Four of 11 elevators on the USS Gerald R. Ford remain inoperable, but the aircraft carrier has emerged in good shape from its second shock test and is now ready to be part of a carrier strike group, officials say. "Based on Ford's performance during the independent steaming events and Full Ship Shock Trials, we'll be entering the integration period of the strike group and air wing with the utmost confidence in ship's force," says Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12.

A major naval exercise next year may see participation from one of the Navy's Zumwalt-class destroyers as the program is poised for a good deal more activity in 2022, according to Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander of Naval Surface Forces. Hypersonic missiles could come aboard the Zumwalt-class ships as early as 2025, Kitchener says.

Mine countermeasures are a "key priority" among the three mission packages for littoral combat ships, says Rear Adm. Casey Moton, program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants. Inconsistent funding from Congress as a result of disappointing test results has been a problem, but the most recent at-sea tests suggest some issues have been resolved, Moton said at a Baltimore conference held by the American Society of Naval Engineers.

At least one of two short-range ballistic missile targets was intercepted last week in a test firing of four SM-6 Dual II missiles in a Navy trial northwest of Hawaii, the Missile Defense Agency said. The destroyer USS Ralph Johnson fired the target missiles from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai.

VTG has won a prime, single-award contract from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division to install the directed energy weapon AN/SEQ-4 Optical Dazzler Interdictor, Navy on five Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. VTG installed the ODIN on two other destroyers last year.

The International Maritime Organization is pursuing two paths to zero emissions via electric power and alternative fuels, but the economic reality is that the use of oil is likely to persist longer than the IMO hopes, writes Robert Kunkel, president of Alternative Marine Technologies. The real key to progress, Kunkel says, is private investment, and minus that buy-in "you will see the application of carbon credits used to meet the 2050 goals."

The Pentagon's Strategic Capabilities Office is testing the potential of a future US Navy "ghost fleet" with two large vessels that can operate autonomously. The Navy's goal is to develop Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles to support guided-missile combatants.

Carlos Del Toro, President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Navy, has received approval by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The 22-year Navy veteran says that if confirmed, he will focus primarily on China and "moving our maritime strategy forward in order to protect Taiwan and all of our national security interests in the Indo-Pacific theater."

Calling all exhibitors: ASNE is bringing the corrosion community together in person at MegaRust this September 21-23rd in Hampton, VA! Looking to showcase your corrosion control products? Email glenn@ncpcoatings.com by Friday, August 6th to sign up for the Live Demo section on September 22nd. Due to the proximity of the Live Demo area to the parking lot and other businesses, spray applications will be limited to cartridge type sprayers, and live blasting will not be possible this year. But, don't let that deter you from further showcasing your company, equipment, and expertise in a hands-on setting with key decision makers and influencers in our industry. For more information on exhibitor opportunities, please visit our website.

ASNE is excited to bring Fleet Maintenance & Modernization Symposium (FMMS) back in person to San Diego October 17-19! Reconnect with your favorite fleet friends at the San Diego Convention Center where we will come together for three days packed with keynote speakers, Innovation Theatre talks, expert panels, technical papers, and an immersive exhibit hall!

As our largest in-person event, FMMS is the perfect place to highlight your company and products! Boost your brand and become an exhibitor or sponsor today! Visit our website for more information on registration and exhibitor/sponsorship opportunities.