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US Navy Accepts Next-Generation Aircraft to Modernize Strategic Communications

Tuesday, October 20th, 2026

The Navy accepted a newly manufactured C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin during a ceremony in Marietta, Georgia, Oct. 15, marking the first step toward fielding the future E-130J Phoenix II.

The aircraft will serve as the host platform for the Navy’s next-generation “Take Charge and Move Out” mission system, providing survivable, reliable and secure communications among the president, the secretary of war and U.S. Strategic Command.

The new airframe begins a planned transition, honoring decades of service from the legacy E-6B Mercury aircraft while laying the foundation for the future fight. The program designation Phoenix II symbolizes rebirth and nods to the EC-130Q Hercules platform the Navy used to execute the Take Charge and Move Out mission during the Cold War.

This modernized capability ensures the nation’s nuclear command, control and communications architecture remains resilient and reliable. The updated platform also delivers the enhanced endurance, capacity and operational reach necessary to support mission success in complex global environments.

The event spotlighted the close partnership between the Navy and the defense industrial base. The newly delivered aircraft is the extended C-130J-30 variant, part of an initial procurement of three aircraft the Navy acquired in September 2024.

During the ceremony, Lockheed Martin representatives presented a commemorative plaque and ceremonial key to Navy Capt. Roger Davis, Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office commander.

“Today’s delivery from the historic Marietta line represents far more than a new airframe; it marks the foundation of our future strategic deterrence posture,” Davis said. “Through our close partnership with Lockheed Martin and our industry team, we are ensuring our nation maintains an unshakeable communications lifeline to our ballistic missile submarine fleet.”

The ceremony also recognized the sailors assigned to Strategic Communications Wing 1 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, who will operate and maintain the modernized fleet. Before the ceremony, select sailors participated in a fleet engagement day, which included simulator flights, production line tours and program briefings.

“Strategic deterrence is only as credible as our ability to communicate, and that mission rests in the hands of SCW-1’s world-class sailors,” said Navy Capt. David Gardner, the wing’s commodore. “The E-130J will provide our sailors unmatched capability and next-generation survivable and reliable communications, ensuring our team continues to be the unbreakable link between the president and strategic nuclear forces.”

By Katherine Coughlan, Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office

Posted in Aviation, Department of War, Guest Post, Navy | No Comments »

US Naval Academy Announces New School Focused on Super Intelligence, Information Warfare, and Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Names Dean Capt Mathias Roth

Monday, October 19th, 2026

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Baldock

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The United States Naval Academy (USNA) announced a major academic restructuring today that will establish both a standalone school for computing, cybersecurity, super intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems and a standalone school of engineering. Transitioning from the former School of Engineering, Computing and Weapons, this strategic division formalizes the presence of the Information Warfare (IW) community at the U.S. Naval Academy and creates a dedicated organizational hub to advance critical capabilities in emerging technologies. The restructuring is expected to be complete by Summer 2027.

The new School will consolidate the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Weapons, Robotics, and Control Engineering; Computer Science; and Cyber Science, which will continue to be physically housed in Hopper Hall. As part of this realignment, the Center for Cyber Security Studies will be renamed the Center for Cyber Security and Emerging Technology, and oversight of USNA’s Special Security Office (SSO) and Information Warfare pipeline activities will transition directly to the new School.

“This new school represents a massive leap forward for both the Naval Academy and the broader Information Warfare enterprise,” said U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte. “By aligning our world-class computing faculty, cutting-edge Hopper Hall infrastructure, and operational community leadership under this School, I am establishing a premier focal point to drive the Navy and Marine Corps’ institutional priorities in SI, robotics, and autonomous systems, which will lay the foundation for tomorrow’s naval leaders.” In keeping with the Academy’s leadership model where School Deans and Division Directors are post-command O-6 officers dual-hatted as service community leaders, the new Dean will serve as the Senior Information Warfare community leader at the U.S. Naval Academy. Borgschulte chose U.S. Navy Capt. Mathias Roth, to serve as the inaugural Dean of the School.

A 2002 Naval Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography, Roth earned his Doctorate in Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2016. He brings a powerful mix of operational, technical, and manpower expertise to the role, having begun his career as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard USS Preble (DDG-88) as the Auxiliary Officer, followed by subsequent sea time aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and USS Essex (LHD-2). He later gained deep insight into community force structure while serving as an Information Warfare detailer in Millington, Tennessee. Roth’s command experience includes leading Information Warfare Training Group (IWTG) Gulfport and commanding Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) in Monterey, California.

“Capt. Roth is the perfect leader to establish the new School,” said U.S. Naval Academy Provost, Dr. Samara Firebaugh. “He is an absolute rockstar, with an outstanding reputation as a thoughtful and well-spoken leader. This initiative is central to our efforts to modernize our curriculum in order to produce officers who are equipped to operate in a warfighting environment that is being rapidly reshaped by super intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems.”

Capt. Roth will report to the U.S. Naval Academy this October where he will lead the transition team for this initiative.

The establishment of the School parallels information warfare and robotic and autonomous systems integration initiatives in the Fleet, ensuring these foundational capabilities are woven into every warfare domain, kill chain and training pipeline. Midshipmen will graduate with deck-plate relevant skillsets and technological literacy needed to lead hybrid units, master technical advancements, operate ethically and build combat resilience.

The U.S. Naval Academy is a prestigious four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to become professional officers in the naval service. More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries make up the student body known as the Brigade of Midshipmen. U.S. News and World Reports has recognized the Naval Academy as the #1 top public school, #3 national liberal arts college, and #5 best undergraduate engineering programs. Upon graduation, midshipmen earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a choice of 26 different subject majors and go on to serve at least five years of exciting and rewarding service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

Story by Elizabeth Wrightson
United States Naval Academy

Posted in AI / ML, Guest Post, Navy, Robotics, Unmanned Systems | No Comments »

US Navy Awards Aware $10M Sole-Source Program of Record

Monday, September 14th, 2026

Aware Awarded Sole-Source U.S. Navy Program of Record for Advanced Custom Hearing Protection Solutions Precision-Engineered from Its Proprietary 3D Ear Scanning Technology

Atlanta, GA – September 14, 2026 – Aware Defense, a leader in custom in-ear devices powered by its proprietary eFit 3D ear scanning technology and a division of Aware CBW, has been awarded a sole-source Program of Record contract by the Naval Air Systems Command’s Aircrew Systems Program Office (PMA-202) to advance hearing protection. This prestigious selection underscores Aware’s innovative technology and commitment to protecting the warfighter.

“We are honored to be chosen as the sole-source supplier for this critical program to deploy custom hearing protection built from each warfighter’s unique ear anatomy using Aware’s patented 3D ear scanning technology,” said Sam Kellett, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Aware.

“Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities, and it is preventable. Because every ear is different, our eFit scanner and advanced additive manufacturing deliver precision-built protection and communications for mission-critical environments, custom fit at scale. This award reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to preventing hearing loss and sets a new standard for protecting the warfighter.”

The five-year contract establishes Aware Defense as the U.S. Navy’s exclusive end-to-end source for 3D digital ear scanning to capture ear canal geometry, manufacture custom hearing protection and Communications Earplugs (CEP), and deliver devices precision-engineered to the individual ear anatomy of Naval Aviation aircrew and flight-line maintainers. The PMA-202 program is anchored by Aware’s eFit scanner, the only non-contact optical 3D scanning system that uses radial illumination to capture the true geometry of the ear and ear canal past the second bend with dimensional accuracy of less than 90 microns.

The sole-source contract builds on proven execution and field validation. Under initial program funding, Aware Defense conducted on-site 3D ear scanning events nationwide and delivered 6,373 custom-fit devices from September 2025 to July 2026, while working alongside NAVAIR Aeromedical Safety Officers and Navy audiologists to fit service members. Under PMA-202, Aware will scale to 42,000 custom-fit units starting August 1, 2026, at Naval Air Stations across the United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).

“Aware Defense is ready to execute at fleet scale,” said Stu Booker, President of Aware Defense.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Navy to accelerate the fielding of advanced hearing protection. We know that gear that fits gets worn, and every ear scan and custom-fit device advances our mission to protect warfighters and preserve long-term hearing health. Our team has proven its ability to seamlessly scan 700 personnel in five days and have precision-fit devices in the warfighters’ ears within 60 days, enabling rapid program expansion across Naval Aviation.”

Hearing loss remains one of the most common and costly injuries across the Department of Defense. With Aware Defense’s Program of Record, custom hearing protection will become integral to how the U.S. Navy protects the hearing of its aviation personnel while supporting clear communications and operational readiness.

www.awaredefense.us

Posted in Admin, Contracts, Medical, Navy, Press Release | Comments Off on US Navy Awards Aware $10M Sole-Source Program of Record

Sailors Shape the Future of Navy Uniforms

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

Scientists, designers, engineers and textile experts from the Navy Exchange Service Command’s Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility worked with nearly 80 female Sailors during a five-day fit evaluation Aug 17-21, 2026, onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and at NEX Norfolk, Virginia. The research team collected measurement data and used cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to evaluate prototype uniforms for concept of fit, functional design and accuracy of the size prediction.

“I feel like I’m drowning when I wear men’s sizes,” said Cmdr. Jennifer Lo, who has served in the Navy for 30 years. For Lo and other female Sailors, finding a uniform that fits is about more than appearance. It is about confidence and functional readiness so Sailors show up equipped to do the job.

Sailors tried on several prototype uniforms and provided immediate feedback while experts conducted the assessments. Fit Clinic participants’ input is helping the Navy identify acceptability of new fit types and update patterns to build uniforms around the people who wear them.

“We learned from our Fit Clinics in 2022 that we needed to expand our current ‘Alpha’ and “Bravo’ modernized fit types to add ‘Charlie’ and ‘Delta’ as well to ensure we captured all body types,” said Dr. Brianna Plummer, Group Leader, Design & Testing Laboratories at NCTRF. “The data collected from the latest fit evaluation will help determine whether the additional fit categories are needed and whether they align with existing body types.”

Lo, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story, has attended the three Fit Clinics held in Virginia since 2022. She said decades of uniform challenges have made the need for Navy’s newer numeric sizing system for the Navy Working Uniform Type III a welcome change. “I appreciate the women’s modernized fit as the numeric sizing fits better,” said Lo.

Fire Controlman 1st Class Ariana Friedrichs, assigned to the Transient Personnel Unit at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, came for two reasons – to help solve her own uniform fit challenges and to make things better for the Sailors who come after her. “My mom helped me, so I want to help future Sailors have better fitting uniforms,” said Friedrichs.

Inside the Fit Clinic, researchers took measurements and fitted Sailors in prototype slacks, shirts and jumper tops. The team compared how each garment fit against the Navy’s modernized sizing system, while Sailors learned which sizes may work best for them.

Once the clinic was wrapped up, the research team’s next step is to analyze the measurements and Sailor feedback and use the findings to guide future sizing recommendations. “We are committed to providing certified, high-quality Navy uniforms so that Sailors are comfortable and professional looking so that they can focus on their mission,” Plummer said.

The modernization effort replaces an outdated, restrictive sizing system with a more consistent fit across a Sailor’s uniform wardrobe, giving Sailors the confidence they can select the right size the first time and reduce the need for costly alterations. Results are already reaching the fleet. Service Khaki slacks with back pockets, and the Summer and Dress White female overblouses in both short-sleeve and long-sleeve, are now available at select NEX Uniform Shops and online at myNavyExchange.com.

NCTRF is currently focused on modernizing the size and fit of female uniforms plans to evaluate male uniform sizing in the coming years. The goal is simple: Uniforms should fit the Sailors wearing them and Sailors should have a say in how the Navy gets there.

From Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

Posted in Clothing, For the Ladies, Guest Post, Navy | No Comments »

NSWC Crane Launches Rapid Capabilities Cell to Accelerate Solutions for the Fleet

Tuesday, July 21st, 2026

CRANE, Ind. – Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) launched the Crane Rapid Capabilities Cell (CRC2) to accelerate the delivery of critical technology to the warfighter. This new initiative will serve as a direct pipeline for identifying and delivering solutions to meet the most urgent and emerging needs of the U.S. Navy.

CRC2 is intended to be aligned with the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office as well as the PAE Rapid Capability Cells, which were established over the last year to maintain U.S. maritime supremacy by ensuring swift assessment and transition of urgent solutions. CRC2 bridges operational needs with NSWC Crane’s robust technical capabilities and collaborates across Warfare Centers to bring a broad range of solutions to the warfighter.

“This initiative is about one thing: delivering a decisive advantage to our sailors at the speed of relevance,” said Dr. Angela Lewis, SES, Technical Director at NSWC Crane. “The Crane Rapid Capabilities Cell is our commitment to the Fleet. We are streamlining access to our world-class experts, capabilities, and facilities to ensure that when a critical need arises, we will answer the call with innovative and effective solutions.”

CRC2 monitors Fleet demand, coordinates response options such as rapid acquisitions, supports problem curation efforts such as with Warfighter Driven Challenges, and facilitates proposal development, partnerships, and outreach.

Adam Parsley, the Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation, & Demonstration (RPED) Lead at NSWC Crane, said the core concept of CRC2 is to act as a “technical force multiplier,” leveraging NSWC Crane’s extensive network of industry, government, and academic partners to develop solutions for the Fleet.

“We are looking forward to working with the Navy RCO and various Rapid Capability Cells as they go through their process of rapid development and deployment, ensuring we focus NSWC Crane’s technical capabilities where appropriate and where we can help bring solutions to Navy problems,” said Parsley. “We want to leave no stone unturned as we strive to bring solutions forward as quickly as possible. CRC2 is about innovating to find immediate, creative solutions for the Fleet.”

CRC2 creates opportunities for NSWC Crane to evolve with the rapidly changing threat environment.

“Modern naval challenges are complex and multi-domain—our solutions must meet those demands,” said Stacey Mervyn, the Rapid Mission Integration and Interoperability Department Director at NSWC Crane. “The Crane Rapid Capabilities Cell provides the perfect framework for my team to integrate our specialized technologies with the broader expertise across NSWC Crane. It’s about creating a unified, rapid response that ensures our warfighters have a comprehensive advantage, no matter what the mission.”

CRC2 operates across NSWC Crane’s mission areas—Strategic Missions, Electromagnetic Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare. Parsley said their team’s strength lies in its ability to integrate diverse technologies to solve complex, multi-faceted problems.

“We work in the seams, so to speak, to bring several technology offerings at NSWC Crane to bear on a given problem, with technologies such as sensors, electro-optics, and software,” said Parsley. “We have a focus on integration and interoperability from the technology standpoint. Using rapid acquisition tools, whether it’s FAR or non-FAR authorities, OTAs, Prize Challenges, the use of our different partnership authorities, whatever we can do to broaden the solution set for the Fleet.”

By NSWC Crane Corporate Communications NSWC Crane

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Smart Shooter Secures First US Navy Contract for SMASH 2000LE Fire Control Systems

Monday, June 1st, 2026

The $1.8 million award marks Smart Shooter’s entry into another major U.S. military market segment, following recent contracts with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force, amid growing operational demand for counter-drone capabilities

[June 1, 2026] – Smart Shooter, a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, announced today its first significant contract with the U.S. Navy. Under the contract, valued at approximately $1.8 million, the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Smart Shooter Inc., will supply the U.S. Department of War with soldier-portable SMASH 2000LE (also known as SMASH 3000SA) fire control systems. Delivery of the systems to the U.S. Navy is expected in the second half of 2026.

The agreement represents Smart Shooter’s entry into an additional major U.S. military market segment and marks another strategic step in the company’s expansion with the U.S. Department of War. The contract follows a series of agreements signed over the past year with other U.S. military branches, including the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Force. These successive awards reflect increasing operational demand among U.S. military branches for Smart Shooter’s solutions in response to the expanding drone threat.

The contract was awarded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), the U.S. Navy’s central organization for research, development, testing, evaluation, and engineering of systems related to surface warfare. The procurement will be carried out through Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. (ADS), a leading authorized provider of tactical equipment, logistics, and procurement solutions for the U.S. Department of War and federal agencies.

Michal Mor, CEO of Smart Shooter, said: “Securing our first significant contract with the U.S. Navy marks an important milestone in Smart Shooter’s continued expansion across U.S. defense organizations. This award reflects our entry into another key military market segment and further demonstrates the confidence placed in our unique SMASH technology. Together with our recent agreements with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force, this latest award underscores the growing operational need for precise, reliable, and field-ready solutions to address the drone threat.”

Smart Shooter’s SMASH family of fire control systems is deployed by defense and security forces in the United States, Israel, the UK, Germany, NATO member countries, and additional allied nations, providing enhanced precision, situational awareness, and effective engagement against evolving battlefield threats.

For additional information, visit www.smart-shooter.com.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, Navy, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Smart Shooter Secures First US Navy Contract for SMASH 2000LE Fire Control Systems

NSWC Crane Sailor Brings Fleet to the Lab to Elevate Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities

Monday, May 18th, 2026

A Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Sailor and Avionics Technician has spent his decade-long career honing his knowledge and expertise in electromagnetic warfare to support the Fleet. Avionics Technician Petty Officer Second Class (AT2) Jeffrey Weaver joined the U.S. Navy after receiving his bachelor’s degree. He specialized in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of transmitter and radar packages to support F/A-18 platforms and ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming Systems.

In 2023, AT2 Weaver transferred to NSWC Crane, where he continues to support the Navy’s mission and capabilities by bringing operator-level feedback to engineering building and maintaining tools. This includes scheduled and unscheduled repair of ALQ-99 transmitters, which protect aircraft such as the F/A-18 by disrupting enemy radar.

Working at a federal research and development laboratory forges strong bonds and enables collaboration between the military and civilian workforce.

“The highlight of my time at Crane would be the conversion of the Low Band Transmitter to Low Band Consolidated Transmitters for domestic and Foreign Military Sales programs,” said AT2 Weaver. “The knowledge shared and gained from my time here [is important to me]. I was able to share my expertise on Low Band Transmitters, and my experiences from working in the Fleet with the engineers and civilian technicians. I gained a lot of new insights and knowledge working on transmitters at a deeper level than many of my fellow service members will ever experience.”

AT2 Weaver said his time at NSWC Crane will be valuable as he continues his career.

“I believe the role of a technician in this field is becoming more crucial as technology continues to improve and develop,” he said. “Being able to maintain and repair assets in the Fleet with the knowledge gained here will only improve mission readiness. Developing the skills that allow the Navy to maintain air superiority to protect our aircraft and troops is vital in our nation’s current climate.”

Knowing the impact of his efforts is motivating for AT2 Weaver.

“I find the work important because the work we do here helps Fleet Readiness Centers like Whidbey, the ships in the fleet, and ultimately the pilots flying dangerous missions overseas. Knowing what I work on can help the Navy to fly more missions safely is very important to me.”

Story by Sarah Oh

Posted in EW, Guest Post, Navy | Comments Off on NSWC Crane Sailor Brings Fleet to the Lab to Elevate Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities

Gatorz Eyewear X Navy SEAL Foundation SENTIX

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026

The GATORZ x Navy SEAL Foundation Sentix brings together American crafted durability and a mission that extends beyond the frame.

Built from aircraft grade aluminum and paired with TruRay Smoke Polarized lenses, each pair delivers the clarity and strength required in high performance environments. Custom Navy SEAL Foundation and THAT WARRIOR engravings reflect a mindset defined by resilience, discipline, and commitment.

A portion of proceeds from every purchase supports the Navy SEAL Foundation and its work providing critical care for warriors, veterans, and their families.

Get yours at www.gatorz.com/products/navy-seal-foundation-x-sentix.

Posted in Eyepro, Guest Post, Navy, Nonprofit, SOF | Comments Off on Gatorz Eyewear X Navy SEAL Foundation SENTIX