Christopher Cavas
@cavasships.bsky.social
Journalist and commentator specializing in naval, maritime and defense issues. Cohost of the CavasShips Podcast. Former television director. Proud native of Washington DC. Piano player. All comments my own.
Big week for new Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers: HII Ingalls announced completion of sea trials for TED STEVENS DDG128, the 2nd F3 to be completed for the US Navy, while
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
September 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Big week for new Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers: HII Ingalls announced completion of sea trials for TED STEVENS DDG128, the 2nd F3 to be completed for the US Navy, while
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
SENTRY MCM3 & DEVASTATOR MCM6 last US Navy mine countermeasures ships in 5th Fleet decommissioned 25 Sept at Mina Salman Bahrain. With DEXTROUS MCM13 decom'ed 3 Sept & GLADIATOR MCM11 decom'ed 4 Sept all will be brought to Philadelphia via heavylift ship for disposal
September 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
SENTRY MCM3 & DEVASTATOR MCM6 last US Navy mine countermeasures ships in 5th Fleet decommissioned 25 Sept at Mina Salman Bahrain. With DEXTROUS MCM13 decom'ed 3 Sept & GLADIATOR MCM11 decom'ed 4 Sept all will be brought to Philadelphia via heavylift ship for disposal
Farewell minesweepers USS DEXTROUS MCM13, decommissioned 3 Sept, and GLADIATOR MCM11, decommed 4 Sept, both at Bahrain. Their anti-mine mission in US 5th Fleet has been replaced by newly-arrived littoral combat ships. Tough little ships! closeup views are MCM11
September 5, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Farewell minesweepers USS DEXTROUS MCM13, decommissioned 3 Sept, and GLADIATOR MCM11, decommed 4 Sept, both at Bahrain. Their anti-mine mission in US 5th Fleet has been replaced by newly-arrived littoral combat ships. Tough little ships! closeup views are MCM11
2 Sept 1945 - the formal end of World War 2, 80 years ago today. Japan's surrender documents signed aboard battleship USS MISSOURI BB63 anchored in Sagami Wan, presided over by US Gen MacArthur. "These proceedings are closed."
September 2, 2025 at 3:04 PM
2 Sept 1945 - the formal end of World War 2, 80 years ago today. Japan's surrender documents signed aboard battleship USS MISSOURI BB63 anchored in Sagami Wan, presided over by US Gen MacArthur. "These proceedings are closed."
Held hostage in a British harbour and believing their ships about to be turned over to the Allies, German sailors scuttled the magnificent High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow on 21 June 1919. 52 fighting ships went to the bottom
June 21, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Held hostage in a British harbour and believing their ships about to be turned over to the Allies, German sailors scuttled the magnificent High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow on 21 June 1919. 52 fighting ships went to the bottom
STORIS WAGB21, the US Coast Guard's first icebreaker to enter service since 1999, sailed from Pascagoula MS 3 June after conversion work in Tampa FL. The former commercial AIVIQ was purchased in 2024 as an "interim-capability icebreaker." Will be based at Juneau AK www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releas...
June 6, 2025 at 2:22 AM
STORIS WAGB21, the US Coast Guard's first icebreaker to enter service since 1999, sailed from Pascagoula MS 3 June after conversion work in Tampa FL. The former commercial AIVIQ was purchased in 2024 as an "interim-capability icebreaker." Will be based at Juneau AK www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releas...
Shipbuilders HII confirmed the company and the US Coast Guard have agreed to cancel the 11th National Security Cutter due to a contract dispute. FRIEDMAN WMSL760 began construction in May 2021 but little progress had been made. Service now focusing on new Offshore Patrol Cutters. FRIEDMAN would...
June 6, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Shipbuilders HII confirmed the company and the US Coast Guard have agreed to cancel the 11th National Security Cutter due to a contract dispute. FRIEDMAN WMSL760 began construction in May 2021 but little progress had been made. Service now focusing on new Offshore Patrol Cutters. FRIEDMAN would...
Not just the great SS UNITED STATES has gone to die in Mobile, Alabama. Venerable ex-USS ENTERPRISE CVN65 will die there as well. Navy awarded a $537 mil contract 30 May to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement to break up the Big E entirely by Nov 2029. Ship now is in Newport News at HII
May 30, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Not just the great SS UNITED STATES has gone to die in Mobile, Alabama. Venerable ex-USS ENTERPRISE CVN65 will die there as well. Navy awarded a $537 mil contract 30 May to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement to break up the Big E entirely by Nov 2029. Ship now is in Newport News at HII
All gave some. Some gave all. Don't squander it.
May 26, 2025 at 5:14 AM
All gave some. Some gave all. Don't squander it.
Sailors aboard carrier HARRY S TRUMAN CVN75 on 28 April lost control of a VFA-136 F/A-18E Super Hornet while towing it on the hangar deck and the aircraft and tractor went over the side into the Red Sea. One sailor suffered minor injury, none lost news.usni.org/2025/04/28/s...
April 28, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Sailors aboard carrier HARRY S TRUMAN CVN75 on 28 April lost control of a VFA-136 F/A-18E Super Hornet while towing it on the hangar deck and the aircraft and tractor went over the side into the Red Sea. One sailor suffered minor injury, none lost news.usni.org/2025/04/28/s...
USS TOLEDO SSN769 returned to the fleet 19 April after an extended overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The Los Angeles-class #submarine had been at the shipyard since Jan 2021 (!). That's D D EISENHOWER CVN69 at left in the 1st photo www.dvidshub.net/news/495750/...
April 24, 2025 at 1:03 AM
USS TOLEDO SSN769 returned to the fleet 19 April after an extended overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The Los Angeles-class #submarine had been at the shipyard since Jan 2021 (!). That's D D EISENHOWER CVN69 at left in the 1st photo www.dvidshub.net/news/495750/...
The long, sad last major voyage of the SS UNITED STATES has ended with her docking in Mobile, Alabama at midday 3 March. That magnificent profile now will be destroyed with the removal of her funnels and mast as she's prepped for reefing. Images via Fox10 www.youtube.com/watch?v=keHU...
March 3, 2025 at 7:56 PM
The long, sad last major voyage of the SS UNITED STATES has ended with her docking in Mobile, Alabama at midday 3 March. That magnificent profile now will be destroyed with the removal of her funnels and mast as she's prepped for reefing. Images via Fox10 www.youtube.com/watch?v=keHU...
Makes ya wanna cry. A Queen says farewell to Philly. #UNITEDSTATES Live feed via Fox5 New York at www.youtube.com/live/c4RdLLU...
February 19, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Makes ya wanna cry. A Queen says farewell to Philly. #UNITEDSTATES Live feed via Fox5 New York at www.youtube.com/live/c4RdLLU...
Carrier USS HARRY S TRUMAN CVN75 has been in collision with merchant bulker BESIKTAS-M in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Port Said, Egypt, US Navy said ca 1130 EST 13 Feb. No word on extent of damage but no reports of flooding or damage and propulsion plants are unaffected. TRUMAN seen here...
February 13, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Carrier USS HARRY S TRUMAN CVN75 has been in collision with merchant bulker BESIKTAS-M in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Port Said, Egypt, US Navy said ca 1130 EST 13 Feb. No word on extent of damage but no reports of flooding or damage and propulsion plants are unaffected. TRUMAN seen here...
Destroyer USS SPRUANCE DD111 operated in the Red Sea from August to Nov 2024 and returned home to San Diego in mid-Dec. She's seen here on 27 Jan sporting kill marks from multiple engagements with Houthi forces. The silhouettes represent downed UAVs and ballistic & cruise missiles
January 29, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Destroyer USS SPRUANCE DD111 operated in the Red Sea from August to Nov 2024 and returned home to San Diego in mid-Dec. She's seen here on 27 Jan sporting kill marks from multiple engagements with Houthi forces. The silhouettes represent downed UAVs and ballistic & cruise missiles
Interesting comparison of US Navy surface combatants: Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer JACK H LUCAS DDG125, Burke-class Flight I PAUL HAMILTON DDG60, Spruance-class destroyer PAUL F FOSTER EDD964, Independence-class littoral combat ship MOBILE LCS26. At BAE Systems San Diego 27 Jan
January 29, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Interesting comparison of US Navy surface combatants: Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer JACK H LUCAS DDG125, Burke-class Flight I PAUL HAMILTON DDG60, Spruance-class destroyer PAUL F FOSTER EDD964, Independence-class littoral combat ship MOBILE LCS26. At BAE Systems San Diego 27 Jan
China's Navy commissioned the first Type 054B frigate LUOHE 545 on 22 Jan at Qingdao. A bigger and more heavily-armed version of the 054A, the 5,000-ton warship was built at Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. Class is being built at at least 2 shipyards eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163...
January 23, 2025 at 3:59 AM
China's Navy commissioned the first Type 054B frigate LUOHE 545 on 22 Jan at Qingdao. A bigger and more heavily-armed version of the 054A, the 5,000-ton warship was built at Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. Class is being built at at least 2 shipyards eng.chinamil.com.cn/CHINA_209163...
Pres Biden announced 13 Jan the next 2 carriers would be named WILLIAM J CLINTON CVN82 and GEORGE W BUSH CVN83. Half the country will hate the 1st one, everyone will be cornfuzed by having 2 carriers in service named BUSH. (CVNs 77 and 83) RANGER anyone?? No? defense.gov/News/Release...
January 13, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Pres Biden announced 13 Jan the next 2 carriers would be named WILLIAM J CLINTON CVN82 and GEORGE W BUSH CVN83. Half the country will hate the 1st one, everyone will be cornfuzed by having 2 carriers in service named BUSH. (CVNs 77 and 83) RANGER anyone?? No? defense.gov/News/Release...
More US Navy ship names announced 10 & 13 Jan by outgoing @SECNAV Del Toro: Columbia-class #submarine SSBN828 is GROTON; San Antonio-class amphibious ship LPD33 is TRAVIS MANION; ocean surveillance ships T-AGOS25 & 26 are DON WALSH and VICTOR VESCOVO #cleaningoutthefiles
January 13, 2025 at 7:44 PM
More US Navy ship names announced 10 & 13 Jan by outgoing @SECNAV Del Toro: Columbia-class #submarine SSBN828 is GROTON; San Antonio-class amphibious ship LPD33 is TRAVIS MANION; ocean surveillance ships T-AGOS25 & 26 are DON WALSH and VICTOR VESCOVO #cleaningoutthefiles
New destroyer DDG146 will be named ROBERT KERREY, @SecNAV announced 4 Jan, honoring the Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Later a Nebraska gov & senator, Kerrey's Vietnam actions remain controversial www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
January 6, 2025 at 6:07 PM
New destroyer DDG146 will be named ROBERT KERREY, @SecNAV announced 4 Jan, honoring the Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Later a Nebraska gov & senator, Kerrey's Vietnam actions remain controversial www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
Carlos Del Toro on 3 Jan announced the new destroyer DDG145 will be named INTREPID, perpetuating one of the older US Navy ship names. Announcement made in New York City aboard the WW2 carrier INTREPID. Ship's sponsor is the missus, Betty Del Toro www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
January 3, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Carlos Del Toro on 3 Jan announced the new destroyer DDG145 will be named INTREPID, perpetuating one of the older US Navy ship names. Announcement made in New York City aboard the WW2 carrier INTREPID. Ship's sponsor is the missus, Betty Del Toro www.navy.mil/Press-Office...
Here we go....!
January 1, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Here we go....!
Always great stuff and fun to talk about! Here's SABINE coming up alongside ENTERPRISE (CV 6) on 17 April 1942 on the Doolittle Raid.
January 1, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Always great stuff and fun to talk about! Here's SABINE coming up alongside ENTERPRISE (CV 6) on 17 April 1942 on the Doolittle Raid.
Coming to theaters in the spring of 2025 - "Operation Leviathan," the first major Chinese motion picture featuring Chinese nuclear submarines in combat. Also in IMAX. Follows "Operation Red Sea," the highest-grossing Chinese film of 2018 china.org.cn/arts/2024-12...
December 30, 2024 at 5:47 PM
Coming to theaters in the spring of 2025 - "Operation Leviathan," the first major Chinese motion picture featuring Chinese nuclear submarines in combat. Also in IMAX. Follows "Operation Red Sea," the highest-grossing Chinese film of 2018 china.org.cn/arts/2024-12...
The USS CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group called at Port Klang, Malaysia. Cruiser PRINCETON CG59 & destroyers STERETT DDG104 & WILLIAM P LAWRENCE DDG110 arrived 28 Dec; the carrier pulled in the next day. Visit follows by just over a month that of the carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN
December 30, 2024 at 3:54 AM
The USS CARL VINSON Carrier Strike Group called at Port Klang, Malaysia. Cruiser PRINCETON CG59 & destroyers STERETT DDG104 & WILLIAM P LAWRENCE DDG110 arrived 28 Dec; the carrier pulled in the next day. Visit follows by just over a month that of the carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN