New Navy Goal Is a 530-Ship Fleet
Forget a 355-ship goal for the US Navy. The Pentagon is now recommending a fleet as large as 530 ships and moving the service toward a lighter force with many more ships but fewer aircraft carriers and large surface combatants.
What Will Navy’s New Force Structure Plan Look Like?
Teams led by the US Navy’s chief of naval operations and the US Marine Corps’ commandant have been studying the services’ fleet size. The force structure plan, originally slated to be released in February, remains on track for the fall.
Gilday Gets First-Hand Look at Ship’s Fire Damage
Chief of Naval Operations ADM Michael Gilday was in San Diego over the weekend to inspect the USS Bonhomme Richard and push for answers in the wake of the fire that gutted the ship. “The damage is extensive,” the admiral said at a news briefing after walking through the ship.
Lockheed Launches AM Supplier Challenge
Lockheed Martin, in partnership with the University of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Commerce, is seeking qualified suppliers with innovative additive manufacturing technology to help deliver sustainment solutions. A virtual information session is planned July 14.
Weekend Intercept 6th Time This Month for US Fighters
US aircraft scrambled on Saturday to intercept four Russian reconnaissance jets off Alaska. The intercept was the sixth time US fighters have intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska this month and the 10th time this year.
Pentagon Reopening Brings Back Some Staff
The first phase of the Pentagon’s reopening is bringing back some employees who had previously been ordered to stay home and opening select entrances to the building.
Another First for Space Exploration
SpaceX plans to launch veteran astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station on May 27. NASA administrator: “NASA will once again launch American astronauts on American rockets from America!”
Last of Block II Super Hornets Delivered
The US Navy took delivery of the final Block II Super Hornet earlier this month, closing out a run of 322 one-seater F/A-18Es and 286 two-seater F/A-18Fs.
Could Roosevelt CO Be Reinstated?
DefSec Mark Esper left the door open for reinstating Capt. Brett Crozier, commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, who was relieved of duty after he urged the Navy to step up its response to a coronavirus outbreak on the aircraft carrier.
TPP Extends Member of Year Nomination Deadline
The Patuxent Partnership is accepting nominations for its 2019 Member of the Year award. To accommodate the recent changes in work scheduling, the nominations are now due May 1, 2020.
