Yemen conflict spills into Red Sea as U.S. Navy engages Houthi forces in ship showdown

The fragile maritime security in the Red Sea shattered once again as US Navy helicopters sank three Houthi boats in a tense encounter after they attempted to board a Singapore-flagged container ship. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and US-backed coalition, raising concerns about potential wider repercussions.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, lands on the flight deck onboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Dec. 14, 2023. The IKECSG is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Rodriguez)

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Raytheon awarded $80 million contract for revolutionary Electronic Warfare prototype for F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

In a groundbreaking move towards the future of electronic warfare, the United States Navy has awarded Raytheon an $80 million contract for the development of an Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) prototype. This state-of-the-art system is set to replace the existing AN/ALQ-214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure and AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver on the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

150608-N-EH855-654 WATERS NEAR GUAM (June 8, 2015) Capt. William Koyama, commander, carrier air wing (CVW) 5, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Dambusters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, after completing his 4000th flight hour. George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, are on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. George Washington will conduct a hull-swap with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) later this year after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai/Released)

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U.S. naval detachment boosts French hypersonic research with successful rocket launch

Boosting hypersonic research capabilities took center stage as the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) detachment, based in White Sands, New Mexico, successfully launched a new three-stage rocket configuration during a joint mission with the French military in Biscarrosse, France.

A Terrier-Oriole-Oriole sounding rocket points skyward on a launch rail in Biscarrosse, France, in June. The three-stage rocket was the third launch vehicle that Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division’s White Sands Detachment provided for the French military in a project that began in 2020. (Photo courtesy of the France General Directorate of Armaments/Released)

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American submarines will be armed with Tomahawk anti-ship missiles next year

The United States Navy is gearing up to enhance its submarine capabilities with ship-targeting versions of the highly versatile Tomahawk missile, marking a strategic move to bolster military strength in the face of growing challenges from Chinese maritime forces, especially in the vicinity of Taiwan.

180918-N-VG727-1129 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 18, 2018) A tomahawk cruise missile launches from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) for a live-fire exercise during Valiant Shield 2018. Valiant Shield is a U.S. only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. This training enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Collins III)

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FRCSW to begin deport maintenance on USAF F-16s

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), a naval aviation repair and maintenance facility based at the NAS North Island, is embarking on a significant transition in naval aviation maintenance as the Navy gradually phases out its legacy F/A-18A-D series. This shift marks the inclusion of the F-16 fighgter as a major program for FRCSW’s Depot team operations.

An F-16 awaits to be unveiled and serviced at FRCSW.

Photo by Janina Lamoglia
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