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Naval Special Warfare Basic Communications Accessory Suite Solicitation

Thursday, July 14th, 2022

Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) has issued a small business set-aside solicitation for a basic communications accessory suite designed primarily for use by support personnel. According to the solicitation, it is not intended to replace current advanced USSOCOM communications accessory suites; rather, it is intended to be a simplified capability with limited environmental hardening and interoperable with current USSOCOM-fielded manpack and handheld multi-band radios.

Key minimum specifications from the solicitation are:

– IP67 rating

– Compatible with common 19-pin and 6-pin radios

– Use of common connectors such as the TP-120/NATO 4-pin

– Simple and easy to use

– Able to monitor dual nets

– Provide noise protection (steady state and impulse)

– Use commercial power sources

– Able to be configured for use on ARC rails or over the head

Companies interested in participating should note that NSWC is requiring offerors to deliver two product demonstration models with their quotes by the closing date of the solicitation (August 12, 2022). NSWC intends to conduct an evaluation of each offer that meets minimum product descriptions, then make a best value five-year indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award. NSWC intends to purchase approximately 2,500 systems over the life of the contract, not including sustainment and spares.

Questions of a technical nature can be directed to NSWC N83 Combat and Survival Programs at warcom-N83@socom.mil. Note the solicitation number in the subject of the email (H9224022Q0003).

Read the full solicitation here.

Posted in Comms, Navy, SOF | Comments Off on Naval Special Warfare Basic Communications Accessory Suite Solicitation

Considerable Order in the USA: Rheinmetall to Develop 30mm x 173 Airburst Solution for the U.S. Navy

Thursday, June 30th, 2022

Rheinmetall to develop a new medium caliber ammunition for the U.S. Navy: The Group’s subsidiary American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc. based in Stafford, VA has been awarded a $14.3 million (€13.5 million) contract under a U.S. Navy other transaction agreement (OTA) to prototype a low-cost engagement capability that increases the effectiveness of existing and future Naval gun weapon systems against air and surface threats.

The resulting prototype system will lead to an Initial Operating Capability for the 30mm x 173 MK 340 MOD 0 Kinetic Energy Electronically Timed (KEET) airburst munition. The MK 340 KEET is derived from the NATO-qualified Rheinmetall 30mm x 173 Kinetic Energy Timed Fuze (KETF) cartridge currently fielded by the Australian, German, and Hungarian militaries. The system will provide significant lethality improvements and a reduction in rounds fired due to the increased first-round hit probability.

“We are excited to deliver our next-generation lethality solutions to the U.S. Navy for the first time. This award further demonstrates American Rheinmetall’s ability to bring innovative technologies into the hands of our U.S. Joint Force,” said American Rheinmetall Munitions CEO John Somich.

The company is presently expanding its role as a major supplier of innovative, next-generation weapons and ammunition in the U.S., drawing on a global portfolio of world-class munitions and armaments offered by Rheinmetall and its affiliates. For example, American Rheinmetall Munitions is currently producing game-changing solutions including 40mm airburst fuzing for the U.S. Army and the PGU-48/B Frangible Armor Piercing cartridge for the U.S. Air Force F35A Joint Strike Fighter. The company has been producing and supplying high-performance practice and direct fire service ammunition for American military and law enforcement customers for several decades.

American Rheinmetall Munitions is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. defense companies which includes American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME, American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Sterling Heights, MI, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Contracts, Navy, Press Release | Comments Off on Considerable Order in the USA: Rheinmetall to Develop 30mm x 173 Airburst Solution for the U.S. Navy

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Navy Corpsman Birthday

Sunday, June 12th, 2022

In my 26 years in the US Navy, I came across some of the best Corpsman you could possibly imagine. Almost all have gone on to become doctors, not that that is a measure of anything. But the Rips the Doc Conza, Doc Henao, and Smiths of the SEAL teams would break their backs to make sure you were good to go. To all of them, Happy Birthday to all the Docs that patch us mortals up. The Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies of North America of 1775 contained only one article that directed the formation of Navy medicine. “A fitting area shall be set apart for sick or hurt men, to be removed with their hammocks and bedding when the surgeon shall advise that it is necessary: and members of the crew shall be designated to attend to and serve them, as well as to maintain the space clean,” according to Article 16.

Between 1775 and 1814, the period covered America’s first maritime conflicts, and little changed medical techniques and structure. Feeding and personal care of the non-combat wounded and injured were among the less dramatic obligations of caring for them. Untrained personnel was sure to bring down the minimal daily feed of porridge or “loblolly” to those in the medical section. On March 2, 1799, Congress passed an act that exacted the language of the Continental Congress’s medical department article 16 of 1775. As a result, enlisted medical personnel still lacked a title or job description. The term “loblolly lad” had been around for so long that it was adopted as an official title in the Navy Regulations of 1814. A new senior enlisted medical rate, surgeon’s steward, was established in the decades that followed. The phrase appeared in Navy pay charts for the first time in 1841; however, the new billet was only available on larger ships. The Navy Department issued an order on April 1, 1843, that allowed surgeon’s stewards to be attached aboard brigs and schooners. The relative relevance of medical Sailors was raised as a result of this. Surgeon’s stewards would be second only to the master-at-arms in seniority among the ship’s petty officers. With the tremendous rise in the Navy and the onset of the civil war in 1861, improvements and developments in the medical sector were bound to occur. On June 19, 1861, a Navy Department circular order gave the loblolly boy a new moniker.

The United States Navy Hospital Corps was not formally created as a unit inside the Navy’s Medical Department until June 17, 1898. The Spanish-American War was looming on the horizon at the time, and the U.S. Navy and Marines needed a well-trained medical section. Since that time, Hospital Corpsmen have served with their fellow Sailors and Marines on every continent, on every warship, submarine, and ocean.

Modern hospital corpsmen can pursue additional training to become highly skilled medical specialists, specializing in areas such as laboratory technologists, dive medicine, or aerospace medicine.

On August 29, 1916, Congress enacted the following significant change in the structure of the Hospital Corps. Hospital apprentices, second class and first class (both of whom wore a red cross on their sleeve), pharmacist’s mates, third, second, and first, and chief pharmacist’s mate would be the rates under this model. The two warrant officer grades of pharmacist and chief pharmacist would be included in the Hospital Corps’ officer contingent. The restructure would allow the Hospital Corps to grow by five times its current size. The Hospital Corps’ greatest manpower, diversity of duties, and example of sacrifice occurred during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, the ranks of this modest organization increased from about 4,000 at pre-war levels to over 132,000. This raise was necessary to meet new tasks that required new technology at new duty sites. The Hospital Corps’ reputation for efficacy and bravery would be cemented in the face of severe difficulty.

The Hospital Corps has a long history of courage and sacrifice. Hospital corpsmen have also responded to natural disasters, military mishaps, and peacetime emergencies. They’ve also kept their Sailors and Marines healthy by immunizing, practicing preventative care, and holding sick calls. 23,000 regular and 6,000 reserve Navy Hospital Corps troops serve globally. They operate in naval hospitals, clinics, ships, and submarines. Search-and-rescue missions and Seabee deployments. Not to mention their deployments with the Marine Corps and SEAL teams.

Corpsmen have always been responsible for shipmates’ health. Their endless acts of heroism, exposing themselves to risk to save lives, were essential. Because they cared about their shipmates, their bravery is notable.

During the United States Navy Hospital Corps’ 124-year history, it has risen to become the most decorated rating in the U.S. military. 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 31 Navy Distinguished Service Medals, 959 Silver Stars, and almost 1,600 Bronze Stars with Vs. for heroism have been awarded to Corpsmen. In addition, 14 Naval Vessels have been named after Hospital Corpsmen, and other hospitals and clinics have been named after brave individuals who gave their lives in the service of our country and freedom.

Posted in Medical, Navy | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO Sunday – Navy Corpsman Birthday

US Navy Issues Uniform and Grooming Policy Update

Tuesday, May 31st, 2022

Last week the US Navy issued a NAVADMIN message to the fleet updating naval personnel on the latest changes to its uniform and grooming policy.

Only one issue affects all personnel and that’s the direction to wear the black cold weather parka (CWP) rank insignia on all uniform components with rank tabs except during tactical training and operations. That will make it a bit easier to discern rank on the different uniform combinations. In 2020, this practice was authorized as an option. Now it’s mandatory.

Probably the most significant update doesn’t even affect active duty Sailors but rather applies to Retired Navy personnel (males only), allowing the wear of beards in uniform during authorized ceremonial events. Well fellas, you can have a beard in uniform, AFTER you retire.

The changes are below:

Female Hosiery

Effective immediately, wearing hosiery with slacks or skirts is optional vice mandatory for female Sailors when wearing pumps or flats footwear. When hosiery is not worn, shoe liners or no-show socks are required to be worn for hygienic purposes and to avoid abrasions or blisters caused by direct contact and rubbing between the foot and shoe.

Female Officer/Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Summer White Uniform

Effective immediately, the female officer/CPO summer white uniform belted slacks are re-designated as a basic component of both summer white and service dress white uniforms. This policy change facilitates use of the same slacks for either uniform.

Female Officer/CPO Service Dress White Uniform

Effective immediately, the beltless dress white slacks worn with the female officer/CPO Service Dress white uniform is re-designated as an optional vice mandatory component for purchase and wear.

Rank Insignia Worn on Rank Tabs

Effective 1 October 2022, all Navy Service Members will wear the black cold weather parka (CWP) rank insignia on all uniform components with rank tabs. Uniform components requiring the black rank insignia in addition to the CWP include the Navy working uniform (NWU) type II and III shirts and parkas, black fleece liner and brown fleece liner. Matching pattern NWU type II/III rank insignia will only be worn on the NWU type II/III during tactical training and operations as designated by the applicable commanding officer.

Retired Male Sailor Uniform Grooming Standards

Effective immediately, retired male Sailors are authorized to have facial hair (beard) when wearing Navy uniforms during authorized ceremonial events. Facial hair must be neatly groomed and be in keeping with a professional appearance.

NWU Type III Maternity Top

Redesign of the NWU type III maternity top is in progress to include the ability to add shoulder patches to align with the design of standard NWU shirt. The availability of the redesigned maternity top will be announced in a future NAVADMIN.

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, Profession of Arms | 3 Comments »

F-35C Brings Advanced Strike Capabilities to Jungle Warfare Exercise

Tuesday, May 31st, 2022

SAN DIEGO – As 3rd Marine Division recently commenced Jungle Warfare Exercise 22 (JWX 22), a large-scale, joint force exercise, Marine Wing Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 integrated the capabilities of the F-35C Lightning II. VMFA-314 supported ground operations from their position deployed onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), displaying their ability to deliver long-range strike capabilities and close air support from an aircraft carrier.

VMFA-314, the first Marine squadron to deploy the F-35C, continued to demonstrate its proficiencies during JWX 22 by conducting simulated offensive and defensive air support, as well as air-to-ground support training missions alongside the Marines of 1st Marine Air Wing, Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces and the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in support of Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO).

“The opportunity to work alongside Navy and Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces allows us to demonstrate our forward presence and to showcase our readiness to support real world operations,” said Lt. Col. Brendan M. Walsh, VMFA-314 Commanding Officer. “Leveraging the Marine Corps’ decade of experience with the F-35B, we have spent the last two years working with the Navy to ensure the successful integration of the F-35C into the Carrier Air Wing and are now able to provide improved battlespace awareness and unmatched lethality.”

The integration of VMFA-314 and the F-35C into the Carrier Air Wing enables U.S. naval forces the ability to launch and recover fifth-generation aircraft from nearly anywhere in the world and to relocate to new strategic locations. The employment of the F-35C provides Marine ground units stealth capabilities and combat power to create the conditions for follow-on operations within key maritime terrain.

Exercises such as JWX 22 allow squadrons operating the F-35C to integrate tactics in conjunction with ground forces to help advance expeditionary capabilities such as EABO. These rehearsals of engagements will serve to reduce response times of forward-deployed units and support the continued prosperity, security and promise of a free and open, rules-based order for the U.S. and its alliances and partnerships.

With continued deployments of fifth-generation fighters onto highly mobile aircraft carriers, the F-35C is able to provide precision long-range strike capabilities to allies while also garnering valuable intelligence from areas of operation, all while operating from at-sea or shore-based austere environments.

VMFA-314 was the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-35C variant of the joint strike fighter after retiring its legacy F/A-18A/C aircraft and receiving its first F-35C on Jan. 21, 2020. Now as the Marine Corps continues to develop as a modernized naval force, deploying squadrons such as VMFA-314, to key strategic maritime locations demonstrates the Marine Corps’ capability to deter adversary aggression, and if required, decisively win in conflict.

Written by Capt Charles Allen, 3rd MAW Communication Strategy and Operations Office.

Posted in Aviation, Guest Post, Navy, USMC | 1 Comment »

NAVWAR Highlights the Power of Information for Modern Warfare at Sea-Air-Space 2022

Thursday, April 14th, 2022

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) joined commands from across the information warfare (IW) community to discuss the power of information on the modern battlefield at the Navy’s IW Pavilion during the 2022 Sea-Air-Space Exposition at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland April 4-6.

Now in its sixth year at the event, the U.S. Navy IW Pavilion featured a leadership speaker series, an engagement zone and technology demonstrations, with collaboration and alignment at the forefront as a top priority in today’s constantly evolving cyber and technology environments.

During the event, NAVWAR leaders touched on technology challenges, discussing the use of digital engineering, research, development, delivery and sustainment of IW solutions to highlight how the command aims to build a more agile and innovative force that can use information anytime and anywhere by modernizing and better defending information technology (IT) systems.

As a part of the leadership speakers’ series, NAVWAR’s chief engineer, Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, emphasized the need for digital tools and a shift of mindset for their use.

“The future of global maritime superiority is digital and NAVWAR is leading the Navy’s efforts in making that future a reality,” he said. “We have already begun employing world class commercial best practices that deliver faster and more secure information warfare capabilities to the Fleet to ensure the developers, operators, and maintainers have what they need to preserve and extend U.S. maritime leadership not only in today’s operating environment but also in the highly digitized one of the future.”

He went on to explain the process, policy and efficiency efforts that would lead to the end goal of artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled systems and automated battle management aids for on demand access regardless of the operating setting.

Further, he also addressed the need for a hybrid cloud computing environment to provide the warfighter with any data, at any time, and any place. The advantage to the hybrid cloud concept stems from its integrated and adaptable technology infrastructure comprised of physical data repositories, cloud-based data and applications stored in both public and private clouds, and data applications stored on-premises. Ruttenberg also noted that a hybrid cloud “provides quick access to all necessary data regardless of classification level for ease of cross-domain movement.”

Leaders from Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic reinforced Ruttenberg’s points as they provided an overview of the command to educate attendees on the main priorities and technical areas of the mission.

“Our NIWC Atlantic team is a unique and critical connection point to the warfighter, in that we research, develop, engineer and deliver technology that brings the full power of information to the fight,” said Capt. Nicole Nigro, NIWC Atlantic commanding officer. “To move at the operational velocity required in this domain, we are intensely focused on leading digital practices that include cybersecurity, automation, model-based systems engineering, DevSecOps, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics – areas that ultimately drive data-informed, human-driven decisions necessary for mission success.”

As it has in previous years, the IW Pavilion featured an engagement zone, where attendees had the opportunity to join Navy leaders, program managers and other subject matter experts for informal, sit-down conversations in multiple sessions throughout the three day conference. These dialogues help to connect government and military leaders with industry partners with the goal of improving and modernizing capabilities for the fleet, as quickly as possible.

“As the Navy’s systems command for a warfighting domain that can change in a matter of minutes, it’s critical to give our industry partners clear direction on where we are going, what our needs are, and why,” said NAVWAR Executive Director John Pope. “It’s been extremely beneficial to connect with industry partners, no matter how big or how small, so they can understand how they can contribute to the larger Navy capability picture.”

The IW Pavilion also featured several technology demonstrations that impact Sailors today, including Program Executive Office Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions’ (PEO MLB) MyNavy Human Resources (HR) IT Solutions, unmanned underwater vehicles from Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, the Joint Communications Marketplace from the Joint Tactical Networking Center and the U.S. Naval Observatory’s atomic clock.

“MyNavy HR IT Solutions creates and maintains mobile apps that allow Sailors to accelerate and manage their careers through digital solutions,” said Christine Rodriguez, program executive officer of PEO MLB. “Attendees got to experience live, interactive demos of the mobile apps we have developed for the Navy and learned how to get an app added to the Navy App Locker, home to the Navy’s official apps that touch the lives of every Sailor in the Fleet.”

MyNavy HR IT Solutions is one of PEO MLB’s service portfolios, serving as the single IT acquisition agent providing life cycle management supporting the Navy’s human resources IT capabilities.

Hosted by the Navy League of the United States, the Sea-Air-Space Exposition is now the largest maritime exposition in the United States and continues as an invaluable extension of the Navy League’s mission of maritime policy, education and sea service support.

From Kara McDermott

Posted in Guest Post, Information Warfare, Navy | Comments Off on NAVWAR Highlights the Power of Information for Modern Warfare at Sea-Air-Space 2022

TacJobs – U.S. Navy Offering $25,000 Enlistment Bonus to ALL New Enlistees

Monday, April 11th, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2022 – The United States Navy Recruiting Command is offering an enlistment bonus of $25,000 to anyone who enlists Active Duty. The Navy is the only U.S. military branch currently offering this high of an enlistment bonus for any new enlistee. Depending on an enlistee’s rating, the enlistment bonus could be as high as $50,000.

Those who take advantage of the Navy’s new bonus program will be required to ship to Basic Training at Great Lakes, IL, between April-June, 2022.

The $25,000 bonus also applies to Active-Duty enlistees scheduled to ship to Basic Training in July-September, who are willing to roll into the shipping months of April-June. In addition, Prior Service Members, either Navy or other services, re-enlisting onto Active Duty in pay grade E-4 or below, and who meet specific bonus eligibility and have not received a bonus in their first enlistment, also qualify for the $25,000 bonus.

To learn more about the range of bonuses and benefits the U.S. Navy offers, please visit www.navy.com/joining-the-navy/enlistment-bonuses

Posted in Navy, Press Release, TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – U.S. Navy Offering $25,000 Enlistment Bonus to ALL New Enlistees

Naval Special Warfare Celebrates 60th Anniversary of SEAL Teams

Tuesday, January 11th, 2022

SAN DIEGO, Calif. and NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 7, 2022) – Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) rang in the New Year with a celebration of their own as this month marks sixty years since the establishment of the first SEAL teams.

Recognizing the need for an increase in special forces and unconventional warfare during the Vietnam War, President Kennedy directed the Secretary of Defense to increase and reorient U.S. special forces and unconventional warfare units in a speech to Congress, May 25, 1961.

“Our nation’s Naval commandos celebrate the 60th anniversary of the SEAL teams this week with President John F. Kennedy’s order to establish SEAL Team 1 and 2 in January 1962,” said Rear Adm. H.W. Howard III, commander, NSWC. “We’re reminded of the legacy that set our standard and the heroes whose shoulders we stand upon today.”

Within eight months, preexisting Underwater Demolition Teams provided the manpower required to establish the first SEAL teams at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, California, and NAB Little Creek, Virginia, Jan. 1, 1962. Their mission was to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare and clandestine operations.

“As we urgently adapt and innovate to meet new threats and missions of greater complexity and risk, we honor the stewardship, integrity, grit and gallantry that the founding members of our community demonstrated in their service,” said Howard. “In marking this milestone, Naval Special Warfare also celebrates our authentic and timeless team – a team anchored on earned trust, candor, creativity and resilience – a humble team with an ironclad commitment to the nation and all we serve.”

The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community’s history pre-dates the establishment of the SEAL teams by twenty years. In August 1942, the Amphibious Scouts and Raiders (Joint) and the Special Mission Naval Demolition Unit were established at Amphibious Training Base Little Creek, Virginia, to perform specific missions during Operation Torch – the allied invasion of North Africa – in November 1942.

“Our community is built upon the shoulders of the warriors who came before us,” said Capt. David Abernathy, commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group 1. “The high standards, unique capabilities, strength and diversity found across the NSW community today is a direct reflection of those first SEALs who paved the way.”

Capt. Donald G. Wetherbee, commodore, Naval Special Warfare Group 2, said that throughout the community’s 80-year history, naval commandos engaged in operations from the beaches of North Africa and Normandy, the islands of the Pacific, Korea and Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, to countless other areas of the world – on land and under the sea.

“Today’s SEAL teams, along with other components of Naval Special Warfare, represent a unique ability to access denied environments, providing scalable kinetic and non-kinetic effects that set the conditions to undermine adversary confidence and provide diplomatic leverage in competition, and higher end options in crisis and conflict,” said Wetherbee. “At the same time, the incredible leadership, cognitive attributes and character of our people remain the same as they did from day one of our community’s birth. I’m truly humbled to have the privilege of working with the men and women of Naval Special Warfare every day.”

From Scouts and Raiders, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Operational Swimmers, Underwater Demolition Teams, and the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons of World War II to now SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) and special development groups, Naval Special Warfare is a complex and humble community who is proud of its warfighting heritage.

NSW commands will celebrate this milestone all year long by hosting events and ceremonies, as well as releasing stories and social media posts that highlight the rich history of SEAL operators to honor NSW’s proud warfighting heritage, give insight into how special operators integrate with the fleet for distributed maritime operations, and highlight the capabilities NSW assets bring to the strategic competition.

Since 1962, Naval Special Warfare has been the nation’s premier maritime special operations force – a highly reliable and lethal force – always ready to conduct full-spectrum operations, unilaterally or with partners, in support of national objectives, and uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet’s reach, delivering all-domain options for Naval and joint force commanders.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare Command, visit www.facebook.com/NavalSpecialWarfare or www.nsw.navy.mil.

Courtesy Story by Naval Special Warfare Command

Posted in Guest Post, History, Navy, SOF | Comments Off on Naval Special Warfare Celebrates 60th Anniversary of SEAL Teams