Repeated failures in the propulsion train on the Freedom-class littoral combat ships Little Rock and Detroit have raised the specter of a class-wide design flaw that could trigger an expensive reworking of a crucial component on 17 of the Navy’s small surface combatants.

The issue being investigated is whether there is a fundamental issue with the design of the Freedom-class’ combining gear — a complex transmission that connects power from two large gas turbine engines and two main propulsion diesel engines to the ship’s propulsion shafts, which propel the ship through the water with water jets.

We are always seeking new ways to create the best experience possible for our valuable membership that serves as the lifeblood of this organization. We are proud to announce to you the latest project out of Navy League headquarters aimed at creating value for you as we strive to achieve new goals for our organization, as outlined in the 2020 National President’s Guidance.

Our members can now enjoy an intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and easier to use website. We spearheaded this effort with you in mind, after receiving your valuable feedback.

On October 9, 2020 William L. James, President of the Minnesota Council of the Navy League spoke at the lighting of the I35W bridge in honor of the Navy’s 245th birthday.  Mr. James said “We are doing various tributes around the city to highlight the men and women and sailors who stand at the forefront of protecting our country.”  The bridge was lit the traditional Navy Blue and Gold.

The USS Minnesota (SSN 783) welcomed Cmdr. Brad Bozin, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., as its new commanding officer at the Flasher World War II Memorial in Groton, Conn. September 8.

Outgoing skipper Cmdr. Thomas Flaherty, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., led the Virginia-class submarine through multiple campaigns and a 2019 deployment that earned the crew a 2019 Battle “E” and prestigious Battenberg Cup.

“It’s all about the crew,” Flaherty insisted. “Our success was due to the hard work they put in every single day, the trust and confidence they put in me, and just never being satisfied to get better every single day.”

Mr. Iver J. Anderson, father of Minnesota Navy League member David E. Anderson, celebrated his 98th birthday September 9, 2020.  Mr. Anderson is a WWII Coast Guard Veteran and a Korean War Navy Veteran.

A Drive by birthday celebration was held September 12, 2020, in his honor, at Newton Manor a Presbyterian Homes facility in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Members of the Minnesota Navy League, the United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated, Minnesota Submarine League, United States Naval Academy Alumni Association, former crew of the USS Sproston (DDE 577), United States Coast Guard Reserve, Bloomington Police and Woodbury American Legion Post 501 participated in the parade. 

We are very excited to report that the USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (LCS 21) has completed an important milestone.  The ship completed Acceptance Trials in Lake Michigan in August. Acceptance trials included a full-power run, maneuverability testing and surface and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship's combat system. Major systems and features were demonstrated, including aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery and machinery control and automation. Now that trials are complete, the ship will undergo final outfitting and fine-tuning before delivery to the U.S. Navy. LCS 21 is the eleventh Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team and is slated for delivery to the Navy early next year.  The ship is slated to be commissioned in the Port of Duluth in the spring of 2021. For more information, see https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2020-08-24-Littoral-Combat-Ship-21-Minneapolis-Saint-Paul-Completes-Acceptance-Trials

The Navy League of the United States — a nonprofit civilian, educational and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine — announced today that its executive committee has elected Adm. John Richardson, retired 31st Chief of Naval Operations, to join its ranks.

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy, Kenneth J. Braithwaite and Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Gilday delivered remarks to the Pentagon Press Corps regarding the results of the investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak on  USS Theodore Roosevelt, June 19.

Polaris Battalion, a Sea Cadet unit, from Cambridge, Minnesota has been selected for a number of impressive awards from the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. 

These annual awards are given to U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) and U.S. Naval League Cadet Corps (USNLCC) units who have excelled in required annual inspections and exemplify the top units in the Nation.  NSSC is the senior cadet program for young men and women ages 13-17 who are interested in developing their skills in leadership, basic seamanship, courage, self-reliance and discipline.  NLCC is the junior program for the NSCC. The NLCC introduces boys and girls ages 10-13 to naval life through instruction in basic seamanship and leadership.  Polaris Battalion consists of both the senior cadet program and the junior program through the Trident Training Ship. 

The Twin Ports Division, Duluth, Minnesota, of the U.S. Navy Cadets has been partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure blood can be collected safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Twin Ports Division has both a shipboard fire fighting (damage control) and medical unit based out of Duluth, MN so working with the Red Cross is a good fit for the roughly 30 members and allows them to use the skills they have to assist the local community.