U.S. Navy updates as of September 10, 2025:

Navy Welcomes 17th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, John Perryman

The U.S. Navy officially welcomed John Perryman as its 17th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON), the highest enlisted position. The ceremony held at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., recognized Perryman’s extensive leadership experience and his role representing enlisted personnel across the fleet to senior Navy leadership.

House Passes $893 Billion Defense Authorization Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $893 billion defense policy bill, encompassing large budget increases for personnel pay, benefits, and military end strength. The bill includes reforms aimed at accelerating the defense acquisition process, speeding the deployment of new Navy technologies and systems to maintain lethality and readiness, focusing on deterring peer adversaries.

Anduril Proposes Ghost Shark XLUUV to U.S. Navy

Defense contractor Anduril has pitched its Ghost Shark Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) to the U.S. Navy, offering expanded capabilities for underwater intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and mine countermeasures. This represents the Navy’s increasing reliance on autonomous maritime systems to enhance operational reach and effectiveness.

U.S. Navy Engages Aerospace Giants for Carrier-Based Loyal Wingman Drones

The Navy selected four aerospace companies to develop carrier-based “Loyal Wingman” drones designed to operate alongside manned aircraft on aircraft carriers. These drones aim to expand the Navy’s tactical capabilities with low-cost, networked unmanned systems supporting strike, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance roles.

Additional Developments

Navy is seeking a second shipyard to support its Landing Craft Utility program, expanding its capability to produce key vessels for amphibious and littoral operations.

Reports surfaced analyzing risks of past Navy SEAL missions and highlighting challenges in intelligence gathering in contested environments such as near North Korea.

Role of Private Security Companies in Combating Maritime Piracy

Private Security Companies (PSCs) play a crucial role in combating maritime piracy, especially in high-risk areas such as the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, and parts of the West African coast. The increase in piracy, particularly in the early 2000s, led to a higher demand for specialized security services.

Narco-Submarines: The Hidden Depths of Drug Trafficking

Narco-submarines, the clandestine vessels used by drug traffickers, represent one of the most sophisticated and elusive methods of smuggling drugs across international waters. These semi-submersible and fully submersible crafts are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of criminal organizations in circumventing law enforcement efforts. This article delves into the history, construction, operation, and interdiction of narco-submarines, highlighting their impact on global drug trafficking.

Winch

A winch is a mechanism used to reel in, to let out, or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope, wire, or cable. Boats and ships make use of multiple winches to handle halyards, sheets, as well as anchor or mooring lines. The basic mechanism consists…

Pipelines

Modern pipelines are installed with and other control devices (pumps and valves) to efficiently move liquids, gases, slurries (solid particulates in liquid suspension) and even solids. Pipelines usually consist of welded sections of metal pipe…