Navalist, Former U.S. Marine. This page is a mash note to the USN/USMC team, with some love for friends and allies. Occasional budget hot takes included.
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ALT An F-35C Lightning II, from the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, taxis across the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 23, 2026. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is underway conducting routine training in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jaron Wills)
ALT An MH-60S Seahawk, attached to the “Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, flies over the flight deck as an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, attached to “The Force” of Air Test and Evaluation (VX) 20, prepares for launch from the flight deck of Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Oct. 28, 2026. John F. Kennedy is underway conducting Aircraft Compatibility Testing, which assesses the operational capabilities of the ship's aircraft launch and recovery equipment with U.S. Navy aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kaitlyn Bailey)
ALT U.S. Sailors depart an E-2D Hawkeye, attached to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 125, on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Oct. 29, 2026. George Washington is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
ALT An F-35C Lightning II attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Oct. 30, 2026. George Washington is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
ALT "An F-35C Lightning II, attached to the “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, launches from the flight deck of Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Oct. 23, 2026. John F. Kennedy is underway conducting Aircraft Compatibility Testing, which assesses the operational capabilities of the ship's launch and recover equipment with U.S. Navy aircraft." U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Gallagher
ALT KITTERY, Maine (Oct. 27, 2026) — The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) undocks at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, marking a major milestone in its scheduled maintenance and modernization availability. Completion of a submarine’s docking period is a critical first step in its return to the fleet and directly supports the Navy’s focus on combat-ready platforms, increasing operational availability and contributing to credible, sustained deterrence. As America’s leader in attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization, PNSY delivers the decisive edge required to master an era of evolving threats. It stands at the forefront of America's commitment to peace through strength, delivering combat-ready submarines that are lethal, resilient, and prepared to win. (U.S. Navy photo by Neil Boorjian)
ALT U.S. Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, conduct on-off drills on CH-53K King Stallions assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, near Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 22, 2026. The CH-53K provides 2nd MAW with increased heavy-lift capacity, extended range, and advanced avionics to support the Marine Air Ground Task Force and joint force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Paola Garcia Trinidad)
ALT BAE image from the Next Generation Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Launch System (NGELS) design contract award back in July of 2023.
ALT BAE render
ALT My photo of an ADL cutaway at the BAE booth during the Surface Navy Association 2023 conference.
ALT My photo of a Burke model with ADLs mounted in various positions. At the BAE booth during the Surface Navy Association 2023 conference.
ALT The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a flyover of the Republic of Korea Ship ROKS Hansando (ATH-81) after the ship morred at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's Allegheny Pier, Oct. 26. Hansando, and its embarked Cruise Task Training Group (CTTG) arrived onboard NAS Pensacola for a scheduled port visit, engaging in cultural exchange, sharing naval heritage and building connections between partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ian Cotter)
ALT GARDEN ISLAND, Australia (Oct. 27, 2026) – Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788) arrives at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia on Oct. 27, 2026, for a planned submarine maintenance period (SMP) supporting AUKUS, the trilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. During the SMP, more than 30 fully trained and certified Australian civilian technicians from ASC Pty Ltd. will perform routine maintenance on a Virginia-class submarine in Western Australia for the first time. The SMP, the third in the last 12 months, is an important step toward establishing Submarine Rotational Force - West. PHNSY & IMF’s mission is to keep the Navy’s fleet “Fit to Fight” by repairing, maintaining, and modernizing the Navy's fast-attack submarines and surface ships. U.S. Navy photo by Trice Denny
ALT An F/A-18 Super Hornet attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducts flight operations, Oct. 24, 2026. George Washington is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
ALT Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) pulls in to Commander, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan, Oct. 26, 2026. U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Caitlin Flynn)
ALT A Mk 45 5-inch gun is fired during a live-fire exercise aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Oct. 10, 2026. Rafael Peralta is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
ALT NAVAL STATION NORFOLK. Va. (Oct. 23, 2026) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) pulls into port during warship’s homecoming at Naval Station Norfolk. McFaul’s return concludes a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Pierce Luck)
ALT Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 19, 2026. Makin Island, flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group is underway with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Pheona David)
ALT U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jacob Decelles, an F-35B Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares to conduct a flight during Checkered Flag 27-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 19, 2026. Checkered Flag, one of the U.S. military's largest air-to-air exercises, integrates fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft to enhance our ability to generate combat power at scale through advanced mobility, deployment, and employment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Robinson)