Category Archives: Surface Forces

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: July 31, 2023

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: July 31, 2023

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 July 31, 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. Read More

First Crews Graduate from New, Tougher ACV Training; Marines Still Working on Surf Operations

First Crews Graduate from New, Tougher ACV Training; Marines Still Working on Surf Operations

A U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicle operated by Marines with the ACV Transition Training Unit drives up the beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 21, 2023.US Marine Corps Photo

This week’s graduation of 29 Marines re-certified to operate the Marine Corps’ Assault Combat Vehicle marks the latest step in building a force of trained ACV operators and maintainers that will help transition the rest of the community to a new, tougher standard, officials said Friday. Read More

Japan Warns World Facing its Greatest Post-WWII Period of Crisis

Japan Warns World Facing its Greatest Post-WWII Period of Crisis

JS Suzutsuki conducted a bilateral exercise with the French Navy Charles de Gaulle CSG in the vicinity of Western Arabian Sea. JMSDF Photo

Japanese defense officials warned the international community is facing its greatest post-war trial and has entered a new era of crisis. At the same time, Tokyo identified China, Russia and North Korea as the countries that pose a threat to Japan, according to the “Defense of Japan 2023” white paper. Read More

Problems with Austal USA’s First Steel Ships Results in $40M Write Down for Aussie Parent

Problems with Austal USA’s First Steel Ships Results in $40M Write Down for Aussie Parent

Shipyard worker at the Austal USA yard in Mobile, Ala., looking on Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship Augusta (LCS-34). USNI News Photo

Problems with the first ships on Austal USA’s steel line have resulted in an estimated loss of around $40 million (AUD $58 million) for the Alabama shipyard’s Australian parent company, according to an Australian Securities Exchange notice published this week. Read More

China Taking Hard Line on Military Flybys, Freedom of Navigation Operations, Says Panel

China Taking Hard Line on Military Flybys, Freedom of Navigation Operations, Says Panel

A fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade of the PLA Air Force soars into the sky during a high-intensity flight training exercise in early Feb. 2023. PLA Photo

Dialing back Western Pacific freedom of navigation operations and military flights runs a “very high risk” of sending the wrong message to Beijing about U.S. intentions in the Indo-Pacific, security experts said Wednesday. Read More

Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Ready to Deploy After COMPTUEX

Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Ready to Deploy After COMPTUEX

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the Italian navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) steam in formation while conducting a simulated strait transit July 4, 2023. US Navy Photo

The second oldest U.S. aircraft carrier is back in port after wrapping a month’s worth of exercises ahead of a deployment later this year. Read More