Peace Through Strength – Community Driven – Membership Supported
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.
Iran has seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the Advantage Sweet, in the Gulf of Oman according to the Associated Press
The US Navy’s 5th Fleet called for the vessel’s immediate release, adding that Iran’s actions were contrary to international law and destabilizing to regional security. The vessel had just left Kuwait and was headed to Houston, Texas. Iran did not acknowledge the seizure, and the vessel’s owners were not immediately available for comment. The incident is the latest in a string of tanker seizures and explosions in the region amid heightened tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Key Points:
Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the Advantage Sweet, in the Gulf of Oman.iThe
US Navy’s 5th Fleet called for the vessel’s immediate release.
The tanker had just left Kuwait and was headed to Houston, Texas.
Iran did not acknowledge the seizure, and the vessel’s owners were not immediately available for comment.
Tanker seizures and explosions have been a part of a wider shadow war between Iran and the West since 2019
Conclusion:
The seizure of the Advantage Sweet by Iran underscores the need for a strong navy to ensure regional security and stability. Tanker seizures have become a tactic in the shadow war between Iran and the West, and incidents like these only serve to increase tensions. Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to informing and inspiring readers to support the mission of a strong navy.
By subscribing to our website, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments and help us rally support for this important cause.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Iran has seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The incident underscores the need for a strong navy to ensure regional security and stability, as tanker seizures have become a tactic in the shadow war between Iran and the West. Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to informing and inspiring readers to support the mission of a strong navy, and this incident only reinforces the urgency of our cause.
South China Sea, – An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship prepares to pull alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) for an underway replenishment. Credit: DVIDS.
The US Department of Defense has released its annual Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) for the fiscal year 2022, protesting against 22 excessive maritime claims worldwide. FONOPs are protests made by the DoD against “unlawful maritime claims” that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order. The FONOP made against Malaysia in the South China Sea seeks to prevent the country from prohibiting military exercises or manoeuvres in its economic exclusive zone without consent. While this is an affront to Malaysia’s self-determination, it is seen as a potential military exercise to be conducted in the SCS in the near future. Similarly, Taiwan is included as a claimant in the SCS, and challenging its prerequisite for prior notification for foreign military or government vessels to enter its territorial sea will give the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.
US protests against excessive maritime claims
The US Department of Defense has released its annual Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) protesting against 22 excessive maritime claims for 2022, revealing its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific
Countries around the world are jostling to maintain their interests at sea more than ever before, largely due to the geopolitical tensions across the Indo-Pacific. Within this boiling pot of competing interests in the region, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has released its annual FONOPs in its report for the fiscal year 2022.
FONOPs challenge unlawful maritime claims
FONOPs are protests made by the DoD against “unlawful maritime claims” that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order.
FONOPs against Malaysia
The FONOP made against Malaysia in the South China Sea seeks to prevent the country from prohibiting military exercises or manoeuvres in its economic exclusive zone without consent. Politically, this is an affront to the country’s self-determination, and it is also hypocritical given the DoD’s claim that its FONOPs aim to “uphold the freedom of navigation as a principle”.
Potential military exercise in the SCS
However, in the broader context of their conflict with the PRC, which we see from the FONOPs made against them, is encroaching upon its neighbouring territories, from India to Taiwan. As tensions rise in the SCS, this FONOP signals a potential military exercise to be conducted in the SCS in the near future. This tactic would follow the large-scale military exercises the US have conducted this year on the Korean peninsula and in the Middle East that were designed to deter their adversaries.
Challenging Taiwan’s prerequisite for prior notification
Similarly, Taiwan is included as a claimant in the SCS as well, as the island country requires prior notification for foreign military or government vessels to enter its territorial sea. Challenging this prerequisite will give the US far more manoeuvrability as the DoD seek to contain the PRC, and potentially control the wider activity in the region such as commerce.
Conclusion
The US Department of Defense’s annual Freedom of Navigation Operations protests against excessive maritime claims and reveals its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the FONOP made against Malaysia and Taiwan seeks to prevent restrictions on military exercises and manoeuvres, giving the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region
Key takeaways
The US Department of Defense’s annual Freedom of Navigation Operations protests against excessive maritime claims and reveals its security strategy amidst geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. FONOPs challenge unlawful maritime claims that challenge the legal foundation of the rules-based order.
The FONOP made against Malaysia seeks to prevent restrictions on military exercises and manoeuvres, giving the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.
Challenging Taiwan’s prerequisite for prior notification will give the US more manoeuvrability to contain the PRC and potentially control wider activity in the region such as commerce.
Greetings to all our members and subscribers! We at Americans for a Stronger Navy are thrilled to share the latest news from the 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades in Southeast Florida. This event is an excellent opportunity for Southeast Florida residents to witness and tour Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships. We believe that promoting Peace Through Strength is crucial, and events such as Fleet Week Port Everglades provide an excellent platform to showcase the capabilities of the US Navy.
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (April 23, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) watch as the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN 789) arrives in port for Fleet Week Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990, interrupted by COVID in 2020 and 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary D. Behrend)
The USS Cole, a US Navy destroyer commissioned in 1996, arrived first at the 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades, followed by the USS New York, USS Indiana, and USNS Newport on April 23. The USCGC William Flores will arrive the following day. Over 9,000 reservations were taken for the Monday through Saturday tours, indicating the event’s popularity. The Navy Band will perform at over 15 venues in the city, including at the Florida Panthers’ playoff game and the Miami Marlins’ game.
Community Engagement
“We look forward to being in Port Everglades to spend time with the outstanding citizens of South Florida,” said Rear Adm. Tom Williams, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO. The ships’ crew and servicemembers will be volunteering at various locations across Fort Lauderdale, including mentoring and visiting with students from several area schools, helping refurbish areas around the Naval Air History Museum, visiting veterans at a senior facility, and supporting youth fitness at two separate YMCA events.
Educational Initiatives
On Monday, more than 800 JROTC students from Broward County Schools will visit the ships as part of a Fleet Week STEM summit, followed by 300 JROTC cadets from Miami on Tuesday morning as part of the youth VIP tours. In addition to the ships, equipment displays, Marine and Navy recruiting information, and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see as they wait for their tours.
Events and Competitions
The Sailors will participate in a series of other events, including an all-hands welcome ceremony involving the mayor, a salute to veterans event and a salute to women in the military, a traditional chili cook-off against local fire and police teams, and a Damage Control Olympics competition. The latter will pit teams of Sailors from each ship and the USCG against each other through a series of challenging events at a damage control trainer.
Key Takeaways:
The 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades is an excellent opportunity for Southeast Florida residents to witness and tour Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships. More than 9,000 reservations were taken for the Monday through Saturday tours, indicating the event’s popularity. The event provides an excellent platform to showcase the capabilities of the US Navy and promote Peace Through Strength. In addition to the ships, equipment displays, Marine and Navy recruiting information, and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see. The Sailors will participate in a series of other events and competitions, including an all-hands welcome ceremony, a chili cook-off, and a Damage Control Olympics competition. The servicemembers will be volunteering at various locations across Fort Lauderdale, including mentoring and visiting with students from several area schools and visiting veterans at a senior facility.
Conclusion:
We hope that the news of the 32nd Fleet Week Port Everglades has inspired you to learn more about the capabilities of the US Navy and its commitment to promoting Peace Through Strength. We encourage our readers to be an active supporter by subscribing to our website, StrongerNavy.org. We thank you for your time and for supporting a Stronger Navy
This handout photo taken on April 4, 2023 and provided by the South Korean Defence Ministry in Seoul shows the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (C), the South Korean Navy’s destroyer Yulgok Yi I (R) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyer Umigiri (front L) sailing in formation during a joint naval exercise in the international waters off South Korea’s southern island of Jeju. (Photo by Handout / South Korean Defence Ministry / AFP)
Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who share our mission of promoting Peace Through Strength.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong and capable Navy is essential to ensuring global peace and security.
We are excited to bring you the latest news and updates from the U.S. Navy, and to inspire you to join us in supporting this vital mission.
USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Arrive in Thailan
The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its carrier strike group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit. The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand’s territorial waters. The Nimitz’s automatic identification system (AIS) signal was turned on at around 21:30 p.m. UTC on Sunday, and it arrived and docked at Laem Chabang Port three hours later.
The Nimitz’s Journey Across the South China Sea.
The journey across the South China Sea is significant given the tensions in the region, and the ongoing disputes over territorial claims in the area. The Nimitz’s presence in the region is intended to promote peace and stability, and to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.
Trilateral Exercise with Japan and South Korea
Prior to arriving in Thailand, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy. The exercise was conducted on April 3-4 and aimed to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the three navies.
Key takeaways:
The USS Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group have arrived in Thailand for a week-long visit The Nimitz crossed the South China Sea and made a U-turn in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone before arriving in Thailand The Nimitz’s journey is significant given the tensions in the region and ongoing territorial disputes The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group conducted a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and South Korea on April 3-4 to enhance cooperation and interoperability
In conclusion, the USS Nimitz’s journey across the South China Sea and its visit to Thailand highlight the importance of a strong and capable U.S. Navy in promoting peace and stability in the region. The trilateral exercise with Japan and South Korea demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and interoperability among allied navies. We encourage all Americans to support a Stronger Navy by subscribing to our mission at StrongerNavy.org. Thank you for your time and for your support.
U.S. Navy Intercepts Fishing Vessel Smuggling $42 Million in Illegal Drugs
Greetings to all members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy!
As an organization dedicated to promoting Peace Through Strength, we are proud to share a recent success story of the U.S. Navy in supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in interdicting a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman.
Content Summary
USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), operating under CTF 150, intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling 802 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,000 kilograms of hashish worth $42 million. The crewmembers of the vessel were identified as Iranian nationals.
Before the Navy and Coast Guard members could seize the vessel, five smugglers attempted to discard 50 bags of methamphetamine by throwing them overboard.
However, some of the bags were recovered. Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone, contributing to the total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions by U.S. and international naval units in 2021 and 2022.
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Navy intercepted a fishing vessel smuggling illegal drugs worth $42 million in the Gulf of Oman. Maritime forces supporting CTF 150 have seized illegal drugs worth an estimated U.S. street value of $150 million in 2023 alone. U.S. and international naval units have contributed to a total of $1 billion in value in drug interdictions in 2021 and 2022. CTF 150 conducts maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean to disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations and their related illicit activities. Conclusion: The successful interception by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard members under CTF 150 highlights the importance of promoting Peace Through Strength. We commend the sailors for their outstanding work in removing illicit narcotics from the high seas and deterring destabilizing activity in regional waters. As supporters of a Stronger Navy, we encourage our readers to subscribe and continue to engage with us in promoting a stronger and more secure America.
Greetings to all our members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.
As an organization, our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, a valuable central theme that aligns with our goals.
In this blog post, we would like to bring to your attention to an incident that Iran alleged recently occurred in the Gulf involving the United States Navy Fifth Fleet and Iran’s navy. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission and to engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy.
United States Fifth Fleet insignia
On April 20, Iranian navy commander Shahram Irani claimed that Iran’s navy had forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf. He said that the Iranian submarine Fateh detected the U.S. submarine approaching while submerged and carried out manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Irani, the U.S. submarine had also entered Iranian territorial waters but corrected its course after being warned. However, the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had taken place, calling it Iranian disinformation.
Background on Iranian-U.S. confrontations
Iranian and U.S. forces have had a number of confrontations in the past. In early April, the Iranian navy said it had identified and warned off a U.S. reconnaissance plane outside the mouth of the Gulf. In 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. drone which it said was flying over southern Iran.
Key takeaways:
Iran’s navy claimed to have forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf, but the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had occurred.
Iran has had confrontations with the U.S. Navy in the past, including identifying and warning off a U.S. reconnaissance plane in early April 2023 and shooting down a U.S. drone in 2019.
In conclusion, we hope that this story has shed light on the importance of a strong Navy in promoting peace through strength. We urge all our readers to support our mission and engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy. Let us work together to ensure that our Navy is well-equipped and prepared to face any challenge that may arise.
Greetings, members and subscribers! Americans for a Stronger Navy’s mission is to promote Peace Through Strength. Unfortunately, we have some sad news to share today. The body of 21-year-old U.S. Navy servicemember Séamus Gray, who went missing a month ago, has been found in Waukegan Harbor.
Séamus Gray’s Disappearance
Séamus Gray disappeared on March 18 after leaving a nightclub in Waukegan, about 40 miles north of Chicago. A group of ComEd workers found his body along the shores of Lake Michigan on April 19. The body and clothing matched the description of Gray. An autopsy was scheduled for the next day to determine the cause of death.
According to authorities, Séamus Gray was last seen leaving Ibiza Nightclub in Waukegan at around 1:35 a.m. on March 18. He didn’t report back to the Naval Station Great Lakes base at his scheduled 2 a.m. time Saturday. His disappearance was first noted when he didn’t show up for work
Newly released surveillance video from outside the bar showed Gray standing and talking to a group of people before he disappeared. At one point, he was seen on the ground, and someone appeared to take his wallet from his pocket, but then threw it back at him. Later in the video, Gray was seen running down a nearby alley.
Search Efforts:
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Gray’s whereabouts, it wasn’t until March 21 that Waukegan police were notified of his disappearance. Once they learned of his disappearance, the police immediately began a search of areas where he was last seen. Multiple departments were involved in the search efforts, but they were unsuccessful in finding Gray until his body was discovered on April 19.
Séamus Gray’s Body Found:
On April 19, a group of ComEd workers found Séamus Gray’s body along the shores of Lake Michigan in Waukegan Harbor. Officers brought the body to shore, and the Waukegan Fire Department was there to assist. The body and clothing matched the description of Gray, who went missing on March 18. An autopsy was scheduled for the next day to determine the cause of death.
Conclusion:
We hope that the cause of Séamus Gray’s death will be determined soon, and that his family and friends will find some closure. This is a tragic loss for the U.S. Navy community, and it’s a reminder of the sacrifices that our service members make every day to keep us safe. We urge our readers to support our mission of promoting Peace Through Strength by subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for your time, and for supporting a Stronger Navy.
Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who believe in promoting Peace through Strength.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, our mission is to inspire and inform readers about the importance of a strong navy for the security and prosperity of our nation. Today, we bring you news of the U.S. Navy’s historic sailing of its first drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian force
A U.S. Navy L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 drone boat and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC John Scheuerman transit the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The U.S. Navy sailed its first drone boat through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often faces tense encounters with Iranian forces. (Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vincent Aguirre/U.S. Coast Guard via AP)
On April 19, 2023, the U.S. Navy successfully sailed its first drone boat, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, through the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway between Iran and Oman. The drone, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, passed safely through the strait, which is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone during its journey
The strait is a crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian forces in the area, but this sailing took place without incident, although it drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Key takeaways:
The drone, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, passed safely through the strait with accompanying U.S. Coast Guard cutters.
The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a busy waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
The sailing drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard but took place without incident.
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Conclusion:
The successful sailing of the first U.S. Navy drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz is a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to bolster its presence in the region. This development will enable the Navy to better monitor the area, safeguard international trade, and protect American interests and allies. We encourage all Americans who believe in promoting peace through strength to support the Navy’s mission and subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we stand in solidarity with the sailors of the @US7thFleet and the USS Milius in Taiwan Strait transit.
Freedom of Navigation apply, in accordance with International law. We believe that such operations are essential to maintaining #PeaceThroughStrength in the region, and we applaud the crew of the @USSMilius for their professionalism and dedication.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 16, 2023) – Ensign Zachary Bradberry, from Pflugerville, Texas, stands watch on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) while conducting routing underway operations. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)
The U.S. Navy said its guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a navigational rights and freedoms mission in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands on Monday.
The announcement came as China’s military simulated precision strikes against Taiwan in military drills around the island amid growing tensions between China and the U.S. in the region.
The U.S. Navy said the operation by the destroyer was consistent with international law.
United States Navy has a long and proud history of defending the nation’s interests and protecting American freedom around the world. One organization that supports this mission is Americans for a Stronger Navy, a group of members and subscribers who advocate for a robust and well-funded Navy.
USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group
Summary
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, which is currently deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations. We’ll examine the role of this strike group in defending U.S., allied, and partner interests, and highlight the capabilities of the carrier and its supporting vessels.USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group
The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group:
The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is a powerful naval force that includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black, and a range of other supporting vessels. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is also part of the strike group, providing offensive air and strike capabilities.
The strike group is currently deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, where it is employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. This area of operations covers a vast region, including the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and North Atlantic, as well as the land areas of Europe and Africa.
Capabilities of the Carrier and Supporting Vessels:
The USS George H.W. Bush is a formidable aircraft carrier that can carry up to 90 aircraft and has a crew of over 5,000 sailors. It is powered by two nuclear reactors, which give it virtually unlimited range and endurance. The carrier is equipped with advanced radar and communications systems, as well as a range of defensive and offensive weapons.
The USS Delbert D. Black is a guided-missile destroyer that is designed to provide air defense for the carrier strike group. It is equipped with the latest Aegis combat system, which can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously. The destroyer is also armed with a range of missiles, guns, and torpedoes, making it a formidable adversary for any would-be aggressor.
Conclusion:
The USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is an essential component of U.S. naval power, and its deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations is a clear demonstration of American commitment to defending its interests and those of its allies and partners. As members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we can take pride in knowing that our advocacy helps support the men and women who serve in this critical mission.
