This photo shows the HMNZS Aotearoa in the port of Manila.
New Zealand Embassy to the Philippines / Released
MANILA, Philippines — New Zealand navy ship made a “goodwill visit” to the Philippines after visiting Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
According to the New Zealand Embassy, the three-day goodwill visit presents New Zealand’s “dedication to maritime security, regional stability, and fostering diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific.”
“The visit demonstrates our increasing engagement in Southeast Asia and of course, the Philippines is an important part or country in the region. New Zealand would like to engage with like-minded countries, countries which share our values and we support each other in maintaining rules-based order,” Commander Robert Welford, Commanding Officer of HMNZS Aotearoa, said.
HMNZS Aotearoa participated in Operation Crucible, the New Zealand Defence Force’s largest naval deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
“The HMNZS Aotearoa’s visit to the Philippines underscores New Zealand’s dedication to maritime security, regional stability, and fostering diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific. Ito ay nagsisilbing patunay sa matibay na samahan ng New Zealand at Pilipinas,” New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said. (It serves as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between New Zealand and the Philippines.)
The HMNZS Aotearoa is an auxiliary ship of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) which was manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries, the same manufacturer of the Philippine Navy’s flagship BRP Jose Rizal and some off-shore patrol vessels.
The said vessel is the biggest and newest ship of the RNZN. It has been in Manila’s dock from October 30 to November 1.
Ships from the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike groups, U.S. 6th Fleet command ship Mount Whitney and Italian Navy frigates Carlo Margottini and Virginio Fasan sail in formation in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Janae Chambers/Navy)
As the world waits to see whether the Israel-Hamas war will balloon into a larger regional conflict, two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups conducted exercises together in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea this week.
Sailors from the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as two Italian frigates — Virginio Fasan and Carlo Margottini — and the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship Mount Whitney, engaged in “high-value unit defense, ballistic missile defense, replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations and maritime security operations,” the Navy said Friday.
More than 11,000 U.S. personnel participated in the three-day exercise.
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Léon Gambetta class The vessel was ordered in Lorient laivastontelakalta. Its keel was laid in March 1903 and the ship was launched on 30 March 1903 [1] . The vessel was recruited in 1907. [2] Favor [ edit | edit the wiki text ] The ship served in 1914-1915 in the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. It could torpedoidun battleship Jean Bart in Malta in 1916, The ship was assisted by Jules Micheletti with the Serbian Army in the evacuation of Corfu and Bizertaan. The Far East after returning the ship was transferred to the reserve in 1923 in Toulon, and it was sold on 20 january 1928 to 2.75 million francs valmistumiskustannusten has been in SEKm 29. The ship was scrapped on 26 November 1930.
FILE PHOTO: People attend the launch ceremony of China’s first domestically built polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, at a shipyard in Shanghai, China September 10, 2018. Picture taken September 10, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer
BEIJING, Nov 1 (Reuters) – Two Chinese icebreaker research vessels and a cargo ship set sail on Wednesday for the Antarctic with more than 460 personnel on board to help complete construction of China’s fifth station on the world’s southernmost continent.
China’s biggest flotilla of research vessels deployed to the Antarctic will focus on building the station on the rocky, windswept Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea, a deep Southern Ocean bay named after a 19th century British explorer.
Work on the first Chinese station in the Pacific sector began in 2018. It will be used to conduct research on the region’s environment, state television reported.
China has four research stations in the Antarctic built from 1985 to 2014. A U.S.-based think tank estimated the fifth could be finished next year.
The facility is expected to include an observatory with a satellite ground station, and should help China “fill in a major gap” in its ability to access the continent, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in a report this year.
The station is also well situated to collect signals intelligence over Australia and New Zealand and telemetry data on rockets launched from Australia’s new Arnhem Space Centre, it said.
China rejects suggestions that its stations would be used for espionage.
The two icebreakers, Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2, the name means “Snow Dragon” in Chinese, set sail from Shanghai with mostly personnel and logistics supplies on board.
The cargo ship “Tianhui,” or “Divine Blessings,” taking construction material for the station, set off from the eastern port of Zhangjiagang.
The five-month mission will include a survey on the impact of climate change.
The two icebreakers will also conduct environmental surveys in the Prydez Bay, the Astronaut Sea in southeast Antarctic, and in the Ross Sea and Amundsen Sea in the west.
The mission, China’s 40th to the Antarctic, will also cooperate with countries including the United States, Britain, and Russia on logistics supply, state media said.
(Reporting by Albee Zhang and Ryan Woo; editing by Robert Birsel)(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023.
Note the extensive anti-torpedo “blister” built into her hull side and paravane streaming chains running from her forefoot to her foredeck. She is painted in Camouflage Mea
The U.S. Navy battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) underway off New York City (USA) during the Naval Review before President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 31 May 1934. Pennsylvania was then serving as flagship of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, Admiral David F. Sellers, USN
The South African Navy has named the second (2nd) of three multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs) in Durban harbor.
Damen
During the ceremony, the vessel was officially named SAS King Shaka Zulu. Named for the great Zulu King the vessel was built entirely in South Africa at Damen Shipyards Cape Town.
It was designed to deliver rapid response capabilities along South Africa’s extensive 2,798-kilometre coastline and it is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding national waters, according to the navy.
Damen
The vessels feature Sea Axe hull design, patented by Damen. They are equipped with advanced military equipment to bolster the navy’s ability to respond effectively and swiftly to threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling operations.
Damen
“I must congratulate Damen Shipyards Cape Town, Armscor, the Defence Materiel Division and the SA Navy who all formed part of the Integrated Project Team for their absolutely sterling work of building these ships on time, in budget and to specification. This was indeed a monumental task and serves as a testament to the willingness of various companies and organisations to come together to produce something that will benefit the people of South African for many years,” Vice Admiral Monde Lobese said.
“South Africa must continue to prioritise supporting local vessel suppliers because this creates jobs and develops transferrable skills which are in demand and can be used in other industries. New technologies are developed, opportunities from abroad are facilitated, and a base for growing exports is created and taken advantage of. As a result of our work on the MMIPV project, DSCT has exported vessels built here and equipped with South African products to Djibouti and UAE,”Sefale Montsi, Director of Damen Shipyards Cape Town, stated.
The first of three Sentinel Boats LMCs has entered service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. Photo: Sentinel Boats.
The first of three high-technology general-purpose boats designed and built by Hobart-based Sentinel Boats have entered service with the Royal New Zealand Navy.
Formerly called PFG, Sentinel Boats designed the craft with a team that includes naval architecture firm One2three, and integration specialist Bellinger Systems.
The 12.5 metre-long Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC) are being deployed at HMNZS Matataua at Davenport in Auckland, as fast, dependable and fit-for-purpose vessels. HMNZS Matataua is part of the RNZN’s Littoral Warfare Force.
The vessels are constructed from polyethylene as opposed to the more commonly used fibreglass or aluminium. This makes them extremely durable, highly resistant to impact and gives them a very low magnetic and acoustic signature.
They are powered by twin Cummins 550 hp diesel engines coupled with HamiltonJet waterjets giving them a speed of more than 40 knots, and a range of more than 150 nautical miles when fully loaded. They can be configured for mission profiles such as dive operations, hydrographic survey support and reconnaissance.
Commanding officer of HMNZS Matataua Commander Trevor Leslie said the LMCs would provide a vital link between coastal operations and tactical insertion of diving and hydrographic specialists, as well as providing a reconnaissance option.
“These vessels will allow us to go further and faster with more personnel, and once inserted we can do so much more,” he said in an RNZN release. “In that regard they’re a real game-changer for Matataua.”
Commander Leslie said the LMCs could comfortably transport six divers with military diving equipment and the smaller Zodiac boats, or hydrographic survey operators with underwater autonomous vehicles or even an infantry section of 10 soldiers with packs and rifles.
RNZN Able Seaman Combat Specialist James Perham described the LMC’s handling as “like a train on tracks”.
“A typical jet boat, when you turn hard, the rear end skids out a bit, whereas with the hull design of this boat, it just digs in like a boat with outboards, so this means we can turn on a dime,” ASCS Perham said.
“Once you get the feel for the LMC and put the time in on the helm it drives like a dream and is far more capable than any other boat that any of the SCS personnel at MATATAUA have driven, it’s so much more capable.”
A Sentinel Boats LMC at pace. Photo: Sentinel Boats
In a company release, Sentinel Boats CEO George McGuire said there was growing recognition of the benefits of HDPE in the defence, first response and rescue sectors.
“We are incredibly proud of the LMCs, which are highly versatile and deliver truly unique capabilities to the RNZN, including the ability to launch and recover a 5.3 metre tender,” he said.
“These boats have been developed as a true partnership between Sentinel Boats and the RNZN and they are already proving their worth in service applications. They have been described as a ‘game-changer’ by the RNZN.
“We have shown that we are capable of building world-class boats, and the world is taking notice.”
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).
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