Helicopters from the aircraft carrier Eisenhower engaged four Houthi small boats on Dec. 31, eliminating three and killing the boats’ crews. (MC2 Keith Nowak/Navy)
Introduction:
Welcome back to our ongoing discussion on the evolving landscape of global naval affairs. In this installment, we build upon our previous explorations — from the threats posed by Houthi missiles and drones in the Red Sea, affecting both global trade and the U.S. Navy’s operations (Houthi Missiles and Drones Threaten Red Sea Shipping), to the unique challenges the U.S. Navy faces in the strategically critical Red Sea and Suez Canal regions (How the US Navy Is Facing New Challenges in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal). We have also previously examined the role of ships like USS Carney in maintaining regional stability (USS Carney Defends Regional Stability in the Red Sea), and delved into understanding America’s warfighting navy priorities (Understanding America’s Warfighting Navy Priorities). Today, we turn our attention to the recent incident in the Red Sea involving the attack on the Zografia ship, to further understand its implications for U.S. naval operations and global maritime security.
The Red Sea Incident: A Brief Overview:
On January 16, 2024, the Red Sea bore witness to a troubling event. Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for attacking the Zografia ship, a vessel reportedly heading to Israel. This attack prompted a swift response from U.S.-U.K. warships, signaling the heightened tensions in one of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of maritime geopolitics.
The Rising Threats in Naval Warfare:
The U.S. Navy faces an array of modern threats, including armed drones, sophisticated cruise missiles, and anti-ship ballistic missiles. These encounters in the Red Sea are not just isolated incidents; they offer invaluable data and experience, shaping the U.S. Navy’s strategy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where maritime tensions continue to rise.
China’s Military Buildup: A Major Concern:
China’s People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force represents a formidable challenge to U.S. forces in the Pacific. With the capability to launch thousands of missiles over vast areas, the U.S. could potentially face overwhelming odds in intercepting mass missile attacks. This threat necessitates a reevaluation and strengthening of American defensive strategies in the region.
Adapting to Modern Warfare:
In response to these emerging threats, the U.S. Navy is exploring innovative defense tactics. Concealing the movement of forces, misdirecting enemy reconnaissance, and blinding surveillance systems are crucial for defending against mass missile salvos.
The U.S. Navy’s Role in Global Commerce Protection:
The U.S. Navy’s responsibility extends beyond mere military engagement; it is vital for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global commerce. As Brad Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies highlights, America’s status as a maritime and trading power is intrinsically linked to the free movement of maritime commerce. This role is essential for maintaining American prosperity and security.
Conclusion:
The attack on the Zografia ship in the Red Sea is a clear indicator of the evolving nature of naval warfare and the complex challenges faced by the U.S. Navy. It underscores the importance of adapting to new threats while continuing to protect global maritime commerce. As we navigate these troubled waters, the need for vigilance and strategic innovation in naval defense has never been more critical.
A combat-loaded F/A-18C taxis to the catapult aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In a significant escalation of military action, the U.S. Navy, in coordination with the U.K., has conducted a series of targeted strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen. This action, reported by Heather Mongilio of USNI News, comes as a direct response to the Houthis’ continued aggression against commercial shipping in the Middle East.
Strikes Across Air, Surface, and Subsurface:
The offensive involved a diverse array of military assets:
Air Force strike fighters from a base in the Middle East and Super Hornets from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) participated.
Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles were launched from naval ships in the Red Sea and potentially from the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN-728).
The strike occurred around 2:30 a.m. local time, closely following a Houthi missile attack in the Gulf of Aden.
U.K.’s Involvement:
U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps confirmed on social media that four Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s conducted precision strikes on two key Houthi military targets in Bani and Abbs, Yemen. These sites were instrumental in the Houthis’ drone and missile operations.
U.S. Strike Details:
The U.S. targeted 60 locations, aiming at munition depots, command nodes, and systems critical to the Houthis’ drone and missile capabilities. This was part of a concerted effort to degrade their ability to threaten maritime security.
International Support:
The operation was supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, highlighting a unified stance against threats to international navigation.
No Immediate Houthi Response:
As of the evening of January 12, there has been no reported retaliation from the Houthis. The strikes are separate from Operation Prosperity Guardian, which focuses on defending commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
U.S. Defense Secretary’s Statement:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that these actions are meant to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to jeopardize global trade and mariner safety. He stated, “Today’s coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks.”
Context of the Attacks:
The Houthis have been launching attacks since October 19, 2023, with the U.S. and allies sending a clear warning to cease such actions. Despite these warnings, the Houthis have continued their attacks, including on U.S. and coalition military vessels.
U.K. Prime Minister’s Statement:
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the Houthi actions as destabilizing and dangerous, reiterating the U.K.’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade.
Conclusion:
This coordinated response by the U.S. and U.K. signifies a strong stance against threats to international shipping and stability in the region. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments will be closely monitored and reported.
Houthi Missiles and Drones Threaten Red Sea Shipping, Endangering Global Trade and the US Navy
Recent Attack:
On December 26, 2023, three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. The US Navy responded by shooting down three drones launched by the Iranian-backed rebel group. This latest attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis to this vital shipping lane, which carries about 10% of the world’s trade and 5% of its oil.
The Houthi Threat:
The Houthis are a Shia Muslim minority group in Yemen that has been fighting the internationally recognized government since 2014, with support from Iran. They control large parts of the country, including the capital Sanaa and the port of Hodeidah. They have also launched hundreds of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, which leads a coalition of Arab states supporting the Yemeni government.
Strategic Importance of the Red Sea:
The Red Sea is a critical waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is used by ships from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, carrying essential goods like oil, gas, food, and weapons. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow chokepoint at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, is only 18 miles wide at its narrowest point. This strategic location makes the Red Sea crucial for the US Navy, which uses it to access the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, where it maintains a strong presence to counter Iran and protect its allies.
Houthi Justifications and Weapons:
The Houthis claim their attacks on ships are in response to the Saudi-led blockade of Yemen, which has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis. They also claim to target vessels linked to Israel, in solidarity with the Palestinians. However, these claims lack evidence, and the Houthis have shown disregard for the civilian and commercial nature of the ships they attack.
The Houthis use sophisticated weapons, including anti-ship cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and explosive-laden drones, believed to be supplied by Iran.
US Navy Response and Challenges:
The US Navy monitors and responds to Houthi attacks to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security. It has deployed warships like the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier and destroyers to the Red Sea, intercepting and shooting down Houthi missiles and drones. The Navy also launched a global patrol mission in December 2023 to protect ships from the Houthi threat and collaborates with allies like the UK, France, and Japan.
However, the Navy faces challenges:
Balancing resources with other regional threats.
Operating in a complex and congested environment.
Respecting international law and the sovereignty of other countries.
Implications and Consequences:
The Houthi attacks have significant implications:
Growing Iranian influence and aggression in the region.
Increased sophistication and capability of the Houthis.
Vulnerability of the Red Sea as a strategic waterway and trade route.
Potential for economic and environmental damage.
Escalation of conflict and instability in the region.
Need for the US Navy to maintain its presence and cooperate with allies.
Why America Should Care:
The Houthi attacks matter to America because they:
Affect national security and economic prosperity.
Reflect values like freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Represent an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the region.
Conclusion:
The Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea pose a serious threat to global trade and the US Navy. The US Navy is responding to these attacks but faces challenges. America should care about this issue due to its potential impact on national security, economic prosperity, and global values.
The U.S. Navy destroyer Carney shot down multiple missiles and drones fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on U.S. Navy
The US Navy has a vital role in ensuring the security and stability of the Middle East and the world. However, recent events have shown that the Navy is facing new and complex threats in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, two strategic waterways that connect Europe, Asia and Africa.
Why the Red Sea matters
The Red Sea is a narrow and shallow body of water that separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. It is a crucial route for global trade, as it links the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal. According to the US Energy Information Administration, about 9% of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through the Red Sea.
The Red Sea is also a hotspot for regional conflicts and tensions. On one side, there is Yemen, where a civil war has been raging since 2014 between the internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia, a US ally and the leader of a coalition that supports the Yemeni government, with missiles, drones and naval mines. The Houthis have also targeted commercial ships and oil tankers in the Red Sea, posing a threat to maritime security and the global energy supply
On the other side, there is Egypt, which controls the Suez Canal and has a long-standing rivalry with Ethiopia over the Nile River. Ethiopia is building a massive hydroelectric dam on the Nile, which Egypt fears will reduce its share of the water and endanger its food security. The dispute has escalated into a diplomatic crisis, with both countries accusing each other of violating international law and threatening military action. The US has tried to mediate the conflict, but so far without success.
Why the Suez Canal matters
The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It was built by the French in the 19th century and nationalized by Egypt in 1956, sparking a war with Britain, France and Israel. The canal was closed twice in the 20th century, during the Suez Crisis of 1956 and the Six-Day War of 1967, disrupting global trade and triggering oil crises. The canal was reopened in 1975 and has since been expanded and modernized to accommodate larger ships and more traffic.
The Suez Canal is one of the most important chokepoints in the world, as it allows ships to avoid the long and costly detour around Africa. According to the Suez Canal Authority, about 50 ships pass through the canal every day, carrying about 12% of the world’s trade and 8% of the world’s oil. The canal is also a strategic asset for the US Navy, as it enables the rapid deployment of naval forces from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean and vice versa.
The Suez Canal, however, is not immune to accidents and disruptions. In March 2021, a giant container ship, the Ever Given, ran aground in the canal and blocked it for six days, causing a massive traffic jam and a global supply chain crisis. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the canal to human error, technical failure and bad weather. It also raised questions about the adequacy of the canal’s infrastructure, management and security
Why America should care
The US has a vital interest in maintaining the security and stability of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, as they are essential for the global economy, the energy market and the regional balance of power. The US also has a moral and legal obligation to protect its allies and partners in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt, from external and internal threats.
The US Navy, therefore, has a key role in safeguarding the freedom of navigation and the flow of commerce in these waterways. The Navy has deployed several ships and aircraft to the region, including the USS Carney, a guided-missile destroyer that has shot down several drones launched by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
In addition to the USS Carney, the US Navy has also announced a new international mission to counter the escalating Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The mission, dubbed Operation Sentinel, aims to enhance maritime security and deter aggression in the region. The US will work with its allies and partners, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, to provide escort and surveillance services to commercial vessels and ensure the freedom of navigation in the vital waterway. The Navy has also offered to help the Egyptian authorities to clear the Suez Canal after the Ever Given incident.
However, the Navy also faces new and complex challenges in the region, such as the increasing sophistication and proliferation of the Houthi weapons, the rising tensions and potential conflicts between Egypt and Ethiopia, and the growing influence and presence of other actors, such as Russia, China and Iran. The Navy also has to balance its resources and priorities with other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific and Europe, where it faces similar or greater threats.
The US Navy, therefore, needs to adapt and innovate to cope with the changing dynamics and demands in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The Navy needs to enhance its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, to detect and deter any hostile or suspicious activities in the region. The Navy also needs to strengthen its cooperation and coordination with its allies and partners, to share information, resources and responsibilities. The Navy also needs to invest in its infrastructure, technology and personnel, to ensure its readiness and resilience.
The Red Sea and the Suez Canal are vital lifelines for the world and the US. The US Navy is the guardian of these lifelines, and it must be prepared and equipped to face any challenges and opportunities in the region.
This just in from Reuters:
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on Tuesday plans to set up a multinational coalition to safeguard Red Sea shipping called Operation Prosperity Guardian. During a trip to the Middle East, he said the operations would be joined by Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.
This has been the response according to Reuters
France France’s Defence Ministry said it supported efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and said it already operated in the region. But it said its ships would stay under French command and did not say if it would deploy more naval forces. Advertisement · Scroll to continue Report this ad France has a naval base in the United Arab Emirates and 1,500 troops in Djibouti. Its frigate Languedoc is now in the Red Sea.
Italy Italy’s Defence Ministry said it would send naval frigate Virginio Fasan to the Red Sea to protect its national interests in response to specific requests made by Italian shipowners. It said this was part of its existing operations and was not part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Spain
Spain’s Defence Ministry said it would only participate in NATO-led missions or EU-coordinated operations. “We will not participate unilaterally in the Red Sea operation,” it said.
Britain
Britain said destroyer HMS Diamond would join Operation Prosperity Guardian. Britain’s defence ministry said the coalition would operate as part of the U.S.-led CMF.
Others
The Netherlands said it would send two staff officers and Norway said it would send 10 naval officers to Bahrain, the headquarters of CMF.
KEY POINTS ACCORDING T0 CNBC
The U.S. launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, an expansion of its maritime defense force in the Red Sea amid mounting attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group. Several major companies like BP and Maersk have paused shipping in the Red Sea as danger from Houthi drone strikes escalates. An expanded military presence in the Red Sea comes as the U.S. eyes potential flare-ups of spreading regional conflict as the Israel-Hamas war continues.
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