Latest news with #U.S.Navy
Daily Tribune
3 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Tribune
USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Marking New Era in U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Operations
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East The littoral combat ship USS Canberra has arrived at the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) as it prepares to phase out its aging fleet of mine countermeasure ships in the region. The vessel is the first of four advanced ships set to permanently operate out of Bahrain, replacing the decades-old Avenger-class ships. Upgrading Fleet Capabilities The USS Canberra is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to modernize its presence in the Middle East. The Avenger-class ships, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, feature fiberglass-covered wooden hulls—a design once considered ideal for minimizing magnetic signatures during mine-clearing missions. However, maintenance costs and operational limitations have made these vessels increasingly obsolete. In contrast, the Independence-class Canberra boasts cutting-edge technology, including unmanned maritime sensors and improved minehunting capabilities that allow it to detect and neutralize threats at greater distances. It also supports a top speed of about 46 mph (40 knots), far outpacing the Avenger-class ships' 16 mph. A First for the Region The Canberra is the first Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) to deploy to the region. Its arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony on Monday attended by Bahraini defense officials, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven Bondy, and NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. George Wikoff. Unlike its single-hulled Freedom-class counterpart, the Independence-class is a trimaran, offering a larger flight deck, room for two helicopters or multiple drones, and increased operational flexibility. According to the ship's manufacturer, Austal USA, these design features enhance the vessel's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters—an essential trait for mine countermeasure missions in the Gulf. Command Perspective Cmdr. Bill Golden, commander of the Canberra's blue crew, previously served aboard a mine countermeasures ship stationed in Bahrain. Reflecting on the shift in capability, he remarked, 'To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.' The Canberra began its maiden deployment from San Diego in March and is currently conducting routine operations as part of its scheduled mission. It is expected to be joined by three additional LCS vessels over the coming months, further cementing Bahrain's role as a key hub in U.S. naval strategy. LCS Program Continues Expansion Since the launch of the Littoral Combat Ship program in 2002, the U.S. Navy has taken delivery of 35 LCS vessels. Two more—USS Cleveland (Freedom variant) and USS Pierre (Independence variant)—are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned later this year. The deployment of the Canberra marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy's transition toward faster, more versatile, and technologically advanced warships—reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the region's vital waterways.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
USNS Comfort to deploy for three-month humanitarian mission in Latin America
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Norfolk-based USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is set to begin a three-month deployment on Friday morning as part of the U.S. Navy's Continuing Promise 2025. The Mercy-class hospital ship will provide humanitarian and medical aid in mission visits to Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and the Dominion Republic. This marks the U.S. Navy's 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eight aboard the USNS Comfort. The medical units that will be on board for this mission will have various skillsets, including dental, family medicine, internal medicine, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical repair, lab, radiology, X-ray, veterinary medicine and global health engagement. The USNS Comfort has one of the largest trauma facilities in the world and when activated, can transition to full operating status in five days. Full operating status includes the crew of civil service mariners and Navy medical personnel. The USNS Comfort has additionally provided relief after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Maria. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls to host inaugural Navy Week, September 15-21
May 28—MILLINGTON, Tenn. — The U.S. Navy has announced the inaugural Wichita Falls Navy Week, taking place Sept. 15-21. As part of a nationwide outreach effort, Wichita Falls Navy Week will bring 70-80 Sailors to engage directly with the community through a week-long series of performances, educational events, and service projects. This milestone event marks the first-ever Navy Week in Wichita Falls. Navy Week offers residents a unique opportunity to interact with Sailors and learn more about the Navy's role in national security and global stability. This year's 2025 Navy Week schedule holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday — a historic milestone celebrating a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security, and global leadership. "America is a maritime nation! Today, 90% of commerce travels across the oceans that the Navy has protected for 250 years, and we're thrilled to bring your Navy Sailors to Wichita Falls," Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director, said in a news release. "Sailors are the reason America's Navy is the most powerful in the world, and Navy Weeks are an opportunity to showcase our 250-year tradition and share with the Wichita Falls community why we continue to be a decisive global power from seabed to cyberspace." Since its inception in 2005, the Navy Week program has visited more than 95 markets across the United States, but this marks the first time Wichita Falls will host the event. The week will feature a dynamic lineup of activities designed to educate, inspire, and strengthen community ties: — Senior Navy Leaders: Meet and hear from senior Navy officials, including those with local ties to Texas, and Wichita Falls Navy Week Senior Executive Rear Admiral Douglas J. Adams, Program Executive Officer, Undersea Warfare Systems. — Namesake Ships: Interact with Sailors serving aboard U.S. Naval vessels and learn about their assignments while deployed at sea and around the world. — U.S. Navy Band Southwest: Enjoy live musical performances and masterclasses led by talented Navy musicians. — Naval History and Heritage Command: Explore the rich connection between Texas and the Navy through interactive presentations and educational programs. — USS Constitution: Witness demonstrations featuring the Navy's oldest commissioned ship and its enduring legacy. — U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command: Engage in STEM-focused sessions highlighting oceanographic and atmospheric science. — Navy Talent Acquisition Group: Discover opportunities within the Navy through community projects, displays, and career discussions. Wichita Falls Navy Week brings the Navy to regions without a major naval presence, fostering connections and showcasing how the Navy's mission ensures the security, prosperity, and freedom of our nation.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Family asking for help after plane crash destroys car
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Days after a small plane crashed into a Murphy Canyon neighborhood, killing all six people on board, survivors on the ground are facing the emotional and financial toll of the disaster — including residents whose vehicles were destroyed by flaming jet fuel that poured through the streets. Home security footage from a Ring camera captured the moment burning fuel flowed down a gutter, igniting cars along Taussig Street. One of those vehicles was a Kia Soul owned by Nichole Crone, who lives in the neighborhood with her husband, a U.S. Navy service member, and their three children. Temporary fence set up around site of deadly plane crash in San Diego 'We got woken up about 4 a.m. by our son,' Crone said. 'He sleeps with his window open, and he heard the tires on the car popping. That's what woke him up — that's what woke us up.' Crone requested her face not be shown for privacy reasons but wanted her story told. Just moments after a Cessna 550 struck power lines and stadium lights before crashing into a home on Sample Street, Crone and her family watched as her parked car was engulfed in flames. 'A lot of people were panicking, telling us to get out, to leave, because they thought the car was going to explode,' she said. 'So we were panicking.' 'Debris everywhere still burning': Family whose house was hit by plane shares what they saw Crone said her vehicle is typically not parked on that side of the street — except on trash days. 'It was trash day, and normally our car would be right in front of our house,' she said. 'But our trash cans had to go out the night before.' Adding to their hardship, Crone said her insurance provider, USAA, recently informed her that it would not cover the full cost of the vehicle. 'They want to give us like $15,885, minus our $1,000 deductible, and we still owe like $19,000,' she said. VIDEO: Fireball erupts as plane crashes in San Diego The family depends on two vehicles: Crone uses her car for Instacart deliveries to supplement their income and to transport one of her children, who has autism, to several therapy appointments each week. Their other vehicle is used by her husband for commuting to Coronado. 'We're stressed out,' Crone said. 'We just got that second vehicle two months ago. We're already struggling with both car payments, and now we lost a vehicle and still have to make payments on it.' A friend has started an online fundraiser to help the family recover. Crone said she hopes the insurance company reconsiders the payout, given the circumstances. 'It wasn't only us that this happened to,' she said. 'But for us specifically, it's just hard to understand why insurance wouldn't pay off the car in full. This wasn't our fault.' Despite the high mileage on the car, Crone said she and her husband are continuing discussions with insurance representatives in hopes of reaching a resolution. Visit the GoFundMe: Fundraiser for Nichole Crone by Megan Ball: Help the Crone Family replace their car. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beale Air and Space Expo: Know before you go
The highly anticipated Beale Air and Space Expo June 7 and 8 takes attendees on-base to watch cutting-edge aircraft take to the skies. Here's everything you need to know before going. In the Air There'll be no shortage of things to do and see during the Expo. Dozens of aircraft will perform throughout the day, including the U-2 Dragon Lady, the T-38 Talon, the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Navy F-18 Rhino Demo Team and more. A few featured performers include Australian professional aerobatic and air race pilot Aarron Deliu, Vicky Benzing piloting a 1950 Boeing Stearman bi-plane, and 'Scratch' Mitchell in a T-33 Shooting Star. USAF Parachutists will also perform. On the Ground Thirty-seven aircraft from various military branches and bases will be on static display on-ground, including the U-2 from Beale AFB, the F-35A from Luke AFB in Arizona and the U.S. Navy T-33 'Blue Angel' Shooting Star from Salt Lake City. You can view civilian aircraft as well, like CalFire's FH-60 Firehawk. Precision Exotics will showcase 'dream cars' like Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Hands-on learning and activities will be available for kids of all ages at the STEM zone. Future aviators, engineers and scientists can engage with interactive exhibits, flight simulators and more. General Admission General admission is free, but if you plan to drive, you must secure a parking pass online. The parking pass is free and good for all occupants in the vehicle. Drivers will be routed to available parking areas and may require a shuttle service (complimentary) of more than 20 minutes. Parking passes are not available day-of and have to be secured online. Parking opens at 8 a.m. on the day of the event and gates will be closed to incoming traffic at 1:30 p.m. Premium parking closest to the entrance is available with the purchase of Elevated Experience packages. Elevated Experiences There are three Elevated Experience packages available: Ground Level Access ($35 per vehicle): This package gives you one complimentary premium parking pass for the Skyline Lot (good for all vehicle occupants), one commemorative poster when your pass is presented at the BMLC Booth and a dedicated security checkpoint. The Flight Deck Package ($50 per person, children under five years free when accompanied by paid admission) grants access to a shaded viewing area on the flightline. You can bring your own chairs but no open umbrellas are allowed. With the purchase of two Flight Deck packages, you can receive a complimentary premium parking pass for the Skyline Lot. If you only want to purchase one Flight Deck package, you can get a preferred parking pass for $15. Flight Deck packages also come with in-and-out privileges (no seat-saving) and a dedicated security checkpoint line. The Recce Town Experience is the most elite package. Prices vary: $195 for adults and $100 for children ages five to 12. Children under five are free when accompanied by paid admission. You'll be granted access to a premium flightline viewing area with a spacious tent for shade and outdoor seating for viewing. With every two Recce Town Experiences purchased, receive one premium parking pass in the Skyline Lot. If you only want to purchase one Recce Town Experience, you can get a preferred parking pass for $15. Also included is access to a luxury bathroom with air conditioning, a commemorative air show poster, light snacks, a buffet lunch, two complimentary tickets for alcoholic beverages (ages 21+), access to a full bar for additional drinks, complimentary water, in-and-out privileges and a dedicated security checkpoint line. A table for eight can be reserved for $2,500 per table for either day. Volunteers People 18 years and older can volunteer at the Expo in a variety of ways, including guest navigation and behind-the-scenes logistics. Identification Everyone 18 and older must keep a valid federal or state ID on them at all times. Those who do not have an ID can use one of the following: Employment Authorization Documents (Form 1-766) Permanent Resident Cards, aka Green Cards (Form 1-551) Foreign passport bearing an unexpired immigrant or non-immigrant visa or entry stamp and arrival-departure records (Form I-94, Form I-94W or DoD issued CAC w/ Blue Stripe. You are not required to present your ID for base access on the day of the Expo, but you may be asked for it at any time while attending, so keep it readily available. Prohibited Items Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, pocket tools, scissors, box cutters, billy clubs, large heavy chain link jewelry or belts, mace and pepper spray Firearms of any kind Toys that resemble firearms, including laser pointers Illegal drugs Marijuana Alcohol Backpacks (diaper bags are subject to search) Bikes, skateboards, rollerblades Walkie-talkies, HAM radios, scanners RC aircraft and drones Flammable items and fireworks Pets (except for service animals) Spray paint and silly string Outside food, coolers, grills or glass containers Glass bottles Liquid without factory seal intact (baby bottles are exempt) All vehicles are subject to search. Banned items will be confiscated and/or cause visitors to be turned away at the gate. For more information, tickets, volunteer signups and more, visit
