleasure and opportunity to interview Captain Christopher E. Marvin, the USS San Jacinto Commanding Officer.
Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer, USS San Jacinto, (CG 56)
Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer, USS San Jacinto, (CG 56)
Captain Marvin is a native of rural northeastern Pennsylvania. He attended Pennsylvania State University graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology. In November 1997, he entered Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Florida, and was commissioned in March of 1998.
His first sea tour of duty was aboard USS JOHN YOUNG (DD-973) in San Diego, California where he served as the Deck Officer from 1999 to 2001. In November 2001, he reported to USS BLACKHAWK (MHC-58) in Ingleside, Texas as the Engineer Officer and served on BLACKHAWK from 2001 to 2003.
Following his initial sea duty tours, Captain Marvin attended The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology and completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.
In June 2006, following completion of Department Head and Tactical Action Officer training, then Lieutenant Marvin, transferred to Naval Station Pearl Harbor Hawaii and reported for duty as the Engineer Officer aboard USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG-93).
In subsequent sea tours, he served as the Engineer Officer aboard USS CHOSIN (CG-65) in Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Executive Officer aboard USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) in Mayport, Florida and USS SOMERSET (LPD-25) in San Diego, California and most recently as Commanding Officer of USS DETROIT (LCS-7) Gold Crew in Mayport, FL.
In addition to his shore tour at the Naval Postgraduate School, Captain Marvin also served ashore on the Commander Naval Surface Force Staff in the N8 Directorate from 2009 to 2011 followed by a one-year tour of duty on the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Staff in Djibouti, as a student at the Joint Forces Staff College and most recently on the Commander Naval Surface Forces Staff serving as deputy assistant Chief of Staff for future requirements.
Captain Marvin’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; and various other unit and service awards.
Interview with Captain Christopher E. Marvin
Question and Answer with Bill Cullifer, Founder of Americans for a Stronger Navy and Captain Marvin, Commanding Officer San Jacinto:
Q: Captain Marvin, what would you like the American public to know about the Navy’s mission today, and what they can do to help support that mission?
A: “America remains a global leader with global interests. Households and businesses throughout the United States benefit from the steady flow of resources and goods across oceans. Our modern economy depends on access to the internet, which rides upon undersea fiber-optic cables. This is a critical decade – maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States. The rules-based international order depends upon free and open oceans. The United States Navy protects the sea lines of communication, which facilitates 98% of the world’s trade and commerce. The American people play the vital role in providing the workforce and industrial support that sends our warships to sea and is the base from which our highly intelligent, industrious and growing technology savvy Sailors enter service to their Navy and Nation. Support for local businesses and industries will effectively translate to direct material support to the increasingly complex and diverse challenges maritime security. Additionally, focus on continuing education in both technologically advanced and classical trade skills will provide the industrial-technological base that will be crucial to maintain peace through vigilance today and win any future battles that threaten our sea, land, air, and space access and interests.”
V/r, -Chris Captain Chris Marvin, USN Commanding Officer, USS SAN JACINTO (CG56) “Victory is Certain”
Navy Weeks
Navy Weeks are a series of events that provide opportunities for the Navy to showcase its assets, equipment, and personnel. These programs are designed to educate Americans on the importance of naval service, increase awareness in cities that might not otherwise see the Navy at work, and showcase the Navy’s global deployment. The USS San Jacinto is currently participating in Navy Week in Wilmington, NC, and the public is invited to take a tour of the ship.
USS San Jacinto(CG-56)
USS San Jacinto (CG-56)
The USS San Jacinto, (CG-56) is an active Navy ship that has been in commission for over three decades. It has traveled across international waters and has been involved in several operations, including firing the opening shots of Operation Desert Storm. In 2020, the ship broke the U.S. Navy record for most consecutive days at sea, with a total of 206 days. It is a formidable vessel that serves to protect American interests and promote national security.
Tours of the USS San Jacinto, (CG-56)
Tours of the USS San Jacinto will be available on Friday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is encouraged to visit Godwin Stadium, where a security check will occur before a bus transports visitors to the ship. Walk-ins are welcome, and visitors are only asked to bring their ID and wear closed-toed shoes.
This is a unique opportunity to see firsthand the inner workings of an active Navy ship and to learn more about the importance of naval service.
Reflecting on Navy Week in Wilmington, NC
As Navy Week comes to a close in Wilmington, NC, we reflect on the valuable opportunity it provides for the Navy to showcase its assets and educate Americans on the importance of naval service.
OurInterview with Captain Christopher E. Marvin
During our interview with Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer of the USS San Jacinto, we gained valuable insights into the importance of the Navy’s mission in protecting national security and promoting peace through strength. Captain Marvin emphasized the vital role played by the American public in supporting the Navy’s mission through workforce and industrial support. Additionally, he highlighted the crucial role of continuing education in both technologically advanced and classical trade skills for maintaining the Navy’s industrial-technological base, which is essential for maintaining peace through vigilance today and winning any future battles that threaten our sea, land, air, and space access and interests.
Partnership for Peace Through Strength
As an organization that advocates for a stronger Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy recognizes the importance of a partnership between the Navy and the American public in promoting national security and peace through strength. Events like Navy Week provide valuable opportunities for the Navy to showcase its assets and educate Americans on the importance of naval service.
Gratitude for All Involved
We would like to extend our gratitude to Captain Christopher E. Marvin, Commanding Officer of the USS San Jacinto, the crew of the USS San Jacinto, and all those responsible for managing and organizing the event, including the unsung heroes behind the scenes. We thank them for their service, their dedication to promoting the mission of the Navy, and their service to our country.
Importance of Naval Service
The public was able to tour the USS San Jacinto during Navy Week, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of naval service in protecting American interests and promoting national security and Peace Through Strength.
Hello members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!
As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we strive to highlight the important work of the United States Navy in maintaining global security and stability.
Today, we want to share a story that showcases the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots in navigating one of the world’s most important waterways – the Suez Canal.
The successful transit of the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) through the canal is a testament to the importance of maintaining a strong naval presence in the region. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission of promoting a strong and effective US Navy, as we work towards a safer and more peaceful world.
On April 5th, 2023, the US Navy announced that the USS Paul Hamilton a Guided Missle Destroyer, had successfully transited the Suez Canal as part of its deployment to the Middle East.
The Suez Canal has been an important passage for naval vessels for over a century, and the USS Paul Hamilton successful transit is a testament to the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots. The Suez Canal is a strategic chokepoint that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing naval vessels to quickly move between Europe and Asia. The USS Paul Hamilton transit through the canal highlights the importance of this waterway for the US Navy’s operations in the region.
Transiting through the Suez Canal is not without its challenges. The canal is over 120 miles long and has no locks, which means that vessels must navigate through narrow passages and tight turns. The depth of the canal can also be a concern, as low water levels can cause vessels to run aground. Additionally, the security of the vessels transiting through the canal is a top priority, as the canal has been the target of attacks in the past.
The US Navy works closely with the Egyptian authorities to ensure that all necessary security measures are in place. The USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the canal is a testament to the strong relationship between the US Navy and the Egyptian government. The U.S. Navy employs skilled pilots who are well-versed in navigating through the canal’s narrow passages, ensuring a smooth and safe transit.
The Suez Canal is an important transit point for the US Navy, allowing it to quickly move its vessels between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the canal demonstrates the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region. The US Navy remains vigilant and ready to respond to any potential threats in the area, ensuring that global trade can continue to flow smoothly through the Suez Canal.
In conclusion, the USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the Suez Canal is a testament to the US Navy’s skill and expertise in navigating through challenging waterways. The Suez Canal remains an important passage for naval vessels, and the US Navy will continue to rely on it for its operations in the Middle East. With proper planning and execution, the US Navy can safely and efficiently pass through this historic waterway, ensuring that it remains a vital link between Europe and Asia.
“Transiting the Suez Canal: A Testimony to the US Navy’s Skill and Expertise”
This title highlights the central theme of the blog post – the successful transit of the USS Paul Hamilton through the Suez Canal – while also emphasizing the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots.
Armament Guns: 5-inch (127 mm)/54 Mk 45 Mod 1/2 (lightweight gun) 2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS 2 × 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System 4 × .50 caliber (12.7 mm) guns Missiles: 2 × Mk 141 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Launcher 1 × 29-cell, 1 × 61-cell (90 total cells) Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS): RIM-66M Surface-to-Air Missile RIM-156 Surface-to-Air Missile BGM-109 Tomahawk Cruise Missile RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC Torpedoes: 2 × Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes: Mark 46 Lightweight Torpedo Mark 50 Lightweight Torpedo Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo Aircraft carried Flight deck can embark 1 Sikorsky MH-60R
The U.S. Navy has announced that Navy Week will bring demonstrations, performances and events to Wilmington, NC for the week of April 10 to 16, 2023.
Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support U.S. Navy Week, a community outreach initiative that showcases the brave men and women who serve in our nation’s Navy.
Navy Week provides an opportunity for communities to interact with sailors, learn about the Navy’s mission, and show support for our servicemen and women. As an organization dedicated to promoting peace through strength, we believe that a strong Navy is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
This year’s Navy Week in Wilmington, NC is especially exciting as it marks the return of the event after a three-year absence. We hope that this week will inspire more people to become active supporters of the Navy and its mission.
Wilmington will host the city’s first Navy Week since 2019 when the Navy visits the area for a week of events April 10-16, in conjunction with the Azalea Festival.
Wilmington Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Wilmington, the state of North Carolina, and the nation.
Participating Navy assets include USS Constitution, USS San Jacinto (CG-56), Navy Reserve Center Raleigh, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina, Naval History & Heritage Command, Navy Band Southeast, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, USS North Carolina (SSN-777), U.S. Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs), Navy Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Office of Small Business Programs, and U.S. Fleet Forces.
More than 75 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city, including the Azalea Festival Parade.
The Navy’s senior executive attending is Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Adm. Caudle is a native of Winston-Salem and a graduate of North Carolina State University. During Wilmington Navy Week, he will participate in community engagements, meet leaders in education, and speak with local businesses, veterans, and government leaders.
Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Wilmington.
“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to Wilmington,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.”
Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events across the area, including engaging with visitors at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and NC Aquarium Fort Fisher, and volunteering at the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Residents will also enjoy free live music by Navy Band Southeast at venues throughout the week.
Wilmington Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2023, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.
Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.
As an organization that promotes Peace Through Strength, we are thrilled to share the latest news in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain and advance its capabilities.
We hope that this story will inform and inspire you to support our mission to build a stronger Navy.
Summary
Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of advanced defense technology, has been awarded contracts valued at over $1 billion to provide integrated electric propulsion components for the U.S. Navy’s next-generation Columbia-class submarine. The Columbia-class submarine is a top priority program for the Navy, and it will replace the fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The integrated electric propulsion components will be manufactured in the company’s facilities in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Missouri.
Leonardo DRS is known for its market-leading propulsion and power generation technology, with major systems for next-generation submarines and surface ships. The company’s investments in these technologies have created opportunities to use proven electric drive capabilities for future naval platforms.
Key Takeaways
Leonardo DRS has been awarded contracts worth over $1 billion to provide integrated electric propulsion components for the U.S Navy’s Columbia-class submarine program.
The Columbia-class submarine is a top priority program for the Navy and will replace the fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.
Leonardo DRS is a leading provider of advanced defense technology, with major systems for next-generation submarines and surface ship.
Conclusion
The U.S. Navy’s investment in the next-generation Columbia-class submarine program represents the importance of maintaining and advancing our national security capabilities. Leonardo DRS’s role in providing integrated electric propulsion components is critical to the success of this program.
As supporters of a Stronger Navy, we encourage our readers to consider subscribing to our organization and helping to build a stronger future for our nation’s defense.
Greetings members and subscribers! Americans for a Stronger Navy values promoting peace through strength, which is our organization’s central theme. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how the USS Ralph Johnson recently assisted a local non-profit organization, Island Girl Power (IGP), in Guam. We hope that this story will inform and inspire our readers to continue supporting a Stronger Navy.
Summary:
Sailors from the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 116) visited IGP in Dededo, Guam, on March 31 to help organize donations of clothing and furniture for the Kurason i’Sengsong thrift store and assist in the community garden. The proceeds from the thrift store help to fund IGP’s core program, which aims to empower young girls in Guam. The sailors hoped that their work would help the mission of IGP and connected them to the greater good of the island’s community. IGP Executive Director Juanita Blaz thanked the sailors for their assistance, which showed the community and its youth that people care about them.
Key Takeaways:
The USS Ralph Johnson recently helped Island Girl Power in Guam.
Sailors helped organize donations of clothing and furniture and assisted in the community garden.
The proceeds from the thrift store fund IGP’s core program, which young girls in Guam.
The sailors hoped to connect with the community and the greater good of the island.
IGP Executive Director Juanita Blaz thanked the sailors for their assistance, which showed the community and its youth that people care about them.
Conclusion:
The USS Ralph Johnson’s recent assistance to Island Girl Power is a heartwarming example of how the US Navy can help local communities.
We hope that this story inspires our readers to continue supporting a Stronger Navy, which values promoting peace through strength. By subscribing to Americans for a Stronger Navy, you can stay informed about our mission and help us achieve our goals. #PeaceThroughStrength
Class and type Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Displacement 9,217 tons (full load)[6] Length 513 feet (156 m)[6] Beam 66 feet (20 m)[6] Propulsion 4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines (100,000 shp)[6] Speed 30 kn (56 km/h; 35 mph) Complement 380 officers and enlisted Armament Guns: 5-inch (127 mm)/62 Mk 45 Mod 4 (lightweight gun) 1 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS 2 × 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System 4 × .50 caliber (12.7 mm) guns Missiles: 1 × 32-cell, 1 × 64-cell (96 total cells) Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS): RIM-66M Surface-to-Air Missile RIM-156 Surface-to-Air Missile RIM-174A Standard ERAM RIM-161 Anti-Ballistic Missile RIM-162 ESSM (quad-packed) BGM-109 Tomahawk Cruise Missile RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC Torpedoes: 2 × Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes: Mark 46 Lightweight Torpedo Mark 50 Lightweight Torpedo Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo Aircraft carried 2 × MH-60R Seahawk helicopters Aviation facilities Double hangar and helipad
Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy. We believe in promoting peace through strength, which is a valuable central theme of our organization mission.
In this blog post, we will summarize a recent event related to the US Navy in the South China Sea.
Summary:
The US Navy has sent a guided-missile destroyer, the USS Milius, close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, near the South China Sea. Mischief Reef, which is claimed by the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, has been militarized by China.
The sailing was consistent with international law, and the US Navy asserts that China’s actions are in violation of the Law of the Sea Convention. China has claimed almost all of the South China Sea as part of its territorial waters, including many distant islands and inlets, and has militarized many of them.
“No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms,” the US Navy said.
The US Navy announcement came after China’s military simulated precision attacks against key targets in Taiwan.
China called the USS Milius mission “illegal trespassing.”
The US regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the region, defending the rights of vessels of any nation to operate in the area.
Key Takeaways:
The US Navy has sent a guided-missile destroyer close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, near the South China Sea.
Mischief Reef has been militarized by China, which is in violation of international law.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea as part of its territorial waters and has militarized many of the islands and inlets.
The US regularly conducts FONOPs in the region to defend the rights of vessels of any nation to operate in the area.
Conclusion:
It is essential to promote peace through strength, as our organization mission states, and the recent US Navy’s action in the South China Sea is an example of how we can achieve it. By following international law and conducting FONOPs, we can defend the rights of all nations to operate in the region.
We encourage all our readers to support a Stronger Navy by subscribing to our website and staying informed on these critical issues.
The USS Florida U.S. Navy/Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Lynn Friant
The U.S. Navy has deployed a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine, USS Florida, to the Middle East in support of the U.S. Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain.
The submarine entered the region on Thursday and transited the Suez Canal on Friday. The USS Florida is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to ensure regional maritime security and stability.
The Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) makes her way through Cumberland Sound to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Florida will be officially welcomed to her new home in Kings Bay with a return to service ceremony scheduled for May 25, 2006, in Mayport, Fla. Florida is the second of four SSBN submarines to be converted to the guided missile SSGN platform.
Armament
4 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes 154 × BGM-109 Tomahawks in 22 groups of seven
The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil transits. Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red Sea stretching up to the Suez Canal, the Egyptian waterway linking the Mideast to the Mediterranean Sea.
Americans for a Stronger Navy is a non profit group advocating for a robust US Navy to maintain the nation’s maritime superiority and safeguard its interests and peace through strength.
As part of its mission, the group highlights the importance of investing in advanced naval technologies and capabilities to ensure that the Navy remains ready and capable of defending against any potential threat.
USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Mason (DDG 87) engage a GQM-163, supersonic target, launched by the NASA’s Wallops Fight Facility in Virginia using AEGIS combat system and SM-2 missiles.
The exercise took place on 27 March 2023, and the footage of the event was released by the Navy.
https://youtu.be/n6171Y8F15I
Northrop Grumman GQM-163 Coyote
Philippine Sea and Mason are underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting surface warfare advanced tactical training (SWATT) with Carrier Strike Group TWO. SWATT is the surface force’s premiere advanced tactical training exercise, increasing warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.
Northrop Grumman
The US Navy has successfully destroyed the supersonic target GQM-163 Coyote during an exercise in the Atlantic Ocean near the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
The GQM-163 Coyote is a high-performance target used for training purposes and was developed by Northrop Grumman for the US Navy to replace the MQM-8 Vandal. It is capable of reaching Mach 2.6 (3,210 km/h) at 5-9 meters and Mach 3-4 (3,700-4940 km/h) at 1.5-16.8 km altitude, with a range of 83km and the ability to reach 17km into the sky.
Lockheed Martin Aegis system
During the exercise, the US Navy used at least two Raytheon Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) interceptors to destroy the GQM-163 Coyote. The missiles were launched by the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87), both of which are equipped with the Aegis system.
The Aegis system leverages a combination of software, sensors, and weapons to detect, classify, track, and defeat threats. It integrates the flow of information from multiple ships and aircraft to comprehensively counter large-scale attacks.
The successful exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of the Aegis system and the SM-2 missiles in countering supersonic targets. The Navy’s ability to detect, track and destroy such high-performance targets is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of maritime operations.
Overall, the successful exercise is a testament to the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and preparedness in the face of potential threats. The Navy’s continued investment in advanced technologies and training exercises ensures that it remains capable of defending against any potential adversaries.
