Robert Luster, Author at Americans for a Stronger Navy

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

All Hands on Deck: Our Coverage of Navy Week in St. Louis

Attention everyone! Navy Week is coming to St. Louis, Missouri from May 8-14, 2023, and we’ve got you covered! Our team will be blogging to bring you all the latest news and highlights of the week-long event.

During Navy Week, 75 Sailors from across the fleet will be participating in various education and community outreach events throughout the city. There will be opportunities to meet Namesake Sailors from USS Harry S. Truman, USS St. Louis, and USS Constitution, enjoy musical performances by Navy Band Great Lakes, witness exciting demonstrations by various Navy organizations, and even participate in volunteer activities with local organizations.

Our coverage will include interviews with Navy personnel and local leaders, photos and videos of the events, and live updates here on StrongerNavy.org. Stay tuned for more information on Navy Week in St. Louis, and join us in celebrating and honoring the men and women who serve in America’s Navy

The Navy’s senior executive for the week is Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, Reserve Deputy Director for Maritime Information Warfare, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rader is participating in community engagements, meeting with students and speaking with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

“I am excited to represent the Navy and engage with the city of St. Louis and surrounding areas,” said Rader. “Being able to share the Navy’s story and interact with the citizens is both an honor and privilege.”

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like St. Louis.

“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to St. Louis,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.”

Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events, including volunteering with organizations such as the Veterans Community Project, Girl Scouts, St. Louis Food Pantry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and the Black Girls Do STEM. Additionally, Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, Reserve Deputy Director for Maritime Information Warfare, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will serve as the Navy’s senior executive for the week, participating in community engagements, meeting with students, and speaking with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

The Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence since 2005. Navy Weeks allow the Navy to showcase how it serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore, and each year the program reaches more than 140 million people, about half the U.S. population.

The calendar of events for St. Louis Navy Week includes various volunteering opportunities, meetings with local leaders and students, performances by Navy Band Great Lakes, and more. The Navy Week concludes with an air show performance by the Blue Angels, which is sure to be a highlight of the week.

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

Supporting Our Troops: The Brandon Act’s Impact on Mental Health Care for Service Members

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta

Introduction:

The mental health and well-being of our service members is of utmost importance. As part of our mission to strengthen the U.S. Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support the Brandon Act, which aims to improve mental health support for service members. The new policy will allow service members to seek help confidentially and improve the referral process for mental health evaluations. By taking care of our people, we ensure that they are ready to serve and protect our nation.

Summary:

The Brandon Act is named after Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018. The legislation was signed into law in 2021 and aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The policy directs the services to establish procedures for service members to request a referral for a mental health evaluation through a commanding officer or supervisor. The implementation of the Brandon Act will occur in two phases, and additional mental health resources will be available to service members worldwide.

Key takeaways:

The Brandon Act aims to improve mental health support for service members.
The policy allows service members to seek help confidentially and reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
The services will establish procedures for service members to request a referral for a mental health evaluation through a commanding officer or supervisor.
The implementation of the Brandon Act will occur in two phases, and additional mental health resources will be available to service members worldwide.

Conclusion:

We must support our service members who ask for help and ensure that they have access to confidential mental health care.

By supporting the Brandon Act, Americans for a Stronger Navy is taking an important step in strengthening the U.S. Navy. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting our troops and recognizing the importance of mental health care for our service members.

By doing so, we can ensure that our military services are ready and able to protect our nation.

May 4, 2023May 5, 2023

Celebrating the US Navy’s Public Role in Promoting Peace through Strength

USS Ohio, during her commissioning ceremony in 1981.

Introduction

The United States Navy has been a cornerstone of American security and global stability for over 200 years. As a member of the Navy community, we are proud to support the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization in their mission to promote a strong, modern Navy capable of defending America’s interests worldwide. In this article, we explore the recent decision by the US Navy to publicly announce a visit by a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea, and its significance in promoting peace through strength.

Summary

The US Navy’s decision to publicly announce a visit by a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea has sparked debate about the wisdom of increased transparency for what has traditionally been known as the “silent service.” Despite concerns about violating the core mission of secrecy, this move by the Navy represents a commitment to promoting Peace Through Strength. By demonstrating America’s resolve and willingness to defend its allies, the Navy is helping to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Takeaways

The US Navy’s decision to publicly announce a visit by a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea represents a significant shift in the Navy’s traditional “silent service” approach. While there are concerns about the wisdom of increased transparency, this move by the Navy is a commitment to promoting Peace Through Strength. By demonstrating America’s willingness to defend its allies and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the Navy is playing a critical role in promoting American security.

Conclusion

As members of the Navy community, we are proud to support the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization in their mission to promote a strong, modern Navy capable of defending America’s interests worldwide. The US Navy’s decision to publicly announce a visit by a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea is a powerful demonstration of America’s commitment to promoting peace through strength. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting the Navy and its mission to protect America’s interests at home and abroad.

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

Strong Partnerships with Canada for a Stronger Navy: Proud to be Part of the Community

From right to left, guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103), Royal Canadian Navy supply ship MV Asterix and Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336) conduct a replenishment-at-sea in the Red Sea,

Introduction:

The United States Navy is not just a national institution but a global one that cooperates with many other navies around the world. One such partner is the Royal Canadian Navy, with whom the US Navy has a long-standing relationship. This partnership is not just a political one but also one that helps ensure the security of the North American continent. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of building strong partnerships with Canada and how it aligns with the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Summary:

The United States and Canada share the world’s longest border, and both countries recognize the importance of maintaining a stable and secure maritime environment. The partnership between the US Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy plays a critical role in achieving this goal. By working together, both navies can enhance their capabilities and extend their reach, benefitting not just the two countries but also the wider region. Americans for a Stronger Navy recognizes the importance of this partnership and aims to promote it as a key element of a robust and effective Navy.

Key Takeaways:

The US Navy has a longstanding partnership with the Royal Canadian Navy, which is essential to maintaining security in North America.

Strong partnerships with Canada enhance the US Navy’s capabilities and extend its reach.

The partnership between the US Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy benefits both countries and the wider region.

Americans for a Stronger Navy promotes the partnership with Canada as a key element of a robust and effective Navy.

Conclusion:

As Americans, we can take pride in the strong partnership between the US Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy. By supporting Americans for a Stronger Navy and its mission to promote this partnership, we can help ensure the Navy’s readiness and effectiveness. Together, we can build a stronger Navy and a safer, more prosperous North America.

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

The U.S. Army and Navy recently was awarded contracts worth over $1 billion.

The U.S. Army and Navy continue to strengthen America’s national defense with the recent award of multiple contracts totaling more than $1 billion. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV secured a $1.02 billion contract for the Javelin Weapon System, while A&M Engineering and Environmental Services Inc., LRS-Hill JV LLC., and MSMM Huitt-Zollars JV LLC are set to compete for a $25 million construction phase architect and engineering services contract. Luhr Bros. Inc. also secured a $12.78 million contract for the dredging of shoals along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In the Navy, Vectrus-J&J Facilities Support LLC secured a $25.7 million base operating services contract, while multiple contractors, including G2 Software Systems Inc., Sev1Tech LLC, Forward Slope Inc., Solute, and Data Intelligence LLC, secured contracts worth a total of $70.7 million for command and control (C2) technology and experimentation services. These awards are vital to America’s defense readiness and highlight the ongoing commitment of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization to ensure a strong and capable Navy to protect our nation’s interests.

The contracts awarded to the Navy, including those for base operating services and command and control (C2) technology and experimentation services, highlight the ongoing commitment of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization to ensure a strong and capable Navy to protect America’s interests.

Key Takeaways:

Recent Army and Navy contracts demonstrate the government’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening the military.
Contracts for construction, equipment, and technology services will enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the Army and Navy.
The contracts will also create job opportunities and stimulate the economy.
Americans for a Stronger Navy encourages all Americans to support our troops and their families.

Conclusion:

The recent award of contracts by the U.S. Army and Navy worth over $1 billion demonstrates the ongoing commitment to strengthen America’s national defense.

These contracts, awarded to companies like Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, A&M Engineering and Environmental Services Inc., LRS-Hill JV LLC., and MSMM Huitt-Zollars JV LLC, will help ensure that our military is well-equipped and ready to respond to any threat.

The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization remains committed to its mission of promoting a strong and capable Navy to protect America’s interests. It is essential that we continue to invest in our military to safeguard our nation’s security and ensure a prosperous future for all Americans.

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

Americans for a Stronger Navy: Proudly Supporting Our Men and Women in Uniform

Sailor’s aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) prepare to depart from Naval Station Rota, Spain, April 22, 2023.

Introduction: The Sacrifices Made by the U.S. Navy

The United States Navy is an institution that has been integral to America’s security and defense for centuries. The sailors who serve in the Navy make countless sacrifices to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens at home and abroad. From time away from family and loved ones to dangerous deployments in hostile regions, the men and women of the U.S. Navy put their lives on the line to protect America’s interests. As a nation, we owe it to them to ensure they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively.

The USS Arleigh Burke Departs from Naval Station Rota

The USS Arleigh Burke recently departed from Naval Station Rota, Spain, on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations. The ship and its crew will be defending U.S., allied, and partner interests in the region. The deployment is a clear demonstration of the Navy’s commitment to protecting America’s interests around the world. The sailors aboard the USS Arleigh Burke are among the many men and women who make up the backbone of America’s defense.

Summary: The Importance of the U.S. Navy’s Readiness

The U.S. Navy is a critical component of America’s defense infrastructure. The men and women who serve in the Navy are responsible for safeguarding America’s interests, both at home and abroad. To do their jobs effectively, the Navy must be adequately equipped and prepared to respond to any threat or challenge that may arise.

This is where organizations like Americans for a Stronger Navy come in. By advocating for a stronger, more prepared navy, we help ensure that America’s sailors have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The USS Arleigh Burke’s Deployment to Defend American Interests

The deployment of the USS Arleigh Burke is a clear example of the Navy’s commitment to protecting America’s interests. The ship and its crew will be defending U.S., allied, and partner interests in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations. The deployment highlights the important role that the U.S. Navy plays in safeguarding America’s interests around the world. By supporting the Navy and its sailors, we help ensure that America remains safe and secure.

Key Takeaways: The Vital Role of the U.S. Navy in Protecting America

The U.S. Navy is responsible for protecting America’s interests, both at home and abroad.
The sailors who serve in the Navy make significant sacrifices to ensure America’s security.

Organizations like Americans for a Stronger Navy advocate for a stronger, more prepared navy to help ensure that America’s sailors have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively.

Supporting Our Men and Women in Uniform

As Americans, we owe it to the men and women of the U.S. Navy to support them in their mission to protect our nation.

By advocating for a stronger, more prepared navy, we help ensure that America’s sailors have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Supporting the Navy and its sailors is a critical part of ensuring America’s safety and security.
Conclusion: A Call to Support Our Navy and Its Sailors

The United States Navy is an essential component of America’s security and defense infrastructure. The sailors who serve in the Navy make significant sacrifices to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens. By supporting the Navy and its sailors, we help ensure that America remains safe and secure.

As an organization, Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to advocating for a stronger, more prepared navy. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting our men and women in uniform and ensuring that we have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs effectively. Together, we can help ensure that America remains safe and secure, and that our sailors are given the respect and support they deserve.

A Stronger Navy for a Safer America

As Americans, we take pride in our nation’s military strength and our ability to defend ourselves against any threat. The United States Navy plays a critical role in this defense, and we must do everything we can to ensure it remains strong and capable. By supporting the Navy and its sailors, we help ensure that America remains safe and secure for generations to come. As an organization, Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to stand with our men and women in uniform. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting our navy and its sailors, and in working to build a stronger, more prepared navy for a safer America.

May 4, 2023May 8, 2023

Celebrating the Achievements and Excellence of the Navy Community during Fleet Week

Sailors on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) pull in mooring lines in preparation of departure from Fleet Week Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Introduction

*Fleet Week 2023 has come to a close, and it was an incredible week of events and activities showcasing the strength and innovation of the U.S. Navy. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and the event provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase naval technology and the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who serve the nation.

As proud members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization, we are honored to have covered this event and shone a spotlight on the ships, crews, and individual sailors who make the Navy community so remarkable. In this blog post, we will celebrate the achievements and excellence of the Navy community during Fleet Week.

Enlisted Person of the Year Awards

One of the highlights of our coverage was the Enlisted Person of the Year awards for various ships and submarines. These awards recognized the outstanding dedication and achievement of enlisted personnel in the U.S. Navy, highlighting the crucial role they play in keeping our nation safe. We covered many stories featuring these exceptional sailors, including:

Iran Seizes Second Oil Tanker in the Gulf – U.S. Navy Responds

Introduction

Protecting American interests abroad is critical, and the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization recognizes the importance of maritime security. The recent seizure of the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in the Gulf waters raises concerns about the safety and security of commercial vessels. The incident highlights the critical role that the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining maritime security, and the need for the Navy to remain prepared to protect American interests.

Key Takeaways

Iran’s seizure of the Niovi oil tanker in the Gulf waters is the second such incident in a week, and it once again raises concerns about maritime security.
The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization recognizes the importance of maintaining readiness to protect American interests abroad.

The U.S. State Department has called for the release of the Niovi and the crew, and the international community has joined in condemning Iran’s actions.
The incident highlights the critical role that the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining maritime security in the Gulf waters and protecting American interests.
Iran’s Seizure of Niovi Oil Tanker

On Wednesday, May 3, Iran seized the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident marks the second such seizure in a week, raising concerns about the safety and security of commercial vessels in the Gulf waters. The U.S. Navy has condemned Iran’s actions and called for the release of the Niovi and its crew.

The Role of the U.S. Navy in Maintaining Maritime Security

The recent seizure of the Niovi oil tanker by Iran highlights the critical role that the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining maritime security in the Gulf waters and protecting American interests. The Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of American vessels and personnel, and the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization recognizes the importance of supporting the Navy in its mission.

Conclusion:

The seizure of the Niovi oil tanker by Iran is a reminder of the critical importance of maritime security and the need for the U.S. Navy to maintain readiness to protect American interests abroad. The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to be part of the Navy community and recognizes the critical role that the Navy plays in ensuring the safety and security of American vessels and personnel. We urge all Americans to support our mission and join us in advocating for a stronger Navy. Together, we can ensure that American interests are protected, and our maritime security remains strong

May 3, 2023May 3, 2023

US Navy Contracts Update – America Strong

The US Navy recently awarded four contracts worth a total of $104 million to various defense contractors. These contracts cover a range of activities, from procurement of aircraft parts to development of digital tools for naval platforms. While these may seem like routine activities, they play a critical role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the US Navy in protecting American interests.

The first contract, awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., is worth $60 million and covers the procurement of long lead parts and associated support for two E-2D Advanced Hawkeye plus up aircraft for the Navy.

The second contract, awarded to Lockheed Martin Corp., is worth $25.3 million and covers continued program management, logistics, sustainment, and system engineering support for an undisclosed country’s integration as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

The third contract, awarded to BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., is worth $11.3 million and covers the manufacture and delivery of Virginia Class propulsor components and assembly.

The fourth and final contract, awarded to Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp., is worth $7.9 million and covers the development of digital threads for naval platforms.

Overall, these contracts highlight the critical role that defense contractors play in supporting the readiness and effectiveness of the US Navy. They also demonstrate the importance of investing in defense technology and capabilities to protect American interests and promote global stability. By maintaining a strong and capable Navy, the US can deter potential adversaries and protect its allies and partners around the world.

May 3, 2023May 3, 2023

United States and the Philippines Agree to Strengthen Their Alliance

Introduction:

The United States and the Philippines have come to an agreement to continue the vital work required to modernize and strengthen the alliance between the two nations. This agreement was reached between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a ceremony at the Pentagon, where the U.S. reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. This commitment applies to armed attacks on the armed forces, coast guard vessels, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

The Importance of the Alliance:

The alliance between the United States and the Philippines is of utmost importance, and the two nations have agreed to continue working together to ensure its success. The recent visit by Marcos to the Pentagon has furthered the efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The U.S. is supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts and is helping to build their interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

Deepening Coordination and Interoperability:

The two nations are deepening their coordination and interoperability, which is crucial to ensuring that the alliance is effective. The recent Balikatan exercise was the largest in history, with 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, covering land, sea, air, and cyber scenarios. Following on that effort is Cope Thunder, an exercise testing air power interoperability. The U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts, and this will help to build interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

Expanding Operational Cooperation in the Maritime Domain:

The U.S. is committed to expanding its operational cooperation with the Philippines in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea. The two defense leaders discussed U.S. support for Philippine defense modernization efforts and the ongoing plans to continue to operationalize the agreement sites. These efforts will help to build interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

New Bilateral Defense Guidelines:

Marcos and Austin also discussed new bilateral defense guidelines. This item reflects the unprecedented effort behind modernizing the alliance to bring it into a new era of cooperation. The emphasis is to look at how threats arise in the various domains and what form those threats will take. This will enable Philippine and U.S. officials to chart a bilateral way forward to help build interoperability, information sharing, planning, etc., around how they address these conventional and nonconventional threats.

Key Takeaways:

The United States and the Philippines are committed to strengthening and modernizing their alliance.
Deepening coordination and interoperability are crucial to ensuring the alliance’s effectiveness.
The U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts.
The two nations are expanding their operational cooperation in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea.
New bilateral defense guidelines are being developed to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

Conclusion:

The recent agreement between the United States and the Philippines to modernize and strengthen their alliance is a positive step towards ensuring the readiness of the U.S. Navy and the security of the people of America. As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are proud to be a part of the Navy community and support efforts to strengthen alliances and ensure national security. We encourage all Americans to rally behind this cause and support the efforts to build a stronger and more secure future.