USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives in Trieste, Italy for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 17, 2023.
The USS Gerald R. Ford has anchored off the coast of Trieste, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the U.S. Navy and its Italian counterparts. Commanding Officer Capt. Rick Burgess highlighted the importance of this visit, stating, “This port call offers Sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford, Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, and Destroyer Squadron 2 a unique opportunity to connect with a key ally and deepen their appreciation for Italian culture.”
During its anchorage, the Gerald R. Ford will welcome local officials and military leaders for a lunch and tour, emphasizing the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Italy. Additionally, the crew will actively engage with the local community, with plans to participate in a city clean-up event to express gratitude to the city of Trieste.
Cmdr. Tim Yuhas, commanding officer of the USS Ramage, a ship accompanying the Gerald R. Ford, reemphasized the strategic significance of such visits: “The Carrier Strike Group symbolizes the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining forward presence. This visit underscores the value we place on our alliance with Italy and our collective commitment within NATO.”
The Gerald R. Ford’s port call in Italy is part of its scheduled deployment within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet’s operational area. This deployment exemplifies the U.S. Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime stability, with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group playing a pivotal role. Over 5,000 Sailors across various platforms are currently deployed, showcasing the Navy’s readiness to respond to global challenges.
Comprising this Strike Group are the Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 2, along with notable ships such as the USS Normandy, USS Ramage, USS McFaul, and USS Thomas Hudner.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, with headquarters in Naples, Italy, orchestrates operations across European and African waters. Their continuous presence serves as a testament to the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to upholding international agreements and ensuring collective defense with its allies.
The global maritime landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with China rapidly emerging as a dominant naval power. The implications of this shift have profound consequences for the United States and its position in the world. Recent revelations from a leaked US Navy briefing slide provide alarming insights into the trajectory of China’s naval capabilities and ambitions.
Key Takeaways
China’s Overwhelming Shipbuilding Capacity
China’s shipyards boast a capacity of over 23.2 million tons, a staggering 232 times greater than the US’s capacity, which is less than 100,000 tons.
About 70% of China’s shipbuilding revenue is derived from naval production, while nearly 95% of American shipbuilding revenue is attributed to naval production.
China currently commands the world’s largest navy with more than 355 vessels, including an array of combatant ships, submarines, and other essential naval assets.
By 2025, China’s naval fleet is anticipated to encompass 400 ships and is further projected to expand to 440 ships by 2030. In contrast, the US naval fleet is expected to hover between 305 and 317 ships.
China’s fervent naval expansion is fueled by its strategic aspirations to establish itself as a global superpower and challenge the US’s supremacy in the Indo-Pacific realm.
The sheer magnitude of China’s shipbuilding prowess and its burgeoning naval fleet poses grave challenges to the US’s strategic interests and its longstanding dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. In the face of such rapid naval ascendance by China, it’s imperative for the United States to adopt robust measures to bolster its naval capabilities. As members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy, the call to action is clear: Advocate for greater investments in the US Navy to ensure it remains a formidable force in the years to come.
To the esteemed members and subscribers of the Americans for A Stronger Navy,
Our nation’s security is a matter of collective pride and responsibility. A significant portion of this duty is understanding the complexities and dynamics between our armed forces and the industries that support them.
The relationship between the Navy and the defense industry is pivotal in this regard. In this article, we explore this intricate bond, highlighting its challenges and explaining its significance to all Americans and our mission.
Why This Matters to Americans and to Our Mission
The Navy serves as a beacon of our nation’s might, guarding our seas and ensuring our interests remain secure. But behind this force lies a complex network of collaborations, decisions, and strategies involving various stakeholders, most notably the defense industry.
To truly fortify our Naval capabilities, this partnership must be not just functional but exceptional. At the heart of the Americans for a Stronger Navy’s mission is the endeavor to ensure that this relationship is productive, transparent, and efficient.
Del Toro on the Essence of Partnerships
Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has frequently emphasized the significance of industry partnerships in strengthening the Navy. “I know what it takes to build a warship,” he remarked, shedding light on the intricate nature of defense contracts and collaborations.
Del Toro’s firsthand experience in shipbuilding has given him a deep appreciation for the teamwork between the government and industry players. “It’s an example of how America’s best can come together to build these tremendous platforms,” he observed, highlighting the symbiotic relationship that ultimately benefits national and economic security.
The Challenges for the Navy
Budget Constraints: Fiscal restrictions challenge the Navy to strike a balance between acquiring cutting-edge technology and ensuring value for money. Rapid Technological Changes: The pace of tech advancements means the Navy must ensure new innovations integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Bureaucratic Processes: Lengthy procurement procedures can potentially hamper the Navy’s preparedness.
The Challenges for the Industry
Understanding Navy Requirements: The defense industry must constantly adapt to the Navy’s evolving and specific needs. Financial Risks: High initial costs with no certain returns can be a significant burden. Security Protocols: While critical, stringent security guidelines can pose challenges to industry partners.
Role of Organizations in Strengthening the Partnership
External organizations play a pivotal role in nurturing and amplifying this relationship. Their contributions include:
Educating Both Parties: Through seminars and workshops, ensuring synergy between the Navy and industry. Facilitating Communication: Promoting open dialogue to preempt misunderstandings and encourage seamless collaborations. Advocacy: Championing policies and practices that benefit both the Navy and its industry partners.
A Personal Note from Bill Cullifer, FounderAmericans for a Stronger Navy
“At the core of our ethos at the Americans for A Stronger Navy is the understanding that a robust Navy translates to enhanced safety and prosperity here at home.
Clarity and focus are our guiding principles. We strive to hone in on the essentials, especially in the procurement process, weeding out redundancies, stripping away non-essentials, and bypassing unnecessary overhead.
This perspective isn’t just about clarity; it’s about potential cost-savings, ensuring our Navy receives the best without undue expenses.”
Conclusion
In our commitment to enhancing public understanding and fostering dialogue about naval strength and its significance, the Americans for A Stronger Navy proudly underwrites a range of educational initiatives.
These resources serve as a bridge between the Navy, the defense industry, and the public, underscoring the importance of partnerships. The ‘Charting the Course: Navigating the Future of American Naval Power Podcast Series’ provides insights into how these partnerships can shape the future of naval capabilities.
Hello and welcome to the Americans for a Stronger Navy, a non-profit organization that promotes naval warfare and technology. We are a community of naval enthusiasts, experts, and advocates who share a common passion and vision for the US Navy and its allies.
We believe that the US Navy is the most powerful and versatile naval force in the world, and that it plays a vital role in maintaining global peace and security.
We also believe that the US Navy needs to constantly innovate and modernize its capabilities and systems to keep up with the evolving threats and challenges in the 21st century. Today’s blog post includes a recent announcement from the Pentagon regarding Cybersecurity.
The US military is preparing to adopt a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity, which means that no user, device, or system is trusted by default and must be continuously verified.
This is a radical departure from the conventional methods that rely on perimeter-based defenses. Pentagon Chief Information Officer John Sherman announced that the Pentagon leadership will soon evaluate plans to implement zero-trust measures throughout the US military by the end of this year.
The plans are being developed by a specialized team led by Randy Resnick, the director of the zero-trust portfolio management office. Sherman said that this is a crucial step to address the growing and evolving cyber threats that the US military faces in 2023 and beyond.
This news is important for the members and subscribers to the Americans for a Stronger Navy and why Americans should care because it shows that the US military is taking proactive and innovative steps to protect its digital and physical infrastructure from cyberattacks. Cybersecurity is a vital component of naval warfare and technology, as it affects the communication, command, control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities of the US Navy and its allies. A zero-trust approach can help the US Navy achieve its mission of maintaining maritime superiority, deterring aggression, and winning wars. It can also help the US Navy collaborate with other services, agencies, industry, academia, and partners to leverage the best practices and innovations in AI and related technologies. Some other sources for this news are: • DOD Releases Path to Cyber Security Through Zero Trust Architecture , which describes how the Defense Department plans to move beyond traditional network security methods to achieve reduced network attack surfaces, enable risk management and effective data-sharing in partnership environments, and contain and remediate adversary activities over the next five years. • CISA Releases updated Zero Trust Maturity Model , which provides guidance for federal agencies on how to assess and improve their progress toward a zero trust architecture in support of the National Cybersecurity Strategy. • 5 areas where zero trust can’t protect your organization , which highlights some of the potential blind spots and challenges that organizations may face when implementing a zero trust model, such as unmonitored IoT devices or third-party systems.
Michael White (left) meets Brian Hook, the U.S. special envoy for Iran, in Zurich, Switzerland, after White’s release from detention in Iran.
By Mark Roberts
Hello, fellow Americans. I’m a proud member of the Americans for a Stronger Navy, a group that advocates for a robust and well-equipped naval force to protect our nation’s interests and values. Today, I want to share with you a remarkable story of courage, friendship, and gratitude that involves a Navy veteran and an Iranian political activist who met in an Iranian prison. This story shows the resilience and compassion of our sailors, the plight of political prisoners in Iran, and the need for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Americans detained abroad.
Michael White: A Navy veteran who was jailed in Iran for several years on spying charges
Michael White is a Navy veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War and later worked as a cook for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In July 2018, he traveled to Iran to visit his girlfriend in Mashhad, a city in northeastern Iran. He was arrested by Iranian authorities on vague charges of espionage and insulting the country’s supreme leader. He was interrogated, beaten, isolated, denied medical care, and threatened with execution. He spent nearly two years in Iran’s notorious Vakilabad prison, where he contracted COVID-19 and suffered from cancer.
Mahdi Vatankhah: An Iranian political activist who befriended White and helped him survive
Mahdi Vatankhah is an Iranian political activist who was also imprisoned in Iran for his involvement in anti-government protests in 2017. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for “spreading propaganda against the system” and “insulting the supreme leader”. He was tortured, starved, and forced to confess on state television. He met White in Vakilabad prison and became his friend and protector. He helped White communicate with his family and survive the harsh conditions of the prison. He provided White’s mother with crucial, firsthand accounts about her son’s status in prison and passed along letters White had written while he was locked up. He also taught White some Farsi and shared his dreams of freedom and democracy. How White was released in June 2020 as part of a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the US In June 2020, White was released from Iran as part of a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the US. The deal involved the exchange of White for Majid Taheri, an Iranian-American doctor who had been held in the US for violating sanctions on Iran. White was flown to Switzerland, where he was greeted by US officials and reunited with his family. He thanked President Joe Biden and his administration for securing his release and expressed his gratitude to Vatankhah for saving his life.
How White helped Vatankhah flee Iran and come to the US
White did not forget Vatankhah’s kindness and friendship. He pushed successfully this year for Vatankhah’s admission to the US, allowing the men to be reunited last spring, something neither could have envisioned when they first met in prison years earlier. White contacted Jonathan Franks, a consultant in the US for families of American hostages and detainees, who helped him lobby the State Department and other agencies to grant Vatankhah a humanitarian parole visa. Vatankhah managed to escape from Iran with the help of smugglers and made his way to Turkey, where he waited for several months until he received his visa. He arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on June 1, 2023, where he was warmly welcomed by White and Franks.
Why this story matters
This story matters because it demonstrates the values of honor, courage, and commitment that are instilled in every sailor who serves our country with dignity and bravery. White showed honor by staying loyal to his friend and helping him escape from tyranny. He showed courage by enduring unimaginable hardships and never giving up hope. He showed commitment by fulfilling his promise to Vatankhah and bringing him to safety.
This story also matters because it illustrates the human rights violations and repression that are rampant in Iran, where thousands of political prisoners are languishing in jails without due process or fair trials. Vatankhah’s story is one of many that expose the brutality of the Iranian regime and its disregard for basic freedoms and dignity.
Finally, this story matters because it underscores the importance of diplomacy and negotiation to secure the freedom of Americans who are unjustly detained in foreign countries. The prisoner swap deal that led to White’s release was a result of months of behind-the-scenes talks between US and Iranian officials, facilitated by Switzerland as a neutral mediator. The humanitarian parole visa that allowed Vatankhah to come to the US was a result of persistent advocacy by White, Franks, and other supporters, who appealed to the humanitarian and moral values of the US government.
Conclusion
I hope this story has inspired you and moved you as much as it has me. I admire and thank White and Vatankhah for their courage, friendship, and gratitude. I also thank and salute all the American sailors who serve our country with honor, courage, and commitment. They are the reason why we need a stronger Navy to defend our nation and our allies.
I urge you to support the Americans for a Stronger Navy group, which works to educate the public and policymakers about the vital role of the Navy in ensuring our security and prosperity. I also urge you to advocate for human rights and democracy in Iran, where millions of people are suffering under a repressive regime. And I urge you to demand the release of other Americans who are still held hostage by Iran or other hostile regimes, such as Siamak Namazi, Baquer Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, Emad Shargi, and Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Thank you for your attention and support.
Please feel free to comment or share your thoughts on this blog post. God bless America and God bless our Navy.
Hello, members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Today, we want to share with you a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and wisdom. It is the story of Captain Charles Plumb, US Navy fighter pilot, prisoner of war during the Vietnam War and inspirational leader. His story is a testament to the spirit and values of our Navy and our nation. Here is his story:
Captain Plumb was a young man who dreamed of flying. He grew up on a farm in Kansas, where he watched the planes soar in the sky and imagined himself in the cockpit. He worked hard to achieve his goal, and graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He became a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom jet, one of the most advanced aircraft of its time. He joined the elite program that would later be known as “TOP GUN”, where he honed his skills and earned the respect of his peers.
He was sent to Vietnam, where he flew 74 successful combat missions over enemy territory. He was proud to serve his country and defend freedom. He was confident in his abilities and his plane. He was looking forward to returning home to his wife and family, who were waiting for him with love and gratitude.
But fate had other plans for him. On his 75th mission, just five days before he was due to go home, his plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile. He ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured, tortured, and imprisoned in a small cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a prisoner of war in communist Vietnam.
He faced unimaginable hardships and horrors. He endured hunger, pain, isolation, humiliation, and despair. He witnessed the death and suffering of his fellow prisoners. He was tempted to give up hope and surrender to his captors.
But he did not. He fought back with courage and resilience. He used his ingenuity and creativity to communicate with other POWs through a secret code. He used his faith and optimism to inspire and comfort others. He used his humor and wit to cope with the absurdity and cruelty of his situation. He used his memory and imagination to escape from his cell and fly again in his mind.
He survived the ordeal and returned home as a hero. He received many honors and awards for his service and sacrifice. He wrote books and gave speeches about his experience and the lessons he learned from it. He shared his wisdom and insights with thousands of people from all walks of life. He helped others overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams.
He lived what he believed to be the American Dream. He was a farm kid from Kansas who became a fighter pilot, a prisoner of war, a motivational speaker, and a legend.
This is the true story of Charles Plumb , a man who faced adversity with bravery, dignity, and grace. A man who never gave up on himself or his country. A man who exemplifies the spirit of a stronger Navy.
As he said in one of his speeches: “The challenge is not to survive, but to come out of the experience with your honor, dignity, and self-respect intact.”
We hope you enjoyed this story as much as we did. We think it is an inspiring example of how our navy can overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal. We also think it is a reminder of why we need to support our Navy and its mission of protecting our security and prosperity in all domains.
We thank you for your attention and support. he Americans for a Stronger Navy team
Hello, and thank you for reading our blog post for the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
We are a group of patriotic citizens who support and appreciate the U.S. Navy and its mission to protect our nation and its interests around the world. In this blog post, we want to share with you some facts and trivia about the USS LST-325, a World War II landing ship tank that recently arrived in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
What is the USS LST-325?
The USS LST-325 is a decommissioned tank landing ship of the U.S. Navy, now docked in Evansville, Indiana, as a museum ship. It is the last operational LST of its class, and one of the few remaining World War II ships that participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy. LST stands for Landing Ship, Tank, which means it could carry tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without the need for docks or piers. The USS LST-325 was launched on October 27, 1942 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and commissioned on February 1, 1943 under Lt. Ira Ehrensall, USNR.
What did the USS LST-325 do during World War II?
The USS LST-325 was a vital part of the Allied amphibious operations in Europe and Africa during World War II. It operated in the North Africa area and participated in the invasions at Gela, Sicily and Salerno, Italy. On June 6, 1944, it was part of the largest armada in history by participating in the Normandy landings at Omaha Beach. It carried 59 vehicles, 30 officers and a total of 396 enlisted men on that first trip. On its first trip back to England from France, it transported 38 casualties back to a friendly port. Over the next nine months, Navy records show it made more than 40 trips across the English Channel, carrying thousands of men and pieces of equipment needed by troops to successfully complete the liberation of Europe.
The USS LST-325 also served as a hospital ship, returning wounded soldiers back to England from the beaches of Normandy. It was originally known as LST-325 during World War II, USNS LST-325 during its arctic operations in the 1950s, and later L-144 (A/G Syros) while it was in service of the Greek Navy.
How did the USS LST-325 become a museum ship?
The USS LST-325 was decommissioned in 1946 and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1961. It was transferred to Greece in 1964 and served as RHS Syros (L-144) until 1999. It was sold to a group of U.S. veterans in 2000 who sailed it back to the United States from Crete in a voyage that lasted 13 weeks and covered 6,500 miles. The ship was renamed M/V LST-325 and docked in Mobile, Alabama until 2005 when it moved to its current homeport of Evansville, Indiana. In 2004, it was granted permission by the U.S. Navy to use its original name again as USS LST-325. In 2009, it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The USS LST-325 is now a floating museum that offers tours and cruises to visitors who want to learn more about its history and legacy. It also participates in various events and festivals around the country to honor and educate veterans and civilians alike. Each year, it sails for five weeks to give people a chance to see its historical impact nationwide.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the USS LST-325 and learned something new and interesting about this remarkable ship and its role in World War II. We also hope you feel inspired and motivated to support our Navy and its efforts to protect our nation and our allies. We thank you for reading this blog post and for following #AmericansforaStrongerNavy. Please leave your comments below or contact us if you have any questions or feedback. Stay safe and stay Navy!
Image IconForeign Minister Tobias Billström, background, listens, during a press briefing together with US congressmen Michael McCaul, centre and Gregory Meeks, in Stockholm, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023. The United States House Foreign Affairs chair says that a partnership of the Russian and Chinese leaders worries him, saying: “We have never seen a threat this large-scale to Europe and the Pacific, I would argue, since World War II.” Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said Friday during a trip to Sweden with a U.S. Congressional Delegation that an alliance of Beijing and Moscow poses a big challenges to the free world. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP) The Associated Press
Hello, and welcome to the blog of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
We are a group of patriotic citizens who support and appreciate the U.S. Navy and its mission to protect our nation and its interests around the world.
In this blog, we will share with you news, stories, facts, and opinions about the Navy and its amazing ships and sailors.
Today, we want to talk about a recent development that caught our attention: the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair calling the Russia-China alliance the biggest threat since World War II. This is a serious and alarming statement that reflects the growing challenges and dangers that our Navy and our allies face in the global arena.
What did the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair say?
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair is Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas. He made his remarks during a visit to Sweden on September 1, 2023, where he met with the Swedish foreign minister and other officials. He was part of a U.S. congressional delegation that also visited the Netherlands and discussed issues such as support for NATO and Ukraine, ways to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, and how to confront shared threats from China.
McCaul said that a partnership between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin worried him, adding, “We have never seen a threat this large scale to Europe and the Pacific, I would argue, since World War II.” He said that an alliance between Beijing and Moscow poses a big challenge for the free world in this great power competition that we find ourselves in.
Why is the Russia-China alliance a threat?
The Russia-China alliance is a threat because it combines two authoritarian regimes that have aggressive and expansionist ambitions in their respective regions and beyond. Both countries have been violating international norms and rules, undermining democratic values and human rights, and challenging the U.S. and its allies’ interests and security.
Some examples of their threatening behavior are:
• Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014, its ongoing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, its cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns against Western countries, its interference in elections and political processes, its military buildup and provocations near NATO borders, its use of chemical weapons against dissidents, and its development of new nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles.
China’s militarization of disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea, its coercion and intimidation of neighboring countries over maritime claims, its violation of Taiwan’s airspace and sovereignty, its crackdown on Hong Kong’s autonomy and democracy, its genocide against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, its theft of intellectual property and trade secrets from Western companies, its suppression of free speech and dissent at home and abroad, and its rapid modernization of its military capabilities and space program.
The Russia-China alliance is also a threat because it enables both countries to support each other economically, politically, diplomatically, militarily, and technologically. They have increased their cooperation in various fields such as energy, trade, infrastructure, defense, security, intelligence, science, innovation, culture, media, education, health, and environment. They have also coordinated their positions on global issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, North Korea’s nuclear weapons, Syria’s civil war, Venezuela’s crisis, Myanmar’s coup, Afghanistan’s situation, climate change, human rights, multilateralism, and reform of international institutions.
The Russia-China alliance is especially a threat because it challenges the U.S.-led international order that has maintained peace and stability since World War II. They seek to undermine the credibility and effectiveness of NATO, the European Union, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization, and other organizations that promote cooperation and dialogue among nations. They also seek to create alternative blocs and platforms that serve their interests and values such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) group
How does the Navy respond to the Russia-China alliance?
The Navy is well aware of the threat posed by the Russia-China alliance and is taking various measures to counter it and protect our interests and allies. Some of these measures are:
• Strengthening our alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries that share our values and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and a secure and prosperous Europe. The Navy conducts regular exercises, operations, exchanges, and consultations with our allies and partners to enhance our interoperability, coordination, and cooperation. Some examples of these activities are the Malabar naval exercise with India, Japan, and Australia; the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise with 26 nations; the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise with 18 NATO and partner nations; the Sea Breeze exercise with Ukraine and 31 other nations; the Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea; and the Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) in Eastern Europe.
• Increasing our presence and readiness in the regions where Russia and China are most active and assertive. The Navy deploys its ships, aircraft, submarines, and personnel to strategic locations such as Japan, Guam, Bahrain, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland, Norway, and Iceland. The Navy also rotates its assets through temporary deployments such as the Carrier Strike Group (CSG), the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), and the Surface Action Group (SAG). The Navy also maintains a continuous nuclear deterrent patrol with its ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and a global undersea dominance with its attack submarines (SSNs).
• Modernizing our capabilities and platforms to match or exceed those of Russia and China. The Navy invests in research, development, acquisition, and innovation of new technologies, systems, weapons, and concepts that will give us an edge over our adversaries. Some examples of these initiatives are the Columbia-class SSBN program, the Constellation-class frigate program, the F-35C Lightning II fighter jet program, the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueling tanker program, the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship cruise missile program, the Hypersonic Glide Body (HGB) weapon system program, the Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept, and the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) network.
What can we do to support the Navy?
As members and subscribers of #AmericansforaStrongerNavy, we can do many things to support the Navy and its mission to counter the Russia-China alliance. Some of these things are:
• Educating ourselves and others about the threat posed by the Russia-China alliance and the importance of maintaining a strong and capable Navy. Stay informed by subscribing to the blog and newsletter. We can also share these sources with our friends, family, colleagues, and social media followers.
• Advocating for adequate funding and resources for the Navy to sustain its current operations and modernize its future capabilities. We can contact our representatives in Congress and urge them to support the Navy’s budget requests and legislative priorities. We can also sign petitions, join campaigns, attend rallies, write letters, or make phone calls to express our views and opinions.
• Appreciating and honoring our Navy sailors who serve our country with honor and excellence. We can send them letters, cards, care packages, or donations to show them our gratitude and support. We can also volunteer for organizations that assist Navy families, veterans, or wounded warriors. We can also attend or host events that celebrate or commemorate Navy achievements or milestones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope you learned something new and interesting about the Russia-China alliance and how it affects our Navy and our nation. We also hope you feel inspired and motivated to support our Navy in its efforts to counter this threat and protect our interests and allies. We thank you for reading this blog post and for following #AmericansforaStrongerNavy. Please leave your comments below or contact us if you have any questions or feedback. Stay safe and stay Navy!
Shown arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Aug. 7, 2023, the USS Carl M. Levin was named after a longtime senator from Michigan who championed veterans’ rights. (Lt. Autumn Estrada/U.S. Navy photo)
Hello, fellow Navy supporters and enthusiasts! Today, I want to share with you an amazing story about the newest Navy destroyer, the USS Carl M. Levin, and its unique and awesome battle flag. If you are a fan of pirates, sea monsters, and phoenixes, you will love this story!
Who is the USS Carl M. Levin? The USS Carl M. Levin is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that was commissioned on June 26, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the 76th destroyer of its class and the first Navy ship to be named after the late Senator Carl Levin, who served in Congress for 36 years and was a longtime champion of the military and defense affairs. He was also a strong advocate for veterans’ rights, fiscal responsibility, bipartisanship, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. He died in 2021 at age 87.
The USS Carl M. Levin arrived at its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on August 7, 2023. It is assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and will conduct missions in support of the U.S. national security interests and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.
What is the battle flag of the USS Carl M. Levin? The battle flag of the USS Carl M. Levin is a stunning and striking design that features a fearsome pirate ship, a legendary sea monster, and a mythical phoenix. It was designed by Damage Controlman 3rd Class Hector Mendoza, who was inspired by telling his nieces about his job in the Navy as a pirate. He said he wanted to design a “pretty badass battle flag to display for everyone to see”.
The pirate ship represents the heritage and history of sailing the seven seas as a Navy sailor. The kraken, a large and terrifying sea creature of yore, symbolizes the power and might of the Navy and its ability to destroy any enemy that threatens it. The phoenix, the ship’s mascot, rises out of the destruction, symbolizing how the crew will persevere through any hardships or challenges.
The battle flag also pays tribute to the ship’s namesake and his home state. In the lower left corner, there is an ivory gavel that marks Levin’s 36 years of service in Congress and his role as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In the lower right corner, there is the Michigan flag that honors Levin’s home state and his connection to the Great Lakes region.
Why is the battle flag important? The battle flag is important because it reflects the identity and spirit of the ship and its crew. It shows their pride, courage, resilience, and dedication to their mission and their nation. It also shows their respect and gratitude for their namesake and his legacy. It also adds some flair and fun to their arrival at port.
The battle flag is also part of a growing tradition in the Navy of flying unique and creative flags on newly commissioned warships. Some examples of other Navy warships’ battle flags are:
• The USS John S. McCain flies a flag that features a silhouette of its namesake senator giving a thumbs-up gesture and his motto “Country First”.
• The USS Michael Monsoor flies a flag that depicts a Medal of Honor ribbon and a trident, honoring its namesake Navy SEAL who sacrificed his life to save his teammates in Iraq.
• The USS Rafael Peralta flies a flag that shows a pair of crossed rifles and a helmet with a bullet hole, commemorating its namesake Marine who used his body to shield his comrades from a grenade in Iraq.
• The USS Paul Ignatius flies a flag that displays a pair of crossed swords and a pair of wings, symbolizing its namesake secretary of the Navy’s service as both an Army officer and an Air Force pilot.
What do you think? I hope you enjoyed this story about the USS Carl M. Levin and its battle flag. I think it is a great example of how the Navy celebrates its history, culture, and heroes through its ships and flags. I also think it is a great way to show our support and appreciation for our Navy sailors who serve our country with honor and excellence.
What do you think? Do you like the design and meaning of the battle flag? Do you have any other favorite Navy warships’ battle flags? Do you have any suggestions or ideas for future battle flags? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading this blog post and for following #AmericansforaStrongerNavy. Stay tuned for more updates and stories about our Navy and its amazing ships and sailors. Until next time, stay safe and stay Navy!
China’s Latest S. China Sea Map screen shot from Youtube
As members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy, you are well aware of the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, where the United States and its allies and partners can uphold the rules-based order and protect their national interests.
The South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade and security, is at the heart of this region.
However, China’s aggressive and expansive claims to sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, as well as its militarization of disputed features, pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of the region, as well as to the freedom of navigation and overflight that the United States and other countries enjoy under international law.
On Monday, August 28, 2023, China released a new map of its infamous U-shaped line, also known as the nine-dash line, that covers about 90% of the South China Sea.
This map, which was published by the Ministry of Natural Resources, is the latest in a series of official maps that China has issued since 1947 to assert its sovereignty over the sea and its islands, reefs, and resources. The map also includes Taiwan, which China considers as a renegade province, and parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh state, which China claims as part of Tibet.
The map has been met with strong rejection and protest by the other claimants in the South China Sea, namely Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These countries have their own claims to sovereignty over various features and zones in the sea, based on historical evidence, geographic proximity, or international law.
They have also challenged China’s U-shaped line as baseless and illegal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which defines the rights and obligations of coastal states in their territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and continental shelves. In 2016, an arbitral tribunal constituted under UNCLOS ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China, declaring that China’s U-shaped line had no legal basis and that China had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its EEZ.
China rejected the ruling as null and void and continued to assert its claims and activities in the sea.
The United States, which is not a party to UNCLOS but abides by its provisions as customary international law, has also expressed its opposition to China’s U-shaped line and its actions in the South China Sea.
The United States has declared that it has a national interest in preserving freedom of navigation and overflight in the sea, as well as in supporting its allies and partners in defending their rights and interests.
The United States has also conducted regular freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) and presence operations in the sea to challenge China’s excessive maritime claims and to demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law.
The United States has also provided diplomatic, legal, and security assistance to the other claimants in the sea to enhance their capabilities and resilience.
The release of China’s new map is not only a provocation to the other claimants in the sea, but also a challenge to the United States and its vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The map shows that China is not willing to compromise or cooperate on resolving the disputes in the sea peacefully and in accordance with international law. Instead, China is determined to impose its will and dominance over the sea and its resources, regardless of the rights and interests of other countries.
The map also shows that China is not deterred by the United States’ presence and actions in the sea, but rather seeks to test and undermine them.
The Americans for a Stronger Navy believes that China’s new map is unacceptable and unacceptable. We urge our government to continue to stand firm against China’s aggression and expansionism in the South China Sea.
We call on our government to increase its diplomatic engagement with our allies and partners in the region to coordinate our responses and strategies. We also call on our government to enhance our naval presence and capabilities in the region to deter further Chinese provocations and to defend our national interests.
We believe that a strong navy is essential for ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
