US Coast Guard – Secretary Rumsfeld questions continued reliance on the Coast Guard in military deployments.

• Sea Power: Adm. Keating Says Coast Guard Was “Pivotal” Force

US Navy – The US fleet has shrunk to its smallest size since WWI.

• San Diego Union Tribune: Navy has fewest ships since before World War I

Background – History – The distinguished public servant and scholar James Schlesinger recently gave marching orders to those assembled for the annual Midway Night, this year commemorating the 61st anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Here is an edited version of his remarks.

• Naval History: Underappreciated Victory

Background – Information Warfare – Network-centric operations have already made U.S. forces capable of moving faster and lighter, as shown in Iraq, but they are just as useful in low-intensity conflict or in rebuilding a nation.

• Aviation Week: Net-Centric Operations in War and Peace

Royal Australian Navy – A look at how oil smuggling is still being carried out in the Gulf.

• Associated Press: Coalition forces clamp down on smugglers of Iraqi oil with trials at sea

US Navy – A look at how carrier battlegroup workups have changed since the closure of Vieques.

• Virginian Pilot: Enterprise group drills in virtual war before deploying

Background – History – A look at a day of naval combat against Iran – April 18, 1988.

• SeaPower: Operation Praying Mantis Blows a Hole in Iranian Navy

US Navy – The US is considering basing an aircraft carrier in Hawaii.

• Honolulu Star Bulletin: Carrier could have permanent base here

US Marines – A veteran of two tours in Vietnam offers his views on preparing to fight in military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT).

• Marine Corps Gazette: Combined Arms Training for MOUT Operations

US Navy – The latest naval news from the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

• SeaPower: Netherlands Weighs Downsizing Navy

Background – Iraq – The full text of General Zinni’s recent speech to the US Naval Institute.

• Naval Institute Forum 2003: 4GW & Zinni’s Question: What is Nature of Victory?