Latest news with #VirginiaClass
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Why Australia should welcome collapse of lopsided Aukus deal
The Aukus partnership, the 2021 deal whereby the United States and the United Kingdom agreed to provide Australia with at least eight nuclear-propelled submarines over the next three decades, has come under review by the US Defence Department. Advertisement The prospect of its collapse has generated predictable hand-wringing among those who welcomed the deepening alliance, and especially among those interested in seeing Australia inject billions of dollars into underfunded, underperforming American and British naval shipyards. But in Australia, an Aukus breakdown should be a cause for celebration. After all, there has never been any certainty that the promised subs would arrive on time. The US is supposed to supply three, or possibly five, Virginia-class submarines from 2032, with another five newly designed SSN-Aukus-class subs (built mainly in the UK) coming into service from the early 2040s. But the US and the UK's industrial capacities are already strained, owing to their own national submarine-building targets, and both have explicit opt-out rights. Some analysts assume that the Defence Department review is just another Trumpian extortion exercise , designed to extract an even bigger financial commitment from Australia. But while comforting to some Australians (though not anyone in the Treasury), this interpretation is misconceived. There are very real concerns in Washington that even with more Australian dollars devoted to expanding shipyard capacity, the US will not be able to increase production to the extent required to make available three – let alone five – Virginia-class subs by the early 2030s. Moreover, Elbridge Colby, the US undersecretary of defence for policy who is leading the review, has long been a sceptic of the project, and he will not hesitate to put America's own new-boat target first. Advertisement Even in the unlikely event that everything falls smoothly into place – from the transfers of Virginia-class subs to the construction of new British boats, with no human-resource bottlenecks or cost overruns – Australia will be waiting decades for the last boat to arrive. But given that our existing geriatric Collins-class fleet is already on life support , this timeline poses a serious challenge. How will we address our capability gap in the meantime?
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Girls' lacrosse Top 10: Good Counsel, Stone Ridge top final rankings
The Virginia Class 5 and 6 championship games Saturday marked the end of the girls' lacrosse season in the D.C. area. There was plenty of continued dominance this spring, as four of the 10 teams in these final rankings extended a streak of consecutive state or conference titles. Just like last season, Good Counsel and Stone Ridge finish as the top two teams after each program won conference championships. Yorktown and Broadneck affirmed their public school supremacy, while Marriotts Ridge and Riverside round out the rankings after winning state titles of their own. The Falcons have lost just three games since the 2023 season. Despite graduating plenty of talent ahead of this season, the Falcons cruised through Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play and won the conference championship for a fourth straight year. Last ranked: 1 The Falcons have lost just three games since the 2023 season. Despite graduating plenty of talent ahead of this season, the Falcons cruised through Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play and won the conference championship for a fourth straight year. Last ranked: 1 The Gators completed their three-peat, besting St. Stephen's/St. Agnes for their third straight Independent School League championship. LR: 2 The Gators completed their three-peat, besting St. Stephen's/St. Agnes for their third straight Independent School League championship. LR: 2 Coach Claire Berg led a talented Panthers squad to the first Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I Championship in program history. LR: 4 Coach Claire Berg led a talented Panthers squad to the first Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I Championship in program history. LR: 4 Since 2022, Coach Jenny Keimig has led the Patriots to three Virginia Class 6 titles in four years. In Saturday's final, the Patriots topped Madison, 16-14. LR: 6 Since 2022, Coach Jenny Keimig has led the Patriots to three Virginia Class 6 titles in four years. In Saturday's final, the Patriots topped Madison, 16-14. LR: 6 In one of the most challenging girls' lacrosse conferences in the country, the Cavaliers made it to the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Final but came up short against Maryvale Prep. LR: 5 In one of the most challenging girls' lacrosse conferences in the country, the Cavaliers made it to the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Final but came up short against Maryvale Prep. LR: 5 The Bruins continued their dynasty by winning a fifth straight Maryland Class 4A championship in Coach Katy Kelley's final year. LR: 8 The Bruins continued their dynasty by winning a fifth straight Maryland Class 4A championship in Coach Katy Kelley's final year. LR: 8 The Falcons advanced to a third straight Maryland Class 3A final but lost to Marriotts Ridge, 11-10. LR: 3 The Falcons advanced to a third straight Maryland Class 3A final but lost to Marriotts Ridge, 11-10. LR: 3 Coach Kathy Jenkins's squad won 20-plus games for the first time since 2022 but fell in the ISL final and VISSA semifinal. LR: 7 Coach Kathy Jenkins's squad won 20-plus games for the first time since 2022 but fell in the ISL final and VISSA semifinal. LR: 7 The Mavericks dethroned Severna Park atop Maryland Class 3A by defeating the Falcons, 11-10, in the championship game. LR: 10 The Mavericks dethroned Severna Park atop Maryland Class 3A by defeating the Falcons, 11-10, in the championship game. LR: 10 The Rams stormed back in the Virginia Class 5 final Saturday to beat powerhouse Douglas Freeman and win their first state title since 2018. LR: NR Dropped out: No. 9 Glenelg The Rams stormed back in the Virginia Class 5 final Saturday to beat powerhouse Douglas Freeman and win their first state title since 2018. LR: NR Dropped out: No. 9 Glenelg
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
BWXT Announces Leadership Changes
BUSINESS WIRE)--BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) announced today the appointment of Kevin M. McCoy as the company's chief nuclear officer. In this role, McCoy will support the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy to accelerate the pace of Columbia and Virginia Class submarine production programs for the U.S. Navy. Since 2022, McCoy has served as president of BWXT's Government Operations segment where he was responsible for overseeing BWXT's Nuclear Operations and Technical Services Groups and its subsidiary Advanced Technologies, LLC. McCoy has over 40 years of leadership experience in shipyard operations, nuclear industrial operations and senior engineering positions in the U.S. Navy and private sector. He served as chief engineer of the U.S. Navy from 2005 to 2008 and as commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) from 2008 to 2013. He retired with the rank of Vice Admiral. Before joining BWXT, McCoy served as president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Nova Scotia, Canada, from 2013 to 2021. With extensive shipbuilding and ship repair related experience, McCoy's accomplishments include the design, procurement, construction oversight, maintenance, modernization and engineering support of the U.S. Navy's fleet of submarines, surface ships, aircraft carriers and weapon systems. He served in leadership positions in five of the U.S. Navy's nuclear shipyards and commanded the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from 2001 to 2004. 'Kevin McCoy has been a tremendously successful leader at BWXT and throughout his career,' said Rex Geveden, BWXT president and chief executive officer. 'His commitment to our Navy and the nation is inspirational, and we are proud to be partnering with the U.S. Navy on this critical endeavor.' With McCoy's new role, BWXT is also making the following leadership announcements: Joseph K. Miller succeeds McCoy as president of Government Operations. Since 2021, Miller has served as president of BWXT Advanced Technologies. Under Miller's leadership, Advanced Technologies achieved 10x growth in program content and successfully contracted two federally funded first-of-a-kind prototype programs for advanced nuclear microreactors. Miller joined BWXT in 2011 as an engineer working on advanced commercial energy solutions, had advanced into managerial roles by 2013, became the program manager for advanced nuclear applications in 2017, and general manager of Advanced Technologies in 2020. Before joining BWXT, he was a mechanical test engineer for new construction of Virginia-class submarines at Newport News Shipbuilding and a semiconductor equipment engineer at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Miller began his career serving in the U.S. Navy onboard the USS Norfolk (SSN 714). Miller holds a master's degree in radiation health physics from Oregon State University and a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from Thomas Edison State College. He serves on the Central Virginia Community College Educational Foundation Board, the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization Ltd. Board and the Oregon State University Nuclear Science and Engineering Advisory Board. 'Under Joe's leadership, BWXT Advanced Technologies has transformed initial concepts into real hardware, advancing not only the company, but nuclear power and propulsion capabilities across the nation,' said Geveden. 'He will bring his leadership and enthusiasm to Government Operations, focusing on safely delivering critical systems to our national security customers, and building further success on the strong foundation laid by Kevin McCoy and the Government Operations team.' Katherine (Kate) Haggerty Kelly succeeds Miller as president of BWXT Advanced Technologies. Kelly has been the director for space and emerging programs of Advanced Technologies since 2022, leading the strategy and execution of the space and advanced manufacturing portfolio. Before her current position, Kelly was the advanced nuclear systems program manager, focused on developing nuclear projects to promote the company's R&D interests in advanced manufacturing and nuclear thermal propulsion technologies. She also held project management, quality control and operational excellence positions within BWXT's Nuclear Operations Group in Lynchburg, Virginia. She joined the company in 2012 as a system design engineer on a small modular reactor program. Kelly received the Women in Aerospace Initiative-Inspiration-Impact Award for her contributions to the space nuclear industry and her advocacy for promoting people in aerospace. She earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and has Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Project Management Professional ® certifications. 'Kate Kelly is a rising star at BWXT,' said Joseph Miller, president of Government Operations. 'Her engineering expertise, program management skills and innate leadership capabilities will bring much continued success.' About BWXT
Free Malaysia Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Australia ‘confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite review
Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. (AP pic) SYDNEY : Australia said Thursday it is 'very confident' in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review. The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might. It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian department of defence confirmed Thursday. Defence minister Richard Marles said he was 'very confident' Australia would still get the American submarines. 'I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise,' he told public broadcaster ABC. 'We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do.' Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year. Critics question why the United States would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first. Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge. 'That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving,' he said. Government forecasts estimate the submarine programme alone could cost Australia up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy. Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact. 'Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?' he posted on X. Former Labor Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the US review might 'save Australia from itself'. Australia should carve its own security strategy 'rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire', Keating said. 'The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?'
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Australia ‘confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite review
SYDNEY: Australia said Thursday it is 'very confident' in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review. The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might. It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies. US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defense confirmed Thursday. Defense Minister Richard Marles said he was 'very confident' Australia would still get the American submarines. 'I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise,' he told public broadcaster ABC. 'We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do.' Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs. The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year. In the United States, critics question why Washington would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first. Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge. 'That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving,' he said. Australia's focus is on 'sticking to this plan and on seeing it through,' Marles said. He criticized Australia's previous conservative government for 'chopping and changing' its submarine choice. On the eve of announcing its participation in AUKUS in 2021, the government of the time abruptly scrapped plans to buy diesel-powered submarines in a lucrative deal with France — infuriating Paris. The AUKUS submarine program alone could cost the country up to $235 billion over the next 30 years, according to Australian government forecasts, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy. Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact. 'Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?' he posted on X. Former Labour Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the US review might 'save Australia from itself.' Australia should carve its own security strategy 'rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire,' Keating said. 'The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?' Any US review of AUKUS carries a risk, particularly since it is a Biden-era initiative, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. But it is 'fundamentally a good deal for the US,' he said, with Australia already investing cash to boost American submarine production as part of the agreement. 'I just do not think it is realistic for Australia, this far backed in, to have any prospect of withdrawing itself from AUKUS,' Graham said. 'I don't think there is a Plan B that would meet requirements and I think it would shred Australia's reputation fundamentally in a way that would not be recoverable.'
