USS Texas (SSN 775)

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. Texas completed her maiden deployment to the eastern Pacific Ocean and operated under the tactical control of Joint Inter-Agency Task Force, South from May to Aug. 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge/Released)

USS Texas (SSN 775)

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) is guided into port by local tugboats near Port Canaveral. The second boat in her class, Texas is able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other naval forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, special forces delivery and support, mine delivery and minefield mapping. Texas will be commissioned on Sept. 9, 2006 at the Port of Galveston piers in Galveston, Texas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roadell Hickman/RELEASED)

USS Texas (SSN 775)

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) is guided into port by local tugboats near Port Canaveral. The second boat in her class, Texas is able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other naval forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, special forces delivery and support, mine delivery and minefield mapping. Texas will be commissioned on Sept. 9, 2006 at the Port of Galveston piers in Galveston, Texas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roadell Hickman/RELEASED)

USS Texas (SSN775)

The Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing her maiden Western Pacific deployment . (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge/Released)

HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules sails into Sydney Harbour, NSW. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules (L100). (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules (L100). (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules (L100). (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules (L100). (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Choules (L100)

HMAS Choules arrives alongside Fleet Base East on her inaugural entry into Sydney Harbour. The Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship HMAS Choules arrived at its homeport at Fleet Base East in Sydney for the first time after being formally commissioned into service in Fremantle on 13 December 2011. Family and friends lined the wharf to welcome the Navy's latest amphibious ship and her crew of 158. Commander of Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM, CSC, RAN joined HMAS Choules for her maiden voyage through Sydney Heads, before officially handing over the weight of command to the new Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Tim Barrett AM, CSC RAN. The acquisition of HMAS Choules will ensure that the Royal Australian Navy has the amphibious capability it needs for operations and humanitarian support in our region in the period leading up to the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock Ships in 2014 and 2015. (Photo: Australia DoD)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Pacific Ocean. Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Travis K. Mendoza/Released)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee/Released)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee/Released)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departs Naval Station Everett for the last time as it begins a five-month world cruise before reaching its new homeport at Newport News, Va., to start its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Steckler/Released)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Pacific Ocean during a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Lincoln is changing homeports after this deployment from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., for a periodic refueling complex overhaul. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch/Released)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is underway on deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Following deployment, Lincoln will change its homeport from Everett, Wash. to Norfolk, Va. for a periodic refueling complex overhaul. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch/Released)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is underway on deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Following deployment, Lincoln will change its homeport from Everett, Wash. to Norfolk, Va. for a periodic refueling complex overhaul. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary S. Welch/Released)

USS Fort Worth (LCS 3)

The littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Fort Worth (LCS 3) is underway in Green Bay, Wis. Fort Worth is undergoing builder's trials at the Marinette Marine Corporation Shipyard before delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2012. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Marinette Marine Corporation/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) departs Naval Station Norfolk as the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departs for sea trials. Enterprise is underway for sea trials after spending more than two years in a maintenance period at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Stephen White/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) is moored pier side in Key West, Fla. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justan Williams/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) transits Narragansett Bay en route to participate in the 20th International Seapower Symposium at the U.S. Naval War College. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jason Salata/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) makes preparations at Naval Air Station Pensacola before getting underway in the Gulf of Mexico for a series of drills and training exercises. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Caleb White/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) takes on fuel at Pier 9 from a Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk Fuels Department barge. The ship was issued 64,243 gallons of diesel fuel. FISC Norfolk issues 216 million gallons of fuel annually in support of U.S. 2nd Fleet ships and aircraft. (U. S. Navy photo by Bill Pointer/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) enters Port Everglades for the start of Fleet Week Port Everglades. This is the twentieth Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the Maritime Services. More than 2,500 American and German sailors, marines and coast guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk. Independence conducted tests of the ship's capabilities and extensive training with the SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense weapon system during the transit from Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Ala. to homeport in Norfolk. Independence will depart Naval Station Norfolk April 17 to participate in Fleet Week in Port Everglades, Fla. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Richard J. Stevens/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) is pier side during a port visit to Key West, Fla. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before transiting to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Zachary Harrell/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) is pier side during a port visit to Key West, Fla. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before transiting to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Zachary Harrell/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The Littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) approaches Mayport, Fla. Independence is in the Atlantic Ocean on her maiden underway. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justan Williams/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Independence (LCS 2), approaches Naval Station Mayport for a port call. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr./Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives in Naval Station Mayport. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert A. Wood Sr./Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives at Mole Pier at Naval Air Station Key West. Independence is on the way to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. Independence is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship specifically designed to defeat "anti-access" threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, diesel submarines and mines. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Nicholas Kontodiakos/Released)

USS Independence (LCS 2)

The new littoral combat ship, USS Independence (LCS 2) is pier side during her commissioning ceremony. Independence is the second of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

HMAS Sirius (O 266)

HMAS Sirius returns to Fleet Base West after a two month deployment. Midcaption: HMA Ships Warramunga and Sirius have returned to their home port of Fleet Base West, Western Australia, after a two month deployment to South East Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Indonesia. During the deployment the vessels took part in Exercises Bersama Lima 11, Singaroo and New Horizon 11 and conducted port visits to Penang (Malaysia - Warramunga only), Port Kelang (Malaysia - Sirius only), Singapore, Sihanoukville (Cambodia - Warramunga only) and Surabaya (Indonesia). Both crews were greeted on the wharf by family and friends upon their return to Australia. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Sirius (O 266)

HMAS Sirius returns to Fleet Base West after a two month deployment. Midcaption: HMA Ships Warramunga and Sirius have returned to their home port of Fleet Base West, Western Australia, after a two month deployment to South East Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Indonesia. During the deployment the vessels took part in Exercises Bersama Lima 11, Singaroo and New Horizon 11 and conducted port visits to Penang (Malaysia - Warramunga only), Port Kelang (Malaysia - Sirius only), Singapore, Sihanoukville (Cambodia - Warramunga only) and Surabaya (Indonesia). Both crews were greeted on the wharf by family and friends upon their return to Australia.

HMAS Tobruk (L50)

HMAS Tobruk sails out from Sydney Harbour. (Photo: Australia DoD)

KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusuma (355)

KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusuma leads KRI Frans Kaisiepo during Exercise New Horizon 2011 Mid Caption: From the 24th to 26th of November 2011 HMAS Warramunga and HMAS Sirius participated in Exercise New Horizon 2011 with Indonesian warships KRI Frans Kaisiepo and KRI Abdul Halim Perdanakusuma. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152)

HMAS Warramunga under hard wheel manoeuvring after completing Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS) with HMAS Sirius during Exercise New Horizon 2011. (Photo: Australia DoD)

BNS União (F45)

UNIFIL Maritime Task Force flagship, Brazilian frigate União (F45), on arrival at Beirut harbour recently joined UNIFIL MTF.25 November 2011. (Photo: UNIFIL)

USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910) sails in formation with maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Germany, Mexico, Peru, U.S. and Uruguay off the coast of Florida during UNITAS Gold. The maritime forces are participating in the 50th iteration of the annual multi-national maritime exercise to increase interoperability among participating navies. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Seth Johnson/Released)

USCGC Sanibel (WPB 1312)

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Sanibel (WPB 1312), a 110-foot Island-class Patrol Boat from Woods Hole, Mass., patrols the Portland Harbor as part of security measures for Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff's visit. Chertoff was at the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal to address waterway security in and around Portland. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Public Affairs Specialist 3rd Class Luke Pinneo)

USCGC Blue Shark (WPB 87360)

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Blue Shark (WPB 87360) arrives at its new homeport of Everett, Wash., after an extensive three month underway period. Blue Shark consists of 10 coast guard members who left Louisiana in March to make their way around the country to arrive at Naval Station Everett. The vessel will be commissioned this August 2005. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jacob J. Kirk)

RSS Archer

RSS Archer conducting sea trials as part of its operationalisation process following her return to Singapore. (Photo: Mindef)

HMAS Benalla (A 04)

HMAS Benalla (A 04) departs HMAS Cairns Naval Base for the commencement of the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period was held 30 May - 3 Jun 11 in waters off Cairns. During the week long exercise, HMA Ships Launceston, Brunei, Labuan, Wewak, Shepparton and Benalla practiced a range of skills, with escalating levels of difficulty to challenge their capabilities. Squirrel and A109E Augusta helicopters operated by 723 Squadron took part in the exercise, enabling the ship's companies to test their aviation skills.

HMAS Benalla (A 04)

HMAS Benalla (A 04) conducts a beach survey off the coast of Cairns during the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. Mid Caption: The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period was held 30 May - 3 Jun 11 in waters off Cairns. During the week long exercise, HMA Ships Launceston, Brunei, Labuan, Wewak, Shepparton and Benalla practiced a range of skills, with escalating levels of difficulty to challenge their capabilities. Squirrel and A109E Augusta helicopters operated by 723 Squadron took part in the exercise, enabling the ship's companies to test their aviation skills. (Photo: Australia DoD)