Welcome home! On behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we want to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude for your service to our country over the past six years.
The USS Barry has accomplished so much during its time in Japan, including participating in several multinational exercises and conducting numerous successful operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Your service has helped to promote stability, peace, and security in the region, and we are all incredibly proud of the contributions you have made to the defense of our nation.
Serving your country is an incredible honor and a cherished responsibility that is respected and admired by those at home. Your efforts to protect our freedoms and values, and we are grateful for your unwavering dedication and commitment to duty. Your service and sacrifice remind us of the importance of the Navy’s mission and the vital role it plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
We know that the past six years have been challenging, with long deployments and time away from family and loved ones. We are grateful for the sacrifices you have made and the personal challenges you have overcome to serve our country.
We hope that as you reunite with your families and loved ones, you feel the gratitude and appreciation of a grateful nation. Thank you for your service, and your dedication to the Navy and to our country.
Sincerely, Americans for a Stronger Navy
Barry’s namesake honors Commodore John Barry, the Father of the American Navy, Revolutionary War hero, and first commissioned officer in the United States Navy. Barry is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.
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.
Ships and aircraft from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operate in formation in the South China Sea.
The U.S. Navy reports on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s (MEU) operations in the South China Sea, which were conducted in coordination with the USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
Here are some key takeaways:
The 13th MEU participated in Expeditionary Strike Force operations in the South China Sea, which included conducting maritime security operations, amphibious assault rehearsals, and live-fire training exercises.
The operations were aimed at demonstrating the U.S. military’s commitment to regional security and stability, as well as enhancing interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
The article highlights the importance of the South China Sea as a strategic waterway for global commerce and the need to maintain a rules-based international order to ensure free and open access to it.
The article also mentions that the 13th MEU is a highly capable, versatile, and expeditionary force that can rapidly deploy to respond to crises and contingencies around the world.
Here are a couple of quotes from the article that help to emphasize the key points:
“The South China Sea is a vital waterway for global commerce and maintaining a rules-based international order that allows for free and open access to the region is a top priority for the U.S. and its allies and partners.”
“The 13th MEU is highly capable and ready to respond to a range of crises and contingencies, and we remain committed to working with our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific to ensure regional security and stability.”
The Department of the Navy has released its FY 2024 President’s Budget, which aims to build a stronger and more capable Navy. The budget includes a total funding request of 8$211.7 billion, with a focus on modernization, readiness, and innovation.
One of the key takeaways from the budget is the emphasis on investing in new technologies and capabilities, such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare. This reflects the Navy’s recognition that future conflicts will be fought in multiple domains, including the digital realm.
The Department of the Navy’s (DON) FY 2024 President’s Budget (PB24) request is $255.8B, an increase of $11.1B or 4.5% from the FY 2023 enacted budget.
The FY 2024 President’s Budget for the Department of the Navy has a total funding request of $211.7 billion.
The budget prioritizes modernization, readiness, and innovation.
The Navy aims to invest in new technologies and capabilities such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare.
The budget emphasizes readiness by increasing the number of ships and aircraft in the fleet and investing in maintenance and training programs.
PmThe Navy plans to improve infrastructure and facilities, including shipyards, naval bases, and research facilities.
Overall, the budget demonstrates a commitment to building a stronger and more capable Navy, ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Seaman Isaiah Harris and Seaman Devon Harris, both assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, are the stars of the deck as the ship arrives in Souda Bay, Greece. As the vessel, along with the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, gets ready for its scheduled port visit, these two sailors are hard at work heaving a line.
This may seem like a simple task, but it plays a crucial role on board a Navy ship. It’s a time-honored tradition that ensures safe mooring and docking, and for Seaman Harris and Seaman Harris, it’s an opportunity to showcase their teamwork and precision in a high-pressure environment.
Their dedication and hard work represent the kind of professionalism that makes the George H.W. Bush CSG a force to be reckoned with in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, where they defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
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.
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.
In a recent visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who portrays Maverick in the upcoming movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” met with the ship’s crew and Marines to show his appreciation for their service. During the visit, the crew demonstrated their capabilities and gave Cruise a glimpse of what life is like aboard a carrier.
The visit was not the first time Cruise has been involved with the Navy. He previously visited the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Harry S. Truman to research for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick” and worked closely with Naval aviators to ensure authenticity in the movie’s flying scenes.
The Americans for a Strong Navy organization, which advocates for a strong U.S. Navy, salutes the crew of the USS George H.W. Bush and expresses gratitude towards Tom Cruise for supporting the Navy. The organization believes that a strong Navy is essential for maintaining global peace and stability.
The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the NAVEUR area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
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.
This “Tell us Your Story” blog post is dedicated to the Sailors of the USS Mobile. This post shares a story about those that serve on the USS Mobile. Also included is key takeaways of an article written by a crew member of the USS Mobile and a note of thanks to the crew from the founding members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Watchstanders
Watchstanders on board the USS Mobile, a naval vessel that provides support to military and humanitarian missions around the world play an important role. These watchstanders are responsible for operating the ship’s various systems, maintaining communications, and ensuring the safety and security of the crew and the ship itself. The article below provides insight into the day-to-day experiences of the watchstanders, including the challenges they face and the satisfaction they derive from their work. The article emphasizes the vital importance of watchstanders in ensuring the success of naval missions and protecting the interests of the United States.
Key takeaways
“This Tell us Your Story” blog post discusses the crucial role of watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile in operating systems, maintaining communication, and ensuring the safety of the crew and ship.
Whether it is plotting the ship’s course, managing the decks, signaling to a helicopter during flight quarters or compiling a training report, Sailors aboard Mobile are supporting the needs of the ship and each other which, in turn, supports the mission
It also highlights the challenges and rewards of their work and emphasizes their importance in supporting military and humanitarian missions.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Victoria Granado:
Aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26), Sailors of varying rank and rate stand watch on the ship’s bridge – from driving the ship to watching the ocean surface for contacts. Twenty-four hours a day, Mobile’s Sailors man their watch stations. Optimally-manned, LCS demand each Sailor perform the duties of three legacy Sailors.
Boatswain’s Mate Chief Petty Officer Jesus Hernandez has served every one of his 19 years in the U.S Navy on destroyers and cruisers. Though no stranger to standing watch on a smaller ship, Hernandez noted some significant differences during his first deployment on an LCS. The assigning of watches that are typically reserved for officers are also assigned to senior enlisted Sailors.
“I stand Junior Officer of the Deck,” said Hernandez. “On this deck it’s a mixture of Quartermaster of the Watch, Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch and everything else that comes with being a JOOD. An LCS is completely different from any other ship I have been on.”
Hernandez explained that on ships with a traditional watch configuration there would be a minimum of three officers on the bridge at one time, each with a very specific role to fill.
“On the Mobile, a lot of duties and functions are combined into one watch,” continued Hernandez. “Which means a much longer and intensive training pipeline to get qualified.”
To stand JOOD on Mobile, Hernandez took courses to learn how to drive the ship as well as how to operate the ship’s navigation system. As the ship’s Deck Leading Chief Petty Officer, Hernandez stands his watches and carries out his duties in anchoring evolutions, flight deck evolutions, small boat operations, and search and rescue operations.
Lt. Calvin Davies, navigator for Mobile, stands watch as Officer of the Deck and is also well acquainted with the consolidation of watch positions.
“When I’m standing watch on the bridge, I’m the OOD, the helmsman and the conning officer all wrapped up into one,” said Davies.
When not on the bridge, Davies serves as the legal officer, the training officer, and is the head of the ship’s administration department.
“It’s great that my main billet as the ship’s navigator goes hand-in-hand with my watch standing,” said Davies. “Outside of that, I am constantly considering what perspective I need to approach something. From a legal officer’s perspective? Or a training officer’s?”
Assuming multiple and varied responsibilities extends to Mobile’s junior enlisted as well. For instance, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Michelle Venegas, from Phoenix, Ariz., stands watch as a lookout on the bridge wings.
“I have a lot of professional pride in being a lookout for the ship,” said Venegas. “We’re the ‘watchful eye’ for the crew. It’s important that the rest of the team on the bridge has a visual of what is out there outside of what the radars can tell them.”
When not scanning the horizon for surface contacts, Venegas is the supervisor for her work center, the command’s training petty officer, the secretary for the Junior Enlisted Association and administrator of official correspondence for the entire crew. Whether it is plotting the ship’s course, signaling to a helicopter during flight quarters or compiling a training report, Sailors aboard Mobile are supporting the needs of the ship and each other which, in turn, supports the mission.
“Serving on an LCS has really shown me what a Sailor is capable of,” said Hernandez. “It’s been exciting to see how we can work together and sync up to get the job done.”
Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Letter from the Founding Members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy to the crew of the USS Mobile
Dear Watchstanders of USS Mobile: The Bridge and Beyond,
On behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we would like to express our gratitude for your article highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of the watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile. We recognize the vital role that watchstanders play in ensuring the success of naval missions and protecting the interests of the United States.
We also appreciate the challenges that come with this critical responsibility and the rewards that come with ensuring the safety and security of the crew and ship. We are committed to supporting the watchstanders and all members of the Navy by advocating for a stronger Navy and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to carry out their duties effectively.
Thank you for shedding light on the crucial work of the watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile, and please convey our appreciation to them and the entire crew for their service and sacrifice.
