IN THIS ISSUE HSC-26 reveals patriotic paint scheme in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary Page A2
Patroulille de France, the French Air and Space Force aerobatics team, fly over the New York Harbour during the International Naval Review (INR) 250 Parade of Sail and International Aerial Review 250, July 4, 2026. The Parade of Sail marks the opening of INR 250, a multinational maritime celebration commemorating the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and the nation, honoring the sea services’ enduring commitment to defending the United States and strengthening partnerships with allied and partner nations. For 250 years, our Navy and Marine Corps have stood the watch—constant, unabated in mission, faithfully preventing crisis and resolute in defending America’s independence. INR 250 honors the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard’s enduring role on, under, and above the seas. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS JONATHAN NELSON)
U.S. Navy kicks off historic International Naval Review 250 in New York harbor Courtesy Story NAVY REGION MID-ATLANTIC
NEW YORK — The U.S. Navy announced the official start of the International Naval Review (INR) 250 today, launching the nation’s largest maritime celebration in decades to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The massive Parade of Sail kicked off in the early morning, transforming the harbor intoalivingshowcaseofglobalmaritimepartnerships. The naval procession was followed by the International Aerial Review, featuring
a historic flyover led by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The skies above New York Harbor showcased the cutting edge of naval aviation, featuring U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightnings, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and carrier-based multi-role fighters, while the MQ-25A Stingray—the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned refueling aircraft—stood proudly on display upon the flight deck of the USS Nimitz. The historic, week-long celebration was formally opened at a welcome ceremony hosted by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, who welcomed senior U.S.
military officials and delegations from 55 allied and partner nations to New York City. The unprecedented gathering highlights the enduring role of sea power in global security, deterrence, and international alliance cooperation since 1776. Serving as the official reviewing warship for INR 250 is the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99). With Vice President JD Vance embarked as the reviewing official, Farragut sailed through the assembled international fleet to receive and render honors—a naval tradition that dates back centuries.
Anchored prominently in New York Harbor are the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), representing the immense versatility and global reach of the U.S. fleet. They are joined by a formidable contingent of allied warships, including Spain’s amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I, Germany’s air-defense frigate FGS Sachsen, South Korea’s destroyer Munmu the Great, and the iconic British ocean liner Queen Mary II. The U.S. Coast See NAVAL REVIEW on Page A3
U.S. 2nd Fleet concludes FLEETEX 250, strengthening maritime security Courtesy Story COMMANDER, U.S. 2ND FLEET
NORFOLK, Va. — The first-ever Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 concluded at Naval Station Norfolk June 29, following a series of in-port and underway events involving 32 U.S., allied, and partner ships across 14 nations. Beyond celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday, the conclusion of FLEETEX 250 represents the United States’ unwavering commitment to homeland defense through forward-deployed, combat-credible forces and reinforced interoperability with allies and partners to ensure global maritime security. Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet spearheaded the planning and execution of FLEETEX 250 from June 22-29 in the Cherry Point and Virginia Capes operating areas. The underway exercise involved unprecedented coordination, completing a series of tactical at-sea maneuvers, communication drills, information-sharing protocols, a photo exercise, and a culminating amphibious assault. Twenty nations participated in the at-sea photo exercise: Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Republic of Korea, Senegal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States. “We demonstrated real strength and power during FLEETEX 250, represent- Twenty-six ships from 13 partner and allied nations steam in formation with Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during ing how we can scale our interoperability a multinational maritime exercise as part of Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250 in the Atlantic Ocean, June 25, 2026. Nimitz is underway and leverage our alliances for the defense of taking part in FLEETEX 250, a series of structured multilateral training events at-sea, aimed at building cohesiveness, validating tactical See FLEETEX on Page A2
procedures, and strengthening the interoperability of participating units—which include warships, aircraft, and crews from the U.S. and 13 partner and ally nations. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST SEAMAN JULIAN JAIME)
Naval Academy graduate and NFL running back Eli Heidenreich hosts youth football camp on NAS Oceana PAGE B6
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