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Mountain Horse Solutions Selected for Drone Dominance Program Phase II Qualifier

May 27th, 2026

SARASOTA, FL – (May 26, 2026) – Mountain Horse Solutions, a Global Ordnance company focused on mission-critical support, unmanned systems, and integrated defense solutions, in partnership with AG3 Labs and Draganfly, has been selected to participate in the Drone Dominance Program Phase II Qualifier in June 2026 at Camp Grayling, Michigan.

“Being selected to compete in Phase II of the Drone Dominance Program is a testament to our approach to rapid, scalable drone production,” said Bill Allen, president of Mountain Horse Solutions. “We’re proud to demonstrate capabilities that support the warfighter in the complex operational environments that define modern conflict.”

The companies received invitations for multiple mission areas and drone platforms:

Mission Area A with the Flex FPV drone
Mission Area B with the SPADE drone and the Flex FPV drone

Mission Area A focuses on long-range strike capabilities designed to identify and engage targets at ranges of 5–20 kilometers beyond visual line of sight, while Mission Area B focuses on close-quarters tactical operations in environments such as buildings, trenches, and tunnels at ranges under 2 kilometers. Both mission areas require systems capable of operating in all-weather, low-light, and contested electromagnetic environments where radio frequency (RF) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) may be disrupted.

The SPADE and Flex platforms were developed to support modern tactical operations, combining autonomous navigation, modular payload configurations, swarm-ready architecture, and low operator overhead. The mission-ready FPV systems are designed for rapid deployment in complex operational environments.

“Being selected as a Phase II qualifier for Drone Dominance is validation of what we’ve been building toward — attritable, American-made systems purpose-built for exactly this kind of high-stakes operational environment,” said Nick Smock, head of strategy at AG3 Labs. “We’re proud to be competing alongside Mountain Horse Solutions, a partner who shares our commitment to getting the right capabilities into warfighters’ hands fast.”

“Draganfly is honored to have been down-selected by the Drone Dominance Program in partnership with Mountain Horse Solutions and Global Ordnance,” said Cameron Chell, CEO and president of Draganfly. “We look forward to the next round of work and progressing our operationally proven model forward within the program.”

The Drone Dominance Program is expected to award up to $1.1 billion in prototype delivery orders across four phases, with a goal of delivering more than 300,000 drones to U.S. forces by 2027. Participating companies will be evaluated through live qualification events focused on production readiness, military utility, and supply chain resilience.

Phase II is designed to assess operationally relevant unmanned aerial systems capable of supporting modern battlefield requirements at scale, including operations in contested electromagnetic environments and beyond visual line of sight. Following the qualifier event, approximately five vendors from each mission area are expected to advance to the next phase of the program and receive prototype delivery orders.

Posted in Drone, Press Release | No Comments »

Hand-Picked to Lead: U.S. Army Capt McMurrin Builds Launched Effects Battery and Brings UAS Capability to the 2d Cavalry Regiment

May 27th, 2026

BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland – U.S. Army Capt. Harold McMurrin quickly stood out in the Field Artillery Squadron (FAS), 2d Cavalry Regiment (2CR), for his technical skills and innovative ideas. As commander of the Launched Effects “Demon” Battery, he was tasked with building the unit from scratch and introduced advanced\, unmanned aerial systems — remotely piloted aircraft with cameras and sensors — to the regiment. His experience, leadership, and vision have placed the Launched Effects Battery at the center of the Army’s modernization efforts.

“He’s got a long, varied background… very smart, very growth-minded,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Huckleberry, commander, FAS, 2CR. “Giving him this ambiguous problem set and creating a new capability that fills a gap — he’s the right person for this.”

Huckleberry said McMurrin was hand-selected six months ago to form and lead the unit, tasked with implementing multiple unmanned armed systems within 2CR’s FAS.

McMurrin graduated from the Cavalry Leaders Course and served as a squadron fire support officer (FSO). He brings reconnaissance, armor, and fire support experience. This mix helped him build a functional battery from limited equipment and an ambiguous mission set.

Throughout the combined-arms live-fire exercise during Saber Strike at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), Poland, McMurrin was seen testing drones with his team, conducting arms rehearsals and moving between the tactical operations center (TOC) and the field.

These early actions highlighted McMurrin’s hands-on approach and commitment to integrating advanced technologies into real-world training. His visible leadership during Saber Strike not only demonstrated the potential of UAS in a dynamic environment, but also set the tone for how Demon Battery would operate under his command.

His unique role — possibly the only one in the Army — means he wears two hats: commanding the launch effects battery and, filling a staff position in the TOC, managing the regiment’s firefight as the assistant FSO.

McMurrin’s path into field artillery is a family tradition. Both his mother and father served as field artillery officers, and he has served for eight years in the Army. He held prior jobs as a biologist and a truck driver before committing to a career in the military.

He participated in exercise Saber Strike, a multinational training event, while his first sergeant and other Soldiers of the battery took part in Project Flytrap 5.0, a joint initiative at the Pabrad? Training Area, Lithuania.

Launched Effects Battery’s first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Mohammad Bihamta said, “Capt. McMurrin is a key contributor to the regiment’s success during Saber Strike 26 and Flytrap. His ability to connect teams, systems, and capabilities across the formation ensures Demon Battery delivers effects that directly support the regiment’s mission. He thrives in complex environments. He leverages relationships and a persistent, solutions-oriented mindset to overcome friction and maintain momentum.”

Across the regiment and U.S. Army Europe, launched effects batteries like “Demon” Battery and another in the 25th Infantry Division are among a growing number of units experimenting with UAS integration in field artillery.

McMurrin stated that the work done during Saber Strike and associated experiments helps shape standard operating procedures and informs how emerging technologies will be employed in future engagements.

Both Project Flytrap and Saber Strike, part of Sword 26, are exercises that turn investment into capability. Soldiers integrate unmanned systems such as AI-enabled command and control and live data networks to move, decide, and fight more effectively across all domains. Sword 26 demonstrates how U.S. Army Europe and Africa drives transformation at scale while strengthening deterrence.

Thanks to McMurrin’s dedication and strong communication skills within the battery, the Launched Effects Battery demonstrated precision during Saber Strike. In just six months since creation, they used several types of reconnaissance drones: medium, long-range, short-range, and a few first-person-view drones. This showcased the battery’s strength and versatility.

“UAS provides the Soldier on the ground the ability to look further than ground-based sensors have, so further than their binoculars, their mark-one eyeball (eyes), the sights on their weapons, and other sensors that they carry on their person,” said McMurrin. “It lets them go further; it lets them naturally go beyond terrain that would block their view, the other side of a hill, the other side of a wood line and it lets them see the enemy before the enemy can gain ground and observe them.”

His role as commander of the battery is essential to providing this type of support to the troops of the Field Artillery Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

“The regimental operating concept is to be able to deploy and fight upon arrival,” McMurrin said. “Training in Poland and Lithuania simulates the conditions the regiment could face if employed in crisis, whether for deterrence, presence, or combat operations.”

By SSG Emilie Lenglain

Posted in Army, Drone, Fires, Forces Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on Hand-Picked to Lead: U.S. Army Capt McMurrin Builds Launched Effects Battery and Brings UAS Capability to the 2d Cavalry Regiment

Savox Wins New Multi-Million APAC Contract for TRICS C2 Communication Hubs and Noise-COM 100 Headsets

May 26th, 2026

Espoo, Finland – April 28th, 2026 – Savox Communications, a global leader in mission-critical hearing protection and communication solutions, has secured a new multi-million order in Asia for approximately 8,000 units of Savox TRICS C2 communication hubs and Savox Noise-COM 100 headsets, further strengthening Savox’s position as a trusted long-term partner in the region.

The continued selection of Savox solutions highlights customer confidence in Savox’s ability to deliver reliable, high-performance systems that meet the operational demands of mission-critical environments. The order reflects strong momentum in the region, supported by Savox’s responsiveness, product quality, and long-term lifecycle support.

“For defence, safety and security customers, audio is non-negotiable,” says Jerry Kettunen, CEO of Savox Communications. “We’re honored by the confidence our customers have in Savox to provide reliable solutions in demanding conditions. With this delivery, we will have delivered more than 30,000 units to the same customer, an important milestone that reflects a strong, long-term partnership. We remain committed to continued support and ongoing improvement across the region.”

Savox TRICS C2 and Savox Noise-COM 100 form a proven, integrated solution that enhances communication clarity, situational awareness, and personnel safety in demanding conditions. Their continued adoption reflects Savox’s focus on mission-critical systems engineered to perform reliably across evolving operational needs.

Savox Communications serves defence, security, and public safety organizations globally, delivering communication solutions that are designed, tested, and validated through real world operational use.

For more information about Savox Communications and its mission critical solutions, please visit: www.savox.com

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

CANSEC 2026: Rheinmetall to Showcase Its Innovative Solutions Supporting Canadian and Arctic Sovereignty

May 26th, 2026

Rheinmetall is once again exhibiting at CANSEC, reinforcing its 40-year commitment as a trusted partner delivering Canadian grown solutions to the Canadian Armed Forces, including its globally recognized Rheinmetall Mission Master Autonomous Uncrewed Ground System (A-UGS), offering delegates an opportunity to discover capabilities designed to protect Canadian and Arctic sovereignty.

On display for the first time in Canada will be the Mission Master SP2 with advanced amphibious capabilities, accompanied by the Mission Master XT2 arctic edition.

Additional Rheinmetall displays will include submarine training and simulation capabilities and a model of the BOXER vehicle. Vehicle solutions jointly presented with partnering companies will also be on display at the outdoor booth.

Rheinmetall Mission Master Family:

The leading force in Canada’s autonomous defence industry, Rheinmetall will showcase its deep expertise in next-generation ground systems that have driven exports of Canadian-developed solutions. Using image recognition, environment mapping, complex terrain analysis, and obstacle detection and avoidance, Rheinmetall’s PATH guides the Mission Master suite of vehicles and places Canada’s innovative edge on the global stage.

Successfully deployed from a naval ship last fall, the Mission Master SP2 operates in multi-domain environments and autonomously exercises coastal defence and critical infrastructure protection.

The larger Mission Master XT2 was designed for extreme terrain. Its amphibious capabilities allow it to cross bodies of water while maintaining full payload capacity in the world’s harshest environments.

Submarine training and simulation capabilities:

With systems becoming increasingly complex, armed forces demand cost-effective training solutions throughout the entire life cycle of the original systems. Rheinmetall offers tailor-made solutions for the targeted training of sailors, ranging from basic e-learning to sophisticated simulators and training centres. This includes a submarine platform simulation with virtual testing & analysis, submarine motion with hydrodynamics & control and electrical system with control & automation.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall will showcase a range of solutions aligned with the Canadian defence industrial strategy, showcasing Canadian innovation and reinforcing sovereignty with our closest allies for upcoming Canadian programs.

Indirect Fires Modernization (IFM) project

Rheinmetall Canada will collaborate with companies that reinforce interoperability amongst Canada’s closest allies for the Indirect Fires Modernization project, a program designed to redevelop indirect fires capabilities for the Canadian Army.

As a member of the ARTEC joint venture with KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall will display models of the highly mobile, combat-proven BOXER vehicle and the Howitzer RCH 155 from KNDS at its indoor booth. This joint display will offer visitors the chance to see the competitive advantage of a wheeled armoured vehicle with an automatic and remotely controlled artillery system. This joint display is expected to showcase potential cooperation between Canada and the rising list of BOXER user nations across Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project

Designed and manufactured in Quebec, by UTV International, the Voyager D12 is a hybrid all terrain personnel & logistics carrier that will empower the Canadian Armed Forces with a homegrown capability for the DAME project. This vehicle can transport up to 12 passengers, equipment, and resources across rivers and difficult terrain encountered by operations in the Arctic. Made in Canada, The Voyager D12 will be on display at Rheinmetall Canada’s outdoor booth.

Rheinmetall Canada

Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada, says, “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in Canada, I invite delegates to visit the booth to see the advanced solutions Canada’s finest engineers have designed. With four decades of engineering excellence, Rheinmetall Canada is based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and employs nearly 400 people across Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta. Rheinmetall Canada is proud to hold the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Level 2 Committed certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.”

Posted in CANSEC, International, Press Release | Comments Off on CANSEC 2026: Rheinmetall to Showcase Its Innovative Solutions Supporting Canadian and Arctic Sovereignty

Allen-Vanguard and Hyperion Showcase Their Configurable Joint Fires Training Solutions at CANSEC

May 26th, 2026

Allen-Vanguard, leaders in the design, development and delivery of integrated, platform-agnostic systems, in collaboration with Hyperion Defence Solutions, is showcasing a novel integrated approach to Joint Fires training and simulation at CANSEC. This approach focuses on configurable, accreditable systems tailored to meet the specific operational, facility, battlespace and training requirements of the end user. Allen-Vanguard will be at CANSEC on Stand #800 to discuss this and all their advanced Radio Frequency (RF) solutions for electronic warfare, counter-RCIED and counter- UAS operations.

Hyperion has deep expertise in Joint Fires support and training, simulation and the establishment and delivery of modern training solutions for defence organisations. Together, they are showcasing this bespoke digital joint fires, fully immersive, mixed reality training environment to efficiently and effectively deliver complex Joint Fires training. Instead of presenting a single off-the-shelf product, the partnership combines Canadian defence presence, Joint Fires domain expertise, simulation integration experience and mature training technologies.

Solutions range from fixed projected facilities to deployable mobile systems and mixed-reality training options. The design supports realistic, networked Joint Fires training, including individual and collective proficiency development, scenario-based training, sensor-to-shooter workflows, target correlation, fires coordination and integration with wider digital Joint Fires environments.

The solution architecture is configurable around end-user requirements, including facility constraints, existing systems, accreditation pathways, operational workflows and future upgrade requirements. This scalability spans classroom and mission rehearsal systems to higher-fidelity projected or mixed-reality environments.

Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard said, “Combining Allen-Vanguard’s Canadian defence presence and systems integration experience with Hyperion’s Joint Fires training and simulation expertise ensures that this partnership can support Canada’s next phase of Joint Fires modernisation with a practical, scalable, accreditable and affordable training solutions.”

Posted in CANSEC, Fires, International, Press Release, Training | 1 Comment »

Thirteen Canadian Companies. One Sovereign Platform.

May 26th, 2026

Convergence Design Services to Launch the MIL-V at CANSEC 2026

OTTAWA, ON — On May 27, at Canada’s largest annual defence and security trade show, a new chapter in Canadian sovereign defence capability begins.

The MIL-V is a fully sovereign electrically powered military vehicle platform, built entirely in Canada, owned entirely by Canada, with every line of IP staying right here. But what makes the MIL-V more than a product launch is the story behind it: thirteen Canadian technology and engineering companies who chose to build something together, brought together and integrated by Convergence Design Services as the platform prime.

“Canadian defence companies are the backbone of future technology innovation,” said Ben Seaman, President at Convergence Design Services. “This collaboration of thirteen Canadian companies on one sovereign electric platform showcases what our industry is capable of across a multitude of missions. One hundred percent Canadian-built. Canadian IP. Canadian owned. This is what sovereign defence capability looks like in practice.”

A PLATFORM BUILT BY CANADA, FOR CANADA

The MIL-V is a mission-ready, electrically powered autonomous vehicle platform. It can operate with or without a driver, adapt to any mission in the field, and deploy across any terrain or climate. Its electric powertrain delivers a near-silent acoustic signature and reduced thermal profile, making it well suited for operations where stealth and low observability are critical. Its open modular architecture allows rapid reconfiguration for breaching, CASEVAC, resupply, ISR, and protection missions without returning to base, supported by an internal power distribution system capable of powering multiple mission systems simultaneously. Sensors are fused across multiple domains to give operators and autonomous systems a unified, real-time picture of their environment.

The platform’s IP, integration, and supply chain are entirely Canadian-owned. What sets the MIL-V apart is not only what it is, but how it was built: thirteen independent Canadian companies, each contributing sovereign technology, brought together under one Canadian prime.

As Canada invests in building its domestic defence vehicle capability, the MIL-V represents a new model for how that capability can be developed, with Canadian IP, Canadian partners, and Canadian integration from the ground up. In an era of global supply chain disruption andgeopolitical uncertainty, that matters. A domestic supply chain is not subject to export controls, foreign policy shifts, or global conflict disruption. Every component, every partner, and every line of IP on this platform remains accessible and entirely within Canadian control.

THE THIRTEEN

Convergence brought together twelve Canadian partner companies, each integrating their own sovereign technology directly onto the platform, with Convergence serving as the thirteenth as platform prime and systems integrator:

• Agile Electromagnetics: Counter Drone Systems

• Bubble Technology Industries: Advanced Radiation and Explosives Detection

Technologies

• Calian: Resilient and Anti-Jamming GNSS

• Canimex Group: Electric Powertrain System

• Guardian Mobility: Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications

• Kontron: Powering Autonomous Edge AI with Rugged Servers

• North Vector Dynamics: Counter-UAS Precision-Guided Missile System

• Ottawa Infotainment: Rugged Vehicle Domain Controller and Display Interface

• Pleora Technologies: Rugged Vision Switcher

• STL Engineering: AVRO Mission Critical Distributed Computing

• Tessellate Robotics: GNSS-Denied Autonomous Navigation with LiDAR

• Volthium: Canadian Lithium Battery Systems and Energy Storage

• Convergence Design Services: Sensor Fusion and Vehicle Platform

Each of these companies is Canadian. Each made a deliberate choice to invest their technology in a sovereign Canadian platform. Together they have built something Canada’s defence community has been calling for.

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS

Canada is at an inflection point. The federal government has committed to rebuild, rearm, and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces through the Defence Investment Strategy, raising the share of defence acquisitions awarded to Canadian firms to 70%, prioritizing domestic supply chain resilience, and streamlining procurement. The MIL-V is purpose-built for this moment, and with a fully domestic supply chain, production can scale rapidly when Canada needs it most.From the Prime Minister’s office to the Department of National Defence to Invest Ottawa, the message has been clear: Canada needs to build and own its own advanced defence technology.

For the last six years, Convergence has been investing in developing the sovereign technology that directly aligns with this strategy. The MIL-V is not a reaction to the current moment. It is evidence that Canadian industry was already there.

“The MIL-V demonstrates the strength of Canadian collaboration in advancing sovereign defence capability. Bringing together Canadian organizations and technologies designed and developed here at home reflects the kind of innovation and partnership needed to strengthen Canada’s industrial capability. We are proud to support this effort with our precision and resilient GNSS technology alongside Convergence and other Canadian companies.”

— Darrell Wellington, VP and GNSS GM, Calian

“Being demoed inside an autonomous vehicle at CANSEC with Convergence is a real glimpse of how integrated, mission-ready autonomy is moving from concept to reality. Pleora plays a critical role in enabling this shift by delivering secure, high-performance video connectivity and sensor data transport that defence platforms depend on for real-time situational awareness, autonomy, and mission-critical decision-making.”

— Ed Goffin, Vice President, Product Marketing, Pleora Technologies

ALSO AT CANSEC 2026

Convergence will also showcase the Arctic OWL, a distributed edge-AI sensing network that delivers persistent spatial awareness in remote and austere environments without relying on existing infrastructure. Designed for Arctic conditions and proven in harsh environments, the Arctic OWL addresses Canada’s growing need for sovereign sensing capability across the north.

ABOUT CONVERGENCE DESIGN SERVICES

Ottawa-based Convergence Design Services has over 30 years of experience delivering critical engineering across defence, aerospace, space, and advanced mobility. Formerly known as Blue Systems, the company is 100% Canadian owned, CGP-certified, and has been recognized multiple times as one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies by the Ottawa Business Journal.

Backed by a 100% Canadian venture capital firm, Convergence is making a multimillion-dollar investment in defence product innovation and engineering growth.Convergence Design Services will be exhibiting at CANSEC 2026 at booth 4015, EY Centre, Ottawa, May 27-28.

Posted in CANSEC, Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | 1 Comment »

GM Defence Appoints ISTEC as Preferred Mission Kit Supplier for UK and Wider EU/NATO Programmes

May 26th, 2026

GM Defence has appointed the UK company ISTEC Services Limited as its preferred mission kit supplier for UK and wider EU/NATO programmes. The agreement places ISTEC as the exclusive supplier to GM Defence for all UK opportunities and as a preferred supplier for all other EU/NATO or worldwide markets. This appointment reinforces GM Defence’s UK-based supply chain expansion strategy and is aligned with their wider UK-based development plans, thus supporting the sustainment and creation of UK jobs and increasing UK defence export potential.

ISTEC Services Ltd is a British company with 37 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms.

Under this agreement, ISTEC will supply GM Defence with weapons mounts, weapon and ammunition stowage, smoke dischargers and all relevant in-service support including spares, publications and training. The agreement reaches across GM Defence’s light vehicle range including all variants of the ISV, S10 and Silverado platforms, currently being offered to meet the UK’s requirements, but also across a number of wider NATO/EU opportunities.

This collaboration agreement is a clear demonstration of GM Defence’s commitment to supporting UK MoD programmes and, in particular, establishes an exclusive partnership with a well-respected UK-based supplier who has a long pedigree of providing the UK MoD with operationally proven, robust and high-quality products. Remaining OEM agnostic, ISTEC has recently signed a number of high-profile collaboration agreements proving that they are the partner of choice to support many OEMs with battle-proven mission system design, integration, manufacturing and support solutions.

Gilbert Nelson, Vice President for International Sales and Marketing at GM Defence said: “We’re pleased to announce this agreement today that places ISTEC as a tier one supplier to GM Defence. ISTEC is a trusted and proven supplier to the UK MoD so bringing them into our team increases confidence and reduces risk across all of our regional programmes. We are currently developing a robust UK-based supply chain and this appointment is a key part of that strategy, creating and sustaining UK jobs and strengthening UK defence exports.”

Anne Quelch, Director at ISTEC said, “This appointment by GM Defence is a major milestone for the company. We have been working closely and very successfully with GM Defence for some time now and we believe that this exclusive agreement for the UK programmes is a resounding endorsement of our reputation and the proven quality of our products. We are also extremely pleased to have been awarded preferred supplier status by GM Defence for EU/NATO and other worldwide opportunities where GM Defence is ideally placed to succeed.”

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Maritime Soldiers Earn Mariner Badge

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

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Maritime, Profession of Arms | 1 Comment »