U.S.-Indo Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation Meets in India

The U.S. and India held a Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation meeting to discuss shared interests in developing aircraft carrier technology.

Key takeaways include:

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together on the development of aircraft carrier technology.

The meeting focused on discussing potential areas of collaboration, including aircraft launch and recovery systems, advanced arresting gear, and propulsion systems.

The two countries also discussed ways to enhance cooperation on naval aviation safety and maintenance.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Increased Cyber-attacks and other Forms of Aggression to U.S.

Republican lawmakers have sounded the alarm on the growing threats to the US from China, Russia, and Iran according to news reports today. The lawmakers released a report highlighting the challenges faced by the US military, including increased cyber-attacks and other forms of aggression.

Some of the key takeaways from the report include the need to increase funding for the military to counter these threats, the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges posed by China and Russia, and the need to prioritize cybersecurity to prevent future attacks.

This report is of interest to Americans for a Stronger Navy because it underscores the importance of a strong and well-funded military, particularly in the face of growing foreign threats. As one of the primary advocates for a stronger Navy, this report reinforces the need for continued investment in naval power to protect American interests both at home and abroad.

USS Springfield’s Indo-Pacific Patrol Strengthens Partnerships in Republic of Korea

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Feb. 23, 2023) Tugboats assist the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) as it pulls into port in Busan, Feb. 23. Springfield is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward deployed to the island of Guam and assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 15. CSS-15 is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to multiple Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Craft)

The USS Springfield, a United States Navy submarine, recently visited the Republic of Korea as part of its Indo-Pacific patrol. During the visit, the submarine’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Brett A. Sechrist, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received from their Republic of Korea hosts. He emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships and alliances in the region, saying, “It’s important that we continue to strengthen our partnerships and alliances in the region, and visits like this one help us to do that.”

The USS Springfield’s visit to the Republic of Korea is part of a larger mission to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the United States and its allies have increased their naval presence in the area to deter potential threats and maintain peace. Capt. Michael D. Luckett, commodore of Submarine Squadron 11, noted the critical role that submarines play in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, saying, “Our submarines play a critical role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we are committed to working with our allies and partners in the region to achieve this goal.”

The United States has long-standing partnerships and alliances with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Republic of Korea, which is an important ally in the region. The visit of the USS Springfield to the Republic of Korea reinforces the strong partnership between the two countries and their commitment to working together to maintain stability and security in the region.

Overall, the USS Springfield’s visit to the Republic of Korea highlights the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. It also emphasizes the role that the United States Navy plays in promoting stability and security in the area. As tensions continue to rise, the need for these partnerships and alliances becomes even more crucial.

The Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Collaborative Effort of the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in Defeating the Axis Powers

Press reports from Politico reflect that a plan by the United States, Australia, and the U.K are to share submarine technology as part of a strategic effort to counter Chinese naval power in the Pacific. The three countries have agreed to deepen their defense cooperation and share information on the development of new submarines, including advanced propulsion systems and stealth technology. The plan is aimed at strengthening the allies’ ability to detect and deter Chinese submarines, which have become increasingly active in the region. The article also notes that the plan is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the three allies and China.

Takeaways:

  • The US, Australia, and the UK plan to share submarine technology as a strategic effort to counter Chinese naval power in the Pacific.
  • The plan includes deepening defense cooperation and sharing information on the development of new submarines with advanced propulsion systems and stealth technology.
  • The aim is to strengthen the allies’ ability to detect and deter Chinese submarines that have become increasingly active in the region.
  • The plan is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the three allies and China.

The Power of Collaboration: The Story of the U.S., the U.K., and Australia in World War

Historical Context

  • The U.S., the U.K., and Australia collaborated in World War II to defeat the Axis powers.
  • The allies faced significant challenges, including the threat posed by German U-boats in the Atlantic.
  • The U.S. and the U.K. developed a plan to build aircraft carriers capable of tracking and destroying enemy subs
  • Australia provided the necessary shipbuilding expertise to build two carriers, which played a key role in the final months of the war.
  • The collaboration between the three nations continued after the war and remains strong today, reflecting the enduring power of collaboration and shared values.
  • In the early days of World War II, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia came together in a collaborative effort to defeat the Axis powers. The three nations formed an alliance that would prove to be instrumental in turning the tide of the war.

As the war raged on, the Allies faced numerous challenges and setbacks. One of the most significant was the threat posed by German U-boats, which were wreaking havoc on Allied shipping in the Atlantic. To combat this threat, the U.S. and the U.K. came up with a plan to build a new type of vessel – an aircraft carrier that could launch planes capable of tracking and destroying enemy subs.

The U.S. and the U.K. quickly realized that they didn’t have the resources to build these carriers on their own. They needed help from a nation with a strong naval tradition and the necessary shipbuilding expertise. That nation was Australia.

Australia eagerly joined the project and quickly set to work building two of these new carriers – the HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Sydney. The carriers were launched in 1945 and played a key role in the final months of the war, helping to track down and destroy numerous German U-boats.

The collaboration between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia didn’t end with the war, however. In the years that followed, the three nations continued to work closely together on a wide range of issues, from defense to trade and beyond.

Today, the bond between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia remains strong, a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the shared values that unite us all.

American Destroyer arrives in Japan

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) arrives at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Finn arrives from Naval Base San Diego to CFAY, becoming the latest forward-deployed asset in the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kaleb J. Sarten

The USS John Finn (DDG 113), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has arrived in Yokosuka, Japan to join Commander, Task Force (CTF 71)/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. The ship is designed for air warfare, submarine warfare, and surface warfare, and can operate independently or with other groups. Its deployment supports the US commitment to the defense of Japan and the security, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Angela Gonzales, stated that the crew is ready to support allies and partners in maintaining maritime security in the region

In April, 2021, the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) launches an Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6) during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages.

Top 10 Navies

Navies have played a crucial role in shaping the course of history, from ancient times to the modern era. In the 21st century, with the increased globalization and interconnectivity of the world, the role of navies has become even more important. They are responsible for safeguarding national interests, protecting territorial waters, maintaining maritime security, and ensuring freedom of navigation on the high seas.

In this blog post, we will explore the world’s top 10 navies based on various factors such as fleet size, capabilities, technology, and operational experience. Understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of the world’s navies is crucial in today’s global landscape as it provides insights into a country’s military power and geopolitical influence.

Moreover, as tensions continue to rise in various regions of the world, knowing which navies have the capability to project power and defend their interests is becoming increasingly important. This post will provide readers with an overview of the world’s top naval powers and their capabilities, enabling them to stay informed about the latest developments in the field of naval warfare.

Top 10 Navies of the World

Here are the top 10 navies in the world based on their number of ships and specific types:

United States Navy: The US Navy is the largest navy in the world, with a total of 490 ships, including 11 aircraft carriers, 22 cruisers, 67 destroyers, 11 frigates, and 72 submarines.

People’s Liberation Army Navy (China): China’s navy is rapidly expanding and currently has a total of 350 ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 25 destroyers, 52 frigates, and 76 submarines.

Russian Navy: The Russian Navy has a total of 352 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 4 cruisers, 13 destroyers, 78 corvettes, and 60 submarines.

Indian Navy: The Indian Navy has a total of 295 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 11 destroyers, 14 frigates, and 16 submarines.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force: Japan’s navy has a total of 154 ships, including 4 destroyers, 43 frigates, and 16 submarines.

Republic of Korea Navy: South Korea’s navy has a total of 166 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 12 destroyers, 13 frigates, and 22 submarines.

Royal Navy (United Kingdom): The UK’s navy has a total of 76 ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 6 destroyers, 13 frigates, and 7 submarines.

French Navy: France’s navy has a total of 118 ships, including 1 aircraft carrier, 4 destroyers, 11 frigates, and 10 submarines.

Italian Navy: Italy’s navy has a total of 153 ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 6 destroyers, 14 frigates, and 6 submarines.

Turkish Navy: Turkey’s navy has a total of 194 ships, including 16 frigates, 12 corvettes, and 12 submarines.

Chinese vessels near Philippines

Thitu Island, NASA • Public domain

The Philippines has reported the presence of a Chinese navy ship and 42 Chinese maritime militia vessels around Thitu island, a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea according to press reports by Reuters.

Thitu is the Philippines’ largest and most strategically important outpost in the disputed region. The Chinese embassy in Manila has not responded to the assertion. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has previously stated that the Philippines “will not lose an inch” of territory and has protested against China’s “aggressive activities” in the area according to press reports.

Who’s Who – U.S. Navy Commands

U.S. Deparment of the Navy Commands

The United States Navy is one of the largest and most advanced naval forces in the world, responsible for maintaining the country’s maritime security and protecting its interests around the globe. To effectively carry out its mission, the Navy is organized into a number of commands and offices, each with its own unique responsibilities and functions.

One of the most important commands within the Navy is the United States Fleet Forces Command, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. This command is responsible for overseeing the training and readiness of all naval forces on the East Coast, as well as providing support for joint military operations with other branches of the armed services.

Another key command is the United States Pacific Fleet, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This command is responsible for maintaining naval operations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as providing support for allied forces in the region.

In addition to these commands, the Navy also has a number of specialized offices and organizations dedicated to specific functions, such as the Naval Sea Systems Command, which oversees the development and maintenance of naval ships and equipment, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which conducts investigations into criminal activity involving Navy personnel and assets.

Overall, the various commands and offices within the U.S. Navy work together to ensure that the Navy is able to carry out its mission effectively and efficiently, both at home and abroad.

United States Fleet Forces Command (formerly Atlantic Fleet)
United States Naval Forces Central Command
United States Naval Forces Europe – Naval Forces Africa
United States Pacific Fleet
Modern US Navy fleets

US Navy fleets are numbered odd in the Pacific or West, and even in the Atlantic or East:

United States Second Fleet (HQ Norfolk, Virginia) – North Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, & Homeland Defense.

United States Third Fleet (HQ San Diego, California) – East Pacific

United States Fourth Fleet (HQ Mayport, Florida) – South Atlantic

United States Fifth Fleet (HQ Manama, Bahrain) – Middle East

United States Sixth Fleet (HQ Naples, Italy) – Europe, including Mediterranean Sea & Black Sea.

United States Seventh Fleet (HQ Yokosuka, Japan) – West Pacific

United States Tenth Fleet (HQ Fort Meade, Maryland) – Reactivated as Fleet Cyber Command. Formerly anti submarine warfare coordinating organization.

Iranian warships dock in Brazil

Two Iranian warships, the IRIS Makran and IRIS Dena, have been granted permission to dock in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, despite pressure from the US to bar them. The ships had previously been denied permission to dock in late January, but Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government allowed them to dock after his trip to the US. The US has expressed concerns about the presence of the Iranian warships on Brazilian shores. The decision to allow the ships to dock comes as Lula seeks to bolster Brazil’s international standing. Diplomacy with Iran was one of the highlights of Lula’s previous presidential terms according to publised reports from Reuters.

Fox is reporting has quoted a ‘Warning sign’: Iran’s military reportedly sending warships to Brazil, Panama Canal in challenge to US ‘Tehran’s ability to expand its military presence in our hemisphere should be a warning sign,’ Sen. Rubio says

Iran and China join Russia in dredging Volga River, strengthening anti-Western alliance says reports

The Iran Marine Industrial Company is repairing a Russian ship that crashed into ice on the Volga River and is joining China in helping Russia dredge the Volga-Caspian Seaway Canal, further strengthening the emerging Moscow-Tehran axis, integrating Iran into the Russian-Chinese alliance, and threatening Ukraine. The involvement of China and Iran in the dredging project benefits Moscow’s ability to address bottlenecks, while allowing larger naval vessels from Russia’s Caspian Flotilla to transit to the Sea of Azov. The move will also counter Western influence and integrate Iran into the Russian-Chinese alliance in the military and economic spheres. The Kremlin’s decision to involve Iran in the dredging project will give Russia the advanced ability to project force westward more quickly. The author of the article is Paul Goble and it was published in Eurasia Daily Monitor and the Jamestown Foundation.