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Submarine Force News

21 Sep 2023

U.S. Revives Cold War Submarine Spy Program to Counter China

Credit: noraismail/AdobeStock

On a windswept island 50 miles north of Seattle sits a U.S. Navy monitoring station. For years, it was kept busy tracking whale movements and measuring rising sea temperatures. Last October, the Navy gave the unit a new name that better reflects its current mission: Theater Undersea Surveillance Command.The renaming of the spy station at the Whidbey Island naval base is a nod to a much larger U.S. military project, according to three people with direct knowledge of the plans:…

23 May 2023

Strategically Located, Guam's Defense Posture is Growing

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) departs Apra Harbor, Guam, Oct. 5. Springfield is one of five submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15. SUBRON 15 is responsible for providing training, material, and personnel readiness support to five forward-deployed Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Eric Uhden)

With the rise of China and her global ambitions, the military importance of Guam in the Indo-Pacific theater has become apparent. The force levels on the island had drawn down from a peak of about 26,000 at the height of the Vietnam War to a tenth of that—just 2,500 people in the early 2000s. Today, that's changing. Guam's defense posture is growing.Guam's proximity to major population centers in East Asia underscores its strategic importance. The island is just 1,400 miles from Tokyo, Manilla or Port Moresby. All of the armed services have a presence on Guam.

10 Aug 2021

VADM Connor tapped to Tackle Autonomous Maritime Systems at MRS 2021

Vice Admiral (ret) Mike Connor, CEO of ThayerMahan, Inc., will discuss the use of autonomous maritime systems in minimizing risk for vessel operators, infrastructure owners, and port authorities. Admiral Connor has over 30 years of experience in the maritime security arena. He is the former commander of the US Submarine Force. As CEO of ThayerMahan, he focuses on delivering maritime domain awareness at reduced cost by leveraging emerging technologies for customers in government, industry, and academia.Register for the 2021 Maritime Risk Symposium at www.MaritimeRiskSymposium.org

05 Apr 2021

European Countries Helping Taiwan with Submarine Project

© Sergey Lyubarsky / Adobe Stock

European countries are providing help for Taiwan’s indigenous submarine project, the island’s defense ministry said, in a rare admission that the sensitive program is not getting assistance solely from the United States.Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has worked for years to revamp its submarine force, some of which dates back to World War Two. It is no match for China’s fleet, which includes vessels capable of launching nuclear weapons.The U.S. government in 2018 gave the green light for U.S.

18 May 2020

Mare Island Dry Dock Tallies $33.5 Mln Navy Contract

File photo: Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) (U.S. Navy photo by Shannon Burns)

Vallejo, Calif. ship repair yard Mare Island Dry Dock has secured a $33,532,308 firm-fixed-price contract for a 150-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry-docking of U.S. Navy submarine tender ship USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Work is expected to be complete by January 2021.The contract includes a base period and three options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $36,228,717. The Naval Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N32205-18-C-4552).Commissioned in 1970, the 649-foot USS Emory S.

30 Oct 2019

OP/ED: Offshore Wind

Nicolette Nye, Vice President of Communications and Member Development of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) in Washington, DC.

Set to Soar, Taking Offshore Support Industry With it.Offshore energy development is opening a new front in the United States -- the Atlantic seaboard, with strong winds, a shallow continental shelf and a proximity to dense population centers is driving strong interest in offshore wind development. The offshore oil and gas supply chain stands to benefit in a big way from billions in coming investment. In fact, it is already playing a role. Companies in the Gulf of Mexico, which traditionally support the offshore oil and gas sector…

03 Feb 2019

USS South Dakota commissioned in CT

USS South Dakota was officially commissioned in Groton, Connecticut. With the sound of a horn, South Dakota’s naval legacy entered a new chapter. The submarine was officially christened and is now ready to serve on the high seas.Gov. Kristi Noem, Sen. Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson attended the ceremony Saturday morning.According to a press release from Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs, the USS South Dakota (SSN 790) became the newest and 17th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine in the U.S. Navy during her commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, February 2, 2019.The U.S. Navy, with assistance from Mrs.

23 Jan 2019

Ballast Water Management: By the Numbers

Photo: ABS

With compliance deadlines on the horizon for many shipowners, the study revealed a critical need for owners to start their technology-selection process, and to resist buying BWM systems based on initial price alone.ABS has just completed its second comprehensive survey of the shipping industry’s progress towards global compliance with ballast-water regulations, finding just over a third of installed management systems (BWMS) to be fully operational.The survey’s findings, which were supported by a series of workshops in New Orleans…

07 Jan 2019

Huntington Ingalls Appoints Joseph E. Tofalo as VP

America’s largest military shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries announced today that Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo has been named corporate vice president of program integration and assessment.The U.S. Navy, Ret. will report directly to Mitchell B. Waldman, executive vice president of government and customer relations.Tofalo will be responsible for working with federal entities, academic institutions and industry associations that are engaged in shaping future architectures and capabilities. He will also support corporate consideration of strategic initiatives and opportunities.“We are very excited to have Joe join our team, and he brings with him more than 30 years of leadership and maritime expertise,” Waldman said.

19 Mar 2018

USS Colorado Commissioned

Colorado is the first submarine to bear the name and third vessel to be named for the state and was brought to life by her sponsor, Annie Maybus Mabus, daughter of the 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "To the crew of USS Colorado, this is your day" said Mabus, addressing the crowd and ship's company during the ceremony. "The commissioning crew truly does bring life to the boat. As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities. "This is an amazing group of Sailors that are outfitted here. Every day we are doing something new for the first time.

14 Mar 2018

US Navy Submarines Surface in the Arctic Circle

A pair of U.S. Navy submarines recently surfaced in the Arctic Circle as part of multinational maritime exercise north of Alaska. Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) and Seawolf-class fast attack submarine, USS Connecticut (SSN 22) surfaced in the Arctic Circle March 10 during the multinational maritime Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2018. Both submarines, as well the UK Royal Navy submarine HMS Trenchant (S91), are participating in the biennial exercise in the Arctic to train and validate the warfighting capabilities of submarines in extreme cold-water conditions. "From a military, geographic and scientific perspective…

07 Mar 2018

US Navy Kicks Off ICEX 2018

Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) officially kicked-off Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2018 in the Arctic Ocean with the construction of temporary Ice Camp Skate and the arrival of two U.S. Navy fast-attack submarines and one U.K. Royal Navy submarine March 7. ICEX 2018 is a five-week biennial exercise that allows the Navy to assess its operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic environment and continue to develop relationships with other services, allies and partner organizations. The Seawolf-class fast attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) from Bangor, Washington, the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) from Groton…

10 Oct 2017

USS Washington Commissioned

Sailors render a salute during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia Class Submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) at Naval Station Norfolk. Washington is the U.S. Navy's 14th Virginia-class attack submarine and the fourth U.S. Navy ship named for the State of Washington. (U.S. Navy photo by Class Joshua M. Tolbert)

The U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia class submarine, USS Washington (SSN 787), was officially commissioned during a ceremony on board Naval Station Norfolk, Va. on October 7. Washington, named in honor of the 42nd state, is the 14th Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine to join the Navy's operational fleet. Elisabeth Mabus, daughter of the 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, served as the submarine’s sponsor. Washington is the fourth of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built.

28 Sep 2017

USS Key West Participates in Tri-Lateral Submarine Exercise

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) participated in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Tri-Lateral Submarine Competition (SUBCOMP) exercise in waters south of Japan, which also included participation by a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) submarine, from Sept. 12 to 19. The SUBCOMP exercise provided an excellent opportunity to further the integration and tri-lateral coordination in an Anti-submarine warfare environment for the three navies. This year's SUBCOMP involved four JMSDF submarines, a RAN Collins-class submarine HMAS Dechaineux (SSG 76) and Key West. The competition stressed each crew's ability to conduct various aspects of anti-submarine warfare. The top performer is recognized with the Japanese Battle Efficiency Award.

22 Sep 2017

Navy Awards Contract for Columbia Class Submarine Development

The Navy awarded a $5.1 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD) of the Columbia Class submarine Sept. 21. The IPPD contract award is for the design, completion, component and technology development and prototyping efforts for the Columbia Class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs). This work will also include United Kingdom unique efforts related to the common missile compartment. "The Columbia class submarine is the most important acquisition program the Navy has today," said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. The contract award follows a successful Milestone B (MS B) approval Jan. 4 2017. MS B formally initiated the Columbia Program entry into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase.

28 Apr 2017

US Navy to Christen Submarine Indiana

The Navy will christen its newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the future USS Indiana (SSN 789), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, April 29, at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia. Vice President Mike Pence, who previously served as the 50th governor of Indiana, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Diane Donald, wife of retired Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion from 2004 to 2012, is serving as the ship's sponsor. "The christening of the future USS Indiana brings this technological marvel one step closer to joining the world's preeminent submarine force," said the Honorable Sean Stackley, acting secretary of the Navy.

30 Oct 2016

USS Illinois Joins the Fleet

The U.S. Navy with assistance from the First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned and brought to life the newest Virginia class submarine, USS Illinois (SSN 786), during a ceremony attended by more than 2,500 at Naval Submarine Base, New London on Oct. 29, 2016. Illinois, named in honor of the 21st state, is the 13th Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine to join the Navy's operational fleet. The first lady, who is the ships sponsor, expressed how proud she was of the crew and their families. "Thank you for giving me the incredible privilege of being associated with you and with your families and with the Illinois for the rest of my life. Obama gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life" before the crew of about 130 men ran across the brow, onto the vessel.

06 Jul 2016

National Museum of the American Sailor Unveiled

The Great Lakes Naval Museum was officially renamed the National Museum of the American Sailor during a ceremony and sign unveiling at the museum July 4. The Navy's top enlisted Sailor, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens, was joined by retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, Capt. James Hawkins, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, Jennifer Searcy, Ph.D., director of the National Museum of the American Sailor, and representatives from the Great Lakes Naval Museum Foundation and National Museum of the American Sailor Foundation to unveil the new sign in front of the museum.

02 Mar 2016

US Navy Sets Course for the Arctic Circle

The view at sunset of Ice Camp Nautilus, located on a sheet of ice adrift on the Arctic Ocean, during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2014. ICEX 2014 is a U.S. Navy exercise highlighting submarine capabilities in an arctic environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Joshua Davies)

Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) officially kicked off Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016 in the Arctic Ocean with the construction of U.S. Navy Ice Camp SARGO March 2. ICEX 2016 is a five-week exercise designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region. "ICEX allows us to assess our operational readiness in the Arctic, increase our experience in the region, develop partnerships and collaborative efforts, and advance our understanding of the Arctic environment," said Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo, commander, Submarine Forces.

27 Mar 2016

ICEX Camp Operations Conclude Successfully

The Navy announced March 25 that all primary objectives for Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016 have been met and the breakdown of Ice Camp Sargo is underway. "The objectives of demonstrating presence, gaining additional Arctic operational experience, furthering partnerships and expanding scientific research were all achieved over the four weeks in which the ice camp was operational. The hard work and dedication displayed by the Arctic Submarine Laboratory, the ICEX participants, and the shore support team made this event an overall success," said Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo, commander, Submarine Forces. With the primary objectives met and indications of adverse environmental conditions…

01 Apr 2016

Philippines to Acquire Subs Amid China Sea Row

Philippines government is looking into forming a submarine force to strengthen maritime defense amid China's expansive claims over the South China Sea. President Benigno Aquino III said his country will invest in its first-ever submarine fleet to help protect its territory. "Philippines is practically losing its west coast due to China's nine-dash line claim. We might have to undergo various aspects of our own military capabilities that have never been part of our needs," Aquino said. He was  explaining how Philippine policies have been affected by China’s massive reclamation and military build-up in the West Philippine Sea under its 9-dash-line principle. “We’ve had to accelerate the modernization of our armed forces for self-defense needs,” President said.

21 Jul 2015

China Far Ahead of India in Submarine Race

Global military reported that recently a Chinese “Yuan” class conventional submarines docked news in Pakistan, once again hurt the Indian Navy submarine fleet. The Hindustan Times said terms of size, the Chinese Navy submarine force is four times that of India, and in recent years the Chinese submarine upgrading, performance is more old-fashioned non-Indian Navy submarine cannot match. India now plans to lease a second nuclear attack submarine from Russia and the government has just approved a Rs 90,000-crore ($14 billion) plan to build six nuclear attack submarines in Vishakapatnam says a report in Times of India. India is rushing to counter China by building conventional and nuclear submarines with German, French and Russian help.

07 Oct 2015

Russia Builds 'Arc Of Steel'

Russia is building an “arc of steel” from the Arctic to the Mediterranean Sea said a NATO commander, in the same vein as Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain metaphor. Navy Adm. Mark Ferguson, who commands NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy, and U.S. Navy forces in Europe and Africa, spoke at the Atlantic Council here. The alliance also faces threats from the south, and both threats argue for more attention from the United States, NATO members and allied states, Ferguson said. From the North Atlantic to the Black Sea, Russia is fielding an increasingly capable navy, he added, unveiling a new maritime strategy and demonstrating new equipment and capabilities at sea.