Photo caption: A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, staged on the flight deck for fast-rope training aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Bismarck Sea. USS America was built by HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division and delivered to the U.S. Navy in April 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)

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June 20, 2025

HII’s Weekly News Digest is compiled every Friday by the Corporate Communications team to summarize and highlight news stories of significance to the company.

U.S. Shifts Military Assets To Middle East: The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the U.S. is moving a bevy of aircraft carriers, jets and tankers to the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks. USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is heading west from the Indo-Pacific region toward the Middle East to eventually take over for USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Politico reported on Tuesday that USS Nimitz could arrive in the Middle East this week. Navy Times reported on Tuesday that the Carl Vinson Strike Group is seven months into its deployment and ready to rotate out. Last week, the Pentagon ordered two destroyers in the Mediterranean to move closer to Israel to assist in protecting U.S. assets in the region. Israel also has used American air defenses to knock down Iranian drones and missiles targeting Israeli civilian infrastructure. The New York Times reported on Tuesday that the U.S. has also sent about three dozen refueling aircraft to Europe that could be used to assist fighter jets protecting American bases or that would be used to extend the range of bombers involved in any possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, Stars and Stripes reported on Wednesday that aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is slated to deploy next week to the 6th Fleet area of operations – which includes the waters surrounding Europe and Africa — moving a third carrier strike group closer to the conflict. Meantime Axios reported President Trump will make a decision “within two weeks” on whether to join Israel’s war against Iran to eliminate its nuclear program, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.

Caudle Nominated For Chief Naval Officer Post: Breaking Defense reported on Wednesday that The White House is nominating Adm. Daryl Caudle to be the U.S. Navy’s 34th chief of naval operations. Caudle is a career submariner and current commander of U.S. Fleet Forces. Caudle previously served as commander of submarine forces, deputy commander of US 6th Fleet as well as vice director for strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Staff. The CNO position has been open since late February, following the removal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Meanwhile, Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney has been nominated as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mahoney, a career Marine aviator, is currently the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. He previously served as the deputy Marine Corps commandant for programs and resources at the Pentagon. Mahoney would replace Adm. Chris Grady, who is due to complete his term as the vice chair later this year.

BAE Ordered To Improve Fire Safety After Nuclear Submarine Yard Incident: The BBC reported on Tuesday that the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation has issued a formal enforcement notice to BAE Systems following a fire last fall at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard, where the nation builds nuclear submarines. Five workers entered the site while the fire was still active on Oct. 30, 2024. Two were hospitalized but released the same day and no nuclear risk was reported. Energy Live News reported investigators found major flaws in BAE’s emergency procedures, including a lack of clear guidance for employees during fire events and poor controls to prevent access to dangerous areas. ONR has given BAE until Sept. 12 to demonstrate improved emergency arrangements. While no fines were issued, regulators made clear that safety failings in nuclear defense facilities will not be overlooked. BAE told BBC it is reviewing the finding with “utmost seriousness” and is working to implement the necessary changes.

U.S. Defense Firms Chase European Spending Surge: Reuters reported on Wednesday that U.S. defense companies are capitalizing on a surge in European military spending. While Europe aims for greater self-sufficiency, it remains heavily reliant on U.S. manufacturers for key military equipment. The Paris Air Show this week has taken on more of a defense-centric tone than in previous years. U.S. drone-maker Anduril and German defense giant Rheinmetall said on Wednesday they will partner to build military drones for European markets. Raytheon also plans to begin building a lightweight air defense missile in Europe. Business Insider reported on Tuesday that Boeing expects to significantly expand its operations in Europe. Politico reported on Thursday that the European Council will call for the bloc to increase defense spending to 5% of each nation’s gross domestic product during a summit next Thursday. Axios reported on Wednesday that while Europe seems to be on board with increasing spending, building a workforce that can design and build the tools necessary to rearm Europe are a significant challenge. The continent’s leaders also agree that they must create a plan that balances national sovereignty with a unified approach to deter Russian westward expansion.

HII’s Weekly News Digest is produced by HII’s Corporate Communications team and posted to Homeport every Friday.

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