Two former Royal Navy vessels, renamed Cherkasy (left) and Chernihiv are the Ukrainian minehunters that have arrived in Portsmouth.
Two former Royal Navy vessels turned Ukrainian naval warships have docked in Portsmouth for the first time since the beginning of the conflict with Russia.
The warships, known as Cherkasy and Chernihiv, were decommissioned last year, and donated to Ukraine to assist against Russia’s invasion.
Before decommissioning, the vessels were known as HMS Shoreham and HMS Grimsby and today they are two of Ukraine’s first minesweepers.
Commodore Paul Pitcher, Commander Surface Flotilla, said: “They are fully operational and capable now.
“Ready to continue to hone their skills. We understand there is probably about 1,000 mines; Russian mines in the Black Sea laid over an area of about 800 square kilometres.
“So, the role of these vessels as post-conflict capability, to clear those mines and secure those lines of communication for maritime trade.
“We’re in the long haul whatever it takes, and who knows when they’ll be making their return to the Black Sea.”
The Ukrainian vessel Cherkasy is former Royal Navy ship HMS Shoreham
The two former Sandown-class Mine Counter Measures Vessels (MCMVs) have sailed down to HMNB Portsmouth from where they were previously based in Scotland to prepare for their first operational exercise, Sea Breeze 24, a joint countermeasure exercise between the Royal Navy, US Navy, and Ukrainian Navy.
Their arrival marks a significant step in the UK’s support for the Ukrainian Navy in terms of transformation and modernisation.
However, Turkey is currently blocking access to the Black Sea which means the minehunters will continue training in UK waters.
Watch: What we know about Ukraine’s ship-killing unit Group 13
“The UK is leading the way in helping Ukraine to modernise its navy,” said Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.
“The transfer of these ships and the excellent training provided by the Royal Navy will have a real long-term impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend its waters.
“We continue to support Ukraine as they deliver major blows to Putin’s Black Sea Fleet.”
He added: “In doing so, they are securing vital corridors to export grain and other
Guided-missile destroyer Porter sails alongside aircraft carrier George Washington in preparation of a replenishment-at-sea while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, on Feb. 26, 2024. (MC2 Nicholas A. Russell/U.S. Navy)
The aircraft carrier George Washington is slated to depart for South America in the coming months, marking the carrier’s first deployment in nearly a decade.
The Southern Seas 2024 deployment is the first for the carrier since it underwent its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul maintenance, or RCOH, starting in 2017 in Virginia.
Meanwhile, the carrier is also poised to return to Yokosuka, Japan, as the Navy’s only forward-deployed carrier, later this year. Yokosuka previously hosted the George Washington from 2008 to 2015.
The Navy has held 10 such Southern Seas deployments since 2007, which aim to bolster maritime partnerships and counter threats in the region, the service said. The George Washington participated in several of these Southern Seas missions — including in 2008 and in 2015 to coincide with its homeport shifts to and from Japan.
““We look forward to building readiness and advancing training as we engage with our friends and partners in South America,” Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said in a statement. “We also look forward to visiting several spectacular locations in South America, as U.S. Navy Sailors don’t often get to see this part of the world.”
While operating in U.S. Southern Command’s area of operations, the strike group plans to engage in passing exercises and allow distinguished visitors from partner nations to witness these operations as it sails around the South American continent.
And embarked international staff will also join U.S. sailors during the deployment to receive instruction from U.S. Naval War College professors, and operate alongside Destroyer Squadron 40 personnel – a first for Southern Seas.
These staffers hail from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, port visits are scheduled for Brazil, Chile, and Peru.
The Ministry of Defense has undertaken this large-scale modification in two phases to effectively transform the JS Kaga into an aircraft carrier. The first phase of modifications, conducted at a shipyard in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, was completed last month. It included altering the deck’s shape from a trapezoid to a rectangle and applying heat-resistant coating to withstand the high temperatures from the jet engines, ensuring the safe launch and recovery of fighter aircraft.
In addition to JS Kaga, the Ministry of Defense is also planning to convert its sister ship, ‘Izumo’, into an aircraft carrier. This involves applying heat-resistant paint to the deck and conducting take-off and landing tests with the F-35B, with the second phase of modifications expected to start within this fiscal year and completion anticipated in about two years.
The government has clarified that neither JS Izumo’ nor JS Kaga will permanently carry squadrons of F-35Bs, ensuring they do not qualify as “attack-type aircraft carriers,” which are prohibited under Japan’s constitution.
Context
Japan’s consideration for aircraft carriers stems from a combination of historical context, regional security dynamics, and strategic necessities. Historically, Japan was a leader in ship-based aviation, with its carriers playing significant roles in early 20th-century conflicts. However, post-World War II pacifism and constitutional constraints shifted Japan’s stance away from such “offensive” capabilities.
The recent shift towards reviving carrier capabilities is largely driven by concerns over regional security threats, particularly from China. China’s assertive maneuvers in the East China Sea, especially around the disputed Senkaku Islands, have prompted Japan to take measures to strenghten its defense capabilities.
Aircraft carriers would provide Japan with a flexible and responsive military force capable of defending its interests and contributing to regional stability. However, the operational scope of these carriers is expected to be modest compared to larger U.S. and UK counterparts, focusing on defending vulnerable areas.
New Zealanders have gathered in Solomon Islands to commemorate the Second World War sinking of HMNZS Moa in Tulagi Harbour. Photo: LAC Jenkins
New Zealanders have commemorated World War II sinking of HMNZS Moa in Tulagi Harbour.
Personnel from three New Zealand Defence Force missions, and staff from the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara, were among those who paid their respects at Henderson Field memorial gardens.
HMNZS Moa was one of three Royal New Zealand Navy Bird-class Minesweepers which were patrolling off the coast of Guadalcanal during World War II.
On April 7, 1943, HMNZS Moa was hit directly by a Japanese dive bomber and sank bow-first in under four minutes.
Five ratings from Moa were killed in the explosions, and seven were seriously injured.
Members from NZDF, ADF and various other organisations pay tribute to fallen soldiers of world war 2 at the commemoration of the Moa sinking. Photo: LAC Jenkins
The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Squadron Leader Ash Wilson, who is based in Honiara with the Forum Fisheries Agency, led the ceremony.
He said New Zealand has a long history with Solomon Islands.
“This year marks the 81st commemoration of the sinking of HMNZS Moa,” he said.
“We respect and honour our past, our veterans and their service.”
Commanding Officer of HMNZS Canterbury, Commander Bronwyn Heslop laid a wreath on behalf of the women and men serving in the New Zealand Defence Force.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jonathan Schwass, also laid a wreath on behalf of the New Zealand Government.
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of April 8, 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
293 (USS 233, USNS 60)
94 (USS 64, USNS 30)
65 (46 Deployed, 19 Local)
In Japan
Electrician’s Mate Fireman Julian Garza, from Harlingen, Texas, troubleshoots a windshield wiper switch on the bridge of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, April 4, 2024. US Navy Photo
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is in port in Yokosuka. The carrier is set to depart for a repair availability in Washington state later this year. USS George Washington (CVN-73) will replace Reagan in Japan.
In the Philippine Sea
An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, prepares to land on the flight deck of USS America (LHA-6), while conducting routine operations in the Philippine Sea, April 2, 2024. US Navy Photo
USS America (LHA-6) is operating in the Philippine Sea.
Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is underway in the Philippine Sea.
The carrier has been using older C-2A Greyhounds as a temporary carrier-onboard delivery vehicle while the CMV-22B fleet was grounded following the November crash of an Air Force MV-22B Osprey off the coast of Japan.
Earlier this month, the grounding of the Ospreys was lifted, and the Navy has begun recertifying crews and aircraft for the logistics operations.
Carrier Strike Group 9
Navy Cmdr. John Ault, a chaplain aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), tunes a bass guitar for a church service on April 7, 2024. US Navy Photo
Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
Carrier Air Wing 11
Sailors observe flight operations on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on April 8, 2024. US Navy Photo
The “Fist of the Fleet” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
The “Black Knights” of VFA 154 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The “Blue Blasters” of VFA 34 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Flying Checkmates” of VFA 211 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.
The “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island.
Cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Destroyer Squadron 23
USS Halsey (DDG-97) arrives in Visakhapatnam, India, Mar. 23, 2024. US Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 23 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Theodore Roosevelt.
USS John S. McCain(DDG-56), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
USS Halsey(DDG-97), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In the Pacific
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) sails under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge after its 138-day deployment to Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze 2024, March 31, 2024. US Coast Guard Photo
USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) was off the coast of California on Monday. USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10) arrived in Vallejo, Calif. on Wednesday. USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903) departed Majuro, Marshall Islands, last week. The cutter is on its first deployment since the cutter relocated to Hawaii.
In the Red Sea
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) prepares an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the ‘Wildcats’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, for launch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in the Red Sea, March 23, 2024. US Navy Photo
U.S. ships continue to patrol the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led multinational effort to protect ships moving through the region. Houthi forces in Yemen continue to attack merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while U.S. naval forces in the region have continued strikes against Houthi weapons that U.S. Central Command says are a threat to naval and merchant ships. Houthi forces say they are targeting ships with connections to the United Kingdom, the U.S. and Israel.
As of Monday, the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was operating in the Red Sea.
Ike deployed on Oct. 14, while several of the carrier’s escorts left on Oct. 13. The carrier transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and transited the Suez Canal on Nov. 4. The ship’s deployment was extended by order of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin late last month, a defense official confirmed to USNI news.
The U.N. Security Council on Jan. 10 approved a resolution calling on Yemen’s Houthi rebel group to “cease its brazen” attacks in the Red Sea.
Carrier Strike Group 2
A sailor conducts maintenance on a rigid-hull inflatable boat aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in the Red Sea on March 23, 2024. US Navy Photo
Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Carrier Air Wing 3
The “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Fighting Swordsmen” of VFA 32 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.
The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 – C-2A – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
The “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
The “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 – MH-60S – from Naval Station Norfolk.
Cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
Destroyer Squadron 22 Destroyer Squadron 22 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Eisenhower.
USS Gravely(DDG-107), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
USS Mason(DDG-87), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.
On Saturday, U.S. Central Command forces destroyed one mobile surface-to air missile system in Houthi controlled territory of Yemen. CENTCOM forces also shot down one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over the Red Sea. Additionally, a Coalition vessel detected and successfully engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship missile (ASM).
On Thursday, CENTCOM forces successfully engaged and destroyed one ASM in a Houthi controlled territory of Yemen.
On Wednesday, USS Gravely (DDG-107) and CENTCOM forces engaged and destroyed one inbound anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) and two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen towards USS Gravely in the Red Sea.
Additionally, during this timeframe CENTCOM forces destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system in Houthi controlled territory.
On Monday, CENTCOM forces successfully destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist unmanned surface vessel (USV) in self-defense.
In the Arabian Sea
A sailor removes illegal narcotics from the hull of a vessel seized by the U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Glen Harris (WPC-1144) in the Arabian Sea, April 4, 2024.
The crew from the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Glen Harris (WPC-1144) seized 15 kilograms of heroin and 375 kilograms of methamphetamine of illegal drugs from a stateless dhow in the Arabian Sea on Thursday.
In the Persian Gulf
U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) are forward-deployed to the region under Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). PATFORSWA deploys Coast Guard personnel and ships with U.S. and regional naval forces throughout the Middle East. Initially deployed in 2003 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA is now a permanent presence based out of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
In the Eastern Pacific
Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) steams in the Pacific Ocean, April 4, 2024. US Navy Photo
The aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) departed San Diego, Calif., on Friday, according to ship spotters.
USNI News reported amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) departed San Diego, Calif., on Monday.
In the Eastern Atlantic
USAV SP4 (LSV-6) underway on the James River on March 12, 2024. USNI News Photo
The ships carrying pieces to build a humanitarian aid pier in Gaza are in the midst of their journey across the Atlantic.
Five U.S. Army watercraft and a Marine Administration ready reserve transport ship are underway headed to the Eastern Mediterranean. USAV General Frank S. Benson (LSV-1) left Joint Base Langley-Eustis on March 9, and transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Wednesday, according to ship spotters.
On March 12, USAV SP4 James A. Loux (LSV-6) and the smaller USAV Montorrey (LCU-2030), USAV Matamoros (LCU-2026) and USAV Wilson Wharf (LCU-2011) were sailing halfway across the Atlantic. The MARAD ship MV Roy P. Benavidez (TAKR-306) left on March 21 with the majority of the modular causeway pieces for the pier loaded aboard. As of Monday, Benavidez was sailing south of the Italian island of Sardinia.
Back on the East Coast, Military Sealift Command ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (T-AK-3010) and USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (AK-3008) are loading parts of the Naval Beach Group One’s similar floating pier system to operate in tandem with the Army’s system.
The general concept will have the Army build a pier that will be anchored to the shore in Gaza with no U.S. personnel setting foot in Israel. The Navy will build a transfer point two to three miles offshore where cargo – likely originating in Cyprus – will be transferred to the Army watercraft to be taken to the pier.
Based on the initial timelines, the pier could be completed by mid-May.
In the Western Atlantic
Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Sailors with the USS Wasp (LHD-1), Wasp (WSP) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), conduct AV-8B Harrier flight operations while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, April 6, 2024. US Navy Photo
The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) was spotted departing Norfolk, Va. on Saturday, according to ship spotters.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) was spotted returning to Norfolk, Va. on Thursday, according to ship spotters. The carrier will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations over the next few months as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2024 deployment.
In addition to these major formations, not shown are others serving in submarines, individual surface ships, aircraft squadrons, SEALs, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Forces, Seabees, EOD Mobile Units and more serving throughout the globe.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) sails in formation with USS America (LHA-6), the Kongo-class destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Dewey (DDG 105) in the Philippine Sea, Mar. 27, 2024. US Navy Photo
Big deck amphib USS America (LHA-6), other U.S. Navy ships, and a submarine wrapped up the Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training 24 drill with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in the Philippine Sea on Saturday. America, along with destroyers USS Dewey (DDG-105), USS Higgins (DDG-76), USS Howard (DDG-83) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114), fleet oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) and a submarine conducted drills with JMSDF destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173) from Mar. 18 until Saturday, a Monday JMSDF release reads. The drill included a harbor phase in Yokosuka from Mar. 18-21, followed by a sea phase on Mar. 22 until Saturday, which took from Yokosuka to east of Okinawa, according to the release.
The sea phase consisted of tactical exercises such as antiair warfare, antisubmarine warfare, surface gunnery exercises, electronic warfare, antiair missile firing and replenishment at sea. The release also stated that this was the first bilateral exercise carried out in Japan’s Fiscal Year 2024, which began on April 1.
In a second JMSDF release, Kongo’s commanding officer, Capt. Gen Kawai said, “JS Kongo has confirmed the strong Japan-U.S. collaboration and improved tactical capabilities and interoperability between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy through practical exercises such as missile firing, which are more high-end than those in recent years.” He added that “although the security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe day by day, we will continue to pursue missions at hand and contribute to the stability of Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.”
The four U.S. destroyers are part of the forward-deployed Japan Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, and on Friday,Higgins,Howard andRalph Johnson conducted live-fire launches of SM-2 surface-to-air missiles in the Philippine Sea, with dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) launching target drones for the drill, based on released photos by the Pentagon.
Meanwhile, Russian bombers made separate flights over the Sea of Japan and the Chukchi Sea over the past week. A Japan Joint Staff Office (JSO) release on Wednesday stated that on Tuesday afternoon, two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Russian fighter aircraft flew in from the continent on a southeast heading toward Japan before turning back northwest while in international airspace off the Noto Peninsula on the main island of Honshu. Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighters were scrambled in response, stated the JSO release.
A Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) release the same day stated that two Tu-95ms long-range bombers made a routine flight over the international waters of the Sea of Japan and that the flight duration was about 10 hours, with fighter escort provided by the crews of Su-30sm fighters of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
On Friday, the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) issued a release stating the command had detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on that day. “The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, this Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat,” read the release.
The Russian MOD also issued a release on the flight stating that two Tu-95ms long-range bombers of the Russian Aerospace Forces made a routine flight over the international waters of the Chukchi Sea and that the flight duration was more than 12 hours. The release also stated that the Su-35sm fighter jets escorted the long-range bomber and that at certain stages of the route, long-range bombers were escorted by fighter jets of foreign countries.
Both Russian MOD releases included a statement from the commander of Long-Range Air Force Lt. Gen. Sergey Kobylash. “The flight was carried out in strict compliance with international rules on the use of airspace,” said Kobylash who also stressed that “Long-Range Aviation crews regularly fly over the international waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black and Baltic seas, as well as the Pacific Ocean.”
Japan’s JSO also issued releases over the past week on the activity of Chinese and Russian surveillance ships around Japan. On Wednesday, the JSO issued a release stating that at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, People’s Liberation Army Navy Dongdiao-class surveillance ship Jinxing (799) was sighted sailing southwest in an area 37 miles east of Tsushima and subsequently sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait to enter the East China Sea. JMSDF fast-attack craft JS Otaka (PG-826) and and P-1 MPAs of Fleet Air Wing 4 based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi shadowed Jinxing, according to the release which also stated that earlier on Mar. 15, Jinxing sailed northeast through the Tsushima Strait to enter the Sea of Japan.
A Thursday JSO release stated that on April 1 at 11 p.m., Russian surveillance ship Kareliya (535) was sighted sailing south in an area 24 miles northeast of Miyako Island and from Apr. 1 to Tuesday, sailed in the contiguous zone from northeast of Miyako Island to southeast of Hateruma Island before departing from the contiguous zone south of Hateruma Island. A contiguous zone is a band of water up to 12 miles from territorial waters in which states have limited jurisdiction to prevent or punish infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations. As such, the passage of the Russian ship was within international law. The JSO stated that fleet oiler JS Oumi (AOE-426) and JMSDF P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft of Fleet Air Wing 5 based at Naha Air Base, Okinawa, shadowed the Russian ship. The release also noted the past movements of Kareliya, which has been sailing around Japan since Mar. 24.
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), lands aboard the USS Wasp (LHD 1) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, April 6, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Photo
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Another one of the Navy’s big-deck amphibious warships could deploy late, as the service faces maintenance backlogs for the amphibious fleet.
Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1), which is currently in the middle of workups ahead of deployment, may leave later than expected, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti said on Monday.
“Right now we’re seeing some potential delays on Wasp – we’re trying to look ahead to make sure that we can, I want to say nip this in the bud, really understand how can we approve that,” Franchetti told reporters at the Navy League’s annual Sea Air Space symposium.
Wasp, the service’s oldest big deck, left Norfolk, Va., on Saturday and is currently at sea off the coast of Virginia for workups, according to USNI Fleet and Marine Tracker.
A potential delay for Wasp comes after USS Boxer (LHD-4) departed San Diego, Calif., last week late for a delayed deployment to the Indo-Pacific. Boxer, the capital ship in the Amphibious Ready Group, left three months after USS Somerset (LPD-25) and almost one month after USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), the other two ships in the formation.
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Garrett Legan, assigned to Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares for fast-rope training aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD-25) during Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH in Visakhapatnam, India, March 20, 2024. US Marine Corps Photo
To get a better handle on the problems with the amphibious fleet, Franchetti said she and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith recently directed the Navy’s deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and policy and the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations to assess amphibious ship readiness and see whether the services are aligned on the requirements for training and certifications.
“Overall, we’re going to learn a lot through this deep dive and we can really understand what are the challenges with amphib readiness,” Franchetti said. “This is a proactive approach.”
The CNO said she expects the three stars to report the “terms of reference” in May so the services can determine next steps for the evaluation.
Franchetti noted that the ships in the amphibious fleet are getting older and having to go through the modifications to accommodate the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Lightning II. Boxer went out for sea trials in June of 2022 after getting the F-35B upgrades.
Wasp was one of the first amphibious ships to get the F-35B upgrades nearly a decade ago. After a brief time forward-deployed in Japan, Wasp came back to Virginia and went into the dry dock at BAE Systems for a maintenance availability. In July of 2022, Wasp went back to Norfolk Naval Station after the maintenance overhaul and has been periodically underway off the Atlantic coast.
Boxer was the subject of two publicized command investigations last year that discovered problems in the ship’s engineering department. While it’s not clear whether the engineering issues led to the ship’s late deployment, two defense officials told USNI News that Boxer‘s material condition is one reason the ship left late and the ships in the ARG deployment separatel
