The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
September 18, 2024
Fall Meeting 2024 – Transportation Academy Promotion
Get ready for the 2024 NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting experience, October 7-10, in the heart of St. Louis, at the charming St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Join a group of knowledgeable government and industry professionals who will lead several engaging fireside chats, all geared towards the 2024 theme, “Accelerating Decision Advantage Across Defense Transportation & Logistics.” These sessions promise unique educational and networking opportunities for your personal and professional growth, complete with a lively Q&A with expert facilitators and presenters. Hop on board and register today! […READ MORE…]
Boeing Workers Strike Will Hit Pentagon Programs
(DefenseOne.com) Boeing’s defense programs are caught in the crossfire after the company workers rejected a new labor contract and went on strike in the Pacific Northwest. Over 30,000 Boeing machinists have stopped working at the company’s aircraft-production facilities, which build the commercial-derived Air Force KC-46 tanker and Navy P-8 maritime aircraft. […READ MORE...]
Ukraine Says Russia Hit Grain Vessel Near NATO Member Romania
(Reuters.com) Ukraine accused Russia of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in a missile attack in Black Sea waters near NATO member Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt had been hit overnight by a Russian missile just after it left Ukrainian territorial waters. There were no casualties, he said. […READ MORE…]
Your Source
Air Force Activates First Air Task Force at Scott AFB
The 12th Air Task Force, the first ATF under the new Air Force deployment model, was officially activated during a ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Sept. 4. Lt. Gen. Randall Reed, Air Mobility deputy commander, handed the guidon to Col. Gabriel Arrington, who, along with Chief Master Sgt. Chastity Hert, command chief, will lead the new unit. […READ MORE…]
Air Force Announces Second, Third B-21 Raider Bases
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has approved the second and third basing locations for the B-21 Raider, the Air Force’s newest bomber. Those bases are Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and Dyess AFB, Texas, in that order. Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, was previously selected as the first base to receive the B-21.
The B-21 Raider represents a generational leap as a dual nuclear and conventionally capable, stealth, penetrating, long-range strike platform. Air Force Global Strike Command will remain ready and provide strike options for the country by continuing to maintain, modernize and keep its B-1 and B-2 bombers in service until the B-21 is delivered in the mid-2020’s. […READ MORE…]
New DLA Strategic Plan Frames Goals for 2025-2030
(Defense.gov) Overcoming contested logistics challenges as the nation faces adversaries in all domains is the Defense Logistics Agency’s top priority as outlined in its new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, “DLA Transforms: A Call to Action.” The world has changed since DLA’s last Strategic Plan was published in 2021, said DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly. He described the current period as a transformative era with the military services and combatant commands revamping warfighting concepts, doctrine, training and equipment. […READ MORE…]
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
For Small Biz Owners and Execs
Complimentary Zoom Webinar
Date: Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 PM ET
Registration deadline: September 24
Many business owners and executives from small and medium-sized government contractors still don’t have a firm grasp about Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and what they need to do about it.
Join industry leaders from NeoSystems, Holland & Knight, Forvis Mazars and Bank of America for an educational webinar specifically designed for GovCon owners and executives.
Speakers will share key insights related to the implementation and enforcement of CMMC and offer tangible CMMC readiness strategies that government contractors can put in place now to avoid the pitfalls of noncompliance.
Topics include:
- Why CMMC exists and why it is important
- An explanation of the CMMC program and how it affects your business
- The timing of CMMC compliance and the risks of noncompliance
- What your business needs to do and by when
Register online by Sept. 24. Zoom meeting information will be provided in your confirmation email. […READ MORE…]
Contracts
US Navy Awards $6.7 Billion T-AO Block Buy Contract to NASSCO
(NavalNews.com) The U.S. Navy awarded a $6.75 billion block buy contract to General Dynamics NASSCO for the procurement of up to eight John Lewis-class (TAO-205) Fleet Replenishment Oilers, Sept. 13. By using the block buy approach, the Navy expects savings of $491 million as compared to the total anticipated costs of carrying out the program through annual contracts.
Pentagon Signs Largest-ever Order for Raytheon AMRAAM
(FlightGlobal.com) The Pentagon has inked a contract with munitions supplier Raytheon representing the largest-ever buy of the company’s AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Valued at some $1.2 billion, the deal for AMRAAM production Lot 38 will provide munitions to Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, in addition to the US Navy and US Air Force (USAF).
Army Selects Two ‘Attritable’ UASs for Company-level Recon, Surveillance and Target Acquisition
(Breaking Defense) The US Army has selected two drones, the Ghost X from Anduril Industries and the C-100 from Performance Drone Works, its Company-Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System program. The dual contracts span a 10-year ordering period, with the first tranche valued at $14.5 million for up to 48 drones, Col. Danielle Medaglia, the project manager for uncrewed aircraft systems, explained. The soldiers could have those initial drones later this fall.
Editor’s Picks
The US Navy Has a New Warship That Could be Better Than Aircraft Carriers
(Nationalinterest.org) The US Navy’s San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks (LPDs) offer a versatile alternative to large nuclear-powered supercarriers. These 684-foot vessels can carry 66 officers, 633 Marines, and various aircraft and vehicles, providing a flexible platform for expeditionary warfare. The latest addition, USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29), was commissioned in Pensacola, honoring Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient.
This Army Division Just Ran Cybersecurity for a Far-away Brigade
(ArmyTimes.com) One of the Army’s most modernized armored brigades and its parent division recently conducted the service’s first long-range, fully remote cybersecurity operation at the division level. The 3rd Infantry Division’s network operations and security cell remained at Fort Stewart, Ga., in July, covering the first 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team’s cyber 6 as the Raider Brigade conducted a two-week rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Ca.
The Army Has Graduated 25,000 Soldiers through Pre-basic Prep
(ArmyTime.com) The Army has graduated nearly 25,000 recruits from its Future Soldier Prep Course who have gone on to become soldiers. The program started in 2022 to get low-performing recruits up to standards to attend basic training. The course has run primarily in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and gives new recruits who might not make the physical or academic cutoff to qualify for Army basic training up to 90 days to improve.
F/A-18 Super Hornet Appears with Unprecedented Heavy Air-To-Air Missile Load
(Twz.com) Boeing announced the delivery of the first two operational F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets in the Block III configuration to the US Navy. That service will now use these aircraft to help complete an ongoing test and evaluation program for these updates, as well as support the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures to go with them. The Navy expects to begin sending improved Super Hornets to actual frontline units before year-end.
Japan’s New ‘Aircraft Carrier’ Is Coming to America for F-35 Training
(Nationalinterest.org) Japan is sending its modified Izumo-class helicopter carrier, JS Kaga, to the US West Coast for flight operations with the F-35B Lightning II between October and November 2024. Some experts consider the vessel a quasi-aircraft carrier.
Please join NDTA in welcoming its newest upgraded member to the Chairman’s Circle:
Fairwater Holdings Inc.
The Port of San Diego has implemented approximately 66 percent of the goals and objectives outlined in its Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS), according to the latest MCAS Highlights Report released this month. In support of its “Health Equity for All” vision, the MCAS identifies projects and initiatives to improve environmental and public health through cleaner air for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay while also supporting efficient and modern maritime operations.
Second National Security Multi-Mission Vessel, ‘Patriot State,’ Christened at Philly
(gcaptain.com) TOTE Services and Philly Shipyard christened the second of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs), named Patriot State. The ceremony took place at Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pa., and was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Navy.
Chapman Freeborn Is a Finalist in the Airfreight Solution of the Year Heavy Lift Awards 2024
The ceremony, which is taking place on 23rd October 2024 in London, will recognize the achievements of the project cargo supply chain, celebrating the innovative solutions we employ to overcome challenges and keep global supply chains moving. Chapman Freeborn is also shortlisted at the Air Cargo News Awards and Aviation Industry Awards, and recently won at the PA Show Awards.
Air Serbia to Drive the Future of Travel Retailing with Sabre’s NDC IT Capabilities
Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, today announced a strategic partnership with Air Serbia, Serbia’s national carrier. This agreement establishes Sabre as Air Serbia’s NDC (New Distribution Capability) IT provider, empowering the airline to deliver a more personalized travel experience and unlock new revenue opportunities.
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