Greetings to all members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy blog. Our organization’s mission is to promote peace through strength.
Today, we are excited to share some news regarding the U.S. Navy’s plan to purchase new aircraft that will act as communication links between the government and nuclear forces worldwide.
Summary:
The Navy is preparing to replace the E-6 Mercury with the E-XX, a new aircraft that will be based on the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. The E-XX will be responsible for transmitting messages to missile submarines and other nuclear forces, including the launch codes for nuclear weapons if necessary.
United States Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury of Strategic Communications Wing ONE, Task Group 114.2, based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, high over Colorado Aug. 23, 2019. The E-6B was refueled by a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, also from Tinker AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)
The Navy will release a requirements list for the new plane, with three test aircraft set to be built soon, followed by a contract for nine more by 2025. The 12 new aircraft will replace the 16 E-6s currently in service.
The TACAMO (take charge and move out) planes are responsible for relaying Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) to submarines at sea. The submarines are armed with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles and are tasked to disappear into the oceans to evade detection.
TACAMO planes ensure that the National Command Authority can command nuclear forces even in the midst of a nuclear war. One
TACAMO plane is usually in the air at all times, and it’s not uncommon for up to six to be in the air at once.
The new E-XX TACAMO will trail long wires that transmit very low-frequency messages, which can penetrate seawater and reach submerged submarines. Lockheed Martin’s entry for the E-XX competition is the EC-130J TACAMO, a plane it is co-developing with Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman along with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Crescent Systems, and Long Wave Inc. to partner to develop a solution for the US Navy’s E-XX TACAMO requirements.
Key Takeaways:
The Navy is preparing to replace the E-6 Mercury with the E-XX, a new aircraft that will be based on the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft.
The E-XX will be responsible for transmitting messages to missile submarines and other nuclear forces, including the launch codes for nuclear weapons if necessary.
The TACAMO planes ensure that the National Command Authority can command nuclear forces even in the midst of a nuclear war.
The new E-XX TACAMO will trail long wires that transmit very low-frequency messages, which can penetrate seawater and reach submerged submarines.
Lockheed Martin’s entry for the E-XX competition is the EC-130J TACAMO, a plane it is co-developing with Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.
Conclusion:
The TACAMO aircraft are some of the most important planes in the entire U.S. military arsenal, as their job as an essential link in nuclear command and control means they truly live up to their hype as the “deadliest planes in the world.” We hope this news has informed and inspired our readers to support a Stronger Navy. Let us work together to promote peace through strength.
USS Nitze returns to homeport after an eight-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kris R. Lindstrom)
Welcome Home USS Nitze
The USS Nitze (DDG 94) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk on April 5th, 2023, after an eight-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
The ship conducted a variety of missions, including maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and counter-narcotics and counter-weapons smuggling operations as part of Operation Unified Takedown. The crew had the opportunity to visit several regions and strengthen important allied and partner relationships.
The successful completion of their mission is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the crew, and the Americans for Stronger Navy organization is proud to welcome them home.
The ship supported maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts and worked with the Yemen Coast Guard to rescue three civilians from a burning boat in the Gulf of Aden.
In addition, Nitze participated in Exercise Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history, and the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 23.1. Key takeaways from the deployment include:
Nitze recovered two U.S. Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vehicles captured by an Iranian ship in the Red Sea.
Cmdr. Katie Jacobson-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94), U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kris R. Lindstrom
Cmdr. Katie Jacobson relieved Cmdr. Sam Sareini as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony in the Gulf of Aden.
The ship completed numerous visit, board, search, and seizure operations, resulting in the seizure of 2,200 kilograms of hash and 320 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated $43 million.
The crew had the opportunity to experience the regions of Rota, Spain; Eilat, Israel; Aqaba, Jordan; Salalah, Oman; Duqm, Oman; Djibouti; Rome, Italy; Gölcük, Türkiye; and Valletta, Malta during scheduled port visits.
The deployment highlighted the Nitze’s commitment to advancing maritime security and strengthening relationships with allies and partners across the theaters.
Cmdr. Katie Jacobson expressed pride in her crew’s achievements and reflected on the ship’s role as ambassadors ashore.
This deployment serves as a reminder of the importance of a stronger navy to maintain peace through strength.
The Navy has awarded contracts to two defense giants, Lockheed-Martin and Raytheon, to separately develop prototype ship-sinking hypersonic missiles for the program
As an organization dedicated to promoting a strong and capable U.S. Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy welcomes the recent investment by the Navy in the development of a new hypersonic ship-killing missile known as HALO.
A contractor-derived rendering of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, or . Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman are developing the next-generation Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, also known as HACM
HALO is a carrier-based offensive anti-ship strike weapon that supports the U.S. Navy’s long range fires strategy.
Press reports reflect that this new weapon is expected to have both anti-ship and hypersonic capabilities, making it a powerful tool for targeting and destroying enemy ships from a safe distance.
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of this investment, as well as the potential impact that HALO could have in a potential conflict with China in the western Pacific.
As the world becomes more interconnected and tensions rise between nations, it is crucial for countries to invest in their defense capabilities.
For the United States, this means ensuring that the Navy remains a strong and capable force, capable of deterring potential adversaries and protecting American interests around the world.
Recently, the U.S. Navy has taken a major step towards maintaining its strength by investing in the development of a new hypersonic ship-killing missile known as HALO (Hypersonic Air-launched Offensive).
What makes HALO unique is that it combines both anti-ship and hypersonic capabilities, allowing it to effectively target and destroy enemy ships from hundreds of miles away.
This new weapon is expected to be carried by carrier-based jets such as the FA-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning, and possibly future successors. It is also expected to fly farther and faster than the current LRASM stealth cruise missile.
The focus on anti-ship capabilities in the development of HALO reflects the Navy’s recognition of the potential conflict with China in the western Pacific, particularly in the event of a battle over Taiwan.
Simulations have shown that the effectiveness of long-range anti-ship missiles will be critical in such a scenario, highlighting the importance of the Navy’s investment in the HALO program.
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Navy is investing in the development of a new hypersonic ship-killing missile known as HALO.
HALO combines anti-ship and hypersonic capabilities and is expected to fly farther and faster than the current LRASM stealth cruise missile.
The Navy’s focus on anti-ship capabilities in the development of HALO reflects the potential conflict with China in the western Pacific, particularly in the event of a battle over Taiwan.
The effectiveness of long-range anti-ship missiles will be critical in a potential conflict with China, highlighting the importance of the Navy’s investment in the HALO program.
A strong and capable Navy is crucial for the United States to deter potential adversaries and protect American interests around the world.
The Navy will commission the USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) on April 1, 2023, as the newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship in Port Hueneme, California.
The Independence-variant variant littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) is in port at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) for its commissioning ceremony, March 31, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Drew Verbis)
The ship’s sponsor is Mrs. Lolita Zinke, and the ceremony will feature notable speakers such as Admiral Samuel Paparo and U.S. Representative Julia Brownley.
The #USSSantaBarbara is named after the city with a strong military history and connection with the Navy and Marine Corps.
The ship is part of the LCS class of ships, which consist of two variants, the Freedom and the Independence, designed and built by two industry teams with the Independence-variant team led by Austal USA for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls, including the USS Santa Barbara.
Littoral Combat Ships are fast, mission-tailored surface combatants designed to operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments. USS Santa Barbara is the third U.S. ship to bear the name Santa Barbara, with the previous two being a single-screw steel freighter and a Kilauea-class ammunition ship.
The commissioning ceremony will be live-streamed at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/31155.
Raytheon Technologies has been awarded a $619 million contract to produce AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy. This contract is the second option exercised from the March 2022 hardware, production, and sustainment contract, which is valued up to $3 billion over five years.
The SPY-6 radars can defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, and surface ships simultaneously, and provide significantly greater detection range, increased sensitivity, and more accurate discrimination than legacy radars.
The radars are being integrated into the US fleet, and this contract will enable them to be added to more ships, including the first of existing Flight IIA destroyers that will be modernized.
About Raytheon Technologies Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
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
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.
AboutRear 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.
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.
The U.S. Navy’s readiness is being tested as China continues to build up its naval forces and threatens Taiwan. These concerns were highlighted in a recent 60 Minutes story featuring Admiral Samuel Paparo, onboard the USS Nimitz, deployed near the U.S. territory of Guam, southeast of Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, or PRC.
Admiral Samuel Paparo commands the U.S. Pacific Fleet, whose 200 ships and 150,000 sailors and civilians make up 60% of the entire U.S. Navy.
“The Navy’s always on alert. One third of the Navy is always deployed and operating at all times. The Navy’s mustering right now about 300 ships, and there are about 100 ships at sea right now all around the globe.” – Admiral Samuel Paparo.
The story emphasized the challenge posed by China’s rapidly growing navy, which now boasts the world’s largest fleet of ships.
CBS 60 minutes with Admiral Samuel Paparo
“The Chinese have made a great effort over the last decade-plus to modernize their navy, and in many cases to achieve parity with us.” – Admiral Samuel Paparo.
The 60 Minutes story also emphasized the need for the U.S. to maintain a strong and capable navy in the face of China’s rise, while also working with its allies in the region to counter China’s ambitions. The story also discussed the situation in Taiwan, where tensions have been rising as China increases its military activities in the region.
“I’ll tell you this: we are here to stay, right, in the South China Sea, and in this part of the world. And I think that’s the message that we really want to convey to not only China, but the entire world. We will sail wherever international law allows.” – Lt. Cmdr. David Ash.
Key takeaways from the story include:
The need to increase the Navy’s readiness through more training and better equipment, as well as concerns about a shortage of ships and the impact of budget cuts on the Navy’s ability to maintain its readiness.
The saying, which is, “Si Pacem, Para Bellum,” which is, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Admiral Samuel Paparo.
About Si vis pacem, para bellum
This ancient Latin adage means “If you want peace, prepare for war.” For additional information on this topic click here for earlier post from the Americans for a Stronger Navy blog.
Amidst these challenges, organizations such as the Americans for a Stronger Navy will advocate for a stronger and better-equipped Navy.
The mission of the Americans for a Stronger Navy is to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of a strong Navy to national security and economic prosperity.
On behalf of the members of the Americans for Stronger Navy, we would like to salute both Admiral Samuel Paparo, Lt. Cmdr. David Ash, the entire crew for their service and CBS 60 Minutes for covering this important story.
“It is crucial to raise awareness about the threats facing the U.S. Navy and the need to maintain a strong and capable naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.” – Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Admiral Samuel Paparo
More about Adm. Samuel Paparo
Adm. Samuel Paparo, a native of Morton, Pennsylvania graduated from Villanova University and was commissioned in 1987. He is the son of a former enlisted Marine and the grandson of a World War II enlisted Sailor. He has earned a Master of Arts in International Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.
A U.S. Naval Aviator, he is a TOPGUN graduate and has flown over 6,000 hours in the F-14, F-15 and F/A-18 and 1,100 carrier landings.
Operational command tours at sea include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Yokosuka, Japan, deploying in Kitty Hawk Strike Group; VFA 106, NAS Oceana, Va; Commander, Carrier Air Wing 7, embarked in Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10.
Other operational assignments at sea include Fighter Squadron (VF) 14, flying the F-14 Tomcat with USS John F. Kennedy and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Groups and VFA-15, flying the F/A-18 Hornet with USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Enterprise Strike Groups.
In joint operational service, he was Director of Operations (J3) at U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Florida; Battle Director at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, Al Udeid, Qatar; and Commanding Officer of Provincial Reconstruction Team, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan with the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He served also on exchange duty with the U.S. Air Force flying the F-15C Eagle with the 71st Fighter Squadron, deploying multiple times to Saudi Arabia and Keflavik, Iceland.
Shore assignments include the staff of Commander, Naval Air Forces, as F/A-18 training, readiness and requirements officer. He was Programming Division (OPNAV N80), Strategy and Resource and Requirements Review Board branch head.
Executive staff tours include service as executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and executive assistant to the 31st Chief of Naval Operations.
His most recent assignment was commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, Manama, Bahrain.
MUSCAT, Oman (March 16, 2023) International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2023 participants conclude the exercise during a final briefing and ceremony in Muscat, Oman, with virtual attendees watching via video teleconference from the IMX Maritime Operations Center in Manama, Bahrain, March 16, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Jacob Vernier)
The International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2023, a multinational naval exercise, has concluded with a closing ceremony in Oman. The exercise involved naval forces from 35 countries, including the United States, and aimed to enhance maritime security, stability, and interoperability among participating nations. The exercise featured a variety of drills, including anti-piracy operations, mine countermeasures, and maritime interdiction operations. Key takeaways from the exercise include the importance of cooperation and communication among international naval forces, the need for effective coordination and planning in joint operations, and the value of training and preparation for potential real-world scenarios.
Why does this matter
The International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2023 was a significant event because it brought together naval forces from 35 different countries to work together towards the common goal of enhancing maritime security, stability, and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity for participating countries to share best practices, build relationships, and improve their collective ability to respond to potential maritime security threats. Additionally, the exercise highlighted the importance of effective communication and coordination among international naval forces, which is crucial for responding to complex security challenges in today’s interconnected world. Ultimately, the IMX 2023 demonstrated the value of multilateral cooperation and preparation for real-world scenarios, making the world safer for everyone.
