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Chief of Naval Operations Highlights Robotic and Autonomous Systems with Visit to Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024

06 December 2024

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti toured Boeing’s Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) manufacturing facility, met with Boeing contractors and Sailors assigned to Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron (UUVRON) 3, and gave remarks about the importance of having robotic multi-mission submersibles in the fleet, Dec 6.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti toured Boeing’s Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) manufacturing facility, met with Boeing contractors and Sailors assigned to Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Squadron (UUVRON) 3, and gave remarks about the importance of having robotic multi-mission submersibles in the fleet, Dec 6.

The Orca XLUUV is one of several unmanned maritime systems programs that the Navy is developing and acquiring to expand to the hybrid Fleet.

“Getting Orca into the hands of our warfighters will help us get after my project 33 targets because she is another player – with some really unique capabilities – on the field in America’s Warfighting Navy,” said Franchetti. “Orca, and other platforms like her, are an important step forward as we drive towards our future hybrid fleet, which is going be composed of manned and unmanned platforms. It’s a hybrid fleet that we know we will need to maintain our warfighting advantage.”

Orca and other autonomous systems represent a leap forward in naval warfare, providing unmatched operational advantages by extending reach, reducing risks to personnel, and enhancing strategic capabilities.

“I have no doubt that Orca will contribute to our future lethality, to our warfighting effectiveness, and further bolster our ability to deter any potential adversaries,” said Franchetti. “What we learn from this capability will inform the development of future robotic and autonomous systems, and ultimately provide a lot of agility, flexibility and new options to our nation’s decision makers, so that if deterrence fails, we’re ready to fight and win decisively.”

As reflected in CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy “operationalizing robotic and autonomous systems: move proven systems into the hands of the warfighters”, is one of seven project 33 targets that will help the Navy permanently raise the baseline level of readiness for the possibility of war with the People’s Republic of China by 2027.

Construction of XLE-1 is complete, and the vehicle is at Marina Shipyard for contractor pierside and at-sea testing. Delivery of XLE-1 to the Navy is expected in early 2025, with follow-on Navy Developmental and Operational Testing (DT/OT) through the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. After completion of Developmental and Operational Testing, UUVRON 3 will complete crew certification, and XLE-1 will be ready for deployment.

– US Navy Public Affairs

Photos by Chief Mass Communication Specialist William Spears

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, Robotics | 3 Comments »

Former U.S. Navy Petty Officer Sentenced in Conspiracy to Steal and Sell U.S. Military Gear to Countries Around the World

Friday, November 29th, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – A former United States Navy Petty Officer First Class who served for more than 20 years in the Navy has been sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison for orchestrating a conspiracy that stole more than $850,000 worth of military gear earmarked for fellow Navy members and then sold the goods to high bidders from more than fifty countries, including China and Russia, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Richard Allen, 53, of Citrus Heights, CA, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence, RI, by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to eighteen months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Allen pleaded guilty on August 29, 2024, to conspiracy and six counts of money laundering.

“Sworn to serve his country, Richard Allen instead chose to serve his own shameless greed at the expense of the taxpayer and his fellow men and women in uniform,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “Today’s reckoning is a testament to the tenacity of our law enforcement partners and it should serve as a warning: stealing from the United States is a path to prison, not profit.”

“Mr. Allen betrayed his oath to the Navy and defrauded the American taxpayer by initiating and perpetuating an illegal scheme to steal and sell U.S. Government property to unauthorized buyers for his and his co-conspirators’ private financial benefit,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Wiest of the NCIS Northeast Field Office. “NCIS remains committed to rooting out criminality within the ranks that threatens warfighter capabilities and readiness.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the integrity of the DoD supply chain,” said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Profiting from the sale of stolen DoD property betrays the public’s trust and negatively impacts our military members. Today’s sentencing demonstrates DCIS’ ongoing commitment to working with its law enforcement partners to hold individuals who harm the DoD accountable.”

“Allen was driven by greed to not only steal and attempt to profit from his crime, but to endanger the very national security he was sworn to uphold. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for this egregious betrayal,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

Court documents detail that, while stationed at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex, in Williamsburg, VA, Allen used his familiarity with the base – a base responsible for supplying ships in the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet with military gear – and unfettered access to warehouses to devise and execute a scheme to steal and sell $856,433 worth of Navy gear and supplies, including working uniforms, winter gear, flame retardant shirts and pants, soft body armor, goggles, infrared flag patches, Navy SEAL Trident insignia, and Small Arms Protective Insert plates. Allen and his co-conspirators stored the items in various locations, including in Rhode Island.

Allen and others identified bulk-sale domestic and international customers for the stolen goods and arranged for delivery either in person or via commercial shipping. Payment for the stolen goods was frequently made and received via PayPal, including dozens of payments made from an account in China. The proceeds were transferred to co-conspirators bank accounts, including Allen’s, in increments of less than $10,000, in an effort to avoid bank reporting requirements.

As part of the scheme, the stolen goods were delivered to paying customers in China, Russia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Vietnam, Ukraine, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Turkey, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Brazil, Philippines, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Uruguay, Chile, Estonia, Malta, Lithuania, Bermuda, and Canada, and conspirators assisted him in also distributing to Argentina, Luxembourg, Latvia, Belarus, Denmark, and Martinique.

Allen continued to direct the conspiracy and to receive payments after he retired from the U.S. Navy.

“Richard Allen decided to steal from the United States Navy and selfishly profit from selling the goods globally. Today, he was held accountable for his actions,” said Special Agent in Charge James Guanci, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office. “The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who commit export-related crimes.”

“Americans – especially the men and women who have served in uniform – deserve public employees who do their jobs honestly and with integrity,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Richard Allen failed to do both when he selfishly took advantage of his position with the Navy to commit fraud, cheating both his fellow officers and taxpayers. This sentence holds him accountable for his crimes and sends a message loud and clear that this is not the way to go about boosting your bank account.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Paul F. Daly, Jr.

The matter was investigated by Naval Criminal Investigative Service-Northeast Field Office; Defense Criminal Investigative Service-Northeast Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement-Boston Field Office; and the FBI.

US Department of Justice

Posted in Navy, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Gentex Corporation Awarded Navy OTA for Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet Program

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

CARBONDALE, PA, November 26th, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders and industrial personnel, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the U.S. Navy to develop the Navy’s Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) program. This further signifies Gentex’s commitment to providing cutting-edge protection for military aircrew and marks an important step forward in Naval Aviation safety and innovation.

Through this OTA, the NGFWH will complete qualification and achieve airworthiness and production readiness qualifications for use on Navy fixed wing aircraft including the E-2D, F/A-18, EA-18G, T-45 and T-6. Designed to meet the evolving mission requirements of Naval Aviation, the NGFWH is set to become the Navy’s standard helmet for its fixed-wing, tactical aviators.

The NGFWH will deliver a more advanced and adaptable helmet system and will provide a platform for future upgrades, ensuring the system evolves with the needs of Navy aircrew. Key System Attributes (KSAs) for the NGFWH include improved mass properties such as reduced weight, optimized center of gravity and balanced principal moments of inertia.

“Gentex Corporation is honored to be awarded a Navy OTA for the Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet program. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge protection and performance for those who serve, and we are dedicated to supporting the Navy’s mission with the highest standards of performance and safety,” said Rob Stimis, Fixed Wing Segment Director at Gentex Corporation.

This program will span approximately 18 months, culminating in a helmet system that represents the next generation of fixed-wing pilot safety and mission capability. Operational fielding of the NGFWH is anticipated to begin in late 2025.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Contracts, Helmets, Navy, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Deliver Naval Strike Missile to US Navy and Marine Corps Valued up to NOK 12 billion

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a multi-year procurement contract with the US Navy for the delivery of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles to the Navy and Fleet Marine Force over a five-year period. The fixed price contract awarded today is valued at NOK 10 billion. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to about NOK 12 billion.

“This contract is the largest missile contract in Kongsberg’s history and an important milestone for us. We are pleased the United States has selected Kongsberg as an industry partner and look forward to continued cooperation to support US defence capabilities and create value for important stakeholders in Norway and the US,” said Geir Håøy, President and CEO of Kongsberg.

NSM is the centerpiece of the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon Weapons System (OTH-WS) Program, and is being installed on Littoral Combat Ships and CONSTELLATION-class Frigates. Kongsberg is also delivering NSM to the US Marine Corps as a key component of its NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) Program.

“This contract is an example of the strong demand we see for our strike missiles across NATO and allied nations, which is why we this year have opened a new missile factory in Norway and announced two facilities in Australia and the US. The multi-year procurement contract vehicle provides Kongsberg and all our sub-suppliers stability into the entire supply chain and workforce,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Kongsberg recently announced the building of a new missile factory in James City County, Virgina, in response to increasing demand for JSM and NSM.

About Naval Strike Missile

The NSM is an anti-ship missile with superior operational performance and high survivability against all enemy defense systems. The missile was developed by Kongsberg and first deployed in 2012 by the Norwegian Navy.

NSM is the main weapon for the Norwegian Navy’s frigates and coastal corvettes, and has been selected by the US Navy, US Marine Corps, Poland, Romania, Canada, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Latvia.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of Kongsberg, is Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions. The company’s portfolio comprises products and systems for command and control, information, data handling and surveillance, communications solutions, space technology, missiles and remotely controlled systems. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace also has extensive capabilities within advanced composite and metal manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul within the aircraft and helicopter market. Follow us on: kongsberg.com/kda

Posted in Contracts, Munitions, Navy, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Navy’s BIG IDEAS Challenge for the IW Community

Monday, November 4th, 2024

Do you have a big idea that can help our Navy solve a problem?

The Navy’s IBoss Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza is launching the Big Ideas Challenge, a “Shark Tank” style competition for IW Sailors and government civilians to propose innovative solutions to current and future Naval challenges.

Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) is the Navy’s Information Warfare (IW) Type Command (TYCOM) responsible for manning, training, equipping, and certifying combat-ready IW forces to fight and win our Nation’s wars. The IW domain extends from seabed to space; is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict; and underpins all Naval warfighting capabilities!

Our 60,000+ IW professionals are our asymmetric advantage – IW warriors “think, act, and operate differently.” This Challenge is an opportunity to unlock new ideas and bring fresh perspectives to meet current and future challenges through optimization, modernization and transformation.

Program Overview:

The Big Ideas Challenge creates a direct line to the IBoss for any IW Sailor or government civilian to propose and / or demonstrate their solution, big or small, for the IW enterprise. Selected winners will have a chance to implement their idea at-scale and a potential partnership with private industry and academia.

There are four submission categories:

IW Readiness

IW Training

Advancing IW Warfighting Capabilities

IW Alignment and Integration (includes business processes and process improvements)

Submission deadline is 17 January 2025.

Following the deadline, a group of Phase I judges will select the top 10 percent to move forward into Phase II.

Phase II judges will select the top 2 candidates per category (8 total) to move onto the final stage: Pitch Day.

IBoss will judge the finalists during Pitch Day and award one winner per category. Winners will be awarded a cash prize and honorary recognition.

Participants can access the Big Ideas Challenge submission portal here

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our team at IWBigIdeasChallenge@us.navy.mil

Posted in Guest Post, Information Warfare, Navy | No Comments »

NAVAIR Selects B.E. Meyers & Co.’s IZLID Ultra Airborne Kit for USN and USMC Aviation Fleet Weapons Platforms

Friday, October 4th, 2024

October 03, 2024 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications worldwide, has been selected by Naval Air Systems Command (PMA-242, NAVAIR) to provide their IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kit (NSN: 5860-01-697-2989) as the standardinfrared laser aiming and illumination system for USN and USMC aviation fleet weapons platforms.

The IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kit (PN: 434P-ABNKIT) was selected by NAVAIR to support GAU-17 (M134), GAU-21 (M3M), M240D, and other weapons across equipped rotary wing platforms and other aircraft.

Features and Specifications
The IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kit is based on a the IZLID® Ultra high-power infrared laser device most notably used in air-to-ground integration roles, with up to 1-Watt of near infrared power on target for target marking and for long-range communication while using night vision devices. Powered by (2) CR123 batteries, the IZLID Ultra Airborne Kit has low-power, high-power, and pulse settings and can be configured as either a pointer or narrow divergence illuminator dependent on end-user preference. This system can be mounted to any MILSTD-1913 rail and comes with two remote activation options.

The IZLID® Ultra series of laser systems, like all B.E. Meyers & Co. products, are proudly Made in the USA. This system is currently in production available for sale to MIL/GOV entities in the US and internationally and is ITAR-controlled.

For more information on the IZLID® Ultra Airborne Kit (NSN: 5860-01-697-2989) and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit www.bemeyers.com/izlid/434p-abnkit or emailsales@bemeyers.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Lights, Navy, Press Release | Comments Off on NAVAIR Selects B.E. Meyers & Co.’s IZLID Ultra Airborne Kit for USN and USMC Aviation Fleet Weapons Platforms

Navy’s First Contracted Robotics Warfare Specialist

Friday, September 6th, 2024

PHOENIX – Future Sailor (FS) Karla Torres-Casillas became the Navy’s first contracted Robotics Warfare (RW) Specialist after enlisting in the Navy at Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Phoenix, Aug. 27, 2024.

The RW rating became available for active-duty contracts on Aug. 27, 2024.

“I came here not sure of what job I wanted or qualified for,” said Torres-Casillas. “I got so happy when I received the news that I got the job. I am going to be the first member of my family to serve in the military. My parents sacrificed a lot to provide our family with a better quality of life and I owe it to them to do well with this amazing opportunity the Navy is giving me. My family moved to San Diego from Mexico when I was young. It was really hard to move and leave behind my uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. I can’t even imagine how hard it was for my parents. That is why I want to make them proud and show them that it was worth the sacrifice.”

Damage Controlmen 1st Class Kreig Newton, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix and the senior classifier for MEPS Phoenix, led Torres-Casillas in the history-making enlistment. During the job-picking process, he realized that Torres-Casillas was fully qualified for the newly available RW rating.

“I was surprised when I saw that RW was available as of today,” said Newton. “I called headquarters to confirm RW and then realized she was qualified based on her [ASVAB] line scores. I mentioned the job to her and she was super excited. I will never forget the look on her face after I told her she was going to be the first contracted female Robotics [Warfare] Specialist.”

“Petty Officer Newton was amazing,” said Torres-Casillas. “He asked me a lot of questions about my interests. Then he told me about Robotics [Warfare] Specialist. It sounded perfect to me. It is a little overwhelming to be first but I am ready for the challenge.”

Torres-Casillas, now a Delayed Entry Program Future Sailor, will continue to work with her recruiter Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Tremaine Smith, assigned to NTAG Phoenix, Navy Recruiting Station Desert Sky. Smith is no longer just a recruiter to Torres-Casillas; he is her first Navy mentor, and his new job is to help her get ready for the next step in her Navy career: boot camp. Torres-Casillas is expected to depart Phoenix for the Navy’s boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois in January 2025.

The establishment of the RW rating, announced in the U.S. Navy’s NAVADMIN 036/24, underpins the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s plans for building and developing “a team who has the reps and sets in sensors, platform autonomy, and mission autonomy programs, and can provide input in machine-learning feedback processes,” a priority she discussed in her keynote address at the WEST 2024 naval conference.

The creation of the RW rating has distinguished the Navy as the first Department of Defense branch to establish a dedicated enlisted workforce specialized in unmanned and autonomous technology.

The Navy’s Fact Sheet focused on RW Conversion Opportunity provides further details on the specific NECs, ASVAB scores, and background requirements for applicants:

www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/FACT_SHEETS/Fact_Sheet_NAV_036_24_Conversion

For information regarding the application process, visit the RW enlisted community management page on the MyNavy HR website at: www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Community-Management/Enlisted/Robotics-Warfare

From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jasen MorenoGarcia

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, Robotics | Comments Off on Navy’s First Contracted Robotics Warfare Specialist

Naval Special Warfare, Submarine Squadron 11 Display Fleet Lethality

Saturday, July 20th, 2024

PACIFIC OCEAN — West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators participated in fleet interoperability training off the coast of Southern California June 24, focusing on increasing warfighting capabilities in the maritime domain.

The training involved aircraft from Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces and the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772), assigned to Commander Submarine Squadron 11 (CSS-11).

“This training opportunity provided the submarine warfighters aboard USS Greeneville the opportunity to practice a unique capability,” said Capt. Kenneth Douglas, Commander, Submarine Squadron 11. “Expanding joint interoperability capabilities effectively demonstrates our asymmetric advantage on and under the world’s oceans and I look forward to continued training events with our Naval Special Warfare operators.”

During the training, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators performed a military freefall and conducted an airborne drop of combat rubber raiding crafts (CRRC) off the coast of Southern California. Following this, the NSW operators rendezvoused with Greeneville at a designated location before returning to shore.

“Undertaking an operation of this caliber highlights the indispensable role that NSW and the submarine force play within the joint force,” said Capt. Blake L. Chaney, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “By synchronizing our operations, activities and investments, we not only bolster fleet lethality but also provide substantial value in securing access to either denied or contested areas.”

Engaging in ongoing training with Naval Special Warfare and Commander Submarine Squadron 11, ensures that the U.S. Naval force is well-prepared to tackle the challenges of a dynamic and competitive maritime environment.

CSS-11 is home to five Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including: anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Naval Special Warfare is the nation’s elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.

By Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Perlman And Petty Officer 1st Class Alex Smedegard

Posted in Guest Post, Maritime, Navy, Parachuting, SOF | Comments Off on Naval Special Warfare, Submarine Squadron 11 Display Fleet Lethality