USA: US, Malaysian navies begin bilateral maritime exercise

By Lt. Clyde Shavers, Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

In this file photo, USS Coronado (LCS 4) arrives in Langkawi, Malaysia, earlier this year for the International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Amy M. Ressler) >>

LUMUT, Malaysia - The U.S. and Royal Malaysian Navy kicked off Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia at Lumut Naval Base, Sept. 18.

Nearly 300 U.S. and Malaysian Sailors aboard the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), Kasturi-class corvette KD Lekir (F26) and Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30) are participating in the exercise.

“The U.S. and Royal Malaysian Navy maintains a close and unique partnership that continues to grow and evolve with each bilateral and multilateral exercise,” said Capt. Matthew Jerbi, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. “MTA Malaysia is just one of many opportunities for both navies to work closely together towards cooperatively ensuring regional maritime security and stability.”

USA: HSM Wing Pacific continues Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative exercise

By Lt. Adam Arndt, HSM Weapons School Pacific Public Affairs

In this file photo, Peruvian submarine BAP Pisagua (SS 33) arrives at Naval Base Point Loma in July for phase one of DESI-EX. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Derek Harkins) >>

SAN DIEGO - Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific (CHSMWP) began phase two of the annual Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative Exercise (DESI-EX), an international exercise held annually in conjunction with South American naval forces, Sept. 8, 2017.

DESI-EX is an undersea warfare exercise that allows MH-60R aircraft from various CHSMWP and Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) commands the ability to practice their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) skills against a skilled, foreign adversary in a variety of challenging environments. The event was organized by HSM Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP) in coordination with Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic International Programs and Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and will take place on the Southern California Offshore Range and Tanner Bank operating area.

Phase one of the exercise took place July 15 - 20 and involved aircraft and crews from six CHSMWP and three MPRA squadrons that completed 29 sorties over the course of 147 flight hours. Participants trained alongside the Peruvian Navy submarine BAP Pisagua (SS 33), a German Type 209 diesel-electric submarine, to refine their ASW and tactical acumen.

News Story: Japan MSDF says human error behind recent helicopter crash

A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk helicopter (Image: Wiki Commons)

TOKYO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) said on Thursday that a recent helicopter crash off northeastern Japan was caused by human error, and flights of helicopters of the same type will be resumed.

Three of the four crewmen aboard the helicopter were still missing and the MSDF is continuing searching for them.

A SH-60J patrol helicopter belonging to the MSDF lost contact during a landing and takeoff drill on a destroyer off Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan on Aug. 26.

Four people were on board the helicopter. One of them was rescued some 40 minutes after the incident, while the other three remained missing.

Part of the wreckage of the helicopter was found later around the crash area. The water at the crash site is about 2,600 meters deep.

According to the MSDF, based on data from the flight recorder and the account of a rescued crew member, the crash happened when the crew members were focusing on fixing an error with the bearing indicator and failed to notice the chopper was losing balance.

Read the full story at Xinhua

USA: Possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for an upgrade program for MH-60R Helicopters

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2017 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for an upgrade program for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters.  The estimated cost is $360 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 30, 2017.

The Government of Australia has requested a follow-on case for a possible ten-year upgrade program for twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated training devices, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, engineering and technical services, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), ECPs for training devices, classified software (JMPS/MDLs), Engineering Technical Assistance (ETA), Logistics Technical Assistance (LTA), Other Technical Assistance (OTA), supply support, support equipment, and other related elements of logistics and program support.  The total estimated program cost is $360 million.

News Story: 3 missing after MSDF helicopter crashes in Sea of Japan

A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk (Image: Wiki Commons)

TOKYO, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- A helicopter belonging to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) crashed during a drill Saturday night, leaving three crew members missing.

The SH-60J patrol helicopter lost contact at around 10:50 p.m. local time (1350 GMT) on Saturday during a landing and takeoff drill on a destroyer off Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, according to Japan's Defense Ministry.

Four people were on board the helicopter. One of them was rescued some 40 minutes after the incident, and the MSDF and Japan Coast Guard are still searching for the other three, according to the MSDF.

Japan's new Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters on Sunday that parts of the wreckage of the helicopter had been found around the crash area.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Multinational search for missing US Navy sailors expands in Asia

USS John S. McCain (Image: Wiki Commons)

By: Mike Yeo

MELBOURNE, Australia – The multinational search and rescue for sailors missing from the U.S. Navy destroyer USS John S. McCain following a collision with an oil tanker near Singapore has expanded, even as remains of some of the missing have been located inside the flooded compartments of the ship.

Both Singapore and Malaysia have increased the number of assets taking part in the SAR operations for the 10 sailors initially reported missing following the collision, while Indonesia has also started scouring the waters off its islands closest to where the collision occurred. Australia has also offered an aircraft to assist in the search, according to a media statement from Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority on Tuesday.

The new, expanded search area covers more than 1,100 square miles, with Singapore and the U.S. covering the center of the identified search area while Malaysian and Indonesian assets are covering the north and south.

The collision occurred in waters where there is an unresolved maritime boundary dispute between Singapore and Malaysia, and both have said the collision occurred in their respective territorial waters and have laid claim to leading the search operation. That said, the disagreement has not interfered with the search operation so far.

U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopters and Marine Corps MV-22 tiltrotors from the amphibious assault ship USS America are also involved in the search, while the Republic of Singapore Air Force has deployed a C-130 transport and a Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft to join two patrol vessels each from the Singapore Navy and police coast guard already on scene. A Singaporean Super Puma helicopter had earlier evacuated four of the five sailors injured in the collision to a hospital on Monday morning.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

USA: America pulls into Changi Naval Base to support USS John S. McCain

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

USS America (LHA 6) file photo. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Justin A. Schoenberger) >>

SINGAPORE - Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrived Aug. 21 at Changi Naval Base and is moored across the pier from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56).

While in Singapore, America will provide messing and berthing services to McCain crew members and to support damage control efforts on board. America will also support ongoing searches for 10 missing Sailors. Ship Repair Facility divers are on scene as well to assess the damage to the hull.

McCain was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Alnic MC while underway east of the Strait of Malacca and Singapore early in the morning on Aug. 21 (as reported 6:24 a.m. Japan Standard Time) and arrived at Changi Naval Base in the afternoon.

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.

USA: USS John S. McCain collides with merchant ship near Strait of Malacca

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) file photo. (U.S. Navy/MCSN Gavin Shields) >>

SOUTH CHINA SEA - The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Alnic MC while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore on Aug. 21.

The collision was reported at 6:24 a.m. Japan Standard Time, while the ship was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore.

The ship is currently sailing under its own power and heading to port.

Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities. In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant (97), RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are currently in the area to render assistance.

MV-22 Ospreys and SH-60S Sea Hawks from USS America (LHA 6) are also responding.

Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft. The extent of damage and personnel injuries is being determined. The incident will be investigated.

Updated: Aug. 20, 2:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time

See initial release from U.S. 7th Fleet.

US Pacific Fleet

News Report: US Navy Destroyer Collides With Merchant Ship Near Singapore

USS John S McCain (Image: Wiki Commons)

The USS John McCain collided with a merchant ship early August 21 near Singapore and the Strait of Malacca.

The US guided-missile destroyer crashed into the merchant vessel Alnic MC while underway east of Singapore and the Strait of Malacca in the South China Sea, the US Navy 7th Fleet reports. 

The incident occurred at 6:24 a.m. local time as the ship was on its way to make a routine port visit in Singapore. Early reports hold that the McCain has been damaged on its port side, and the latest US Navy update says the ship is sailing under her own power and is on her way to port.

A search and rescue operation has been launched, combining the efforts of the Singapore Navy and US ships in the area. The Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant, RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark are currently in the area to render assistance, the 7th fleet reports, and MV-22s and SH-60s from USS America are also responding.

The incident will be investigated, the Navy has said.

News Story: US Navy tests amphibious concept at Talisman Saber exercise

By: Mike Yeo

ROCKHAMPTON, Australia — The U.S. Navy has put its up-gunned expeditionary strike group concept into practice within a realistic war-fighting scenario, with allied surface combatants joining an amphibious ready group, or ARG, and its embarked Marines for a major exercise off the coast of Australia.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG was joined by a surface action group, or SAG, made up of the U.S. destroyer Sterett and four Australian frigates at Exercise Talisman Saber 2017, which saw American and Australian forces carry out two major amphibious landings at Australia’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

According to Royal Australian Navy Capt. Guy Holthouse, sea combat commander for the Talisman Saber 2017 Combined Amphibious Force, the up-gunned ESG was pitted against a very active and capable adversary that presented a mix of surface, air and subsurface threats using real submarines, aircraft and ships throughout the exercise, which added training value to both U.S. and Australian forces.

Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, added that Talisman Saber was used “to work on concept development (of the up-gunned ESG), especially for the cruiser/destroyer/frigate integration into the force as we build towards adding the F-35B.”

Dalton noted that the amphibious assault ship Wasp, which will replace the Bonhomme Richard as the Navy’s forward-deployed big-deck amphibious ship in Japan this fall, will start deploying the F-35B at sea in the region in early 2018 and will represent “the first opportunity to operate with the complete package of the up-gunned ESG.”

Read the full story at DefenseNews

USA: USS Sterett ‘up guns’ Bonhomme Richard ESG for Talisman Saber exercise

By MC1 Byron C. Linder, USS Sterett Public Affairs

Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Patrick Green stands watch aboard USS Sterett (DDG 104) during Talisman Saber 17. (U.S. Navy/MC1 Byron C. Linder) >>

CORAL SEA - Watchstanders hover over chart tables, plotting courses as they assess possible tracks of an Australian submarine posing as an opposing force. Sailors at consoles “hook” tracks and report inbound aircraft, signaling to the tactical action officer that queries and other pre-planned responses need to be made.

For the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104), the ship’s combat information center is routinely abuzz as the ship often manages a number of missions, often simultaneously.

But here at U.S.-Australian bilateral exercise Talisman Saber 17, Sterett is playing a different role than it normally would. It is taking commands and direction from an amphibious flagship, alongside Australian frigates with similar sensors and defense capabilities.

News Report: India Plans to Cancel Defense Deals Worth $1.5 Billion

The Indian government is set to announce the scrapping of defense deals worth more than $3 billion of naval helicopters, armored recovery vehicles and torpedoes. Indian Defense Minister Arun Jaitley has moved a recommendation to scrap long-delayed defense purchases in favor of ‘Make in India’ program.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – The first such recommendation is for armored recovery vehicles which were contracted with India’s state-owned BEML in 2012 for $275 million. The contract was for 204 WZT-3 made by Polish company Bumar and imported by BEML. The deal is supposed to be scrapped over corruption charges, and lack of indigenization efforts by BEML. Indian Army had purchased 352 WZT-3 in three previous contracts from 1999 to 2005. As state-owned DRDO has developed armored recovery vehicle (ARV) and private firms like L&T are interested in supplying them to the Army, the government may opt for the indigenous ARVs.

USA: USS Bonhomme Richard arrives in Okinawa, embarks 31st Marines

By MC2 Kyle Carlstrom, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

Tugboats guide USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship arrives to White Beach Naval Facility to embark Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, June 5. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Cameron McCulloch) >>

OKINAWA, Japan - The Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrived at White Beach, Okinawa to embark Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), June 5.

During the visit, the ship will embark 31st MEU personnel, vehicles and equipment, prior to continuing a scheduled patrol.

During the transit from Sasebo, Japan, landing craft air cushions (LCACs) of Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, MV-22B Ospreys of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, CH-53E Super Stallions of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, AV-8B Harriers of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 and MH-60S Sea Hawks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 have all joined the Bonhomme Richard crew.

USA: U.S., JMSDF complete PASSEX in South China Sea

From Destroyer Squadron 7 Public Affairs

Sailors assigned to USS Coronado (LCS 4) watch a photo exercise with their ship from the bridge wing of Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ship JS Izumo (DDH 183) during a passing exercise between the two navies, May 18. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Deven Leigh Ellis) >>

SOUTH CHINA SEA - Ships from the U.S Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the South China Sea May 18.

The PASSEX included personnel exchanges, cross-deck flight operations, communications exercises, division tactics, a tracking exercise and photo exercise. The bilateral event aimed to enhance interoperability between the two navies and emphasized the importance of communications and coordination while operating together at sea.

“This was another great opportunity for the U.S. Navy to work closely with JMSDF at sea,” said Capt. Alexis Walker, deputy commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. “Integrating the crews through personnel exchanges allows our sailors to build and strengthen the personal relationships that are the foundation of our naval partnership.”

Ships participating from the JMSDF included the Izumo-class helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH-183), with embarked Escort Flotilla One Command Element, and the Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD-113).

USA: Coronado Sailors strengthen relations at LIMA 2017

By MC3 Amy M. Ressler, USS Coronado Public Affairs

USS Coronado (LCS 4) pulls alongside the pier arriving in Langkawi, Malaysia, March 25. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Amy M. Ressler) >>

LANGKAWI, Malaysia - Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) participated in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2017, March 25-26.

LIMA is the premier aerospace and maritime exhibition in Southeast Asia, and in 2017 the exhibition included 38 countries showcasing technology in sea and air systems to address the wide spectrum of security challenges being faced throughout the region.

While pierside in Langkawi, more than 900 visitors, including media from local and international news outlets, Malaysian officials, military members and members of the general public, were welcomed aboard by the Coronado crew to tour the ship.

"As a new platform, LCS prompts a significant amount of interest and curiosity amongst our maritime partners," said Cmdr. Scott Larson, commanding officer, USS Coronado. "The opportunity to build a greater sense of mutual familiarity, while also showcasing the revolutionary attributes that our ship adds to the mix, supports theater strategic objectives and lays the foundation for continued partnership and coordination in the future."

USA: 7th Fleet commander, USS Coronado highlight US participation at LIMA Exhibition

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

In this file photo, an MQ-8B Fire Scout approaches USS Coronado (LCS 4) during operations in the Pacific. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Michaela Garrison) >>

LANGKAWI, Malaysia - Assets from the U.S. Navy and Air Force are on display at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2017, March 21-25.

Founded in 1991, LIMA is a biennial event which has become a premier destination for aerospace and maritime manufacturers. The U.S. last participated in LIMA in 2015.

"LIMA is a tremendous opportunity for the United States military to engage with counterparts in southeast Asia and to showcase our capabilities and assets," said U.S Ambassador to Malaysia, Kamala Shirin Lakhdir. "It is also an opportunity for U.S. companies to expand their markets in southeast Asia. The strong U.S. presence at LIMA this year demonstrates our increased engagement with Malaysia and our commitment to the region."

U.S. Navy assets featured at LIMA include littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and embarked MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter and two MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopters.

Additionally, two F/A 18F Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, and one P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 will be on display throughout the exhibition.

News Report: Japan’s Largest Warship Heading to South China Sea, Will Train With U.S., Indian Navies

By: Sam LaGrone

One of Japan’s largest warship is set to conduct three months of operations in the South China Sea, according to a Monday report in Reuters.

The 24,000-ton JS Izumo (DDH-183) will depart in May from its homeport in Yokosuka, Japan for a series of port visits and exercises running into August.

The ship, “will make stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka before joining the Malabar joint naval exercise with Indian and U.S. naval vessels in the Indian Ocean in July,” reported the wire.

“The aim is to test the capability of the Izumo by sending it out on an extended mission,” a source told Reuters.

“It will train with the U.S. Navy in the South China Sea.”

A U.S. defense official told USNI News on Monday that there were training events with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces planned for the period but did not outline specifics.

USA: USS Bonhomme Richard arrives in Okinawa to embark Marines

From USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) approaches White Beach Naval Facility , March 4. (U.S. Navy/MC3 William Sykes) >>

OKINAWA, Japan - Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrived at White Beach, Okinawa, March 4.

During the port visit, the ship will embark Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), along with their vehicles and cargo prior to departing for a routine patrol.

“We are going to be very busy while in port receiving a variety of equipment and assets,” said Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Armour, a combat cargo senior non-commissioned officer in charge. “There will be a lot of moving parts that have to be properly secured for sea.”

Armour explained that the primary focus will be preparing for Amphibious Integration Training (AIT) and certification exercise (CERTEX).

USA: Coronado returns to Singapore after operations at sea

By MC2 Amy M. Ressler, USS Coronado Public Affairs

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ryan Leach, right, and Chief Gunner's Mate Adan Macias approach USS Coronado (LCS 4) during training with the Royal Brunei Navy in the South China Sea, Feb. 19. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Amy M. Ressler) >>

SINGAPORE - Following a port visit in Muara, Brunei, and routine operations in the Sulu Sea and South China Sea, littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) pulled pierside at Changi Naval Base in Singapore Feb. 25.

After completing the four-day port visit in Brunei, Coronado conducted a passing exercise and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training at sea with the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) patrol vessel Daruttaqwa in the South China Sea. The ship then transited through the Balabac Strait and into the Sulu Sea for routine operations before heading back to port in Singapore.

“Working alongside the RBN at sea gave our Sailors a unique opportunity to practice operational tactics and enhance bilateral capabilities with a regional partner,” said Cmdr. Scott Larson, commanding officer, USS Coronado. “Training together increases our interoperability and helps ensure that we are ready to execute real-world operations if called upon.”

USA: Coronado visits Brunei in first deployment port call

By MC2 Amy M. Ressler, USS Coronado Public Affairs

USS Coronado (LCS 4) operates in the South China Sea earlier this month. (U.S. Navy/MC2 Amy M. Ressler) >>

MUARA, Brunei - Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) arrived in Brunei for a scheduled port visit Feb. 16.

While in port Coronado will host multiple ship tours and present a static display of an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and an MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in a sports day with members of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and experience the culture and sites of Brunei while on liberty.

“We are honored to visit Brunei and enhance mutual cooperation with a key maritime partner,” said Cmdr. Scott Larson, commanding officer, USS Coronado. “This is a great opportunity for our Sailors to engage with counterparts from the RBN while also experiencing the local culture.”