Category: Cybersecurity

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Beyond Silent: The CCP’s Brazen Wrecking Ball Campaign

24 Months of Evidence Supporting Admiral Studeman’s Warning

How Americans for a Stronger Navy’s research reveals the CCP has escalated from silent infiltration to brazen assault

A Courageous Voice Speaking Essential Truth

When Rear Admiral Mike Studeman tweets about the Chinese Communist Party’s “silent invasion” of the United States, he demonstrates the courage and expertise that made him one of America’s most respected intelligence leaders. As the former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence and director for intelligence (J2) of the Indo-Pacific Command, his assessment carries the weight of unparalleled access to classified intelligence and strategic analysis.

Admiral Studeman’s characterization of a “silent invasion” accurately captures the sophisticated nature of CCP operations and Beijing’s remarkable success in suppressing American awareness of these threats. We deeply respect his expertise and his willingness to speak plainly about dangers that many prefer to ignore.

However, our 24 months of intensive research at StrongerNavy.org suggests the CCP has escalated beyond “silent” operations into something far more brazen and destructive. What we’re witnessing isn’t just sophisticated infiltration—it’s an increasingly overt wrecking ball campaign against American sovereignty, institutions, and security.

From Silent to Brazen: The Evolution We’ve Documented

From Silent to Brazen: The Evolution We’ve Documented

Since early 2023, Americans for a Stronger Navy has been tracking what appears to be a deliberate escalation in CCP operations. While these campaigns retain sophisticated elements that justify Admiral Studeman’s “silent invasion” framework, our evidence reveals increasingly brazen and openly destructive tactics.

The CCP seems to have calculated that they can operate more aggressively without meaningful American response—and unfortunately, they appear to be correct.

The Brazen Infrastructure Assault

Our documentation reveals systematic, increasingly bold attacks on America’s most critical systems. These aren’t subtle probes—they’re aggressive penetrations designed to establish persistent access and demonstrate vulnerability.

The infiltration of presidential communications represents just the most visible example of operations that have grown remarkably brazen. Our research indicates comprehensive targeting of government communications at all levels, conducted with a boldness that suggests confidence in American inaction.

Recent attacks on energy grids, transportation networks, and telecommunications systems show a pattern of escalating aggression. These operations extend far beyond intelligence gathering into active preparation for disruption and destruction.

Open Information Warfare

Perhaps most brazenly, we’ve tracked sophisticated information warfare campaigns that no longer attempt to hide their foreign origins. These operations openly work to disrupt American elections, amplify social divisions, and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

The CCP’s information warfare apparatus has grown increasingly confident in conducting operations that would have been considered unthinkably brazen just years ago. They’re betting that Americans won’t respond effectively even to overt manipulation—and so far, they’re winning that bet.

Economic Wrecking Ball Tactics

Our monitoring reveals systematic efforts to damage American economic competitiveness through increasingly overt means. This goes beyond traditional espionage into active economic warfare designed to weaken American industrial capacity and technological leadership.

The brazenness of these operations reflects Beijing’s assessment that America lacks the will to respond proportionally to economic aggression, even when it’s conducted openly.

Congressional Validation: The Scope of Brazen Operations

Recent congressional investigations validate our assessment that CCP operations have grown increasingly bold and destructive:

  • More than 60 CCP-related espionage cases documented from February 2021 to December 2024 across 20 states
  • The FBI reports that roughly 80 percent of economic espionage prosecutions involve conduct that would benefit China
  • Despite congressional warnings 25 years ago, federal agencies continue to treat these operations as manageable rather than the existential threat they represent

These statistics represent only discovered and prosecuted cases. The true scope of brazen CCP operations likely extends far beyond public acknowledgment, precisely because their boldness makes them harder for American institutions to process and respond to effectively.

The Wrecking Ball Strategy: Why Brazen Works

Intelligence analysts have identified the six broad domains of Chinese political warfare that Admiral Studeman’s assessment encompasses:

  1. Intelligence operations – Now conducted with unprecedented boldness
  2. Cyber operations – Increasingly destructive rather than just penetrative
  3. Information and disinformation operations – Openly aggressive narrative warfare
  4. United Front work – Brazen influence operations in academic and political institutions
  5. Irregular military actions – Escalating gray zone operations testing American resolve
  6. Economic coercion – Open use of economic relationships as weapons

Our research shows escalating aggression across all domains. The CCP appears to have concluded that brazen operations work better than subtle ones because they overwhelm American decision-making processes and exploit our institutional reluctance to acknowledge the scale of the threat.

The Suppression Paradox: Hiding in Plain Sight

Here’s where Admiral Studeman’s “silent invasion” framework remains critically important: Beijing has achieved the remarkable feat of conducting increasingly brazen operations while maintaining effective suppression of American awareness.

This represents a sophisticated understanding of American psychology and institutional dynamics. By operating brazenly while simultaneously suppressing discussion, the CCP creates a psychological disconnect that paralyzes American response.

The suppression operates through:

  • Institutional capture – Leveraging relationships to discourage acknowledgment of the threat’s scope
  • Information overwhelm – Creating so much noise that clear signals get lost
  • Psychological warfare – Making the threat seem too large and complex to address effectively
  • Economic leverage – Using business relationships to discourage honest assessment

The result is that brazen operations continue while most Americans remain unaware they’re living through an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty.

Admiral Studeman’s Essential Service

Admiral Studeman’s willingness to speak publicly about this threat performs essential national service. His credibility as a former intelligence chief makes it harder to dismiss these concerns as partisan hysteria or threat inflation.

His “silent invasion” framework captures the sophisticated suppression campaign that keeps most Americans unaware of what’s happening. Our research builds on his foundation by documenting how these operations have escalated into increasingly brazen territory.

Together, these perspectives reveal the full scope of the challenge: sophisticated suppression campaigns enabling increasingly brazen destructive operations.

The Wrecking Ball Reality: Beyond Traditional Competition

What we’re documenting isn’t traditional great power competition or even sophisticated espionage. It’s a comprehensive wrecking ball campaign designed to weaken American society, institutions, and capabilities from within.

The “wrecking ball” metaphor captures several essential elements:

  • Destructive intent – These operations aim to damage, not just gather intelligence
  • Brazen execution – Increasingly overt operations that test American resolve
  • Systematic targeting – Coordinated assault on multiple critical systems simultaneously
  • Escalating aggression – Growing boldness as American responses prove inadequate

This represents something qualitatively different from the Cold War competition or traditional espionage. It’s political warfare designed to achieve strategic objectives through systematic destruction of American capabilities and confidence.

Our Continuing Documentation Mission

For 24 months, Americans for a Stronger Navy has been documenting this escalating campaign because we understand that naval readiness cannot be separated from broader threats to American sovereignty. A stronger Navy requires a society capable of recognizing and responding to unprecedented challenges.

Admiral Studeman’s courage in speaking publicly about the “silent invasion” creates an opportunity to educate Americans about both the sophisticated suppression campaigns and the increasingly brazen operations they enable.

Our research at StrongerNavy.org will continue documenting these operations, providing Americans with evidence-based analysis of threats that combine sophisticated concealment with brazen execution. This isn’t about creating panic—it’s about enabling the informed, strategic response that this unprecedented challenge demands.

Breaking Through: From Silent to Seen

Admiral Studeman’s public warnings represent a crucial first step in breaking through Beijing’s suppression campaign. His “silent invasion” framework helps Americans understand how sophisticated operations can remain hidden in plain sight.

Our “wrecking ball” analysis builds on his foundation by revealing how these operations have escalated into increasingly brazen territory. Together, these perspectives provide a comprehensive understanding of threats that are simultaneously sophisticated and destructive, subtle and brazen.

The silent invasion is real—and it has evolved into something even more dangerous. The wrecking ball campaign is underway. Thanks to leaders like Admiral Studeman, Americans are finally beginning to see what’s been happening on their home soil.

The first step in defending American sovereignty is recognizing that we’re facing something unprecedented: a campaign that combines sophisticated suppression with brazen destruction. Admiral Studeman has provided the framework for understanding the suppression. Our research documents the escalating brazenness.

Together, we can help Americans see the full scope of the challenge—and the urgent need for a response equal to the threat.

Americans for a Stronger Navy has been documenting evidence of escalating foreign political warfare operations at StrongerNavy.org since early 2023. Our mission is to educate Americans about the maritime and national security challenges facing our nation while advocating for the naval capabilities needed to address them.

That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

Follow our research at StrongerNavy.org and join the conversation on social media @StrongerNavy

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MASGA Marks a Critical Milestone—But the U.S. Navy Still Needs Urgent Industrial Surge

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Introduction

From Waltz’s Warning to MASGA’s Launch

On September 27, 2023, Congressman Mike Waltz published “America Needs a National Maritime Strategy,” warning that the United States lacked the shipbuilding capacity and strategic alignment needed to counter China and sustain a maritime advantage.

Nearly two years later, that warning has materialized into policy.

On April 9–10, 2025, the White House issued the executive order “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” launching the Maritime Action Plan and creating the new Office of Shipbuilding under the National Security Council.

Then, on July 31, 2025, South Korea’s Finance Minister confirmed the formal launch of Make America Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)—a $150 billion industrial partnership investing in U.S. shipyards, workforce development, and dual-use naval-commercial platforms.

What MASGA Does

MASGA is the largest public-private shipbuilding effort since the Cold War and includes:

  • Investment from South Korean giants like Hanwha Group into American yards (including the acquisition of Philly Shipyard)
  • Joint U.S.–ROK workforce training programs to close skilled labor gaps
  • New production of replenishment, patrol, and logistics vessels for both Navy and commercial use
  • Maintenance and drydock support for U.S. Navy ships on U.S. soil

It’s a big step forward—but one that must be matched with urgency.

Admiral Caudle’s Stark Warning: “We Need a 100% Industrial Surge”

On July 29, 2025, during his confirmation hearing for Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle delivered a sobering message to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

To meet U.S. obligations under the AUKUS agreement—selling up to five Virginia-class submarines to Australia while sustaining our own fleet—the Navy must double its submarine output:

  • Current production: ~1.3 Virginia-class submarines per year
  • Required output: 2.3 per year

“We need a transformational improvement,” Caudle testified. “Not a 10 percent improvement, not a 20 percent—a 100 percent improvement.”

He added that international partnerships would be essential as the U.S. works to rebuild its organic capacity:

“There are no magic beans to that. The solution space must open up. We need ships today.”

Committee Chairman Roger Wicker stressed creativity, outsourcing, and urgency. Admiral Caudle agreed, calling for “an all-hands-on-deck approach.”

This is precisely where MASGA comes in.

Why MASGA Matters for the Navy

MASGA’s structure provides the kind of foreign capacity support and workforce relief Caudle explicitly called for. It aligns directly with the Navy’s urgent need for:

  • Surge production of submarines and surface combatants
  • Expanded maintenance infrastructure
  • Shipyard partnerships to relieve domestic pressure

Congressman Waltz anticipated this crisis in 2023. MASGA is the first large-scale step toward solving it.

The Broader Navy Production Challenge

Submarines aren’t the only problem. The Navy’s broader industrial needs remain acute:

  • Destroyer production has slipped behind plan; the Navy aims to buy 51 new destroyers over the next 30 years, but current yards are falling short.
  • Aircraft carriers like the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN‑79) are years behind schedule.
  • The Navy’s long-term fleet goal of 381 ships by 2042 will remain aspirational without massive industrial acceleration.

And even with MASGA, the Navy is still contending with an aging Military Sealift Command, an undersized Merchant Marine, and shipyard repair backlogs.

Modernization Means Autonomy—And We’re Behind

Modernizing the fleet doesn’t just mean more hulls—it means smarter platforms. The future of naval warfare will be shaped by autonomous surface and undersea vehicles, from uncrewed missile boats to AI-enabled minehunters and refueling drones. China is already fielding swarms of semi-autonomous systems in contested waters. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s efforts under programs like the Medium and Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV/LUSV) remain limited by slow procurement and industrial bottlenecks. MASGA can accelerate the integration of autonomous systems by expanding modular shipbuilding capacity, repurposing civilian infrastructure, and enabling faster tech deployment across the fleet. Without autonomy, we fall behind—not just in numbers, but in survivability and battlefield adaptability.

What Must Come Next

MASGA is a launchpad, not a destination. To restore maritime power, the U.S. must:

Expand submarine production
Reach 2.3 attack subs/year by 2030. This requires labor, capital, and process modernization on a scale not seen in decades.

Accelerate surface fleet output
Ramp up destroyers, amphibious vessels, and support ships. Congress must deliver multi-year procurement and budget certainty.

Fix regulation and finance
Incentivize private capital to flow into U.S. shipyards, not Chinese ones. Close loopholes and create new maritime investment channels for Americans.

Grow the skilled workforce
Welders, naval architects, systems engineers—we need tens of thousands more. Joint international training must be paired with U.S. educational investments.

Modernize the Merchant Marine
We once had over 5,000 ships. Today, we have fewer than 80 engaged in international trade. This is a critical national vulnerability.

Closing Message: MASGA Is a Start, Not a Solution

MASGA validates the vision Mike Waltz articulated in 2023. It meets Admiral Caudle’s call for relief through allied partnerships. It aligns with the Navy’s production and readiness needs.

But China is still building. Delays persist. And the decision space for national security continues to shrink.

Let’s not wait another decade to act like a maritime power. Let’s build, now.

That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

Join us at StrongerNavy.org
Let’s roll.

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America’s Cyber Crisis Hits the Deck: The Tech Sector, China, and Why a Stronger Navy Matters 

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Introduction

This week, we saw confirmation of what we’ve feared—and been warning about—for over 18 months: America’s digital defenses have been compromised, and it’s our Navy that’s left exposed.

According to Politico, a sweeping cyberattack has been launched by at least three Chinese state-linked hacking groups: Violet Typhoon, Linen Typhoon, and Storm-2603.

Their target? Microsoft’s SharePoint servers—used widely across the federal government, including DoD and Navy-linked systems.

Microsoft, in a Tuesday blog post, acknowledged the severity of the breach. Independent security experts at Mandiant and Censys corroborated the finding: more than 100 organizations globally are believed to be affected—including multiple U.S. federal agencies, some tied to national defense.

The flaw? An unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft’s on-premise SharePoint product.
The result? Remote access into sensitive systems.
The fallout? Still spreading.

And it’s not the first time. In 2023, Chinese actors breached the emails of the U.S. Ambassador to China and the Commerce Secretary, also by exploiting Microsoft misconfigurations. It’s a pattern—and one we can no longer afford to ignore.

Why Americans Should Care

Here’s the hard truth: this breach is a symptom of a larger failure—one that involves the defense-industrial complex, Big Tech, and complacency at the highest levels of oversight.

  • Pentagon systems supported by China-based engineers
  • Software flaws ignored or inadequately patched
  • Critical U.S. infrastructure reliant on foreign nationals in adversarial countries

And now? The U.S. Navy, tasked with protecting global stability, must operate with compromised tools—while companies like Microsoft continue to make billions from government contracts.

It’s not just bad policy. It’s a national security liability.

Implications for the Navy

  • SharePoint vulnerabilities can compromise logistics, intel coordination, and real-time decision-making.
  • At least two Navy-related systems are believed to be among the dozens affected.
  • The breach arrives as the Navy pushes toward a critical readiness benchmark.

Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby put it plainly:

“We must exercise strategic discipline, increase surge readiness, and protect scheduled maintenance. Our goal is to achieve an 80% combat-surge ready posture by 2027. We are currently at 60% readiness—and that gap is unacceptable.”

The Navy wants to prevent war, not provoke it. But readiness is the only deterrent adversaries understand. And right now, we are dangerously behind.

My Message: Fix, Educate, Mobilize

I’m not writing this to indict. I’m writing to fix and educate.

This crisis has serious implications. The threats are real. And the probability of conflict is rising.

I don’t believe in fear-mongering—but I do believe in calling things by their name. What we are seeing—again—is a system-wide breakdown in how we protect the digital backbone of our military.

This is what I’ve been shouting about for 18 months. Not because I enjoy sounding the alarm—but because someone must.

The taxpayers are left holding the bill.
The sons and daughters of those I served with are left to face the danger.
And the Navy is left to grovel for support to do what only they can—protect this nation at sea and abroad.

What We’re Doing About It

That’s why I launched Americans for a Stronger Navy—to demand accountability, readiness, and real reform.

And that’s why we’re rolling out:
Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series exploring:

  • The outsourcing of our military tech infrastructure
  • The erosion of our domestic workforce
  • The choke points in our digital and maritime defenses
  • Concrete ways to fix what’s broken

We’ll spotlight reforms in procurement, workforce development, public-private partnerships, and cybersecurity strategy.

Because the tech sector is culpable—and I call on them now to help us fix this. They helped get us into this mess. They must help get us out.

Final Word

  • Big Tech failed.
  • Oversight failed.
  • The Navy must now bear the consequences.

We’re not just talking about ships and steel—we’re talking about the servers, systems, and software that power warfighting in the 21st century.

And if we don’t wake up, the next war won’t wait.

👉 Join the movement at StrongerNavy.org
Support those who serve. Strengthen what they stand for.

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Microsoft’s China Problem Just Became America’s Wake-Up Call 

If you’ve been following us over the past couple of years, you already know—we’ve been sounding the alarm.

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Introduction

This week’s news confirms it: Microsoft allowed China-based engineers to support U.S. military cloud systems, including infrastructure tied to the Navy. It took a journalistic exposé, a senator’s inquiry, and finally a directive from the Secretary of Defense to shut it down.

Let’s be clear—this is systemic.

This wasn’t one company’s mistake. It reflects a broader failure—where critical defense infrastructure is entangled with adversarial regimes, our tech workforce has been hollowed out, and profit has been prioritized over patriotism.

This Is My Journey—and My Shout: From Destroyer Sailor to Digital Sentinel

My early days as a U.S. Navy destroyer sailor in the 1970s gave me a global perspective that’s stayed with me ever since. I saw firsthand how the world’s most critical maritime trade routes—from the Malacca Strait to the South China Sea—could quickly become flashpoints when adversaries or their proxies seized control. I came to understand just how vital the U.S. Navy’s role in freedom of navigation is—not only in defending democracy abroad, but in protecting our economic and strategic interests here at home.

After a career in telecommunications, I turned my focus to education. In 1997, I founded a national association committed to building America’s digital workforce. We trained web developers, server administrators, and IT professionals—because I believed then, as I still do, that digital strength is national strength.

Even back then, the writing was on the wall: rising dependence on China, fragile supply chains, and a dangerous complacency about safeguarding America’s digital and strategic backbone.

What I Saw Coming

I could see where this was headed. The decisions being made in boardrooms and bureaucracies—about outsourcing, offshoring, and chasing short-term profits—were creating long-term risks. And I knew exactly who would be left to deal with the fallout: our Navy and the sons and daughters of those I served with.

They’d be the ones sent to navigate hostile waters, defend contested choke points, and hold the line during crises that began far from the sea.

Why I Launched Americans for a Stronger Navy

I couldn’t sit back and hope it would all work itself out. I’ve seen too much. And frankly, it pains me to see the Navy have to grovel for support in an era where threats are multiplying—not receding.

That’s why I founded Americans for a Stronger Navy—to push for the readiness, resources, and respect our Navy needs. Because I know what’s at stake—not just for this country’s future, but for the safety of our allies and the stability of the global order.

This is just the beginning. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be breaking down what went wrong—and how we fight back.

More Than Microsoft: A National Security Crisis

The Navy—and the rest of our armed forces—now depends on cloud systems for everything from warfighting logistics to operational readiness. But when those systems are built or maintained by foreign nationals under weak supervision, our adversaries don’t need to hack their way in.  They’re already inside.

This Microsoft scandal is just the latest proof point. Behind it lies:

* A depleted domestic technical base

* A defense industry over-leveraged to foreign subcontractors

* Big Tech firms chasing margins—not national security

And at the center of it all? A Navy that’s being asked to do more with less—and too often, without the tools it needs.

What Comes Next: Charting the Course

That’s why we’re launching Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a comprehensive 24-session educational series designed to peel back the layers of how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next.

Each session will tackle a specific facet of the crisis—from the outsourcing of digital infrastructure and the hollowing out of our industrial base, to the cybersecurity vulnerabilities inside the Navy’s digital backbone. We’ll examine the influence of adversarial regimes, the failure of public-private accountability, and the high-stakes strategic chokepoints where our forces may soon be tested.

But this isn’t just about understanding the problem. It’s about charting a path forward.

We’ll offer concrete proposals to revitalize American shipbuilding, retrain our tech workforce, and rebalance the defense-industrial ecosystem to serve national—not corporate—interests. And yes—we’ll ask the tough question: how do we pay for it?

Because the days of bloated, inefficient spending are over. We need what Navy leadership is already calling for: a leaner, more lethal, and more disciplined force. As Acting CNO Admiral James Kilby put it, the Navy must:

“Exercise strategic discipline… while increasing surge readiness… without sacrificing scheduled maintenance,” with a goal of achieving “an 80% combat‑surge ready posture by 2027.”

We’ll explore potential solutions ranging from public-private innovation partnerships and industrial reinvestment incentives, to reallocating wasteful spending and rethinking procurement models that reward results—not red tape.

These sessions are designed to educate the public, inform policymakers, and mobilize everyday Americans—because this is not just a military issue.

It’s an American one.

We believe that a stronger Navy starts with a stronger nation, and Charting the Course: Voices That Matter is our call to action.

Final Word

Let’s be clear again—this is systemic. And if we don’t act now, the damage will only deepen.

We must rebuild American capability—not just in ships and steel, but in the servers and systems that power modern warfare and strategic readiness.

That means:

Holding Big Tech accountable

Strengthening our domestic tech workforce

Educating the public on the stakes—because the next war won’t wait

👉 Join us at StrongerNavy.org Together, we can strengthen what they stand for.  Sign up for our free course, Charting the Course -Voices that Matter by linking here. 

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The Silent Swarm: Why America’s Drone Vulnerability Demands a Stronger Navy and a Unified Defense Strategy

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Introduction

While most Americans were unaware, Langley Air Force Base—home to our most advanced fighter jets—was repeatedly violated by mysterious drone swarms beginning on December 14, 2023. Over the course of 17 consecutive nights, more than 40 drones flew undetected and unchallenged over one of the nation’s most critical military installations. As 60 Minutes reported in an updated segment on June 29, 2025, America’s radar systems—designed for Cold War-era threats—are increasingly unable to keep up with low-cost, high-tech tools of modern warfare.

Why Americans Should Care

These weren’t hobby drones. Some were the size of a small car, according to eyewitnesses and a four-star general. Their mission remains unknown, but their capability was unmistakable. The incursions forced the relocation of F-22 Raptors, revealing just how easily our homeland defenses can be tested—and potentially compromised.

This wasn’t a one-off incident. Similar drone sightings have occurred over nuclear facilities, weapons research labs, and Navy ships off the California coast. As General VanHerck put it, “It’s time we move beyond the assumption of Fortress America.”

Implications for the Navy

While drones flew over Langley, a 2019 swarm shadowed U.S. Navy warships for weeks. Logs showed they were drones, not UFOs. The suspected source? A Hong Kong–flagged freighter.

This points to a broader role for the Navy—defending not just overseas waters, but also our coasts, ports, and maritime infrastructure. As the first line of defense and the most globally deployed service, the Navy must be equipped with next-generation radar, counter-drone systems, and mobile response units.

The Interagency Breakdown
When drones flew beyond the perimeter of Langley, the FBI, FAA, Coast Guard, and local police all shared jurisdiction—but no one had clear authority. It took months before NORAD was given power to coordinate.

By contrast, the Navy’s command structure and expeditionary capabilities allow it to act decisively. This is why a stronger Navy, fully integrated into homeland defense and equipped for new threats, is a strategic necessity.

Implications for Industry and the Public
Ports, power plants, and undersea cables—many vital to both national security and daily life—are vulnerable. And while the Navy stands watch, it cannot shoulder this burden alone. It’s time for a whole-of-nation approach, with investment from industry, engagement from civic organizations, and strategic alignment across all services.

What Comes Next
General Guillot has ordered anti-drone “flyaway kits” for rapid deployment to vulnerable sites. But even he admits: as of now, low-altitude drone detection remains inadequate.

That must change. And the Navy must be part of the solution—from securing bases and maritime infrastructure to interdicting drone carriers at sea.

Conclusion
This isn’t just about drones. It’s about recognizing the threats of the 21st century and breaking out of the complacency that leaves us vulnerable. The U.S. Navy is uniquely positioned to lead in this mission—if we give it the tools, trust, and resources it needs.

To our readers
Want to stay informed and help advocate for a Stronger Navy? Explore more at StrongerNavy.org and sign up for our Educational Series to learn how maritime power protects our daily lives.

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Open Letter: Give the Navy the Tools—And Stop Leaving Us to Pick Up the Pieces

By Bill Cullifer
Founder, Americans for a Stronger Navy
Former U.S. Navy Destroyer Sailor (1970s)

There’s been a lively debate online between economic giants Larry Summers and David Sacks about tariffs, trade policy, and the consequences of decades of globalization. But while they spar over markets and presidential strategies, a bigger question goes largely unspoken:

Who picks up the pieces when economic policy becomes a national vulnerability?

As someone who served in the U.S. Navy in the 1970s and now leads Americans for a Stronger Navy, I’ve watched closely as the Navy quietly shoulders the consequences of decisions made far from the sea. While economists argue over the stock market’s reaction to tariffs, the Navy secures global trade routes, deters adversaries, and absorbs the burden of an offshored industrial base.

But the Navy isn’t alone. Entire sectors of American life—logistics, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, finance, and technology—depend on the smooth flow of global trade. From major ports and retailers to family farms and Fortune 500 companies, virtually every modern American business benefits from the stability the Navy helps provide.

The American economy is global because the U.S. Navy keeps it that way.

Yet in the recent debate, while Summers described trillions lost in market volatility and economic fallout, no one mentioned the ripple effects on military readiness, deterrence, or strategic capability. That absence reflects a dangerous blind spot.

When Wall Street stumbles, the Navy sails.
When diplomacy falters or trade routes are threatened, the Navy deploys.
But today it’s doing so with fewer ships, aging platforms, and underinvested shipyards—while our adversaries build, modernize, and maneuver.

This isn’t just a Navy issue. It’s a business issue. A national issue.

If your industry touches global trade—if you depend on international logistics, rare earth minerals, undersea cables, satellite access, shipping lanes, or simply consumer confidence—then you depend on a ready and capable Navy.

This is a message to American industry: You benefit. You must engage. You must contribute.

We need your voice—and your leadership—in support of:

  • Rebuilding our shipbuilding and repair base
  • Investing in drones, AI, and technologies that give our fleet an edge
  • Modernizing infrastructure and dry docks that sustain readiness
  • Funding advocacy and education to spark public awareness

The economic world order your industry thrives in exists because American sea power has kept the global commons safe for decades. That foundation is eroding—and silence is no longer an option.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we’re connecting the dots between civic awareness, economic strategy, and maritime strength. We’ve launched a 24-part educational initiative to help Americans understand what’s at stake and how to act.

Explore the series: Charting the Course – For Country. For Unity. For a Stronger Navy.

Whether you’re a CEO, policymaker, investor, teacher, or neighbor—this affects you. Now is the time to link economic resilience with strategic defense. To give the Navy the tools—not just praise—before the next storm arrives.

This is your moment to lead. Not from the sidelines—but from the front.

Use your platform. Leverage your influence. Show the next generation that prosperity is earned—and defended.

Because a secure economy doesn’t start with policy.
It starts with power. And power starts at sea.

Learn more at StrongerNavy.org and join the movement to educate, equip, and engage.

A stronger Navy requires a stronger America behind it. Let’s get to work.

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Arming for Peace: Why America Must Act Now to Strengthen the Navy and Defend Freedom

A Review of Heritage Foundation Report BG3902 by Americans for a Stronger Navy

Introduction

The Heritage Foundation’s latest report, “Arming for Peace: Expanding the Defense Industrial Base and Arming Taiwan Faster” (BG3902), echoes what Americans for a Stronger Navy has been sounding the alarm on: The threats facing the United States are real, escalating, and dangerously close to overwhelming our current naval capabilities. As Brent Sadler writes, the time for talk has passed. Action is overdue. If we don’t mobilize now, America risks losing the ability to deter war and defend freedom in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

As Sadler states: “As Americans go about their daily lives unmolested, the world is accelerating in its change—much of it perilous to U.S. national survival.” He warns that “on the back of a decades-long sustained military build-up, China’s military is increasingly confident and willing to directly challenge the U.S.”

His call to action is clear: “The U.S. must restore ebbing national deterrence and prevent a war in Asia—while not ceding its democratic way of life and prosperity for the next generations.”

Key Findings That Should Wake America Up

China is preparing for war. Admiral Davidson’s 2021 warning that China could strike Taiwan by 2027 has not only proven prescient, it’s now backed by an unprecedented military buildup. China has conducted massive joint-force invasion rehearsals and increased provocations around Taiwan. As Brent Sadler put it, “Aggressive maneuvers around Taiwan right now are not exercises, as they call them. They are rehearsals.”

That warning was underscored this week when the Chinese military launched large-scale joint drills around Taiwan, including its Shandong aircraft carrier battle group. According to China’s own Eastern Theater Command, these drills are a “severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence.” With missile forces, air strikes, and blockade rehearsals now unfolding, many in Taiwan — and around the world — are rightfully concerned. Sadler’s insights about China’s evolving risk tolerance add important context to these real-time developments.

Further validating the urgency, the U.S. Naval War College’s China Maritime Report No. 14 found that Chinese analysts themselves believe the PLA has narrowed the gap with the U.S. military, especially in its immediate region. “There is consensus in China that the PLA has narrowed the gap in overall military capabilities with the United States over the last two decades,” the report notes.

Russia and China are approaching U.S. shores. Testimony from U.S. Northern Command chief Gen. Gregory Guillot before Congress confirmed that joint Russian-Chinese military patrols have entered the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone near Alaska — levels not seen since before the Ukraine war began. One coordinated flight last July saw Russian TU-95 and Chinese H-6 bombers test U.S. response time. This should serve as a wake-up call: our adversaries are not just projecting power near Taiwan, they’re probing U.S. airspace and waters closer to home. As Politico reported, Chinese “dual-use” vessels under scientific pretenses are mapping the Arctic for future military operations.

U.S. deterrence is fading. Years of underinvestment in shipbuilding and naval readiness have created dangerous gaps. Delays in weapons deliveries, inadequate port infrastructure, and a depleted missile defense stockpile are symptoms of a nation unprepared for a prolonged maritime conflict. As Sadler warns, “Failing to act… could result in the most destructive and consequential war the U.S. has ever had to fight.”

The Navy is stretched thin. The U.S. Navy has sustained an aggressive forward presence, but at great cost. Ship wear, sailor fatigue, and insufficient repair capacity are taking their toll. The grounding of the USNS Big Horn disrupted combat ops in the Red Sea, highlighting our logistical fragility. Sadler notes, “This comes at a cost in added wear on the ships and sailors reliant on a logistics infrastructure of ports, support ships, and dry docks too few to assure contested forward naval operations.”

The world is on fire. From Ukraine to the Red Sea to the Arctic, our adversaries are watching and testing U.S. resolve. China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea now operate more boldly, confident in America’s disunity and domestic distraction.

Taiwan is not a distant concern. More than 80,000 Americans live, work, or travel there. A war over Taiwan would drag us into conflict, devastate global supply chains, and send shockwaves through the U.S. economy. As Sadler puts it plainly, “Taiwan is where over 80,000 Americans live, work, or travel on any given day.”

China’s geographic advantage cannot be ignored. According to the CMSI report, Chinese military capabilities are particularly potent within the First Island Chain, which includes Taiwan. “Chinese capabilities may…contest U.S. supremacy in scenarios close to home,” the report warns. That’s where deterrence matters most—and where readiness is most urgently needed.

Why Americans Should Care

This is not just a Navy problem. It’s an American problem. Delays in defense production, weak infrastructure, and an uninformed public are national vulnerabilities. If Americans fail to understand what is at stake, we will fail to hold our leaders accountable. And if we fail to act, we will be forced to react under far worse circumstances.

A strong Navy protects freedom of navigation, global trade, energy security, and the American way of life. Without it, our adversaries will decide what happens in the Taiwan Strait, the Red Sea, the South China Sea — and now, even the Arctic.

What the Navy Needs Now

A modern Naval Act. We need a 21st-century version of the pre-WWII Naval Act to rapidly rebuild shipyards, expand production, and modernize our fleet. Sadler calls this “a promising first step to regain the ability to sustain a wartime economy in a prolonged war with China.”

Real investment in maritime infrastructure. Ports, dry docks, and logistics support are vital national security assets that must be revitalized now.

Faster arms deliveries to Taiwan. The delays in Harpoon, Javelin, and Stinger deliveries must be resolved. Taiwan’s ability to defend itself is our first line of deterrence. Sadler emphasizes that “how the new Administration responds and accelerates the arming of Taiwan will be key in sustaining the military balance and peace in the near term.”

A unified national strategy. We must operate differently — with diplomatic, economic, and military efforts aligned. Naval statecraft must be at the heart of this new Cold War strategy. Sadler emphasizes, “Naval statecraft is the recommended way forward; that is, a maritime strategic framework for using American power.”

The CMSI report reminds us that training, human capital, and logistics remain U.S. advantages. While China may be catching up in hardware, “Chinese training still lags. The gap in the software [human resources and development] is even bigger,” the report notes. But these gaps can close — unless we act now to protect and reinforce our edge.

An Engaged and Educated Public

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe in peace through strength. But strength requires public awareness, buy-in, and civic action. That’s why we launched the Americans for a Stronger Navy Educational Series — to help Americans understand the stakes, the history, and the path forward.

We invite every reader to check out and sign up for the Educational Series on StrongerNavy.org. Learn what makes our Navy vital to our security and prosperity. Share it with others. Talk about it. Get involved.

Conclusion

We are not powerless. But we must not be silent. The Heritage Foundation, the U.S. Naval War College, and recent military testimony to Congress all point to the same reality: America is in the early stages of a long contest with near-peer adversaries, and we must prepare now.

It’s time for Americans to wake up, stand up, and demand a Navy that is ready not just for today’s threats, but tomorrow’s challenges.

America needs a stronger Navy. And the Navy needs a stronger America behind it.

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Rising Threats and Naval Implications – Why Americans Should Care

Introduction

The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) from the U.S. Intelligence Community delivers a direct message to America: our adversaries are preparing, adapting, and collaborating in ways that threaten our security and way of life. For the U.S. Navy, this report underscores the urgent need to evolve—faster, smarter, and with the full backing of the American public. As a former destroyer sailor and founder of Americans for a Stronger Navy, I’ve never seen a clearer call to action.

Understanding the Threat Environment

The ATA outlines a world where state adversaries are growing more aggressive, not just militarily, but across cyberspace, space, and information warfare. These threats are not abstract—they are aimed at U.S. systems, infrastructure, supply chains, and naval dominance.

Key Takeaways

China
China is modernizing the world’s largest navy, expanding its presence in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, and using cyber capabilities like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon to pre-position attacks on U.S. infrastructure. Its military posture is aimed at deterring U.S. intervention and achieving dominance by 2049.

Russia
Despite its losses in Ukraine, Russia remains dangerous, with a formidable submarine fleet, long-range missile systems, and anti-satellite weapons. Its activity in the Arctic and collaboration with China create new strategic complications for the Navy.

Iran
Iran is deploying proxy forces such as the Houthis to strike commercial shipping and challenge U.S. regional interests. Its growing cyber and missile arsenal pose immediate operational risks, particularly in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

North Korea
North Korea continues to expand its nuclear and missile programs while deepening ties with Russia. It remains an unpredictable and volatile threat with expanding long-range strike capability.

Adversarial Cooperation
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are now actively collaborating. The coordination of military, cyber, and intelligence resources among these nations raises the stakes for U.S. naval strategy and global readiness.

Why Americans Should Care

Our economy depends on maritime security.
Ninety percent of global trade—including food, medicine, and fuel—moves by sea. Disruption of those supply lines affects every American household.

A strong Navy deters war.
The Navy maintains peace through presence. Without adequate ships, infrastructure, and support, our deterrence fails—and the risk of conflict rises.

Cyber and space threats can paralyze daily life.
Adversaries are preparing to disable communications, GPS, power, and defense networks. Many of these systems are protected or enabled by the U.S. Navy.

Our enemies are coordinating.
No longer isolated, these states are combining their strengths to challenge U.S. global presence—and potentially to stretch our forces thin across multiple theaters.

National support is a strategic weapon.
A Navy without public backing is vulnerable. Understanding the threat landscape empowers voters, lawmakers, and communities to support smart, decisive investments in naval readiness.

Implications for the Navy

Fleet Modernization
The Navy must deploy hypersonic weapons, uncrewed platforms, AI-driven systems, and advanced missile defenses to compete in contested domains.

Forward Logistics and Pre-Positioned Assets
The Navy must expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific, Arctic, and Middle East by investing in mobile logistics, fuel depots, and strategic alliances.

Cyber and Infrastructure Hardening
Cyber hardening is now a frontline requirement. Naval systems and civilian infrastructure that support operations—like ports and shipyards—must be resilient.

Space and Arctic Readiness
With increasing threats to space assets and the Arctic opening as a strategic corridor, the Navy must build capabilities for multi-domain and under-ice operations.

Industrial Base and Workforce Development
America must revitalize its shipbuilding industry and train the next generation of naval engineers and builders. We cannot deter tomorrow’s threats with yesterday’s tools.

Closing Thought

The ATA is not just an intelligence document. It’s a warning flare. Americans for a Stronger Navy exists to ensure the public understands these threats and responds with urgency. The Navy can’t do it alone. It needs your voice.

To Learn More

If you found this post informative, we invite you to explore and sign up for the Americans for a Stronger Navy Educational Series. This free, ongoing program dives deeper into the threats, challenges, and opportunities facing the U.S. Navy today—and why it matters to every American. Click here to subscribe to the conversation and become part of the solution.

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Aegis Combat System Proves It Can Counter Hypersonic Threats

Introduction.

On March 24, 2025, the USS Pinckney (DDG 91) made history. Off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, the Navy successfully completed Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40)—also known as Stellar Banshee—using the Aegis Combat System to detect and simulate engagement with a hypersonic missile threat. This test is a major milestone in the United States’ ability to defend against rapidly emerging threats from near-peer adversaries like China and Russia, both of whom are investing heavily in hypersonic technology.

Test Details: Simulating the Future of Warfare

A Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) equipped with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV-1) was air-launched from a C-17 aircraft. The USS Pinckney used a simulated SM-6 Block IAU interceptor and Lockheed Martin’s latest Aegis Baseline 9 software to detect, track, and engage the target. While no live intercept occurred, the simulated engagement offered critical insights and data collection, validating the system’s ability to counter maneuvering hypersonic threats.

This test also previewed the system’s scalability. Aegis can be deployed at sea or on land—key flexibility in a complex global security environment. The test utilized a virtualized Aegis software configuration, a leap forward in adapting the system for next-generation warfare.

Building on Momentum: Past Successes and What’s Next

FTX-40 follows the success of FTM-32, known as Stellar Sisyphus, in which the USS Preble (DDG 88) intercepted a MRBM with an upgraded SM-6 Dual II missile in a live-fire test. These continued advancements will pave the way for FTM-43, which will aim to perform a live intercept against an HTV-1 target.

The collaboration between the U.S. Navy, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Lockheed Martin, and other defense partners signals a renewed commitment to innovation and integrated missile defense.

Why Americans Should Care

Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, can maneuver mid-flight, and are extremely hard to detect and counter with traditional systems. Adversaries like China and Russia are rapidly developing and testing these weapons. If successful, these weapons could bypass our current defenses and strike critical infrastructure, fleets, or even the homeland.

This test shows that the United States is not standing still. Our Navy is preparing for tomorrow’s battles—today. The Aegis Combat System’s evolving capabilities directly protect American service members at sea, allies abroad, and Americans at home. It’s another reason why investment in a stronger Navy isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Implications for the Navy

This test reinforces the Aegis system as the backbone of the Navy’s integrated air and missile defense strategy. With its growing flexibility, the system can support both forward-deployed naval units and U.S.-based missile defense installations. It also helps the Navy operate in contested environments—areas where hypersonic threats are expected to become commonplace.

Implications for Our Allies

Many of our closest allies—Japan, South Korea, Australia—also rely on Aegis-equipped ships or similar missile defense systems. Demonstrating this capability strengthens not only U.S. deterrence but also our credibility with partners. In a world where multilateral defense cooperation is key, proof of performance matters.

Closing Thought

FTX-40 didn’t just simulate a hypersonic intercept—it sent a clear message: The United States Navy is adapting and preparing to meet new challenges head-on. For Americans watching the headlines, this is a win worth knowing—and a mission worth supporting.