Future USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) Launched

By Team Ships Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The future USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) launched from the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Shipyard Oct. 30.

The John P. Murtha is the tenth ship of the San Antonio (LPD 17) class which functionally replaces more than 41 ships across four ship classes. The launch marks a major milestone for the ship.

"It has been two and a half years since the last LPD 17 class ship was launched, and it is evident that HII is continuing to incorporate lessons learned from the earlier LPD 17 class ships," said Capt. Darren Plath, LPD 17 class program manager within Program Executive Office, Ships. "The LPD 17 Class build plan, which was revised and fully implemented on LPD 25, organizes the individual work packages in the most logical sequence resulting in LPD 26's successful entry into the water, en route to delivery in May 2016."

These ships are a key element of the Navy's seabase transformation, enabling the deployment of the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The versatile LPD 26 will be equipped with a well deck capable of embarking and debarking landing craft, air cushion, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), and future means by which Marines are delivered ashore. The ship's capabilities are further enhanced by its flight deck and hangar which can operate CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (MV-22). The ship encompasses over 23,000 square feet of vehicle storage and is equipped to transport a landing force of up to 800 Marines and their equipment.

LPD 26 honors the life and accomplishment of the late U.S. Representative John Patrick Murtha, who served his country both as a Marine and in the halls of Congress. Murtha served in the Marine Corps for 37 years and saw service in the Korean War and in Vietnam, a tour that earned him the Bronze Star with Valor device, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Murtha represented Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District from 1974 until his death in 2010.

LPD 26 is scheduled to deliver to the Navy in 2016, joining the first nine ships of the San Antonio class. USS Portland (LPD 27), the final ship of the current San Antonio class had its keel laid in August 2013 and is currently under construction at HII.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships, a Naval Sea Systems Command affiliated PEO, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission ships, support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

Kearsarge Departs for Bold Alligator 2014

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aren Everett, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed Naval Station Norfolk Oct. 29 to participate in Exercise Bold Alligator 2014.

Bold Alligator 2014 is a two-week, multinational exercise hosted by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps to strengthen core competencies in the areas of amphibious operations and bilateral cooperation.

"It is naval in nature, but it's not just a U.S. exercise," said Capt. David Bossert, Kearsarge's commanding officer. "This is a coalition exercise including participants from NATO and allied partner nations."

Bold Alligator is an annual exercise and the largest combined naval exercise on the east coast. The exercise series evolves to meet the demands of the current environment; the focus of this year's iteration is providing crisis response.

"This exercise encompasses 8,500 Marines and 6,500 Sailors from 19 different countries on 17 different ships," said Command Master Chief David Randall, command master chief of Kearsarge. "The role of USS Kearsarge includes 2,400 of the world's finest standing by to participate and observe any contingency that the Navy could be called upon to deal with in the world."

The exercise will consist of a constructed scenario in which a fabricated allied nation, in a region that is the site of disorder, faces the possibility of becoming a failed state and has requested assistance.

"We're bringing a wide capacity of assistance," said Bossert. "We are prepared to conduct military-to-military exercises, humanitarian assistance, security assistance and, if necessary, military-to-military deterrence against aggressive regional powers."

"The object is to be able to conduct military missions ashore through crisis response from the sea," said Randall.

Bold Alligator 2014 will demonstrate a strengthened ability to respond to man-made and natural crises around the world and showcase the advantages of theater commanders' ability to project power ashore without relying on shore-based infrastructure. This ultimately allows amphibious forces to limit the vulnerability and sustainment requirements for shore-based personnel.

"The lessons we learn will make us a better blue/green team with the Navy and the Marine Corps and will help us improve our military cohesiveness with our allies," said Randall.

Bold Alligator 2014 is scheduled to conclude Nov. 10.

Dignitaries Visit USS George H.W. Bush

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chase Martin, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Dignitaries from Bulgaria, Georgia, Cyprus, Greece and the United States visited aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Oct. 29.

The visit helped strengthen Navy's relationship with partner nations and helps maintain a safe and secure maritime environment while building common knowledge of maritime tactics, cultural understanding and trust.

The visitors met with commanders aboard George H.W. Bush, learned about various daily operations of the ship, visited the bridge and observed flight operations on the flight deck.

"This visit was an important way for us to engage with our partner nations," said Capt. Andrew Loiselle, commanding officer of George H.W. Bush. "Our guests were able to learn more about our capabilities and the strategic flexibility we provide. They also experienced a bit of what we do behind the scenes. I think we all came away from the visit with a better appreciation for our mutual relationship."

The U.S. Navy has long maintained a presence in Europe and Africa to promote peace, regional cooperation and security. The long-term commitment to improve maritime safety and security is part of a larger U.S. government and interagency team effort to enhance stability worldwide. Naval domain awareness is the first step toward improving maritime safety and security.

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment conducting naval operations in the U.S