Audit: 41 Navy Subs Lacked Cybersecurity Inspections
A Naval Audit Service report finds that many submarines of Naval Submarine Force Pacific did not receive the required cybersecurity inspections in recent years. Inspections of 41 submarines and two tenders were not conducted as required from 2016 to 2018, and the Navy Fleet Cyber Command failed to document the reasons why the inspections didn’t take place.
Navy Undersecretary Geurts to Retire
James “Hondo” Geurts, who has been acting as the undersecretary of the Navy since February, announced he will retire from government service later this month.
Navy Implements New Fire Safety Practices
VADM Roy Kitchener said he is encouraged by new fire safety protocols for ships undergoing maintenance in port. He said among the changes the Navy has invested in fire detection systems and added industrial-environment safety training at surface officer school.
Ramping Up US Presence in the Arctic
The US Coast Guard wants to expand its base in Seattle, as it expects to have a bigger role in the coming years as the US ramps up its presence in the Arctic region. Some of the work is already in progress — including building a fleet of at least three heavy icebreakers.
Bill Aims to Avert Government Shutdown
House Democrats introduced legislation Monday that would keep the government running through December 11. Senate Republicans have said they will oppose the spending bill.
DoD Ups Estimates for Contractors’ COVID Relief
The Pentagon acquisition chief estimates $20 billion is needed to help the defense industry cover COVID-19 costs.
What Will Navy’s New Force Structure Plan Look Like?
Teams led by the US Navy’s chief of naval operations and the US Marine Corps’ commandant have been studying the services’ fleet size. The force structure plan, originally slated to be released in February, remains on track for the fall.
US Drones Collide and Crash in Syria
Two US drones collided and crashed over Idlib, Syria Tuesday. It is yet unknown if they were shot at afterward and whether that is what caused the crash. Images of burning aircraft crashing to the ground were posted on social media.
Bill Would Create Medal of Honor Monument
A bipartisan bill in the US Senate — the National Medal of Honor Monument Act — would create a monument to honor the more than 3,500 medal recipients who have performed extraordinary valor in combat.
Gilday Gets First-Hand Look at Ship’s Fire Damage
Chief of Naval Operations ADM Michael Gilday was in San Diego over the weekend to inspect the USS Bonhomme Richard and push for answers in the wake of the fire that gutted the ship. “The damage is extensive,” the admiral said at a news briefing after walking through the ship.
