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U S Fleet Forces Command News

09 Feb 2023

The U.S. Navy Needs More Ships, Encourages Industry to "Pick up the Pace"

Bryce Woolston cleans up welds on the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) at HII Newport News Shipbuilding. (HII photo by Chris Oxley)

The demand for warships is strong, and the Navy continues to receive support from the Congress to build more ships. The Navy is working to achieve a fleet of about 355 ships, plus a fleet of about 150 unmanned vesselsBut to achieve something close to that goal requires more than demand, and even more than money. For one thing, it requires an industrial base that can build, repair and sustain that fleet.While Navy leadership acknowledges the challenges of a stressed supply chain…

03 May 2021

Grady Designated SNA's 'Old Salt'

Admiral Christopher Grady, U.S. Navy (Photo: U.S. Navy)

The Surface Navy Association’s (SNA) "Old Salt" designation, honoring the active duty U. S. Navy Officer with the earliest date of qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer, has passed to Admiral Christopher Grady. Grady is currently assigned as the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.Grady relieved Admiral Philip Davidson, who has retired, and is now the 21st individual to receive this honor.Initiated in 1988, the Old Salt award is accompanied by a bronze statue depicting a naval officer on the pitching deck of a ship. The statue is cast from metal salvaged from historic U.S.

30 Jun 2020

Shipbuilders Council of America Honors Buzby

Mark Buzby (Photo: MARAD)

The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, today honored Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark H. Buzby with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award during this year’s virtual advocacy meeting. The Award is given annually to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.“Rear Admiral Buzby has dedicated his life to military and public service to protect the United States’ national and domestic security…

07 Jun 2020

Injured Crewman Medevaced from Disabled Maersk Containership

A crewmember burned by an engine room blast aboard Danish-flagged Laura Maersk off the U.S. East Coast was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Elizabeth City)

The U.S. Coast Guard said it medevaced a Maersk containership crewmember injured by an engine room blast that disabled the vessel off the U.S. East Coast.The Coast Guard said watchstanders at its Fifth District command center received a report on Thursday evening that an explosion occurred in the engine room of the Danish-flagged cargo ship Laura Maersk, which burned a crewmember and disabled the vessel.Aircrews aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.

11 May 2020

Tanker Crewman Medevaced Off Virginia

(U.S. Coast Guard photo)

A tanker crew member was medevaced approximately 400 miles off the coast of Virginia, Friday evening.Watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fifth District command center were notified by a crewmember on the Marshall Islands flagged ship Arctic Flounder that a chief officer aboard had shown symptoms of a possible stroke.Aircrews aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. launched to assist.Due to the extensive distance, the Coast Guard Fifth District coordinated with U.S.

22 Apr 2020

USNS Comfort Docks in New York

The Capt. Brian A. McAllister leads the way for the USNS COMFORT into NY Harbor as she passes the Statue of Liberty on March 30, 2020. (Photo Credit: Max Guliani)

The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in New York Monday to support COVID-19 response efforts in the epicenter of America's coronavirus outbreak.The ship will serve as a referral hospital for non-coronavirus patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals, and will provide a full spectrum of medical care to include general surgeries, critical care and ward care for adults. This will allow local health professionals to focus on treating COVID-19 patients…

09 Dec 2019

Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy Christened

More than 20,000 guests attended the christening ceremony of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) at Newport News Shipbuilding division. (Photo: Ben Scott/HII)

The U.S. Navy’s newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) was christened Saturday during a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division.The second aircraft carrier in the Ford Class, John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is also the second aircraft carrier built by Newport News Shipbuilding named for JFK. Like its forerunner CVN 78, Kennedy is a truly electric aircraft carrier, with many of the systems powered by steam on Nimitz-class carriers now powered by electricity.

06 Feb 2019

No Injuries in minor Unrep 'touch' Off US East Coast

USS Leyte Gulf (Image CREDIT: USN)

No personnel were injured when a U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser and dry cargo ship made contact during an underway replenishment off the southeastern coast of the United States, Feb. 5.USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) were able to safely operate after the incident. Damage will be assessed when the ships pull into port.The ships had been conducting a replenishment-at-sea when the sterns touched at approximately 4 p.m. Eastern Standard time.U.S. Fleet…

11 Jan 2019

Surface Navy Association to Hold Annual Symposium

Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall, director, Surface Warfare, addresses attendees of the Surface Navy Association's 30th National Symposium in 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Timothy Hale)

The Surface Navy Association will hold its 31st National Symposium January 15-17, 2019 at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.The symposium will feature senior Navy leaders delivering keynote remarks, focused on the theme of “Ready, Agile, Focused: Own the Fight!”Featured speakers include Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran; Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, USN; Director, Surface Warfare (N96) Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall; and Director, Expeditionary Warfare (N95) Maj. Gen.

16 Nov 2018

INSIGHTS: Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret)

Rear Admiral Mark Buzby is the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration.Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby was appointed by President Donald Trump and sworn in as Maritime Administrator on August 8, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he has held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with over 34 years of service. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He was commissioned in the US Navy in June 1979, is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and holds master’s degrees from the U.S.

30 Jan 2018

The U.S. Navy's Fundamental Problem

Damage to the portside is visible as the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) steers towards Changi Naval Base, Republic of Singapore, following a collision with the merchant vessel Alnic MC while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Significant damage to the hull resulted in flooding to nearby compartments, including crew berthing, machinery, and communications rooms. Damage control efforts by the crew halted further flooding. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communica

A series of mishaps at sea has prompted the U.S. Navy to examine the way it conducts business. The accidents shared some similar contributing causes such as fundamental watchstanding and seamanship, and each of these incidents were preventable. The four incidents involved surface combatants in the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility. • On January 31, 2017, the Yokosuka-based Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Antietam, while anchored in high winds, dragged anchor and ran aground in Tokyo Bay. 1,100 gallons of hydraulic fluid spilled into Tokyo Bay.

06 Dec 2017

Interview: Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, US Maritime Administrator

Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret), Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration

Insights: Rear Admiral Mark H. Buzby, USN (Ret), Maritime Administrator, U.S. Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby was appointed by President Donald Trump and sworn in as Maritime Administrator on August 8, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he has held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with over 34 years of service. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License. He was commissioned in the U.S.

18 Oct 2017

Charting the Next 100 Years of Naval Station Norfolk

What does the future hold for Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station? Building on the accomplishments of the last 100 years, leading experts will consider the possibilities and navigate toward a secure and sustainable future at the upcoming symposium, Naval Station Norfolk: Charting Our Next 100 Years, Friday October 20th at the Main, hotel and conference center. The Future Fleet Design session will be conducted by VADM Richard P. Breckenridge from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.. The session will discuss the USFF Fleet Design Plan that will drive the implementation of Fleet Design by 2023. The presentation on Fleet Design will define how the fleet…

16 Aug 2017

Buzby Sworn in as Maritime Administrator

U.S Secretary of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao administers the Oath of Office to Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, USN, Ret. as Maritime Administrator (L to R: Admiral Mark H. Buzby,  Gina Buzby and Secretary Elaine L. Chao) (Photo: MARAD)

Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, USN, Ret. has been sworn in as the Administrator of the Maritime Administration by U.S Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. As Maritime Administrator, Buzby will lead the agency tasked with promoting the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system; and the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced U.S. merchant marine, sufficient to carry a substantial portion of the Nation’s waterborne commerce, and capable of service in time of war or national emergency.

02 Nov 2016

Motor City Welcomes Navy’s Newest Ship

USS Detroit (LCS 7) conducts acceptance trials. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin-Michael Rote)

USS Detroit (LCS 7) was commissioned in its namesake city of Detroit on October 22. Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, officially placed the vessel in commission. "Today is about service. Cmdr. Michael P. Desmond, who command LCS Crew 108 “Ghost Riders,” assumed command of Detroit. "USS Detroit is truly blessed to have the opportunity to commission in its namesake city. Speakers included Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. "Cmdr.

25 Oct 2016

USS Detroit Commissioned

Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) is pierside on Detroit's waterfront. LCS-7 is the sixth U.S. ship named in honor of city of Detroit. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

Nearly 6,500 people gathered in front of the General Motors building at the Port of Detroit for the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy’s new Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Detroit (LCS 7), on October 22, when the ship was officially placed in commission by Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “When a ship is commissioned she is placed in service of the American people and is given the charge to do one thing: to execute the Navy's mission – to be prepared to conduct prompt, sustained combat incident to operations at sea,” Davidson said.

22 Oct 2016

USN to Commission LCS Detroit

The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, Detroit (LCS 7), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Oct. 22 on Detroit's waterfront. Detroit is the sixth U.S. ship in our nation's history to be named in honor of city of Detroit. Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Barbara Levin, wife of former U.S. Senator Carl Levin, serves as the ship's sponsor. "This ship represents so much. It represents the city of Detroit, the motor city. It represents the highly-skilled American workers of our nation's industrial base, the men and women who built this great warship and it represents the American spirit of hard work, patriotism and perseverance," said the Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy.

23 Jun 2016

Final Agenda for Marad’s Sexual Assault Summit Unveiled

The Maritime Administration’s ‘Call to Action’ will address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Maritime Industry. Obtained this morning from reliable industry sources, the final agenda for what promises to a lively and possibly contentious meeting set up by the U.S. Maritime Administration and its U.S. Merchant Marine Academy leaders for industry stakeholders has been released. U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul ‘Chip’ Jaenichen will kick off the meeting with opening remarks, after which a presentation that will outline the ‘size and scope’ of the problem will be given. A wide range of industry stakeholders are expected to be in attendance in Washington, DC on Friday. These include shipowners, government officials, maritime academy representatives, MERPAC personnel and many others.

27 Mar 2016

2015 USFFC Fleet Sea, Shore Sailors of the Year

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Phil Davidson announced the 2015 USFFC Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year during a ceremony hosted by the Hampton Roads Navy League at the Sheraton Waterside in Norfolk, March 24. Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Tinisha Franklin, a native of Brooklyn, New York, stationed aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was announced as the 2015 Sea Sailor of the Year and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class (AW/SW) Brian McGarrigle, a native of Clearwater, Florida, stationed at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40 (HSM-40) as the Shore Sailor of the Year. "For the Shore Sailors of the Year standing behind me…

25 Mar 2016

Commander, Task Force 64 Established

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa established Commander, Task Force 64, a command focused on Ballistic Missile Defense in Europe, in ceremony held in Naples Italy. Commodore Jeffrey Wolstenholme assumed command of the newly established Commander, Task Force 64 (CTF 64) during a ceremony held on U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples, Capodichino, in Naples, Italy March 24, 2016. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command established CTF 64 to create a command focused on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) in Europe. Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. James Foggo III stated, “By establishing this task force, U.S. Sixth Fleet is aligning our organization to better address the changing threats in Europe. [Capt. Wolstenholme] will be formally identified as the U.S.

03 Feb 2016

Europe-Africa Sailors of the Year

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Adm. Mark Ferguson announced the 2015 CNE-CNA Shore Sailor, Sea Sailor and Junior Sailor of the Year in a ceremony held at Naval Support Activity, Naples, Capodichino, Jan 29, 2016. Operations Specialist 1st Class Amparo Balderas, from Commander, Task Force 68 in Rota, Spain was named Sea Sailor of the Year. Legalman 1st Class Stephani Pavoni, from CNE-CNA in Naples, Italy was named Shore Sailor of the Year. Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Dawn Weston, from Commander, Task Force 69 in Naples, Italy was named Junior Sailor of the Year. Balderas will advance to compete next month at the Navy Sea Sailor of the Year competition at Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

02 Apr 2015

'Iron Nickel' is Decommissioned

Hundreds of current and former crew members, 10 previous commanding officers, and their family members crowded onto the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) to bid farewell to the "Iron Nickel" during the ship's decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, March 31. Tears wet the eyes of many of the former Sailors and Marines in attendance as the flag was hauled down, the watch was secured and the crew of one of the most famous ships in the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet ceremoniously disembarked the vessel for the final time. Peleliu was named after the Battle of Peleliu which took place from Sept. 15 to Nov. 27, 1944 in which 1,256 Marines gave their lives to take the island which was being held by the Imperial Japanese Army. Rear Adm. Marcus A.

26 Jul 2015

U.S. 3rd Fleet Shifts Command

Vice Adm. Nora Tyson relieved Vice Adm. Kenny Floyd as commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet during a change of command and retirement ceremony held on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while pierside at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego July 24. During the ceremony, Floyd retired from active duty after 35 years of honorable naval service. He assumed command of U.S. 3rd Fleet in May 2013. Under Floyd's strategic vision, 3rd Fleet expanded its influence and contributions across all maritime lines of operations, theater security cooperation, experimentation, disaster relief, and joint operations. At sea, Floyd served in several F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft squadrons…