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Royal blessing for new frigate as HRH The Princess of Wales names HMS Glasgow https://ift.tt/gjExrsR

by John Currin
26 May 2025

Published on 24/05/2025 – By Naval News Staff

Royal blessing for new frigate as HRH The Princess of Wales names HMS Glasgow — HMS Glasgow at the ceremony (Credit: BAE Systems)

Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, Sponsor of HMS Glasgow, gave her blessing to the Royal Navy’s newest Type 26 class frigate.

Royal Navy press release

Smashing a bottle of whisky against the hull for good luck, Her Royal Highness formally named HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 frigates at the leading edge of naval warfare.

To cheers from hundreds of friends, family, workers, VIP guests and the 45-strong ship’s company at BAE Systems shipbuilding facility in Scotstoun, The Duchess of Rothesay, as she is known in Scotland, declared the time-honoured words: “I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her.”

Her Royal Highness was accompanied throughout her visit by The Prince of Wales.

Proceedings opened with an inspection of the Royal Guard, followed by the 25-minute naming ceremony, during which Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell thanked Their Royal Highnesses for their support and all those involved in the Type 26 endeavour to reach this milestone in the programme.

“From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th Century to the ship we see here in the 21st Century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day.

“Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war.

“The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow’s pedigree is awe inspiring.”

He hailed the latest ship as “a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare”, ready to “meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today”.

He continued: “HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK’s interests and contributing to national prosperity.”

Following prayers for the new ship led by Chaplain of the Fleet the Venerable Andrew Hillier, Her Royal Highness was invited to step up to the ceremonial platform and activate the device which blessed the hull with whisky.

Once the service was over, The Prince and Princess were given a short guided tour of the frigate, which will serve as the Fleet’s shield and sword against hostile submarines.

Showing them around was the ship’s chief bosun’s mate (buffer) Petty Officer (Sea) Abigail Baker.

“It was an honour and privilege to meet Their Royal Highnesses. The Princess of Wales projected a keen interest in the ship’s company and their families – and we in HMS Glasgow are proud to have her as our Ship’s Sponsor.”

They then met some of those responsible for building the 8,000-tonne warship, the sailors charged with bringing the vessel to life, and the families of both who support them.

Senior Naval Officer Commander Phil Burgess – the very first member of HMS Glasgow’s ship’s company, who joined in October 2021 – called the frigate “a 21st Century warship for a 21st Century Royal Navy”.

A wave from the shipwrights involved in HMS Glasgow’s construction (Royal Navy picture)

He says being involved with the Type 26 programme and laying the foundations for the next 30 or so years of front-line operations around the globe has been “an enormous professional privilege”.

He continued: “HMS Glasgow – and the rest of her class – are the most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates which have ever been built for the Royal Navy and possibly anywhere in the world.

“It has been a great honour to be the Senior Naval Officer of HMS Glasgow and as I approach the end of my tenure, hosting Their Royal Highnesses on their inaugural visit to the ship to name her, has been the pinnacle of over three and half years in post.”

Her Royal Highness accepted the honour of Royal Sponsor – historically, the title has served to bestow good luck and divine protection upon a ship – to HMS Glasgow four years ago.

Although the Princess of Wales has hosted members of the Ship’s Company at Windsor Castle, she has never seen the 8,000-tonne warship until today. Similarly, for the first time the Royal Standard was hoisted on HMS Glasgow’s yardarm throughout Their Highnesses time on site.

Regarded as a permanent member of the ship’s company, Sponsors attend milestones in a vessel’s life – such as the naming ceremony – are kept regularly informed of the sailors’ activities and deeds, send messages of support in return in hard and challenging times, and generally act as ambassadors for and champions of the crew and their vessel.

RN Writer Lola Nicholson, who looks after the many administrative requirements of her 44 shipmates, cannot believe the difference between HMS Glasgow and the previous ships in which she’s served.

“When I look at Glasgow, she’s impressive, like no ship I’ve ever seen before – and it’s the same on board, really impressive and exciting and much better accommodation for the sailors,” she said.

Leading Engineering Technician Ross McDowall, responsible for HMS Glasgow’s electrical systems, was born in and grew up around the city.

He’s been assigned to the ship for the past year and has got stuck into community projects forging ties with the frigate’s affiliates besides his engineering day job.

“It’s exciting. Seeing the ship built here in the city, carrying the name Glasgow,” he said.

“I’ve really been looking forward to the naming ceremony and bringing my family on site. It’s the first time they’ll have seen the ship, while for me, this is the first time I’ve come face-to-face with members of the Royal Family.”

Fellow Glaswegian Nico Miller, a senior project manager at BAE Systems, has been involved with the Type 26 programme for the past three years and previously worked on the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyers.

“Because she is HMS Glasgow, because she is the first of her class, because she is built here on the Clyde, everyone has been looking forward to this day,” he said.

“Everyone is proud by what they’ve achieved on the ship and rightly so. She is hugely impressive, the levels of technology involved are quite incredible. We are setting the standard here for the future ships of the Fleet. That’s something special to be part of.”

Work continuing to fit out HMS Glasgow, installing and testing sensors and systems, resumes next week.

– End –

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Kiwi sailors thrive on US Navy flagship https://ift.tt/V972K6G

by John Currin
24 May 2025

Four Royal New Zealand Navy sailors enjoyed a historic arrival into New Zealand aboard a US Navy warship this month.

Five Navy sailors stand in uniform in front of a large "USS Blue Ridge". The ship casts a shadow on the sailors on a cold sunny day.

23 May, 2025

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), based with the US 7^th Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan, arrived in Wellington on May 16, marking a New Zealand first for the 55-year-old ship. It is the third US Navy warship visit since 2016.

Ensign Edward Suckling, Petty Officer Seamanship Combat Specialist Alex Croucher, Leading Communication Warfare Specialist Ashley O’Connor-Palmer and Able Seamanship Combat Specialist Te Matauranga Akuhata joined the ship in Yokosuka on 24 March as crewmembers for the journey south.

The USS Blue Ridge is a command and control ship that supports the US 7^th Fleet’s operations in the Indo-Pacific region. It is the oldest deployed warship in the US Navy.

At around 1,000 crew and nearly 200 metres long, the New Zealanders found Blue Ridge very different to Royal New Zealand Navy ships.

But the four were positive about the experience, citing easy-going Americans who were fun to be friends with and genuinely curious about ‘small navy’ culture in New Zealand.

A large ship silhouette sits on the horizon as three people look on in the foreground. In the background, the hills of Wellington covered in homes stand tall.

USS Blue Ridge arriving in Wellington Harbour.

POSCS Croucher says the sailors were envious that New Zealand sailors got to do lots of roles on a ship.

“In my trade in the US Navy, you’ve got set jobs to do. You get your tools, do the job, sign it off. And the rank structure is completely different here. The sailors were really curious about how we worked in a small navy, with lots of variation in our jobs.”

He says the American sailors work hard and are away for long deployments.

“For these guys, coming ‘home’ is returning to Yokosuka. People have to build their lives there. It makes you grateful to be in the New Zealand Navy.”

There is a lot of competition for exchanges like these, he says.

“You can get a lot of applications in, but a lot of people might not be releasable. I was lucky, being in between postings – right place, right time.”

ENS Stuckling had a similar experience with tighter job roles, finding himself on the bridge watchkeeping duties from the word go.

“I was doing the middle watches (midnight) a lot of the time, and I got to be on the bridge when we came into Wellington. I think I’m the first New Zealand officer to be on a US Navy ship coming into New Zealand.”

He says it is definitely a culture shock. “I’m still seeing people on board I haven’t seen before. And in New Zealand ships I’m used to doing lots of things. On Blue Ridge you stick to your designated role.”

ASCS Akuhata jumped at the chance to get to sea when his career manager asked if he would like an exchange posting on board a US Navy ship.

“After coming off HMNZS Manawanui, I didn’t have a sea posting coming up. I was ready for sea and didn’t mind what it would be.”

His duties included gun maintenance and shipwide maintenance.

“It was a really good experience. I’d tell anyone, if the opportunity came up, grab it with both hands.”

LCWS O’Connor-Palmer says she was involved in “all things computers” aboard Blue Ridge, as well as shipboard maintenance tasks.

The highlights were making good friends and laughing over the differences in culture – from Kiwi slang to American food.

That included the humorous reactions to a US Embassy ‘Welcome to New Zealand’ tasting session on board, featuring Kiwiana items like Marmite, feijoas, Pineapple Lumps, Jaffas and L&P.

“If anyone got the opportunity, I’d tell them to enjoy themselves, come with an open mind, and make the most of it.” Blue Ridge hi res.00 00 09 20.Still001

Watch Kiwi sailors on USS Blue Ridge | Royal New Zealand Navy video

Kiwi sailors on USS Blue Ridge | Royal New Zealand Navy

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NZDF – National security brings economic benefits https://ift.tt/TbqPck2

by John Currin
23 May 2025

Defence Minister Judith Collins – 22 May 2025

Pulling our weight in an increasingly volatile world will keep New Zealanders safe while boosting our domestic economy, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.

“To achieve this, the Government has allocated $2.7 billion of capital and $563 million of operating funding for priority projects identified in the Defence Capability Plan we released last month.

“This includes the replacement of maritime helicopters and complements the $957 million for defence activities, personnel and estate previously announced,” Ms Collins says.

“This previous announcement, and today’s commitments, brings the total investment in Defence to $4.2 billion in Budget 2025.

“Today we announce investments in critical tools that support our national and economic security. This ranges from updated and interoperable missile systems to counter uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to protect our people and assets, through to planes that are essential for deploying troops and equipment and supporting international trade and diplomatic missions.

“We will be looking to use New Zealand businesses where it makes sense to do so, further demonstrating the Government’s commitment to supporting those who are innovative and capable of developing tools and capability that Defence needs.

“Ultimately, spending on Defence will result in economic benefits to everyday New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses. I look forward to seeing our Defence industry grow in a range of areas, whether through New Zealand designed or built products, particularly in the advanced technology area, infrastructure development, or domestic contractors supporting high-value military procurement.”

The $2.7 billion in capital and $563 million in operating funding announced today for priority Defence projects covers essential items including:

replacing the two Boeing 757s to support military operations and deployments, humanitarian and disaster relief support, and trade and diplomatic missions
replacing the Seasprite maritime helicopters to operate from Navy ships (previously announced)
replacing the Javelin anti-armour missile system launch units with new units to ensure interoperability with partner militaries and provide the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with the ability to fire at longer ranges
encrypted radios to provide deployed Army units with secure voice communication
a counter-UAS that can be set up in fixed locations and is able to disable drones/UAS that could pose a threat to personnel, aircraft/vehicles and infrastructure
detailed design work for the future of Devonport Naval Base; and
investment in homes for Defence families, Defence infrastructure, modernising the Defence vehicle fleet and digital and information management projects.

“These investments are critical to enable Defence to increase its lethality, protect New Zealand, and deliver what we expect of them,” Ms Collins says.

“The Defence Capability Plan outlines planned commitments of $12 billion over the next four years – including $9 billion of new spending – subject to future Budget decisions and Cabinet approving business cases. Our Budget commitments are yet another strong signal that we are cracking on and delivering on this plan, which will take Defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2032/33.

“The Government’s backing of Defence shows a very real recognition of the value we place on the men and women who serve and protect this country and its interests.

“Our people are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer to play New Zealand’s part in contributing to global security. This funding will enable them to do that.

“We will pull our weight.”

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French Navy Training Squadron Visits New York https://ift.tt/XI54xZe

by John Currin
22 May 2025

BySeaWaves Magazine – May 17, 2025

Marine Nationale photo

This symbolic stopover illustrates the strength of the alliance between the two nations, based on a common history and excellent shared know-how. In this context, on May 7, the amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral welcomed Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States, as well as Brigadier General Vincent de Kytspotter, head of France’s military representation to the United Nations, Army General Bertrand Jardin, Defense Attaché in Washington, Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France in New York and Mrs. Myriam Gil, Deputy Consul General.

Laurent Bili took advantage of this visit to deliver a conference to the midshipmen and discuss the various issues of Franco-American cooperation.

On May 8, a memorial ceremony at Cypress Hill Cemetery in Brooklyn brought together a delegation from the Joan of Arc group, veterans, and local authorities. Cédrik Fouriscot, Consul General of France, and Captain Vieux-Rochas, commander of the Joan of Arc group, provided an opportunity to lay wreaths in tribute to the fallen soldiers.

After a stopover marked by numerous representational activities, the TG set sail again, heading for its next stopover: Quebec, scheduled in a few days.

The Jeanne d’Arc 2025 mission is a long-term operational deployment through which France ensures its presence in several areas of major strategic interest, while providing a concrete, realistic, and high-quality training framework for the cadet officers on board.

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Spain Delivers VAMTAC ST5 Prototype to New Zealand Army https://ift.tt/nEFpKvg

by John Currin
22 May 2025

Rojoef Manuel May 21, 2025

The New Zealand Army has taken delivery of a VAMTAC ST5 four-wheel drive vehicle prototype from Spain as part of a 2024 contract.

The platform was transferred from Galicia to the Wellington International Airport via a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.

It will now receive communications design and testing according to the military’s requirements, and will be used for associated clearances and operator training once necessary evaluations are completed.

Replacing Utility Fleet

The platform supports New Zealand’s goal to modernize the army’s ground-based workhorse fleet with 20 VAMTAC ST5 light and 40 VAMTAC CK3 medium utility vehicles, all developed by Spanish defense company Urovesa.

Systems to be replaced under this initiative are the Unimog and Pinzgauer trucks introduced in the 2000s, which make up approximately 25 percent of the service’s existing utility fleet.

A VAMTAC ST5 4x4 vehicle being unloaded from a Super Hercules C-130J-30 aircraft. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force — A VAMTAC ST5 4×4 vehicle being unloaded from a Super Hercules C-130J-30 aircraft. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force

Upon their arrival, the new systems will be distributed for defense operations, humanitarian tasks, search and rescue deployments, disaster relief, and vehicle training programs.

Urovesa received 100 million New Zealand dollars ($59.3 million) to assemble the first vehicles, with deliveries to begin in 2027.

The VAMTAC System

VAMTAC is the abbreviation of “Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico,” which translates to “High Mobility Tactical Vehicle.”

Urovesa’s VAMTAC in the ST5 configuration is 6 meters (20 feet) long and has a gross weight of 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds).

It can carry up to 1,700 kilograms (3,740 pounds) of cargo and travel at a speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour.

Meanwhile, the VAMTAC CK3 weighs approximately 9,950 kilograms (21,930 pounds), has a payload capacity of 3,390 kilograms (7,473 pounds), and has a similar length and speed to the ST5.

“UROVESA vehicles are known for their versatile, efficient and robust design,” New Zealand Deputy Defence Secretary for Capability Delivery Sarah Minson stated.

“They are already used by more than 20 countries, including Singapore and a number of NATO member nations. The new VAMTAC fleet will be equipped to drive safely while off-road in challenging conditions, with high ground clearance using 4×4 drive and inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks.”

VAMTAC CK3 medium utility vehicle. Photo: New Zealand Army

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HMNZS/HMAS Inverell (J233 or M233) https://ift.tt/8rqXSJL

by John Currin
20 May 2025

HMAS Inverell, named for the town of Inverell, New South Wales, was one of 60 Bathurst-class corvettes constructed during World War II, and one of 36 initially manned and commissioned solely by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).^[1]

After World War II, the corvette was transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), where she served from 1952 to 1976.

Imagery Scanned from Navy Historic Archive

HMAS *Inverell* transferring liberated prisoners of war to HMAS *Maidstone* off Makassar, Dutch East Indies in September 1945

Design and construction

[edit]

Main article: Bathurst-class corvette

In 1938, the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board (ACNB) identified the need for a general purpose ‘local defence vessel’ capable of both anti-submarine and mine-warfare duties, while easy to construct and operate.^[2]^[3] The vessel was initially envisaged as having a displacement of approximately 500 tons, a speed of at least 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph), and a range of 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km; 2,300 mi)^[4] The opportunity to build a prototype in the place of a cancelled Bar-class boom defence vessel saw the proposed design increased to a 680-ton vessel, with a 15.5 knots (28.7 km/h; 17.8 mph) top speed, and a range of 2,850 nautical miles (5,280 km; 3,280 mi), armed with a 4-inch gun, equipped with asdic, and able to fitted with either depth charges or minesweeping equipment depending on the planned operations: although closer in size to a sloop than a local defence vessel, the resulting increased capabilities were accepted due to advantages over British-designed mine warfare and anti-submarine vessels.^[2]^[5] Construction of the prototype HMAS Kangaroo did not go ahead, but the plans were retained.^[6] The need for locally built ‘all-rounder’ vessels at the start of World War II saw the “Australian Minesweepers” (designated as such to hide their anti-submarine capability, but popularly referred to as “corvettes”) approved in September 1939, with 60 constructed during the course of the war: 36 (including Inverell) ordered by the RAN, 20 ordered by the British Admiralty but manned and commissioned as RAN vessels, and 4 for the Royal Indian Navy.^[2]^[7]^[8]^[9]^[1]

Inverell was laid down by Mort’s Dock & Engineering Co at Balmain, New South Wales on 7 December 1941.^[1] She was launched on 2 May 1942 by Mrs. T. S. Punch, Mayoress of Inverell, and commissioned into the RAN on 17 September 1942.^[1]

Operational history

[edit]

World War II

Inverell began service in November 1942 as a convoy escort along the eastern Australian coast.^[1] At the end of December, she was relocated to Darwin, and primarily performed escort runs between Darwin and Thursday Island.^[1] On 11 November 1943, Inverell arrived at Williamstown Naval Dockyard for a month-long refit.^[1] On conclusion, she returned to Darwin and resumed escort duties.^[1]

In early February 1943, Inverell was required to rescue the crew of a United States Army Air Forces Liberator bomber, which had crashed on Croker Island.^[1] Of the eight survivors, one died onboard while the corvette was returning to Darwin.^[1] On 22 September 1944, Inverell sailed to Fremantle.^[1]

While based in Fremantle, the corvette’s main duties was to perform training exercises with United States Navy and Royal Navy submarines, with secondary duties including convoy escort and patrol.^[1] Inverell departed Fremantle for Darwin on 4 May 1945.^[1] Between 22 May and 11 July, the corvette was involve in minesweeping, before she, sister ship HMAS Stawell, and Services Reconnaissance Department vessel HMAS River Snake were assigned to Morotai.^[1] Inverell was required to tow River Snake for the first part of the voyage.^[1]

Based in Morotai, Inverell was primarily used as a patrol vessel until the end of World War II, when she became involved in the transfer of Dutch East Indies territories from Japanese to Allied control.^[1] From 21 September to 18 November, she was designated as the command ship for Port Directorate Macassar.^[1] On 29 November, she left Morotai, and spent the next month operating off the coast of Queensland before arriving in Brisbane on 25 December 1945 and preparing for decommissioning.^[1] Several delays meant that Inverell was not paid off into reserve until 14 June 1946.^[1] On 4 November 1946, Inverell was towed to Sydney by sister ship HMAS Echuca, arriving on 17 November.^[1]

The corvette received two battle honours for her wartime service: “Darwin 1942″ and Pacific 1942–45”.^[10]^[11]

RNZN service

On 5 March 1952, Inverell and three other Bathurst-class corvettes (HMA Ships Echuca, Kiama, and Stawell) were transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy.^[1] Inverell was commissioned into the RNZN on 10 April 1952, but was decommissioned into reserve after a refit.^[1]

In 1965, the corvette was refitted as a training and fisheries patrol ship to replace the frigate HMNZS Rotoiti.^[1] The 4-inch gun was replaced by a second 40 mm Bofors gun, and minesweeping gear was removed.^[12] She was recommissioned on 15 August 1965, and served until 19 August 1976, when she was decommissioned.^[1]

On 1 November 1977, Inverell was sold to Pacific Scrap Limited of Auckland for scrapping.

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HMNZS/HMAS Echuca (J252/M252) https://ift.tt/KQwUli3

by John Currin
20 May 2025

HMNZS/HMAS Echuca, named for the town of Echuca, Victoria, was one of 60 Bathurst-class corvettes constructed during World War II, and one of 36 initially manned and commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)

RNZN service
On 5 March 1952, Echuca and three other Bathurst-class corvettes (HMA Ships Inverell, Kiama, and Stawell) were transferred to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).[12] She was commissioned into the RNZN in May 1952, and received the prefix HMNZS.[13]

The corvette remained in service with the RNZN until 1967, although from 1953 she was classified as being in reserve.[1][13] She was sold to Pacific Scrap Limited of Auckland for scrapping[1] on 11 April 1967
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Echuca

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Royal New Zealand Navy’s sub-Antarctic science trip sows sailing seed for Dunedin student https://ift.tt/REwT5xX

by John Currin
20 May 2025

In 2023, Dunedin high school student Nora Paicu travelled to the sub-Antarctic islands aboard the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury.

19 May, 2025

She was part of a science-focused BLAKE Expeditions group, but she found the naval experience so inspirational she decided to join the Naval Reserve Force.

Last month, Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator (OMTO) Paicu, 19, was among nine sailors and five officers graduating from a 10-month Naval Reserve Common Training (NRCT) course in a ceremony in Devonport, Auckland.

NRCT provides almost identical training to Regular Force personnel but is delivered part-time, with graduates balancing their training with work and study commitments, as well as being away from family.

As well as online study and parade evenings with a local reserve force unit, the graduates had to complete two nine-day-long training blocks at Devonport Naval Base and Tamaki Leadership Centre at Whangaparāoa, as well as four training weekends.

OMTO Nora Paicu is assigned to HMNZS Toroa in Dunedin and continues her studies at the University of Otago studying law, management and agricultural innovation – a triple degree.

She is also working as a reader/writer exam supporter at her former high school, Columba College.

As a maritime trade operator, OMTO Paicu provides the interface between merchant shipping and the military, including briefing ship masters on security threats and military operations that could impact their route.

OMTO Paicu (left) in the Royal New Zealand Navy flood tank during her School to Seas Experience at Devonport Naval Base in 2023

She says her 2023 BLAKE expedition aboard HMNZS Canterbury to the sub-Antarctic islands – she was one of 11 students who carried out scientific work on Campbell Island over two days – followed by a School to Seas experience with the Navy in Auckland, made a strong impression on her.

“Meeting the female commanding officer of HMNZS Canterbury and witnessing the camaraderie of the crew showcased the Navy’s inclusive culture and unique way of life that supports New Zealand,” she said.

“I was deeply impressed by the positive impact the Navy makes, from supporting conservation efforts to serving New Zealand communities.”

“Highlights of the NRCT course were definitely the people I trained with and the connections I made, and being able to push through all types of situations with new friends and amazing people by my side.”

She has set her sights on a future with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

“I hope to become a legal officer – supporting the NZDF legally, encouraging justice and providing legal support as necessary.”

Her advice for those wanting to join is to know your ‘why’.

“Know why you are doing it, do it for the right reason, push through, don’t give up, you got this.”

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USS Truman due to join NATO drill in Mediterranean after eventful stint in Red Sea https://ift.tt/Os5cn3X

by John Currin
20 May 2025

By ALISON BATH STARS AND STRIPES • May 19, 2025

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman sails through the Mediterranean Sea on May 18, 2025, in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Truman just ended about five months on duty in the Red Sea as part of U.S. military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. (Michael Shen/U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy — The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group will participate in a NATO military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea just days after leaving the Middle East, officials said Monday. The strike group, which includes the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, will be under the command and control of NATO as part of the Neptune Strike exercise, Allied Joint Force Command Naples said in a post Monday on X. The command didn’t say when that will happen. The first iteration of the annual exercise, which includes at least 13 countries, took place last month, JFC Naples said in an April 3 statement. Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, which oversees the exercise, did not immediately respond to an email asking about the strike group’s participation. Earlier on Monday, U.S. 6th Fleet confirmed that Truman, the destroyer USS Jason Dunham and the cruiser USS Gettysburg were on routine deployment to its area of operations, which includes the Mediterranean Sea. The Navy didn’t offer other details, such as when the carrier strike group left the Red Sea, which is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, or indicate how long Truman will remain in the 6th Fleet AOR, citing operational security. It’s also unclear whether the destroyer USS Stout, which is part of the strike group, is in the Mediterranean as well. Truman’s departure from the Red Sea follows an eventful deployment that has seen the carrier lose three aircraft in separate incidents. It also caps weeks of nearly constant flight operations as part of a U.S. bid to cripple Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. The strike group’s exit comes about two weeks after President Donald Trump paused Operation Rough Rider, an aggressive airstrike campaign aimed at stopping Houthi attacks on military and commercial ships in the Red Sea. Since March 15, U.S. forces have hit more than 1,000 Houthi targets in Yemen, killing group leaders and fighters and degrading the group’s capabilities, the Pentagon said last month. In declaring a ceasefire on May 6, Trump said the Houthis didn’t want to fight anymore and had agreed to stop attacking ships in the vital waterway. On Monday, it appeared that a single U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, remained in the Middle East. Last week, Vinson was operating in the Arabian Sea along with the destroyers USS Sterett and USS William Lawrence and the cruiser USS Princeton, USNI News reported May 12. Truman left its homeport in Norfolk, Va., on Sept. 23 for a routine deployment to 6th Fleet. It entered the Middle East on Dec. 14 following the departure of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Soon after, an F/A-18 Super Hornet launching from Truman’s deck was mistakenly shot down by Gettysburg. The carrier lost two more Super Hornets in separate incidents on April 28 and May 6. All three incidents remain under investigation. And in February, Truman was involved in a late-night collision with a cargo ship near the Suez Canal following a port call at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete. The Feb. 12 collision left Truman with scrapes and gashes along the ship’s right, or starboard, back end, including a small slash that penetrated its hull well above the waterline. Little more than a week later, the Navy fired Capt. Dave Snowden, who had served as the carrier’s commanding officer since 2023. Capt. Christopher Hill, then commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, was named Truman’s interim commanding officer. The collision also remains under investigation. Truman returned to the Red Sea in late February after a structural assessment and repairs at NSA Souda Bay. ALISON BATH Alison Bath reports on the U.S. Navy, including U.S. 6th Fleet, in Europe and Africa. She has reported for a variety of publications in Montana, Nevada and Louisiana, and served as editor of newspapers in Louisiana, Oregon and Washington.

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USS Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time https://ift.tt/DFNBZgu

by John Currin
16 May 2025

Welcome USS Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Arrives in Wellington, New Zealand for the First Time

By U.S. Mission New Zealand

May 16, 2025

We’re delighted to welcome the USS Blue Ridge and her crew to Aotearoa New Zealand,” says U.S. Chargé d’affaires, David Gehrenbeck. “The USCGC Midgett visited Wellington as recently as February and, over the past several years, the USS Howard and the USS Sampson have also been to New Zealand. These visits underscore the first-class working relationship between our defense forces. I’m confident the ship’s crew will enjoy experiencing the beauty of this country and connecting with the local community during their time here.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand for a port visit, May 16, 2025. This historic arrival marks the first time Blue Ridge has visited New Zealand as well as its capital city. The last two U.S Navy ships to visit Wellington were USS Howard (DDG 83) in 2021 and USS Sampson (DDG 102) in 2016.

During this port visit, leadership from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship is scheduled to meet with their Kiwi counterparts and local leaders to discuss ways of improving operational readiness, advancing future military capabilities, and enhancing the U.S.-New Zealand bilateral relationship overall.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand for a port visit, May 17, 2025.

“This historic port visit by the USS Blue Ridge and our 7th Fleet team speaks to deep ties the United States and New Zealand share,” said Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “Our partnership is rooted in our common values and respect, and our visit here represents an important opportunity for us to further strengthen the bond between our nations and our navies.”

In addition, Sailors from Blue Ridge and U.S. 7th Fleet are scheduled to participate in a series of in-port activities to include band performances, community relation events, ship tours, and touristic sightseeing. Wellington will also serve as a short stop for Blue Ridge as the ship brings fuel and supplies on board. Public access to the ship will not be possible.

U.S. 7th Fleet staff, embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge, commands the world’s largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.

“We’re delighted to welcome the USS Blue Ridge and her crew to Aotearoa New Zealand,” says U.S. Chargé d’affaires, David Gehrenbeck. “The USCGC Midgett visited Wellington as recently as February and, over the past several years, the USS Howard and the USS Sampson have also been to New Zealand. These visits underscore the first-class working relationship between our defense forces. I’m confident the ship’s crew will enjoy experiencing the beauty of this country and connecting with the local community during their time here.”

For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit navy.mil/local/lcc19 .

For more news from U.S. 7th Fleet, visit c7f.navy.mil .