Dive and hydrographic vessel HMNZS Manawanui has arrived in Niue, the first stop in a seven-week deployment to the south-west Pacific.
Operation Calypso will involve the 70-strong Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) crew carrying out maritime security patrols, hydrographic surveys and community engagement activities during visits to Niue, Fiji and Vanuatu.
While in Niue, HMNZS Manawanui will take seven people from various Niuean authorities around 120 nautical miles out to sea to conduct an inspection at Beveridge Reef.
Once back on the mainland, the ship’s company will visit schools and host a ‘women in maritime’ networking event. Women make up more than a quarter of the ship’s company, with 20 on board. Personnel will be enjoying Niuean hospitality and the beautiful surroundings before departing for Fijian waters next week.
An historic survey is on the cards at the ship’s next port of call. HMNZS Manawanui will carry hydrographic surveyors from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the RNZN’s Littoral Support Unit HMNZS Matataua. The personnel will work together as the ship conducts two maritime surveys, one of which is in the Koro Sea east of Viti Levu island – an area which was last surveyed in 1895.
The data from this work will be processed ashore in the Fiji Hydrographic Office, by the RNZN hydrographers and Fiji Navy personnel, before being formally despatched to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office for inclusion on charts.
HMNZ Manawanui will then sail to Vanuatu, where Explosive Ordnance Disposal divers from HMNZS Matataua have been tasked with the disposal of four, 500lb bombs left submerged in Port Vila Harbour after the Second World War.
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HMNZS Matataua maintains a number of operational divers who are trained in the identification and disposal of explosive remnants of war on land and under water. The munitions in Port Vila Harbour were identified by the Australian Defence Force and the disposal task was handed over to the RNZN.
Commander Yvonne Gray, Commanding Officer of HMNZS Manawanui, said the ship’s company was excited about the deployment.
“For all of us, the Pacific is our neighbourhood and it’s always special to get out here and work with our friends on these tasks,” she said.
“Some of our crew hail from Pacific nations and so for them our deployments to the Pacific are a way for them to give something back to their communities.”
Operation Calypso is due to conclude in early December.
October 30, 2023 12:50 PM • Updated: October 30, 2023 2:10 PM
USNI News Graphic
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Oct. 30, 2023, 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
291 (USS 232, USNS 59)
107 (USS 74, USNS 33)
85 (57 Deployed, 28 Local)
In Sasebo, Japan
Capt. Michael Fontaine, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, commanding general, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Vice Adm. Chijo Tawara, JMSDF Sasebo District commandant, attend a memorial ceremony at Higashiyama Park Cemetery Oct. 28, 2023. US Navy Photo
The America Amphibious Ready Group is in Sasebo, Japan.
In Manila, Republic of the Philippines
Lt. Christopher Duncan, from Columbus, Ohio, gives a tour to staff members of the Republic of the Philippines U.S. Embassy on the flight deck aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), while at anchor in Manila Bay, Philippines, Oct. 29, 2023. US Navy Photo
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and other ships with the Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are in Manila, Republic of the Philippines.
Carrier Strike Group 5
Chief Boatswain’s Mate Dennis Brown, from Lynn, Massachusetts, signals to line handlers as USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), anchors in Manila Bay, Philippines, for a routine port visit, Oct. 28, 2023. US Navy Photo
Aircraft Carrier
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.
Carrier Air Wing 5
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the ‘Royal Maces’ of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, lands on aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), in the South China Sea, Oct. 27, 2023. US Navy Photo
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, is embarked aboard Ronald Reagan and includes a total of nine squadrons and detachments:
The “Royal Maces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 – from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
The “Diamondbacks” of VFA-102 from MCAS Iwakuni.
The “Eagles” of VFA-115 from MCAS Iwakuni.
The “Dambusters” of VFA-195 from MCAS Iwakuni.
The “Shadowhawks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 – from MCAS Iwakuni.
The “Tiger Tails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 – from MCAS Iwakuni.
The “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 – Detachment 5 – from MCAS Iwakuni.
The “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 – from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan.
The “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 – from Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
Cruisers
Seaman Jalen Philipps, from Duncan, Oklahoma, chocks and chains an MH-60R Sea Hawk from the ‘Saberhawks’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 during flight quarters aboard Ticonderoga-class-guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62) in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 23, 2023. US Navy Photo
USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.
USS Antietam (CG-54), homeported in Yokosuka.
Destroyer Squadron 15
Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) and Singapore contractors conduct routine maintenance and voyage repairs during a scheduled port visit to Singapore, Oct. 18, 2023. US Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 15 is based in Yokosuka, Japan, and is embarked on the carrier.
USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.
In the Western Pacific
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) (left), Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Hopper (DDG-70) sail in formation on July 18, 2023. US Navy Photo
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group deployed on Oct. 12 and are now operating in U.S. 7th Fleet.
Carrier Strike Group 1
Carrier
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), homeported at San Diego, Calif.
Carrier Air Wing 2
The “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
The “Stingers” of VFA 113 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore
The “Warhawks” of VFA 97 – F-35C – from Naval Air Station Lemoore
The “Golden Dragons” of VFA 192 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Lemoore
The “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Black Eagles” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 113 – E-2D – from Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.
The “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 – CMV-22B – from Naval Air Station North Island, Calif.
The “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station North Island
The “Black Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station North Island
Cruiser
USS Princeton (CG-59), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
Destroyer Squadron 1
Destroyer Squadron 1 is based in San Diego and is embarked on Carl Vinson.
USS Hopper (DDG-70), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
USS Kidd (DDG-100), homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash.
USS Sterett (DDG 104), homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif.
USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
In the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Sailor aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) on Oct. 17, 2023. US Navy Photo
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its escorts are underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean is meant to deter Hezbollah, Iran, and other actors from joining the war between Hamas and Israel. Hamas is a State Department-designated terrorist group that started ruling the occupied territory Gaza after Israel withdrew troops and settlers in 2005.
Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin extended the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group’s deployment in the Mediterranean. The Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG is now headed to U.S. Central Command.
San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Bravo Command Element are in the Mediterranean Sea. Mesa Verde is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Bataan and Carter Hall, the other two ships in the Bataan ARG, are currently operating in U.S. 5th Fleet.
Carrier Strike Group 12
Carrier
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), steams in the Ionian Sea, Oct. 4, 2023. US Navy Photo
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Carrier Air Wing 8
The “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Blacklions” of VFA 213 – F/A-18F – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Tomcatters” of VFA 31 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana.
The “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 – EA-18G – from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 – 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 “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 – MH-60R – from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
The “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 – MH-60S – from Naval Air Station Norfolk.
Cruiser
USS Normandy (CG-60), homeported at Norfolk, Va.
Destroyer Squadron 2
Lt. j.g. Liana Trombley stands watch aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) while underway in the Red Sea, Oct. 26, 2023. US Navy Photo
Destroyer Squadron 2 is based in Norfolk, Va., and is embarked on Ford.
USS Ramage (DDG-61) homeported at Norfolk.
USS McFaul (DDG-74) homeported at Norfolk.
USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), homeported at Mayport, Fla.
In the Central Mediterranean Sea
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) transiting the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28, 2023. US Navy Photo
The Dwight D. EisenhowerCarrier Strike Group (CSG) transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28 and is now in the Mediterranean Sea. The CSG will operate in Central Command, not in the Eastern Mediterranean, as previously announced. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG deployed on Saturday, Oct. 14.
Carrier Strike Group 2
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) transiting the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 28, 2023. 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, Va.
The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
The “Wildcats” of VFA 131 – F/A-18E – from Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.
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, Va.
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, Va.
Cruiser
U.S. Navy Damage Controlman Fireman Marcus Schiller, left, and Damage Controlman 3rd Class Kimberly Natalveres prepare for a simulated fire aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 16, 2023. US Navy Photo
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.
ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591), homeported at La Spezia, Italy
In the Red Sea
Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit board a UH-1Y Venom helicopter, assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 162 (reinforced), during flight operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 23, 2023. US Navy Photo
Bataan and Carter Hall entered the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden on Friday, according to ship spotters. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is embarked across the three warships.
Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50) conducts flight operations with an unmanned aerial vehicle in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 23, 2023. US Navy Photo
The Marines aboard are trained to evacuate civilians in conflict zones. USNI News visited the unit in April during a non-combatant evacuation exercise in North Carolina.
Embarked units include Amphibious Squadron 8, 26th MEU (SOC), Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4 and Beach Master Unit 2. The 26th MEU (SOC), based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., includes Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 22.
In the Persian Gulf
Personnel from USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) seize illicit drugs from a fishing vessel in international waters in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 12, 2022. US Coast Guard Photo
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 Western Atlantic
USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) in port in Reykjavík, Iceland on Oct. 24, 2023. US Coast Guard Photo
USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) is underway in the Western Atlantic off the Coast of Labrador. Healy is conducting a circumnavigation deployment that started in Seattle, Wash.
USS George Washington (CVN-73) is underway in the Virginia Capes.
In the Eastern Pacific
Sailors assigned to the Air Department aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4) conduct deck landing qualifications with an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the ‘White Knights’ of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Oct. 27, 2023. US Navy Photo
Amphibious warship USS Boxer (LHD-4) is operating off the coast of California. Boxer left San Diego on Oct. 27.
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.
October 30, 2023 5:08 PM • Updated: October 31, 2023 6:51 AM
Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) and Dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50) transit in formation through the Red Sea, Aug. 8, 2023. US Navy Photo
THE PENTAGON – USS Bataan (LHD-5) and USS Carter Hall (LSD-50) are expected to remain in the Red Sea for an extended period as part of the U.S. naval buildup in the Middle East, two defense officials confirmed to USNI News Monday.
The two ships were previously going to join USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), the other ship assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. Mesa Verde is currently in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Embarked on the three ships is the North Carolina-based 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit . The MEU includes the command element; the aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 162 (Reinforced); the ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 1/6; and the logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22. The Marines aboard are trained to evacuate civilians in conflict zones. USNI News visited the unit in April during a non-combatant evacuation exercise in North Carolina.
Defense officials confirmed that besides Bataan and Carter Hall, at least three guided-missile destroyers are also in the Red Sea. USNI News understands that USS Roosevelt (DDG-80), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) and USS Carney (DDG-64) are all in the Red Sea, as of Monday. While Thomas Hudner is assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, the destroyer has been operating in the Middle East while USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its escorts have been operating in the Mediterranean. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and its escorts entered the Mediterranean on Saturday following the start of their deployment earlier this month.
Also in the Eastern Mediterranean is the U.S. 6th Fleet command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20). Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the extension of the Ford CSG earlier this month and Navy officials don’t know when the strike group might start its return to the East Coast.
U.S. warships are spread out between European and Central Command as part of the United States’ response to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, as well as a recent uptick in attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.
On Oct. 19, Carney shot down four land-attack missiles and 15 drones launched by Houthis in Yemen.
As of Monday, there had now been 23 attacks against U.S. forces, with 14 in Iraq and nine in Syria, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters.
While Singh said there had been an increase in attacks against U.S. forces in the area, she could not say how much of an increase. The Department of Defense is using a conservative and deliberate approach when counting attacks on U.S. forces, she said.
On Thursday, the U.S. attacked two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites, where it believed weapons were being produced, the Department of Defense announced.
In addition to the U.S. forces, the French and U.K. have sent warships. French amphibious warship Tonnerre (L9014) will join two guided-missile frigates in the region while the Royal Navy has dispatched the Bay-class landing ship dock RFA Lyme Bay (L3007) and the auxiliary ship RFA Argus (A135).
SAN DIEGO – Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) returned to its homeport following the completion of its participation in the 18th annual Pacific Partnership mission, Oct. 6.
Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Jackson supported mission stops in Fiji and Samoa, and was joined by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy over the course of their four-month deployment.
“I am privileged to be leading such a wide and encompassing mission, supported by such a diverse and talented crew,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Claudine Caluori, mission commander. “USS Jackson provided invaluable support to our mission in both Fiji and Samoa, and exemplified what nations are capable of when they come together and unite as one.”
The team aboard Jackson worked collectively with participating host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.
“It is our privilege to support our partner nations through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during Pacific Partnership.” said Cmdr. Michael Winslow, Jackson’s commanding officer. “My crew, along with the embarked HSC-23 detachment, has a lot to be proud of. Their hard work, resiliency, and commitment are just a part of what made USS Jackson successful over the last four months.”
Individual projects were tailored to the requests of each host nation and included engineering projects, medical and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief subject matter expert exchanges and outreach engagements with Allies and partners.
“Pacific Partnership is an incredibly diverse and rewarding mission. I will return to the UK with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that are amongst my career highlights,” said Royal Navy Capt. Joe Dransfield, deputy mission commander. “I would like to thank the Sailors aboard the USS Jackson for the role they played in making Pacific Partnership such a successful mission. From participating in cultural events, beach clean ups and school visits, to hosting VIPs; they have been great ambassadors for the mission and their nation. I am thankful to have been alongside them for this piece of their Pacific Partnership journey.”
Jackson was joined by Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) during Pacific Partnership 2023.
Jackson is homeported in San Diego as part of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One and U.S. 3rd Fleet. LCS are versatile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments and win against 21st-century coastal threats. These ships provide forward presence and conduct maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions both near-shore and on the high seas.
An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with our allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region.
For more information about Pacific Partnership visit www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership, www.instagram.com/pacific_partnership/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/C-LGWP. Pacific Partnership public affairs can be reached via email at [email protected].
PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 23, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) conducts a Replenishment at Sea with the Royal New Zealand Polar-class logistics support vessel HMNZS Aotearoa. Howard is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photos by Ensign Morgan Bollinger)
131109-N-ZZ999-330 PASCAGOULA, Miss. (Nov. 9, 2013) – Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) America (LHA 6) returns to Huntington Ingalls Shipyard Nov. 9 after completing Builder’s Sea Trials. During the trials, the ship’s main propulsion, communications, steering, navigational and radar systems were tested for the first time at sea. America will be the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation “big-deck” amphibious ship, America will be optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and Joint Strike Fighter. The ship will provide flexible, multi-mission capabilities spanning from forward deployed crisis response to maritime security operations. The ship was christened on Oct. 20, 2012 and is currently undergoing construction in Pascagoula, Miss. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Lawrence Grove/Released)131109-N-ZZ999-330 PASCAGOULA, Miss. (Nov. 9, 2013) – Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) America (LHA 6) returns to Huntington Ingalls Shipyard Nov. 9 after completing Builder’s Sea Trials. During the trials, the ship’s main propulsion, communications, steering, navigational and radar systems were tested for the first time at sea. America will be the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation “big-deck” amphibious ship, America will be optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and Joint Strike Fighter. The ship will provide flexible, multi-mission capabilities spanning from forward deployed crisis response to maritime security operations. The ship was christened on Oct. 20, 2012 and is currently undergoing construction in Pascagoula, Miss. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Lawrence Grove/Released)131109-N-ZZ999-330 PASCAGOULA, Miss. (Nov. 9, 2013) – Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) America (LHA 6) returns to Huntington Ingalls Shipyard Nov. 9 after completing Builder’s Sea Trials. During the trials, the ship’s main propulsion, communications, steering, navigational and radar systems were tested for the first time at sea. America will be the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation “big-deck” amphibious ship, America will be optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and Joint Strike Fighter. The ship will provide flexible, multi-mission capabilities spanning from forward deployed crisis response to maritime security operations. The ship was christened on Oct. 20, 2012 and is currently undergoing construction in Pascagoula, Miss. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Lawrence Grove/Released)
The ship’s design is based on USS Makin Island, but to allow more room for aviation facilities she does not have a well deck, and has smaller medical spaces. With a displacement of 45,000 tons, she is as large as many other countries’ aircraft carriers and can fulfill similar missions when configured with 20 F-35B strike fighters.
During the early part of her operational history, Sydney helped enforce sanctions during the Abyssinian Crisis, and at the start of World War II was assigned to convoy escort and patrol duties in Australian waters. In May 1940, Sydney joined the British Mediterranean Fleet for an eight-month deployment, during which she sank two Italian warships, participated in multiple shore bombardments, and provided support to the Malta Convoys, while receiving minimal damage and no casualties. On her return to Australia in February 1941, Sydney resumed convoy escort and patrol duties in home waters.
On 19 November 1941, Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive engagement with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, and was lost with all hands (645 aboard). The wrecks of both ships were lost until 2008; Sydney was found on 17 March, five days after her adversary. Sydney‘s defeat is commonly attributed to the proximity of the two ships during the engagement, and Kormoran‘s advantages of surprise and rapid, accurate fire. However, the cruiser’s loss with all hands compared to the survival of most of the Germans has resulted in conspiracy theories alleging that the German commander used illegal ruses to lure Sydney into range, that a Japanese submarine was involved, and that the true events of the battle are concealed behind a wide-ranging cover-up, despite the lack of evidence for these allegations.
HMAS Sydney
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HMAS Sydney seen in 1936.
HMAS Sydney seen in 1938.
HMAS Sydney seen passing under the Harbour Bridge, Sydney, NSW, Australia, date unknown.
(Photo from the collection of W/O Henry T. G. Hunt, R.A.A.F.) Courtesy of Sandy and Les Cridland
HMAS Sydney seen in Sydney Harbour, date unknown.
(Photo from the collection of W/O Henry T. G. Hunt, R.A.A.F.) Courtesy of Sandy and Les Cridland
This is HMNZS Te Mana, one of two Anzac-class frigates in the RNZN. How to replace them is a key component of the future fleet structure. (Gordon Arthur)
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) commenced an industry engagement exercise with the release of a request for information (RfI) on 8 September. The document, entitled Maritime Fleet Market Research for the Defence Capability Plan, revolves around how the navy can better manage its fleet with limited dollars.
All except one ship in the New Zealand fleet – which comprises two frigates, two offshore patrol vessels (OPV), two inshore patrol vessels, a multirole vessel, replenishment vessel and hydrographic/diving vessel that cumulatively require a core crew of 647 personnel – are up for replacement by the mid-2030s.
The RFI acknowledged: “The current fleet configuration of nine ships across six classes, with many aspects of bespoke design, is increasingly difficult for the Royal New Zealand Navy to manage. Maintenance, operational management and training requirements differ significantly between ship classes.”
Having only one or two vessels in each class may provide breadth of capability, but little depth. That means the ideal vessel may not always be available when needed. With this in mind, the navy is thus considering alternative ways of operating.
Specifically, the RFI seeks to gather information on the following: fleet configuration options; alternative crewing, operating and support concepts; new technologies; consideration of approaches to reduce environmental impact; increased partnering arrangements with industry; and reducing the complexity of New Zealand Defence Force systems and structures.
HMNZS Canterbury is the RNZN’s solitary multirole vessel, but the design’s commercial origins mean it has not been a perfect amphibious solution. (Credit: Gordon Arthur)
The scope encompasses naval ships, landing craft, unmanned systems, mission planning and simulation/training facilities, but it does not extend to naval helicopters or ship boats.
The RFI’s target audience is companies who offer maritime consultation services; maritime through-life providers; manufacturers of ships, uncrewed systems, mission planning and training solutions; and maritime commercial crew services.
Market research data gleaned from this RFI exercise will inform a Defence Capability Plan due in 2024. The last plan was issued in 2019, and the Royal New Zealand Navy does not simply want like-for-like vessel replacements.
Currently, there are 2,219 Royal New Zealand Navy personnel and a single base at Davenport in Auckland, but the force is suffering badly from retention and recruitment issues. Thus, workforce optimisation is a priority. This might entail crew rotation models, using civilians in specialist roles aboard or ashore, mission planning support ashore or advanced training and simulation for capability generation.
Dr. Peter Greener of the Centre for Defence Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, noted that personnel numbers in July 2023 were almost exactly the same as in July 2020.
“However, what these numbers don’t reflect is the loss of experienced, qualified tradespeople. The RNZN attrition rate has stood around 12%, but it’s the loss of skilled engineers and the like which led to three ships being tied up from late 2022…”Dr. Peter Greener, Centre for Defence Studies at Victoria University
The three vessels tied up are the OPVs HMNZS Wellington and Otago, and the inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Hawea. Dr. Greener further informed Naval News that “retention does seem to be improving since the announcement of significant pay increases”.
The RNZN is being forced into creativity. This may involve reducing ship classes, achieving greater concurrency across platforms, adding unmanned technologies, reducing complexity and bespoke solutions, or reaching new partnership solutions with industry.
Perhaps the most important consideration is how to replace two Anzac-class frigates. Certainly, looming block obsolescence gives the RNZN huge opportunities to redesign its fleet. It is therefore commendable that the navy is developing new options to inform government investment out till 2040.
Is vessel modularity the answer?
The Cube concept from SH Defence in Denmark envisages more than 300 different modular payloads that can be added, removed and exchanged aboard vessels. (SH Defence)
Even though modularity is increasingly popular, no single platform yet fully encapsulates the concept. Nonetheless, Dr. Greener highlighted the applicability of the Cube modular payload concept unveiled by Danish company SH Defence in 2020. This containerised system is not tied to a ship’s fixed superstructure, plus it encompasses the infrastructure to handle modules ashore and on board the vessel.
Incidentally, Denmark introduced the original Standard Flex (StanFlex) modularity concept some three decades ago, and first adopted on Flyvefisken-class corvettes. In fact, the driver for the Royal Danish Navy was very similar to New Zealand’s – the need to replace 22 warships in three classes with a reduced number of vessels.
Modularity is alluring, as standard hulls with spaces for self-contained mission modules can be swapped out and easily upgraded over time. It also shifts more of the maintenance and training burden ashore, and helps alleviate obsolescence management. For example, maritime strike modules could add missiles and sensors to a ship, while a swappable maritime interdiction module might be used for regular sea patrols.
However, there are limits. Modularity seeks acceptable performance over a wide range of requirements, rather than optimal design for specific requirements. This leads to compromises. The lower cost of modular payloads may be seductive, but it can result in vessels with suboptimal performance for their intended roles. In other words, a ship can become a jack of all trades, but master of none.
For instance, the USN’s Littoral Combat Ship envisaged three variants – antisubmarine warfare, mine countermeasures and surface warfare. Ultimately, the USN abandoned the idea of swappable modules, plus the mission types often conflicted with the basic design parameters of the LCS.
Because affordability is critical to New Zealand, it cannot start from scratch creating modularity. This could give rise to cooperation with like-minded allies such as Australia or the UK, with the latter’s Type 32 frigate programme exploring modular payloads.
The RFI discussed unmanned technologies too, and Dr. Greener pointed out that the Royal New Zealand Navy is already putting such systems to good use, one example being the Remus 100.
“The RFI suggests that autonomous or remotely operated uncrewed air, surface and sub-surface vehicles may be operated from ships, but would initially be seen as complements to a ship’s capability. This leaves a wide range of options open.”
HMS Triumph – converted from a Carrier to a repair ship
HMS Triumph was a Royal Navy Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier. She served in the Korean War and later, after reconstruction, as a support ship.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Triumph_(R16)
(Submarine # 2) Underway off the New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N.Y., circa 1909. Note the coal-handling facility in the center background. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.Plunger (SS2), renamed A1. Port bow, moored beside the Shark (SS8), 1902
She is not to be confused with the experimental submarine Plunger which was evaluated by the U.S. Navy from 1898 to 1900, but not accepted or commissioned.
Assigned to the Naval Torpedo Station at Newport, Rhode Island for experimental torpedo work, Plunger operated locally from that facility for the next two years, a period of time broken only by an overhaul at the Holland yard at New Suffolk from March to November 1904. Besides testing machinery, armament and tactics, the submarine torpedo boat also served as a training ship for the crews of new submersibles emerging from the builder’s yards.
In August 1905, Plunger underwent two weeks of upkeep before leaving the yard on 22 August. She was towed by the tugApache to New York City, where Plunger conducted trials near the home of President Theodore Roosevelt. Upon the submarine’s arrival that afternoon, she moored alongside the tug and prepared for a visit from President Roosevelt.
