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Vella Gulf News

14 Jun 2017

US Navy: Bigger is Better, but at What Cost?

U.S. Navy forces and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force routinely train together to improve interoperability and readiness to provide stability and security for the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Z.A. Landers)

The U.S. Navy has a balanced fleet, but it wants to grow bigger and better. Will the budget allow both? Maritime Reporter's March 2017 cover story on the U.S. Navy was all about the numbers. There exists several plans to grow the fleet beyond the current number of 308 ships, the Mitre recommendation of 414 ships, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment 340-ship proposal, and the Navy’s decision to grow the fleet to 355 ships, and the Trump administration’s 350. With so many numbers being bandied about, there are even more suggestions on how to get there.

06 Aug 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: August 6

Today in U.S. Naval History - August 6 1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. US destroyers sink three of four Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Captain W.S. Parsons, USN, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait. 1997 - Naval Forces on Guam help rescue and begin providing medical care to survivors of Korean Airlines Flight 801 that crashed on Guam. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

05 Jun 2014

U.S. Beefing up Black Sea Presence

The United States will strengthen its presence in the Black Sea region using part of a $1 billion fund promised to NATO allies on Russia's borders, and will continue to send warships to the area, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in Romania on Thursday. Hagel is the latest high-ranking American official to visit Europe since Russia's annexation of Crimea, as Washington looks to reassure allies jittery about Moscow's intentions in its former Cold War backyard. The tour coincides with a visit by President Barack Obama to Poland this week, when he promised to increase military support for eastern European NATO members, including a $1 billion fund to support and train the armed forces of NATO states.

30 May 2014

USS Vella Gulf Arrives in Bulgaria

USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) approaches Varna, Bulgaria (U.S. Navy photo by Edward Guttierrez III)

Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) arrived in Varna, Bulgaria, for a scheduled port visit, May 30, the U.S. Navy announced. According to the Navy, Vella Gulf's presence in Bulgaria reaffirms the United States' commitment to strengthening ties with NATO allies and partners, while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the region. While in Bulgaria, Vella Gulf Sailors will participate in community relations events at the Bulgarian Naval Academy and a local orphanage, visit the Bulgarian Naval Museum and tour the historic city of Varna.

30 May 2014

Third NATO Warship Enters Black Sea

A French frigate has entered the Black Sea, growing the number of NATO surface warships in the region to three, according to a U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) news report citing a ship spotting blog and Russian press reports. Surcouf (F711), a La Fayette-class frigate was spotted by amateur photographers crossing the Bosporus strait on Wednesday joining French signals intelligence ship Dupuy de Lôme (A759) and U.S. guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG-72) – both which entered the region earlier this month. In reaction to the increased NATO naval presence in the region, Russian officials said they would begin to fly more air patrols over the Black Sea. According to USNI U.S. and NATO ships have had a rotational presence in the Black Sea since the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

23 May 2014

USS Vella Gulf Enters Black Sea

USS Vella Gulf (U.S. Navy photo by Lacordrick Wilson)

According to the U.S. Navy, its Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) will enter the Black Sea Friday, May 23, to promote peace and stability in the region. Vella Gulf's mission is to work with NATO allies toward mutual goals, demonstrating the United States' commitment to strengthening and improving interoperability in the region, the Navy said. The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law. Vella Gulf, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is deployed in a multi-mission role in the U.S.

08 Nov 2013

Coast Guard, Navy Busy off U.S. Atlantic Coast

The Coast Guard, with the assistance of the Navy, saved four lives and responded to a total of five sailboats in distress off the Atlantic Coast Thursday and Friday. Coast Guard assets and personnel involved in Thursday and Friday's search, rescue and vessel assists were crews aboard two HC-130 Hercules airplanes and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Block Island, a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Atlantic Beach, N.C., a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet, N.C., and the command center personnel of the 5th Coast Guard District and Sector North Carolina.

06 Aug 2013

Today in U.S. Naval History: August 6

"The Union Gun-boat Essex (Commander Porter) Destroying the Rebel Iron-clad Ram Arkansas, in the Mississippi" Line engraving published in "Harper's Weekly," 1862. CSS Arkansas was run ashore and burned to prevent capture when her engines failed during this encounter with USS Essex, on August 6, 1862. (U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph)

Today in U.S. 1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. U.S. destroyers sink three of four Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Captain W.S. Parsons, USN, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait.

21 Dec 2012

Pirate Alley

Even with a multi-national flotilla of warships, armed security guards on merchant ships, and phalanxes of lawyers making policy and negotiating ransoms, seemingly unsophisticated Somalis and their small, simple skiffs still attack ships on the high seas and hold seafarers, ships and cargos for ever-growing sums of money. Rear Adm. Terry McKnight, a retired naval officer, had a front row seat in the effort to deter and defend against piracy on the high seas. McKnight, who with Michael Hirsh wrote Pirate Alley – Commanding Task Force 151 Off Somalia…

06 Aug 2010

This Day in Naval History – August 6

1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. US destroyers sink 3 of 4 Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Captain W.S. Parsons, USN, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait. 1997 - Naval Forces on Guam help rescue and begin providing medical care to survivors of Korean Airlines Flight 801 that crashed on Guam. (Source: Navy News Service)

06 Aug 2009

This Day in Naval History – August 6

1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. US destroyers sink 3 of 4 Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Captain W.S. Parsons, USN, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait. 1997 - Naval Forces on Guam help rescue and begin providing medical care to survivors of Korean Airlines Flight 801 that crashed on Guam. (Source: Navy News Service)

08 Jun 2009

Fleet Week Parade of Ships

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet joined Navy League New York Council members in observing Fleet Week New York 2009's opening Parade of Ships May 20 at a reception in southern Manhattan. "On behalf of the maritime forces of the U.S. and our Canadian ally, I'd like to relay the message that 'We love New York!'" proclaimed Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., to numerous civilian and military distinguished guests shortly before the ships were within sight. He pointed out the importance of such opportunities. He also thanked supporters of the Navy for hosting the reception to review U.S.

22 Apr 2009

Statement on Piracy by CG Commandant

Statement on Piracy by CG Commandant, Adm. Piracy has been rightfully called an insult to civilization. The recent pirate attacks on the motor vessels Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun focused the attention of the American public on what has been an increasingly significant international issue. It is important that the American public and the international community know that the U.S. Government is working hard to find an enduring international solution to this international problem. Maritime piracy is a symptom of instability in Somalia. The only long-term solution must address piracy’s root causes in Somalia itself: political instability and lack of economic opportunity. The U.S. supports a reconstituted Somalia with lawful control over its entire territory.

13 Feb 2009

Coast Guard, Navy Apprehend Pirates

A Miami-based U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment operating as part of Combined Task Force 151 in the Gulf of Aden assisted in the apprehension of 16 suspected pirates in a 24 hour period. The eight-person LEDET 405 team is conducting counter-piracy operations aboard USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Mahan (DDG 72) as part of a multinational task force in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. "Our role is to augment and train U.S. Navy visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams," said Lt.j.g. Greg Ponzi, officer in charge of LEDET 405. On Feb.

13 Feb 2009

Suspected Pirates Apprehended

The crew of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) apprehended seven suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden Feb. 11 after responding to a distress call from a nearby merchant vessel. The event marks the first time CTF-151 has apprehended suspected pirates. The Marshall Islands-flagged Motor Vessel Polaris sent a distress call to all ships in the area reporting that a small skiff containing seven suspected pirates had attempted a forcible boarding of their vessel using a ladder. Polaris crewmembers removed the ladder before pirates could come aboard.

25 Nov 2008

Eye on the Navy

Nov. 19, 2008, sailors from the visit, board, search, and seizure team assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) conduct compliant boarding training aboard the Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168). Vella Gulf is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky)

04 Sep 2008

San Antonio Takes New Technology to Sea

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) heads to sea as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWO ESG) supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler J. Wilson/Released)

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) deployed Aug. 28 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), marking the first deployment of a ship in the technologically advanced class of warships. The deployment introduces new technology and capabilities never before seen in any ESG. One example of this technology is the shipwide area network (SWAN). Communications with other ships has always been key to the Navy's success. has taken communications to the next level. Targeting surface threats with weapons has also benefited from the new technology.

24 May 2002

NN Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Gets Contract

Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. is being awarded a $8,352,108 fixed-price contract for the Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) of USS Vella Gulf (CG-72). Work will be performed in Newport News and is to be completed by August 2002. Contract funds in the amount of $8,352,108 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Internet, with four proposals solicited and two offers received. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, U.S. Navy, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity.

21 Jul 2004

Four Carrier Strike Groups To Return From Summer Pulse ’04

After successfully demonstrating responsive, credible combat power across the globe by operating in five theaters with other U.S., allied and coalition military forces, four carrier strike groups (CSGs), including their associated ships, submarines, aircraft and more than 20,000 Sailors, are returning July 22 through July 26. These include forces from USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and USS Enterprise (CVN 65) CSGs. USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is pulling into its new home port of San Diego over this same period. These arrivals come after the concurrent deployments of seven CSGs in “Summer Pulse '04,” the Navy’s first exercise of its new operational construct, the Fleet Response Plan (FRP).

16 Sep 2003

Navy Ships Evade Hurricane Isabel

Commander, 2nd Fleet ordered ships based in Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia to get underway Sept. 16, to avoid potential damage to ships and piers from anticipated hurricane force winds and high tidal surges. Ships currently underway will stay out to sea until Hurricane Isabel passes. Vice Adm. Gary Roughead, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet, said the decision to sortie the ships from Hampton Roads is based on concerns for the safety of Sailors, and the preservation of the ships and associated equipment. Forty Hampton Roads-based ships and submarines will get underway Sept.

06 Aug 2008

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 06

1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. U.S. destroyers sink three of four Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Capt. W.S. Parsons, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait. 1997 - Naval Forces on Guam help rescue and begin providing medical care to survivors of Korean Airlines Flight 801 that crashed on Guam. For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.

28 Jun 2007

Bataan Strike Group Returns to 2nd Fleet

Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulls out of the Naval Station Rota Harbor. Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group conducted a port visit to Rota after conducting maritime operations in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and elements of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) successfully entered the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations (AOO) on June 26, as the group sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean. Bataan ESG stayed busy in the 6th Fleet AOO for approximately three weeks before making the trip toward home. As the flagship of the ESG, Bataan accomplished both internal unit level goals and assignments from the fleet commander during that time.

08 Aug 2005

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 06

From the Navy News Service 1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. U.S. destroyers sink three of four Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Capt. W.S. Parsons, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait. 1997 - Naval Forces on Guam help rescue and begin providing medical care to survivors of Korean Airlines Flight 801 that crashed on Guam.