Peace Through Strength – Community Driven – Membership Supported
Category: Analysis
The Analysis category will feature publicly available content published by the U.S. Navy. The Americans for a Stronger Navy will review and proviide to its members and subscribers, in-depth analysis, commentary, and insights on the latest developments and issues related to the United States Navy’s strategic direction. The category will cover a wide range of topics, including warfighting, operating forward, readiness, modernization, and people, as well as other issues related to the Navy’s mission and goals. The aim is to provide members and subscribers with valuable information and perspectives that can help them better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the Navy and how Americans for a Stronger Navy is working to support its strategic direction.
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.
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!
We at the Americans for a Stronger Navy are deeply concerned about the current situation in the Senate, where more than 300 military nominations are being blocked by a single senator. This unprecedented and irresponsible action is putting our national security and our naval capabilities at risk.
The Senate Hold: What Is It and Why Is It Happening?
A Senate hold is a parliamentary procedure that allows any senator to delay or prevent a vote on a nomination or a bill. It is not a rule, but a courtesy that the Senate leadership usually honors. However, it can also be abused for political or personal reasons.
That is what Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama is doing. He has placed a hold on more than 300 military nominations since February 2023, demanding that the Pentagon reverse its decision to cancel a contract with an Alabama company that was supposed to build a new missile defense system. The contract was canceled due to cost overruns, technical failures, and ethical violations.
Senator Tuberville claims that he is fighting for the jobs and the security of his state, but he is actually hurting the entire country and the military services that he claims to support. He is holding hostage the careers and the futures of hundreds of officers who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation.
The Impact of the Hold: How It Affects Our Military Services and Our National Security
Ladies and gentlemen, to tackle the national-security challenges of the 21st century, we need our Navy more than ever,” Austin said. “It’s especially vital in today’s world.”
As you may have heard, Admiral Michael Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, relinquished his command on Monday, August 14, after serving for four years as the Navy’s top admiral. He was praised by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for his dedication to advancing American sea power at a critical time for global security.
However, his nominated successor, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, has not been confirmed by the Senate due to the hold imposed by Senator Tuberville. Franchetti, who has been serving as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations since September 2022, would become the first female CNO and the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if confirmed.
She is not the only one affected by this hold. The Army and the Marine Corps are also operating without confirmed leaders, as General Randy George and General Eric Smith are also waiting for their confirmations. This is the first time in history that three military services are without Senate-confirmed chiefs.
This is unacceptable and dangerous. The hold is undermining our military readiness, hindering our ability to retain our best officers, and upending the lives of far too many military families. It is also hampering our efforts to deter conflict and keep the peace in the Indo-Pacific region, where we rely on our Navy to sail, fly, and operate wherever international law allows.
The Solution: How We Can End the Hold and Confirm Our Military Leaders
We urge Senator Tuberville to lift his hold immediately and allow these highly qualified and experienced officers to assume their rightful positions.
We also urge all senators to fulfill their constitutional duty and confirm these nominations without further delay. Our national security and our naval strength depend on it.
We thank Admiral Gilday for his service and his leadership, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. We also congratulate Admiral Franchetti on her nomination and we hope to see her confirmed soon as the next CNO.
We also ask you, our readers and supporters, to join us in this cause.
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
Lindsey Ford, deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia, speaks with Navy Rear Adm. Mark Melson, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, and Navy Capt. Frank Okata, Singapore Area Coordinator, about the amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha during a scheduled visit to Singapore Naval Installation, Jan. 17.
Dear Members and Subscribers,
We are excited to reach out to you today as Americans for a Stronger Navy, an organization dedicated to advocating for a robust and capable United States Navy. We believe that a strong navy is not only vital to our nation’s security but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding global stability and prosperity. Recent events have underscored the importance of our mission, and we want to share with you why this matters to each of us, our organization, the Navy, and the rest of the world.
The Changing Landscape:
The Indo-Pacific region, spanning vast territories and diverse nations, is at the forefront of global geopolitical challenges. We cannot ignore the rapid rise of China, which actively seeks to challenge the international rules-based order established after World War II. The United States, together with our allies and partners, must respond decisively to protect our interests, ensure regional stability, and uphold the principles that have guided us for decades.
The Role of the United States Navy:
The United States Navy has long been the cornerstone of American power projection and influence in the Indo-Pacific. It has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability throughout the region. However, as the security environment evolves, so too must our naval capabilities and strategies. We need a strong and modern navy that can deter potential threats, protect our national interests, and respond effectively to emerging challenges.
What Just Took Place:
Recent developments have highlighted the urgency of this mission. The Center of Strategic and International Studies 2023 Indo-Pacific Conference shed light on the significance of our network of allies and friends in the region. It emphasized that our military presence has been a force for stability and prosperity, countering notions that it is destabilizing or provocative. Our allies and partners have expressed a keen interest in a more robust U.S. presence, reinforcing the importance of our role in the Indo-Pacific.
Our Advocacy and Your Support:
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are committed to advocating for a stronger United States Navy and a comprehensive strategy tailored to the Indo-Pacific. We believe that by strengthening our naval capabilities, enhancing alliances, and engaging with regional partners, we can effectively address the evolving challenges in the region. Our advocacy extends beyond military strength, as we recognize the significance of a multilateral approach that promotes dialogue, cooperation, and collective security.
Your support is crucial to our mission. By joining our cause, you contribute to the effort to bolster America’s naval capabilities and advance our nation’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a secure future for ourselves, our allies, and the entire world.
Conclusion:
As we navigate an ever-changing world, a strong United States Navy remains essential to protect our interests, promote stability, and uphold the values we hold dear. Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to reinforce the significance of a robust naval presence in the Indo-Pacific and engage with our allies and partners to build a resilient security network. We invite you to join us in this critical endeavor and help shape a future where a stronger navy contributes to a safer and more prosperous world.
The USS Midway prepares to moor at its final resting place at Navy pier where it will become a Naval museum.
Introduction:
The waters of the world are more than vast, they are essential threads that sew the fabric of our global community. It is on these waters that our security and prosperity rely. Today, we shed light on an exciting development at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Coronado, California, that represents a monumental leap in our nation’s maritime strength.
This development is an echo of the crucial mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy – to support and enhance the potency of our Navy, which safeguards not just the nation, but the free world.
The potential increase in the berthing capacity of aircraft carriers at NAS North Island is a testament to the Navy’s commitment to adapt and excel. This post delves into the details of this endeavor and its significance to the country and our Navy.
Summary:
Naval Air Station North Island, a cornerstone in our nation’s naval power, is considering a significant expansion in its capacity to simultaneously host three aircraft carriers for an extended period.
This development aims to accommodate the growing presence and needs of the U.S. Navy on the West Coast. From the current allowance of hosting three carriers for 29 days a year, the Navy is exploring an extension to an average of 180 days annually.
This move is in response to the Navy’s busy mission objectives, the need for maintenance and upgrades, and future berthing requirements for next-generation Ford-class carriers.
Key Takeaways:
Strengthening West Coast Presence: The proposal reflects the Navy’s strategic decision to enhance its presence on the West Coast to address growing duties in the Pacific, primarily due to tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
Ensuring Maintenance and Upgrades: Increasing the berthing time will provide an opportunity to maintain and upgrade existing carriers, ensuring they remain combat-ready.
Accommodating Next-Generation Carriers: The plan foresees the eventual need to accommodate the berthing of next-generation Ford-class carriers at San Diego, solidifying its position as a strategic naval hub.
Engaging Public Opinion: An environmental impact study including public hearings is a part of the project, ensuring the public’s voice is considered in this national security matter.
Conclusion:
As the seas continue to be a theater of global dynamics, the strength of our Navy is paramount. The development at NAS North Island is not just an expansion; it’s an affirmation of commitment, a commitment to safeguarding freedom and ensuring prosperity.
The American spirit is resilient, and by supporting this endeavor, you become a part of something greater.
Engage in the public hearings, lend your voice, and let it be the wind that propels our Navy forward. By bolstering our Navy, we strengthen the very foundations of our nation.
Stand with Americans for a Stronger Navy in embracing and supporting this initiative. Together, let’s anchor progress.
