Tag: Analysis

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From Depths to Skies: Exploring the Future Landscape of U.S. Naval Power

Bill Cullifer, Founder

Segment: Navigating Naval Insights: The RAND Perspective and Our Vision for U.S. Naval Power

Editor’s Note: This segment is part of our ongoing series “From Depths to Skies: Exploring the Future Landscape of U.S. Naval Power.” We delve deep into various perspectives to understand and shape the future of the U.S. Navy. In this installment, we explore the insights provided by the RAND Corporation and how they align with our vision for a stronger naval presence.

Dear Members and Friends of Americans for a Stronger Navy,

Greetings to each and every one of you. As the founder of Americans for a Stronger Navy, it’s an immense honor and privilege to connect with a community so deeply committed to the strength and future of our Navy.

Each of you, whether serving, having served, or standing as a steadfast supporter from the civilian community, shares the profound belief that a robust and well-equipped Navy is the bedrock of our nation’s security and global influence.

The journey to establish Americans for a Stronger Navy was fueled by personal passion and driven by the countless stories of dedication and sacrifice I’ve encountered over the years. Our Navy’s resilience, innovation, and indomitable spirit have inspired this venture, and I feel a profound responsibility to champion its cause.

But this mission isn’t mine alone; it’s ours. Together, we can navigate the complexities of advocacy, foster understanding among our fellow Americans, and ensure our Navy receives the support and resources it rightly deserves.

As we embark on this shared journey, I want you to know that your insights, experiences, and dedication are the foundation of our collective efforts. I am eager to hear your stories, understand your concerns, and work hand-in-hand to champion the needs of our Navy.

Thank you for being an integral part of Americans for a Stronger Navy. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we will ensure our Navy remains unmatched, now and for generations to come.

Best, Bill Cullifer, Founder, Americans for a Stronger Navy.

With our collective goals in mind:

“I’m excited to introduce the first installment of our series, “From Depths to Skies: Exploring the Future Landscape of U.S. Naval Power.” 

Today’s commentary hails from the respected research institution, the RAND Corporation. Authored by experts Bradley Martin and Scott Savitz, this piece sheds light on some pressing issues our Navy is grappling with. I believe it’s crucial for all of us to understand these challenges to advocate more effectively for our Navy’s future.

Understanding the RAND Corporation and Its Importance to Americans:

Who is RAND Corporation?

  1. RAND Corporation is a non-profit global policy think tank established in 1948. It provides research and analysis in various areas, including defense, health, education, and more. Its mission is to improve policy and decision-making through research and analysis.

Why do they matter?

  1. Experts from RAND are known for their research rigor and objectivity. They dive deep into complex issues, offering nuanced insights based on solid evidence. In the realm of defense and the Navy, their commentaries and analyses are instrumental in guiding policy decisions and in shaping public perceptions.

Why should Americans care?

  1. When RAND speaks on defense matters, policymakers, and the defense community pay attention.

Analysis of the Recent RAND Commentary:

The commentary by Bradley Martin and Scott Savitz raises important issues for the Navy:

  • Fleet Size & Configuration: The piece questions the Navy’s readiness for a diverse range of missions, from all-out conflict to low-level provocations, and raises concerns about the Navy’s force structure.
  • Presence vs. Deterrence: A significant naval presence aids deterrence, but the optimal level of presence required for deterrence is yet to be determined.
  • Unmanned Vessels: The Navy sees potential in unmanned assets to achieve a balanced force structure. But there are challenges in integration, and Congress remains skeptical about their effectiveness.
  • Strategic Vision: The Navy needs a clearer strategic vision. Its day-to-day operations, while essential, may hinder long-term planning and readiness for future conflicts.

Why Should We Care?

The U.S. Navy’s decisions today will shape our ability to deter and, if necessary, win wars tomorrow. These decisions impact our national security, our global reputation, and our ability to safeguard American interests.

We owe our gratitude to Bradley Martin and Scott Savitz for sharing their insights. Their expertise gives us a deeper understanding of the challenges our Navy faces and the need for a well-informed advocacy.

Dive Deeper with ‘Charting the Course’:

As we explore the future landscape of the U.S. Naval Power, our journey doesn’t end here. The “Americans for a Stronger Navy” initiative is excited to announce our upcoming groundbreaking webinar series, ‘Charting the Course’. This series will dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing our Navy, from AI advancements to defense budgetary nuances.

Why ‘Charting the Course’?:

  • Understand the potential of the “Replicator” initiative in AI system development.
  • Navigate the intricate waters of budgetary challenges within the defense sector.
  • Learn about the pivotal role of Naval strategy in global geopolitics.
  • Grasp the steps ensuring a future-ready U.S. Navy

Join Us or Lend Your Voice:

Are you a specialist in national security, defense, or Navy-related topics? Or perhaps you have a unique perspective on any of our episode topics, ranging from rethinking traditional shipbuilding to the role of AI in naval warfare evolution? We invite you to lend your voice to our series. All episodes, underwritten by the Americans for a Stronger Navy, will debut on December 7, 2023, and will be accessible at StrongerNavy.org.

For interested speakers, please find more details and submit your credentials by clicking here. “Call for Speakers” . You can also reach out to us at strongernavydotorg AT gmail.com or on Twitter @StrongerNavy.

Final Call to Action: The future of American naval power is not just a topic for discussion—it’s a collaborative mission. Whether you’re an expert or an interested party, we urge you to participate. Let’s not only witness the future; let’s shape it together.

For a stronger Navy, for a stronger America.

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Naval Coordination and Strategy

Introduction

To the esteemed members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,

An impactful maritime exercise recently took place in the Gulf of Oman, marking a significant stride in naval coordination. Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, colloquially known as Warthogs, teamed up with the USS Stethem (DDG-63) in an integrated Air Operation in Maritime Surface Warfare.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Enhanced Naval Coordination:
    • The recent exercise showcased the two Warthogs from the Air Force’s 75th Fighter Squadron cooperating with USS Stethem.
    • A live surface combat air patrol was conducted which involved joint fires against surface threats, emphasizing the potential of improving tactical proficiency.
  2. The Versatility of Warthogs:
    • Originally designed to confront Soviet tanks from the sky, the Warthogs boast a massive GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon capable of firing at an extraordinary rate.
    • While their primary function in recent times has been infantry close air support during conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, they’ve also demonstrated maritime capabilities.
  3. Growing Importance of Joint Exercises:
    • Such exercises have been a recurring theme. Earlier this year, the Air Force dispatched A-10s to the Middle East due to increasing Iranian disruptions to oil traffic. Moreover, joint Air Force-Navy operations have been frequent over the past year, reinforcing the importance of inter-service coordination.

Dale A. Jenkins, author of “Diplomats and Admirals” and Senior advisor to the Americans for a Stronger Navy, aptly articulates:

“The coordination between a U.S. Navy Destroyer and the Warthog Air Force attack plane is an example of specialized actions that should be taking place. They make the Navy stronger by participating in more active missions. The challenge for the Navy is to initiate such coordinated missions and thereby lead the effort, not wait to be invited. This is particularly important now when the Navy has only one of eleven of the unified combatant commands.” Jenkins further adds that had decisions gone differently regarding leadership roles, the Navy could have been at a more precarious position concerning the Indo-PAC command

Conclusion:

The recent joint exercise between the Warthogs and the USS Stethem serves as a testament to the potential and necessity of inter-service collaboration. In an era where naval strength and presence are paramount, these initiatives should be celebrated and further encouraged. As Jenkins emphasized, proactive leadership and coordination in such operations are vital for the Navy to retain its commanding position in the global arena.

This exercise marks the sixth iteration of the joint and combined AOMSW between U.S. Navy and Air Force this year. Previous exercises incorporated the Air Force Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft operate alongside USS Bataan (LHD 5) & USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) in the Gulf of Oman, in August; An A-10 firing a 30mm practice rounds on a practice target on the surface of the water in July 10; A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, two United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, & three U.S. Coast Guard cutters with embarked U.S. Marine Corps joint terminal attack controllers, trained together in the Arabian Gulf, April 28; Guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter conducted joint operations in the Gulf of Aden, April 2.

USS Stethem is are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

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Why Taiwan Matters for America and Its Navy

Taiwan – Wikipedia

Introduction

Taiwan is a small island nation off the coast of China, with a population of about 23 million people and a land area of about 14,000 square miles. It is also one of the most important and contentious issues in global security, especially for the United States and its Navy.

Taiwan’s History and Status

Taiwan has a complex and contested history with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and vows to reunify with it by force if necessary. Taiwan, on the other hand, has developed its own identity and democracy, and seeks to maintain its autonomy and sovereignty. The United States has been Taiwan’s main ally and protector since 1979, when it established the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits the United States to provide Taiwan with arms sales and assistance, and to help Taiwan defend itself against any threats or attacks.

However, the United States has also maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, which means that it neither promises nor rules out military intervention in case of a Chinese attack. This policy is intended to deter both China and Taiwan from taking any provocative or unilateral actions that could destabilize the status quo and trigger a war. However, this policy also creates uncertainty and confusion for both sides, as well as for the United States itself.

Taiwan as a Tipping Point

In his recent speech at the Global Security Forum ’23, Professor James Holmes, a professor of strategy at the Naval War College and a nonresident fellow at the University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs, addressed the question of whether Taiwan will be a tipping point in global security. He defined a tipping point as a change of state that involves cause and effect and time. He used the metaphor of a boiling point to illustrate his definition, and he explained how human beings can regulate changes of state by adjusting the heat or pressure in a system.

He then applied his definition and metaphor to the case of Taiwan, which he considered to be a potential flashpoint between the United States and China. He argued that Taiwan is not yet at a tipping point, but it could be if certain conditions are met. He identified three conditions that could trigger a tipping point:

(1) China decides to use force to reunify with Taiwan;

(2) the United States decides to intervene militarily to defend Taiwan; and

(3) Taiwan decides to declare formal independence from China.

He analyzed each of these conditions and evaluated their likelihood and consequences. He concluded that none of them are very likely or desirable, but they are not impossible or unthinkable either. He warned that miscalculation, misperception, or miscommunication could lead to an escalation or a crisis that could push Taiwan over the tipping point. He also cautioned that domestic politics, public opinion, and media influence could affect the decision-making process of the actors involved.

How to Prevent or Manage Tipping Point

He then offered some recommendations on how to prevent or manage a tipping point in Taiwan. He suggested that the United States should maintain its strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, which means that it should neither promise nor rule out military intervention in case of a Chinese attack. He also advised that the United States should strengthen its deterrence and diplomacy vis-à-vis China, which means that it should bolster its military presence and capabilities in the region, as well as engage in dialogue and cooperation with China on areas of common interest. He also proposed that the United States should support Taiwan’s security and democracy, which means that it should provide arms sales and assistance to Taiwan, as well as encourage its participation in international organizations and forums.

Why Taiwan Matters For America’s Interests and Values

Why should Americans care about Taiwan? Because Taiwan matters for America’s interests and values, as well as for its Navy’s missions and objectives. Taiwan is an important economic partner and trading partner for the United States, with bilateral trade worth over $100 billion in 2020. Taiwan is also an important democratic ally and friend for the United States, sharing common ideals and principles such as freedom, human rights, and rule of law. Taiwan is also an important strategic partner and asset for the United States, helping to balance China’s power and influence in Asia-Pacific.

Why Taiwan Matters for America’s Navy

Taiwan is also crucial for America’s Navy, which has been operating in the western Pacific for over 70 years. The Navy’s role is to protect U.S. interests and allies in the region, as well as to ensure freedom of navigation and access to the global commons. The Navy’s presence is also meant to deter China from using force or coercion against its neighbors, especially Taiwan. The Navy’s capabilities are also essential for responding to any contingency or crisis involving Taiwan, whether it is humanitarian assistance or military intervention.

Taiwan is not only an island nation; it is also an idea worth defending. It represents what America stands for: democracy, liberty, and peace. It also represents what America needs: a strong Navy that can protect its interest and values around the world.

Conclusion

We are the Americans for a Stronger Navy and we advocate for Peace Through Strength. We believe that a strong navy is the best guarantee of peace and security in the maritime domain.

We believe that a strong Navy is the best deterrent against aggression and coercion by our adversaries. We also believe that a strong Navy is the best instrument of diplomacy and cooperation with our allies and partners.

We stand with our sailors and their families during this difficult time. We support them with our words and deeds. We thank them for their dedication and sacrifice. We hope that they will receive their due respect and reward soon.

We are the Americans for a Stronger Navy, and we say: “Don’t give up the ship!”

Source: 19FortyFive.com

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Supporting the US Navy’s Strategic Direction: The Significance of the Americans for a Stronger Navy’s Initiative Outline

The outline of initiatives by Americans for a Stronger Navy is a crucial aspect of the organization’s mission to support the United States Navy’s strategic direction. By focusing on key areas such as strengthening the Navy’s capabilities, promoting international partnerships, supporting readiness efforts, advocating for modernization, and championing personnel and their families, Americans for a Stronger Navy aims to ensure that the Navy remains the most capable and effective naval force in the world. This blog post will highlight the significance of the outline and explain why it matters in supporting the Navy’s strategic direction outlined in the Navigation Plan 2022.

The Navigation Plan 2022, released by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), outlines the US Navy’s strategic direction for the next decade. The plan focuses on five key areas: warfighting, operating forward, readiness, modernization, and people. It aims to address the challenges faced by the Navy in terms of maintaining its current capabilities while also preparing for future threats and opportunities.

Cheif of Naval Operations Navigation Plan 2022

The plan emphasizes the importance of investing in modern technologies to enhance the Navy’s warfighting capabilities, including hypersonic weapons, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence. It also prioritizes operating forward, which involves maintaining a constant presence in critical regions around the world, building partnerships with other nations, and conducting joint operations with other branches of the military.

The Navigation Plan 2022 also places a significant emphasis on readiness, which involves ensuring that the Navy is equipped with the resources and personnel needed to respond to crises and conflicts quickly and effectively. It also focuses on modernizing the Navy’s equipment and infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge against emerging threats.

To support the Navy’s strategic direction outlined in the Navigation Plan 2022, initiatives by Americans for a Stronger Navy focus on the following:

  1. Strengthening the Navy’s capabilities through increased funding: The organization advocates for robust funding to support the Navy’s modernization efforts, including the development and acquisition of advanced technologies.

2. Promoting international partnerships and alliances: Americans for a Stronger Navy supports the Navy’s operating forward strategy by advocating for partnerships and alliances with other nations to enhance interoperability and build regional security.

3. Supporting readiness efforts: The organization works to ensure that the Navy has the necessary resources and personnel to maintain readiness and respond to threats quickly and effectively.

4. Advocating for modernization: Americans for a Stronger Navy advocates for modernizing the Navy’s equipment and infrastructure to ensure that it remains competitive and effective against emerging threats.

5. Championing personnel and their families: The organization focuses on promoting policies and initiatives that support Navy personnel and their families, including efforts to enhance benefits, improve quality of life, and provide better healthcare.

7. Overall, the Navigation Plan 2022 and the initiatives by Americans for a Stronger Navy share a common goal of ensuring that the US Navy remains the most capable and effective naval force in the world, capable of responding to emerging threats and challenges in the coming decade.