Author: billcullifer

Posted on

Analysis of the Southeast Asia Joint Navy Drills Near the South China Sea

ASEAN flags courtesy of FreePik

Introduction: In the vast expanse of global waters, maritime security plays an indispensable role in fostering stability, ensuring the free flow of commerce, and preserving national interests. As advocates for a robust and capable naval force with the “Americans for a Stronger Navy,” we consistently emphasize the need for nations to collaborate in the maritime domain. The recent move by ASEAN nations to conduct their first joint naval exercise near the contentious waters of the South China Sea serves as a testament to the value of cooperative maritime endeavors and presents an important lesson for naval forces worldwide

Analysis of the Southeast Asia Joint Navy Drills Near the South China Sea

The commencement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) first joint naval exercise represents a significant and potentially transformative moment in regional geopolitics, particularly in the context of the South China Sea. Here’s why:

  1. Unified ASEAN Front: Historically, ASEAN nations have navigated the complexities of their relationships with major global powers, such as the U.S. and China, often individually rather than as a unified bloc. This first-ever joint exercise, specifically involving only ASEAN nations, suggests a stronger, more unified approach to regional security challenges.
  2. Strategic Timing & Location: The choice of conducting drills in Indonesia’s Natuna waters, which lie close to the South China Sea, is noteworthy. Given the territorial disputes and increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, these drills communicate a clear message: ASEAN nations are prepared to collaboratively address regional security challenges.
  3. Holistic Approach to Security: The ASEAN Solidarity Exercise isn’t just a demonstration of military prowess. By incorporating search and rescue operations, humanitarian relief, and disaster prevention, ASEAN is emphasizing its commitment to broader regional stability and the well-being of its citizens.
  4. Civil-Military Synergy: The involvement of civilian groups in disaster prevention and humanitarian relief reflects an intention to foster civil-military collaboration. This synergy can significantly amplify the efficacy of such exercises and underscores the bloc’s holistic approach to regional challenges.
  5. Implicit Signal to China: While ASEAN has been careful not to overtly antagonize China, the drills, especially being the first of their kind, can be perceived as a subtle yet firm signal. The bloc is demonstrating that while they seek peaceful and cooperative relations, they also prioritize their collective security and sovereignty.
  6. Boosting Interoperability: Enhancing interoperability is crucial for any collective defense or response initiative. By conducting these joint exercises, ASEAN nations are laying the groundwork for smoother coordination in the face of future crises, whether they be natural disasters or man-made conflicts.

In conclusion, the ASEAN Solidarity Exercise is more than a routine military drill. It is a strategic, well-timed demonstration of ASEAN’s evolving role in regional geopolitics, emphasizing collective security, diplomacy, and a unified front in the face of potential adversities.

Conclusion: The ASEAN Solidarity Exercise, as observed by the “Americans for a Stronger Navy,” embodies the very principles we champion: unity in the face of challenges, the holistic approach to maritime security, and the seamless integration of civil and military assets for a common purpose. As ASEAN nations pave the way for a more cooperative and unified regional maritime strategy, it offers a blueprint for other naval forces around the world. We believe that such exercises underscore the importance of a well-prepared and collaborative naval force in safeguarding not just regional, but global interests. The seas connect us all, and in these waters, unity and strength will always chart the course for a safer, more prosperous future.

Posted on

Celebrate the Legacy: 2023 National Reunion with Tin Can Sailors in Baltimore! 🇺🇸

From September 24-28, 2023, immerse yourself in the profound legacy of the Tin Can Sailors Association at the iconic Lord Baltimore Hotel. Established in 1976, the association stands as a touchstone for those cherishing our naval heritage, spotlighting the pivotal role of destroyers, backing the current destroyer Navy, and nurturing camaraderie among members.

Amidst the backdrop of engaging discussions, shared memories, and deep appreciation for our naval roots, we’re elated to share that Dale A. Jenkins, renowned Naval historian and author of “Diplomats and Admirals,” will be in attendance. An Advisory Board Member for the Americans for a Stronger Navy, Dale is poised to discuss his insights on the upcoming podcast series, ‘Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power’. While not presenting formally, his insights promise to add depth to discussions about the present challenges and future trajectories of naval power.

Reunion highlights include:

  • A welcome luncheon, business meeting, banquet dinner, and memorial service.
  • A scenic dinner cruise on the Inner Harbor.
  • Guided tours of Baltimore’s landmarks, such as Fort McHenry National Monument and USS Constellation.
  • A journey through history at the B & O Railroad Museum.

To partake in this momentous event, reach out to Annmarie at 508-677-0515 for an information packet. For registration specifics, a preliminary itinerary, and hotel booking links, visit the association’s official website.

Join us in Baltimore, celebrating our shared naval past and looking forward to our collective future! 🚢

Posted on

Naval Historian Dale A. Jenkins Joins Americans for A Stronger Navy as Advisory Board Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dale A. Jekinsa, Advisory Board Member - Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Dale A. Jekinsa, Advisory Board Member – Americans for a Stronger Navy.

The Americans for A Stronger Navy organization proudly welcomes renowned naval historian, author, and former US Navy officer, Dale A. Jenkins, to its Advisory Board. As a distinguished Staff Director of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, and author of “Diplomats and Admirals,” Dale also holds positions on the Samuel Eliot Morison Committee of the Naval Order of the United States, New York, and as a Regional Director of the Naval War College Foundation. Jenkins contributes immense knowledge and expertise to the organization.

“Diplomats and Admirals,” Jenkins’ acclaimed work, explores the nuanced relationship between diplomacy and warfare during Pacific War events from July 1941 to June 1942. His research underscores the complex naval strategies, highlighting the significant transformation of naval warfare during WWII as focus transitioned from battleships to aviation supremacy.

Bill Cullifer, Founder of Americans for A Stronger Navy, remarked, “With Dale on board, our organization stands strengthened. His profound understanding of naval history, coupled with his commitment to harnessing the lessons of the past for a brighter, more resilient future, aligns perfectly with our mission. We eagerly anticipate the wealth of insights he will provide as we champion the ideals of a Stronger Navy and Peace through Strength.”

Jenkins’ collaboration with the organization has already yielded results, manifesting in the “Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power” Podcast Series and the “Wings of Victory: How Naval Aviators Transformed WWII from Battleships to the Skies” webinar series. These educational endeavors embody the informed and captivating narratives Jenkins is known for.

Reflecting on his new advisory role, Dale A. Jenkins expressed, “Joining Americans for A Stronger Navy is opportunity to bring our knowledge from past naval engagements forward to meet our current challenges. It’s crucial for our generation to grasp the pivotal strategies and moments that defined naval engagements of yesteryears. Our shared vision is to enlighten, educate, and reinforce the essence of a formidable naval force.”

About Americans for A Stronger Navy:

Founded by Bill Cullifer, Americans for A Stronger Navy is committed to championing a robust navy and advocating for peace through strength. The organization values the essence of shared history, community fostering, and the significance of gleaning insights from historical naval strategies to fortify the future.

About Dale A. Jenkins

Naval historian, author “Diplomats and Admirals,” former US Navy officer, Advisory Board member, for Americans for a Stronger Navy, distinguished Staff Director of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, Dale also holds positions on the Samuel Eliot Morison Committee of the Naval Order of the United States, New York, and as a Regional Director of the Naval War College Foundation.

For further inquiries or to arrange an interview with Dale A. Jenkins, please contact:

Bill Cullifer, founder Americans for a Stronger Navy at the contact us now page.

Posted on

The USS Murphy: The Ship That Sank But Didn’t

USS Murphy (DD-603)

Introduction

The USS Murphy was a Benson-class destroyer that served in World War II and earned four battle stars for its actions.

We are grateful to Captain Lennon, a former crew member of the USS Henry B. Wilson, for sharing this story with us and allowing us to honor the memory of the USS Murphy and its crew.

But the USS Murphy also had a unique and tragic story that made it one of the most unusual ships in naval history.

In 1943, the USS Murphy was cut in half by a collision with a tanker off the coast of New Jersey, and its bow section sank with 38 sailors on board.

However, the stern section survived and was repaired with a new bow, and the ship returned to service until 1946.

In this blog post, we will explore the strange tale of the USS Murphy, the ship that sank but didn’t.

The USS Murphy: The Ship That Sank But Didn’t


• The USS Murphy was commissioned in July of 1942 and joined the Atlantic Fleet. It was one of 30 Benson-class destroyers, which were 348 feet long and carried a crew of 260 enlisted men and 15 officers. The USS Murphy was armed with five 5-inch guns, six 0.5-inch machine guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and two depth charge racks .
• The USS Murphy first saw action in 1943 as part of Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. It provided fire support for the landing forces and engaged in several naval battles with the Axis forces. The USS Murphy took a hit in its starboard engine room while shelling a coastal battery at Point Blondin, Algeria, causing three deaths and 25 injuries among its crew . The ship returned to Boston for repairs and resumed its escort duty along the east coast.
• In July of 1943, the USS Murphy participated in the invasion of Sicily, where it again supported the landing forces and fought off enemy air attacks. After completing this operation, the ship returned to the US to escort convoys across the North Atlantic to Great Britain. It was during one of these convoys that the USS Murphy met its fate on October 21, 1943 .
• On that night, the USS Murphy was part of a convoy of 38 ships that left New York Harbor for Liverpool, England. The moon was waning in its last quarter, making it difficult to see in the dark. The USS Murphy received a report of an unidentified radar contact ahead of the convoy and was sent to investigate. The contact turned out to be one of the convoy’s own ships, the tanker SS Bulkoil .
• The SS Bulkoil was a T2 tanker that carried 140,000 barrels of fuel oil. It was 523 feet long and weighed over 10,000 tons. The captain of the SS Bulkoil mistook the USS Murphy for a torpedo attack and turned sharply to avoid it. However, this maneuver put the tanker on a collision course with the destroyer .
• The SS Bulkoil struck the USS Murphy at full speed on its port side, between its superstructure and forward stack. The impact was so powerful that it sliced through the destroyer’s hull and severed it in two. The bow section sank within minutes, taking with it 38 sailors who were trapped inside. The stern section remained afloat, thanks to its watertight doors and compartments .
• The survivors of the USS Murphy were rescued by other ships in the convoy, while the damaged stern section was towed back to New York by two tugs. The SS Bulkoil also survived the collision with minor damage and continued its voyage to England .
• The Navy decided to salvage what was left of the USS Murphy and rebuild it with a new bow section. The repair work took seven months and cost over $4 million. The USS Murphy was recommissioned in May of 1944 and rejoined the Atlantic Fleet .
• The USS Murphy resumed its service in World War II and took part in several operations in Europe. It supported the Normandy invasion at Omaha Beach in June of 1944, where it bombarded enemy positions and defended against air attacks. It also escorted convoys to France and Russia, patrolled the English Channel, and participated in the invasion of Southern France in August of 1944 .
• In January of 1945, the USS Murphy had a special mission: it transported King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia from Jeddah to Egypt, where he met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the cruiser USS Quincy. The meeting was part of Roosevelt’s effort to secure oil supplies and strategic alliances in the Middle East .
• The USS Murphy continued its service in the Mediterranean until the end of the war in Europe. It then returned to the US and prepared for the war in the Pacific. However, the war ended before the USS Murphy could join the Pacific Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in October of 1946 and placed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Charleston, South Carolina .
• The USS Murphy remained in reserve until 1969, when it was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. In October of 1972, it was sold for scrap. But somewhere, deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, there was still a part of the USS Murphy that had never been recovered: its original bow section .
• The bow section of the USS Murphy still rests on its side under 260 feet of water, about 20 miles off the coast of New Jersey. It is a solemn reminder of the 38 sailors who died on that fateful night in 1943. The wreck was discovered by divers in 1989 and explored by several expeditions since then. In 2006, a team from the Seeker filmed the wreck for a documentary series called Quest for Sunken Warships. They left behind a commemorative plaque honoring the fallen sailors .

• Today, there is also a memorial for the USS Murphy and its crew in a park in Surf City, Long Island. The memorial consists of a plaque with the names of the 38 sailors who died in the collision, as well as a piece of metal from the ship’s hull. The memorial was dedicated in 1993, on the 50th anniversary of the sinking .

Conclusion

The USS Murphy was a remarkable ship that served in World War II and earned four battle stars for its actions. But it also had a unique and tragic story that made it one of the most unusual ships in naval history.

In 1943, it was cut in half by a collision with a tanker off the coast of New Jersey, and its bow section sank with 38 sailors on board.

However, the stern section survived and was repaired with a new bow, and the ship returned to service until 1946.

The USS Murphy was a ship that sank but didn’t, and its story is a testament to the courage and resilience of its crew and the Navy.

Let us have a moment of silence for the 38 sailors who lost their lives on that fateful night in 1943.

General characteristics
Class and type
Benson-class destroyer
Displacement
1,620 tons
Length
348 ft 4 in (106.17 m)
Beam
36 ft 1 in (11.00 m)
Draft
17 ft 4 in (5.28 m)
Speed
37 knots (69 km/h; 43 mph)
Complement
265
Armament
4 x 5 in (130 mm) guns
40 mm guns
5 x 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes
4 depth charge throwers

Posted on

Balancing Naval Power: The Role and Relevance of Small Combat Ships in a Modern Navy

Small Ship, Big Impact? Reevaluating the Navy’s Approach to Vessel Size.
U.S. NAVY

Introduction:

To the esteemed members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,

In our continued endeavor to promote an educated dialogue surrounding the strength and direction of our nation’s naval forces, we bring forward an opinion piece recently penned by Craig Hooper for Forbes.

The piece titled “U.S. Navy Turns Away From Small Warships Despite Growing Demand, Tactical Relevance” delves into the Navy’s decision to shift focus away from small combat-oriented ships, despite their apparent global demand and tactical significance.

This is a topic of paramount importance, as the balance between small and large naval vessels has implications for our tactical flexibility, regional engagements, and how we project power and diplomacy on the global stage.

Key Takeaways:

Departure from Small Ships:

Hooper discusses the U.S. Navy’s move away from managing small combatants, such as the Cyclone class coastal patrol ships. This responsibility has now been transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, which is grappling with its own challenges.

Global Interest in Small Vessels:

There seems to be a discrepancy between the U.S. Navy’s stance and the rest of the world. Many allies have shown keen interest in the U.S. Navy’s Cyclone class ships. This interest juxtaposes the Navy’s lack of enthusiasm to invest in small craft.

Unprecedented Elimination:

The wholesale removal of small combat-oriented ships from the U.S. Navy is a historical shift. Currently, the Naval Vessel Register lists only ten battle force ships under 2400-tons.

Differing Perspectives:

While the U.S. Navy finds smaller vessels vulnerable against adversaries like China, other nations seem to be taking a different stance. The South China Sea, for instance, has seen small ship engagements, with countries like the Philippines commissioning former U.S. Navy’s Cyclone class ships.

The Robot Replacements:

There’s a hint of an inclination to look towards maritime robots. While valuable, Hooper believes that they can’t yet replace the human-led missions of crewed small ships.

The Coast Guard’s Role:

With the Navy shifting its focus, the Coast Guard has been compelled to pick up the slack, despite its distinct and diverse mission set.

Conclusion:

We are grateful to Dr. Craig Hooper for shedding light on this evolving aspect of our naval strategy. While his perspective provides valuable insights, it’s crucial to remember the foundational principle of the Americans for a Stronger Navy: the belief in a robust, versatile, and adequately equipped naval force.

Both small and large vessels have their unique tactical and strategic advantages. As we advocate for a stronger Navy, it’s essential to understand the role of every ship, large or small, in ensuring America’s maritime supremacy.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment. Let’s foster an informed conversation, ensuring the best future for our Navy.