National Military News

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.

1814 - A squadron from the schooner USS Carolina attacks and raids the base of the pirate Jean Lafitte, at Barataria, La., capturing six schooners and other small craft while the pirates flee the attack. 1823 - Samuel Southard becomes the seventh Secretary of the Navy, serving until March 3, 1829. During his tenure, he enlarges the Navy, improves administration, purchases land for the first Naval Hospitals, begins construction of the first Navy dry docks, undertakes surveying U.S. coastal waters and promotes exploration in the Pacific Ocean. 1854 - Mare Island, Calif. becomes the first permanent U.S. naval installation on the west coast, with Cmdr. David G. Farragut as its first base commander. 1922 - Cmdr.

Matthew Paxton is President of the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), and a partner at the law firm of Adams and Reese. SCA is the national trade association representing 41 companies that own and operate more than 120 shipyard facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. SCA also represents 97 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry. Paxton, who has been practicing law since 2001, focuses his practice on maritime law and policy, fisheries law, natural resources development, and environmental policy issues. In addition to the SCA presidency in which…

Vice Adm. Phillip Cullom
Chief of Fleet Readiness & Logistics, lead coordinator on the Navy's additive manufacturing efforts, explains for those new to 3D printing why the Navy is interested in this technology, and what it is already contributing. Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Rapid Prototype Lab is saving the Navy thousands of dollars on the Gerald R. Ford-class of aircraft carriers. Instead of traditional wood or metal mockups of ship alterations, which help to prevent expensive rework, the lab prints much cheaper plastic polymer models – in hours, rather than days or weeks. Now all four Navy shipyards have 3D printers working on similar, and other, ways to benefit the Navy.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp underwent surgery to treat early stage prostate cancer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Monday, after it was diagnosed in a proactive health screening. The Coast Guard’s highest ranking officer is using the situation as a learning opportunity on preventive health for the service’s approximately 57,000 military and civilian employees, 30,000 auxiliary volunteers, their families and retirees. “My early diagnosis is an important reminder of the importance of staying current on health screening,” said Papp.

Howard University College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences (CEACS) and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) signed an agreement that will potentially open doors to graduates for jobs around the world at NAVFAC. Howard University and NAVFAC have long, distinguished engineering histories individually, but they cemented their relationship with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during the 2009 Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering (AMIE) Conference Sept. 9 at the Washington Plaza Hotel. NAVFAC is hiring around the world at its 16 commands, which includes 64 public works departments and three Officers in Charge of Construction.

The Department of the Navy will commission the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer Howard in a ceremony Saturday, Oct. p.m. CDT at pier 27 in Galveston, Texas. The ship is named in honor of Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jimmie E. Howard (1929-1993), recipient of the Medal of Honor for his leadership of a platoon against repeated attacks by a battalion-sized Viet Cong force. After receiving severe wounds from an enemy grenade, he distributed ammunition to his men and directed air strikes on the enemy. By dawn, his beleaguered platoon still held their position. Howard also received the Silver Star Medal for service in Korea. A previous Howard (1920-1945), named for Charles W. Howard, a U.S. Navy hero from the Civil War, earned six battle stars in World War II.

The U.S. Navy commissioned the newest ship to enter the fleet, the Aegis guided missile destroyer, USS Pinckney (DDG 91). Pinckney honors Navy Cook First Class William Pinckney (1915-1976), recipient of the Navy Cross for his courageous rescue of a fellow crewmember onboard the USS Enterprise (CV 6) during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands in 1942. The commissioning took place in a ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County on Saturday. The ship is the 19th Arleigh Burke Class destroyer built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), and the 10th ship to honor an African-American.

USS BULKELEY (DDG 84), the newest in a series of advanced Aegis guided missile destroyers built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation, will be commissioned on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2001, in New York City at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. This ship is named in honor of Vice Adm. John D. Bulkeley, USN, (1911-1996), a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who spearheaded the evacuation of General Douglas MacArthur from the island of Corregidor in World War II and later served as president, Board of Inspection and Survey for the U.S. Navy. More than 5,000 invited guests will be in attendance. Following commissioning, the ship will be homeported in Norfolk, Va., as an element of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Cmdr.

The U.S. Navy will commission the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, Shoup (DDG 86), on Saturday, June 22, 2002, during an 11 a.m. PST ceremony at Port Terminal 37 in Seattle. The ship honors 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps and Medal of Honor recipient Gen. David M. Shoup (1904-1983) for his actions during the initial landings on Betio, Tarawa Atoll, in the Pacific on Nov. 20-22, 1943. While in command of the Second Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, he carried out his leadership duties and exposed himself to withering enemy fire despite suffering a serious, painful leg wound, which had become infected. On Jan. 22, 1945, Shoup received the Medal of Honor for his actions. In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Shoup the commandant of the Marine Corps.

Sherman will be christened on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, during a 10 a.m. at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss. Sen. address. father. across the bow to formally christen Forrest Sherman. The new destroyer honors Adm. Forrest Percival Sherman (1896-1951). July 22, 1951. and later served on the USS Lexington during the carrier's first year in service. USS Ranger prior to joining the staff of commander, U.S. Fleet. chief of naval operations. Solomon Islands. After a Japanese submarine sank the USS Wasp on Sept. capacity until November 1943, when he became deputy chief of staff to Adm. W. Nimitz. Okinawa. Following a brief tenure as Commander, U.S. operations on Nov. 2, 1949. Ocean (1980). currently authorized by Congress.

The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Bainbridge (DDG 96) was christened on Nov. 13 at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. John Young will deliver the ceremony's principal address. grandfather. of champagne across the bow to formally christen Bainbridge. Bainbridge who served in the Navy from 1789-1833. powered cruiser USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25, later CGN-25), 1962-1997. authorized by Congress. Strategy. subsurface battles simultaneously. 21st century. Cmdr. John M. accommodations for 380 officers and enlisted personnel. Bainbridge is being built by Bath Iron Works. 511 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 33 feet. knots. Power Plant: Four General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines; two shafts, 100,000 total shaft horsepower. Aircraft: None.

The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, James E. Williams, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004, during a ceremony at the Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, S.C. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina will deliver the principal address. Elaine Weaver Williams, widow of the ship’s namesake, is the ship’s sponsor. In the time-honored Navy tradition of commissioning U.S. naval ships, Mrs. The ship is named to honor Petty Officer 1st Class James Elliott Williams (1930-1999) of Darlington, S.C., one of the most highly decorated enlisted sailors in the history of the U.S. Navy. On Oct. 31, 1966, Williams was boat captain of river patrol boat (PBR) 105 when his boat and another PBR…

U.S. Navy commissioned the Aegis guided missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) in a ceremony on Saturday. Corporation. James E. enlisted sailors in the history of the Navy. River during the Vietnam War. On Oct. boats on the Mekong. more than 1,000 enemy troops. Sen. commissioning address. strong," said Graham. but the strength of this country is because we have the best people. decks of James E. guests. Navy Rear Adm. Charles S. Navy-industry teamwork. "The overwhelming success of James E. a testament to the quality of this team," said Hamilton.

destroyer Kidd, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems – Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Miss. The ship will honor Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Kidd. U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. On Dec. Division One and the senior officer present afloat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. counterattack against enemy aircraft until the magazine of Arizona was exploded by enemy ordnance, eventually sinking the ship, and a direct hit to the bridge took his life. Adm. that day. Vice Adm.

The Navy is scheduled to christen the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer Kidd, Jan. 22 during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems - Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Miss. The ship will honor Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 26, 1884, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. On Dec. 7, 1941, Kidd was commander of Battleship Division One and the senior officer present afloat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From the bridge of his flagship, the USS Arizona, Kidd directed the counterattack against enemy aircraft until the magazine of Arizona was exploded by enemy ordnance, eventually sinking the ship, and a direct hit to the bridge took his life. Adm.

The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Halsey (DDG 97), July 30 during an 11 a.m. PDT ceremony at Pier J, Naval Air Station Coronado, Calif. Sen. John McCain of Arizona will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Heidi Cooke Halsey, Anne Halsey-Smith, and Alice “Missy” Spruance Talbot will serve as sponsors of the ship named for their grandfather. Halsey honors U.S. Naval Academy graduate Fleet Adm. William F. Halsey Jr. (1882-1959). During World War I, Cmdr. Halsey was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions while in command of USS Benham and USS Shaw during convoy escort duties. Designated a naval aviator in 1935 at the age of 52, he took command of USS Saratoga (CV 3) from 1935 until 1937. In February 1942, then Vice Adm.

guests, U.S. Sen. the U.S. Station North Island in Coronado, Calif. Grumman's Ship Systems sector in Pascagoula, Miss. USS Halsey (DDG 97) honors Fleet Adm. (BB 63), on Sept. 2, 1945. Tokyo in WW II. through the end of the Pacific War. 1947, and died in August 1959. of us can understand," McCain said. legacy far into the future. this honor than Adm. Halsey. "With this commissioning ceremony, William F. officially returns to the Pacific Ocean," McCain continued. Talbot. enlisted personnel took to the decks of Halsey and manned the rails. Navy Rear Adm. Charles S. concept into reality and brought this mighty ship to life. Hamilton. ahead of schedule and well under budget. projection, in support of national military strategy. Navy Cmdr. James L. commands USS Halsey as part of the U.S.

Just hours before her commissioning, the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd sits pierside at the Port of Galveston. Designated hull number DDG 100, the new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd Sr. who was killed on the bridge of his flagship USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941. Two granddaughters of Rear Adm. Kidd, Regina Kidd Wolbarsht and Mary Corrinne Kidd Plumer, brought the ship named for their grandfather to life. The newest USS Kidd is the 50th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas of Westwood, N.J., is the ship’s first commanding officer and leads her crew of 276 officers and Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Shannon R.

In a traditional ceremony on Saturday, the U.S. Navy's 53rd Aegis guided missile destroyer, Truxtun (DDG 103), built by Northrop Grumman Corporation, was christened before more than 1,000 guests. one of the first captains in the U.S. USS Constellation. bottles across the bow, formally naming DDG 103 Truxtun. name. coast of St. Pollux in 1942. dozens survived thanks to the small mining town of St. Newfoundland, Canada. The entire town helped to rescue the sailors. The current mayor of St. Ed Lewis and Lanier Phillips. military strategy. subsurface battles simultaneously. the 21st century. Cdr. Timothy R. will lead a crew of 276 officers and sailors. the 25th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built by Northrop Grumman. navigational draft of 33 feet. ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The latest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Sampson (DDG 102), will be christened Sept. 16 during a ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. The ship is named in honor of Rear Adm. William Thomas Sampson (1840-1902), a naval hero in the Spanish-American War. After graduating first in his class at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1861, Sampson served in the Civil War, during which he survived a mine explosion in 1865. When the United States declared war against Spain following the sinking of the battleship Maine, Sampson assumed command of the U.S. North Atlantic Squadron with the rank of rear admiral. Sailing from Key West, Fla., in 1898, aboard USS New York (CA 2), his squadron established a blockade on the Spanish Fleet in the harbor of Santiago, Cuba.

The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Bainbridge (DDG 96), will be commissioned Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, in an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, 22nd District, State of Florida, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Susan Bainbridge Hay will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her great-great-great-grandfather. The new guided missile destroyer honors the outstanding and heroic service of Commodore William Bainbridge who served in the Navy from 1789-1833. Four previous ships have been named in honor of Bainbridge, including a 259-ton brig (1842-1863), two destroyers (1902-1920 and 1921-1945), and a nuclear-powered cruiser (1962-1997). Cmdr. John M.

The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Bainbridge (DDG 96), will be commissioned Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005, in an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, 22nd District, State of Florida, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Susan Bainbridge Hay will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her great-great-great-grandfather. The new guided missile destroyer honors the outstanding and heroic service of Commodore William Bainbridge who served in the Navy from 1789-1833. Four previous ships have been named in honor of Bainbridge, including a 259-ton brig (1842-1863), two destroyers (1902-1920 and 1921-1945), and a nuclear-powered cruiser (1962-1997). Cmdr. John M.