Author: Robert Luster

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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.

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US Navy Sailor Séamus Gray Found Dead in Waukegan Harbor

US Navy Sailor Séamus Gray – Facebook

Introduction:

Greetings, members and subscribers! Americans for a Stronger Navy’s mission is to promote Peace Through Strength. Unfortunately, we have some sad news to share today. The body of 21-year-old U.S. Navy servicemember Séamus Gray, who went missing a month ago, has been found in Waukegan Harbor.

Séamus Gray’s Disappearance

Séamus Gray disappeared on March 18 after leaving a nightclub in Waukegan, about 40 miles north of Chicago. A group of ComEd workers found his body along the shores of Lake Michigan on April 19. The body and clothing matched the description of Gray. An autopsy was scheduled for the next day to determine the cause of death.

According to authorities, Séamus Gray was last seen leaving Ibiza Nightclub in Waukegan at around 1:35 a.m. on March 18. He didn’t report back to the Naval Station Great Lakes base at his scheduled 2 a.m. time Saturday. His disappearance was first noted when he didn’t show up for work

Newly released surveillance video from outside the bar showed Gray standing and talking to a group of people before he disappeared. At one point, he was seen on the ground, and someone appeared to take his wallet from his pocket, but then threw it back at him. Later in the video, Gray was seen running down a nearby alley.

Search Efforts:

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Gray’s whereabouts, it wasn’t until March 21 that Waukegan police were notified of his disappearance. Once they learned of his disappearance, the police immediately began a search of areas where he was last seen. Multiple departments were involved in the search efforts, but they were unsuccessful in finding Gray until his body was discovered on April 19.

Séamus Gray’s Body Found:

On April 19, a group of ComEd workers found Séamus Gray’s body along the shores of Lake Michigan in Waukegan Harbor. Officers brought the body to shore, and the Waukegan Fire Department was there to assist. The body and clothing matched the description of Gray, who went missing on March 18. An autopsy was scheduled for the next day to determine the cause of death.

Conclusion:

We hope that the cause of Séamus Gray’s death will be determined soon, and that his family and friends will find some closure. This is a tragic loss for the U.S. Navy community, and it’s a reminder of the sacrifices that our service members make every day to keep us safe. We urge our readers to support our mission of promoting Peace Through Strength by subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for your time, and for supporting a Stronger Navy.

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U.S. Navy sails first drone through Mideast’s Strait of Hormuz

Introduction:

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who believe in promoting Peace through Strength.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, our mission is to inspire and inform readers about the importance of a strong navy for the security and prosperity of our nation. Today, we bring you news of the U.S. Navy’s historic sailing of its first drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian force


A U.S. Navy L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 drone boat and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC John Scheuerman transit the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The U.S. Navy sailed its first drone boat through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often faces tense encounters with Iranian forces. (Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vincent Aguirre/U.S. Coast Guard via AP)
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On April 19, 2023, the U.S. Navy successfully sailed its first drone boat, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, through the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway between Iran and Oman. The drone, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, passed safely through the strait, which is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone during its journey

The strait is a crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian forces in the area, but this sailing took place without incident, although it drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Key takeaways:

  • The drone, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, passed safely through the strait with accompanying U.S. Coast Guard cutters.
  • The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a busy waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
  • The sailing drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard but took place without incident.
  • Subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.

Conclusion:

The successful sailing of the first U.S. Navy drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz is a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to bolster its presence in the region. This development will enable the Navy to better monitor the area, safeguard international trade, and protect American interests and allies. We encourage all Americans who believe in promoting peace through strength to support the Navy’s mission and subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.

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Freedom of Navigation Rules! – USS Milius Conducts Operation in South China Sea

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we stand in solidarity with the sailors of the @US7thFleet and the USS Milius in Taiwan Strait transit.

Freedom of Navigation apply, in accordance with International law. We believe that such operations are essential to maintaining #PeaceThroughStrength in the region, and we applaud the crew of the @USSMilius for their professionalism and dedication.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 16, 2023) – Ensign Zachary Bradberry, from Pflugerville, Texas, stands watch on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) while conducting routing underway operations. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)

The U.S. Navy said its guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a navigational rights and freedoms mission in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands on Monday.

The announcement came as China’s military simulated precision strikes against Taiwan in military drills around the island amid growing tensions between China and the U.S. in the region.

The U.S. Navy said the operation by the destroyer was consistent with international law.

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Defending U.S. Interests: “A Closer Look at the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group”

Introduction

United States Navy has a long and proud history of defending the nation’s interests and protecting American freedom around the world. One organization that supports this mission is Americans for a Stronger Navy, a group of members and subscribers who advocate for a robust and well-funded Navy.

USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group

Summary

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, which is currently deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations. We’ll examine the role of this strike group in defending U.S., allied, and partner interests, and highlight the capabilities of the carrier and its supporting vessels.USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group:

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is a powerful naval force that includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black, and a range of other supporting vessels. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is also part of the strike group, providing offensive air and strike capabilities.

The strike group is currently deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, where it is employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. This area of operations covers a vast region, including the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and North Atlantic, as well as the land areas of Europe and Africa.

Capabilities of the Carrier and Supporting Vessels:

The USS George H.W. Bush is a formidable aircraft carrier that can carry up to 90 aircraft and has a crew of over 5,000 sailors. It is powered by two nuclear reactors, which give it virtually unlimited range and endurance. The carrier is equipped with advanced radar and communications systems, as well as a range of defensive and offensive weapons.

The USS Delbert D. Black is a guided-missile destroyer that is designed to provide air defense for the carrier strike group. It is equipped with the latest Aegis combat system, which can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. The destroyer is also armed with a range of missiles, guns, and torpedoes, making it a formidable adversary for any would-be aggressor.

Conclusion:

The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is an essential component of U.S. naval power, and its deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations is a clear demonstration of American commitment to defending its interests and those of its allies and partners. As members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we can take pride in knowing that our advocacy helps support the men and women who serve in this critical mission.