Just wanted to put in a good word for the Navy League’s 2024 Almanac. This annual, expanded, special edition of Sea Power alone may be sufficient reason to join the Navy League.

Despite their name, the Navy League is a vital supporter of the Coast Guard and US Merchant Marine and the entire maritime industry.

The almanac includes 189 pages of information about US Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, NOAA, MARAD, and Maritime Sealift Command ships, aircraft, weapons, C4ISR systems, and leadership personnel. It even includes addresses, telephone numbers, and websites.

Members of the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) law enforcement boarding team inspect a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Nov. 20, 2023. The interdiction of the SPSS yielded more than 5,500 pounds of cocaine. In November 2023, Waesche crewmembers seized approximately 18,219 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated street value of over $239 million, during four separate suspected drug smuggling vessel interdictions or events off the coasts of Mexico and Central and South America. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Task and Purpose reports,

“Two Navy SEALs went missing during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure action near Somalia. Former SEALs say those VBSS missions were always among their most dangerous.”

Find it gratifying that Seals recognize the hazards of something the Coast Guard does routinely. Does seem they are more likely to do this in the dark.

This the latest in the series, “What’s Going on With Shipping?” The accompanying description is quoted below.

“In this episode, Sal Mercogliano – maritime historian at Campbell University (@campbelledu) and former merchant mariner – discusses the battle between the Houthi and US and Royal Navy forces of Operation Prosperity Guardian on Jan 9, 2024. A first-hand report of the battle, the role of an Iranian spy ship, and how China is promoting their flag as a defense.”

There is some very interesting discussion here regarding lack of communications between the merchant ships and the navy vessels, US and British.

GULF OF OMAN (Jan. 5, 2024) U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145) seizes bags of illegal narcotics from a vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Jan. 5. Emlen Tunnell was operating under Combined Task Force 150, one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. CTF 150 focuses on maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf. (Photo by U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)

Below is a news release from Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs.

Below is a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) news release, in English and French, reporting a contract for eleven MQ-9B UAS and associated support. The SkyGuardian MQ-9B is not quite the same as the SeaGuardian MQ-9B that is being widely used for maritime reconnaissance. SkyGuardian has systems to allow it to sense and avoid air traffic in the national air space. It is not clear at this point if the two payload packages are compatible and that a SeaGuardian with sense and avoid is also possible.

It is also not clear that the FAA is ready to permit operation of this system in US airspace, though acceptance by European and Canadian authorities argues strongly in favor.

Canadian Government announcement here.

SAN DIEGO – 19 December 2023 – The Government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The order includes the associated Certified Ground Control Stations and support equipment from GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028.

The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.

“Canada’s vast territory and complex terrains, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution that can endure long periods on station, fly in harsh weather environments, and safely operate in all airspaces,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B SkyGuardian delivers those critical capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are honored by this opportunity to become a key partner to Canada for the very long term in delivering these no-fail defence and security outcomes.”

Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian businesses – including CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies – that are working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies.

GA-ASI has had a long, successful, and proud history with Canadian industry that continues to grow. Nearly every system that GA-ASI has delivered throughout its more than 30-year history has contained some level of Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion equipment, and training/simulation systems and services. CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI are committed to delivering the world’s premier RPAS capability to Canada while creating domestic economic benefits and work opportunities.

MQ-9B is the next generation of RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI developed Detect and Avoid system. First customer deliveries of MQ-9B began in 2022 to the U.K. Royal Air Force, and contracts have been signed with Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, in support of Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

“We look forward to working with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to deliver our industry leading RPAS for Canada’s dynamic mission requirements. GA-ASI is the world leader in reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable remotely piloted aircraft systems. These aircraft perform advanced interoperable and systems-of-systems operations for our valued customers around the world – all at a fraction of the carbon footprint impact as traditional manned systems performing similar missions,” added Blue.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator^® RPA series and the Lynx^® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Le Gouvernement Du Canada Commande Le SATP GA-ASI SkyGuardian MQ-9B

SAN DIEGO – Le 19 décembre 2023 – Le gouvernement du Canada a signé un contrat pour l’achat d’une flotte de systèmes d’aéronefs télépilotés (SATP) MQ-9B SkyGuardian^® auprès de General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). La commande comprend les stations de contrôle au sol certifiées et l’équipement de soutien de GA-ASI. La première livraison est prévue en 2028.

Le SATP SkyGuardian est interopérable pour les missions nationales du Canada et ses missions de défense continentale de NORAD, ainsi qu’avec les alliés les plus proches du Canada, notamment l’Alliance du Groupe des cinq (Five Eyes Alliance, FVEY) et l’OTAN, afin de permettre une intégration sans faille avec les ressources canadiennes actuelles et futures en matière de défense, d’aviation civile et d’opérations terrestres.

« En raison de l’immensité du territoire canadien et de la complexité des terrains, y compris dans l’Arctique, le Canada a besoin d’une solution SATP multimission efficace en termes de couts, capable de rester longtemps en station, de voler dans des conditions météorologiques exigeantes et de fonctionner en toute sécurité dans tous les espaces aériens », a déclaré Linden Blue, président-directeur général de GA-ASI. « Le MQ-9B SkyGuardian possède toutes ces capacités essentielles. GA-ASI et l’équipe SkyGuardian Canada sont honorés de l’occasion qui leur est donnée de devenir un partenaire clé du Canada à très long terme pour atteindre ces résultats sans faille en matière de défense et de sécurité. »

L’équipe SkyGuardian Canada est une coalition d’entreprises canadiennes de premier plan, dont CAE, MDA Ltd. et L3Harris Technologies. Celles-ci collaborent avec GA-ASI au développement, à la livraison et au maintien en service du MQ-9B. Les investissements du Canada dans le projet de SATP et l’équipe SkyGuardian Canada reflètent directement l’intérêt national du Canada à poursuivre les technologies de pointe de SATP.

GA-ASI est fière d’entretenir avec l’industrie canadienne une longue et fructueuse histoire qui ne cesse de s’enrichir. Presque tous les systèmes livrés par GA-ASI au cours de ses plus de 30 ans d’existence ont comporté un certain niveau de contenu canadien, notamment des capteurs, des équipements de propulsion et des systèmes et services de formation et de simulation. CAE, MDA Ltd, L3Harris, et GA-ASI se sont engagés à fournir au Canada la capacité de SATP chef de file au monde, tout en suscitant des retombées économiques et des possibilités d’emploi au pays.

Le MQ-9B est la nouvelle génération de SATP offrant une endurance et un rayon d’action exceptionnellement long, un décollage et un atterrissage automatiques sous contrôle SATCOM uniquement, et il sera capable de fonctionner dans l’espace aérien général à l’aide du système de détection et d’évitement conçu par GA-ASI. Les premières livraisons de MQ-9B ont commencé en 2022 pour la Royal Air Force du Royaume-Uni, et des contrats ont été signés avec la Belgique et l’armée de l’air des États-Unis pour soutenir le commandement des opérations spéciales. La Garde côtière du Japon utilise actuellement le MQ-9B pour ses opérations maritimes. La Force maritime d’autodéfense japonaise (JMSDF) l’a également sélectionné pour son projet d’essai de SATP à moyenne altitude et longue endurance (MALE). Le MQ-9B a également été utilisé cette année dans le cadre de divers exercices de la marine des États-Unis, notamment pour les opérations Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem et Group Sail.

« Nous sommes fébriles de travailler avec nos partenaires de l’équipe SkyGuardian Canada afin de fournir nos SATP de pointe pour répondre aux exigences des missions dynamiques du Canada. GA-ASI est le chef de file mondial des systèmes d’aéronefs télépilotés fiables, rentables et durables. Ces aéronefs assurent des opérations interopérables et des solutions « systèmes de systèmes » avancées pour nos précieux clients dans le monde entier, tout cela avec une fraction de l’empreinte carbone des systèmes classiques pilotés effectuant des missions similaires », a ajouté M. Blue.

À propos de GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), une filiale de General Atomics, est un concepteur et un fabricant de premier plan de systèmes d’aéronefs télépilotés (ATP), de radars, de systèmes électro-optiques et de systèmes de mission connexes fiables et éprouvés, notamment la série d’ATP Predator^® et le radar multimode Lynx^®. Avec plus de huit millions d’heures de vol, GA-ASI fournit des aéronefs de longue durée, aptes aux missions, dotés de capteurs intégrés et de systèmes de liaison de données nécessaires pour assurer une connaissance permanente de la situation. L’entreprise produit également divers logiciels de contrôle de capteurs et d’analyse d’images, propose des services de formation et de soutien aux pilotes et développe des antennes en méta-matériaux.

Avenger, Lynx, Predator et SkyGuardian dont des marques déposées de General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

The report shows 31% of the commissioned (USS) ships are deployed. 20.6% of the “Battle Force” ships (USS & USNS) are underway.

The post includes information about PATFORSWA drug seizures, 24, 26, and 28 December and notes that USCGC Polar Star arrived at McMurdo Station in time to celebrate the new year. It also included a video of the ship breaking ice.

Japan Coast Guard DASH-8-315

A fatal runway collision between a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 and Japan Coast Guard aircraft is being widely reported.

The Japan Coast Guard Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft was heading to western Japan to deliver aid to those caught up in the New Year’s Day earthquake that has killed at least 48 people.

The airliner landed on a runway the JCG aircraft was using as it prepared to take off.

All aboard the JAL aircraft were successfully evacuated. The five of the six crewmembers of the JCG aircraft were killed. One is seriously injured.

The US Naval Institute News Service lists their five top Coast Guard stories for 2023.

• “Doing Less with Less” –closures and decommissionings
• “Argus Among Us” –christening and launch of the first OPC
• “Polar Security Cutter Delayed” –now three years behind schedule
• “The Search for Titan” –search for the civilian deep diving submersible
• “Operation Fouled Anchor” –handling of report on response to sexual assault allegations at the Coast Guard Academy, 1988 to 2006