US Navy – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

13 May

211214-M-HB658-1322 GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 14, 2021) Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target, Dec. 14, while sailing in the Gulf of Aden. During the demonstration, the Solid State Laser – Technology Maturation Laser Weapons System Demonstrator Mark 2 MOD 0 aboard Portland successfully engaged the training target. The photograph was captured utilizing a short wave infrared lens and optical filter. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)

US Navy Opens Laser Weapons Course for Sailors

The US Navy has launched a new training program for sailors operating laser weapons at its Directed Energy Systems Integration Laboratory in California.

13 May

Americas

Rendering of the lead Trump-class battleship USS Defiant (BBG-1)

Rojoef Manuel

US Navy Unveils 30-Year ‘Golden Fleet’ Modernization Plan to Reach 450+ Ships

The US Navy has released a three-decade shipbuilding plan aimed at expanding its fleet beyond 450 vessels in the early 2030s while overhauling acquisition practices and rebuilding the maritime industrial base.

13 May

Sea

An illustration of the next-gen acoustic device countermeasure.

Jodesz Gavilan

Ultra Maritime Expands US Facility to Boost Next-Gen Naval Radar Production

Ultra Maritime has opened an expanded facility in Wake Forest, North Carolina, to increase production of next-generation radar systems for US Navy surface ships.

12 May

Americas

260509-N-FS061-1008 CLEVELAND (May 9, 2026) – The future USS Cleveland (LCS 31) arrives in Cleveland, Ohio, May 9, 2026, ahead of its commissioning ceremony. Cleveland is the fourth warship to be named after Ohio’s second largest city and is the 16th and final Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) to be built and commissioned in the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jasmin L. Aquino)

Rojoef Manuel

US Navy to Induct Last Freedom Warship in Historic Ohio Event

The US Navy’s final Freedom-class littoral combat ship has arrived in Cleveland, Ohio in preparation for its admittance into service.

12 May

Americas

Christine Casimiro

General Dynamics Wins $2.3B Contract for Virginia-Class Block VI Submarine Work

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a not-to-exceed $2.3-billion undefinitized contract action modification for Virginia-class Block VI submarines.

11 May

Americas

Christine Casimiro

Future USS Ted Stevens Destroyer Heads to Virginia Homeport

The US Navy’s future guided-missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128) has departed HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division for its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia.

10 May

Americas

Bea Castañeda

Inside the San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock

This guide breaks down the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, a floating launchpad that moves US Marines, aircraft, and landing craft from sea to shore.

8 May

Arms

Bea Castañeda

From Hydra to Precision: How the APKWS Works

This guide explains how APKWS turns standard 70mm rockets into precision air-to-ground weapons, delivering low-cost, laser-guided strikes with pinpoint accuracy.

8 May

Americas