Sam LaGrone

About Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.

Recent Posts By the Author


Next Chief of Naval Operations Will Lead a Navy Facing Readiness, Personnel, Technology Challenges

Next Chief of Naval Operations Will Lead a Navy Facing Readiness, Personnel, Technology Challenges

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Adm. Bill Moran, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, speaks with sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73). US Navy Photo

When Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson took charge of the Navy in 2015, the service was still largely a support element for the larger U.S. effort in the Middle East. When Richardson leaves this summer, his successor will be at the helm of a service that is being grown and reshaped into a key role for the U.S. military’s drive toward high-end warfare in a new era of great power competition. Read More →

Two U.S. Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait in 7th Transit Since 2018

Two U.S. Warships Pass Through Taiwan Strait in 7th Transit Since 2018

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Navy file photos of guided-missile destroyers USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) (top) and USS Stethem (DDG-63) (bottom).

Navy file photos of guided-missile destroyers USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) (top) and USS Stethem (DDG-63) (bottom).Two U.S. guided-missile destroyers conducted a transit through the strait separating Taiwan and mainland China on Sunday, U.S. 7th Fleet officials told USNI News on Monday. Read More →

Former USS Fitzgerald CO Outlines Defense in Rebuttal to SECNAV

Former USS Fitzgerald CO Outlines Defense in Rebuttal to SECNAV

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Cmdr. Bryce Benson, then-executive officer, assists in bringing down the battle ensign aboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) in 2016. US Navy Photo

The former commander of USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) is pushing back against a rebuke from the Secretary of the Navy, disputing major facts in the service’s argument he was criminally negligent leading up a June 17, 2017, fatal collision, according to a copy of the April 26 rebuttal obtained by USNI News. Read More →

Next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Announced

Next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Announced

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U.S. Marine Sgts. Maj. Troy E. Black (left) and Lonnie N. Travis shake hands after the 1st Marine Logistics Group Relief and Appointment Ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif. on April 7, 2017. US Marine Corps Photo

THE PENTAGON – The Marines have announced the next senior enlisted leader of the service. Read More →

UPDATED: VT Halter Marine to Build New Coast Guard Icebreaker

UPDATED: VT Halter Marine to Build New Coast Guard Icebreaker

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An artist’s rendering of VT Halter Marine’s winning bid for the U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter. VT Halter Marine image used with permission

This post has been updated to include a rendering of the VT Halter Marine bid and the names of the two other shipyards who bid for the Polar Security Cutter contract.

VT Halter Marine Inc. has been awarded a $745M detailed design and construction contract for the Coast Guard’s next-generation heavy icebreaker, according to a Tuesday Pentagon contract announcement. Read More →

Lockheed Martin Working $2.5B in Hypersonic Weapon Contracts

Lockheed Martin Working $2.5B in Hypersonic Weapon Contracts

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Artist’s concept of a hypersonic vehicle. DARPA Photo

Lockheed Martin is working through $2.5 billion in military contracts to develop a variety of hypersonic weapons in a bid to catch up with developments from China and Russia, company chief executive Marillyn Hewson said during a Tuesday earnings calls. Read More →

Pacific Commander Davidson Asks Congress to Fund ‘Regain the Advantage’ Plan Aimed at China

Pacific Commander Davidson Asks Congress to Fund ‘Regain the Advantage’ Plan Aimed at China

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Adm. Phil Davidson participates in an honors ceremony at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in New Zealand in 2018. US Navy Photo

The head of U.S. forces in the Pacific has asked Congress to support several new initiatives to increase American military power in the region beyond what has been set aside in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget request, according to a March 22 letter obtained by USNI News. Read More →

USS Fitzgerald Leaves Mississippi Drydock After More Than a Year of Repairs

USS Fitzgerald Leaves Mississippi Drydock After More Than a Year of Repairs

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USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) sits inside a dry-dock in preparation for launch at Huntington Ingalls Industries Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard on April 16, 2019. US Navy Photo

After more than a year of repairs, the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) left a dry dock at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., Naval Sea Systems Command announced late Tuesday. Read More →