Author: Robert Luster

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Upholding Security: The US Responds to Chinese and Russian Naval Patrol Near Alaska

Introduction

In a historic first, a joint naval patrol consisting of Chinese and Russian military vessels approached US territory near Alaska, raising concerns about security and territorial sovereignty. This article delves into the details of the event, the US response, and the implications for the region and international relations.

Summary

The Combined Naval Patrol: The Wall Street Journal reported on the joint naval patrol, which was the largest flotilla to approach US territory. Experts weighed in on the significance of this maneuver amid geopolitical tensions.

US Response: In response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, the US dispatched four navy warships and a reconnaissance airplane. The presence of these vessels aimed to assure the defense of the United States and Canada.

Chinese and Russian Statements: The Chinese embassy in Washington DC emphasized that the naval patrol was not targeted at any third party and was part of their annual cooperation plan. The US Northern Command corroborated this, stating that the patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a direct threat.

Alaska Senators’ Reactions: Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan expressed vigilance in monitoring the situation closely. They stressed the importance of Alaska’s role in national defense and territorial sovereignty, especially given the proximity to China and Russia.

Key Takeaway:
The joint Chinese and Russian naval patrol near Alaska underscores the geopolitical complexities in the region. The US response demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding national interests and territorial integrity, sending a strong message of deterrence to potential adversaries.

Conclusion:
The recent naval patrol near Alaska serves as a stark reminder of the evolving security landscape and the need for continued vigilance. It highlights the significance of maintaining a strong navy to protect vital national interests and ensure stability in the region. The US must remain resolute in upholding its commitment to defend its territorial sovereignty while navigating complex international relations.

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Ukrainian Naval Drone Damages Russian Warship in Bold Black Sea Attack: A Call for a Stronger Navy

This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC appears to show the damaged Russian landing vessel Olenegorsky Gornyak leaking oil while docked at Novorossiysk, Russia, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. (Planet Labs PBC via AP) (Planet Labs PBC/AP)

Introduction:

On August 4, 2023, a Ukrainian naval drone attacked a Russian Black Sea navy base at Novorossiysk, causing serious damage to a Russian warship. This marked the first time the Ukrainian navy projected its power so far from its shores.

Key Takeaway (credit to Reuters):

  • A Russian warship was seriously damaged in the attack, carried out by two Ukrainian sea drones.
  • The Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian Navy landing ship with around 100 Russian servicemen on board, was hit by a sea drone carrying 450 kilograms of TNT.

Summary

  • Russia accuses Ukraine of naval drone attack on port
  • Russian warship seriously damaged, civilian ship movement temporarily halted
  • Ukrainian attack repelled, drones destroyed, but Russian warship incapacitatedThe attack shows a significant increase in Ukrainian naval range
  • Tensions escalate in the Black Sea with repeated attacks on port facilities and grain silos

Analysis:

The attack highlights the growing capabilities of the Ukrainian navy and the escalating tensions in the Black Sea region. It signals a potential shift in the balance of power and the need for stronger naval capabilities.

Conclusion:

The Ukrainian naval drone attack on the Russian warship at Novorossiysk demonstrates the need for a stronger navy to defend against emerging threats in the region.

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For more information on the importance of a stronger navy to safeguard national security and address emerging challenges, visit StrongerNavy.org.

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China’s Naval Base in Cambodia: A Challenge to US Interests

Cambodian Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, Cambodia,
Photo by screenshot Youtube

The recent revelation that China has made significant progress building a naval base in Cambodia has raised alarm bells in Washington and the region.

According to satellite imagery, China is close to completing a pier that could berth an aircraft carrier at Ream Naval Base, near Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand. This Chinese-funded project would extend Beijing’s military reach into the contested waters of Southeast Asia, where it faces rival claims from several countries, including US allies.

China and Cambodia have denied that the People’s Liberation Army will have access to the base, claiming that the construction is for Cambodia’s navy and that the two countries have no secret agreement. However, US officials and analysts have voiced suspicions that the base is part of China’s broader strategy to expand its influence and challenge US presence and interests in the region.

China has over the past decade built a number of military bases on reefs and reclaimed land in the South China Sea, where it claims almost the entire waterway as its sovereign territory.

The US has conducted freedom of navigation operations and military exercises to challenge China’s claims and assert its support for its regional partners.

A naval base in Cambodia would give China another strategic advantage, as it would provide access to the Gulf of Thailand and the Malacca Strait, a vital choke point for global trade and energy flows.

A Chinese military presence at Ream Naval Base would also have implications for the balance of power across Southeast Asia, where many countries are wary of China’s growing assertiveness and seek to maintain good relations with both Beijing and Washington. Cambodia, once a close ally of the US during the Cold War, has tilted towards China in recent years, receiving billions of dollars in aid, investment and loans from Beijing.

The US has criticized Cambodia for its democratic backsliding, human rights violations and crackdown on dissent under Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled the country since 1985.
The US has urged Cambodia to be transparent about its intentions and activities at Ream Naval Base, and to respect its constitutional prohibition on foreign military bases on its soil.

The US has also sought to deepen its security ties with other countries in the region, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, to counter China’s influence and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In August 2022, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Phnom Penh and raised the issue of the naval base with Cambodian officials, saying that it would pose a threat to Southeast Asia if used exclusively for China’s military.

The development of Ream Naval Base is a clear sign of China’s ambition to become a global naval power and a challenge to US interests and values in the region.

The US should continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with Cambodia and other regional partners to uphold a rules-based order and prevent any escalation or conflict in the waters of Southeast Asia.

Sources:
• Chinese base in Cambodia nears completion in challenge to US naval power (Financial Times)
• Cambodian Ream Naval Base Modernized by China Nears Completion: Defense Ministry (VOA News)
• Is China building a military base in Cambodia? (Chatham House)
• China’s Base in Cambodia Nearing Completion, Challenging US Naval Power (Military View)

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Night Flight Ops aboard USS Gerald R Ford

Night Ops aboard USS Gerald R. Ford

Hello, members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

We are excited to share with you a thrilling story of air operations at night on an aircraft carrier. This is not a fiction, but a reality that our brave and skilled naval aviators face every day.

Imagine landing a plane on a moving ship in the dark, with no lights, no runway, and no margin for error. Imagine doing it while the ship is pitching and rolling in rough seas, and the wind is blowing from all directions.

  • Imagine doing it with a plane that weighs over 30 tons, carries tons of fuel and weapons, and travels hundreds of miles per hour.
  • Imagine doing it with only a few seconds to react, and no second chances.

This is what our naval aviators do every night on an aircraft carrier. It is one of the most challenging and dangerous feats in aviation, requiring precision, courage, and razor-sharp instincts.

It is also one of the most vital capabilities of our Navy, enabling us to project power and protect our interests around the world.

In this story, we will take you behind the scenes of night carrier operations, and show you how our Navy pilots train, prepare, and execute these missions.

We will also show you how the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest and most advanced carrier in the world, supports these operations with its cutting-edge technology and systems.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford conducts flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, July 25, 2023.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

We will tell you what it takes to launch and recover these planes in the dark, what are the risks and rewards of doing so, and what are the secrets of success for these elite pilots.

We will also share with you some facts and statistics about night carrier landings that will amaze you:

  • According to a YouTube video by NAVY Productions , night carrier landings are graded on a scale of 0 to 5 by the Landing Signal Officer (LSO), who guides the pilots with visual signals and radio calls. A perfect landing is a 5, a safe but average landing is a 3, and a bolter (a missed arrestment) is a 2.5.
  • According to Wikipedia , bolters occur when the plane’s tailhook fails to catch any of the four arresting wires on the carrier deck, forcing the pilot to abort the landing and go around for another attempt. Bolters can happen due to pilot error, equipment failure, or adverse weather conditions.
  • According to an article by Carey Lohrenz , a former Navy fighter pilot and author of Fearless Leadership: High-Performance Lessons from the Flight Deck , night carrier landings are so stressful that they can cause physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline, cortisol, and pupil dilation.
  • According to an article by Proceedings Magazine , published by the U.S. Naval Institute , night carrier landing accident rates have historically been about three times higher than day rates, due to reduced visibility, depth perception, and situational awareness.

We hope you enjoy this story as much as we enjoyed writing it for you. We hope it will inspire you to appreciate the incredible work that our Navy does every day, and to support our cause of making our Navy stronger and more capable.
Thank you for your attention and loyalty.
Americans for a Stronger Navy.

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USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124): Embodying American Strength and the Pursuit of Peace

101123-N-5292M-186 NORFOLK The newly commissioned guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) arrives in its new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 23, 2010. The ship is named for Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, who selflessly sacrificed his life at eh age of 22 in Iraq, April 14, 2004. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie R. Matyascik) (Released).

Dear members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,

We are excited to share with you an event that highlights not just the steadfast progress of our naval forces, but also the values and heroism that permeate the proud history of our organization and our country.

On July 29th, the U.S. Navy is set to christen the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), a state-of-the-art guided-missile destroyer, at the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. This momentous event embodies the continued evolution and modernization of our naval capabilities, ensuring our country remains secure and well-protected against potential threats.

In the context of our mission at Americans for a Stronger Navy, events like this further amplify the significance of our work. Our commitment to ensuring a robust, well-equipped Navy is vindicated as we see the christening of such advanced warships. We believe that a stronger navy is vital for maintaining America’s position in the global arena, defending our interests, and securing our nation’s prosperity.

Why does this matter to America and the American people, you may ask? In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tensions and unpredictable threats, a strong navy serves as a bulwark against such challenges. With the commissioning of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), we honor not just a war hero, but also the values of bravery, leadership, and sacrifice that he symbolized. These are values that unite us as Americans and remind us of the cost of our security and freedom.

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is more than a guided-missile destroyer – it represents the backbone of our surface fleet, prepared to ensure American safety at all times. It embodies our dedication to the defense of our country and our determination to promote peace.

This event serves as a proud reminder of our mission, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this historic occasion. Together, let’s continue working to strengthen our Navy, uphold our shared values, and safeguard the American dream for future generations.

Best Regards,
Bill, Americans for a Stronger Navy

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A Historic Meeting for a Stronger Navy

PSecretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Papua New Guinean Minister for Defense Win Daki in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, July 27, 2023.

a also faces many challenges, such as poverty, corruption, health crises, environmental degradation, and illegal fishing. Moreover, it is located in a region where China is expanding its influence and presence, posing threats to the sovereignty and security of our allies and partners.

That is why the United States has been working closely with Papua New Guinea to support its development and defense needs. The United States has already provided personal protective equipment to the country to help it combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Landmark Defense Cooperation Agreement

The meeting between Secretary Austin and Papua New Guinea’s defense leaders resulted in two major outcomes that will benefit both countries and our navy.

First, the two countries concluded a shiprider agreement in May. This agreement will allow Papua New Guinea’s forces to ride along with U.S. Coast Guard vessels patrolling the area. This collaboration will help the country enforce its sovereignty and combat illegal fishing activities, ensuring the protection of its marine resources.

Second, the two countries negotiated and signed a landmark Defense Cooperation Agreement that will deepen U.S.-PNG ties. The Defense Cooperation Agreement is currently awaiting approval from Papua New Guinea’s parliament.

This agreement seeks to deepen the defense ties between the two nations and enable the United States to support the modernization of Papua New Guinea’s defense force. It will foster closer collaboration on exercises, training, interoperability, and defense-capacity building.

Furthermore, the agreement presents opportunities for joint infrastructure investment and expanded U.S. defense presence in Papua New Guinea, beyond small-scale projects. By working together, the two countries aim to promote a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, where international law is upheld, and disputes are resolved peacefully and without coercion.

A Step Towards a Stronger Navy

We applaud Secretary Austin for his leadership and vision in forging this historic partnership with Papua New Guinea. We believe that this partnership will enhance our security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, which is vital for our national interests and global stability.

We also believe that this partnership will strengthen our navy by providing more opportunities for training, interoperability, and presence in a strategic area. A stronger navy means a stronger America.

We hope that you share our enthusiasm and support for this historic meeting and its outcomes. We encourage you to learn more about this meeting by reading this article from the Department of Defense.

We also invite you to join us in our efforts to advocate for a stronger navy by becoming a member or making a donation to our organization. You can visit our website at www.americansforastrongernavy.org to find out more about our work and how you can get involved.

Thank you for your attention and support.
Sincerely,
The Americans for a Stronger Navy Team

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Beyond the Horizon: Roy Englert’s Journey from the Navy to the Running Track

Meet Roy Englert – A Living Legend

Roy Englert at 100


Today, we want to share the extraordinary tale of Mr. Roy Englert, a centenarian World War II Navy veteran, and his unstoppable spirit. Not only did he serve our country with valor, but he also continued to break records as a competitive runner well into his 90s, embodying the very essence of resilience and strength.

Early Life and Naval Service
Englert’s journey started in Nashville during the Great Depression.

He joined the Naval Reserve during his junior year at Vanderbilt University and entered the war effort after graduation in 1943. He participated in significant operations like the D-Day invasion of Normandy, where he served as a supply officer on a landing ship, and Operation Dragoon in the south of France. His service didn’t stop there. He also took part in the Battle of Okinawa, narrowly escaping a kamikaze attack, and was preparing for the invasion of mainland Japan when the war ended.

Post-War Life and Civilian Career
Returning to the U.S., Englert attended law school and then had a fulfilling 22-year career with the Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C. Later, he moved to a private law firm and business consulting before retiring at age 73.

Unstoppable Spirit – The Runner
After reading a book about the benefits of exercise, Englert began running at age 60. Despite initial challenges, he persisted, gradually transitioning from his basement to high school tracks and eventually to competitive meets. His achievements are staggering: from setting world records in relay races with a team of 90-year-olds in 2014 to breaking a world record for the 95-99 age group in the 800-meter race in 2018, Englert never ceased to amaze.

The Power of Perseverance
Despite his mother’s concerns about him being “too old” to run, Englert proved that age is just a number. He inspires others not to make age an excuse to stop living life to the fullest. His mantra is quite simple: “Keep moving, keep moving, keep moving.”

Conclusion and Takeaway
Roy Englert’s life serves as an enduring testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and a positive attitude. He is an example not only to veterans and service members but to everyone. The takeaway message here is never to let age or circumstances define what you’re capable of.

Remember, every stride we take towards our goals, no matter how small, is a victory in itself. So let’s keep moving, just like Roy Englert.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this incredible story, and we wish you a fantastic summer ahead. Stay strong, stay motivated, and above all, stay moving!