http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/navy/ en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:13:53 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2050310/posts Yesterday I had an interesting conference call with Royal Navy Captain Paul Abraham. He is the Director of Maritime Strategic Transition Team in Iraq. The call focused on the development of the Iraqi Navy (no, it's not a joke. They DO have a Navy); specifically: " his experiences working with Iraqi partners in building and developing the Iraqi Navy, which led to their recent operational success in seizing control of their own territorial port of Umm Qasr, protecting 90 percent of all of Iraq's imports and exports." Currently, the Iraqi Navy consists of about a dozen hard-used small patrol boats... Flopping Aces http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2050310/posts#comment Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:13:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049427/posts The Sen. John McCain campaign launched a new Web video titled "Obama Love" that takes a swipe at the perceived media bias towards Barack Obama. According to the campaign e-mail, the video "highlights the media's love affair with Barack Obama -- or as MSNBC's Chris Matthews says, that thrill going up my leg." Played to the tune of Frankie Valli's "Can't take my eyes off of you" -- one of Valli's most popular songs. Perhaps, it will turn out to be a hit for McCain as well. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049427/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:32:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049310/posts Tonight ABC aired their interview with Sen. Barack Obama with correspondent Terry Moran conducting; here is a clip of the segment that ran on ABC's World News Tonight: Moran: If you had to do it over again, knowing what you know now, would you support the surge? Obama: No. Because, keep in mind that -- Moran: You wouldn't? The Pittsburgh Tribune Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049310/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:56:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048852/posts As predicted by The Nav Log, the Navy has finally admitted that the new, gigantic (14,000 ton) DDG-1000 guided missile destroyer and CGN-X new guided missile cruiser are just too expensive and technically problematic to build as replacements for the existing Burke DDGs and Ticonderoga CGs. The Navy is reportedly in the process of dropping both programs. Latest estimates per copy of the DDG-1000 are $5 billion + each per the Congressional Budget Office. Ouch. A dozen Spruance-class destroyers – built in the 70s and 80s and dogged by a reputation as being difficult to sail and maintain – were... The Nav Log http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048852/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:54:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2048237/posts A friend of mine who had been out of college and working for a couple years recently told me he is considering joining the Navy Reserve, and from what he told me it is an interesting possibility. I've long had some interest in doing some military service (particularly the Navy), but hesitated largely because of the four-year committment. It sounds like the reserves may be a real possibility, though, and I have some questions for anyone here who might be able to answer them.I just finished my first year of law school (which I started straight out of college). However,... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2048237/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:53:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046742/posts US may sell shore-hugging combat ships to Israel Wed Jul 16, 2008 5:59pm EDT WASHINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) - The Pentagon has notified Congress of the possible sale to Israel of shore-hugging combat ships, spare parts, software and other goods and services worth as much as $1.9 billion. The main contractors for the deal would be Lockheed Martin (LMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), General Dynamics (GD.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Raytheon (RTN.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign arms sales, said on Wednesday. Israel has requested permission to buy up... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046742/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:16:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046548/posts Why Russia lacks aircraft carriers 17:05 | 16/ 07/ 2008 MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Andrei Kislyakov) - Soviet military policies never called for building full-fledged aircraft carriers operating multi-role warplanes. Nor did Russia draft any clear carrier construction program at the turn of the century. On July 4, Admiral Viktor Kravchenko, former chief of the Russian Navy's Main Headquarters, said the country had to build a carrier fleet in the near future. This call is a reaction to reports of two aircraft carriers being built for the British Royal Navy. As before, Russia is reacting slowly to Western naval... Ria Novosti,Russia http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046548/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:43:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045722/posts WASHINGTON - The Navy is declining comment on a report that the service wants to end production of its troubled next generation destroyer, the DDG-1000, after just two ships. With Congress still debating the Bush administration's funding request for the upcoming 2009 fiscal year, "it is inappropriate to comment on pending legislation," Navy spokesman Lt. Clay Doss said Monday. The administration is seeking about $2.5 billion in fiscal 2009 to buy a third DDG-1000. Citing unnamed sources, Inside the Navy, a trade publication, reported Monday that naval leaders now prefer to stop at the two ships already ordered from Northrop... The Press-Register http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045722/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:14:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045589/posts FARNBOROUGH 2008: Indian carrierborne MiG handover inches closer Anatoly Belov, designer general of the Russian MiG Aircraft Corporation, says the first MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft will soon be delivered to the Indian Navy, more than 12 months later than the original scheduled handover. In January 2004, MiG won a contract to supply twelve single-seat MiG-29K aircraft and four MiG-29KUB trainers, as well as simulators and spare parts. Two of the aircraft were originally due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in June 2007 and six more in November 2007, with deliveries to be completed by 2009. But the MiG-29KUB... Flight International http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045589/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:53:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2042445/posts Perhaps John Kerry and the New York Times should have adhered to the old adage to let sleeping dogs lie. It appears the Times' Kate Zernike used Kerry campaign talking points rather than the facts in her breathless account of how the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth "smeared" John Kerry over his Vietnam record during the 2004 presidential campaign. In her 1,283-word "Veterans Fight to Reclaim the Name 'Swift Boat,'" Zernike came across as a Kerry campaign spokesman rather than as an independent journalist. The American Spectator http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2042445/posts#comment Tue, 8 Jul 2008 16:33:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041787/posts Remember Idris Leppla? You may recall about 6 months ago, Barnard Senior Idris Leppla became an internet celebrity after the publication of her incoherent diatribe in The Columbia Spectator entitled The Truth About The Academies. You can access this article and some of her other Spectator articles at this link. http://www.columbiaspectator.com/node/25716 Well, it seems that the field for Fullbright Scholarships must have been a bit thin this year, since Ms. Leppla has been awarded a Fullbright to study heroin addiction and prescription drug addiction in France. Judging from the clarity of her writings, this may be an autobiographical work. And... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041787/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:01:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039508/posts Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Tuesday stated that the reactivation of the US Navy Fourth Fleet to patrol Latin American seas is a threat. The ruler claimed he was certain the move was a threat, and underscored that one of the reasons behind this action was Venezuela's huge oil reserve. "I do not have any doubt about it. It is a threat. There is no need to make any questions. I am sure you feel it that way too," he told reporters. Chávez urged the member countries of the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) to ask the US administration for... ElUniversal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039508/posts#comment Wed, 2 Jul 2008 01:18:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039478/posts CAMP STRIKER, Iraq, July 1, 2008 – During his 13 years in the Navy, Craig Bedard learned how to fight fires. He transitioned to the Army to continue serving his country and to learn a new skill he hopes to practice after his time in the military comes to an end. Army Staff Sgt. Craig Bedard, force protection noncommissioned officer in charge for the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team, writes down information for surveillance system maintenance in his office at Camp Striker, Iraq, June 25, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Christopher McKenna, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2039478/posts#comment Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:39:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038097/posts GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- No matter what happens to America's offshore military prison, this much is clear: This Navy base will remain open for years to come, and so probably will the McDonald's, the Taco Bell and the golf course. "We're not going anywhere anytime soon," declared Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey M. Johnston, who gets upset when people equate the closing of the detention center for suspected al-Qaida and Taliban figures with a shutdown of this 45-square-mile base. The U.S. maintained this base long before the first detainees arrived in January 2002. U.S. Marines took Guantanamo Bay in 1898... newsmax.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038097/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:40:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038081/posts We Swedes wish to honor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_S._Cole True Swedes - like I - love America. Yes, we are Europeans and you are Americans. Often, we insult each other, by employing various methods. Yet, you are our sisters'N'brothers and nothing will ever change tHAT. I would give my life up for America. The US is a nation which believes in true freedom. This idea will conquer the world. www.thelocal.se http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2038081/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:54:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035507/posts Fire damage aboard the USS George Washington will delay the swap out with USS Kitty Hawk and may push back the carrier’s arrival to Japan, the Navy announced. The Kitty Hawk, which left Yokosuka last month for eventual decommissioning in Bremerton, Wash., was to turn over duties to the George Washington this month at Pearl Harbor. The aircraft carrier transfer will now happen in San Diego in August, according to a Navy release. The George Washington is already in San Diego undergoing repairs. A May 22 fire aboard the George Washington damaged electrical cabling and components in about 80 of... Stars and Stripes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2035507/posts#comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:14:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032558/posts The Royal Navy could have to hand over one of its aircraft carriers to Brussels under plans for a joint European naval fleet.French politicians said yesterday that Gordon Brown is negotiating a scheme that would mean an end to the centuries-old independence of Nelson's 'Senior Service'.The revelation is likely to embarrass Mr Brown, who is already under fire for failing to pull the plug on the European constitution.The French have been pressing for the creation of a joint European military force to match the might of U.S. forces for years................... [UK] Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2032558/posts#comment Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:42:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030921/posts The U.S. Navy extended an open invitation this week to the Russian Federation Navy to join forces for missions on the world’s high seas. Both marine forces have increased their presence around the globe. The U.S. Navy asked the Russians to join the Navy’s new maritime initiative, a plan much different from the sea-combat strategies of yesteryear — those of fighting in deep blue water to sink other navies or deliver missiles inland from the oceans. Now, focus is placed on maintaining safe seas, delivering humanitarian aid, disaster response and countering terrorism. "The point that we brought out in discussions... Stars and Stripes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030921/posts#comment Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:51:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030499/posts News Release Canadian ships tow Yemeni dhow back to safety CEFCOM NR 08.022 - June 12, 2008 GULF OF ADEN – HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509) and HMCS Iroquois (DDH 280), operating off the coast of Somalia, provided assistance to a ship in distress on June 11. Dunia, a 30-foot dhow carrying 15 people, experienced serious mechanical problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for four days. A lookout in Protecteur, which was operating nearby as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, discovered the vessel at the break of dawn. Protecteur’s commanding officer, Commander Sean... DND/Canadian Forces http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030499/posts#comment Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:41:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030393/posts A Naval Academy graduate drafted last week by the St. Louis Cardinals was denied a bid to play ball Thursday and ordered to report for duty. Mitch Harris, a newly commissioned ensign and Naval Academy graduate, must serve a five-year active duty commitment, Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter ruled. “He will report to his ship as ordered,” Cmdr. Jeff Davis, a Navy spokesman, told The Associated Press. Harris, a native of Ocala, Fla., who played high school ball in North Carolina, was selected in the 13th round with the 395th pick overall. The 22-year-old right-hander went 20-13 with a 2.51... NBC Sports http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030393/posts#comment Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:32:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2029474/posts At the link is a translated copy of the comic book the US Navy is using to sell the Japanese on stationing the nuclear powered USS Washington in Japan. It is a Pdf document for those that do not like those. US Navy http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2029474/posts#comment Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:59:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028515/posts A French military official says soaring fuel prices have forced the French navy to cancel three of its scheduled summer missions. Navy spokesman Pascal Subtil says missions that were the least crucial were cut. He says one canceled mission involved naval exercises in the United States. The French warship De Grasse was slated to sail alongside American ships in an exercise off the U.S. East coast and in the Gulf of Mexico in July. The exercise includes training in preventing drug trafficking. Subtil said Monday that another canceled mission was a courtesy visit to the port of Le Havre by... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028515/posts#comment Mon, 9 Jun 2008 22:22:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027959/posts The navy of Liechtenstein probably could manage this task. Anyhow, the article: "The Swedish navy says it’s prepared to send ships to the Horn of Africa to fight piracy there. This comes after the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution allowing UN member countries to enter Somalia’s territorial waters to help stop the illegal capture of shipping in the area. In its response to a government query on the issue, the Swedish military says it can send two corvettes and a support ship to the region in September or October for a three month tour. Last year 25 ships... www.sr.se http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027959/posts#comment Sun, 8 Jun 2008 18:24:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2027637/posts My Brother-In-Law, my sister and their family have lived outside of Naples, Italy for years. He supports the Navy as a GS worker and their policy is that you can only spend so many years overseas before you have to come back to the states. One of their options is supporting a base in Corpus Christi, TX. My sister has looked online and found that a lot of people trash the place. Is the city really that bad (remember, they lived near Naples, home of mafiosi and piles of trash)? Are there safe towns with good schools are are a... none http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2027637/posts#comment Sat, 7 Jun 2008 19:47:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027473/posts Asia's navies Into the wide blue yonder Jun 5th 2008 | SINGAPORE From The Economist print edition Asia's main powers are building up their navies. Is this the start of an arms race? IN THE 15th century China possessed a mighty navy of “treasure fleets”. They sailed as far as Africa and the Persian Gulf, spreading China's economic and political influence across several continents. Had this naval expansion continued, some scholars say, China could have dominated the world. But successive emperors turned the nation inwards on itself, seafaring was banned and the country's great shipyards were closed. In Asia as... The Economist http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027473/posts#comment Sat, 7 Jun 2008 05:06:54 GMT