Secretary of the Navy Announces Need for 355-ship Navy — The Secretary of the Navy announced the results of the 2016 Force Structure Assessment (FSA), a year-long effort which began in January that was conducted to evaluate long-term defense security requirements for future naval forces today at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The 2016 FSA recommends a 355-ship fleet including 12 carriers, 104 large surface combatants, 52 small surface combatants, 38 amphibious ships, and 66 submarines.
Secretary of the Navy Releases New Operations Security (OPSEC) Guidance — The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus just issued ALNAV 072/16 to accompany the Department's new Operations Security (OPSEC) policy, which was released May 5. The ALNAV is intended to spread the broad-reaching implications of the new policy to the widest possible operational audience and communicated the provisions to personnel outside the traditional information warfare community.
Autonomous Swarmboats: New Missions, Safe Harbors — Autonomous unmanned swarming boats were put through their paces in a recent demonstration in the lower Chesapeake Bay-with results that show dramatic new possibilities for autonomy in future naval missions.
SECDEF Visits USS Monterey — Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) pier side in Bahrain Dec. 10, to thank Sailors for their service during their seven-and-a-half month deployment. Carter announced liberty call for the crew, presented challenge coins to Sailors and had lunch with Sailors on duty.
Oceanographer of the Navy Celebrates 186th Naval Oceanography, Presents 2016 Oceanographer of the Year Awards — Following the opening ceremony Oceanographer of the Navy, Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet presented the 2016 Naval Oceanography Awards. The Oceanographer of the Year awards recognize Naval Oceanography professionals for their expertise, accomplishments, and leadership in the application of meteorology, oceanography, hydrography and precise time and astrometry.
A Month of Thanks: Navy Celebrates Aircraft Carriers — In June 2016, Congress deemed November as National U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Month as a way to recognize the milestones and contributions aircraft carriers have made to the Navy, naval aviation, and national defense.
NWC President Sees Progress, Promise at 100-Day Mark — Since taking the reins as president of U.S. Naval War College July 25, Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley has been updating curriculum and expanding missions to meet the changing needs of students and faculty, while integrating relevant aspects of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson's "A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority."
NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Navy Regional Navy Mail Center Helps Santa during the Holidays — The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Norfolk Regional Navy Mail Center (RNMC) wrapped up a busy holiday season week Dec. 9, processing more than 110,000 lbs. of incoming and outgoing mail. According to RNMC Leading Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Petty Officer Marcos Perez, this was approximately twice the volume they see in a normal week. He said his team takes great pride in the service they provide.
These stories originally published by Navy News Service during Dec. 12-16, 2016. For more Navy news, go to: www.navy.mil/.