USS George Washington (CVN-73) and its strike group in 2013. US Navy Photo
Two Navy officials met with lawmakers today to explain the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP) for generating ready forces and the importance of sticking to the plan, which attempts to keep a stable maintenance and deployment cycle amid an uncertain world, despite the challenges associated with it. Read More
F/A-18 Super Hornets assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron Forty One (VFA-41) fly over the Western Pacific Ocean in a stack formation in October 2013. US Navy photo.
Boeing is taking steps to keep its F-18 production line open for future Navy and international sales based on positive signs from multiple sources, the company told USNI News. Read More
An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches at sunset from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on July 10, 2015. US Navy photo.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense has asked Congress to remove the dozen Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets lawmakers added to the defense authorization bills, hoping that $1.15 billion could pay for other priorities. Read More
Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) prior to a replenishment-at-sea on June 29, 2015. US Navy Photo
The Navy has issued a request for proposal (RFP) directly to General Dynamics NASSCO and Huntington Ingalls Industries for the third America-class big deck amphibious warship and six next-generation oilers (TAO(X)), the service told USNI News. Read More
A unit for the future aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) rests on the assembly platen at Newport News Shipbuilding on March 5, 2014. US Navy Photo
Lawmakers are considering lowering the congressional cost cap for the second Ford-class aircraft carrier, John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), to a dollar figure the Navy says it cannot commit to. Read More
Maritime forces from 17 nations are underway in formation for BALTOPS 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region on June 8, 2015. UK Royal Navy Photo
House Armed Services Committee chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) laid out a five-point strategy to guide the government in getting national and global security back on track, calling for a whole-of-government and international approach to dealing with threats. Read More
The ballistic-missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) transits home after completing a strategic deterrence patrol in October 2014. US Navy photo.
The Navy needs about $100 billion to buy its upcoming class of ballistic missile submarines. And it needs a lot of support from Congress to secure that funding.
In the world of politics, where change is the only constant – where support for various departments goes in and out of style – finding long-term stability for something as big as the Ohio Replacement Program (ORP) submarines is vital to its success.
This week, the House may have achieved that stability. Read More
The ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) arrives home at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol on May 5, 2015. US Navy photo.
The Ohio Replacement Program (ORP) won a big congressional victory Wednesday night, having its funding mechanism saved for the second time this spring despite efforts to cancel the account. Read More
The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN-738) transits the Saint Marys River.
The House will debate the future of the National Sea Based Deterrence Fund this week for the second time this budget cycle, with a small coalition offering an amendment to save the fund meant to help pay for the Ohio Replacement Program (ORP). Read More
An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48 embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and a rigid-hull inflatable boat from Leyte Gulf monitor the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel M/V Falcon Trader II, which had sent out a distress call reporting it had been boarded by pirates in March 2011. US Navy photo.
The House-passed National Defense Authorization Act creates a simpler path from a career in the Navy or Coast Guard to a career in the commercial maritime industry, a boon to both veterans and businesses. Read More
