Category Archives: Foreign Forces

Navy Busy in INDO-PACOM with Multinational Exercises, Freedom of Navigation Operations

May 20, 2019 4:33 PM

The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) steams alongside the French FREMM-class frigate FS Provence during a photo opportunity while conducting a bilateral anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Indian Ocean on May 13, 2019. Photo courtesy of the French Navy.

Several multinational exercises focused on interoperability have taken place in the Indo-Pacific region recently, including two involving French Navy aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) on its first deployment since 2016. Read More →

Report to Congress on Current U.S.-Iran Tensions

May 17, 2019 9:56 AM

The following is the May 16, 2019 Congressional Research Service report, U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate. Read More →

Study Says Navy Logistics Fleet Would Fall Short in High-End Fight

By: Megan Eckstein

May 17, 2019 7:00 AM

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) conducts a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8) on April 12, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Navy is struggling to find support to buy new logistics ships, even as a new study finds the Navy’s current plans to recapitalize that logistics fleet are insufficient to support distributed operations in a high-end fight against China or Russia. Read More →

Pacific Island Nations Want More U.S. Engagement

By: John Grady

May 15, 2019 5:34 PM

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86) pulls into the Port of Suva, Fiji during a port visit Oct. 14, 2018. Navy photo.

Despite a shared history of fighting in World War II, the 16 Pacific Island nations think high ranking U.S. government policymakers suffer from “collective amnesia” when considering differing definitions of security, Fiji’s ambassador said Wednesday.

Former Navy Intel Officer: Chinese Navy ‘Very Competent,’ Getting Better

By: John Grady

May 15, 2019 12:37 PM

Chinese sailors watch a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship pull into Djibouti. Xinhua Photo

Due to an editing error, a previous version of this post stated the incorrect size of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, according to James Fanell. The Chinese are on pace to reach 450 surface ships and 110 submarines by 2030, according to Fanell’s data. Those totals are not the current fleet size.

China’s rise as a naval power goes well beyond its growing number of ships and submarines but the People’s Liberation Army Navy growing capability to operate jointly with the Chinese air force and rocket corps, a maritime intelligence expert said Tuesday. Read More →

Spanish Frigate Drops Out of Lincoln Strike Group Over U.S. Iran Stance

By: Sam LaGrone

May 14, 2019 12:58 PM

Àlvaro de Bazàn-class frigate ESPS Méndez Núñez (F 104) prepares to conduct a replenishment-at-sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) on May 8, 2019. US Navy Photo

A Spanish guided-missile frigate is temporarily dropping out to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group over the U.S. shift in operations toward Iran, according to statements from Spanish defense officials. Read More →

Report to Congress on Iran’s Nuclear Program

May 14, 2019 6:34 AM

The following is the May 10, 2019 Congressional Research Service Report, Iran’s Nuclear Program. Read More →

USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019 11:53 AM

These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of May 13, 2019, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship. Read More →

USS Arlington, Patriot Missiles to Join Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in Middle East

By: Ben Werner

May 10, 2019 6:30 PM

USS Arlington (LPD-24) transits the Mediterranean Sea on Feb. 1, 2019. US Navy Photo

This post has been updated with new information on the position of USS Arlington The amphibious warship is currently in 6th Fleet and not currently in 5th Fleet.

The Pentagon is sending amphibious warship USS Arlington (LPD-24) and elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to join the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group as a hedge against Iran, according to a Friday Pentagon statement. Read More →

Pentagon Seeking Potential Replacements for Turkish F-35 Parts