Tag Archives: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

Navy, Marines Ponder Alternative Platforms' Role as First ESB Now Operating in 5th Fleet

Navy, Marines Ponder Alternative Platforms’ Role as First ESB Now Operating in 5th Fleet

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AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 Huey helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) land on the flight deck of the expeditionary mobile base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) in support of Alligator Dagger 2017. Alligator Dagger is a dedicated, unilateral combat rehearsal led by Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Combined Navy and Marine Corps units of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Units are to practice, rehearse and exercise integrated capabilities that are available to U.S. Central Command, both afloat and ashore. US Navy photo.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Navy and Marine Corps are committed to using alternative platforms to move Marines around at sea, but there are still decisions yet to be made about how to maximize these ships’ effectiveness and minimize risk while operating independently or as part of a strike group. Read More →

USS Ponce Returns From Final Deployment Ahead of Decommissioning

USS Ponce Returns From Final Deployment Ahead of Decommissioning

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Sailors and civilian contractors assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1 aboard a rigid-hull inflatable boat carrying underwater unmanned vehicles are craned onto the ship during mine countermeasure training operations aboard the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) in 2015. US Navy Photo

The converted amphibious warship that served as an experimental platform for special operations forces, minehunting helicopters and the Navy’s first operational laser weapon is back in the U.S. after more than five years operating in the Middle East. Read More →

Navy to Commission Middle East-based Expeditionary Sea Base Lewis B. Puller as a Warship

Navy to Commission Middle East-based Expeditionary Sea Base Lewis B. Puller as a Warship

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The Military Sealift Command expeditionary mobile base USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3) departs Naval Station Norfolk to begin its first operational deployment on July 10, 2017. Puller is deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. Navy and allied military efforts in the region. US Navy photo.

The Navy will re-designate its first Expeditionary Landing Base ship a warship this week, converting the Military Sealift Command ship USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB-3) into USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB-3) so it can better meet operational needs abroad, USNI News has learned. Read More →

Officer Punished for 2016 Farsi Island Incident Allowed to Stay in Navy

Officer Punished for 2016 Farsi Island Incident Allowed to Stay in Navy

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Riverine Command Boat (RCB) 802’s boat captain, Lt. David Nartker, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.7, checks his boat’s communications system operating in the Persian Gulf in 2015. US Navy Photo

This post has been updated to include a staetment from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

The officer in charge of 10 U.S. Navy sailors captured by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf last year will be allowed to stay in the service, his attorney said. Read More →

ONI Report: Iran Developing Sub Launched Missiles to Combat Ships in Strait of Hormuz

ONI Report: Iran Developing Sub Launched Missiles to Combat Ships in Strait of Hormuz

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An Iranian built mockup of a US Nimitz-class carrier is destroyed during the IRGCN Noble Prophet exercise. ONI Photo

Iran is developing a submarine that could launch an anti-ship cruise missile designed to quickly sink an American warship operating in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a new assessment of Iranian naval capabilities published Wednesday by the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence. Read More →

Officer in Charge of Sailors Captured By Iran Loses Appeal, Could Face Discharge

Officer in Charge of Sailors Captured By Iran Loses Appeal, Could Face Discharge

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Lt. David Nartker, right, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 3, talks with an Indonesian "Kopaska" Naval Special Forces on Aug. 6, 2016. US Navy Photo

Lt. David Nartker, right, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 3, talks with an Indonesian “Kopaska” Naval Special Forces on Aug. 6, 2015. US Navy Photo

This post has been updated with additional comments from U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The officer in charge of a detachment of ten sailors who were captured by Iranians in January has been issued a punitive letter of reprimand for his role in the capture of the crews of the two boats, two defense officials confirmed to USNI News on Thursday. Read More →

UPDATED: Leader of U.S. Sailors Captured by Iran Appeals Punishment

UPDATED: Leader of U.S. Sailors Captured by Iran Appeals Punishment

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Riverine Command Boat (RCB) 802’s boat captain, Lt. David Nartker, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.7, checks his boat’s communications system operating in the Persian Gulf in 2015. US Navy Photo

Riverine Command Boat (RCB) 802’s boat captain, Lt. David Nartker, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.7, checks his boat’s communications system operating in the Persian Gulf in 2015. US Navy Photo

Lt. David Nartker, the officer in charge of the crew of two riverine boats captured and held by Iranian forces, is appealing the punishment issued earlier this month, according to information obtained by USNI News. Read More →

Leader of U.S. Sailors Captured by Iran Faces Punishment

Leader of U.S. Sailors Captured by Iran Faces Punishment

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Lt. David Nartker, right, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 3, talks with an Indonesian "Kopaska" Naval Special Forces on Aug. 6, 2016. US Navy Photo

Lt. David Nartker, right, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 3, talks with an Indonesian “Kopaska” Naval Special Forces on Aug. 6, 2015. US Navy Photo

CORRECTION: The date on a photo of Lt. David Nartker in a caption in a previous version of this post was incorrect. It was taken on Aug. 6, 2015, not 2016.

This post was updated with additional information on the sailors who faced administrative punishment. A graphic of the U.S. Navy’s timeline of events was also added.

The officer in charge of the U.S. sailors who were captured and held by Iranian forces in January faces administrative punishment for his role in the incident, several defense officials have confirmed to USNI News. Read More →

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