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Japan Will Deploy Mobile Radar Site in the Philippine Sea, U.S. Marines Test Attack Helicopter in Anti-Surface Role The Japan Self Defense Force has stationed a mobile radar system on Kita Daito Island in the Philippine Sea to expand Japan’s capabilities in the area. Meanwhile, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit held a live fire exercise on Wednesday and the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet wrapped up joint drills with the joint command of troops and forces in the north-east of the Russian Federation on Friday. In a Friday press conference, Japan Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced that the Ministry of Defense and JSDF on Thursday had told the Kita Daito Island Village its intention to deploy a Japan Air
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USNS Burlington Departing July 3 for Continuing Promise Mission in Caribbean USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10) will deploy July 3 and head to the Caribbean and South America for the beginning of the Continuing Promise mission. Continuing Promise is a humanitarian mission that sees Navy sailors, medical professionals and civilians provide medical care for communities in need, while also building partnerships, a panel of Navy leaders told reporters Friday. The Navy will visit Jamaica, Costa Rica, Honduras, Colombia and Panama. The mission set for this year’s Continuing Promise exercise will include the medical aide and working to establish relationships with partners, as well as discussions on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, women, peace and
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Report to Congress on U.S., South Korea Relations The following is the June 25, 2024, Congressional Research Service In Focus report, South Korea: Background and U.S. Relations. From the report Overview South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea, or ROK) is one of the United States’ most important strategic and economic partners in Asia. The U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1953 at the end of the Korean War, commits the United States to help South Korea defend itself, particularly from North Korea (officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK). Approximately 28,500 U.S. troops are based in the ROK. The economic relationship is bolstered by the
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U.S., Japan and Korea Begin Freedom Edge Exercise, North Korea Attempts Ballistic Missile Test The U.S., Japan and South Korea kicked off the first trilateral Freedom Edge exercise on Thursday, according to a joint statement. North Korea meanwhile claimed on Thursday that it carried out successful test with multiple warheads on Wednesday. “Freedom Edge expresses the will of Japan, ROK, and U.S. to promote trilateral interoperability and protect freedom for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, including the Korean Peninsula.”, read the statement. The U.S, Japan and South Korea agreed to the exercise during the Camp David Summit in August 2023. The defense chiefs of the three countries announced the exercise on June 2
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Former SECNAV Richard V. Spencer Named Next Austal Chairman Australian shipbuilder Austral named former Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer as its next chairman, according to a late Wednesday notification to the Australian Security and Exchange Commission. Spencer – who served as SECNAV from 2017 until 2019– will replace outgoing chair and Austal founder John Rothwell on July 1, according to the announcement, which was issued on Thursday morning Australia time. According to the statement, the search for Rothwell’s replacement considered candidates with relationships with the U.S. and Australian defense business sectors, business experience and an understanding of the U.S. industrial base. “Richard was at the top of
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Report to Congress on Navy Ship Names The following the June 26, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress. From the report Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy’s ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to
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USS Wasp Now in the Mediterranean Sea Big deck amphibious warship USS Wasp (LHD-1) passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on Wednesday and is now operating in the Mediterranean Sea, according to ship spotters. The transit follows a brief port visit to Naval Station Rota, Spain. “While in the Mediterranean, our crew, both Sailor and Marine, will have to sustain an increased level of awareness and caution,” Wasp operations officer Cmdr. Sean Getway said in a statement. “The ship must maintain a strong presence during the months ahead and be prepared to conduct a variety of tasking.” Wasp and its Amphibious Ready Group deployed from the East
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Carrier USS Carl Vinson, International Warships Arrive in Hawaii for RIMPAC 2024 The United States Navy and 28 partner nations will begin the 29th biennial Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise on Thursday around the Hawaiian Islands with 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel taking part in the drills that will end on Aug.1 according to a navy release. Aircraft including the F-35 Lightning II fighter, P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), and V-22 Osprey will be operating out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay. RIMPAC 2024 will include multi-domain warfare in
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Report to Congress on Use of Force in Cyberspace The following is the June 25, 2024, Congressional Research Service In Focus report, Use of Force in Cyberspace. From the report Introduction There are presently no internationally accepted criteria for determining whether a nation state cyberattack is a use of force equivalent to an armed attack, which could trigger a military response. Likewise, no international, legally binding instruments have yet been drafted explicitly to regulate inter-state relations in cyberspace. Self-defense and countermeasures for armed attacks are permitted in international law when a belligerent violates international law during peacetime, or violates the law of armed conflict (LOAC) during wartime. However, the
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Navy, Marine Corps Agree on Readiness Standards for Amphibious Warships The heads of the Navy and the Marine Corps settled on a standard to measure the readiness of the fleet of U.S. amphibious warships, according to a joint memorandum of understanding USNI News obtained this week. The June 11 MOU, signed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Marine Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, lays out a common understanding of what it means for an amphibious warship to be ready to take Marines underway on deployment. “The Navy and Marine Corps lack a common lexicon to discuss [amphibious warship] readiness, both internal and external to the Department of the
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USS Theodore Roosevelt to Depart Busan on Wednesday for Freedom Edge Exercise, Say Officials The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will depart Busan on Wednesday to take part in the inaugural U.S.-South Korea-Japan multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge said Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday during a visit of carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). Meanwhile, the U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self Defense Force have announced that they will carry out joint drills around Japan’s southwest islands that will begin on Friday while People’s Liberation Army Navy Dongdiao class surveillance ships and a Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle have been sighted operating around Japan. On Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited
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Report to Congress on Hypersonic Missile Defense The following is the June 24, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Hypersonic Missile Defense: Issues for Congress. From the report The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) are currently developing elements of a hypersonic missile defense system to defend against hypersonic weapons and other emerging missile threats. These elements include the tracking and transport layers of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and various interceptor programs. As MDA and SDA continue to develop these systems, Congress may consider implications for oversight and defense authorizations and appropriations. Background Hypersonic weapons, like ballistic missiles, fly at speeds of at
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U.S. F-35s Join Philippine Marines in South China Sea Live-Fire Drill Four U.S. Marine F-35B Lighting II dropped seven GBU-32 500-pound guided bombs on targets floating off the coast of Western Luzon in the South China Sea in a first-of-its-kind bilateral exercise last week. During the strike mission, Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Brig. Gen. Romeo. Racadio, deputy commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, stood side-by-side at the latter force’s headquarters in Fort Bonifacio during June 15’s Marine Aviation Support Activity 2024 littoral live-fire exercise. The I MEF commander said that this activity was the first time he was able to realistically command and control
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USS Theodore Roosevelt in South Korea Ahead of Transit to Middle East, North Korea Condemns Visit USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) pulled into the South Korean city of Busan on Saturday for a port visit before carrying out the trilateral exercise Freedom Edge with South Korea and Japan. Following the exercise, the carrier is set to transit to the Red Sea, according to Pentagon officials. Meanwhile, carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) left Guam on Saturday while carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is making its way to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC 2024) exercise held from June 27 to Aug. 1. Roosevelt (CVN-71), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and destroyers USS Halsey (DDG-97)
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USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: June 24, 2024 These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of June 24, 2024, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship. Ships Underway Total Battle Force Deployed Underway 296 (USS 235, USNS 61) 108 (USS 75, USNS 33) 75 (53 Deployed, 22 Local) In Japan USS America (LHA-6) is in Sasebo. America will change homeports later this year, USNI News has learned. In the Philippine Sea USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
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Royal Australian Navy Down Two Replenishment Oilers As Ships Go In For Repairs The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) two Supply-class fleet replenishment oilers are now out of service, with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirming on Friday that HMAS Stalwart (A304) is now nonoperational following engine defects, joining sister ship HMAS Supply (A195) ,which has been nonoperational since March 2023. Meanwhile, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin wrapped up drills with an RAN amphibious ship on Thursday. In a press conference on Friday at Osborne Shipyard, Adelaide, Marles said that Supply has had issues that are well known and that his ministry was now aware of issues emerging from Stalwart. “ And
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UPDATED: USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Now in the Med, USS Theodore Roosevelt Heads to the Middle East This post has been updated with a June 22 statement from Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. THE PENTAGON – Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) has departed the Red Sea while USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), currently in the Pacific, will leave for the Middle East to continue a U.S. presence mission in the region, USNI News has learned. “[The] Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group departed the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility today and will remain briefly in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility before returning home after more than seven months deployed in support of U.S. regional
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GAO Report on Generative AI and Commercial Applications The following is the June 20, 2024, Government Accountability Office report, Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI Technologies and Their Commercial Applications. Why this matters Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded to over 100 million users globally due to recently enhanced capabilities and user interest. This growth has created both excitement and debate about the technology’s potential to revolutionize entire industries, such as health care, education, and software engineering. Generative AI technology may dramatically increase productivity and transform daily tasks across much of society. However, it may also displace workers, spread disinformation, and present risks to national security and the
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South Korean Shipbuilder Hanwha Makes $100M Bid to Buy Philly Shipyard, SECNAV Del Toro Praises Deal An American shipyard that builds domestic cargo vessels and training ships for U.S. maritime colleges has agreed to a deal, in which it would be bought by a major South Korean shipbuilder. Pending regulatory approvals, Philly Shipyard is set to be acquired by Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean for $100 million from its Norwegian parent Anker ASA, according to a statement from the Philadelphia yard on Thursday. “Recognized as a global leader, Hanwha brings a wealth of sophisticated shipbuilding experience that will enable Philly Shipyard to realize a grander vision for its employees and customers,” Kristian Røkke, chair of Philly
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Houthi Attacks Causing More Damage in the Red Sea, Merchant Traffic Through Suez Canal Down More than 50% In the last week, Houthi forces killed a merchant mariner, sunk a commercial ship and forced a crew to abandon another in flames. The attacks come as the Houthis continue to escalate its eight-month campaign against commercial traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis attacked MV Verbena, a Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier and Liberian-flagged MV Tutor, leading to both crews abandoning ship after the damage caused fires and flooding. Tutor sank following missile damage led to flooding, while Verbena’s crew abandoned the ship after it could not put out fires caused by the Houthi strike.
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Russia, North Korea Sign Strategic Partnership Treaty, 6 ROK P-8A Poseidons Arrive in South Korea Russia and North Korea on Wednesday signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that included both countries pledging to assist each other if attacked, a move condemned by South Korea, which said it is now reconsidering its policy of providing Ukraine with only nonlethal equipment. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, three Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) six P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) returned home to South Korea after completion of training in the United States, with the remaining three returning by the end of this month. The Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang on
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Report to Congress on Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense The following is the June 14, 2024, Congressional Research Service report Navy Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program: Background and Issues for Congress. From the report The Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) program, which is carried out by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Navy, gives Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers a capability for conducting BMD operations. BMD-capable Aegis ships operate in European waters to defend Europe from potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such as Iran, and in in the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf to provide regional defense against potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such
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Carrier USS Ronald Reagan Arrives in Guam After Valiant Shield Exercise Carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) pulled into Guam on Wednesday for a port visit after wrapping up exercise Valiant Shield 2024 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet began drills with the joint command of troops and forces in the north-east of the Russian Federation. Ronald Reagan docked into Naval Base Guam on Wednesday as part of a scheduled port visit, according to photos issued by the Navy. The carrier had been participating in exercise which began on June 7 and finished up on Tuesday. Reagan appeared from images to have docked in Guam without its escorts, cruiser USS
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China Coast Guard Impounds Philippine Navy Boats, Seizes Firearms in Latest Second Thomas Shoal Incident Chinese forces seized Philippine small boats and firearms during Monday’s botched resupply attempt to BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Second Thomas Shoal, Philippine military officials confirmed. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner slammed the actions of the China Coast Guard and Maritime Militia, describing their acts as “piracy” in a press briefing in Palawan on Wednesday. “They have no right, or legal authority, to hijack our operations and destroy Philippine vessels operating within our exclusive economic zone,” said Brawner. Brawner’s visit to Palawan included a visit to service members wounded in the incident. Navy seaman First
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Report to Congress on Virginia-class Submarine Program, AUKUS The following is the June 12, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Navy Virginia-Class Submarine Program and AUKUS Submarine (Pillar 1) Project: Background and Issues for Congress/ From the report Virginia-class submarine program. The Navy has been procuring Virginia (SSN-774) class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) since FY1998, and a total of 40 have been procured through FY2024. From FY2011 through FY2024, they have been procured at a rate of two per year. When procured at that rate, they have an estimated procurement cost of about $4.5 billion each. Although they have been procured at a rate of two boats per year,
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China Deploys Amphibious Warship Near the Philippines A Chinese amphibious warship is operating near a disputed South China Sea feature that has been the site of a standoff between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guards, USNI News has learned. An unidentified People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 075-class landing helicopter dock was first seen by a ship spotter in satellite photos in the South China Sea on June 12. On Friday, the 36,000-ton warship stopped near Subi Reef, a reclaimed feature that now hosts a Chinese military base. By Sunday, the amphib was spotted near Sabina Shoal. China’s Type 075 LHD rushed to Sabina Shoal. pic.twitter.com/veEDpACVqW — Duan Dang
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Carrier USS John C. Stennis Overhaul Delayed, Work Will Take More than 5 Years to Complete This post has been updated with additional information from Naval Sea Systems Command. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The midlife overhaul and refueling for aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) will now take about five and a half years to complete – an extension of almost 14 months, according to Navy Fiscal Year 2025 budget documents. Stennis began the refueling and complex overhaul in 2021 and was due to finish the massive, multi-billion overhaul by August 2025. However, that date was pushed to the right by more than a year to October 2026, according to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget documents released
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GAO Annual Assessment of Weapon Systems The following is the June 17, 2024, Government Accountability Office Report to Congressional Committees: Weapon Systems Annual Assessment. From the report What GAO Found While the Department of Defense (DOD) plans to invest more than $2 trillion to develop and acquire its costliest weapon programs, it continues to struggle with delivering innovative technologies quickly. Weapon systems are more complex and driven by software than ever before. Recent reforms were intended to lead to faster results, but slow, linear development approaches persist. In July 2023, GAO found that leading commercial companies deliver complex, innovative products with speed through iterative cycles of
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U.S. Sinks Ship in Valiant Shield Live Fire Exercise U.S forces held a sinking exercise as part of exercise Valiant Shield 2024, while 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) conducted drills with a French warship in the Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Philippines Navy and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) conducted drills in the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday as part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate resolve and willingness to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the area. In other developments, Australia’s first of four MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) arrived on Sunday. The Pacific Fleet on Monday issued
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Philippine Sailor Severely Injured, Vessels Damaged as Chinese Block South China Sea Mission A Philippine sailor suffered severe injuries when Chinese forces blocked an Armed Forces of the Philippines resupply mission in the South China Sea, Pentagon officials confirmed to USNI News. The AFP mission to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) outpost at Second Thomas Shoal also resulted in damage to an unknown number of Philippine vessels. The Philippine sailor was injured as a result of the “PRC vessels’ dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, and blocking maneuvers,” reads a Monday statement from Office of the Secretary of Defense spokesperson U.S. Army Maj Pete Nguyen to USNI News. This is
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