After several years without a consistent US aircraft carrier presence in the Persian Gulf, the Navy has re-established itself in the region in a clear message to Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln's mission comes in response to hostile signs from Tehran after the US imposed sanctions on buyers of Iranian crude oil.

The Navy's 2nd Fleet is leading this year's 18-nation Baltic Operations 2019 exercise currently underway in the Baltic Sea. NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said the 47th year of the BALTOPS exercise "is not directed against anyone" in particular, but noted that regional security has declined since Russia's annexation of Crimea.

General Dynamics Land will produce two MK46 modification 2 gun weapons systems for littoral combat ships and San Antonio-class landing platform dock ships under a new $25.6 million contract. The systems, as well as spare parts, will go aboard the future Robert M. McCool Jr. and the planned LPD-30.

Bath Iron Works will be providing lead yard services for the Navy's DDG 51-class destroyers under a $61.6 million contract modification. Work will include engineering support and configuration, baseline upgrades and support for new technology, as well as acceptance trials.

A House Armed Services subcommittee is pressing the Pentagon to prioritize energy efficiency by, among other measures, taking another Navy look at hybrid electric drive systems for Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. "The committee understands that hybrid electric drive propulsion systems operate with greater efficiency and facilitate greater range and on-station time," the committee mark on the subject states.

The Navy has scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday in Newport News, Va., as it considers options for disposing of the former USS Enterprise, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Navy is considering four options and aiming to make a decision by late 2022.

The Navy continues to prioritize interoperability with other services even as that mission must accommodate a lengthy timetable for new ships, says Rear Adm. Steven Parode, director, Warfare Integration Directorate. "In the long run, it's about creating a force that can operate at all levels of connectivity and all levels of dependency with regard to both national and joint capability and capacity," he says.

In a first for the Navy, a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named after a Coast Guard member. Quentin Walsh earned the Navy Cross for his World War II service and was lauded by Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer for his leadership during efforts to secure the French port of Cherbourg.

Don't miss this opportunity to participate in International Naval Design Standards and/or Dive into Data, June 18 at the FHI 360 Conference Center in conjunction with Technology, Systems and Ships. A separate registration fee applies. For more information visit http://www.navalengineers.org/Symposia/Technology-Systems-and-Ships-2019.

Technology, Systems and Ships, taking place June 18-20 at the FHI 360 Conference Center in Washington, D.C., is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Keynote addresses will be given by: RADM William Galinis, RADM Lorin Selby, Dr. Eric Labs, Mr. Ronald O'Rourke, Admiral John Richardson and VADM Thomas Moore. This prestigious group of leaders, from the naval engineering community, are the best of the best. You do not want to miss this opportunity to hear them speak! Visit the TSS webpage for the full agenda and more program details. You can still register to attend.