Two F/A-18E Super Hornets from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations.
Introduction:
The United States Navy is an essential component of the nation’s defense and plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to support the Navy’s efforts to enhance its capabilities and promote its mission.
Recently, the USS Nimitz and the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron 146 conducted flight operations in the Philippine Sea, highlighting the Navy’s readiness to defend the nation and its allies.
This accomplishment showcases the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, a central goal of the Americans for a Stronger Navy mission.
Summary:
*The USS Nimitz and the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron 146 conducted flight operations in the Philippine Sea, demonstrating the Navy’s ability to operate effectively and efficiently in support of its mission.
The U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, the 7th Fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners in the region to promote peace and stability.
The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization supports the Navy’s efforts to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, and this accomplishment is a testament to the Navy’s commitment to that goal.
Key Takeaways:
The USS Nimitz and Strike Fighter Squadron 146 conducted flight operations in the Philippine Sea
The Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, the 7th Fleet, operates with allies and partners in the region
The Navy’s mission includes maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific
Americans for a Stronger Navy supports the Navy’s efforts to enhance its capabilities
Conclusion
The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is proud to support the U.S. Navy and its mission to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The recent accomplishment of the USS Nimitz and Strike Fighter Squadron 146 highlights the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the region and defending the nation and its allies.
Navy’s mission and to support its efforts to enhance capabilities.
Together, we can ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific for generations to come.
Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
Introduction:
The Navy plays a crucial role in maintaining global stability and PeaceTroughStrengh. The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is committed to informing and inspiring our readers to support the Navy’s mission.
Recently, the Navy achieved a significant accomplishment with the Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, which highlights the importance of having a strong Navy. In this article, we will explore this accomplishment and how it fits in with the mission of our organization.
Summary:
The Navy’s recent success in the South China Sea featuring Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 as it makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) demonstrates the importance of having a strong Navy in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Through routine operations and partnerships with allies and partners, the Navy maintains stability and ensures our country’s security. This article will delve into the key features and benefits of this accomplishment and how it aligns with the mission of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization.
Key Takeaways:
The Navy’s routine operations in the South China Sea are crucial in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The feature of the Super Hornet from the “Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
The Navy works closely with allies and partners to maintain stability and ensure our country’s security.
Having a strong Navy is essential in maintaining global stability and keeping America safe.
Conclusion:
The Navy’s recent success in the South China Sea underscores the importance of having a strong Navy. As a member of the Navy community, we are proud to support this mission and encourage others to do the same. The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is committed to informing and inspiring our readers to support the Navy’s mission. Join us in supporting a strong Navy to ensure our country’s security and maintain global stability.
The United States and the Philippines have come to an agreement to continue the vital work required to modernize and strengthen the alliance between the two nations. This agreement was reached between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a ceremony at the Pentagon, where the U.S. reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. This commitment applies to armed attacks on the armed forces, coast guard vessels, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.
The Importance of the Alliance:
The alliance between the United States and the Philippines is of utmost importance, and the two nations have agreed to continue working together to ensure its success. The recent visit by Marcos to the Pentagon has furthered the efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two nations. The U.S. is supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts and is helping to build their interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.
Deepening Coordination and Interoperability:
The two nations are deepening their coordination and interoperability, which is crucial to ensuring that the alliance is effective. The recent Balikatan exercise was the largest in history, with 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, covering land, sea, air, and cyber scenarios. Following on that effort is Cope Thunder, an exercise testing air power interoperability. The U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts, and this will help to build interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.
Expanding Operational Cooperation in the Maritime Domain:
The U.S. is committed to expanding its operational cooperation with the Philippines in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea. The two defense leaders discussed U.S. support for Philippine defense modernization efforts and the ongoing plans to continue to operationalize the agreement sites. These efforts will help to build interoperability, information sharing, and planning to address conventional and nonconventional threats.
New Bilateral Defense Guidelines:
Marcos and Austin also discussed new bilateral defense guidelines. This item reflects the unprecedented effort behind modernizing the alliance to bring it into a new era of cooperation. The emphasis is to look at how threats arise in the various domains and what form those threats will take. This will enable Philippine and U.S. officials to chart a bilateral way forward to help build interoperability, information sharing, planning, etc., around how they address these conventional and nonconventional threats.
Key Takeaways:
The United States and the Philippines are committed to strengthening and modernizing their alliance. Deepening coordination and interoperability are crucial to ensuring the alliance’s effectiveness. The U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts. The two nations are expanding their operational cooperation in the maritime domain, including the South China Sea. New bilateral defense guidelines are being developed to address conventional and nonconventional threats.
Conclusion:
The recent agreement between the United States and the Philippines to modernize and strengthen their alliance is a positive step towards ensuring the readiness of the U.S. Navy and the security of the people of America. As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are proud to be a part of the Navy community and support efforts to strengthen alliances and ensure national security. We encourage all Americans to rally behind this cause and support the efforts to build a stronger and more secure future.
Blue Diamonds” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations
The United States Navy is a key pillar of national security and a source of pride for Americans. As members of the Navy community, we are committed to strengthening its capabilities and ensuring its readiness to protect the nation’s interests.
At Americans for a Stronger Navy, our mission is to inform and inspire readers to support the Navy and its operations. In this article, we will explore the vital role of the Navy in the Indo-Pacific region and how our collective efforts can bolster its effectiveness.
Summary
The article highlights the importance of the United States Navy’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region for ensuring regional stability and security.
Through routine operations and partnerships with allies, the Navy contributes to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
As members of the Navy community, our support is essential for maintaining the Navy’s readiness to respond to threats and protect American interests.
Key Takeaways:
The United States Navy’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region is crucial for maintaining regional stability and security.Routine operations and partnerships with allies are essential for preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Our collective efforts as members of the Navy community are vital for ensuring the Navy’s readiness to respond to threats and protect American interests.
Conclusion
As Americans, it is our duty to support the United States Navy and its mission to preserve the nation’s interests. By subscribing to Americans for a Stronger Navy, we can stay informed about the Navy’s operations and contribute to its readiness through advocacy and support. Our collective efforts can ensure that the Navy remains a powerful force for protecting American values and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Let us rally together to strengthen America’s naval capabilities and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to national security.
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel is pictured on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
Introduction
The South China Sea remains a point of contention between the Philippines and China. Recently, the US has issued a warning to China’s Coast Guard to stop harassing Philippine vessels. As a strong advocate for a robust Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy stands with the US in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and supports the Philippines in their efforts to protect their sovereignty.
The Situation in the South China Sea
Last week, the Philippines accused China’s Coast Guard of “aggressive tactics” and “dangerous maneuvers” in the South China Sea. China’s foreign ministry had said that the Philippine vessels had intruded into Chinese waters and made deliberate provocative moves. The Philippines has filed more than 200 diplomatic protests against China since last year.
Chinese Coast Guard’s Provocative and Unsafe Conduct
The US has warned the Chinese Coast Guard to stop harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The US state department said in a statement: “We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct.” China has angered the Philippines by repeatedly harassing its navy and coast guard patrols and chasing away fishermen in the waters close to Philippine shores but which Beijing claims as its own.
US Stands with the Philippines
The US state department said Washington “stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order.” In Washington, the US and Philippine defence and foreign secretaries met earlier in April to discuss the development of nine Philippine military camps, where American forces have been allowed to stay indefinitely under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The US is allocating more than $100m to build infrastructure at the sites, where Americans would be stationed.
Building a Strong Navy to Ensure Regional Peace and Stability
Americans for a Stronger Navy supports the US in its efforts to maintain stability and security in the South China Sea. We advocate for a strong Navy to protect American interests and promote peace and stability worldwide. The ongoing tensions in the South China Sea demonstrate the need for a strong and capable Navy to ensure regional security and stability. We encourage readers to stay informed about developments in the South China Sea and to support efforts to promote a rules-based international maritime order.
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.
The US Navy conducted a freedom of navigation operation in the disputed waters around the Paracel Islands, which are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The operation was carried out by the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius, which sailed within 12 nautical miles of the islands to challenge China’s maritime claims in the region according to press reports.
In response to the operation, US Navy spokesperson Lt. j.g. Luka Bakic stated, “The United States conducts routine and regular freedom of navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do so in the future. These operations are designed to uphold the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.”
China has claimed almost the entire South China Sea as its own, a claim that is disputed by other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The US has been conducting freedom of navigation operations in the region to challenge China’s excessive claims and assert its right to sail through what it sees as international waters.
The operation comes amid tensions between the US and China over a range of issues, including trade, human rights, and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. China has accused the US of “provocation” and “interference” in the region, while the US has said it will continue to challenge what it sees as China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea.
In a report from PBS, the U.S. has no South China Sea claims itself, but has deployed Naval and Air Force assets for decades to patrol the strategic waterway, through which around $5 trillion in global trade transits each year and which holds highly valuable fish stocks and undersea mineral resources.
A United Nations-backed arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that the historical claim from China on the waters had no legal basis under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, and Washington maintains that freedom of navigation and overflight of the waterway are in the American national interest.
U.S. forces currently operate daily in the South China Sea, and have been present for more than a century. China regularly responds angrily, accusing the U.S. of meddling in Asian affairs and impinging upon its sovereignty.
China’s claims have frequently brought it into conflict with other nations in the region as well. Filipino diplomats unleashed a slew of protests Friday over China’s recent targeting of a Philippine coast guard ship with a powerful military laser and other aggressive behavior.
.In 2018, CNN also reported on the Paracel Islands, a group of islands in the South China Sea that are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The islands have long been a source of tension between the two countries, with China asserting its sovereignty over the region and Vietnam claiming that the islands are part of its territory. This conflict has escalated in recent years, with China building military facilities on some of the islands and Vietnam protesting these actions.
The Paracel Islands are a group of around 130 small islands, reefs, and atolls that are located in the South China Sea, approximately equidistant from the coasts of Vietnam and China. The islands are located in an area that is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and fish, which has made them a source of contention between the two countries. Both China and Vietnam claim historical rights to the islands, with China pointing to records dating back to the Han Dynasty and Vietnam citing evidence of its control of the islands during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Despite the competing claims, China has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the Paracel Islands in recent years. China has built military installations on several of the islands, including airstrips, radar systems, and naval bases. This has led to concerns among Vietnam and other countries in the region that China is seeking to establish de facto control over the South China Sea.
Vietnam has responded to China’s actions by protesting its sovereignty over the islands and conducting its own military exercises in the region. In 2016, Vietnam’s prime minister called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, stating that “Vietnam will resolutely and persistently protect its sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea [South China Sea].”
The Paracel Islands dispute is just one of several territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which has become a key flashpoint in the region. China’s claims to the islands are part of a larger effort to assert its dominance over the region, which has led to tensions with other countries in the region, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
The dispute over the Paracel Islands is likely to continue in the coming years, as both China and Vietnam remain committed to their competing claims to the region. The United States and other countries in the region have called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, but it remains to be seen whether this will be possible given the complex geopolitical factors at play.
In conclusion, the Paracel Islands dispute is a complex and contentious issue that has significant implications for the region. While China has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the islands, Vietnam and other countries in the region have expressed concern over China’s actions. The dispute is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as both China and Vietnam remain committed to their claims to the region
The United States and the Philippines have issued a joint statement condemning China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea. These activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen. The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region. The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.
Key takeaways:
The US and the Philippines have condemned China’s “gray zone” activities in the South China Sea.
China’s activities include the deployment of maritime militia and the harassment of Philippine vessels and fishermen.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and called for a peaceful resolution to the disputes in the region.
The statement was issued after the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines.
Source: The Manila Times
What are the Gray Zones?
U.S. Position on Maritime Claims in the South China Sea:
In a 2020 U.S. Secretary of Defense the statement, the PRC has no lawful territorial or maritime claim to (or derived from) James Shoal, an entirely submerged feature only 50 nautical miles from Malaysia and some 1,000 nautical miles from China’s coast. James Shoal is often cited in PRC propaganda as the “southernmost territory of China.” International law is clear: An underwater feature like James Shoal cannot be claimed by any state and is incapable of generating maritime zones. James Shoal (roughly 20 meters below the surface) is not and never was PRC territory, nor can Beijing assert any lawful maritime rights from it.
The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law. We stand with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and respect for sovereignty and reject any push to impose “might makes right” in the South China Sea or the wider region.
Several news sources including a report from ABC News, report that Chinese ships have cut the internet access to Taiwan’s outlying islands, which are located close to China. The disruption has affected around 6,000 people, who are now unable to access the internet or make phone calls. The Taiwanese government has condemned the move and said that it is a violation of international law. The incident comes amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.
Chinese ships have cut off internet access to Taiwan’s outlying islands, affecting about 6,000 people according press report
The move has been condemned by the Taiwanese government as a violation of international law.
This incident occurs amidst growing tensions between China and Taiwan.
The Philippines has reported that it is monitoring dozens of armed Chinese fishing vessels around a disputed island in the South China Sea, with the boats being part of China’s “gray zone” efforts to assert sweeping claims in the energy-rich waters. The unmarked fishing boats, accompanied by a naval and coast guard presence, were described as “a form of harassment” by a Philippine official. China’s ambitious maritime and territorial claims were dismissed in 2016 by an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, but China has rejected the verdict, leading to tensions with the US, which is committed to freedom of the seas.
