Category: Global News Watch

Global news is important because it helps people to be informed, engaged, and aware of what is happening in the world. It can promote understanding, facilitate action, and lead to positive change.

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Celebrating the Achievements and Excellence of the Navy Community during Fleet Week

Sailors on board the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) pull in mooring lines in preparation of departure from Fleet Week Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Introduction

*Fleet Week 2023 has come to a close, and it was an incredible week of events and activities showcasing the strength and innovation of the U.S. Navy. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and the event provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase naval technology and the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who serve the nation.

As proud members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization, we are honored to have covered this event and shone a spotlight on the ships, crews, and individual sailors who make the Navy community so remarkable. In this blog post, we will celebrate the achievements and excellence of the Navy community during Fleet Week.

Enlisted Person of the Year Awards

One of the highlights of our coverage was the Enlisted Person of the Year awards for various ships and submarines. These awards recognized the outstanding dedication and achievement of enlisted personnel in the U.S. Navy, highlighting the crucial role they play in keeping our nation safe. We covered many stories featuring these exceptional sailors, including:

Other Stories

In addition to the Enlisted Person of the Year awards, we covered a variety of other stories during Fleet Week, including:

Key Takeaways

Through our coverage of Fleet Week, we celebrated the achievements and excellence of the Navy community. We highlighted the Enlisted Person of the Year awards, which recognized the outstanding dedication and achievement of enlisted personnel in the U.S. Navy.

Our coverage also showcased the strength and innovation of the U.S. Navy, featuring a variety of stories, including modern Virginia-class attack submarines, the USS New York, and the USS Cole.

We are proud to be a part of the Navy community and honored to have covered this event, and we hope our readers are inspired to support and appreciate the sacrifices that our sailors and their families make in order to serve our country.

Conclusion

Fleet Week Florida 2023 was an incredible event showcasing the strength and innovation of the U.S. Navy.

We are proud to be a part of the Navy community and honored to have covered this event, highlighting the achievements and excellence of the Navy community. A shout out to Jay Cope, Region Southeast Public Affairs for his support.

As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we hope to inspire our readers to support the cause and join us in rallying for a stronger Navy.

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Iran Seizes Second Oil Tanker in the Gulf – U.S. Navy Responds

Introduction

Protecting American interests abroad is critical, and the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization recognizes the importance of maritime security. The recent seizure of the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy in the Gulf waters raises concerns about the safety and security of commercial vessels. The incident highlights the critical role that the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining maritime security, and the need for the Navy to remain prepared to protect American interests.

Key Takeaways

Iran’s seizure of the Niovi oil tanker in the Gulf waters is the second such incident in a week, and it once again raises concerns about maritime security.
The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization recognizes the importance of maintaining readiness to protect American interests abroad.

The U.S. State Department has called for the release of the Niovi and the crew, and the international community has joined in condemning Iran’s actions.
The incident highlights the critical role that the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining maritime security in the Gulf waters and protecting American interests.
Iran’s Seizure of Niovi Oil Tanker

On Wednesday, May 3, Iran seized the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident marks the second such seizure in a week, raising concerns about the safety and security of commercial vessels in the Gulf waters. The U.S. Navy has condemned Iran’s actions and called for the release of the Niovi and its crew.

The Role of the U.S. Navy in Maintaining Maritime Security

The recent seizure of the Niovi oil tanker by Iran highlights the critical role that the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining maritime security in the Gulf waters and protecting American interests. The Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of American vessels and personnel, and the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization recognizes the importance of supporting the Navy in its mission.

Conclusion:

The seizure of the Niovi oil tanker by Iran is a reminder of the critical importance of maritime security and the need for the U.S. Navy to maintain readiness to protect American interests abroad. The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to be part of the Navy community and recognizes the critical role that the Navy plays in ensuring the safety and security of American vessels and personnel. We urge all Americans to support our mission and join us in advocating for a stronger Navy. Together, we can ensure that American interests are protected, and our maritime security remains strong

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United States and the Philippines Agree to Strengthen Their Alliance

Introduction:

The United States and the Philippines have come to an agreement to continue the vital work required to modernize and strengthen the alliance between the two nations. This agreement was reached between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a ceremony at the Pentagon, where the U.S. reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. This commitment applies to armed attacks on the armed forces, coast guard vessels, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

The Importance of the Alliance:

The alliance between the United States and the Philippines is of utmost importance, and the two nations have agreed to continue working together to ensure its success. The recent visit by Marcos to the Pentagon has furthered the efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The U.S. is supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts and is helping to build their interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

Deepening Coordination and Interoperability:

The two nations are deepening their coordination and interoperability, which is crucial to ensuring that the alliance is effective. The recent Balikatan exercise was the largest in history, with 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, covering land, sea, air, and cyber scenarios. Following on that effort is Cope Thunder, an exercise testing air power interoperability. The U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts, and this will help to build interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

Expanding Operational Cooperation in the Maritime Domain:

The U.S. is committed to expanding its operational cooperation with the Philippines in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea. The two defense leaders discussed U.S. support for Philippine defense modernization efforts and the ongoing plans to continue to operationalize the agreement sites. These efforts will help to build interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

New Bilateral Defense Guidelines:

Marcos and Austin also discussed new bilateral defense guidelines. This item reflects the unprecedented effort behind modernizing the alliance to bring it into a new era of cooperation. The emphasis is to look at how threats arise in the various domains and what form those threats will take. This will enable Philippine and U.S. officials to chart a bilateral way forward to help build interoperability, information sharing, planning, etc., around how they address these conventional and nonconventional threats.

Key Takeaways:

The United States and the Philippines are committed to strengthening and modernizing their alliance.
Deepening coordination and interoperability are crucial to ensuring the alliance’s effectiveness.
The U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts.
The two nations are expanding their operational cooperation in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea.
New bilateral defense guidelines are being developed to address conventional and nonconventional threats.

Conclusion:

The recent agreement between the United States and the Philippines to modernize and strengthen their alliance is a positive step towards ensuring the readiness of the U.S. Navy and the security of the people of America. As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are proud to be a part of the Navy community and support efforts to strengthen alliances and ensure national security. We encourage all Americans to rally behind this cause and support the efforts to build a stronger and more secure future.

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Makin Island ARG Conducts Balikatan Exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Introduction

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) completed Exercise Balikatan 2023 (BK23), highlighting their commitment to regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. In this joint exercise, both the AFP and the Makin Island ARG worked together to address challenges related to the Mutual Defense Treaty, counter-terrorism threats, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The exercise showcased the interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine forces, and their readiness to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice.

Shared Commitment to Democracy and Human Rights

The U.S. and Philippine alliance is based on strong historical and cultural linkages and a shared commitment to democracy and human rights. Balikatan presented an opportunity for personnel from the AFP and the Makin Island ARG comprised of USS Makin Island (LHD 8), USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), to work together to address challenges related to the Mutual Defense Treaty, counter-terrorism threats, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Enhancing Interoperability and Readiness

The Makin Island ARG participated in Combined Joint Logistics Over the Shore, in which heavy supplies and equipment were loaded onto landing craft, air cushions and transported to the beach. A temporary bilateral, multifunctioning team was established on shore to transfer fuel to and from ships, stage and operate heavy equipment, and conduct vehicle convoys. The ability to execute amphibious offload operations ensures the AFP and U.S. military are ready to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice.

Anchorage’s Sailors, and Marines assigned to 1st Reconnaissance, 13th MEU, conducted a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) exercise on expeditionary mobile base USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5). VBSS provides a variety of scenario injects that require situational analysis, communication, and bilateral decision making. This exercise provided unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength and readiness of the U.S.- Philippine security alliance.

The Makin Island ARG participated in a group sail alongside Miguel Keith, and Philippine navy ships BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS 15), and BRP Tarlac (FF 601) in the South China Sea. This event enhances our forces’ communication, techniques and procedures across a wide range of operations while assuring a high degree of interoperability.

Strengthening Defense Capabilities

Makin Island and AFP conducted a sink exercise which consisted of AFP staging a floating target with the goal of capsizing it. Makin Island launched their 6 F-35B Lightning IIs—fifth generation strike fighters assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th MEU—and employed 4 GPS guided munitions onto the target, successfully capsizing it.

For the final phase of Balikatan 23, Makin Island conducted a simulated amphibious raid at Brooke’s Point, offloading U.S. Marines to conduct live fire training, and bilateral long-range fires in a coastal defense training scenario. Field training exercises create valuable training opportunities for both partners to develop proficiency in coastal defense concepts, as well as build camaraderie and respect among service members at every level.

Benefits to the US Navy and the American People

Exercise Balikatan 2023 provided an opportunity for the U.S. and Philippine forces to work together and address challenges related to the Mutual Defense Treaty, counter-terrorism threats, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. The joint exercise showcased the readiness and interoperability of the Makin Island ARG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice. The exercise provided valuable training opportunities for both partners to develop proficiency in coastal defense concepts, as well as build camaraderie and respect among service members at every level.

Conclusion

The Makin Island ARG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrated their commitment to regional peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through Exercise Balikatan 2023.

Their joint efforts showcased the readiness and interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine forces to respond to crisis and contingencies at short notice.

As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we recognize the importance of strong partnerships with our allies and partners, and the vital role the U.S. Navy plays in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

By working together, the U.S. and Philippine forces can strengthen their defense capabilities, enhance their interoperability, and ultimately benefit the US Navy’s readiness and the American people who support them.

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US Stands with Philippines Against Chinese Harassment in South China Sea

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel is pictured on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

Introduction

The South China Sea remains a point of contention between the Philippines and China. Recently, the US has issued a warning to China’s Coast Guard to stop harassing Philippine vessels. As a strong advocate for a robust Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy stands with the US in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and supports the Philippines in their efforts to protect their sovereignty.

The Situation in the South China Sea

Last week, the Philippines accused China’s Coast Guard of “aggressive tactics” and “dangerous maneuvers” in the South China Sea. China’s foreign ministry had said that the Philippine vessels had intruded into Chinese waters and made deliberate provocative moves. The Philippines has filed more than 200 diplomatic protests against China since last year.

Chinese Coast Guard’s Provocative and Unsafe Conduct

The US has warned the Chinese Coast Guard to stop harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The US state department said in a statement: “We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct.” China has angered the Philippines by repeatedly harassing its navy and coast guard patrols and chasing away fishermen in the waters close to Philippine shores but which Beijing claims as its own.

US Stands with the Philippines

The US state department said Washington “stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order.” In Washington, the US and Philippine defence and foreign secretaries met earlier in April to discuss the development of nine Philippine military camps, where American forces have been allowed to stay indefinitely under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The US is allocating more than $100m to build infrastructure at the sites, where Americans would be stationed.

Building a Strong Navy to Ensure Regional Peace and Stability

Americans for a Stronger Navy supports the US in its efforts to maintain stability and security in the South China Sea. We advocate for a strong Navy to protect American interests and promote peace and stability worldwide. The ongoing tensions in the South China Sea demonstrate the need for a strong and capable Navy to ensure regional security and stability. We encourage readers to stay informed about developments in the South China Sea and to support efforts to promote a rules-based international maritime order.

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Celebrating the Achievements of the Navy Community During Fleet Week

U.S. Marine Cpl. Navarre Kemp was awarded Enlisted Person of the Year for the Second Assault Amphibian Battalion

Introduction

The Navy is an essential part of America’s national security and plays a crucial role in maintaining peace through strength. Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to celebrate the achievements of the Navy community during Fleet Week, where we showcase the latest naval technology and honor the brave men and women who serve our nation.

Summary

Fleet Week provides an excellent opportunity to showcase naval technology and honor the Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who serve our nation. This year, the Enlisted Person of the Year for the Second Assault Amphibian Battalion was awarded to U.S. Marine Cpl. Navarre Kemp. Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to be a part of this celebration and to support the Navy community.

Key Takeaways

Fleet Week provides an opportunity to showcase the latest naval technology
The event honors the Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who serve our nation
U.S. Marine Cpl. Navarre Kemp was awarded Enlisted Person of the Year for the Second Assault Amphibian Battalion

Conclusion

We must continue to support and strengthen our Navy to maintain America’s national security and protect our interests around the world. We encourage all Americans to show their support for our brave men and women in uniform and to join us in celebrating the achievements of the Navy community during Fleet Week.

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Celebrating Navy Excellence: Key Takeaways from the Navy Reserve Center Miami’s Enlisted Person of the Year Award

Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year,

Introduction

The United States Navy has a long and proud history of excellence, and the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is committed to ensuring that this tradition continues. Recently, the Navy Reserve Center Miami announced Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year, highlighting the dedication and skill of the men and women who serve our nation. In this blog post, we will explore the key takeaways from this achievement and how it reflects the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Summary

The Navy Reserve Center Miami recently announced Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance and dedication to service. This achievement is a testament to the excellence and commitment of the men and women who serve in the Navy Reserve. In this blog post, we will explore the key takeaways from this award and how it reflects the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance and dedication to service.
  • The Navy Reserve Center Miami’s Enlisted Person of the Year award highlights the exceptional dedication and performance of Navy personnel.
  • This award demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Navy to excellence and professionalism.
  • By recognizing the achievements of Navy personnel, we can inspire future generations to serve their country and uphold the values of the Navy.

Conclusion:

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are proud to be a part of the Navy community and to support the men and women who serve our nation. The Navy Reserve Center Miami’s Enlisted Person of the Year award is a testament to the dedication and excellence of Navy personnel, and we are honored to celebrate this achievement. We encourage all Americans to support our Navy and to uphold the values of peace, strength, and security that the Navy represents.

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Honoring the Best: Enlisted Person of the Year Banquet

Introduction

The American Navy has been instrumental in keeping the nation safe and secure. The Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to report on recent developments and innovations that promote a stronger and more effective Navy. This blog post will focus on the Enlisted Person of the Year Banquet, held during Fleet Week, which honors the service members’ accomplishments and hard work.

Summary

The Fort Lauderdale Council of the Navy League hosted the Enlisted Person of the Year banquet to honor Sailors and Marines during Fleet Week Port Everglades. The event recognized service members from visiting Fleet Week commands as well as those from military commands in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas. Each Sailor and Marine was announced, and their Command Master Chief or Leading Chief Petty Officer would describe the accomplishments that earned their selection as Sailor of the Year for the command. This year is the 32nd time the Navy has come down for Fleet Week Port Everglades to showcase naval technology and the Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who defend the nation.

Recognition

The Enlisted Person of the Year Banquet is a vital event that recognizes the hard work and accomplishments of Sailors and Marines. This event offers several key benefits that strengthen the Navy and the nation, including:

Service members are recognized for their hard work and dedication, which promotes morale and motivates them to continue to excel in their service.

The service members recognized include:

  • Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Kristin Stoops from USS Cole (DDG 67)
  • Navy Counselor 1st Class Amarachi Abiodun from Navy Recruiting District Miami
  • Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega from Navy Reserve Center Miami
  • Culinary Specialist 1st Class Rodrick Sheridan from Navy Region Southeast
  • Machinist’s Mate (Auxillary) 3rd Class Fernando Villarreal from USS Indiana (SSN 789)
  • Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Ernesto Rivera
  • Culinary Specialist 1st Class Michael Brown
  • Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Charmae Peria
  • Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sydney Thayer from USS New York (LPD 2)
  • U.S. Marine Cpl. Navarre Kemp from Second Assault Amphibian Battlion

Learning tool

Recognized Sailors and Marines can use the experience as a learning tool to motivate junior Sailors in the future.

Realistic Testing or Implementation:
The Enlisted Person of the Year Banquet was held during Fleet Week Port Everglades. The event recognized service members from visiting Fleet Week commands as well as those from military commands in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami areas.

Conclusion

The Enlisted Person of the Year Banquet is an event that promotes a stronger Navy and honors the accomplishments and hard work of Sailors and Marines. The Americans for a Stronger Navy encourages readers to support the Navy and the nation by promoting the importance of the Navy and its service members. Let us rally together and support our Navy, which is instrumental in keeping our nation safe and secure.

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US Seizure of Oil Vessel Triggers Iran Tanker Capture

Frame grab from video released Friday April 28, 2023, Iranian marines rappel onto the Advantage Sweet, a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker’s deck in the Gulf of Oman.

The US seizure of an oil vessel carrying Iranian crude oil and bound for China triggered Iran’s decision to capture a US-bound tanker on Thursday, according to sources.

The US Department of Justice seized the tanker, the Suez Rajan, under a court order with the cooperation of at least one company involved with the vessel.

The tanker has been the subject of scrutiny since it was accused last year of taking on board a cargo of Iranian oil, then intended for China, from another ship near Singapore.

The US action towards the Suez Rajan sheds new light on Iran’s decision to capture the Advantage Sweet, a US-bound tanker of Kuwaiti crude that was chartered by Chevron.

The US interest in the vessel arose because the ship is owned by Fleetscape, an affiliate of US-based Oaktree Capital. That contrasts with the so-called “ghost fleet” of vessels usually used to move Iranian oil.

Key points:

  • US authorities ordered a tanker of Iranian crude oil to redirect towards the US, prompting Iran’s decision to capture a US-bound tanker of Kuwaiti crude that was chartered by Chevron.
  • The US Department of Justice seized the tanker, the Suez Rajan, under a court order with the cooperation of at least one company involved with the vessel.
  • The US seizure will raise questions about whether US-linked operators were given sufficient warning of the potential increased dangers of sailing ships close to Iran.
  • The Suez Rajan’s alleged involvement in the trade in Iranian oil was revealed in 2022 by United Against Nuclear Iran, a pressure group.
  • The US interest in the vessel arose because the ship is owned by Fleetscape, an affiliate of US-based Oaktree Capital.

Key takeaways:

  • The US seizure of the Iranian oil vessel triggered Iran’s decision to capture a US-bound tanker of Kuwaiti crude that was chartered by Chevron.
  • The Suez Rajan’s alleged involvement in the trade of Iranian oil was revealed in 2022 by United Against Nuclear Iran, a pressure group, leading to a civil legal action in Manhattan.
  • The US interest in the vessel arose because the ship is owned by Fleetscape, an affiliate of US-based Oaktree Capital, which contrasts with the so-called “ghost fleet” of vessels usually used to move Iranian oil.

Conclusion:

The US seizure of the Iranian oil vessel and subsequent retaliation from Iran highlights the tensions between the two nations and the increasing enforcement of sanctions on Iran. The involvement of US-linked operators and the alleged trade of Iranian oil by the Suez Rajan raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the need for increased transparency in the shipping industry.

The Americans for a Stronger Navy’s mission to inform and inspire readers to subscribe is even more important in light of these recent events as a strong navy is essential in protecting the US’s interests and maintaining peace in the international waters.

Facts:

  • US authorities redirected a tanker of Iranian crude oil towards the US, prompting Iran’s decision to capture a US-bound tanker of Kuwaiti crude chartered by Chevron.
  • The US Department of Justice seized the Suez Rajan, a tanker accused last year of taking on board a cargo of Iranian oil, under a court order with cooperation from at least one company involved with the vessel.
  • The Suez Rajan’s alleged involvement in the trade in Iranian oil was revealed in 2022 by United Against Nuclear Iran, a pressure group, leading to a civil legal action in Manhattan.
  • The US interest in the vessel arose because the ship is owned by Fleetscape, an affiliate of US-based Oaktree Capital, which contrasts with the so-called
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Celebrating Women’s Contributions to the Military at Fleet Week Port Everglades

Members of the USS Cole (DDG-67), USS New York (LPD-21), USS Indiana (SSN 789), USNS Newport, Marines from the 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, Coast Guardsmen from the local area and local citizens stopped for a group photo during the Salute to Women in the Military Luncheon. This luncheon has been an annual event on the Fleet Week Port Everglades schedule since 2017. (Photo by Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs Specialist Twilla Burns/released).

Salute to Women in the Military Luncheon at Lauderdale Yacht Club

Nearly 80 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen attended a Salute to Women in the Military luncheon at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, honoring the service of women in the military and providing a chance to socialize with professional women in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Speeches by Female Officers

The event featured speeches from two female officers, Lt. Lexie Silva and Lt. Ruth Rivera-Turnewitsch, who shared their experiences as officers in the Navy.

Lt. Lexie Silva’s Experience as a Submariner

Lt. Silva spoke about being a part of the trailblazing groups of women on submarines in the Navy, and how important it is to her to be a good leader. She shared, “Many think to be a female submariner today is exceptional. I feel lucky to be a part of that small group, but even luckier to be a part of something bigger and more impactful. Being a member of the crew of USS Indiana (SSN-789) means I am part of a family – a family of hardworking and humble submariners that don’t see me as a woman submariner but see me more simply as a submariner, just like them.” Silva also stated, “I get to lead and work with a group of the smartest and most caring Sailors I have encountered. I’ve learned about working hard and how to get a “yes” in the face of impossible material issues.”

Lt. Ruth Rivera-Turnewitsch’s Role as a Navy Chaplain

Lt. Rivera-Turnewitsch, who is a Navy Chaplain, spoke about how she knew her job was vital for the Navy, and how she felt about her role onboard and her strongest motivations. She shared, “When I think about my role in service, I’m not only glad to be the first female chaplain on the Cole, but what also brings me joy is the why I am where I am. I remain committed to serve at the forefront of the Navy for the purposes of the Almighty…Who cares for His children wherever they serve to remind them of their identity, their purpose, and the source of their strength.”

Fleet Week Port Everglades Showcases Pride in Service

Fleet Week Port Everglades allows Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen to showcase their pride in service and communicate what they do in defense of our country to local residents. The event will continue until the ships depart Sunday, April 30.

Key Takeaways:

The Salute to Women in the Military luncheon at the Lauderdale Yacht Club provided a chance to honor the service of women in the military and socialize with professional women in the area.
Lt. Lexie Silva spoke about being a part of the trailblazing groups of women on submarines in the Navy and the importance of being a good leader.
Lt. Ruth Rivera-Turnewitsch discussed her role as a Navy Chaplain and her motivation for serving.
Fleet Week Port Everglades allows service members to showcase their pride in service and communicate what they do in defense of our country to local residents.

Conclusion:

The Salute to Women in the Military luncheon at Fleet Week Port Everglades was a powerful reminder of the vital contributions women have made to our armed forces. As Lt. Silva and Lt. Rivera-Turnewitsch shared their experiences, it was clear that they, like many other women in the military, are trailblazers and leaders in their own right. We are grateful for their service and the service of all women in the military. If you would like to learn more about Fleet Week Port Everglades and other events celebrating our military, visit

Fact: Fleet Week Port Everglades is an annual event that allows service members to showcase their pride in service and communicate what they do in defense of our country to local residents. This year’s event took place from April 26 to April 30, 2023, and included a Salute to Women in the Military luncheon at the Lauderdale Yacht Club.