Esquire – The Awakening of Robert Gates
Thomas P.M. Barnett writes that after a career built on avoiding risk, the defense secretary is (finally) ready to get back in the game and gamble, all-in.
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – Japan refuelling ships end Afghan mission
Bangkok Post – Japan refuelling ships end Afghan mission
Japanese naval ships returned home on Saturday ending a refuelling mission for US-led military efforts in Afghanistan, while its peacekeeping troops are now set to depart for quake-hit Haiti.
US Marines – As Marines Move In, Taliban Fight a Shadowy War
New York Times – As Marines Move In, Taliban Fight a Shadowy War
The Marine infantry company, accompanied by a squad of Afghan soldiers, set out long before dawn. It walked silently through the dark fields with plans of arriving at a group of mud-walled compounds in Helmand Province at sunrise.
US Navy – Quadrennial review says Navy 'will' base carrier in Florida
Virginian Pilot – Quadrennial review says Navy ‘will’ base carrier in Florida
Defense officials made clear Monday they’re backing the Navy’s desire to relocate a Norfolk-based aircraft carrier to Mayport, Fla. Whether the Navy is successful may come down to a nasty fight in Congress, say some Virginia legislators, who argue the military hasn’t provided any solid research to justify the relocation.
US Marines – Counterinsurgency, One Stuck Truck at a Time
New York Times – Counterinsurgency, One Stuck Truck at a Time
CJ Chivers in Afghanistan with the Marines.
Russian Navy – Critics say proposed sale of French Mistral ship to Russia will harm region
Washington Post – Critics say proposed sale of French Mistral ship to Russia will harm region
When the French navy’s 23,700-ton Mistral-class amphibious assault ship dropped anchor in St. Petersburg’s frigid harbor Nov. 23, it was doing more than paying a friendly visit to the Russians. The boxy 600-foot vessel — an advanced helicopter carrier, command center and hospital built for power projection and landing operations — was also advertising its many high-tech virtues with an eye on selling a copy to the Russian navy for about $750 million.
Royal Navy – Carriers versus tanks: Royal Navy joins battle for resources
The Times – Carriers versus tanks: Royal Navy joins battle for resources
The commitment to spend £20 billion on a replacement for Britain’s Trident nuclear submarines risks damaging the Royal Navy as it faces possible cutbacks in its manpower and fleet.
US Marines – As Marines Move In, Taliban Fight a Shadowy War
New York Times – As Marines Move In, Taliban Fight a Shadowy War
The Marine infantry company, accompanied by a squad of Afghan soldiers, set out long before dawn. It walked silently through the dark fields with plans of arriving at a group of mud-walled compounds in Helmand Province at sunrise.
Royal Australian Navy – Another Collins-class Submarine in Dry Dock
Defense Technology International – Another Collins-class Submarine in Dry Dock
And the troubles in Australia’s submarine fleet continue: there is apparently now just one operational submarine after Navy chief Vice-Admiral Russ Crane confirmed in late January that a generator failure on board HMAS Farncomb meant the submarine had to be put into dry dock for urgent repairs.
US Marines – Marines Invest in Local Afghan Projects
New York Times – Marines Invest in Local Afghan Projects
Following the emphasis on a more assertive counterinsurgency approach mandated last year by Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of American forces in Afghanistan, here on some of the country’s most dangerous ground, Marine infantry units are using this winter to try a soft touch.
US Marines – Marine assault vehicles key to Afghan strategy
Los Angeles Times – Marine assault vehicles key to Afghan strategy
As U.S. and Afghan troops prepare for an offensive in Helmand province, the Assault Breacher Vehicle – a cross between a tank and a bulldozer – is intended to conquer the terrain and roadside bombs.
US Navy – U.S. Speeding Up Missile Defenses in Persian Gulf
New York Times – U.S. Speeding Up Missile Defenses in Persian Gulf
General Petraeus said that the acceleration of defensive anti-missile systems in the Persian Guolf — which began when President George W. Bush was in office — included “eight Patriot missile batteries, two in each of four countries.” Patriot missiles are capable of shooting down short-range offensive missiles. He also described a first line of defense: He said the United States was now keeping Aegis cruisers on patrol in the Persian Gulf at all times.
Miscellaneous – 2010 Almanac Highlights – Status of US Maritime Administration
Sea Power – 2010 Almanac Highlights – Status of US Maritime Administration
The status of the US Maritime Administration as of January 2010.
Chinese Navy – China joins multinational naval force to fight Somali piracy
Christian Science Monitor – China joins multinational naval force to fight Somali piracy
With Somali piracy still posing a severe threat, China agreed Thursday to join the US, Europe, and others in a multilateral naval force. Since late 2008, China has dispatched four flotillas to the Gulf of Aden area, expanding its military activity abroad.
NOSI - Naval Open Source Intelligence™ 