Author: Robert Luster

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US Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) reveal its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions

South China Sea, – An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship prepares to pull alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) for an underway replenishment. Credit: DVIDS.

The US Department of Defense has released its annual Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) for the fiscal year 2022, protesting against 22 excessive maritime claims worldwide. FONOPs are protests made by the DoD against “unlawful maritime claims” that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order. The FONOP made against Malaysia in the South China Sea seeks to prevent the country from prohibiting military exercises or manoeuvres in its economic exclusive zone without consent. While this is an affront to Malaysia’s self-determination, it is seen as a potential military exercise to be conducted in the SCS in the near future. Similarly, Taiwan is included as a claimant in the SCS, and challenging its prerequisite for prior notification for foreign military or government vessels to enter its territorial sea will give the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.

US protests against excessive maritime claims

The US Department of Defense has released its annual Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) protesting against 22 excessive maritime claims for 2022, revealing its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific

Countries around the world are jostling to maintain their interests at sea more than ever before, largely due to the geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific. Within this boiling pot of competing interests in the region, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has released its annual FONOPs in its report for the fiscal year 2022.

FONOPs challenge unlawful maritime claims

FONOPs are protests made by the DoD against “unlawful maritime claims” that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order.

FONOPs against Malaysia

The FONOP made against Malaysia in the South China Sea seeks to prevent the country from prohibiting military exercises or manoeuvres in its economic exclusive zone without consent. Politically, this is an affront to the country’s self-determination, and it is also hypocritical given the DoD’s claim that its FONOPs aim to “uphold the freedom of navigation as a principle”.

Potential military exercise in the SCS

However, in the broader context of their conflict with the PRC, which we see from the FONOPs made against them, is encroaching upon its neighbouring territories, from India to Taiwan. As tensions rise in the SCS, this FONOP signals a potential military exercise to be conducted in the SCS in the near future. This tactic would follow the large-scale military exercises the US have conducted this year on the Korean peninsula and in the Middle East that were designed to deter their adversaries.

Challenging Taiwan’s prerequisite for prior notification

Similarly, Taiwan is included as a claimant in the SCS as well, as the island country requires prior notification for foreign military or government vessels to enter its territorial sea. Challenging this prerequisite will give the US far more manoeuvrability as the DoD seek to contain the PRC, and potentially control the wider activity in the region such as commerce.

Conclusion

The US Department of Defense’s annual Freedom of Navigation Operations protests against excessive maritime claims and reveals its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the FONOP made against Malaysia and Taiwan seeks to prevent restrictions on military exercises and manoeuvres, giving the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region

Key takeaways

  • The US Department of Defense’s annual Freedom of Navigation Operations protests against excessive maritime claims and reveals its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
    FONOPs challenge unlawful maritime claims that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order.
  • The FONOP made against Malaysia seeks to prevent restrictions on military exercises and manoeuvres, giving the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.
  • Challenging Taiwan’s prerequisite for prior notification will give the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.
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The USS New York: A Symbol of Strength and Sacrifice – At Fleet Week Florida

Fleet Week is an annual event that celebrates the strength and power of the United States Navy. This year, the USS New York is among the four ships that have arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, offering visitors a chance to see the powerful symbol of strength and sacrifice up close. The USS New York is a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel, and its primary mission is to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world. The ship’s bow is made from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. Don’t miss your chance to see this impressive vessel and learn more about the brave men and women who serve our country.

The USS New York, a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel, is a powerful symbol of strength and sacrifice for the United States Navy. Its bow is forged from 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel, reminding sailors of the brave men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The ship’s primary mission is to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world, and its nearly 400 sailors and Marines are dedicated to maintaining its integrity and power. The USS New York serves as a reminder that freedom is not free, and that the sacrifices made by those who serve our country must never be forgotten.

A City on the Sea

The USS New York was commissioned in New York City on November 7, 2009, and its motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.” The ship is a testament to the resilience of the American people, and it carries the spirit of the Big Apple with it wherever it goes. The bow of the ship is made from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001

Intrepid Mission

The USS New York is a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel with the primary mission of carrying Marines and equipment anywhere in the world. The ship can remain undetected and quickly deploy Marines to build combat power ashore before the enemy is even aware. Its sleek design and powerful engines make it a formidable presence on the water.

Heavy Responsibility

The boatswain’s mates, or “bosuns,” are the core of the USS New York’s manpower. These hardworking sailors are responsible for the ship’s overall maintenance and upkeep, and they perform many of the crucial tasks required to put and keep the ship underway. The boatswain is the original “rate,” or job, from which all other naval jobs diverged as sailors’ duties became more specialized.

Never Forget

The USS New York serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001. A steel plate recovered from the World Trade Center rubble is displayed above one of the most-used passageways on the ship, and a firefighter’s helmet reminds sailors of the brave first responders who sprang into action that day. The ship’s daily prayer ritual honors someone who died in the attacks, ensuring that the memory of that day will never be forgotten.

Key Takeaways:

The USS New York is a San Antonio-class landing platform dock vessel with a powerful mission to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world.
The ship’s bow is forged from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001.
The boatswain’s mates are responsible for the ship’s overall maintenance and upkeep.
The USS New York serves as a powerful reminder to “Never Forget” the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.

Conclusion

The USS New York is more than just a ship; it is a symbol of the strength and sacrifice of the American people. Its mission to carry Marines and equipment anywhere in the world is a testament to the power and reach of the United States Navy. The ship’s motto, “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget,” is a powerful reminder that freedom is not free, and that the sacrifices made by those who serve our country must never be forgotten. We must honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and support our brave sailors and Marines who continue to serve our country today.

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Exploring the USS Cole: A Look Inside One of the Ships Docked at Fleet Week Port Everglades

USS Cole (DDG-67) was laid down on 28 February 1994 at Pascagoula, MS, by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Litton Industries; launched on 10 January 1995; sponsored by Mrs. Lee Perry, wife of Secretary of Defense William J. Perry; and commissioned on 8 June 1996 at Port Everglades, FL, Commander M. Stewart O’Bryan in command.

If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area this week, be sure to check out Fleet Week Port Everglades! This annual event brings four ships and hundreds of sailors, marines, and Coast Guardsmen to the area. The USS New York, USS Cole, USS Indiana (submarine), and USNS Newport are all docked at Port Everglades and open for tours. Don’t miss your chance to see these impressive vessels up close and learn more about the brave men and women who serve our country.

Remembering the USS Cole: A Story of Honor, Courage, and Commitment

On the morning of October 12, 2000, the USS Cole, a guided-missile destroyer, was refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen when two al-Qaeda terrorists approached the ship in a small boat carrying a bomb. The ensuing explosion killed 17 sailors and injured 37 others, and left a gaping hole in the ship’s hull. Despite the devastation, the crew of the USS Cole fought tirelessly to save their ship and their shipmates. The crew’s heroism, sacrifice, and bravery in the face of adversity exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.i

Key Points:

On October 12, 2000, the USS Cole was attacked by two al-Qaeda terrorists while refueling in Aden, Yemen.
The attack killed 17 sailors and
The crew of the USS Cole fought tirelessly to save their ship and their shipmates.
The crew’s heroism, sacrifice, and bravery exemplified the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
The Navy subsequently enhanced global force protection training during crucial transits and implemented measures to defend against low-slow flying aircraft and small boats.
The USS Cole Awards Presented Following the Attack include Legion of Merit, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and Navy Unit Commendation.
Selected USS Cole Artifacts include United States Navy Flag, United States Marine Corps Flag, Mess Management Specialist T-Shirt, and Mess Deck Tray.

Conclusion

The USS Cole attack was a tragic reminder of the dangers that our sailors face every day in defense of our country. The heroism and sacrifice of the crew of the USS Cole is an inspiration to all Americans and serves as a testament to the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Let us honor their memory by continuing to support a strong Navy and ensuring that our sailors have the training and resources they need to defend our nation.

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US Ships Arrive FT Lauderdale, FL for Fleet Week

Introduction:

Greetings to all our members and subscribers! We at Americans for a Stronger Navy are thrilled to share the latest news from the 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades in Southeast Florida. This event is an excellent opportunity for Southeast Florida residents to witness and tour Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships. We believe that promoting Peace Through Strength is crucial, and events such as Fleet Week Port Everglades provide an excellent platform to showcase the capabilities of the US Navy.

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (April 23, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) watch as the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN 789) arrives in port for Fleet Week Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990, interrupted by COVID in 2020 and 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary D. Behrend)

The USS Cole, a US Navy destroyer commissioned in 1996, arrived first at the 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades, followed by the USS New York, USS Indiana, and USNS Newport on April 23. The USCGC William Flores will arrive the following day. Over 9,000 reservations were taken for the Monday through Saturday tours, indicating the event’s popularity. The Navy Band will perform at over 15 venues in the city, including at the Florida Panthers’ playoff game and the Miami Marlins’ game.

Community Engagement

“We look forward to being in Port Everglades to spend time with the outstanding citizens of South Florida,” said Rear Adm. Tom Williams, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO. The ships’ crew and servicemembers will be volunteering at various locations across Fort Lauderdale, including mentoring and visiting with students from several area schools, helping refurbish areas around the Naval Air History Museum, visiting veterans at a senior facility, and supporting youth fitness at two separate YMCA events.

Educational Initiatives

On Monday, more than 800 JROTC students from Broward County Schools will visit the ships as part of a Fleet Week STEM summit, followed by 300 JROTC cadets from Miami on Tuesday morning as part of the youth VIP tours. In addition to the ships, equipment displays, Marine and Navy recruiting information, and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see as they wait for their tours.

Events and Competitions

The Sailors will participate in a series of other events, including an all-hands welcome ceremony involving the mayor, a salute to veterans event and a salute to women in the military, a traditional chili cook-off against local fire and police teams, and a Damage Control Olympics competition. The latter will pit teams of Sailors from each ship and the USCG against each other through a series of challenging events at a damage control trainer.

Key Takeaways:

The 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades is an excellent opportunity for Southeast Florida residents to witness and tour Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships.
More than 9,000 reservations were taken for the Monday through Saturday tours, indicating the event’s popularity.
The event provides an excellent platform to showcase the capabilities of the US Navy and promote Peace Through Strength.
In addition to the ships, equipment displays, Marine and Navy recruiting information, and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see.
The Sailors will participate in a series of other events and competitions, including an all-hands welcome ceremony, a chili cook-off, and a Damage Control Olympics competition.
The servicemembers will be volunteering at various locations across Fort Lauderdale, including mentoring and visiting with students from several area schools and visiting veterans at a senior facility.

Conclusion:

We hope that the news of the 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades has inspired you to learn more about the capabilities of the US Navy and its commitment to promoting Peace Through Strength. We encourage our readers to be an active supporter by subscribing to our website, StrongerNavy.org. We thank you for your time and for supporting a Stronger Navy

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USS George H.W. Bush Returns Home After Successful Deployment

Introduction

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and welcome to our latest blog post on behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy. At StrongerNavy.org, we are committed to promoting Peace Through Strength as a valuable central theme. Our mission is to inform and inspire our readers to join our cause, and we aim to target average Americans who can help bolster our mission and engage with us to rally for a stronger Navy.

110129-N-3885H-158 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2011) – USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 29. George H.W. Bush is conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Nicholas Hall)

The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) left Norfolk in August 2022 and completed operations in Europe and Africa before returning home to Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday. The ship, along with other members of its Carrier Strike Group, participated in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history.

Homecoming Celebration for Carrier Air Wing 7

Eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 7 returned home first, with some squadrons having a flyover and homecoming event at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana on Friday. Family and friends of the sailors gathered to welcome them home after a long deployment.

Honoring the Service of the Sailors on USS George H.W. Bush

Capt. Dave Pollard, the commanding officer of the USS George H.W. Bush, expressed his pride in the service of his sailors. He stated that “Our Sailors serve our great nation honorably, exemplifying the service, grit, humility and resilience our namesake, President George Herbert Walker Bush, displayed throughout his life of service to family and country.”

Key Takeaways

The USS George H.W. Bush completed an eight-and-a-half month deployment in Europe and Africa.
The ship participated in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history.
Eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 7 returned home, with some squadrons having a homecoming event at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana.
The commanding officer of the USS George H.W. Bush expressed his pride in the service of his sailors.

Conclusion

We hope this story has inspired you to join us in supporting a stronger Navy. The dedication and service of the sailors on the USS George H.W. Bush is a testament to the importance of Peace Through Strength. As we continue to promote our mission, we encourage you to subscribe to our cause and help us engage with average Americans to rally for a stronger Navy. Thank you for your time and for supporting Americans for a Stronger Navy.

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USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Arrive in Thailand After Journey Across South China Sea

This handout photo taken on April 4, 2023 and provided by the South Korean Defence Ministry in Seoul shows the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (C), the South Korean Navy’s destroyer Yulgok Yi I (R) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyer Umigiri (front L) sailing in formation during a joint naval exercise in the international waters off South Korea’s southern island of Jeju. (Photo by Handout / South Korean Defence Ministry / AFP)

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who share our mission of promoting Peace Through Strength.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong and capable Navy is essential to ensuring global peace and security.

We are excited to bring you the latest news and updates from the U.S. Navy, and to inspire you to join us in supporting this vital mission.

USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Arrive in Thailan

The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit. The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand’s territorial waters. The Nimitz’s automatic identification system (AIS) signal was turned on at around 21:30 p.m. UTC on Sunday, and it arrived and docked at Laem Chabang Port three hours later.

The Nimitz’s Journey Across the South China Sea.

The journey across the South China Sea is significant given the tensions in the region, and the ongoing disputes over territorial claims in the area. The Nimitz’s presence in the region is intended to promote peace and stability, and to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.

Trilateral Exercise with Japan and South Korea

Prior to arriving in Thailand, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy. The exercise was conducted on April 3-4 and aimed to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the three navies.

Key takeaways:

The USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit
The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand
The Nimitz’s journey is significant given the tensions in the region and ongoing territorial disputes
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and South Korea on April 3-4 to enhance cooperation and interoperability

In conclusion, the USS Nimitz’s journey across the South China Sea and its visit to Thailand highlight the importance of a strong and capable U.S. Navy in promoting peace and stability in the region. The trilateral exercise with Japan and South Korea demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and interoperability among allied navies. We encourage all Americans to support a Stronger Navy by subscribing to our mission at StrongerNavy.org. Thank you for your time and for your support.

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U.S. Navy Intercepts Fishing Vessel Smuggling $42 Million in Illegal Drugs

U.S. Navy Intercepts Fishing Vessel Smuggling $42 Million in Illegal Drugs

Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!

As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we are proud to share a recent success story of the U.S. Navy in supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in interdicting a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman.

Content Summary

USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), operating under CTF 150, intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling 802 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of hashish worth $42 million. The crewmembers of the vessel were identified as Iranian nationals.

Before the Navy and Coast Guard members could seize the vessel, five smugglers attempted to discard 50 bags of methamphetamine by throwing them overboard.

However, some of the bags were recovered. Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone, contributing to the total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions by U.S. and international naval units in 2021 and 2022.

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs worth $42 million in the Gulf of Oman.
Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone.
U.S. and international naval units have contributed to a total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions in 2021 and 2022.
CTF 150 conducts maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their related illicit activities.
Conclusion:
The successful interception by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard members under CTF 150 highlights the importance of promoting Peace Through Strength. We commend the sailors for their outstanding work in removing illicit narcotics from the high seas and deterring destabilizing activity in regional waters. As supporters of a Stronger Navy, we encourage our readers to subscribe and continue to engage with us in promoting a stronger and more secure America.

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Celebrating Military Children with the US Navy

Navy Seaman Christian Pons plays basketball with Sullivans Elementary School students during a community relations event at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan,

Greetings to all our members and subscribers, and welcome to another blog post by Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, and today we want to celebrate the military children who also play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.

In this post, we will highlight the recent event hosted by sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, during the Month of the Military Child.

Month of the Military Child

The Month of the Military Child is an annual observance that honors military children and recognizes the sacrifices they make as their parents serve in the armed forces. This year, the Department of Defense partnered with local communities to host various events that show appreciation for the military children.

USS Ronald Reagan Sailors Celebrate Military Children

Sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan visited Sullivans Elementary School during the Month of the Military Child and engaged the students in fun activities such as races, tug-of-war, basketball games, and more. The sailors’ visit brought smiles to the children’s faces and reminded them of their strength and resilience.

Recognizing Military Children’s Strength

The sailors’ visit was a way to show their appreciation for the military children who also face unique challenges and sacrifices that come with their parents’ jobs. By engaging the children in community events, the sailors highlighted the strength and resilience of military children and recognized their important role in supporting their families.

Key Takeaways

  • The Month of the Military Child is an annual observance that honors military children and recognizes the sacrifices they make as their parents serve in the armed forces.
  • Sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan visited Sullivans Elementary School during the Month of the Military Child and engaged the students in fun activities to show their appreciation.
  • By engaging the children in community events, the sailors highlighted the strength and resilience of military children and recognized their important role in supporting their families.

Conclusion

Be an Active Supporter of a Stronger Navy.

As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we want to encourage all our readers to support the US Navy and its mission to promote Peace Through Strength. We hope this post has inspired you to appreciate the sacrifices made by military children and their families, and to recognize the important role they play in ensuring our safety and security.

Please consider subscribing to our organization and supporting our mission. Thank you for your time.

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Iran alleges that it forced a U.S. submarine to surface in Gulf, U.S. Fifth fleet denies

Greetings to all our members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

As an organization, our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, a valuable central theme that aligns with our goals.

In this blog post, we would like to bring to your attention to an incident that Iran alleged recently occurred in the Gulf involving the United States Navy Fifth Fleet and Iran’s navy. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission and to engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy.

United States Fifth Fleet insignia

On April 20, Iranian navy commander Shahram Irani claimed that Iran’s navy had forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf. He said that the Iranian submarine Fateh detected the U.S. submarine approaching while submerged and carried out manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Irani, the U.S. submarine had also entered Iranian territorial waters but corrected its course after being warned. However, the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had taken place, calling it Iranian disinformation.

Background on Iranian-U.S. confrontations

Iranian and U.S. forces have had a number of confrontations in the past. In early April, the Iranian navy said it had identified and warned off a U.S. reconnaissance plane outside the mouth of the Gulf. In 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. drone which it said was flying over southern Iran.

Key takeaways:

  • Iran’s navy claimed to have forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf, but the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had occurred.
  • Iran has had confrontations with the U.S. Navy in the past, including identifying and warning off a U.S. reconnaissance plane in early April 2023 and shooting down a U.S. drone in 2019.

    In conclusion, we hope that this story has shed light on the importance of a strong Navy in promoting peace through strength. We urge all our readers to support our mission and engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy. Let us work together to ensure that our Navy is well-equipped and prepared to face any challenge that may arise.
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Recruitment Shortfalls and Readiness Issues in the Army, Navy, and Air Force

Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford in June 2021. (Navy)

Hello, and welcome to Americans for a Stronger Navy. At our organization, we are committed to promoting Peace Through Strength. In this blog post, we will be discussing the recent recruiting shortfalls and readiness issues faced by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Our goal is to inform and inspire our readers, especially those in the Navy, to support our mission.

Summary:

Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, the vice chief of naval operations, told the committee that their services are doing better than they expected, but that they will still be short at the end of the fiscal year.

Franchetti said the Navy’s readiness is based on people. “We are committed to improving their quality of service and personal resilience, investing in initiatives such as quality housing and childcare, access to the full continuum of mental health care, improved education and an environment free of sexual harassment and sexual assault,” she said. “In this 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, we continue to focus on recruiting, retention and reducing gaps in our billets at sea.”

The admiral also spoke of gains in ship readiness and improvements in maintenance. She told the panel that the fiscal 2024 budget request fully funds public and private ship maintenance, aviation depot maintenance, increases parts and spares and continues to grow the highly skilled public shipyard workforce.

  • Army, Navy, and Air Force won’t reach enlistment goals this year.
  • Marines and Space Force expect to reach their goals.
  • Army expects to recruit 10,000 fewer soldiers than their goal of 55,000.
  • Navy expects to have about 6,000 enlistees short.
  • Air Force expects to have about 10,000 airmen short throughout the active and reserve components.
  • Recruitment issues faced by the Army apply to all services, with only 23% of young Americans qualified to serve, and fewer still showing interest.
  • The Army must focus on warfighting, training for battle, and supporting combatant commands with ready formations worldwide.
  • The Navy’s readiness is based on people, investing in initiatives such as quality housing, childcare, mental health care, education, and an environment free of harassment and assault.
  • The Marine Corps is modernizing and producing an even more lethal Marine.

Conclusion:

We hope this blog post has informed you about the current recruiting shortfalls and readiness issues faced by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Personnel is the most critical aspect of readiness, and it’s essential to invest in initiatives to improve their quality of service and personal resilience.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, we must focus on recruiting, retention, and reducing gaps in our billets at sea.

We encourage you to support our mission by subscribing to our organization and becoming an active supporter of a Stronger Navy. Thank you for your time and for supporting our cause.