Author: Robert Luster

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The Importance of Navy Weeks: Bringing the Navy and “Peace Through Strength” to Communities Near You

Introduction to Navy Weeks

USS San Jacinto in Wilmington, NC in support Navy Weeks 2023

Navy Weeks is a program organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) that brings the Navy’s outreach efforts to cities and towns without a significant Navy presence.

Selection Criteria and Scope of Navy Weeks

Since 2005, up to 15 cities across the country are selected each year based on a range of criteria.

Objectives of Navy Weeks

Navy Weeks focus on outreach assets, equipment, and personnel to host a week-long series of events in partnership with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service, and diversity organizations throughout the city.

The program is designed to educate Americans on the importance of naval service, showcase the Navy’s global deployment, and increase awareness in cities that might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.

Anchor Events and Community Outreach

Navy Weeks are organized around an anchor event or large community event, such as a state fair or public holiday celebration, to increase awareness of a larger number of people from diverse geographic areas.

Components of a Navy Week

a. Navy Band Performances
The program includes Navy Band performances in the selected city at multiple locations.
b. Speaking Engagements by Navy Admirals or Flag Officers
A Navy Admiral or Flag Officer will speak to civic and educational organizations at various public speaking engagements in the area.
c. Participation from Active-Duty and Reserve Navy Personnel

In addition to the Flag officer and Navy Band, participating in any given Navy Week are active-duty and reserve Navy Public Affairs Officers, local civic organizations, as well as local sailors and recruiters from the regional Navy Recruiting District (NRD).

Impact of Navy Weeks on Communities

Navy Weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of Naval service, understand the investment they make in their Navy, and to increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.

Key Takeaways

  • Navy Weeks is a program organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO).
  • The program brings the Navy’s outreach efforts to cities and towns without a significant Navy presence.
  • Navy Weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of naval service and showcase the Navy’s global deployment.
  • The program includes Navy Band performances, speaking engagements by Navy Admirals or Flag Officers, and participation from active-duty and reserve Navy personnel.
  • Navy Weeks are organized around an anchor event or large community event to increase awareness of a larger number of people from diverse geographic areas.

Conclusion

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong Navy is vital to protecting the American way of life. Navy Weeks is an excellent outreach effort that helps educate Americans on the importance of Naval service and showcase the Navy’s global deployment.

We hope that you are inspired by the Navy’s dedication to our country and will join us in supporting a Stronger Navy. To stay informed about our mission and the Navy’s efforts, please subscribe to our newsletter. Thank you for your time and for supporting a Stronger Navy.

Dates and Communities Near You

April 10-16, 2023 – Wilmington, North Carolina
May 8-14, 2023 – St. Louis, Missouri
June 26 – July 2, 2023 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
July 17-23, 2023 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 7-13, 2023 – Billings, Montana
August 21-27, 2023 – Lincoln/Omaha, Nebraska
September 4-10, 2023 – Cleveland, Ohio
September 11-17, 2023 – Salt Lake City, Utah
September 25 – October 1, 2023 – Salem, Oregon
October 9-15, 2023- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 23-29, 2023 Indianapolis, Indiana

#PeaceThroughStrength #StrongerNavy #USNavy

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U.S. and Philippines Discuss Military Partnership

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Philippine Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez Jr., and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.

Introduction:

Greetings to our members and subscribers, as well as to all average Americans who are passionate about peace and security through strength.

Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to promoting the mission of a stronger U.S. Navy, which plays a critical role in ensuring global peace and stability. In line with our mission, we would like to share a recent news development on the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Summary:

Top leaders from the U.S. and the Philippines have met to discuss their nations’ partnership in the areas of military, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. The meeting was held in Washington and attended by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Philippine Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez Jr., and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo.

The leaders discussed modernizing the Philippine armed forces and operationalizing four new sites in Palawan and northern Luzon under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed on February 1st. They also emphasized the significance of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, which serves as the foundation of their cooperation. The treaty applies to armed attacks on either nation’s armed forces or public vessels anywhere in the South China Sea.

Key Takeaways:

U.S. and Philippine leaders met to discuss their nations’ partnership in the areas of military, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.
Discussions included modernizing the Philippine armed forces and operationalizing four new sites in Palawan and northern Luzon under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed on February 1st.
The leaders emphasized the significance of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, which serves as the foundation of their cooperation.
The treaty applies to armed attacks on either nation’s armed forces or public vessels anywhere in the South China Sea.

Conclusion:

As we work towards promoting peace through strength, this development is a positive step towards enhancing U.S.-Philippine relations and maintaining regional stability. We encourage our readers to stay informed on this partnership and its impact on global security. Join us in supporting a stronger U.S. Navy by subscribing to our mission on

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USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) Transiting the Suez Canal: A Testimony to the US Navy’s Skill and Expertise

USS Paul Hamilton courtesy US Navy

Hello members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!

As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we strive to highlight the important work of the United States Navy in maintaining global security and stability.

Today, we want to share a story that showcases the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots in navigating one of the world’s most important waterways – the Suez Canal.

The successful transit of the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) through the canal is a testament to the importance of maintaining a strong naval presence in the region. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission of promoting a strong and effective US Navy, as we work towards a safer and more peaceful world.

On April 5th, 2023, the US Navy announced that the USS Paul Hamilton a Guided Missle Destroyer, had successfully transited the Suez Canal as part of its deployment to the Middle East.

The Suez Canal has been an important passage for naval vessels for over a century, and the USS Paul Hamilton successful transit is a testament to the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots. The Suez Canal is a strategic chokepoint that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, allowing naval vessels to quickly move between Europe and Asia. The USS Paul Hamilton transit through the canal highlights the importance of this waterway for the US Navy’s operations in the region.

Transiting through the Suez Canal is not without its challenges. The canal is over 120 miles long and has no locks, which means that vessels must navigate through narrow passages and tight turns. The depth of the canal can also be a concern, as low water levels can cause vessels to run aground. Additionally, the security of the vessels transiting through the canal is a top priority, as the canal has been the target of attacks in the past.

The US Navy works closely with the Egyptian authorities to ensure that all necessary security measures are in place. The USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the canal is a testament to the strong relationship between the US Navy and the Egyptian government. The U.S. Navy employs skilled pilots who are well-versed in navigating through the canal’s narrow passages, ensuring a smooth and safe transit.

The Suez Canal is an important transit point for the US Navy, allowing it to quickly move its vessels between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the canal demonstrates the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region. The US Navy remains vigilant and ready to respond to any potential threats in the area, ensuring that global trade can continue to flow smoothly through the Suez Canal.

In conclusion, the USS Paul Hamilton successful transit through the Suez Canal is a testament to the US Navy’s skill and expertise in navigating through challenging waterways. The Suez Canal remains an important passage for naval vessels, and the US Navy will continue to rely on it for its operations in the Middle East. With proper planning and execution, the US Navy can safely and efficiently pass through this historic waterway, ensuring that it remains a vital link between Europe and Asia.

“Transiting the Suez Canal: A Testimony to the US Navy’s Skill and Expertise”

This title highlights the central theme of the blog post – the successful transit of the USS Paul Hamilton through the Suez Canal – while also emphasizing the skill and expertise of the US Navy’s sailors and pilots.

Armament
Guns:
5-inch (127 mm)/54 Mk 45 Mod 1/2 (lightweight gun)
2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS
2 × 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System
4 × .50 caliber (12.7 mm) guns
Missiles:
2 × Mk 141 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Launcher
1 × 29-cell, 1 × 61-cell (90 total cells) Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS):
RIM-66M Surface-to-Air Missile
RIM-156 Surface-to-Air Missile
BGM-109 Tomahawk Cruise Missile
RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC
Torpedoes:
2 × Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes:
Mark 46 Lightweight Torpedo
Mark 50 Lightweight Torpedo
Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo
Aircraft carried
Flight deck can embark 1 Sikorsky MH-60R

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U.S. Navy Week returns to Wilmington, NC after 3 years

The U.S. Navy has announced that Navy Week will bring demonstrations, performances and events to Wilmington, NC for the week of April 10 to 16, 2023.

Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support U.S. Navy Week, a community outreach initiative that showcases the brave men and women who serve in our nation’s Navy.

Navy Week provides an opportunity for communities to interact with sailors, learn about the Navy’s mission, and show support for our servicemen and women. As an organization dedicated to promoting peace through strength, we believe that a strong Navy is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.

This year’s Navy Week in Wilmington, NC is especially exciting as it marks the return of the event after a three-year absence. We hope that this week will inspire more people to become active supporters of the Navy and its mission.

Wilmington will host the city’s first Navy Week since 2019 when the Navy visits the area for a week of events April 10-16, in conjunction with the Azalea Festival.

Wilmington Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Wilmington, the state of North Carolina, and the nation.

Participating Navy assets include USS Constitution, USS San Jacinto (CG-56), Navy Reserve Center Raleigh, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina, Naval History & Heritage Command, Navy Band Southeast, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, USS North Carolina (SSN-777), U.S. Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs), Navy Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Office of Small Business Programs, and U.S. Fleet Forces.

More than 75 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city, including the Azalea Festival Parade.

The Navy’s senior executive attending is Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Adm. Caudle is a native of Winston-Salem and a graduate of North Carolina State University. During Wilmington Navy Week, he will participate in community engagements, meet leaders in education, and speak with local businesses, veterans, and government leaders.

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. 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 Wilmington.

“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to Wilmington,” 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 across the area, including engaging with visitors at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and NC Aquarium Fort Fisher, and volunteering at the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Residents will also enjoy free live music by Navy Band Southeast at venues throughout the week.

Wilmington Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2023, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.

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U.S. Navy’s Columbia-Class Submarine Program – Awards Leonardo DRS Over $1 Billion Contract

Introduction

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

As an organization that promotes Peace Through Strength, we are thrilled to share the latest news in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain and advance its capabilities.

We hope that this story will inform and inspire you to support our mission to build a stronger Navy.

Summary

Leonardo DRS, a leading provider of advanced defense technology, has been awarded contracts valued at over $1 billion to provide integrated electric propulsion components for the U.S. Navy’s next-generation Columbia-class submarine. The Columbia-class submarine is a top priority program for the Navy, and it will replace the fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The integrated electric propulsion components will be manufactured in the company’s facilities in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Missouri.

Leonardo DRS is known for its market-leading propulsion and power generation technology, with major systems for next-generation submarines and surface ships. The company’s investments in these technologies have created opportunities to use proven electric drive capabilities for future naval platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • Leonardo DRS has been awarded contracts worth over $1 billion to provide integrated electric propulsion components for the U.S Navy’s Columbia-class submarine program.
  • The Columbia-class submarine is a top priority program for the Navy and will replace the fleet of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.
  • Leonardo DRS is a leading provider of advanced defense technology, with major systems for next-generation submarines and surface ship.

Conclusion

The U.S. Navy’s investment in the next-generation Columbia-class submarine program represents the importance of maintaining and advancing our national security capabilities. Leonardo DRS’s role in providing integrated electric propulsion components is critical to the success of this program.

As supporters of a Stronger Navy, we encourage our readers to consider subscribing to our organization and helping to build a stronger future for our nation’s defense.

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USS Ralph Johnson Lends a Hand to Local Community

Introduction:

Greetings members and subscribers! Americans for a Stronger Navy values promoting peace through strength, which is our organization’s central theme. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how the USS Ralph Johnson recently assisted a local non-profit organization, Island Girl Power (IGP), in Guam. We hope that this story will inform and inspire our readers to continue supporting a Stronger Navy.

Summary:

Sailors from the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 116) visited IGP in Dededo, Guam, on March 31 to help organize donations of clothing and furniture for the Kurason i’Sengsong thrift store and assist in the community garden. The proceeds from the thrift store help to fund IGP’s core program, which aims to empower young girls in Guam. The sailors hoped that their work would help the mission of IGP and connected them to the greater good of the island’s community. IGP Executive Director Juanita Blaz thanked the sailors for their assistance, which showed the community and its youth that people care about them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The USS Ralph Johnson recently helped Island Girl Power in Guam.
  • Sailors helped organize donations of clothing and furniture and assisted in the community garden.
  • The proceeds from the thrift store fund IGP’s core program, which young girls in Guam.
  • The sailors hoped to connect with the community and the greater good of the island.
  • IGP Executive Director Juanita Blaz thanked the sailors for their assistance, which showed the community and its youth that people care about them.

Conclusion:

The USS Ralph Johnson’s recent assistance to Island Girl Power is a heartwarming example of how the US Navy can help local communities.

We hope that this story inspires our readers to continue supporting a Stronger Navy, which values promoting peace through strength. By subscribing to Americans for a Stronger Navy, you can stay informed about our mission and help us achieve our goals. #PeaceThroughStrength

Class and type
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer
Displacement
9,217 tons (full load)[6]
Length
513 feet (156 m)[6]
Beam
66 feet (20 m)[6]
Propulsion
4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines (100,000 shp)[6]
Speed
30 kn (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Complement
380 officers and enlisted
Armament
Guns:
5-inch (127 mm)/62 Mk 45 Mod 4 (lightweight gun)
1 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS
2 × 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun System
4 × .50 caliber (12.7 mm) guns
Missiles:
1 × 32-cell, 1 × 64-cell (96 total cells) Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS):
RIM-66M Surface-to-Air Missile
RIM-156 Surface-to-Air Missile
RIM-174A Standard ERAM
RIM-161 Anti-Ballistic Missile
RIM-162 ESSM (quad-packed)
BGM-109 Tomahawk Cruise Missile
RUM-139 Vertical Launch ASROC
Torpedoes:
2 × Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes:
Mark 46 Lightweight Torpedo
Mark 50 Lightweight Torpedo
Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo
Aircraft carried
2 × MH-60R Seahawk helicopters
Aviation facilities
Double hangar and helipad

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China Conducts Military Drills Around Taiwan, Alarming the Region

Introduction

Greetings members and subscribers, we at Americans for a Stronger Navy, are committed to promoting Peace Through Strength. As an organization that aims to inform and inspire, we want to provide the latest news on the recent military drills that China has conducted around Taiwan.

Summary

Chinese Destroyer Courtesy of DoD

China recently completed three days of military drills around Taiwan, which included “sealing off” the island and simulating targeted strikes. Taiwan detected jets to its east, and China confirmed its Shandong aircraft carrier had taken part. China began the exercises after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met the US House Speaker in California. The drills have not been as big as those that followed Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei last August.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, while China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing’s control, by force if necessary.

Taiwan’s defence ministry detected 12 Chinese warships and 91 aircraft around the island on Monday. A senior US official has expressed concern about Beijing’s military exercises, saying they undermine peace and stability in the region.

Key Takeaways

China has conducted military drills around Taiwan, which included “sealing off” the island and simulating targeted strikes.

Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, while China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under Beijing’s control, by force if necessary.

Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 12 Chinese warships and 91 aircraft around the island on Monday.

The US has expressed concern about Beijing’s military exercises, saying they undermine peace and stability in the region.

Conclusion

As a supporter of a Stronger Navy, we hope this update on the recent military drills by China around Taiwan will encourage you to subscribe and stay informed. We want to emphasize the importance of peace through strength and how vital it is for a Stronger Navy.

Our mission is to keep you updated on the latest news and inspire you to support our efforts towards a safer future.

Thank you for your time, and we appreciate your continued support.

source: BBC

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This Week in Navy History – April 10, to April 17, 2023

April 10

1941

USS Niblack (DD 424) picks up three boatloads of survivors from Dutch freighter Saleier, which was sunk the previous day by a German U-boat. The destroyer detects a submarine preparing to attack and drives it off with a depth charge attack. It is the first action between American and German forces in World War II.

1942

USS Thresher (SS 200) torpedoes and sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Maru six miles north of Oshima, near the entrance to Tokyo Bay, Honshu, Japan.

1944

TBM bombers and FM-2s aircraft (VC 58) from USS Guadalcanal (CVE 60) sink German submarine U 68 off Madeira Island.

1963

During diving tests, USS Thresher (SSN 593) is lost with all hands east of Cape Cod, Mass., including commanding officer and 17 civilian technicians.

1966

During the Vietnam War, the river patrol boats (PBRs) of River Patrol Force commence operations on inland waters of South Vietnam.

April 11

1783

Congress declares the cessation of arms against Great Britain, just a few days after British Parliament passed a similar resolution, thus ending hostilities of the American Revolution.

1944

USS Redfin (SS 272) sinks the Japanese destroyer Akigumo in the eastern entrance to Basilan Strait.

1945

The kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa Campaign damage eight Navy ships.

1970

Apollo 13 is launched, commanded by Navy Capt. James A. Lovell. The ship endures an explosion forcing an immediate return to Earth. Recovery is by helicopters from USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2).

1991

The U.N. Security Council declares a formal cease-fire ending the Persian Gulf War.

1992

USS Annapolis (SSN 760) is commissioned at the Electric Boat Division at Groton, Conn. The 10th of her Los Angeles “Improved” class of attack submarines.

April 12

1861

The Civil War begins with Confederates firing on Fort Sumter, S.C. The Union Navy plays an integral part blockading Confederates, keeping them diplomatically and economically contained from other nations.

1911

Lt. Theodore Ellyson completes his aviator training at the Glenn Curtiss Aviation Camp at North Island, San Diego, Calif., and becomes Naval Aviator No. 1.

1944

USS Halibut (SS 232) sinks Japanese army passenger/cargo ship Taichu Maru despite the presence of at least three escort vessels.

1945

President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies at Warm Springs, Ga. Besides being the nation’s longest-serving president, he also was an assistant secretary of the Navy.

1962

U.S. Navy demonstrates new landing craft with retractable hydrofoils, LCVP (H), which are named Highlanders. The Navy eventually rejects the craft because it cant keep a straight path like a standard LCVP.

1981

The first re-useable Space Shuttle, Columbia (STS-1) is launched with an all-US Navy crew: Capt. John W. Young (Ret.) is the shuttles commander and Lt. Cmdr. Robert L. Crippen is the pilot.

1986

USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) is commissioned at Bath, Maine.

1993

Aircraft from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and NATO forces begin enforcing the no-fly zone over the Bosnia in Operation Deny Flight.

2003

USS Mason (DDG 87) is commissioned at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is the 37th in the class and the ninth of the Flight IIA variant.

April 13

1940

USS J. Fred Talbott (DD 156) returns to the Panama Canal Zone after providing medical assistance to a passenger on board Japanese steamship SS Arimasan Maru.

1942

USS Grayling (SS 209) sinks the Japanese freighter Ryujin Maru off southest tip of Shikoku, Japan.

1944

USS Harder (SS 257) sinks the Japanese destroyer Ikazuchi, 180 miles SSW of Guam.

1952

During the Korean War, sorties launch from USS Philippine Sea (CV 47) and Boxer (CV 21) and deliver 200 tons of aircraft ordnance to the North Korean target area.

1960

The Navy’s navigation satellite, Transit 1B, which demonstrates the first engine restart in space, is placed into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by Thor-Able-Star.

1981

AV-8A Harriers deploy as a Marine Air Group on board an amphibious assault ship for the first time.

1996

USS Carney (DDG 64) is commissioned at Mayport, Fla., her homeport. The destroyer is the 14th of the Arleigh Burke-class and the first to be named after Adm. Robert Carney, the Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower administration.

April 14

1898

The first post-Civil War hospital ship, USS Solace (AH 2) is commissioned and soon participates in the Spanish-American War attending to wounded servicemen from battles in Cuba

1942

USS Roper (DD 147) sinks German submarine U 85 off the Virginia Capes. Before being sunk by Roper, U 85 sank three Allied merchant vessels.

1945

USS Tirante (SS 420), commanded by Lt. Cmdr. George L. Street III, attacks a Japanese convoy in the approaches to the Yellow Sea and sinks a transport ship and two vessels. Street earns Medal of Honor for his actions.

1969

A North Korean aircraft shoots down an unarmed EC-121 propeller-driven Constellation, killing all 31 crewmembers on board.

1988

During Operation Ernest Will, USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) strikes an Iranian mine off Qatar, injuring 10 sailors. Four days later, the US Navy retaliates with Operation Praying Mantis, which strikes Iranian oil platforms, sinks an Iranian frigate, patrol ship, and damages another frigate.

April 15

1912

The scout cruisers USS Chester and USS Salem sail from Massachusetts to assist RMS Titanic survivors, and escort RMS Carpathia, which carried the survivors of the Titanic, to New York.

1918

The First Marine Aviation Force, under the command of Capt. Alfred A. Cunningham, USMC, is formed at Marine Flying Field, Miami, Fla.

1945

USS Frost (DE 144) and USS Stanton (DE 247) join to attack German submarine U 880 north-northwest of the Azores, which sinks at 01:14.

1961

The first nuclear-powered frigate, USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), is launched at Quincy, Mass.

1962

USS Princeton (LPH 5) brings the first advisory unit to Vietnam and the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 362 SocTrang, Mekong Delta, South Vietnam.

1986

Operation El Dorado Canyon. Aircraft of USS America (CV 66) & USS Coral Sea (CV 43) attack Libya.

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US Navy Asserts Navigational Rights in the South China Sea Near China-Militarized Island

Introduction:

Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy. We believe in promoting peace through strength, which is a valuable central theme of our organization mission.

In this blog post, we will summarize a recent event related to the US Navy in the South China Sea.

Summary:

The US Navy has sent a guided-missile destroyer, the USS Milius, close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, near the South China Sea. Mischief Reef, which is claimed by the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, has been militarized by China.

The sailing was consistent with international law, and the US Navy asserts that China’s actions are in violation of the Law of the Sea Convention. China has claimed almost all of the South China Sea as part of its territorial waters, including many distant islands and inlets, and has militarized many of them.

“No member of the international community should be intimidated or coerced into giving up their rights and freedoms,” the US Navy said.

The US Navy announcement came after China’s military simulated precision attacks against key targets in Taiwan.

China called the USS Milius mission “illegal trespassing.”

The US regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the region, defending the rights of vessels of any nation to operate in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Navy has sent a guided-missile destroyer close to Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, near the South China Sea.
  • Mischief Reef has been militarized by China, which is in violation of international law.
  • China claims almost all of the South China Sea as part of its territorial waters and has militarized many of the islands and inlets.
  • The US regularly conducts FONOPs in the region to defend the rights of vessels of any nation to operate in the area.

Conclusion:

It is essential to promote peace through strength, as our organization mission states, and the recent US Navy’s action in the South China Sea is an example of how we can achieve it. By following international law and conducting FONOPs, we can defend the rights of all nations to operate in the region.

We encourage all our readers to support a Stronger Navy by subscribing to our website and staying informed on these critical issues.

source CNN

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TACAMO: The Next Generation of Nuclear Communication Aircraft for the Navy

Introduction:

Greetings to all members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy blog. Our organization’s mission is to promote peace through strength.

Today, we are excited to share some news regarding the U.S. Navy’s plan to purchase new aircraft that will act as communication links between the government and nuclear forces worldwide.

Summary:

The Navy is preparing to replace the E-6 Mercury with the E-XX, a new aircraft that will be based on the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. The E-XX will be responsible for transmitting messages to missile submarines and other nuclear forces, including the launch codes for nuclear weapons if necessary.

United States Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury of Strategic Communications Wing ONE, Task Group 114.2, based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, high over Colorado Aug. 23, 2019. The E-6B was refueled by a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, also from Tinker AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)

The Navy will release a requirements list for the new plane, with three test aircraft set to be built soon, followed by a contract for nine more by 2025. The 12 new aircraft will replace the 16 E-6s currently in service.

The TACAMO (take charge and move out) planes are responsible for relaying Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) to submarines at sea. The submarines are armed with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles and are tasked to disappear into the oceans to evade detection.

TACAMO planes ensure that the National Command Authority can command nuclear forces even in the midst of a nuclear war. One

TACAMO plane is usually in the air at all times, and it’s not uncommon for up to six to be in the air at once.

The new E-XX TACAMO will trail long wires that transmit very low-frequency messages, which can penetrate seawater and reach submerged submarines. Lockheed Martin’s entry for the E-XX competition is the EC-130J TACAMO, a plane it is co-developing with Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman along with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Crescent Systems, and Long Wave Inc. to partner to develop a solution for the US Navy’s E-XX TACAMO requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Navy is preparing to replace the E-6 Mercury with the E-XX, a new aircraft that will be based on the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft.
  • The E-XX will be responsible for transmitting messages to missile submarines and other nuclear forces, including the launch codes for nuclear weapons if necessary.
  • The TACAMO planes ensure that the National Command Authority can command nuclear forces even in the midst of a nuclear war.
  • The new E-XX TACAMO will trail long wires that transmit very low-frequency messages, which can penetrate seawater and reach submerged submarines.
  • Lockheed Martin’s entry for the E-XX competition is the EC-130J TACAMO, a plane it is co-developing with Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.

Conclusion:

The TACAMO aircraft are some of the most important planes in the entire U.S. military arsenal, as their job as an essential link in nuclear command and control means they truly live up to their hype as the “deadliest planes in the world.” We hope this news has informed and inspired our readers to support a Stronger Navy. Let us work together to promote peace through strength.