On June 23, 2020, while peacefully operating in the Caribbean Sea, USS Nitze conducted a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP), contesting an excessive maritime claim by Venezuela.
According to pictures released on social media, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)’s Final Aegis destroyer, JS Haguro, left Yokohama on June 23 to start its initial sea trials.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) strike groups commenced dual carrier flight operations in the Philippine Sea, June 21.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) started on May 29 the competitive bidding process for the next generation destroyer of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy known as “Korea Next-Generation Destroyer” or KDDX.
The Commonwealth of Australia, represented by the Department of Defence, has signed a Strategic Agreement with Navantia Australia, recognising Navantia as a Design Authority for four classes of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense completed comprehensive near-field range testing on the first AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar array, signaling its readiness to be wrapped, packed and shipped to the U.S. Navy’s future USS Jack H. Lucas, DDG-125.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has approved the development of a new close in weapon system for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. Known as the CIWS-II program, the new system will defend ROK Navy surface vessels against anti-ship missiles and fast attack craft.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) announced that it has delivered the Philippine Navy’s latest frigate, BRP Jose Rizal. The ship set sail to Subic port in the Philippines on May 18 for its official commissioning.
Sailors aboard USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), working with engineers and technicians from Navy Surface Warfare Centers, successfully executed a “structural test fire” of the Mark 46 MOD 2 Gun Weapon System (GWS) on the Naval Air Weapons Center Weapons Division Sea Test Range, Point Mugu, May 16.
Tension are deescalating in mid-May 2020 in the South China Sea with the withdraw of Chinese and Malaysian ships over a maritime dispute regarding oceanic mineral and oil reserves claimed by Malaysia, China, and Vietnam. The U.S. Navy responded by sending warships in late April: the USS America (LHA-6) and its escorts USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) and USS Barry (DDG-52).
