Robert Luster, Author at Americans for a Stronger Navy

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023

Navy Tech Bridge Matters

The United States Navy has long been at the forefront of technological innovation and advancement. However, in recent years, it has become clear that the Navy needs to adapt to new technologies more quickly and efficiently in order to remain competitive in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global security environment. That is where the Navy Tech Bridge program comes in.

The Navy Tech Bridge program, which is part of the larger Navy Agility Office, is a collaborative effort that aims to connect the Navy with private sector companies and academic institutions to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. The program currently operates in six different regions across the United States: New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South, the Midwest, the Southwest, and the West Coast.

The program’s focus is on developing partnerships between the Navy and private sector entities that have expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. Through these partnerships, the Navy is able to leverage the knowledge and resources of these organizations to more quickly and effectively develop and implement new technologies that can enhance its operational capabilities.

One of the key reasons why the Navy Tech Bridge program matters is that it helps the Navy to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to technological innovation. As new technologies emerge and evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, it is crucial for the Navy to be able to identify and adopt those technologies quickly in order to maintain its edge over potential adversaries. The Navy Tech Bridge program helps to facilitate that process by connecting the Navy with private sector entities that are on the cutting edge of technological innovation.

In addition to its benefits for the Navy, the Navy Tech Bridge program also has positive implications for the broader economy. By facilitating partnerships between the Navy and private sector companies, the program creates opportunities for innovation and collaboration that can lead to new jobs and economic growth in the regions where it operates.

Americans for a Stronger Navy, a non-profit education and advocacy organization that supports a strong and technologically advanced United States Navy, has been a vocal supporter of the Navy Tech Bridge program. In a statement, the organization said that it “applauds the Navy’s efforts to build bridges with the private sector and academia to accelerate the adoption of new technologies that can enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.” Americans for a Stronger Navy recognizes the importance of staying ahead of potential adversaries and believes that the Navy Tech Bridge program is an important step in that direction.

Overall, the Navy Tech Bridge program is an innovative and important initiative that has the potential to significantly enhance the Navy’s technological capabilities. By facilitating partnerships between the Navy and private sector entities, the program helps to ensure that the Navy remains at the forefront of technological innovation and is able to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

Most Common Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence, Unmanned Systems, CyberMachine Learning, Modeling and Simulation, Autonomous Systems, Advanced manufacturing, Additive Manufacturing, Digitalis EngineeringpHigh Performance, Computing Command, and Control, Data Analytics.

As a naval organization, the United States Navy has an interest in a wide range of topics related to maritime operations, national security, and defense. Some of the key areas of interest for the Navy include:

Naval warfare and tactics
Naval aviation and air defense
Surface ship operations and maintenance
Undersea operations, including submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)
Cybersecurity and information technology
Space operations and satellite communications
Maritime security and counterterrorism
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
Logistics and supply chain management
Environmental sustainability and conservation
Medical and health services for naval personnel
Research and development of new technologies for naval operations
International partnerships and cooperation with allied navies
Education and training for naval personnel.
These topics are all critical to the Navy’s mission of defending the United States and its allies, maintaining global security and stability, and ensuring freedom of navigation on the world’s oceans.

March 10, 2023March 12, 2023

Tom Cruise Visits USS George H.W. Bush and Shows Appreciation for Navy Service

In a recent visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who portrays Maverick in the upcoming movie “Top Gun: Maverick,” met with the ship’s crew and Marines to show his appreciation for their service. During the visit, the crew demonstrated their capabilities and gave Cruise a glimpse of what life is like aboard a carrier.

The visit was not the first time Cruise has been involved with the Navy. He previously visited the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Harry S. Truman to research for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick” and worked closely with Naval aviators to ensure authenticity in the movie’s flying scenes.

The Americans for a Strong Navy organization, which advocates for a strong U.S. Navy, salutes the crew of the USS George H.W. Bush and expresses gratitude towards Tom Cruise for supporting the Navy. The organization believes that a strong Navy is essential for maintaining global peace and stability.

The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the NAVEUR area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023

USS Springfield’s Indo-Pacific Patrol Strengthens Partnerships in Republic of Korea

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Feb. 23, 2023) Tugboats assist the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) as it pulls into port in Busan, Feb. 23. Springfield is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed to the island of Guam and assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 15. CSS-15 is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to multiple Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Craft)

The USS Springfield, a United States Navy submarine, recently visited the Republic of Korea as part of its Indo-Pacific patrol. During the visit, the submarine’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Brett A. Sechrist, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received from their Republic of Korea hosts. He emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships and alliances in the region, saying, “It’s important that we continue to strengthen our partnerships and alliances in the region, and visits like this one help us to do that.”

The USS Springfield’s visit to the Republic of Korea is part of a larger mission to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the United States and its allies have increased their naval presence in the area to deter potential threats and maintain peace. Capt. Michael D. Luckett, commodore of Submarine Squadron 11, noted the critical role that submarines play in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, saying, “Our submarines play a critical role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we are committed to working with our allies and partners in the region to achieve this goal.”

The United States has long-standing partnerships and alliances with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Republic of Korea, which is an important ally in the region. The visit of the USS Springfield to the Republic of Korea reinforces the strong partnership between the two countries and their commitment to working together to maintain stability and security in the region.

Overall, the USS Springfield’s visit to the Republic of Korea highlights the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. It also emphasizes the role that the United States Navy plays in promoting stability and security in the area. As tensions continue to rise, the need for these partnerships and alliances becomes even more crucial.

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023

The Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Collaborative Effort of the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in Defeating the Axis Powers

Press reports from Politico reflect that a plan by the United States, Australia, and the U.K are to share submarine technology as part of a strategic effort to counter Chinese naval power in the Pacific. The three countries have agreed to deepen their defense cooperation and share information on the development of new submarines, including advanced propulsion systems and stealth technology. The plan is aimed at strengthening the allies’ ability to detect and deter Chinese submarines, which have become increasingly active in the region. The article also notes that the plan is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the three allies and China.

Takeaways:

The US, Australia, and the UK plan to share submarine technology as a strategic effort to counter Chinese naval power in the Pacific.
The plan includes deepening defense cooperation and sharing information on the development of new submarines with advanced propulsion systems and stealth technology.
The aim is to strengthen the allies’ ability to detect and deter Chinese submarines that have become increasingly active in the region.
The plan is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the three allies and China.

The Power of Collaboration: The Story of the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in World War

Historical Context

The U.S., the U.K., and Australia collaborated in World War II to defeat the Axis powers.
The allies faced significant challenges, including the threat posed by German U-boats in the Atlantic.
The U.S. and the U.K. developed a plan to build aircraft carriers capable of tracking and destroying enemy subs
Australia provided the necessary shipbuilding expertise to build two carriers, which played a key role in the final months of the war.
The collaboration between the three nations continued after the war and remains strong today, reflecting the enduring power of collaboration and shared values.
In the early days of World War II, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia came together in a collaborative effort to defeat the Axis powers. The three nations formed an alliance that would prove to be instrumental in turning the tide of the war.

As the war raged on, the Allies faced numerous challenges and setbacks. One of the most significant was the threat posed by German U-boats, which were wreaking havoc on Allied shipping in the Atlantic. To combat this threat, the U.S. and the U.K. came up with a plan to build a new type of vessel – an aircraft carrier that could launch planes capable of tracking and destroying enemy subs.

The U.S. and the U.K. quickly realized that they didn’t have the resources to build these carriers on their own. They needed help from a nation with a strong naval tradition and the necessary shipbuilding expertise. That nation was Australia.

Australia eagerly joined the project and quickly set to work building two of these new carriers – the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Sydney. The carriers were launched in 1945 and played a key role in the final months of the war, helping to track down and destroy numerous German U-boats.

The collaboration between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia didn’t end with the war, however. In the years that followed, the three nations continued to work closely together on a wide range of issues, from defense to trade and beyond.

Today, the bond between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia remains strong, a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the shared values that unite us all.

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023

Tell us Your Story – Watchstanders of USS Mobile: The Bridge and Beyond

What’s inside

This “Tell us Your Story” blog post is dedicated to the Sailors of the USS Mobile. This post shares a story about those that serve on the USS Mobile. Also included is key takeaways of an article written by a crew member of the USS Mobile and a note of thanks to the crew from the founding members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Watchstanders

Watchstanders on board the USS Mobile, a naval vessel that provides support to military and humanitarian missions around the world play an important role. These watchstanders are responsible for operating the ship’s various systems, maintaining communications, and ensuring the safety and security of the crew and the ship itself. The article below provides insight into the day-to-day experiences of the watchstanders, including the challenges they face and the satisfaction they derive from their work. The article emphasizes the vital importance of watchstanders in ensuring the success of naval missions and protecting the interests of the United States.

Key takeaways

“This Tell us Your Story” blog post discusses the crucial role of watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile in operating systems, maintaining communication, and ensuring the safety of the crew and ship.
Whether it is plotting the ship’s course, managing the decks, signaling to a helicopter during flight quarters or compiling a training report, Sailors aboard Mobile are supporting the needs of the ship and each other which, in turn, supports the mission
It also highlights the challenges and rewards of their work and emphasizes their importance in supporting military and humanitarian missions.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Victoria Granado:

Aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26), Sailors of varying rank and rate stand watch on the ship’s bridge – from driving the ship to watching the ocean surface for contacts. Twenty-four hours a day, Mobile’s Sailors man their watch stations. Optimally-manned, LCS demand each Sailor perform the duties of three legacy Sailors.

Boatswain’s Mate Chief Petty Officer Jesus Hernandez has served every one of his 19 years in the U.S Navy on destroyers and cruisers. Though no stranger to standing watch on a smaller ship, Hernandez noted some significant differences during his first deployment on an LCS. The assigning of watches that are typically reserved for officers are also assigned to senior enlisted Sailors.

“I stand Junior Officer of the Deck,” said Hernandez. “On this deck it’s a mixture of Quartermaster of the Watch, Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch and everything else that comes with being a JOOD. An LCS is completely different from any other ship I have been on.”

Hernandez explained that on ships with a traditional watch configuration there would be a minimum of three officers on the bridge at one time, each with a very specific role to fill.

“On the Mobile, a lot of duties and functions are combined into one watch,” continued Hernandez. “Which means a much longer and intensive training pipeline to get qualified.”

To stand JOOD on Mobile, Hernandez took courses to learn how to drive the ship as well as how to operate the ship’s navigation system. As the ship’s Deck Leading Chief Petty Officer, Hernandez stands his watches and carries out his duties in anchoring evolutions, flight deck evolutions, small boat operations, and search and rescue operations.

Lt. Calvin Davies, navigator for Mobile, stands watch as Officer of the Deck and is also well acquainted with the consolidation of watch positions.

“When I’m standing watch on the bridge, I’m the OOD, the helmsman and the conning officer all wrapped up into one,” said Davies.

When not on the bridge, Davies serves as the legal officer, the training officer, and is the head of the ship’s administration department.

“It’s great that my main billet as the ship’s navigator goes hand-in-hand with my watch standing,” said Davies. “Outside of that, I am constantly considering what perspective I need to approach something. From a legal officer’s perspective? Or a training officer’s?”

Assuming multiple and varied responsibilities extends to Mobile’s junior enlisted as well. For instance, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Michelle Venegas, from Phoenix, Ariz., stands watch as a lookout on the bridge wings.

“I have a lot of professional pride in being a lookout for the ship,” said Venegas. “We’re the ‘watchful eye’ for the crew. It’s important that the rest of the team on the bridge has a visual of what is out there outside of what the radars can tell them.”

When not scanning the horizon for surface contacts, Venegas is the supervisor for her work center, the command’s training petty officer, the secretary for the Junior Enlisted Association and administrator of official correspondence for the entire crew.
Whether it is plotting the ship’s course, signaling to a helicopter during flight quarters or compiling a training report, Sailors aboard Mobile are supporting the needs of the ship and each other which, in turn, supports the mission.

“Serving on an LCS has really shown me what a Sailor is capable of,” said Hernandez. “It’s been exciting to see how we can work together and sync up to get the job done.”

Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

Letter from the Founding Members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy to the crew of the USS Mobile

Dear Watchstanders of USS Mobile: The Bridge and Beyond,

On behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we would like to express our gratitude for your article highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of the watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile. We recognize the vital role that watchstanders play in ensuring the success of naval missions and protecting the interests of the United States.

We also appreciate the challenges that come with this critical responsibility and the rewards that come with ensuring the safety and security of the crew and ship. We are committed to supporting the watchstanders and all members of the Navy by advocating for a stronger Navy and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to carry out their duties effectively.

Thank you for shedding light on the crucial work of the watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile, and please convey our appreciation to them and the entire crew for their service and sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Americans for a Stronger Navy

March 8, 2023March 12, 2023

Chinese Ships Suspected as Cutting Internet to Taiwan’s Outlying Islands

Several news sources including a report from ABC News, report that Chinese ships have cut the internet access to Taiwan’s outlying islands, which are located close to China. The disruption has affected around 6,000 people, who are now unable to access the internet or make phone calls. The Taiwanese government has condemned the move and said that it is a violation of international law. The incident comes amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.

Chinese ships have cut off internet access to Taiwan’s outlying islands, affecting about 6,000 people according press report
The move has been condemned by the Taiwanese government as a violation of international law.
This incident occurs amidst growing tensions between China and Taiwan.

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

Who’s Who – Capt. Janet H. Days, Naval Station Norfolk

An Old Dominion University is reporting that an alumna made history on Friday, becoming the first Black female commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

Janet Days is the first Black woman named commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk,

An Old Dominion University is reporting that an alumna made history on Friday, becoming the first Black female commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

Capt. Janet H. Days, 54, was installed as the 51st commanding officer of the 106-year-old base during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, which employs more than 67,000 military and civilian personnel.

Days, a Chicago native, relieved Capt. David Dees, who moved on to become the chief of staff for the commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

“I wandered down the halls of (the) headquarters where my office resides and took note of the majestic pictures and leadership boards displaying the previous commanding officers of Naval Station Norfolk … As my eyes moved from name plate to name plate, it was painfully obvious that in 31 years from the day I enter the Navy, still not one person of color was displayed. And finally today, that changes,” Days said during the ceremony, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

She recognized the responsibilities that come with the position.

“I do recognize that my presence is uplifting and empowering … So the importance of that is to be representative, but also to show young ladies — not just African American young ladies — that the opportunities you get are all based on hard work,” Days said according to The Pilot.

Days graduated from ODU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in business and received her commission through the Naval ROTC via the Enlisted Commissioning Program.

“Her leadership will have a positive impact on Naval Station Norfolk and the local community.” – Cmdr. John Peter Drosinos, executive officer for the Naval ROTC Hampton Roads Consortium

She earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College command and staff diploma. She also is a graduate of Joint and Combined Warfighting School at Joint Forces Staff College and is a qualified joint specialty officer.

“It is great to see a friend and colleague in one of the most important Navy positions in the Hampton Roads area,” Cmdr. John Peter Drosinos, executive officer for the ODU-based Naval ROTC Hampton Roads Consortium, told ODU News. “Her leadership will have a positive impact on Naval Station Norfolk and the local community.”

“It was an honor and a pleasure to attend the Naval Station Norfolk change of command ceremony on Friday to witness Capt. Janet Days, an alum of Old Dominion University, take the helm of the world’s largest and most operationally complex Naval Installation,” added Robert Clark, military activities liaison and special projects director at ODU. “I know the sailors and civilian personnel who work at NSN are in great hands under Capt. Days’ outstanding leadership.

Days’ sea assignments include tours aboard the submarine tender Simon Lake, homeported at La Maddalena, Italy; the destroyer Mahan; and the destroyer Forrest Sherman as engineer officer, completing two deployments, one to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct theater security cooperation and a subsequent deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to conduct counternarcotics operations. Days served as the Destroyer Squadron 28 material officer and staff director embarked aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, where she completed two deployments to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During her tour as executive officer and commanding officer of the destroyer McFaul, she deployed independently to the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Ashore, Days was assigned to the Joint Staff J7 joint and coalition warfighting directorate as a military analyst and observer trainer augment to the deployable training team; she also deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Joint Staff J7 liaison officer to the International Security Assistance Force headquarters. Days completed a tour at Afloat Training Group Norfolk as a combat systems tactical mentor and graduated from the pilot Warfare Tactics Instructor/Integrated Air and Missile Defense course. As the director of Maritime Warfare at Surface Warfare Officers School, she was responsible for training and development of all surface warfare department heads as well as providing instruction for prospective executive officers, commanding officers and major command students.

After a tour as the executive officer of Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, Rhode Island, Days was appointed Naval Station Norfolk’s executive officer in 2021. She was also the first Black female to hold that position, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

Days’ awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

Secretary of the Navy warns China’s warship production outpacing US, emphasizes need for acceleration

The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has expressed concerns over China’s faster production of warships, which could impact the future of the US Navy. Del Toro has called for an acceleration of efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization by building more warships and expanding its fleet. The report emphasizes the significance of the US Navy’s industrial base in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies. Del Toro made these remarks during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Takeaways

The Secretary of the Navy has warned that China is outpacing the US in warship production, posing a threat to American naval supremacy.

The US needs to accelerate its efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization, including building more warships and expanding its fleet.

The US Navy’s industrial base is crucial in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies.

These remarks were made by the Secretary of the Navy during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

US Navy Reviews Cost-Saving Design Changes Before Resuming Amphibious Assault Ship Purchases

The US Navy is reviewing cost-saving design changes before resuming amphibious assault ship purchases according to Defense News. The review comes after concerns were raised about the cost of these ships, which have seen a significant increase in price due to various factors. The Navy is looking at ways to reduce costs, including changing the design of the ships and exploring other options. The goal is to find a way to build the ships at a more reasonable cost while still meeting the Navy’s needs for amphibious warfare capabilities. The review is ongoing, and no decisions have been made yet regarding resuming amphibious assault ship purchases.

Takeaways

* The cost of these ships has increased significantly, prompting concerns.
* The Navy is exploring ways to reduce costs while still meeting its needs for amphibious warfare capabilities.
* No decisions have been made yet regarding resuming amphibious assault ship purchases.

In September of 2021, BreakingcDefense reported that, Senate lawmakers are continuing a years-long endeavor to “encourage” the Navy into adapting a multi-year procurement strategy to buy amphibious ships, with this year’s version of its defense policy bill directing the Navy secretary to provide a business case analysis to prove if the strategy has merit the article said.

“The committee believes that a block buy, multi-ship, or multiyear procurement approach for LPD-17 Flight II-class amphibious transport ships and LHA-10 would provide substantial cost savings as well as needed stability and predictability for the shipbuilder and its vendor base,” according to a report accompanying the Senate Armed Services Committee’s draft defense policy bill, known as the fiscal year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittani Raub,recognized as Junior Sailor of the Year

Brittani Raub, a 2015 graduate of Corning Painted Post High School and native of Corning, New York, was recognized as Junior Sailor of the Year aboard the USS George Washington. She is a Petty Officer 2nd Class and was selected by a board of senior enlisted for her exemplary service. The USS George Washington is currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul work at the Newport News Shipyard, including the refueling of its two nuclear reactors and significant repairs, upgrades, and modernization.