Celebrating Navy Week in St. Louis: Honoring our Sailors and the Importance of a Strong Navy

Sailors from the USS Saint Louis

Introduction:

The United States Navy plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. This week, during Navy Week in St. Louis, we have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the men and women who serve in the Navy. Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to be a part of this community and to support the Navy’s mission of protecting our country and promoting peace around the world.

Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, the Reserve Deputy Director Maritime Information Warfare, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Summary:

Navy Week in St. Louis is an opportunity to highlight the important work that the Navy does and to celebrate the sailors who serve our country.

The week is filled with events and activities that showcase the Navy’s commitment to service, including volunteering at local organizations, visiting schools, and performing at public venues.

US Navy Ceremonial Guards and Navy Band Great Lakes

Through these activities, the Navy is able to connect with the community and demonstrate the importance of a strong Navy to the American public.

Key Takeaways:

Navy Week in St. Louis celebrates the men and women who serve in the Navy and promotes the importance of a strong Navy to the American public.
The Navy is committed to service, and participates in a variety of volunteer activities during Navy Week.
Navy Week provides an opportunity for the Navy to connect with the community and showcase its mission.

US NAVY Jass Band Great Laked

Conclusion:

As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve in the Navy and protect our country. Navy Week in St. Louis is a chance to honor and celebrate these individuals, and to promote the importance of a strong Navy to our nation’s security.

USS Saint Louis

Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support the Navy’s mission and to encourage others to do the same. Let’s show our sailors some love and respect, and recognize the critical role that they play in keeping us safe.

USS Lenah Higbee Commissioning: Proud Moment for Americans and Navy Community

USS Lenah S. Higbee dressed for the ceremony.
Photograph courtesy of Mr. Michael Duhe.

Introduction:

The commissioning of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee is a proud moment for Americans and the Navy community. On May 13, 2023, the newest guided missile destroyer will officially become a part of the U.S. Navy in a time-honored tradition at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the crew and all those involved in the ship’s design, construction, and testing.

Summary:

The USS Lenah Higbee, the Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, will be commissioned on May 13, 2023, at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier. The ship has been at sea for over a year, and its crew has tested and mastered all its state-of-the-art systems before entering official service. The commissioning ceremony is a time-honored tradition that officially welcomes the ship into the U.S. Navy. The ship’s namesake, Lenah Higbee, was a Navy nurse pioneer and the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work during World War I.

Key Takeaways:

  • The commissioning of the USS Lenah Higbee is a proud moment for Americans and the Navy community.
  • The ship has been at sea for over a year, and its crew has tested and mastered all its state-of-the-art systems before entering official service.
  • The commissioning ceremony is a time-honored tradition that officially welcomes the ship into the U.S. Navy.
  • The ship’s namesake, Lenah Higbee, was a Navy nurse pioneer and the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work during World War I.

Conclusion:

The commissioning of the USS Lenah Higbee is a momentous occasion and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Navy community. The ship’s cutting-edge technology and the crew’s expertise will ensure that it plays a vital role in keeping America safe. As Americans, we should take pride in this achievement and support the Navy’s mission to maintain a strong and capable fleet.

The U.S. Army and Navy recently was awarded contracts worth over $1 billion.

The U.S. Army and Navy continue to strengthen America’s national defense with the recent award of multiple contracts totaling more than $1 billion. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV secured a $1.02 billion contract for the Javelin Weapon System, while A&M Engineering and Environmental Services Inc., LRS-Hill JV LLC., and MSMM Huitt-Zollars JV LLC are set to compete for a $25 million construction phase architect and engineering services contract. Luhr Bros. Inc. also secured a $12.78 million contract for the dredging of shoals along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In the Navy, Vectrus-J&J Facilities Support LLC secured a $25.7 million base operating services contract, while multiple contractors, including G2 Software Systems Inc., Sev1Tech LLC, Forward Slope Inc., Solute, and Data Intelligence LLC, secured contracts worth a total of $70.7 million for command and control (C2) technology and experimentation services. These awards are vital to America’s defense readiness and highlight the ongoing commitment of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization to ensure a strong and capable Navy to protect our nation’s interests.

The contracts awarded to the Navy, including those for base operating services and command and control (C2) technology and experimentation services, highlight the ongoing commitment of the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization to ensure a strong and capable Navy to protect America’s interests.

Key Takeaways:

Recent Army and Navy contracts demonstrate the government’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening the military.
Contracts for construction, equipment, and technology services will enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the Army and Navy.
The contracts will also create job opportunities and stimulate the economy.
Americans for a Stronger Navy encourages all Americans to support our troops and their families.

Conclusion:

The recent award of contracts by the U.S. Army and Navy worth over $1 billion demonstrates the ongoing commitment to strengthen America’s national defense.

These contracts, awarded to companies like Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, A&M Engineering and Environmental Services Inc., LRS-Hill JV LLC., and MSMM Huitt-Zollars JV LLC, will help ensure that our military is well-equipped and ready to respond to any threat.

The Americans for a Stronger Navy organization remains committed to its mission of promoting a strong and capable Navy to protect America’s interests. It is essential that we continue to invest in our military to safeguard our nation’s security and ensure a prosperous future for all Americans.

Supporting America’s Naval Readiness: Our Role in the Navy Community

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.

Celebrating Navy Excellence: Key Takeaways from the Navy Reserve Center Miami’s Enlisted Person of the Year Award

Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year,

Introduction

The United States Navy has a long and proud history of excellence, and the Americans for a Stronger Navy organization is committed to ensuring that this tradition continues. Recently, the Navy Reserve Center Miami announced Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year, highlighting the dedication and skill of the men and women who serve our nation. In this blog post, we will explore the key takeaways from this achievement and how it reflects the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Summary

The Navy Reserve Center Miami recently announced Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance and dedication to service. This achievement is a testament to the excellence and commitment of the men and women who serve in the Navy Reserve. In this blog post, we will explore the key takeaways from this award and how it reflects the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Personnel Specialist 1st Class Steve Ortega as the Enlisted Person of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance and dedication to service.
  • The Navy Reserve Center Miami’s Enlisted Person of the Year award highlights the exceptional dedication and performance of Navy personnel.
  • This award demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Navy to excellence and professionalism.
  • By recognizing the achievements of Navy personnel, we can inspire future generations to serve their country and uphold the values of the Navy.

Conclusion:

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we are proud to be a part of the Navy community and to support the men and women who serve our nation. The Navy Reserve Center Miami’s Enlisted Person of the Year award is a testament to the dedication and excellence of Navy personnel, and we are honored to celebrate this achievement. We encourage all Americans to support our Navy and to uphold the values of peace, strength, and security that the Navy represents.

The Latest Flag Officer Assignments in the US Navy

The US Navy recently announced several new flag officer assignments. These appointments will see Rear Admirals taking on important roles in various capacities across the Navy, including in Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Flag Officer Assignments

Rear Admiral Thomas J. Moreau
Rear Admiral Christopher J. Sweeney
Rear Admiral Thomas S. Wall
Rear Admiral (lower half) Tracy L. Hines
Rear Admiral (lower half) Gregory C. Huffman
Rear Admiral (lower half) Christopher D. Stone
Rear Admiral (lower half) Derek A. Trinque
Rear Admiral (lower half) Kurt J. Rothenhaus
Rear Admiral (lower half) Michael S. Sciretta

Key Takeaways:

Several Rear Admirals have been appointed to key positions within the US Navy
These appointments will see Rear Admirals taking on important roles in various capacities across the Navy, including in Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Japan.
The new appointments demonstrate the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and capable force.

Conclusion:

The latest flag officer assignments in the US Navy demonstrate the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and capable force. These Rear Admirals have been appointed to key positions across the Navy, highlighting the importance of their roles in ensuring the Navy remains a formidable force around the world. As Americans, we should be proud of our Navy and the brave men and women who serve in it, and we should continue to support efforts to ensure it remains strong and capable for years to come

Rear Admiral Status in the US Navy.

To become a Rear Admiral in the US Navy, an individual must first be commissioned as an officer. Commissioned officers in the Navy typically start as Ensigns and advance through a series of promotions over the course of their career.

The promotion process for becoming a Rear Admiral is highly competitive and requires outstanding performance evaluations, leadership skills, and a track record of excellence in one’s field. The process also includes a review by a promotion board, which evaluates each candidate’s performance and potential for future success.

Once selected for promotion to Rear Admiral, individuals must complete a rigorous training program at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. This program includes courses on leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making, as well as opportunities for hands-on experience in various naval operations.

Overall, becoming a Rear Admiral in the US Navy requires a long and distinguished career of service, leadership, and excellence. It is a significant accomplishment and a testament to an individual’s dedication and commitment to the Navy and the United States.

Honoring Our Seagoing Services: Broward Navy Days Celebrates 30 Years of Service

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 25, 2023) Electricians Mate 1st class Stephanie Brunk attached to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) speaks with a veteran at the Alexander Ninninger Veterans home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas V. Huynh)

Electricians Mate 1st class Stephanie Brunk attached to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) speaks with a veteran at the Alexander Ninninger Veterans home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year marks the 32nd Port Everglades Fleet Week. Fleet Week has been hosted by Broward Navy Days and other military support organizations since 1990.

History of Broward Navy Days, Inc.

Incorporated in 1990, Broward Navy Days, Inc. (BND), was formed under the leadership of Captain Jean Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.), to host an annual Fleet Week celebration at Port Everglades.

In 2001, Broward Navy Days merged the Fleet Week celebration with the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show and benefited from the professional management of the MDM Group, Ltd. & Pro-Series, Inc. for seven years. The Fleet Week Celebration was known as Fleet Week USA. In 2008 after the Air & Sea Show was discontinued, it reverted to Fleet Week Port Everglades, planned and hosted by BND. Fleet Week Port Everglades remains the signature event for BND each spring, but the organization is equally committed to actively supporting our seagoing services year-round.

Supporting the Seagoing Services Year-round

The organization plans welcoming events and shore leave activities for visiting Navy and Coast Guard ships periodically throughout the year and supports the activities of the U.S. Navy Southern Command and Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. Broward Navy Days also participates in the commissioning ceremonies of new Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters in South Florida and the change of command ceremonies for the local Navy and Coast Guard commands.

Annual Events and Ceremonies

One of the most moving annual events is the Pearl Harbor memorial service held at Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale. As the number of survivors continues to dwindle, Broward Navy Days is dedicated to preserving the memory of the infamous attack that catapulted the United States into World War II.

Honorable Advisory Board

Today, 30 years after its founding, the Broward Navy Days organization has gained a highly respected reputation among our sea going services for being a good friend of the “White Hats.” The organization’s Honorable Advisory Board includes distinguished Navy and Coast Guard officials, such as ADM John C. Harvey, Jr., USN (Ret), and CMDR Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret), the former Commander of the USS Cole.

Key takeaways:

Broward Navy Days is a non-profit organization that has been hosting Fleet Week at Port Everglades since 1990.
The organization supports seagoing services year-round by planning welcoming events and shore leave activities.
They participate in commissioning and change of command ceremonies, as well as the annual Pearl Harbor memorial service.
Broward Navy Days is dedicated to preserving the memory of the infamous attack that catapulted the United States into World War II.
The organization has gained a highly respected reputation among seagoing services for being a good friend of the “White Hats.”
The Honorable Advisory Board includes distinguished Navy and Coast Guard officials.

Conclusion:

Broward Navy Days has been honoring the seagoing services for over 30 years through their annual Fleet Week celebration at Port Everglades and their support of visiting Navy and Coast Guard ships year-round. Their dedication to preserving the memory of Pearl Harbor and participating in commissioning and change of command ceremonies has earned them a highly respected reputation among seagoing services. As Americans, we should take pride in supporting organizations like Broward Navy Days that honor and support those who serve our country.

Facts:

  • The Broward Navy Days organization was formed in 1990 by Captain Jean Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.).
  • Fleet Week was merged with the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show in 2001 and known as Fleet Week USA until 2008.
  • Broward Navy Days participates in the commissioning ceremonies of new Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters in South Florida.

Iran seizes oil tanker bound for Texas: US Navy

Iran has seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the Advantage Sweet, in the Gulf of Oman according to the Associated Press

The US Navy’s 5th Fleet called for the vessel’s immediate release, adding that Iran’s actions were contrary to international law and destabilizing to regional security. The vessel had just left Kuwait and was headed to Houston, Texas. Iran did not acknowledge the seizure, and the vessel’s owners were not immediately available for comment. The incident is the latest in a string of tanker seizures and explosions in the region amid heightened tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Key Points:

  • Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the Advantage Sweet, in the Gulf of Oman.iThe
  • US Navy’s 5th Fleet called for the vessel’s immediate release.
  • The tanker had just left Kuwait and was headed to Houston, Texas.
  • Iran did not acknowledge the seizure, and the vessel’s owners were not immediately available for comment.
  • Tanker seizures and explosions have been a part of a wider shadow war between Iran and the West since 2019

Conclusion:

The seizure of the Advantage Sweet by Iran underscores the need for a strong navy to ensure regional security and stability. Tanker seizures have become a tactic in the shadow war between Iran and the West, and incidents like these only serve to increase tensions. Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to informing and inspiring readers to support the mission of a strong navy.

By subscribing to our website, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments and help us rally support for this important cause.

According to a report by the Associated Press, Iran has seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The incident underscores the need for a strong navy to ensure regional security and stability, as tanker seizures have become a tactic in the shadow war between Iran and the West. Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to informing and inspiring readers to support the mission of a strong navy, and this incident only reinforces the urgency of our cause.

Iran alleges that it forced a U.S. submarine to surface in Gulf, U.S. Fifth fleet denies

Greetings to all our members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy.

As an organization, our mission is to promote Peace Through Strength, a valuable central theme that aligns with our goals.

In this blog post, we would like to bring to your attention to an incident that Iran alleged recently occurred in the Gulf involving the United States Navy Fifth Fleet and Iran’s navy. We hope that this story will inspire you to continue supporting our mission and to engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy.

United States Fifth Fleet insignia

On April 20, Iranian navy commander Shahram Irani claimed that Iran’s navy had forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf. He said that the Iranian submarine Fateh detected the U.S. submarine approaching while submerged and carried out manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Irani, the U.S. submarine had also entered Iranian territorial waters but corrected its course after being warned. However, the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had taken place, calling it Iranian disinformation.

Background on Iranian-U.S. confrontations

Iranian and U.S. forces have had a number of confrontations in the past. In early April, the Iranian navy said it had identified and warned off a U.S. reconnaissance plane outside the mouth of the Gulf. In 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. drone which it said was flying over southern Iran.

Key takeaways:

  • Iran’s navy claimed to have forced a U.S. submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf, but the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet denied that such an incident had occurred.
  • Iran has had confrontations with the U.S. Navy in the past, including identifying and warning off a U.S. reconnaissance plane in early April 2023 and shooting down a U.S. drone in 2019.

    In conclusion, we hope that this story has shed light on the importance of a strong Navy in promoting peace through strength. We urge all our readers to support our mission and engage Americans to rally behind the cause of a stronger Navy. Let us work together to ensure that our Navy is well-equipped and prepared to face any challenge that may arise.

U.S. Navy sails first drone through Mideast’s Strait of Hormuz

Introduction:

Greetings to our members and subscribers, and to all Americans who believe in promoting Peace through Strength.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, our mission is to inspire and inform readers about the importance of a strong navy for the security and prosperity of our nation. Today, we bring you news of the U.S. Navy’s historic sailing of its first drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian force


A U.S. Navy L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 drone boat and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC John Scheuerman transit the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The U.S. Navy sailed its first drone boat through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies where American sailors often faces tense encounters with Iranian forces. (Information Systems Technician 1st Class Vincent Aguirre/U.S. Coast Guard via AP)
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On April 19, 2023, the U.S. Navy successfully sailed its first drone boat, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, through the Strait of Hormuz, a busy waterway between Iran and Oman. The drone, a 13-meter (41-foot) speedboat carrying sensors and cameras, passed safely through the strait, which is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Charles Moulthrope and USCGC John Scheuerman, accompanied the drone during its journey

The strait is a crucial waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. American sailors often face tense encounters with Iranian forces in the area, but this sailing took place without incident, although it drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Key takeaways:

  • The drone, the L3 Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13, passed safely through the strait with accompanying U.S. Coast Guard cutters.
  • The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a busy waterway through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
  • The sailing drew the attention of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard but took place without incident.
  • Subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.

Conclusion:

The successful sailing of the first U.S. Navy drone boat through the Strait of Hormuz is a significant milestone in the Navy’s efforts to bolster its presence in the region. This development will enable the Navy to better monitor the area, safeguard international trade, and protect American interests and allies. We encourage all Americans who believe in promoting peace through strength to support the Navy’s mission and subscribe to our organization to stay informed about these important developments.