National Command Authority News

An Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine assigned to Submarine Group 9 completed a Follow-on Commander's Evaluation Test (FCET) Feb. 16, resulting in four successful test flights of Trident II D5 missiles. Designated FCET-53, the operation spanned a three-day period. The primary objective of an FCET is to obtain, under operationally representative conditions, valid reliability, accuracy, and performance of the missile system for use by Commander, Strategic Command and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Safety of the public was paramount throughout the mission. The missiles were unarmed and all launches were conducted from the sea, flew over the sea, and landed in the sea. At no time did the missiles fly over land.

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) transited through the Suez Canal marking the end of more than seven months of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Oct. 27. Commanded by Rear Adm. DeWolfe Miller, GHWB CSG comprises aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW 8), Destroyer Squadron 22 (CDS 22), guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). GHWB CSG deployed Feb. 15 from homeports in Norfolk, Virginia, Mayport, Florida, and Whidbey Island, Washington, as part of a routine deployment of forces.

Boyd E. (Butch) King was appointed CEO of VT Halter Marine Inc. at the beginning of the month. King most recently served as a senior associate with Booz Allen and Hamilton, consulting on various logistical support projects. Among others, this included the study and recommendation to revamp the Balkan Military Support initiative for the United States Army Europe. King also played an instrumental role in developing the Capstone Training Course for the first Interim Brigade Combat Team command and staff for the Army's Training and Doctrine Command. King had a successful 35-year career in the U.S. Army, culminating in his appointment as Director of Transportation, Energy and Troop Support on the Army staff.

Boyd E. (Butch) King was appointed CEO of VT Halter Marine Inc. at the beginning of the month. "King brings tremendous experience to his new position," said General (Ret.) John Coburn, CEO and Chairman of VT Systems Inc., in announcing the appointment. "He will be at the forefront to ensure that VT Halter Marine contributes to the profitability of our marine sector." King most recently served as a senior associate with Booz Allen and Hamilton, consulting on various logistical support projects. Among others, this included the study and recommendation to revamp the Balkan Military Support initiative for the United States Army Europe. King…

General (Ret.) John Coburn, CEO and Chairman of VT Systems Inc., announced the appointment of Boyd E. (Butch) King as CEO of VT Halter Marine Inc. at a company event celebrating the acquisition of VT Halter Marine. “King brings tremendous experience to his new position,” stated Gen. Coburn. Most recently a senior associate with Booz Allen and Hamilton, King consulted on various logistical support projects. Among other, this included the study and recommendation to revamp the Balkan Military Support initiative for the United States Army Europe. King also played an instrumental role in developing the Capstone Training Course for the first Interim Brigade Combat Team command and staff for the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command. Prior, King had a successful 35-year career in the U.S.