A female US Navy pilot made history by becoming the first American woman aviator to score an air-to-air kill during combat operations, according to a Navy press release. The milestone occurred as part of ongoing US efforts to counter Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea region.

The F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot, whose name was not disclosed, is part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, known as the "Fighting Swordsmen." The squadron is currently deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which has been operating in the area since October.

According to Business Insider, the pilot successfully took down a Houthi "air-to-air contact" during operations. The Navy did not provide specific details about the weapon used or the exact nature of the target.

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A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier group became the 1st American female to engage and kill an air-to-air contact in history - downing a Houthi drone over the Red Sea.

IKE has returned to port safely. pic.twitter.com/UfgYjEL51X

— Ron M. (@Jewtastic) July 21, 2024

 The Virginia-based VFA 32 squadron has been at the forefront of these operations. Navy officials reported that the squadron has flown over 3,000 combat hours, completed nearly 1,500 combat missions, and fired more than 20 air-to-air missiles against Houthi attack drones during its deployment.

Commander Carl Ellsworth, speaking about the deployment, said, "I can't remember the last time the Navy had a more challenging deployment with a combination of multiple extensions, severely limited opportunities for R&R, and true combat." He added, "Not just for aviators, but the crew of the whole strike group as well, in the most kinetic action at sea since World War II. Words can't do justice to how proud I am of this 'Zapper' Team."

The historic air-to-air kill wasn't the only milestone achieved during recent operations. An E/A-18G Growler squadron, also stationed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, became "the first Growler squadron in Navy history to score an air-to-air kill," according to another Navy press release.

These achievements underscore the intensity of the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea. US involvement in the region began as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational effort aimed at protecting commercial shipping from Houthi attacks. The rebels have employed various tactics, including aerial drones, drone boats, and missiles, to target ships navigating the vital waterway.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet, described by manufacturer Boeing as "the backbone" of the Navy carrier air wing, has played a crucial role in these operations. The aircraft can be equipped with various weapons systems, including an M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon and several types of air-to-air missiles.

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In a significant development for naval technology, what appears to be the US military's new submarine drone, known as the Manta Ray, has been spotted on Google Maps at California's Port Hueneme naval base. This sighting, reported by USA Today, offers a rare glimpse into the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) cutting-edge unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) program.

Top-secret US underwater drone "Manta Ray" spotted on Google Maps.

Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/F9Mll7cIvX

— AF Post (@AFpost) June 25, 2024

 The Manta Ray, shaped like its namesake sea creature, is part of DARPA's initiative to create a new class of long-duration, long-range UUVs capable of persistent operations in dynamic maritime environments. Designed by aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman, this extra-large UUV can glide through water without human occupants.

USA Today reports that the prototype's visibility on Google's geographical service has sparked online discussions. The image shows an object with a distinctive manta ray shape situated between two vessels at the Ventura County naval base. DARPA has not responded to requests for confirmation of the sighting.

Government Creates "Top Secret" Submarine Prototype Called The "Manta Ray" - Google Maps User Immediately Spots It Docked In California https://t.co/AY0VfLfjTH pic.twitter.com/3wDADtN1Th

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 26, 2024

 Earlier this year, the Manta Ray successfully completed full-scale testing off the Southern California coast. Northrop Grumman shared images of the prototype partially submerged during these trials. Kyle Woerner, DARPA's program manager, stated, "Our successful, full-scale Manta Ray testing validates the vehicle's readiness to advance toward real-world operations after being rapidly assembled in the field from modular subsections."

The tests, conducted between February and March, evaluated the vehicle's propulsion and steering capabilities, including its propellers and control surfaces. This achievement marks a significant step towards the operational deployment of the technology.

One of the Manta Ray's notable features is its modular design. Built in Maryland and shipped to California in sections, the prototype demonstrates the potential for global rapid deployment without overwhelming naval facilities. "Shipping the vehicle directly to its intended area of operation conserves energy that the vehicle would otherwise expend during transit," Woerner explained to USA Today.

DARPA is also collaborating with Honolulu-based PacMar Technologies on a parallel Manta Ray project. PacMar's version, described as part of a "new class of long-duration, long-range autonomous underwater vehicle," is scheduled for further low-power and high-efficiency underwater testing in 2024.

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The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of the oldest aircraft carriers in the US Navy's fleet, continues its operations in the Red Sea, undeterred by the repeated false claims of Yemen's Houthi rebels that they have hit or even sunk the vessel.

According to The Associated Press, the Houthis and online accounts supporting them have repeatedly alleged striking or sinking the carrier as it leads the US response to the rebels' ongoing attacks targeting commercial vessels and warships in the crucial Red Sea waterway.

"I think it's been about two or three times in the past six months we've allegedly been sunk, which we have not been," Captain Christopher "Chowdah" Hill, the carrier's commanding officer, told AP during a recent visit to the ship. "It is almost comical at this point. They're attempting to maybe inspire themselves through misinformation, but it doesn't work on us."

In an effort to counter the Houthi claims, the Navy has allowed journalists to visit the Eisenhower and witness its operations firsthand. During their stay, the journalists explored the nuclear-powered ship's 1,092-foot (332-meter) length and observed its flight deck operations, with no visible signs of damage or distress.

Benvenuto! #MightyIKE sails with the @ItalianNavy ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) during a transit in the Atlantic Ocean while participating in composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). #WeLikeIKE #GreaterEachDay pic.twitter.com/aSKzo36o9X

— USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) (@TheCVN69) July 9, 2023

"Other than rust on its side from the hot, humid Red Sea air and water apparently leaking from a pipe in a dining room, the ship appeared no worse for wear," AP reported. "Its flight deck bore no blast damage or gaping holes, just the stink of jet fuel, pooled puddles of oily water, and the scream of engines before its F/A-18 fighter jets took flight."

In addition to allowing media access, Hill has been actively engaging in an information warfare campaign of his own through social media. "The whole intent of the social media outreach was to connect with families, to bring them closer to the ship. So if I can post pictures of sons and daughters, husbands and wives out here, or even fathers and mothers, get it out there, it just kind of brings the family closer to us. And again, that's our support network. But it also took on another role because everyone else was watching to see what we're doing."

"We're going to celebrate 'Taco Tuesdays' because it's my absolute favorite day of the week. That will never end," the captain said. "If you call that an information warfare campaign, you can. It's just who I am, you know, at the end of the day." Hill's social media posts also often feature lighthearted content, such as images of the ship's support animal, a Labrador-golden retriever mix named Captain Demo.

Woof woof! Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there from your favorite furry friend, Capt. Demo! Today, I want to give a special shoutout to all the #MightyIKE dads who work hard to keep everyone smiling. You make every day paws-itively awesome. pic.twitter.com/RU63S0tLtR

— USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) (@TheCVN69) June 16, 2024

 Despite the Houthis' efforts to undermine morale, Lt. Joseph Hirl from Raleigh, North Carolina, expressed the seriousness with which the crew takes the combat situation, wearing a patch reading: "Go Navy, Beat Houthis."

The prolonged deployment, which has already been extended twice, and concerns over munitions availability remain challenges for the Eisenhower and its crew. However, Captain David Wroe, the commodore overseeing the guided missile destroyers escorting the carrier, acknowledged the need to use appropriate weapons against the Houthis' asymmetrical warfare tactics.

As the Eisenhower continues its patrol alongside the USS Philippine Sea, a cruiser, and two destroyers, Hill remains confident in his crew's readiness and his leadership approach. "I came to a realization at some point in my career that, one of the things that all humans require is to be loved and valued. So I shouldn't be afraid, as a leader, to try to love and value everybody," he said.

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The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday that Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the US Naval Forces under Central Command, the Fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, completed his most recent visit to Israel.

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"[It] was the third visit of the commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command to Israel in the last six months, reflecting the close cooperation between the US and Israeli navies," stated the IDF. "The visit demonstrates the importance of the strategic and operational connection between the fleets."

During the trip, Cooper met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, as well as the commander of the Israeli Navy, Vice Adm. David Saar Salama.

The IDF reported that "the commanders talked about promoting international cooperation and strengthening ties in order to continue protecting and monitoring international waters, vital to international trade and regional stability in the Middle East."

Cooper also met with the IDF's head of the Strategic Planning and Cooperation Directorate, Maj. Gen. Tal Kelman.

"The visit strengthened the dialogue between the fleets regarding joint activities," stated the IDF, adding that Cooper "was briefed on the challenges in the southern maritime arena and the economic waters including Israel's offshore assets by the commander of the Southern Maritime Arena, Capt. Eli Soholitzky."

In a statement, Kochavi said: "Maritime cooperation between the IDF and the US military is another example of the strength of the strategic relationship between the two militaries. The joint work with the US military will continue to yield many achievements for Israel and our security. Together, we will continue to face the challenges ahead in order to maintain stability in the Middle East."

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Cooper said the "visit reflects our strong commitment to the enduring strategic relationship fostered over decades. Our bilateral maritime partnership is built on trust and shared interests in maintaining security and stability in the surrounding seas. I believe exciting opportunities lie ahead as we strengthen and expand our naval cooperation throughout the region."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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Iran's state TV reported Thursday that speedboats belonging to the country's Revolutionary Guard have intercepted US vessels in the Persian Gulf. A US Navy spokesman said he was not aware of any such encounter at sea over the past days.

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The region remains on edge over Iran's escalating nuclear program. Talks in Vienna to revive Tehran's now-tattered 2015 accord with world powers have stalled since June, with no date set for their resumption.

Thursday's Iranian report aired footage that the TV said was filmed from one of the Guard speedboats. It shows at least one vessel with the US flag and personnel on board as at least two speedboats appear to be chasing it. Other non-Iranian vessels in the video were not identifiable, however.

A voice is heard in the footage, saying in Farsi: "Keep chasing them." The report did not say when the encounter took place.

Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the US Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, said he was not aware of any sort of unsafe interaction with Iran in the last two days.

The report is the first such report in recent months.

In May, the Guard rejected the US Navy's claim that fast-approaching Iranian speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz sparked a tense encounter a day after the US said the Revolutionary Guard sent 13 armed speedboats too close to US Navy vessels in the Strait.

The United States at the time said a Coast Guard cutter fired warning shots when two of the Iranian boats came dangerously close.

The 2015 nuclear deal saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. In 2018, under then-US President Donald Trump, the US withdrew from the accord.

With the talks in Vienna now stalled, Iran has breached limits set by the accord and is enriching uranium to its closest-ever levels to weapons-grade purity as its stockpile continues to grow.

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Israeli defense company Smart Shooter, which develops fire-control systems designed to significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms, announced on Monday that it signed a contract with the US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory for the purchase of several Smash 2000 systems for test and evaluation.

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The agreement was signed with the Laboratory's Rapid Capabilities Office, according to the statement.

Smash 2000 is designed to ensure that each round finds its target, in both day and night conditions, according to the company's website. Its systems are external add-on solutions that can be integrated into any type of military rifle.

"Once the user identifies the target (independently or using the detection system guidance) and locks on it, Smash tracks its movements and synchronizes the shot release to assure a fast and precise hit on the target," said the company.

The IDF employed this technology in recent years to allow soldiers to shoot down drones and incendiary devices deployed over the border by terrorists in Gaza.

"The company has also signed a cooperative research and development agreement with US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. Under this agreement, the US Navy will evaluate the use of Smash technology on ships and vessels for counter-UAS [Unmanned Aerial Systems] purposes," said the statement.

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"This collaboration aims to perform joint integration and evaluation of Smart Shooter's technology with weapons and ammunition currently supporting the US Navy's mission. With an increased hit probability for small unmanned aerial systems and increased engagement range, [the] technology has demonstrated the potential to increase the Navy's ability to engage small unmanned aerial systems at the individual level, using existing weapons and ammunition in inventory," it added.

CEO Michal Mor said the company plans to present its technology at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition in Washington on Oct. 11-13.

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.

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An American warship fired warning shots when vessels of Iran's paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps came too close to a patrol in the Persian Gulf, the US Navy said Wednesday.

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The Navy released black-and-white footage of the encounter Monday night in international waters of the northern reaches of the Persian Gulf. In it, lights can be seen in the distance and what appears to be a single gunshot can be heard, with a tracer round racing across the top of the water.

Iran did not immediately acknowledge the incident.

The Navy said the USS Firebolt fired the warning shots after three fast-attack IRGC vessels came within 68 yards of it and the US Coast Guard patrol boat USCGC Baranoff.

"The US crews issued multiple warnings via bridge-to-bridge radio and loud-hailer devices, but the [IRGC] vessels continued their close-range maneuvers," said Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich, a spokeswoman for the Mideast-based 5th Fleet. "The crew of Firebolt then fired warning shots, and the [IRGC] vessels moved away to a safe distance from the US vessels."

She called on the IRGC to "operate with due regard for the safety of all vessels as required by international law."

"US naval forces continue to remain vigilant and are trained to act in a professional manner, while our commanding officers retain the inherent right to act in self-defense," she said.

The incident Monday marked the second time the Navy accused the IRGC of operating in an "unsafe and unprofessional" manner this month alone after tense encounters between the forces had dropped in recent years.

Footage released Tuesday by the US Navy showed an incident that occurred on April 2 of a ship commanded by the IRGC cut in front of the USCGC Monomoy, causing the Coast Guard vessel to come to an abrupt stop with its engine smoking.

The IRGC also did the same with another Coast Guard vessel, the USCGC Wrangell, Rebarich said. Such close passes risk collisions.

The interaction marked the first "unsafe and unprofessional" incident involving the Iranians since April 15, 2020, Rebarich said. However, Iran had largely stopped such incidents in 2018 and nearly in the entirety of 2019, she said.

In 2017, the Navy recorded 14 instances of what it describes as "unsafe and or unprofessional" interactions with Iranians forces. It recorded 35 in 2016, and 23 in 2015.

The incidents at sea almost always involve the IRGC, which reports only to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Typically, they involve Iranian speedboats armed with deck-mounted machine guns and rocket launchers test-firing weapons or shadowing American aircraft carriers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil passes.

The incident comes as Iran negotiates with world powers in Vienna over Tehran and Washington returning to the 2015 nuclear deal. It also follows a series of incidents across the Mideast attributed to a shadow war between Iran and Israel, which includes attacks on regional shipping and sabotage at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility.

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Iran fired cruise missiles Thursday as part of a naval drill in the Gulf of Oman, state media reported, under surveillance of what appeared to be a US nuclear submarine dispatched to the region amid heightened tensions between the countries.

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Helicopter footage of the exercise released by Iran's navy showed what resembled an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, the USS Georgia, which the US Navy last month said had been sent to the Persian Gulf – a rare announcement aimed at underscoring American military might in the region.

Iran's navy did not identify the submarine but warned the boat to steer clear of the area, where missiles were being launched from land units and ships in the gulf and the northern part of the Indian Ocean. When asked for comment on the reported submarine sighting, Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich, a spokeswoman for the US Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, responded: "We don't talk about submarine operations."

Footage of the reported "foreign submarine" that entered the #Iran|ian Navy's exercise area earlier today.

Cc @CovertShores and other sub folks. pic.twitter.com/167H8r7ap4

— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 14, 2021

Later Thursday, Iran's state-run media claimed that a "foreign" vessel had "intended to approach the naval drill" and departed soon after the Iranian Navy's warning, without elaborating.

The two-day drill began on Wednesday with the unveiling of the largest vessel in the Iranian Navy, the latest in a series of Iranian military exercises during the waning days of the administration of US President Donald Trump. Over the weekend, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held a naval parade in the Persian Gulf shortly after seizing a South Korean tanker in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Last week, Iran deployed unmanned aircraft to stage a large-scale drone maneuver across half the country.

Iran's state TV broadcast footage of the missile launches on Thursday but didn't provide their range or other details. In July, Iran said it test-fired cruise missiles with a range of some 280 kilometers (some 275 miles).

"Enemies should know that any violation and invasion of Iranian marine borders will be targeted by the cruise missiles from both coast and sea," said Adm. Hamzeh Ali Kaviani, the spokesman for Thursdays' exercise.

Tensions are rising as Iran ramps up pressure on the West over the Trump administration's sanctions campaign against the Islamic republic.

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An American nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine traversed the strategically vital waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula on Monday, the US Navy said, a rare announcement that comes amid rising tensions with Iran.

The Navy's 5th Fleet based in Bahrain said the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia, accompanied by two other warships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passageway through which a fifth of the world's oil supplies travels.

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The unusual transit in the Persian Gulf's shallow waters, aimed at underscoring American military might in the region, follows the killing last month of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic's disbanded military nuclear program. It also comes some two weeks before the anniversary of the American drone strike in January that killed top Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran has promised to seek revenge for both killings.

The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine's presence in Middle East waterways signals the US Navy's "commitment to regional partners and maritime security," the Navy said, demonstrating its readiness "to defend against any threat at any time." The USS Georgia is armed with 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and can host up to 66 special operations forces, the Navy added.

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The repairs will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas and Talladega, Alabama, and the contract will be in effect until October 2025.

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