The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel have jointly unveiled their first unmanned surface vessel (USV), which has advanced sensors and imaging systems and can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and detecting mines the Times of Israel has reported. The USV was created by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Emirati defense consortium EDGE and was demonstrated off the coast of Abu Dhabi during the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition. The two countries have been steadily deepening their military partnership, including defense procurement, since they normalized relations in 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. The USV is expected to counter maritime threats in the Gulf region and can be deployed abroad.
Pacific island leaders say Biden to visit region soon for summit: communique
The leaders of five Pacific island nations, namely Kiribati, Palau, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia, announced that U.S. President Joe Biden will soon visit the region for a leaders’ summit, as part of the U.S.’s efforts to counter China’s influence in the areaPacific island leaders say Biden to visit region soon for summit: communique according to press reports from Reuters. The leaders expressed their support and cooperation to ensure the success of the visit. However, the White House National Security Council said it had no travel to announce, and U.S. officials declined to comment. The invitation for the Biden visit is expected to be agreed upon and issued by the Pacific Island Forum during its meeting in Fiji on Feb. 24.
China Announces Naval Exercises with Russia and South Africa
Bloomberg news reported on February 19, 2023, that China has announced plans to hold naval exercises with Russia and South Africa from February 20-27. The drills, which will involve a destroyer, a frigate, and a supply vessel, are intended to protect maritime economic activities and promote defense and security cooperation among BRICS members. The exercises will take place off the coasts of Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa. This announcement comes amid US warnings to China against providing lethal aid to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken claiming that the US has information suggesting China may be considering.
Russia Warship in South Africa
CNN reports that a Russian warship carrying hypersonic missiles arrived in a port on South Africa’s east coast to participate in a 10-day naval exercise in the Indian Ocean alongside South African and Chinese warships. The timing of the exercises, close to the anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has led to public criticism from Western diplomats and risks backlash for the government in Pretoria. However, South Africa’s historical ties with Moscow run deep, and from a realpolitik standpoint, freezing out Russia or postponing the naval exercises may not be a smart choice for South Africa’s trade relations.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict Continues
Former US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan and former Trump administration National Security Council adviser on Russia Dr. Fiona Hill were interviewed on Face the Nation regarding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The two agreed that sanctions were never the only tool available to address the crisis and that diplomacy and military support for Ukraine were also essential. They emphasized that other countries need to understand that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not part of a great power competition but is instead a matter of helping Ukraine liberate itself. Both Hill and Sullivan also shared their concern that the conflict could lead to destabilization and aggression against other surrounding countries. Putin is expected to deliver a message that depicts the war in Ukraine as a great patriotic war to mobilize Russian support. President Biden will need to counter that narrative, not just in Europe.
Unsung Navy Heros – Underwater Demolition Teams
During World War II, the United States Navy played a crucial role in the Allied victory. While some naval officers and crew members became well-known heroes, many others went unrecognized for their contributions.
One such group of unsung heroes was the Navy’s underwater demolition team, or UDT. These highly skilled divers were tasked with clearing the way for amphibious landings by removing obstacles such as mines and other explosive devices from the seafloor.
Among these brave men was a young diver named Jack. Jack had grown up in a small town in the Midwest and had always been fascinated by the ocean. When he heard about the UDT, he knew that he had to be a part of it. He trained for months, learning how to use explosives and navigate underwater. When he finally graduated, he was assigned to a team that would be involved in the upcoming invasion of Okinawa.
As the invasion approached, Jack and his team were tasked with clearing a path for the landing craft. They worked tirelessly, swimming back and forth between the shore and their ship, carefully placing explosives and detonating them to clear the way. The work was dangerous and exhausting, but they knew that the success of the invasion depended on their efforts.
On the morning of the invasion, Jack and his team were among the first to hit the beach. They had to clear a path through a dense minefield while under heavy fire from enemy troops. But they pressed on, working through the smoke and the chaos to make sure that the landing craft could make it to shore safely.
Thanks to their efforts, the invasion was a success. The Allies were able to gain a foothold on Okinawa, which would prove to be a crucial stepping stone in the fight against Japan. But despite their heroism, Jack and his team were never recognized for their bravery. They returned home quietly, slipping back into civilian life without fanfare or celebration.
Years later, as an old man, Jack would look back on his time in the UDT with pride. He knew that he and his fellow divers had played a crucial role in the war effort, and he was grateful for the experience. And while he may not have received the recognition that he deserved, he knew that he had done his part to help secure freedom and democracy for future generations.
One man finds closure after long-lost WWII US submarine found off Japanese coast
William Bower II, a retired aerospace engineer, has finally found closure after the discovery of the wreck of the USS Albacore, a US submarine that sank during World War II off the coast of Japan in 1944. Bower’s father, Lt. William Walter Bower, was among at least 85 sailors who were lost at sea when the submarine sank. The discovery of the wreck was confirmed by the Naval History and Heritage Command, and Bower was notified of the news on Thursday. The discovery of the USS Albacore is significant as it sheds light on the events of the war and provides closure to families of those who were lost at sea.
China’s Support for Russia
US officials have warned allies at the Munich Security Conference that China may be increasing its support for Russia’s military according to press reports from CNN. The officials, who remain anonymous, have reported seeing “disturbing” trendlines indicating China wants to provide lethal military aid to Russia without being caught. They did not provide specific details but stated that the US has been concerned enough to share the intelligence with its allies. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly raised the issue with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a meeting at the conference according to the news.
This Day in Navy History – February 17, 2023
On This Day
1864
While at anchor off Charleston, S.C., the Steam Sloop of War USS Housatonic is attacked by the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley using a spar torpedo. USS Housatonic is recorded as the first warship to be sunk by a submarine.
1942
The first Construction Battalion (Seabees) arrives in the Pacific during World War II at Bora Bora, Society Islands.
1944
USS Nicholas (DD 449) sinks the Japanese submarine I-11 in the Marshall Islands.
1944
During Operation Hailstone, aircraft from the nine aircraft carriers of Task Force 58 attack the Japanese fleet at Truk. During the 2-day strike, 33 Japanese vessels are destroyed and nine more damaged.
1945
While wounded and gravely weakened, Medal of Honor Recipient Lt Rufus G. Herring takes the helm of the Landing Craft Infantry Gunboat (LCI(G)-449), which was heavily hit by Japanese counter-fire, rallies his men, and keeps the ship in action protecting UDT swimmers.
US Naval Academy Renames Maury Hall to Carter Hall in Honor of Former President Jimmy Carter
The US Naval Academy’s Maury Hall has been renamed Carter Hall in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who served in the Navy before entering politics. The decision was made as part of the Naming Commission’s recommendation to rename military assets with Confederate ties. During a renaming ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said the new names should inspire generations of service members to defend democracy and the Constitution. Carter is the only Naval Academy graduate to have served as president of the US. Maury Hall, named after Confederate Navy officer Matthew Fontaine Maury, was built in the early 1900s.