XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Maritime’ Category

Dräger DOB 200 ECO Oxygen Filling Station Earns Authorized for Navy Use Listing

Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Authorized for Navy Use listing expands access to the Dräger DOB 200 ECO, giving U.S. military teams across the joint force a compact oxygen filling station for deployed, shipboard, and remote operations.

Authorized for Navy Use

Dräger’s DOB 200 ECO oxygen filling station is now listed on the Authorized for Navy Use (ANU) List, giving U.S. military teams across the joint force access to a compact system designed for high-pressure oxygen filling in deployed, shipboard, remote, and space-constrained environments.

The listing marks an important step for military teams that need oxygen filling capability closer to the point of operation. Designed as a complete oxygen filling station in a compact, deployable format, the Dräger DOB 200 ECO supports oxygen cylinder filling for military diving teams, rebreather support, parachutist oxygen programs, ship maintenance crews, and expeditionary units.

Built for Operational Oxygen Support

Military oxygen logistics are often shaped by space, mobility, and time. During deployment, teams may already be moving with dive rigs, flotation devices, oxygen bottles, tools, support equipment, and mission-specific gear. Traditional oxygen filling setups can involve multiple separate components that need to be packed, moved, connected, monitored, and maintained.

The DOB 200 ECO helps reduce that burden by combining the pump, gauges, valves, and fill panel into one rugged, transportable system. Its compact design supports teams working outside fixed infrastructure, bringing oxygen-fillingcapability closer to the mission.

Deployable by Design

The system is packaged as a complete oxygen filling station for movement and storage in demanding environments. Its rugged Pelican™ case format supports the way military equipment is transported, whether by vehicle, aircraft, vessel, or hand carry.

For teams working aboard ships, in pierside support areas, or at remote field locations, the DOB 200 ECO can help make oxygen filling more practical and accessible. The compact format helps units move oxygen support where it is needed, rather than relying only on fixed filling infrastructure.

Designed for High-Pressure Oxygen Use

Built for high-pressure oxygen use, the DOB 200 ECO is designed with oxygen safety in mind. Its oil-free configuration helps reduce the risk of contamination in oxygen service, an important consideration when filling high-pressure oxygen cylinders.

The system also supports controlled filling, including automatic shutoff when the target pressure is reached. For military teams filling oxygen bottles in operational environments, that control can help make the process more repeatable and practical.

Configured for the Mission

The DOB 200 ECO can be configured to support the unit’s mission profile, whether the requirement is mobile oxygen filling in the field or a more permanent setup in a support facility. The fill panel can be integrated with the transportable unit for deployed use or mounted separately for workshop, shipboard, or maintenance operations.

The system can also be configured around operational power and cylinder requirements, including 120V and 220V options based on destination and infrastructure. Depending on the setup, the DOB 200 ECO can support simultaneous filling for four to six oxygen cylinders, helping teams reset bottles more efficiently after dive operations, jump preparation, shipboard support, or daily readiness cycles.

Operator Focused on Field Conditions

For operators, simplicity matters. Oxygen filling in the field may be handled by team members who are also managing equipment resets, cylinder rotations, dive support, jump preparation, or maintenance activities.

A system with fewer loose components and a more straightforward setup can help reduce manual oversight and support a more disciplined filling process. For units operating away from fixed infrastructure, that flexibility helps keep oxygen support aligned with the mission’s pace.

Supporting Joint Force Applications

The DOB 200 ECO can support a range of military oxygen applications, including military diving, rebreather support, parachutist oxygen programs, shipboard operations, ship husbandry, submarine maintenance support, remote oxygen logistics, and expeditionary operations.

With its ANU listing, the Dräger DOB 200 ECO provides military teams with a vetted oxygen filling solution that aligns with the realities of modern operational support. It bridges the gap between large fixed filling systems and smaller, limited-capability boosters by bringing high-pressure oxygen support, mobility, and simplified operation into one compact system.

For military teams planning oxygen support needs, the listing provides a direct path to evaluate a complete oxygen filling station built for deployment, shipboard operations, and field use.

Learn more: t4.life/QxI.

Maritime Soldiers Earn Mariner Badge

Tuesday, May 26th, 2026

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Maritime Soldiers assigned to the 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, were recognized during an Army Mariner Badge pinning ceremony aboard the U.S. Army Vessel Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls, LSV-8, on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, recognizing their expertise and service as Army mariners.

Hosted by Lt. Col. Micah J. Hall, commander of the 8th Special Troops Battalion, the ceremony honored Transportation Corps port watercraft and seaport operations mariners for achieving significant professional milestones through certification, operational experience and sustained service aboard Army watercraft. During the ceremony, one Soldier received the Army Mariner Senior badge and 11 Soldiers received the Army Mariner Basic badge.

The Army Mariner Badge symbolizes the technical expertise, discipline and operational readiness required of Soldiers serving within Army maritime occupational specialties. Approved in October 2024, the badge recognizes Army mariners who demonstrate proficiency in nautical logistics and sustainment operations while supporting missions across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

The badge is awarded based on certification and years of operational maritime service. Soldiers awarded the basic badge must complete required certifications and serve at least one year aboard an Army vessel, while the senior badge recognizes mariners with a minimum of five years of service and demonstrated expertise within their maritime field.

“This badge is more than a uniform item,” said Hall during the ceremony. “It represents technical competence, operational experience, discipline and commitment to the Army’s maritime mission.”

Hall emphasized the critical role Army mariners play in enabling sustainment and transportation operations throughout the Indo-Pacific theater, including interisland logistics, joint exercises and strategic sealift missions. He recognized the professionalism and resilience required to operate Army watercraft in demanding maritime environments far from home station.

Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commanding general of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, also addressed attendees and highlighted the longstanding legacy of Army mariners throughout military history, from supporting operations during World War II to modern-day joint logistics over-the-shore missions.

“This is not earned in port,” Gardner said. “This is earned underway.”

Gardner further noted that Army mariners continue to play a vital role in projecting and sustaining combat power across the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as the Army modernizes maritime sustainment capabilities in austere environments.

For many Soldiers, the ceremony represented more than professional recognition — it represented visibility for a uniquely specialized field within the Army.

“Being awarded the Army Mariner Badge means a lot to us because it’s the first visible identification the Army has given us that is unique to being a mariner,” said CW2 George Schwarz, one of the mariners recognized with the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. “We’re a really small field within the Army that doesn’t always receive a lot of recognition.”

As the ceremony concluded, the newly badged Army mariners were recognized not only for their technical qualifications but for their continued role in sustaining and moving combat power across the Indo-Pacific region.

SGT Deneisha Owens-McParland

BlackSea Technologies Demonstrates GARC Autonomous Surface Vessel Capabilities During Arctic Sentry 2026 in Norway

Friday, May 15th, 2026

BALTIMORE, May 15, 2026BlackSea Technologies recently participated in Arctic Sentry 2026, a NATO enhanced vigilance activity in the High North, demonstrating its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft in Ramsund, Norway, alongside partners from U.S. 6th Fleet, U.S. Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON-3) and the Royal Norwegian Navy. 

The exercise gave BlackSea’s GARC unmanned surface vessels an opportunity to operate in the far north, demonstrate autonomous surface vessel capabilities in cold weather maritime conditions, integrate with NATO partners and serve as training tools for the next generation of naval warfighters. 

“Arctic Sentry proves that GARC can operate effectively in dynamic, contested maritime environments north of the Arctic Circle,” said Lunsford Schock, mission director for BlackSea Technologies. “The exercise further cements our nation’s military partnerships with key European allies and reflects BlackSea’s commitment to preserving freedom of action at sea by delivering scalable, intelligent tools to naval forces around the world.” 

NATO launched Arctic Sentry in February as a multi-domain activity to strengthen the alliance’s posture in the Arctic and High North. NATO has said the activity brings NATO and allied exercises, forces and capabilities together under one overarching operational approach to the region. The activity is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk, with overall strategic direction from Allied Command Operations. 

U.S. Navy photos

U.S. Navy imagery released May 15 showed a Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft attached to Commander, Task Force 66 operating in Breivika Bay during Arctic Sentry 2026. The Navy identified the activity as taking place in Ramsund, Norway, and noted Arctic Sentry’s role in strengthening allied security in the Arctic and High North.

BlackSea’s participation underscored the role of small, scalable autonomous surface vessels in distributed maritime operations, allied interoperability and training in strategically important waters. The demonstration also highlighted GARC’s ability to support naval forces in demanding operating environments where endurance, adaptability and autonomous capability are increasingly essential. 

Wing Group Showcases Integrated Maritime and Survival Systems at SOF Week 2026

Thursday, May 14th, 2026

The Wing Group is out in force at SOF Week in Tampa, with the Mustang Survival trailer located in the outdoor pavilion at booth 4313, Wing Inflatables on the pier at docks 26/27, and additional presence inside the convention hall alongside SOAL Marine and Kraka at booth 2500. Wing partner brands and products can also be found throughout the event across multiple exhibitor locations. 

The portfolio spans combatant craft from Wing Inflatables—currently fielded by U.S. Army and Naval Special Warfare units—alongside aviation-grade life rafts from Patten, and flotation and technical apparel from Mustang Survival. Notably, elements of these platforms supported NASA’s Artemis II recovery operations. 

Also on display is Kokatat’s AP-PPE chemical and biological protective garment system, built with GORE® CHEMPAK® fabrics, expanding the group’s capabilities into CBRN protective apparel. 

Together, the brands highlight Wing’s role as an integrated provider of mission-critical equipment for operations on and around the water. The Wing Groupwill host a joint happy hour with PROJECT R3CON at the trailer on Tuesday, May 19 at 16:00 in support of the SOF community.

Watershed Introduces the Waterproof Aircrew Survival Pack

Thursday, May 7th, 2026

The Waterproof Aircrew Survival Pack from Watershed was developed as an airtight and waterproof backpack system for isolated personnel. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, think downed flyer.

In addition to keeping critical survival gear organized and dry thanks to the 44” YKK Aquaseal zipper which creates an airtight, waterproof clamshell-style opening, it offers approximately 37 lbs of buoyancy in sea water when inflated.

Inside there are two laser cut Tegris panels for organization of SERE items, as well as storage pockets for the GAU-5A Aircrew Survival Rifle and magazines.

On the outside, the WASP features a laser cut MOLLE panel, an elastic keeper with cord lock cinch, and 36” webbing keepers with G-lock fasteners.

Shoulder straps are sewn in a continuous loop with 4000 lbs – rated webbing and Cobra buckles, enabling the pack to withstand high-G deceleration forces during deployment. Naturally, it can be stowed in and deployed from ACES II and ACES V ejection seats.

Construction:

• All seams RF welded, no glue or tape used

• 500d Cordura®, 2-Side TPU laminated Kryptothane™ outer fabric, embossed to minimize IR signature

• Laser cut fabric panels are dual ply 500d Cordura® Armathane™ material

• 44” YKK Aquaseal Drysuit Zipper, with locking tab

• Laser cut Tegris interior organization panels

• Steel G-hook fasteners

• AustriAlpin COBRA® ProStyle shoulder strap buckles

• Halkey-Roberts 800ROL oral inflate/deflate valve with lockout for buoyancy control

• Halkey-Roberts 780RP pressure relief valve prevents overinflation

• MIL-W-5625 Webbing (shoulder straps)

• MIL-W-17337 Webbing (all other straps and handles)

• Gov E Milspec thread, A-A-59826A

Be sure to check out the new WASP as well as Watershed’s other waterproof load carriage systems at SOF Select during SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, May 19 & 20.

For more information, visit www.drybags.com or email orders@drybags.com.

Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH Launches Series Production of Maritime Unmanned Systems in Hamburg

Friday, April 24th, 2026

Series production of the Kraken K3 Scout has begun at Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss site in Hamburg. With the market-ready unmanned surface vessel (USV), Rheinmetall’s new Naval Systems division—together with its British joint venture partner Kraken Technology Group—offers a surface platform for both military and civilian applications. Depending on the configuration, the vessels can be used for maritime surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, or as weapons carriers in military operations. 

The joint venture established last year between Rheinmetall Naval Systems and the British tech company Kraken Technology Group will now operate under the name “Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH.” The partnership addresses the growing global demand for market-available unmanned platforms of various sizes.

Production of the systems—which are capable of speeds of up to 55 knots, measure 8.4 metres in length, and are individually configurable—takes place at Rheinmetall’s shipyard Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, a site that the Düsseldorf-based company is developing into Germany’s leading test and technology centre for unmanned and autonomous marine systems.

“Production of the Kraken K3 Scout is initially designed for around 200 units per year. Depending on the order volume, we can scale up production to as many as 1,000 units annually,” says Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division. With five locations in Germany, the Naval Systems division specialises in the construction of complex naval and coast guard vessels and is a pioneer in the development of unmanned and autonomous surface systems.

Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken Technology Group said: “The formation of Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH combines the scale, expertise and reach of a longstanding defence leader with an agile, innovative maritime technology company.  This will ensure that production of Kraken’s K3 Scout can scale to meet exponentially growing operational requirements.”

Kraken Technology Group develops high-performance and cost-efficient unmanned maritime systems. Through the joint venture, they benefit from the extensive production and integration capabilities of the Rheinmetall Naval Systems division.

Mustang Survival at FDIC International 2026

Wednesday, April 15th, 2026

Mustang Survival’s truck and trailer are set to roll into FDIC International 2026 (April 20-25, Indianapolis, IN) at booth #8205 in Lucas Oil Stadium. The team will welcome fire, rescue, and public safety professionals to explore trusted solutions built for the most demanding marine environments.

Visitors will get a sneak peek of a new waterproof jacket engineered specifically for law enforcement and marine patrol units operating on the water. It is designed for full waterproof protection, reliable access to duty gear, and seamless compatibility with agency uniforms and handwear. Every element, from reinforced high-wear zones to minimized snag points and secure hood storage, has been purpose-designed to support mission-critical tasks while maintaining a clean, agency-ready profile. 

FDIC also marks an important moment for The Wing Group as Mustang Survival will be displaying its collaboration with sister company, Kokatat. The booth will feature a selection of Kokatat professional dry suits alongside Mustang products, underscoring a shared commitment to serving professionals with trusted, innovative, and purpose-built gear.

www.mustangsurvival.com

German Navy System House to be Established: Rheinmetall Takes Over NVL

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has completed the company take-over of NVL, the military part of the Lürssen Group. Following the announcement in September 2025 and the signing of the purchase contract in October 2025, Rheinmetall has now been given all antitrust approvals for the acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL B.V. & Co. KG, Bremen-Vegesack), including all its subsidiaries. The transition was concluded on 1 March 2026.

Both parties have agreed on keeping the purchasing price concealed.

With this significant strategic acquisition, Rheinmetall will be creating a German systems house for the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art navy and coastguard vessels, as well as maritime autonomous surface systems. Rheinmetall will thus be further expanding its portfolio within the maritime domain and is hence consolidating its position as a comprehensive supplier of defence technology in Germany and Europe.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are happy about the successful finalisation of the transaction”. Already at the announcement of the plans, he stated the following: “In future, Rheinmetall will be a relevant player on land, on water, in the air and in space and is thus developing into a cross-domain system house. In combining the expertise of Rheinmetall and NVL, we will be creating a powerful full-range supplier for state-of-the-art surface vessels. This will generate mutual growth and thus secure a strong position for our corporation’s position in the maritime sphere. At the same time, we are making a substantial contribution to empower the naval defence capabilities of Germany and its NATO allies”.

The current conflict situation reveals that military enforcement capabilities are also becoming increasingly important in the naval sector. Rheinmetall intends to meet the massive increase in demand from naval forces and rising procurement budgets with high-performance system solutions which feature a highly modern digital infrastructure and cover the entire spectrum – from platforms and electronics to sensors and effectors.

For further information, see press release dated September 15, 2025: Rheinmetall reaches agreement with Lürssen on acquisition of NVL