Tag: Maritime Security

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People Powering Progress: The U.S. Navy’s Smart Approach to Modernization

For years, America’s Navy has been a punching bag for criticism, often seen as slow to modernize or inefficient in spending. While scrutiny is necessary, it’s time to tell the other side of the story—the one about the thousands of dedicated Navy personnel and industry professionals working relentlessly to ensure the fleet remains strong, cost-effective, and mission-ready.

One of the best examples of this commitment is the Navy’s rapid deployment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) capabilities aboard USS Indianapolis (LCS 17). Instead of developing an entirely new system at great expense, the Navy and its partners took a smarter approach—upgrading the existing Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) to counter drone threats in contested environments.

Real People, Real Impact

This isn’t just about technology—it’s about people.

  • Navy officers and sailors who are actively testing and deploying these systems in real-world operations.
  • Engineers and defense contractors working behind the scenes to ensure the technology is reliable, cost-effective, and adaptable.
  • Strategists and policymakers balancing modernization with budget efficiency, ensuring that America’s Navy is both powerful and financially responsible.

Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program manager for LCS Mission Modules, highlighted this teamwork:
“By leveraging the adaptability of proven technologies in partnership with the Integrated Warfare Systems 80 program office, we were able to deliver on a critical need to the Fleet. This accomplishment showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Littoral Combat Ship Mission Module Program.”

Smart Spending in a Scrutinized Budget

At a time when leaders like former President Trump and business mogul Elon Musk are calling for greater accountability in defense spending, the Navy is proving that modernization doesn’t have to mean runaway costs.

  • The SSMM upgrade shows that the Navy is reusing and improving existing systems rather than building from scratch.
  • By integrating AI-driven detection, modular sensors, and open-architecture systems, upgrades remain adaptable and cost-efficient.
  • Industry partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics ensure that new technology is integrated without unnecessary government overhead.

Rear Adm. Kevin Smith summed it up best:
“This rapid integration of C-UAS capabilities enhances our ability to project power and maintain freedom of maneuver in contested environments. We are not only addressing immediate threats but also strengthening the Navy’s overall strategy for operational agility, deterrence, and sustained dominance.”

Industry & Navy Partnership Driving Innovation

Modernizing the U.S. Navy isn’t just a military effort—it’s a collaborative mission between dedicated sailors and some of the most advanced technology companies in the country. Industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics are bringing cutting-edge AI, automation, and drone defense solutions to the fleet. These partnerships ensure that modernization is not just about spending money—it’s about getting the best value for every dollar spent while equipping our Navy with the tools needed to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Key industry players include:

  1. Lockheed Martin – Developing scalable counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) with AI-driven detection, modular sensors, and command-and-control systems.
  2. Northrop Grumman – Contracted to develop C-UAS solutions for the Navy.
  3. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) – Testing government-provided autonomy software aboard the MQ-20 Avenger, demonstrating potential advances in Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs).
  4. uAvionix – Developed Casia G, enabling 24/7 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.
  5. Volatus Aerospace & Draganfly – Enhancing geospatial and automation capabilities.
  6. Pierce Aerospace – Working on Remote ID detection technology to identify unauthorized drones.

A Message from Americans for a Stronger Navy

“This isn’t just about hardware—it’s about the people who believe in a stronger, more cost-effective Navy. From the sailors aboard the USS Indianapolis to the engineers at Lockheed Martin, thousands of Americans are working every day to ensure the Navy remains a force to be reckoned with—without wasting taxpayer dollars.

We at Americans for a Stronger Navy believe this is the kind of smart, strategic modernization that deserves recognition. Our Navy isn’t just adapting to today’s threats—it’s building a foundation for a stronger, smarter future. This is what peace through strength looks like.”

Final Call to Action: Join the Conversation

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe in supporting the hardworking sailors, engineers, and industry partners who are ensuring the Navy remains strong, modern, and cost-effective. But we can’t do it alone.

✅ Engage with us—Share your thoughts on what a stronger, smarter Navy looks like.
✅ Spread the word—Help shift the narrative to recognize the real efforts behind modernization.
✅ Stay informed—Follow us for updates on how the Navy is adapting to new challenges.

💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments or visit StrongerNavy.org to learn more. Join the discussion on X.

Join the movement.

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Australia’s Naval Reality Check—America Should Take Notes

If Australia is vulnerable, what does that mean for America?

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

In a recent article for The Australian, Jennifer Parker—an expert associate at the National Security College, Australian National University, and an adjunct fellow in naval studies at the University of New South Wales Canberra—examined China’s latest naval maneuvers near Australia. Her analysis sheds light on vulnerabilities that should concern not just Australia, but the United States as well.

A stark reality: China’s naval task force is actively testing Australia’s response—militarily, politically, and diplomatically. A Chinese fleet operating near Australia’s waters isn’t just a message to Canberra; it’s a signal to the world that Beijing is expanding its reach.

For Americans, this should be a wake-up call. Australia, a key U.S. ally, has long enjoyed security from major conflicts. Yet, China’s maneuvers off its coast expose vulnerabilities in a way that should concern every nation reliant on maritime security, global trade, and naval power.

If China can challenge Australia’s sovereignty at sea today, what stops it from doing the same to America and its allies tomorrow?

China’s Strategy: Testing and Expanding

The deployment of a Chinese naval task group so close to Australia is no accident. It follows a pattern:

  • Probing reactions. Just as it has done in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and Latin American ports, China is assessing how the world will respond to its growing military presence.
  • Disrupting global security norms. Conducting live-fire drills near civilian air routes, refusing to issue proper warnings, and testing defense response times all serve a greater goal—normalizing an expanded Chinese naval footprint.
  • Challenging the free world. This is about more than Australia. China is signaling that it has the capability—and the intent—to pressure democratic nations and reshape global power structures in its favor.

This matters to the United States because we rely on the same global shipping lanes, trade networks, and security partnerships that China is testing right now.

Lessons for the U.S. Navy and America

Jennifer Parker’s article points out an uncomfortable truth: Australia’s navy is struggling to meet growing demands. Its limited number of warships, outdated replenishment capabilities, and defense spending shortfalls are now under the spotlight.

But let’s not pretend this problem is unique to Australia.

  • The U.S. Navy is stretched thin. With growing commitments in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and beyond, America is already balancing a smaller fleet against greater global threats.
  • Shipbuilding capacity is a bottleneck. While China launches warships at record speed, the U.S. struggles to maintain its current fleet.
  • Defense funding debates mirror Australia’s. At just 2% of GDP, U.S. defense spending is below Cold War levels, and ship procurement continues to face budgetary and political hurdles.

Australia’s vulnerabilities should be a case study for the United States. If a key U.S. ally is struggling to keep pace with China’s naval expansion, America cannot afford to take its own naval dominance for granted.

What Needs to Happen Next?

The right response is not panic—it’s preparation. America must learn from Australia’s situation and take the following steps:

  1. Increase Naval Readiness
    • The U.S. must expand and modernize its fleet, ensuring it has the ships, submarines, and logistical support needed to deter threats.
    • Fleet maintenance and shipyard infrastructure must be prioritized so that existing assets remain operational.
  2. Strengthen Strategic Alliances
    • The U.S.-Australia partnership is critical—joint naval exercises, intelligence sharing, and strategic basing agreements must be expanded.
    • Coordination with Japan, the Philippines, India, and other Indo-Pacific allies must also be reinforced.
  3. Engage the American Public
    • Most Americans aren’t aware of how dependent the U.S. economy and security are on naval power.
    • China isn’t just flexing its military strength—it’s waging a long-term strategic contest to control global trade, technology, and resources.
    • If we don’t educate and rally support for a stronger Navy now, we risk falling behind when it matters most.

Final Thought: A Call to Action

Australia is waking up to the reality that it must invest in naval power to protect its interests. America should take this moment to do the same.

We don’t need alarmism. We need action.

The choice is simple: Invest in a stronger Navy today, or risk facing a crisis tomorrow.

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When America Ships, America Wins

Wake up, America—our destiny depends on it.

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Introduction

In our ongoing pursuit to strengthen America’s sea power, we must confront the challenges facing both our Navy and the broader maritime domain. Over the weekend, I immersed myself in key publications—from Captain Brent D. Sadler’s impassioned article, The Nation Needs a Shipbuilding Revolution (February 2025 Proceedings), to insightful analyses on platforms like War on the Rocks and legislative presentations regarding the SHIPS for America Act. In addition, I revisited the history and nuance of Naval versus Maritime Statecraft.

The conclusion is clear: our nation’s strength at sea relies on a transformative, integrated approach. In short, When America Ships, America Wins.

Why This Matters

For too long, the U.S. Navy has operated under a narrow warfighting mandate—a legacy of policies from the 1950s that prioritized combat readiness above all else. Yet history teaches us that true American sea power has always depended on two interlinked capabilities: a modern, formidable fleet and an engaged maritime domain that underpins commerce, diplomacy, and humanitarian efforts.

As Rep. Garamendi recently stated,
“Today, less than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag; the SHIPS for America Act will empower our shipyards and marine merchants to uphold our country’s status as a leader in the maritime industry.”

Meanwhile, Senator Mark Kelly emphasized,
“Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to both our national security and economic resilience.”

These words capture the urgent need to reinvest in our naval statecraft while simultaneously enhancing our broader maritime strength.

Our Journey to Clarity
Throughout my review, several key insights emerged:

Dissecting the Sources: Captain Sadler’s article calls for a revolution in U.S. naval shipbuilding. He writes, “For too long, needed investment in and action to bolster our nation’s maritime industrial base have been elusive. That luxury is no longer feasible given the threat from a revanchist and massively invested Chinese military.” His words, combined with insights from War on the Rocks and historical reflections, remind us that our Navy must once again balance combat readiness with essential peacetime missions.

Clarifying Terminology: We now clearly distinguish between “naval statecraft”—focused on rebuilding our fleet and shipbuilding capacity—and “maritime statecraft,” which encompasses the broader economic, diplomatic, and logistical roles at sea. Recognizing that these two concepts are mutually reinforcing helps create a coherent strategic message.

Refining Our Message: After extensive review and discussion, our distilled, bold message is: When America Ships, America Wins. Coupled with the rallying cry, Wake up, America—our destiny depends on it, this encapsulates the urgent need to invest in our naval statecraft to secure our maritime future.

Key Takeaways and Implications

Integrated Mission for a Modern Era: A strong Navy is not just about preparing for war—it is the foundation of national security, economic prosperity, and global maritime influence. When America builds its ships, it reinforces its entire maritime domain.

Economic and Security Benefits: Investment in our shipbuilding industry creates high-quality jobs, revitalizes our manufacturing base, and ensures our fleet is capable of sustaining military operations and global trade. Without sufficient modern vessels, our ability to maintain critical supply chains is at risk.

Historical Lessons for Today: The interwar period showed that the U.S. Navy once balanced readiness for war with vital peacetime missions like humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement. Recalling these lessons provides a blueprint for integrating naval and maritime statecraft in today’s complex environment.

In my efforts to understand the challenges facing the U.S. Navy and our maritime infrastructure, I have spent a fair amount of time reviewing the Jones Act and the range of views surrounding it. While there are differing opinions on how best to strengthen our domestic shipping industry, one thing is clear—America needs more ships, a stronger supporting infrastructure, and a Navy that is fully equipped to protect our national security. Regardless of where one stands on the specifics of maritime policy, we can all agree that a Stronger Navy is critical to American security and economic resilience. My focus remains on ensuring that we have the industrial capacity, shipbuilding capabilities, and logistics networks necessary to maintain U.S. maritime strength in an increasingly contested world.

Why Americans Should Care

For over two centuries, American maritime strength has been a cornerstone of our global leadership. Yet today, our domestic shipbuilding industry has shrunk from over 300 shipyards in the 1980s to just 20, and our U.S.-flagged commercial fleet has dwindled to fewer than 80 vessels. With China dominating global shipbuilding and maritime trade, the equation is simple: When America Ships, America Wins. Our shipyards are the engines powering our Navy, safeguarding our commerce, and securing our freedom.

Implications for the Navy and the Maritime Domain

For the Navy: Modernizing our fleet enhances operational readiness, supports a skilled and sustainable workforce, and allows the Navy to execute both war and peacetime missions. A modernized Navy is essential to deter adversaries and defend our national interests.

For the Maritime Domain: A thriving shipbuilding industry is vital for protecting American commerce, ensuring free navigation, and fostering economic resilience. Strengthening our maritime statecraft reinforces strategic partnerships and maintains our global influence.

The Legislative Response: SHIPS for America Act

Bipartisan efforts led by figures such as Senator Mark Kelly, Congressman Mike Waltz, Rep. Trent Kelly, and Rep. John Garamendi have culminated in the introduction of the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act. This comprehensive legislation proposes to:

  • Revive U.S. Shipbuilding: Offer tax incentives and targeted investments to rebuild our shipyards and attract private-sector growth.
  • Expand the U.S.-Flagged Merchant Fleet: Implement cargo preference laws to ensure more goods travel on American ships.
  • Strengthen National Security: Increase the supply of ships available for military logistics and rapid response.
  • Develop a New Maritime Workforce: Establish apprenticeships, trade school incentives, and recruiting programs to restore critical skills in ship maintenance and marine operations.
  • Forge Strategic Partnerships with Allies: Collaborate with trusted nations like Japan, South Korea, Finland, and Canada to enhance our shipbuilding capacity while ensuring American oversight.

This legislation is not about partisan politics—it’s about survival. With global supply chains vulnerable to disruption, the urgency to rebuild our maritime strength has never been greater.

Conclusion & Call to Action

History teaches us that nations fall when they lose control of the seas. Today, as our adversaries grow stronger and our industrial base shrinks, we cannot afford to dawdle. It’s not war we desire, but peace achieved through strength—and our enemies must know that America will not stand idly by.

Join us in this crucial mission. We call on policymakers, industry leaders, and every American who values freedom and prosperity to support transformative initiatives that invest in our naval statecraft. By strengthening our shipbuilding industry and modernizing our Navy, we secure a robust maritime future that benefits us all.

When American Ships, America Wins.
Wake up, America—our destiny depends on it.

Visit StrongerNavy.org to learn more, get involved, and help ensure that our nation’s shipbuilding efforts pave the way for a secure and prosperous future.

In service to a stronger America,
Bill

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Global Risks to Undersea Infrastructure and the Growing Need for Defense

All Hands on Deck by StrongerNavy.org

Undersea cables are the unseen arteries of modern communication, carrying 99% of the world’s internet and telecommunications traffic. Yet, as geopolitical tensions rise, these vital systems are becoming frequent targets of sabotage and hybrid warfare. Incidents from the Baltic Sea to the Taiwan Strait highlight both their strategic importance and vulnerabilities.

The Stakes: Why Undersea Cables Matter

  • Global Communication: These cables carry 99% of international data, enabling everything from financial transactions to government communications.
  • Economic Lifeline: Damaging these cables can disrupt trillions of dollars in daily transactions, impacting economies and businesses globally.
  • Military and Security Concerns: Undersea cables are vital for military communication, making them high-value targets in hybrid warfare strategies.

Recent Incidents and Their Implications
Baltic Sea

  • October 2023: The Hong Kong-registered containership Newnew Polar Bear dragged its anchor across the seabed, damaging the Balticconnector natural gas pipeline and data cables in the Gulf of Finland. The ship fled toward Russia, evading investigation.
  • December 2024: A power cable between Finland and Estonia was severed, and suspicion fell on a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker, the Eagle S. Finnish authorities found specialized surveillance equipment on board, allegedly used to monitor naval activity.

Taiwan Strait

  • February 2023: Two undersea cables connecting Taiwan to the Matsu Islands were severed by a Chinese fishing boat and cargo vessel, leaving the island without internet for weeks.
  • January 2025: The freighter Shunxin-39 severed a cable off Taiwan’s northern coast. Although the ship escaped investigation, Taiwan suspects deliberate sabotage. Herming Chiueh, Deputy Head of Taiwan’s Digital Ministry, said the cable-cutting was likely intentional: “You need to accidentally [drop your] anchor on the cable, and then you need to accidentally turn on your engine with the anchor down, and even [if] you realize your anchor is down, you need to keep the engine moving until you cut the cable.”

Red Sea

  • Houthi rebels were suspected of damaging cables belonging to four major telecom networks, though the group denied involvement.

The Strategic Significance of Undersea Infrastructure

  • Economic Importance: These cables carry trillions of dollars in financial transactions daily. Disruptions can cripple economies, hinder communication, and destabilize global markets.
  • Military Implications: Reliable undersea communications are vital for military operations and coordination. Sabotage could cripple responses during crises, delaying information flow and strategic decisions.
  • Geopolitical Pressures: Russia and China employ unorthodox tactics to assert dominance and destabilize their adversaries.

U.S. Navy and Allied Responses

  • Enhanced Patrols: NATO and allied nations are increasing naval presence in the Baltic and other regions to monitor suspicious activity.
  • Technological Investments: AI-driven systems and underwater sensors are being deployed to detect and deter sabotage.
  • Policy and Collaboration: Strengthened international legal frameworks and collaborative efforts among allies are essential for defending undersea infrastructure.

The Way Forward

  • Mitigating Risks: Building redundant systems, deploying advanced monitoring technologies, and fostering public-private partnerships are key steps to reduce vulnerabilities.
  • A Call for Action: Safeguarding undersea cables requires prioritization at the highest levels of government and international collaboration to counter hybrid threats.

Undersea cables, often taken for granted, are critical to the global economy, security, and military operations. The recent spate of incidents underscores the need for vigilance, innovation, and collaboration. For the U.S. and its allies, safeguarding these invisible lifelines is not just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic imperative.

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An Open Letter: Strengthening America’s Maritime Future

Dear Captains Hendrix and Sadler,

Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

Thank you for your recent article, Restoring Our Maritime Strength, which provides a compelling blueprint for addressing the urgent challenges facing the U.S. Navy and the broader maritime industry. Your insights underline the critical need for immediate, decisive action to secure America’s maritime future. As a former U.S. Destroyer Navy sailor and the founder of Americans for a Stronger Navy, I wholeheartedly support many of the recommendations outlined in your piece, though I believe there is room to expand and refine the conversation further.

Recognizing the Threats

Your framing of the maritime challenges posed by China’s growing naval and economic dominance is sobering and accurate. The convergence of military, commercial, and strategic threats from adversaries like China and Russia requires a holistic approach to maritime security. However, these challenges are not just Navy problems; they are American problems. As you noted, the decline in U.S. shipbuilding capacity and the neglect of our maritime industrial base have left us vulnerable. This is where public understanding and support become crucial.

Mobilizing Public Engagement

While your article rightly focuses on policy and institutional reform, the broader American public must be engaged in this conversation. Without public buy-in, even the most robust plans risk losing momentum. We must explain to Americans why our maritime strength is foundational to national security, economic stability, and global leadership. Initiatives like the “Ships for America Act” are a good starting point, but they need champions who can connect these policies to everyday American interests—from jobs in the shipbuilding industry to the safety of international trade routes.

Expanding the Workforce and Industrial Base

Your call to revitalize the maritime industrial base is vital, but it must also include targeted efforts to expand and diversify the workforce. Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, apprenticeships, and incentives for careers in shipbuilding and repair can rejuvenate a sector that has been overlooked for too long. Creating “maritime prosperity zones” could serve as a model for incentivizing investment in these industries while offering opportunities to underfunded high school and community college communities.

Addressing Maintenance and Readiness

The maintenance backlog you describe is a glaring vulnerability. Your suggestion of public-private partnerships to expand dry dock capacity is pragmatic and actionable. However, we must also address inefficiencies within existing shipyards. Streamlining repair processes, modernizing facilities, and investing in advanced technologies like AI and robotics can accelerate maintenance timelines and reduce costs.

Leadership and Culture

The emphasis on cultivating warfighting leaders is critical. As you noted, the Navy must identify and elevate officers who can think and act decisively in high-stakes environments. However, this cultural shift should also extend beyond leadership to include every sailor, including those with an interest in peace through strength. A Navy ready to face 21st-century challenges must foster innovation and adaptability at all levels.

Dale A. Jenkins, distinguished Staff Director of the Council on Foreign Relations, Senior Advisor for Americans for a Stronger Navy, and author of Diplomats and Admirals, has noted, “Leadership within the Navy must not only prioritize operational readiness but also inspire a culture of innovation and strategic foresight at every level of command.” His extensive experience underscores the necessity of aligning leadership reforms with strategic imperatives.

Dr. Steven Wills, Senior Advisor at the NAVALIST Center for Maritime Strategy and Senior Advisor for Americans for a Stronger Navy, reinforces this sentiment: “To meet the multifaceted challenges of the modern maritime domain, the Navy must embrace technological innovation and cultivate a culture prepared for high-intensity conflict.” His expertise highlights the importance of integrating advanced strategies with a focus on readiness.

Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies

While your article focuses primarily on traditional maritime strategies, the increasing threat of cyber warfare cannot be ignored. My decades of experience in telecommunications and web technologies have demonstrated how adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in telecommunications and critical infrastructure to gain strategic advantages. A robust cybersecurity framework must be integrated into the Navy’s modernization plans, ensuring that new ships and systems are protected from digital threats. Additionally, emerging technologies like uncrewed systems and quantum sensing should play a prominent role in our maritime strategy.

Conclusion

I understand that many Americans feel overwhelmed by calls for urgent action on numerous fronts and are skeptical of government programs that promise change but fail to deliver. That is why it is essential to approach these efforts with a focus on accountability, transparency, and tangible benefits for the American people. By demonstrating clear progress and measurable outcomes, we can rebuild trust and show that investing in our maritime strength is an investment in our shared future.

Your article provides a vital roadmap for reinvigorating America’s maritime strength, but the implementation of these ideas will require a unified effort from policymakers, the Navy, industry leaders, and the American public. At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are committed to fostering the public understanding and support necessary to drive these changes. Together, we can chart a course toward a stronger, more resilient Navy that is prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

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U.S. Navy News – December 11-19, 2024

Global News

NATO Aircraft Carrier to Visit West Pacific
France’s Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group is scheduled to visit Japan in early 2025 during its Indo-Pacific deployment, with stops in Okinawa. This reflects NATO’s growing strategic focus on the region.

USS Savannah Makes Historic Cambodian Port Call
The Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, from December 16–20, marking the first U.S. Navy port call in Cambodia in eight years.

USS Harry S. Truman Enters Middle East Waters
The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group transited the Suez Canal on December 15, bringing U.S. carrier presence back to the region after a month-long absence.

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 Returns for Holidays
The “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore on December 14 after a 5-month deployment in U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas.

U.S. Navy Tests Hypersonic Missile
A successful test of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body showcased advancements in the Navy and Army’s hypersonic strike capabilities, achieving speeds at extended ranges.

U.S. Navy Awards Textron $106M for Mine Sweeping Technology
A new contract for the Mine Sweeping Payload Delivery System aims to expand semi-autonomous mine-clearing operations, ensuring maritime security.

U.S. Navy’s Next-Gen Jammer Completes First Deployment
Advanced electronic warfare systems, capable of disrupting enemy air defenses, completed their inaugural deployment with notable success.

New Constellation-Class Frigate Honors Female Naval Pioneer
The USS Joy Bright Hancock (FFG 69) will commemorate one of the first female Navy officers and her trailblazing contributions to military gender integration.

U.S. Navy Intercepts Houthi Attacks in Gulf of Aden
For the second time this month, destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane intercepted missiles and drones from Houthi forces in the Gulf of Aden.

Quantum Computing for Naval Applications
The Navy explores quantum computing for tasks such as simulating war games, enabling secure communications, and solving maintenance challenges, aiming for transformative operational impacts.

Congress Allocates $5.7 Billion for Virginia-Class Submarines
A stopgap funding bill includes significant investments for the Virginia-class program, emphasizing the importance of submarine force expansion.

U.S. Navy to Expand Constellation-Class Frigate Production
To mitigate delays, the Navy considers adding a second shipyard to accelerate the production of these versatile surface combatants.

China Watch
China Releases ‘Hit List’ Targeting U.S. Navy Systems
The PLA published plans to target U.S. Navy carrier groups, including AEGIS vessels and E-2C Hawkeyes, by overwhelming electronic warfare systems.

Pentagon Warns of China’s Growing Naval Power. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China has significantly expanded its global reach over the past year, moving more frequently and in greater force beyond its regional waters. This growth is attributed to the ongoing development and deployment of advanced warships and logistics support vessels, which enable the PLAN to operate at greater distances from its home waters

Report: Despite Corruption Problems, China Progresses Toward Modernization
The Defense Department today released the annual “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” report, a congressionally mandated annual report that offers insight into the capabilities, strategies and goals of China and its military.

China Conducts Largest Naval Drill in Decades Near Taiwan
A massive PLA naval exercise, involving 100 ships, heightened regional tensions as unannounced drills continued close to Taiwan.

Satellite Image Shows Chinese Aircraft Carrier Near Vietnam’s Shores. A satellite image captured on Tuesday reveals a Chinese aircraft carrier operating in the contested South China Sea, close to Vietnam’s coastline.

Russia Watch
Russia Disrupts Baltic Communications
Russian forces have interfered with mobile and maritime communication in the Baltic Sea, testing NATO’s response and posing risks to shipping and energy supplies.

Russia’s Investment in Underwater Drones Increases
Russia and other global powers advance unmanned undersea capabilities, focusing on drones capable of long-range and deep-sea operations.

Iran Watch
Iran’s New Drone Corvette Operates Undetected
The Shahid Bagheri drone corvette patrolled the Persian Gulf for weeks, showcasing Iran’s increasing maritime stealth capabilities.

U.S. Strikes Houthi Command Hub in Yemen
Retaliatory strikes on a Houthi hub responsible for launching attacks in the Gulf of Aden emphasized the Navy’s commitment to regional security.

Upcoming Developments
French Carrier Strike Group Deployment to Japan
France’s Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group will reinforce Indo-Pacific partnerships in early 2025 with planned stops in Okinawa.

U.S. Navy’s E-130J Aircraft Contract Announced
A $3.5 billion contract for the E-130J “Doomsday Plane” will enhance nuclear command and control capabilities.