Archive July 2001 – December 2001
Monday, December 31, 2001 |
Bahrain Navy – Bahrain will send a frigate to join the coalition forces in the Arabian Sea. The frigate is the Bans Sabha, an Oliver Hazard Perry class ship.
Royal Navy – An excellent overview of the choices facing the Royal Navy as it plans for its future naval aviation force.
- Naval War College Review: Future Carrier Aviation Options – A British Perspective
Sunday, December 30, 2001 |
US Navy – William Arkin on the importance of troop rotation in what will be a long war against terrorism.
- Los Angeles Times: Troops Gear Up for Phase 2 of War
US Navy – How forces and scenarios are designed to be tested in the US Navy’s annual Global War Game run at the Naval War College.
Saturday, December 29, 2001 |
Japanese Coast Guard – The sinking of a suspected North Korean spy trawler remains controversial in Japan.
- Washington Post: Sinking Renews Debate on Japan’s Military
US Navy – Life aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, which just returned to port.
- Los Angeles Times: Kitty Hawk Savors Homecoming
US Navy – The stress of life at sea for 100 days straight aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
- Associated Press: After 100 days at sea, U.S. sailors cope with depression, stress
Royal Navy – The firm which made Nelson’s signal flags at Trafalgar has just gone out of business.
- Daily Telgraph: Factory that made Nelson’s Trafalgar signal flags closes
Friday, December 28, 2001 |
Royal Marines – More of 40 Commando has arrived in Kabul.
US Navy – "Armchair generals talk tactics; real generals talk logistics???"
US Coast Guard – US Coast Guard law-enforcement detachments are now deployed on board US Navy warships, which has given the Coast Guard new powers in the war on drugs.
Thursday, December 27, 2001 |
Royal Navy – A Royal Navy task force, including HMS Illustrious is taking holiday R+R in Kenya???
- The Nation: Brisk Business for Hotels As Soldiers Arrive
US Navy – ???Meanwhile there are reports that US Navy ships are helping to search for Al-Qaeda elements in nearby Somalia as there is continued concern Osama Bin Laden may escape Afghanistan via the sea.
- Washington Post: US May Be Fighting Terror in Somalia
- Washington Times: U.S. sees bin Laden leaving by sea
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – The JMSDF is pursuing another unknown ship in its economic exclusion zone; meanwhile they are considering raising the unknown ship sunk the other day to learn more about it; and North Korea criticises the attack without claiming ownership of the ship.
- Daily Telegraph: Japanese in alert over mystery ship
- Associated Press: Japan plans to raise ship sunk in clash
- CNN: N Korea breaks silence over mystery ship
US Navy – A description of the X-47 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)
- Sea Power: The Industrial Base
Wednesday, December 26, 2001 |
US Navy – An account of US Navy SEALs and the role they played reconoitering Camp Rhino in Afghanistan.
- San Diego Union Tribune: Mission was clear: Put ‘eyes on target’
- Associated Press: SEALs tell of life behind enemy lines
Royal Marines – The Royal Marines in Afghanistan have still not been issued with the new, reliable version of the SA80 assault rifle.
- Daily Telegraph: Marines sent to Kabul with faulty rifle
Indian Navy – The US and Indian navies have conducted unprecedented joint exercises in the areas of search and rescue and maritime surveillance.
- Associated Press: India, U.S. begin week of joint naval exercises
Background – Open Source Intelligence – Just to keep in things in perspective, a list of things we do *not* know about this war???
- Washington Post: Already, Too Many Pieces Are Missing
Tuesday, December 25, 2001 |
US Navy – What the USS Kitty Hawk did during the war – served as a base for US Army and Air Force special forces and Navy SEALs. Aircraft embarked included a dozen MH-60 Blackhawk assault helicopters, a half-dozen MH-47 Chinook medium-lift transport helicopters and several MH-53 Pave Low helicopters.
- Washington Post: A Carrier’s Quiet, Key Mission
Canadian Navy – Canadian CP-140 Auroras are deploying to the Arabian Sea.
- Comox Valley Record: 407 Squadron crews off to Middle East
Japanese Coast Guard – More on the sinking of a suspected North Korean spy ship by the Japanese, who call it an act of self defense.
- Daily Telegraph: Japan sinks ‘North Korea spying ship’
Royal Navy – A ship suspected of carrying terrorist materials into the UK has been given the all clear after a thorough inspection.
Background – Smart Weapons – Decreasing the time lag between the sensor and the shooter coupled with precision-guided weapons has revolutioned the delivery of aerial ordinance.
- New York Times: Use of Pinpoint Air Power Comes of Age in New War
Monday, December 24, 2001 |
Royal Navy – Searching of a ship suspected to contain terrorist supplies continues and will be done in exacting detail. Meanwhile, UK ports have been placed on a terrorist alert for suspect materials being shipped into the UK.
- BBC: Ship search ‘will take weeks’
- Daily Telegraph:
Ports on terror alert for suspect shipping
Royal Marines – Royal Marines are patrolling in Kabul.
- Daily Telegraph: British Marines bring order to Kabul
Background – Taliban Strategy – Why the Taliban’s strategy failed against US forces.
- Washington Post: Taliban’s ‘Hide-and-Wait’ Strategy Failed
Background – Iraq – Options being put forward for how to deal with Iraq.
- Daily Telegraph: Bush handed three attack plans for Saddam
Background – Afghanistan – How the al-Qaeda effectively hijacked the government of Afghanistan.
- Washington Post: Inside Al Qaeda’s Secret World
Sunday, December 23, 2001 |
US Marines – A description of a US Marine ambush of a Taliban convoy near Kandahar. The US Marines are being used not for set piece battles, but instead as special forces.
- New York Times: The Marines’ 21st-Century Beachhead Is Far Inland
Japanese Coast Guard – The Japanese Coast Guard has attacked and sunk a ship of unidentified nationality that was in its exclusive economic zone.
Background – Diego Garcia – Citizens of Diego Garcia have filed a class-action suit against the US Government for reparations after being forcibly removed from their home islands.
- Washington Post: Islanders Sue U.S. Over Relocation
Background – Next Step Iraq? – It will be difficult to overthrow Saddam Hussein using the strategy used in Afghanistan – Special Forces and airpower coupled with locally raised armies. The reason is there is no longer any organized resistance Iraq.
- New Yorker: The Iraq Hawks
Saturday, December 22, 2001 |
Royal Marines – Royal Marines are heading up the peacekeeping force in Kabul.
- The Times: Marines fly in to protect new Afghan leaders
Royal Navy – Anti-terrorist police are searching a cargo ship from Mauritius which they intercepted in the English Channel on Friday morning which is suspected of carrying terrorist material.
Russian Navy – A new class of Russian corvette was laid down.
- Washington Post: Russia Launches New Warship Production
Friday, December 21, 2001 |
US Navy – A tanker suspected by the US Navy of smuggling oil for Iraq is said to be innocent by the Iranians.
- The Times: Iran hits back after US ‘attack’ on tanker
US Coast Guard – Ice breaking on the Great Lakes.
US Navy – a Pan-American naval task force has been proposed to fight drug smuggling.
- Washington Post: Republicans Float an Idea for Latin America’s Navies
Thursday, December 20, 2001 |
US Navy – Carrier battlegroups will aim to be certified earlier in their training cycle for overseas deployments so they can be made available when needed.
- Virginian Pilot: Battle groups may aim for earlier certification of readiness
Chinese Navy – Strategies for an invasion of Taiwan.
- Air Force: The Chinese Sharpen Their Options
US Navy – Norman Friedman on what the US Navy can do about asymetrical warfare.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: U.S. Survives Blackest Tuesday
Wednesday, December 19, 2001 |
Canadian Navy – The Canadian Navy is contributing to the blockade off Pakistan that is searching for al Qaeda fighters that are attempting to flee by the sea.
- Globe and Mail: Canada aiding naval blockade
- Halifax Daily News: Sailors’ morale high for holidays
- Halifax Herald: Fleet helping to block al-Qaida escape
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, her crew is learning to become proficient with small arms.
- Virginian Pilot: Roosevelt sailors trained for ship security
Background – Lessons Learned – The BBC’s defense correspondent on what lessons have been learned to date in this information-centered war.
US Marines – What life is like for a new recruit at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island.
Tuesday, December 18, 2001 |
French Navy – The French military has been crippled by decreased defense spending, reorganizations, and poor administration. The most visible example of this is the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle which has been riddled with defects.
- Daily Telegraph: French farce of the force de frappe
US Navy – The Area Missile Defense System has been canceled due to cost overruns.
- Washington Post: Missile Defense System Canceled
US Navy – The US Navy will probably be moving to deployments lasting longer than 6 months during the war on terrorism.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy studying possibility of longer deployments
Background – Targeting – William Arkin shows how targeting is a very complex issue, and the JAG lawyers are not solely at fault when a potentially lucrative target is passed over as being too politically risky to attack.
- Washington Post dot mil: The Myth of Military Lawyers
Monday, December 17, 2001 |
US Marines – The US Marines will begin to move their base from Camp Rhino to the Kandahar airport.
- Washington Post: Marines in Desert Pulling Up Stakes
Indian Navy – The Indian Navy recent held joint exercises with the US Navy.
Royal Australian Navy – The Australian Navy turned back another ship carrying illegal immigrants.
Background – Strategy – William Arkin on how the strategy the US is using to hunt down the Al Qaeda leadership – leaving the fighting to Afghan proxies – may lessen the chances of actually finding those leaders.
Sunday, December 16, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS John F Kennedy battlegroup will deploy 2 months early to the Persian Gulf; in the meantime her commander was relieved due to the ship failing an operational readiness inspection. But is he being made a scapegoat for a system that has chronically underfunded maintenance for years?
- Virginian Pilot: Kennedy battle group will deploy 2 months early
- Virginian Pilot: Kennedy captain removed after ship fails inspection
- Florida Times-Union: Ousted Navy Commander Defends Ship
US Marines – On the ground with the Marines at Camp Rhino.
- Fox: Marines Make Base a Home Away From Home
- Tallahassee Democrat: Marines wary of possible attacks
US Navy – The US Navy has several ships in the Mediterranean under surveillance that are suspected of aiding terrorist causes.
- Associated Press: US Tracking Ships in Mediterranean
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, aircrews are setting operational records.
- Associated Press: Pilots Pushed to Limits in Afghanistan
Saturday, December 15, 2001 |
US Marines – The US Marines have moved into the Kandahar airport.
- Daily Telegraph: Marines put on booby-trap alert as airport is repaired
- Washington Post: Marines Sweep Into Airport at Kandahar
- BBC: Marines take Kandahar airport
Background – Close Air Support – Jim Dunnigan on the historical evolution of close air support, and how it has been revolutionized in Afghanistan.
- Strategy Page: The Revolution in Close Air Support
Friday, December 14, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Kitty Hawk battlegroup is returning to its homeport in Japan.
- Associated Press: U.S. warship based in Japan returns from duty in war against terror
US Navy – The US Navy continues to actively board and search ships suspected of aiding al-Qaeda’s cause.
- Daily Telegraph: US navy scours oceans for bin Laden fleet
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the amount of ordinance being delivered by aircraft is falling off. Meanwhile the Italian aircraft carrier Guiseppe Garibaldi is working up to integrate itself into the task force.
- Associated Press: US fighters dropping about 50 percent fewer bombs on Afghanistan
Thursday, December 13, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Russell rescued crewman from a B-1 bomber who had to eject from the disabled aircraft 60 miles north of Diego Garcia.
- BBC: Crashed US bomber crew rescued
- Times of London: US crew eject as bomber crashes
US Navy – How to do your holiday shopping from a combat zone, aboard the USS Thedore Roosevelt.
- Associated Press: Even on fighting ships, they’re buying holiday gifts
US Navy – An overview of the Maritime Prepositioning Force.
- SeaPower: Situation Report: The MPF Ships
Wednesday, December 12, 2001 |
Royal Navy – Royal Navy ships have joined the patrol off Pakistan’s coast to ensure that al Qaida members do not flee Afghanistan and Pakistan by the sea.
- The Guardian: British ships join patrol off Pakistan
US Marines – More on the Marine patrols around Kandahar.
- Daily Telegraph:
Marines block flight from Kandahar
US Navy – The last cruise of the Spruance-class destroyer USS Ray.
Background – Special Forces – With the US Army special forces on the ground in Afghanistan, to see how they have been functioning in this conflict.
- Washington Post: . . And His U.S. Partners
Tuesday, December 11, 2001 |
US Marines – US Marines are patrolling the roads around Kandahar, searching for fleeing members of al-Qaida.
- Associated Press: U.S. Marines set up staging area near Kandahar in search for Taliban, al-Qaida fighters
US Navy – An excerpt from a book by the pilot of the EP-3 downed earlier this year off China.
- ABC: ‘Born to Fly’
Background – Intelligence – A summary of the intelligence community’s contributions and successes in the war so far.
- Times of London: How we won the spy game
Monday, December 10, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, whose pilots are now plinking caves.
- Associated Press: U.S. fighter jets target troops, caves in hunt for bin Laden
US Marines – On the ground with the US Marines at and around Camp Rhino.
- Associated Press: Marines hunt al Qaeda and Taliban leaders
- Los Angeles Times: ‘They Could Be Dying if We Didn’t Do Things Right’
US Marines – Why the US Marines are the United States leaders in expeditionary warfare, and why the US Army is not.
- Washington Post: Marines’ Mission Stirs Army Debate
Background – William Arkin on how destroying the cave complexes is turning out to be easier than earlier thought.
- Los Angeles Times: In 21st Century War, 2 Cavemen Stand Out
Background – Secretary of Defense Rumsfield gives his opinion of the war to date in an interview with Thomas Ricks.
- Washington Post: Rumsfeld’s Hands-On War
Saturday, December 8, 2001 |
US Marines – US Marines see action on the ground in Afghanistan for the first time
- Associated Press: Marines Attack Taliban Convoy
US Navy – Viecques may remain open as a training range indefinitely.
- Virginian Pilot: Vieques range could remain open past 2003
US Navy – China has begun harrassing US ELINT flights off China again.
- Washington Times: Inside the Ring
Background – Afghanistan – Sir John Keegan with an analysis of the campaign so far and how far it has to go.
- Daily Telegraph: The Taliban danger has gone, but al-Qa’eda remains
Friday, December 7, 2001 |
US Marines – With the Marines on the ground in Afghanistan.
- Washington Post: Improvising a Military Oasis
- Associated Press: Marines Detect ‘Credible Threat’
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, with her young Sailors.
- Washington Post: Out of High School and Into a Combat Zone
Canadian Navy – HMCS Toronto deploys to NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic in the Mediterranean. It replaces HMCS Halifax, which was sent to the Arabian Sea to join the fight against terrorism.
- Halifax Herald: Toronto crew heads to Mediterranean
Background – Special Forces – Sir John Keegan on the historical importance of special forces.
- Daily Telegraph: Beating the terrorist at his own game
Thursday, December 6, 2001 |
US Marines – US Marines are engaging in more aggressive patroling around their airfield base in Afghanistan.
- Washington Post: Marines Block Roads To Taliban Stronghold
US Navy – The Bon Homme Richard amphibious ready ground carrying the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit has set sail for the Arabian Sea.
- North County Times: Solemn farewells as Marines, Sailors head for Middle East
US Navy – The US is set to embark on a closer military relationship with India, as more US Navy ships make port calls in India.
- Reuters: U.S. Plans ‘Unprecedented’ Military Ties with India
- Frontier Post: US naval ship to dock in Madras port
Background – Taliban military – James F. Dunnigan debunks myths about the Taliban military machine.
- Strategy Page: More Myths about the War in Afghanistan
Wednesday, December 5, 2001 |
US Marines – The Australian SAS is working out of the US Marine base in Afghanistan.
- Associated Press: Australian forces arrive at desert base; U.S. troops more aggressive in reconnaissance patrols
Russian Navy – More on the commissioning of the nuclear attack submarine Gepard.
- BBC: Putin unveils sub after Kursk purge
- The Guardian: Naval purge marks Putin’s new course
French Navy – The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has set sail for the Arabian Sea.
US Navy – A description of the amphibious exercise Kernal Blitz 01 held earlier this year and its focus on network centric warfare.
Tuesday, December 4, 2001 |
Russian Navy – The Russian Navy will commission the nuclear attack submarine Gepard.
- Associated Press: Putin to launch Russian nuclear submarine, first since sinking of Kursk
US Navy – As the F-14’s days in the fleet are numbered, its testing days at Pax River come to an end.
US Marines – On the ground, hygiene is everything???
- Associated Press: U.S. Marines note basic lesson for fighting in Afghanistan: hygiene
Background – Strategy – William Arkin on how it might not be all that difficult to topple Saddam Hussein.
- Washington Post dot mil: Should Iraq Be Next?
Monday, December 3, 2001 |
US Marines – With the US Marines in Afghanistan, liaison troops from the UK, Australia and Germany are also at the base.
- Washington Post: Marines at ‘Camp Justice’ on the Lookout for Taliban
- Washington Post: Marines Strengthen Presence in Afghanistan
US Navy – Thomas Ricks on how the new ability to hit emerging targets from the air holds lessons for the future of USAF and US Navy aviation.
- Washington Post: Bull’s-Eye War: Pinpoint Bombing Shifts Role of GI Joe
Royal Malaysian Navy – The Royal Malaysian Navy is beefing up patrols in Sabah waters in order to increase security on Malaysia’s eastern border with the Philippines.
US Navy – What the future holds for naval gun fire support for Marines.
- SeaPower: Naval Surface Fire Support: On Target
Sunday, December 2, 2001 |
US Navy – The Newport News shipyard has been acquired by Northrup Grumman.
US Coast Guard – Aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Forward in Chesapeake Bay.
Russian Navy – The blame for the Kursk disaster slowly begins to be assigned.
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theordore Roosevelt, some Sailors and Marines are pursing college course work.
Saturday, December 1, 2001 |
US Marines – On the ground with the US Marines in Afghanistan at Forward Operating Base Rhino.
- Washington Post: More Marines Land in Afghanistan
- Washington Times: Marines establish combat base
Canadian Navy – Canadian ships are now part of the US Navy battlegroups in the Arabian Sea.
- Halifax Herald: Halifax-based ships escorting U.S. carriers
Indonesian Navy – The CINCPACLFT says that Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore need to do more to combat the piracy in their territorial waters.
- Associated Press: US Pacific commander says Indonesia, neighbors should prevent terror attacks on shipping
Background – Strategy – Former US Navy Secretary James Webb on what we can learn from the British and Soviet empires as we devise new doctrines for the new threats we face.
- Wall Street Journal: A New Doctrine for New Wars
Thursday, November 29, 2001 |
German Navy – The German Navy is spending more of its time in the Mediterranean.
US Marines – Who has the better assault rifle – the US Marines or the Taliban?
Wednesday, November 28, 2001 |
US Navy – CINCLANT says the utility of aircraft carriers should not be doubted anymore.
- Virginian Pilot: Commander says carriers’ success leaves no doubt about value
US Marines – US Marines are patrolling outside Kandahar.
- Washington Post: Troops Face Serious Threat, Rumsfeld Says
Tuesday, November 27, 2001 |
Please note: – Updating of NOSI may be a bit erratic over the next few days???
US Marines – US Marine forces are already seeing combat in Afghanistan.
- Associated Press: U.S. Marines battle armored column near new base in southern Afghanistan
- CNN: Marines in action in Afghanistan
- BBC: US Marines launch first strike
French Navy – The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will join the US task force in the Arabian Sea in December.
- CNN: France to commit 5,000 troops
- Reuters: France to Send Carrier Group to Indian Ocean
- Associated Press: France to send aircraft carrier to Indian Ocean
US Navy – The US Navy may mothball all its Spruance-class destroyers years ahead of schedule to save money that can be spent on upgrading aviation assets; this will exacerbate the shortage of ships available for operations.
- San Diego Union Tribune: Navy may mothball entire Spruance class of destroyers
US Coast Guard – An essay on why homeland security is an important mission and why the US Coast Guard is the service to do it.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Homeland Security Is a Coast Guard Mission
Monday, November 26, 2001 |
US Marines – US Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Peleliu amphibious ready ground, and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Bataan amphibious ready group have landed outside Kandahar in order to join US and UK special forces in the hunt for Taliban and al Qaeda operatives.
- CNN: Up to 1,500 Marines destined for south Afghanistan
- Washington Post: Marines Sent Into Afghanistan
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – More Japanese ships have deployed to the Arabian Sea.
- Associated Press: Japanese warships deployed to support war on terrorism
- CNN: Japanese war effort sets sail
Canadian Navy – The Canadian Navy considers acquiring its own organic sealift capability.
- Edmonton Sun: We want ships!
Royal Marines – Why the Royal Marines’ SBS unit is going nowhere at Bagram airfield near Kabul.
- Daily Telegraph: How 680 Paras drove a wedge between London and Washington
Background – Strategy – The next countries targeted in the war against terrorism will be Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- Sunday Times of London: The Allies’ next targets: US pledges bombs will give way to stiletto attacks on ‘the evil ones’
- Sunday Times of London: US targets three more countries
Sunday, November 25, 2001 |
US Navy – A sign of China’s support of the war against terrorism: US ships are being allowed port calls in Hong Kong.
- United Press International: China okays U.S. carrier stop in Hong Kong
Canadian Navy – The Canadian supply ship HMCS Preserver in the Arabian Sea is having difficulty making enough fresh water.
- Victoria Times Colonist: Supply ship’s water woes keep Sea Kings from flying
Background – Ground War – How the ground war in the south of Afghanistan may shape up to be a true guerilla war.
- Washington Post: In the South, U.S. Faces a Guerrilla War
Background – Cruise Industry – More on how cruise ships are vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
- San Francisco Chronicle: Could it happen at sea?
Cruise lines say they learned from 1985 attack
Saturday, November 24, 2001 |
US Navy – Gathering intelligence on cargo vessel movements in the Arabian sea is a new important task for the US Navy.
Background – Taliban – Historian John Keegan on the what the fate of the Taliban may be.
- Daily Telegraph: Death may be only way out for ‘Arabs’
Background – Disruptive Technologies – An essay on how the US military can take advantage of disruptive technologies.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Making Room for Risk: Managing Disruptive Technologies
Friday, November 23, 2001 |
US Navy – The US Navy has been ordered to search any vessel in the Arabian Sea suspected of carrying Osama Bin Laden.
- Washington Post: Navy Ordered to Block Any Bid By Bin Laden to Escape by Sea
- Virginian Pilot: U.S. sailors could search ships for fleeing terrorists
Canadian Navy – The Canadian Navy’s contribution to the coalition is now in the Arabian Sea, and another frigate – HMCS Toronto – will be dispatched to join it.
- Halifax Herald: Canadian ships in place in Mideast
- Canoe: Sixth warship to join coalition
Royal Navy – HMS Ark Royal has been placed back in commission.
US Navy – The US Navy is testing a catamaran vessel to see what utility it may have in future operations. The vessel is similar to the Royal Australian Navy’s Jervis Bay which has been successfully used in support of Australian peacekeeping operations in East Timor.
Thursday, November 22, 2001 |
Ghanan Navy – The US Marines are exercising with their counterparts in Ghana as part of the West African Training Cruise.
- Accra Mail: Soldiers Benefit From US Military Training
US Marines – James F. Dunnigan on how the US Marines keep their fighting edge.
- Strategy Page: Keeping it Up Close and Personal
US Marines – How USAF Colonel John Boyd helped the US Marines adopt a strategy of maneuver warfare.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Warfighting Brought to You by . . .
Background – Land War – The way the land war may now evolve???
- Washington Post: In the South, U.S. Faces a Guerrilla War
Wednesday, November 21, 2001 |
US Navy – New double-deck piers at Norfolk make ship servicing easier and safer.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy’s newest pier cuts work in half
US Marines – The US Marines from the Bataan and Peleliu amphibious ready groups off Afghanistan may soon go ashore and assist in the hunt for al Qaeda operatives.
- Associated Press: Marines Poised to Join Troops
US Marines – An essay on expeditionary maneuver warfare.
- Seapower: The Timeless Realities of Human Conflict
US Coast Guard – The threats that cruise ships face from terrorists.
- Associated Press: Experts: Ships Target for Attacks
US Coast Guard – The nightmare of trying to make US ports secure from terrorist attack.
- Virginian Pilot: Some concerned about guarding our gateway to the world
Tuesday, November 20, 2001 |
New Feature – Search – You can now Search NOSI. Simply click on the Search link on any page, and you may search the contents of the entire site, dating back to February 18, 2000.
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, with her young crew. Meanwhile, her pilots say that it is more and more difficult to pick out legitimate targets on the ground after the Taliban’s front lines have collapsed.
- Associated Press:
">Pilots say identifying targets more difficult as Taliban flee and alliance advances
- Associated Press: From turbines to airplanes, young Americans keep war campaign going
US Navy – US Navy ships serving in the Arabian Sea are taking port calls in India, for the first time since 1996.
US Navy – Have US aircraft carriers guaranteed their existence in future US force structures, on the basis of their contribution to this conflict?
Background – William Arkin on whether or not the US military will learn any lessons from this conflict.
Monday, November 19, 2001 |
US Navy – An Iraqi tanker suspected of smuggling oil in the Persian Gulf, that had been boarded by US Navy sailors, has sunk with 2 sailors reported missing.
US Navy – Aboard the USS Vella Gulf in the Arabian Sea.
Russian Navy – The final fate of the Kursk has been decided – it will be scrapped.
US Navy – A US Navy JAG officer is accused of being overly concerned about collateral damage from bombing, thus thwarting attacks against the al Qaeda leadership.
- Washington Post: Target Approval Delay Irk Air Force Officers
Background – CIA – Meanwhile the CIA is running its own air war with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Background – Targeting – A look at the pros and cons of the US targeting strategy in Afghanistan.
Sunday, November 18, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Carl Vinson, a close look at the Navy’s air war.
- Aviation Week and Space Technology: Navy Adapts Operations
For Afghan War Hurdles
Royal Marines – A review of what British forces will be committed on the ground for peacekeeping, namely The Parachute Regiment and the Royal Marines, and what they can be expected to do. Meanwhile, there is controversy over the initial deployment of Royal Marines in Kabul – the Northern Alliance wants them removed.
- Daily Telegraph: ">Paras take lead as British soldiers prepare to fly in
- BBC: UK troops ’staying in Afghanistan’
- BBC: UK troops: Risks on the ground
Royal Marines – Who are the Special Boat Service (SBS)?
Background – UAVs – How Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are being used in combat roles.
Saturday, November 17, 2001 |
US Navy – The US Navy has launched its next generation of signal intelligence satellites that are the follow-on series to the Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS) satellites.
- Space.com: Trio of NRO Spy Satellites to be Launched During Next Two Months
- CNN: Space sleuths speculate on spy satellite
US Navy – The 200th anniversary of the US Navy in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Sea Power: A Testimony to The World
Background – Afghanistan – James F. Dunnigan on how difficult peacekeeping in Afghanistan will be.
- Strategy Page: Peacekeeping in Afghanistan
Friday, November 16, 2001 |
Royal Marines – A small detachment of Royal Marines is on the ground in Kabul, to help prepare the ground for humanitarian operations.
- BBC: UK troops land in Afghanistan
- Daily Telegraph: Special Boat Service to form British vanguard in Kabul
- The Times: First British troops land outside Kabul
US Navy – Fewer and fewer targets are available to US pilots.
- Associated Press: Planes return to Roosevelt with bombs as targets decline
Royal Navy – The NH-90 helicopter is being modified for maritime use.
- Jane’s: NH 90 comes aboard
Thursday, November 15, 2001 |
US Coast Guard – How secure are our ports?
- New York Times: On the Dock, Holes in the Security Net Are Gaping
US Navy – Life aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Ross.
- Virginian Pilot: Exercises keep destroyer Ross ready for battle
- Virginian Pilot: Three destroyers depart Norfolk
Background – Afghanistan – John Keegan tries to put the last few day’s events in a historical perspective.
- Daily Telegraph: Success for the alliance, but it’s not over yet
Wednesday, November 14, 2001 |
Canadian Navy – Elements of the Canadian Navy task force are nearing the Gulf.
- Reuters: Three Canada Warships Pass Suez Canal to Join War
- Reuters: HMCS Vancouver leading US warships across the Pacific Ocean
US Navy – US carrier pilots can take responsiblity for helping to break open the Taliban’s line’s in the north of Afghanistan.
US Navy – Is the US bombing strategy too conservative?
Tuesday, November 13, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, her pilots claim some responsibility for the current successful Northern Alliance ground campaign.
US Navy – Aircraft carriers have demonstrated their value in the campaign to date; their future in the US Navy seems assured.
US Navy – The USS John Stennis deploys; she will relieve the USS Carl Vinson.
- CNN: Carrier group departs for Arabian Sea
- Associated Press: Aircraft carrier heads to sea with battle group for six months of duty in Persian Gulf region
US Navy – Why tiltrotors are important, if only they could be made to work well.
Monday, November 12, 2001 |
US Navy – On board the USS Theodore Roosevelt – going after the caves with her pilots.
- Sunday Times: Aerial Assault: Pilots switch attack to Taliban caves
US Coast Guard – Aboard the USCGC Diligence, providing homeland security.
Background – Strategy – A look at the evolving US strategy.
- Washington Post: New Front Illustrates Evolving U.S. Strategy
Background – James F. Dunnigan on how today’s Afghan soldier is little different from his ancestors.
- Strategy Page: 19th Century War in the 21st Century
Sunday, November 11, 2001 |
US Navy – The Royal Air Force’s tankers are winning high praise from US Navy pilots over Afghanistan.
- Daily Telegraph: Britain’s flying tankers hailed as ‘Godsend’
US Marines – US Marines are helping to provide security for the world trade conference in Qatar.
- Daily Telegraph: US calls in marines to protect delegates
Background – UAV’s – A review of the usage of UAVs in Afghanistan to date, stating their pros and cons.
- Economist: Send in the drones
- New York Times: U.S. Is Using More Drones, Despite Concern Over Flaws
US Navy – A review of the current SAM threat over Iraq that faces the pilots enforcing the no-fly zones.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: SAM Threat over Iraq
Background – Saudi Arabia – James F. Dunnigan on the balance of power in Saudi Arabia.
- Strategy Page: An Explosion Waiting to Happen
Saturday, November 10, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – More problems with refugees trying to gain entry to Australia.
US Navy – Aboard the USS Thedore Roosevelt, her pilots are now attacking more and more targets chosen by forward air controllers on the ground.
- Associated Press: Forward Air Controllers Aid Pilots
US Navy – The USS Enterprise’s air wing looks back on their missions over Aghanistan.
- Virginian Pilot: ">Enterprise air wing ready to come home
US Coast Guard – On patrol with the Coast Guard’s latest asset, the US Navy’s Cyclone-class patrol craft.
- New York Times: A New, Experienced Protector for the Navy in Home Waters
Background – Afghanistan – Journalist Robert Kaplan’s insight into the current situation in Afghanistan.
- The Atlantic: The View From Inside
Friday, November 9, 2001 |
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – 2 destroyers and a supply ship from the JMSDF have deployed to the Indian Ocean in support of operations against the Taliban. They will have a supportive, rather than combative mission.
- BBC: Japanese warships back US troops
- Associated Press: Japanese Warships Join Terrorism War
US Navy – The USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group may be moved to the Indian Ocean, to join the USS Peleliu.
- Virginian Pilot: Norfolk amphibious ships may carry Marines to fight
US Navy – The USS John Stennis will deploy 3 months earlier than planned to the Indian Ocean.
Overview – A summary of the war at one month.
- New York Times: A Month in a Difficult Battlefield: Assessing U.S. War Strategy
Background – Special Forces – A way to differentiate between "special forces" such as SEALs and "raiders" such as the Royal Marines.
Thursday, November 8, 2001 |
Italian Navy – Italy will sent a naval task force, including the aircraft carrier Guiseppe Garibaldi, to the Arabian Sea.
US Navy – The US Navy is running out of precision guided munitions, and there is a request to send a fourth aircraft carrier to the theater of operations.
- Washington Times: Air Force slow to transfer special bomb kits to Navy
US Coast Guard – Why the Deepwater program is more important than ever.
Wednesday, November 7, 2001 |
Royal Marines – 40 Commando is currently on R+R. It will take them some time to get their kit sorted and made ready for operations in Afghanistan.
- The Times: Marines enjoy sunshine before storm
US Coast Guard – The US Coast Guard will be acquiring the services of 5 of the US Navy’s coastal patrol boats, to use for off shore patroling.
US Navy – Former Secretary of the Navy James Webb’s opinion on how the US should proceed.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Go after Them and Eliminate Them
Background – Strategy – The current strategic view, from the United Kingdom – are we currently headed for a large land campaign?
- Daily Telegraph: Army set for cold war
- Sunday Times: ">Thousands of troops in big Afghan push ‘within weeks’
Tuesday, November 6, 2001 |
Russian Navy – The Russians now feel a torpedo explosion inside the Kursk was the most likely cause of her loss.
Russian Navy – More about the Granit missiles being removed from the Kursk.
US Navy – R+R aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
- Associated Press: Roosevelt crew takes a break as Marines fly off Peleliu
Monday, November 5, 2001 |
Russian Navy – The Varyag broke loose from the vessels towing it and was adrift but now has been taken back in tow.
- Times of London: Greeks rescue crew of stricken carrier
- BBC: Giant vessel shuts the Bosphorus
US Navy – The USS Enterprise is steaming towards its home port.
- Virginian Pilot: Enterprise heads into Atlantic Ocean on way home
US Navy – The US Navy will base the new aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan in San Diego.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy will base new carrier Reagan in San Diego
US Navy – An analysis of the US targeting strategy.
- Washington Post dot mil: Bombing the Red Cross
Background – Nuclear Weapons – How secure are Pakistan’s nuclear weapons?
- New Yorker: Watching the Warheads
Sunday, November 4, 2001 |
Chinese Navy – The former Soviety Navy carrier Varyag has transitted the Bosporus Strait on its way to China.
- Los Angeles Times: Aircraft Carrier Jams Bosporus Strait Traffic
US Navy – US Marine Harriers from the USS Peleliu took part in air strikes against Afghanistan for the first time.
- Associated Press: Marine Jump Jets Take Part in Raids
US Navy – Aboard the USS Peleliu, the Marine troops wait for the call to action.
- Washington Post: Aboard Assault Ship, Marines Await Their ‘Piece of the Action’
Royal Navy – The Royal Navy is investigating ways to defend its ships from attacks from small fast craft
Background – Nuclear Weapons / Radiological Weapons – The threat of an attack against the US from terrorists armed with nuclear or radiological weapons is higher than most assume.
- Economist: Could worse be yet to come?
Saturday, November 3, 2001 |
US Navy – The DD-21 program has been effectively canceled. A new, modular design adaptable to several missions, will be solicited from the design teams.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy drops its destroyer plans in favor of a revised hull form
US Navy – Air to air refueling is a key component of every US Navy strike over Afghanistan, and S-3 Vikings are performing yeoman work in that regard.
- Washington Post: Gas Stations in the Sky Extend Fighters’ Reach
US Navy – With the ordinance specialists on the USS Thedore Roosevelt.
- Associated Press: Piece by piece, sailors on aircraft carrier assemble precision bombs to match the target
Greek Navy – An interview with the Commander in Chief of the Greek Navy.
Friday, November 2, 2001 |
US Navy – Somewhere over Aghanistan, with pilots from the USS Carl Vinson.
US Marine Corps – The MV-22 Osprey will be grounded until next spring, and then will require 2 years of flight test to certify it is truely ready for production.
US Navy – A possible breakthrough in submarine communications.
Background – Biological Weapons – An absolutely chilling essay on what biological weapons could potentially do.
- New Yorker: The Bioweaponeers
Thursday, November 1, 2001 |
US Navy – With the aviation mechanics aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Royal Marines – 40 Commando continues to prepare for action, but how will they be used?
- Daily Telegraph: Marines not yet ready to attack, says
- The Times: Marines to join ranks of ‘Fearless’
- Daily Telegraph:
‘My men know what’s needed to eradicate the terrorist cancer’
US Coast Guard – A new icebreaker will be built for use on the Great Lakes, to replace the USCGC Mackinaw which dates from WWII.
Background – Biological Weapons – Smallpox – An excellent history of smallpox as a disease, and how it can be turned into a lethal weapon.
- New Yorker: The Demon in the Freezer
Wednesday, October 31, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Carl Vinson with the bunker busters.
- Washington Post: Mountain Caves Used by Taliban Latest Targets of U.S. Bombs
US Navy – Why the use of "kinetics" is not the way to win in Afghanistan.
- Washington Post dot mil: Euphoria Lost
Royal Australian Navy – Refugees continue to try to land in Australia.
Background – Afghanistan – An excellent history, from 1985, by the military historian John Keegan that covers the history of Afghanistan including the British and Russian invasions in great depth and describes which tactics work and don’t work in Afghanistan.
- The Atlantic: The Ordeal of Afghanistan
Tuesday, October 30, 2001 |
US Navy – The true effect the air raids are having on Afghan morale, as seen by the correspondent John Simpson who is an observer on the ground. Simpson claims that the US technological precision does not awe the Afghans, but instead makes them regard the US as being effete. Read this, then read the next essay from 12 years ago to see if we have learned the lessons from the last war in Afghanistan???
Background – The Soviet Defeat – An interesting essay from 1989 written by Robert Kaplan that says the reason the Afghans ultimately defeated the Russians was the Afghan’s willingness to die.
- The Atlantic: Afghanistan Post Mortem
US Navy – The USS Enterprise is on her way home.
- Virginian Pilot: Enterprise on its way home
Canadian Navy – The second Upholder-class attack submarine, HMCS Windsor, has arrived in Canada.
Monday, October 29, 2001 |
Given the current interest in biological weapons, in the next few days I will be bringing to your attention a few excellent background articles on biological warfare from the New Yorker magazine.
Background – Anthrax – A historical case report of one of the last anthrax cases in the United States, from the early 1960’s, told in story form. A good review of what anthrax does to humans.
- New Yorker: A Man Named Hoffman
Royal Marines – 200 Royal Marines from 40 Commando will stay in the Persian Gulf and assist in the campaign. They will be based on HMS Fearless and will have their helicopters based on HMS Illustrious.
- BBC: Blair outlines UK troop decision
- The Times: Britain deploys 4,200 troops in show of resolve
- Sunday Times: ">Mountain marines ready for snow strike
- Daily Telegraph: ">Ground phase gains momentum
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – Japan may send naval ships to the Indian Ocean, but not to the Persian Gulf.
- Associated Press: Japan Reportedly Considers Warships
US Navy – Does the US Navy still need it’s Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) communications network for communicating with ballistic missile submarines?
Sunday, October 28, 2001 |
US Navy – Night air operations aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
US Navy and Marines Corps and Royal Navy – Lockheed-Martin wins the competition to build the Joint Strike Fighter which will be the next generation fighter for the US and the British militaries.
Russian Navy – A look inside the Kursk.
Russian Navy – Russia will officially close its naval base in Vietnam at Cam Ranh Bay.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Russia to close two foreign bases and focus on home
Saturday, October 27, 2001 |
US Navy – The life of a landing signals officer aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
- Associated Press: Pilots Help Guide Planes to Carrier
US Navy – Part of the Enterprise battlegroup has returned to port, but the USS Enterprise remains at sea.
- Virginian Pilot: Four ships of the Enterprise bring 1,000 sailors home
US Marines – The Marines of the USS Peleliu amphibious ready group are ready to go.
Russian Navy – The nuclear attack submarine Gepard will soon be commissioned.
Background – Strategy – How the strategy is evolving.
Friday, October 26, 2001 |
Russian Navy – Work begins on removing the Granit missiles from the Kursk.
US Navy – With the pilots aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
Royal Marines – It seems likely Royal Marine Commandos will be committed to the battle.
Background – Strategy – The long view of the war, from Britain’s top military officer.
- New York Times (registration required): British Commander Calls Long Ground Raids Likely
Background – John Keegan on why al-Qa’eda must be extinguished.
Thursday, October 25, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The USS Enterprise may be heading home soon.
US Navy – Hand held computers are revolutionizing naval life.
Royal Marines – The Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade are ready for cold weather warfare.
Danish Navy – The Danish Navy will send a ship to join NATO’s nine-ship Standing Naval Force Mediterranean, to free up other NATO members ships for operations in the Persian Gulf.
Background – Collateral Damage – Has the Pentagon become too concerned with causing civilian casualties?
- Washington Post: Civilian Casualties and the Air War
Wednesday, October 24, 2001 |
Canadian Navy – HMCS Halifax has cleared the Suez Canal on her way to the Gulf.
- Globe and Mail: Gulf-bound HMCS Halifax past Suez Canal, navy says
US Navy – Underway replenishment aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
- Reuters: ">Fruit, Bikes, Bombs Replenish U.S. Aircraft Carrier
- Reuters: Helicopters Reload U.S. Carrier as Raids Go On
US Marines – More on the US Marines Mountain Warfare Training Center.
- Associated Press: Marines prepare for battle in Afghanistan-like Sierra setting
Background – National Security Agency (NSA) – An essay on what went wrong at the NSA that allowed the US to be blindsided on September 11 – a desire to live in the cryptological past rather than trying to embrace the future.
Tuesday, October 23, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – HMAS Kanimbla, an amphibious ship, has departed for service in the Persian Gulf. The frigate HMAS Anzac remains in the Gulf.
Romanian Navy – More on the sale of Type 22 frigates from the Royal Navy to Romania.
Background – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Daily Telegraph: US rushes to develop unmanned strike plane
- Jane’s:
">Coming soon: attack of the killer UAVs
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: UAVs Hold Promise for No-Fly Zone Enforcement
Monday, October 22, 2001 |
Royal Marines – The 24 man strong Royal Marine Brigade Patrol Troop specializes in winter recce work.
- Daily Telegraph: ">British unit prepares to defy extremes of the Afghan winter
US Navy – Aboard the USS Carl Vinson with one of the few female F-14 Tomcat pilots.
- Daily Telegraph: ‘I was smiling: I had dropped my bombs. They hit’
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Background – Middle East – Is the US winning the battle but loosing the war? The view from inside the Beltway.
- Washington Post: At Pentagon: Worries Over War’s Costs, Consequences
Background – CIA – What is wrong with the CIA and why it missed predicting the events of September 11.
- New Yorker: What went wrong
Sunday, October 21, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – The Australian Navy has intercepted more refugees seeking asylum in Australia.
US Marines – The US Marines will form an antiterrorist unit.
- San Diego Union Tribune: Marine Corps assembles anti-terrorism unit
Canadian Navy – The state of the Canadian Navy today.
US Navy – Aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, which is not in the Persian Gulf.
- Florida Times-Union: Far from action, Kennedy awaits call
Saturday, October 20, 2001 |
US Navy – US special forces, staging from the USS Kitty Hawk, have raided Taliban targets on the ground.
- BBC: US troops clash with Taleban
- CNN: U.S. Special Operations troops in commando raid
- Washington Post: Rangers Attack Taliban Target
US Navy – Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the latest aircraft carrier to arrive in theater.
- Associated Press: Carrier Jets Ready to Support Troops
Royal Marine – The Royal Marines will be offered to the US for use in ground operations.
- The Times: Marines poised to join ground offensive
Background – Taliban troops – The caliber of the troops US forces will face on the ground, by analyst James F. Dunnigan.
- Strategy Page: The "No Surrender" Brigades
Friday, October 19, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Enterprise’s air group.
US Navy – Prototype systems that help shorten sensor to shooter time lags may be deployed to help US forces.
Ground War – It was confirmed today that US special forces are on the ground in southern as well as northern Afghanistan.
- Washington Post: Special Forces Open Ground Campaign
Background – Saudia Arabia – This essay paints a disturbing picture of our "allies" the Saudis – a corrupt regime that has bankrolled the fundamentalists who are trying to overthrow it.
- The New Yorker: King’s Ransom
US Air Force – The USAF has for the first time armed its RQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles with Hellfire antitank missiles. This is truely a revolution in military affairs, and is actually covered in more detail at the end of the above New Yorker article.
- Washington Post: U.S. Arms Unmanned Aircraft
Thursday, October 18, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Theodore Roosevelt is now participating in the air war. Also, the USS Kitty Hawk has loaded special forces troops and helicopters and is now in theater.
- CNN: U.S. targets Taliban troops, barracks
- Virginian Pilot: Carrier Enterprise may return by late November
Canadian Navy – The Canadian Navy task force has departed for the Persian Gulf.
- Halifax Herald: Ribbons, speeches, flags, tears
Royal Australian Navy – Australia’s contribution will be larger than expected and will include a SAS Squadron, 2 P-3 Orions, 2 frigates and an amphibious command ship.
US Coast Guard – The US Coast Guard is nearing the breaking point in terms of platforms and personnel as it provides increased levels of homeland defense; the US Navy may help it out.
- Associated Press: More Security Work for Coast Guard
- South Florida Sun Sentinel: =sfla%2Dnews%2Dsfla">Coast Guard returns to military roots as it secures S. Florida’s ports
- Virginian Pilot: Navy may help bail out mission-swamped Coast Guard
Wednesday, October 17, 2001 |
Royal Navy – Aboard HMS Illustrious with the media.
US Navy – The life of the air boss aboard USS Carl Vinson.
- Washington Post: Crisis Tests Skill and Nerve of Aircraft Carrier Crew
US Marines – More on exercise Bright Star in Egypt.
- New York Times: U.S. Military Exercise in Egypt Could Serve as Staging Ground
Phillipine Navy – The Phillipine Navy continues to battle Islamic terrorists.
- Associated Press: Fifteen Killed as Philippine Government Battles Islamist Rebels
Tuesday, October 16, 2001 |
Royal Marines – 3 Commando Brigade, currently exercising in Oman, may be deployed to Afghanistan. They are the mountain and winter warfare experts of the British military.
- BBC: UK’s mountain warfare elite
- BBC: UK troops set for Afghan role
- Daily Telegraph: British troops face winter war
US Marines – Meanwhile the US Marines maintain a Mountain Warfare Training Center in California to distribute mountain and winter warfare expertise throughout the Corps.
US Navy – The former residents of Diego Garcia who were evicted from the island 30 years ago fear this conflict will delay their court-ordered permanent return to their home islands.
- The Guardian: US base deals blow to displaced islanders
US Navy – Aboard the USS Carl Vinson in the Gulf.
- ABC: The Tip of the Sword
Monday, October 15, 2001 |
Background – Airpower Analysis To Date – A critical look at the ineffective nature of the air campaign to date.
- Washington Post: A Week of Air War
US Navy – Aboard USS Enterprise.
- BBC:
">Warriors on land and sea
- Virginian Pilot: Enterprise captain warns crew to check mail
- Associated Press: Initial targets destroyed, U.S. warplanes now in ‘cleanup mode’
US Navy – The USS Kitty Hawk’s role may be to serve as a base for US Army Apache attack helicopters.
- News International: US commandos on way to Pakistan
- CBS: US Military in Pakistan
- Daily Telegraph: Apache hunters ready to seek and destroy
- Washington Post: U.S. to Target Elite Taliban Assault Force In Next Phase
Background – Endgame Afghanistan – Robert Kaplan on how the post Taliban era should happen in Afghanistan.
- Los Angeles Times: Winning This War Is Easy; Then What?
Sunday, October 14, 2001 |
US Navy – Two articles that demonstrate the only bases the US can count on in time of war are bases in the US, in the UK (Diego Garcia) and carrier battlegroups.
- Washington Post: A Restrained and Patient Attack From the Skies
- Virginian Pilot: As Air Force’s B-2s go to war, some ask: Overkill?
US Navy – US Navy battlegroup deployments will now stretch beyond 6 months, due to the nation being at war.
Background – Strategy Update – Update along with a current Allied Order of Battle.
- Daily Telegraph:
Troops will go in ’sooner, not later’ - The Times: ">The forces available
Background – Russian Lessons Learned
- The Times: Russians offer US lessons in Afghan conflict
- The Times: ">The way to win
Saturday, October 13, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Enterprise.
- BBC: Plain sailing for US air force
- Associated Press: ">Battle routine settles in; sailors can start sending greetings home
- Virginian Pilot: Enterprise aviator says safety is top concern
- The Times: Muslim chaplain feels the tension on US warship
US Navy – Aboard the USS Carl Vinson.
Background – Further insight from historian Sir John Keegan.
- Daily Telegraph: The fight will be long, but time must be used well
Background – History of Afghanistan – An excellent multi-part history of Afghanistan. Follow the links down the left-hand side of the page.
- The Times: The bloodstained history of Afghanistan
Friday, October 12, 2001 |
Canadian Navy – Aboard the Canadian Navy’s frigates.
- Globe and Mail: Quarters close aboard frigates
- Canada.com: Vancouver off to hunt terrorists
US Navy – The Essex amphibious ready group is exercising off Japan.
- Associated Press: US Military Does Exercises in Japan
Royal Australian Navy – The last of the refugees have left HMAS Manoora and landed on Nauru???
Royal Australian Navy???meanwhile refugees continue to attempt to land in Australia and are being intercepted at sea.
Thursday, October 11, 2001 |
Russian Navy – The Kursk has been towed back to port.
Royal Navy – Background on the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar-class and Swiftsure-class nuclear attack submarines which took part in the initial wave of cruise missile attacks on Sunday.
US Navy – The USS Theodore Roosevelt may leave the Bright Star exercise early in order to relieve the USS Enterprise in the Gulf. Meanwhile the USS Kearsarge is on her way home.
US Navy – The USS Essex amphibious ready group has set sail from its homeport for a destination that was not named.
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 |
US Navy – Aboard the USS Carl Vinson battlegroup.
- Washington Post: Smooth Operations Over Afghanistan
US Navy – Aboard the USS Enterprise battlegroup.
- The Times: Airmen relive action with cockpit war videos
Canadian Navy – Canada has pledged a naval task force to coalition forces in the Persian Gulf, including a destroyer, three frigates, a supply ship and maritime patrol aircraft. This is the largest Canadian naval deployment in 50 years and the ships will be integrated completely into the US battlegroups.
- Canada.com: Our warships to be treated as ‘American’
- Globe and Mail: Canadians head off to war
- The Star: Cold War destroyer can take the heat
Background – History – Sir John Keegan gives the historical background to this week’s air strikes.
- Daily Telegraph: In this war of civilisations, the West will prevail
Tuesday, October 9, 2001 |
US Navy – A second round of strikes has been launched, similar in composition to the first.
US Navy – Life aboard the USS Enterprise.
- BBC: Eyewitness: USS Enterprise in action
- Virginian Pilot: Excitement, caution aboard Enterprise
Royal Navy – Life aboard HMS Illustrious.
- Daily Telegraph: Tense time for the families of flagship’s crew
Russian Navy – The Kursk has been sucessfully raised and is headed towards shore.
Background – Surface to air missiles (SAMs) – The bane of the pilot – short range SAMs.
Monday, October 8, 2001 |
The battle has been joined – US Navy carrier-based aircraft from the USS Carl Vinson and USS Enterprise have participated in attacks on Afghanistan, joined by cruise missiles launched by US and Royal Navy submarines and US surface ships as well as by USAF long range bombers.
- CNN: U.S. says more airstrikes to come
- BBC: Key role for UK armed forces
- Washington Post: Initial Aim Is Hitting Taliban’s Defenses
- BBC: Video from onboard USS Enterprise (Real Video format)
Background – Afghanistan – Could this be the US strategy on the ground?
- The Sunday Times: America searches for the perfect weapon of attack
Russian Navy – The raising of the Kursk has begun.
Sunday, October 7, 2001 |
Royal Navy – The Captain of HMS Illustrious is stressing that his ship has not yet received orders to participate in attacks against Afghanistan.
NATO – NATO has agreed to move its Standing Naval Force Mediterranean to the Eastern Med to show resolve.
- Daily Telegraph: Naval move shows alliance’s resolve
Royal Australian Navy – The RAN may send an amphibious command ship to accompany the squadron of SAS it is committing to the action in Afghanistan.
- Sydney Morning Herald: Australia’s war: planes, crack troops
Sri Lankan Navy – The Sri Lankan Navy has engaged in yet another sea battle with the Tamil Tigers.
- Washington Post: Sri Lanka Navy Kills 25 Rebels
Saturday, October 6, 2001 |
US Navy – The skipper of the USS Greenville was relieved of his command after running the submarine aground in Saipan.
US Navy – At sea with the USS Theodore Roosevelt battlegroup.
- Seapower: "Ready to Go on Game Day"
Background – Information Warfare – How information warfare was applied in Kosovo may give insight into how it is used in Afghanistan.
Friday, October 5, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Enterprise will not be returning home on schedule, she will remain at sea beyond her normal 6 month cruise length.
- Virginian Pilot: Enterprise battle group unlikely to return on schedule
US Navy – More details on the sailing of the USS Kitty Hawk.
- The Times: Troops replace jets on carrier’s deck
US Navy – The Chief of Naval Operations has begun to standardize training and operations between the Pacific and Atlantic fleets.
Thursday, October 4, 2001 |
Royal Navy – Life aboard HMS Illustrious in the Gulf.
- BBC: On board Britain’s biggest warship
- Daily Telegraph: Battle alert but no talk of war aboard flagship
Background – Pakistan – Another article by Robert Kaplan describing the current political situation in Pakistan and stating we should view Pakistan as a vital ally.
- Los Angeles Times: In War, Strange Bedfellows Welcomed
Wednesday, October 3, 2001 |
Iranian Navy – The Iranian Navy’s view of the naval buildup in the Persian Gulf.
US Marines – The multinational Exercise Bright Star is occuring in Egypt.
- Channel 2000:
Camp Pendleton Marines Depart For Egypt
US Navy – An interview with the new Secretary of the Navy, in which he outlines his priorities.
- SeaPower: "To Provide for the Nation’s Defense"
Tuesday, October 2, 2001 |
US Navy – the USS Kitty Hawk has formally deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is without many of its fixed-wing aircraft.
Royal Navy – HMS Illustrious has arrived off Oman. Meanwhile, the nuclear attack submarine HMS Triumph has joined the task force.
- Daily Telegraph:
Illustrious to take command in Swift Sword manoeuvres - The Times: ">US plans for battle on multiple fronts
US Navy – An essay by William Arkin on how we must plan for a new type of unconventional war and take our time to do so — and that taking such time has the added benefit of putting terrorists on the defensive for once.
- Washington Post: Rumsfeld’s Difficult Mission
Monday, October 1, 2001 |
Russian Navy – The raising of the Kursk continues to be delayed by bad weather.
Background – Special Forces operations – One potential way to go after enemy forces in caves in Afghanistan.
- Daily Telegraph: Crack force set to prise bin Laden from his lair
Background – Afghanistan – Historian John Keegan argues that more has been accomplished than meets the eye to date.
- Daily Telegraph: Terrorists are under attack even before a shot is fired
Sunday, September 30, 2001 |
US Navy – An excellent overview of the military options available to the US.
- Economist: An alliance of old and new
Background – Wargaming – An essay by William Arkin on how recent wargames have helped to define US strategy for how the war on terrorism will proceed.
- Washington Post:
A New Mindset for Warfare
Background – Afghanistan – An essay on how the Taliban came to power, and how due to their behavior they are no longer appreciated by the average Afghan.
- New Yorker: Across the Divide
Background – Afghanistan – Why all the Taliban’s neighbors in Central Asia are willing to work with the US to see them removed from power.
- Economist: The perpetual vortex
Saturday, September 29, 2001 |
US Navy – How an old technology – the Fresnel lens – is being used today to help avoid ship collisions.
Background – Afghanistan – The soon-to-come Afghan winter will be a deterrent to any military operations.
Background – Afghanistan – Bin Laden’s real goal is to overthrow the House of Saud.
- Daily Telegraph: Bin Laden’s secret goal is to overthrow the House of Saud
Friday, September 28, 2001 |
Russian Navy – Work continues on raising the Kursk.
- Associated Press: Kursk to be raised by Monday
Background – Afghanistan – What combat in Afghanistan would be like, from an SAS trooper who trained the Afghanis in the 1980s and served with them in-country.
- The Sunday Times: My life with the mujaheddin
Background – Afghanistan – What life is like today inside Afghanistan, by two BBC correspondents.
Thursday, September 27, 2001 |
Royal Marines – All of 3 Commando Brigade ( 40, 42, and 45 Commando) are in the Persian Gulf.
- Daily Telegraph:
Forces are ready if war games become real
Chinese Navy – The Chinese Navy has successfully tested its recently acquired SSN-22 Sunburn antiship cruise missiles.
Wednesday, September 26, 2001 |
Sri Lankan Navy – More fighting between the Sri Lankan Navy and the Tamil Sea Tigers.
US Navy – Onboard USNS Comfort.
Tuesday, September 25, 2001 |
Royal Marines – The Royal Marines are procuring a new beach recovery vehicle.
Background – Pakistan – Why we must be careful in dealing with Pakistan.
Monday, September 24, 2001 |
Royal Navy – HMS Illustrious and escorts passed through the Suez Canal Monday.
- Associated Press:
British aircraft carrier to meet other Royal Navy ships now in Persian Gulf waters
US Navy – The USS Essex amphibious ready group has sailed from Japan.
Background – The US will use former Soviet bases in the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
- Daily Telegraph: Americans tighten the noose
Background – Is Iraq the true target?
- Stratfor: U.S. May Be Refocusing on Iraq
Friday, September 21, 2001 |
Background – History – Thoughts from military history John Keegan on how the Taliban can be defeated.
- Daily Telegraph: If America decides to take on the Afghans, this is how to do it
Background – Looks like there is strategic as well as tactical thinking going on???
- The Times: Secret plans for 10-year war
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – The Japanese Prime Minister has pledged the assistance of the JMSDF in any military operation against terrorists.
- New York Times (registration required): Japan Says Its Armed Forces Will Actively Back the U.S.
US Navy – The USS Kitty Hawk has set sail; presumeably for the Gulf. That makes for 4 carriers either in the Persian Gulf or on their way towards it.
- Associated Press: U.S. Carrier Leaves Base in Japan
Background – Heavy weekend reading on the difficulties of gathering intelligence on asymetric threats.
NOSI is taking the weekend off and will be updated again on Monday.
Thursday, September 20, 2001 |
US Navy – Possible scenarios for the deployment of US special forces troops that would rely heavily on US Navy support. Meanwhile, USAF aircraft are on the move.
- Washington Post: U.S. Develops Options for Military Action
- Washington Post: Warplanes Begin Deploying to Gulf, Central Asia
US Coast Guard – A look at port security in the Hampton Roads area.
- Virginian Pilot: Coast Guard on duty to keep port of Hampton Roads safe
US Navy – The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier battle group and USS Bataan amphibious ready group have set sail.
- Virginian Pilot: Roosevelt, Bataan crews ”determined” for deployment
- Virginian Pilot: Ships leaving with the Roosevelt and Bataan
- BBC: Carrier sets sail for unknown war
Wednesday, September 19, 2001 |
Royal Navy – A very large naval taskforce, including HMS Illustrious, HMS Ocean, HMS Fearless, HMS Trafalgar and 3 Commando Brigade are steaming towards an exercise off Oman and would be available for operations against Afghanistan if required.
US Navy – Aboard the USNS Comfort.
- Associated Press: USNS Comfort: Navy ship provides bed and showers for workers involved in recovery effort
US Coast Guard – The Coast Guard continues to heighten security around Navy ships on both coasts.
- Honolulu Star Bulletin: Buffer zone created to
protect Navy ships
Royal Australian Navy – The RAN still cannot convince the refugees aboard HMAS Manoora to disembark at Nauru.
- The Times of London: Australia tells refugees to land on Nauru
Tuesday, September 18, 2001 |
US Navy – US military preparations for retaliation continue.
- Daily Telegraph: World’s largest military machine gears up for action
US Navy – The USS Cole has been relaunched.
Royal Australian Navy – The frigate HMAS Anzac has been asked to stay in the Persian Gulf.
US Navy – Is it time to reconsider the role of VSTOL and STOVL aircraft on conventional aircraft carriers?
Monday, September 17, 2001 |
US Coast Guard – The Coast Guard has called up reserves to beef up security at US naval bases.
- Virginian Pilot: Coast Guard activates reservists to protect Navy vessels
US Marines – US Marines in the USS Peleliu amphibious ready group are exercising off East Timor.
US Marines – Have US troops already landed in Pakistan?
Sri Lankan Navy – The Tamil Sea Tigers unsuccessfully attacked a Sri Lankan Navy troop ship.
Sunday, September 16, 2001 |
US Navy – The USNS Comfort docked at Pier 92 in New York City Friday, and will serve as a lodging facility for disaster recovery personnel. The ship will provide housing, laundry, food, medical and other services to volunteers and rescue personnel.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy hospital ship sails into N.Y. with a new mission
- US Navy: Navy, Marine Corps respond to terrorism
with heroic acts
US Navy – Possible military options are beginning to emerge, including cruise missile attacks followed by saturation bombing followed by special operations raids.
- Daily Telegraph: SAS to join American special forces
- The Sunday Times: War plan: the West’s military options
Background – The Taliban – Dealing with Pakistan, the Taliban, and Bin Laden will be extremely complex; all three are deeply intertwingled as shown in these excellent lengthy essays. Required reading for understanding the complexity of the challenges the US faces.
This New Yorker essay is an excellent biography of Bin Laden.
- The New Yorker: The Real bin Laden
This Atlantic essay, from Robert Kaplan, gives tremendous insight into the ungovernable state of Pakistan today.
- The Atlantic: The Lawless Frontier
A Pakistani journalist who has covered the Taliban for years gives his insight into them.
- The Atlantic: Inside the Jihad
An essay from Janes’ on how this all came to be???
An essay from a senior BBC correspondent on how the Taliban may act.
Saturday, September 15, 2001 |
Background – Possible military strategies for the US. Excellent essays by Col Ralph Peters, USA (ret) who advocates hunting the terrorists down and killing them, the military historian John Keegan who points out there is much to be learned from Lords Roberts’ march against the Afghans in 1878, and The Economist.
- Ralph Peters: Will Our Resolve Last?
- John Keegan: How America can wreak vengeance
- Economist – The coming battle
US Navy – The hospital ship USS Comfort has arrived off of New York City.
- US Navy: USNS Comfort arrives in NYC
US Navy – The US is calling up a large number of reservists.
???coming tomorrow an in-depth look at the Taliban???
Friday, September 14, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Comfort should arrive off New York City today.
- Defenselink: Navy Hospital Ship Underway to Aid New York Rescue Effort
- US Navy: Forty-three Navy personnel unaccounted for
in wake of terrorist attack on the Pentagon
Israeli Navy – The Israeli Navy will be selling its used Gal-class submarines to Thailand.
- Jerusalem Post: Israel to sell used submarines to Thailand
Thursday, September 13, 2001 |
US Navy – While the Navy has deployed itself, it has yet to receive orders to participate in any rescue mission or salvage efforts.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy crews anxiously await orders to aid in the disaster
Royal Australian Navy – A new group of 237 illegal immigrants has been intercepted on their way towards Australia and have been placed aboard HMAS Manoora.
Chinese Navy – An essay from the journal Parameters, on how China could launch a surprise attack on Taiwan.
- Washington Post: War College Details New Taiwan Attack Scenario
- Taipei Times: US expert warns of early Taiwan Strait war
- Parameters: What if . . . "China Attacks Taiwan!"
Wednesday, September 12, 2001 |
US Navy – Here is the latest involving the US Navy. The carriers USS John F. Kennedy and USS George Washington are steaming towards New York City and Washington DC. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is heading out to sea from Norfolk. The hospital ship USS Comfort is preparing to sail from Baltimore. On the West Coast, the USS John Stennis battlegroup is at sea. In the Persian Gulf, the USS Enterprise has been told to hold on station to assist the USS Carl Vinson if action is needed.
- Washington Post: U.S. Deploys Air Defenses on Coasts
- Baltimore Sun: Navy hospital ship ready to sail for N.Y.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy carriers sent to patrol off New York, D.C.
- US Navy: Pentagon hit by apparent hijacked aircraft
Background – The views of military historian John Keegan???
- Daily Telegraph: One step nearer a Middle East bloodbath
???in other news???
Royal Australian Navy – Australia’s courts have ruled that the refugees currently on HMAS Manoora which is steaming toward Nauru, have the right to land in Australia instead.
US Navy – The US Navy has rescued the crew of a burning tanker smuggling oil in the Persian Gulf.
Tuesday, September 11, 2001 |
US Navy – The Atlantic fleet is sailing from Norfolk. The Navy has activated the hospital ship USS Comfort this morning, and the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, has dispatched the aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and USS George Washington (CVN 73) to New York City and Washington DC to provide air defense and humanitarian relief.
Flash traffic – multiple terrorist attacks have occured against the World Trade Center and Pentagon – see the BBC and CNN for breaking news
US Navy – The USS Constellation’s returns from her latest cruise which included enforcing the southern no-fly zone over Iraq and exercising in the Taiwan Straits with the USS Carl Vinson.
- Honolulu Star Bulletin: Life aboard the
USS Constellation
US Navy – Senator Kennedy, chairman of the Armed Services Committees sea power subcommittee, believes the US Navy needs to build more ships.
US Navy – US Navy aircraft from the USS Carl Vinson have attacked surface-to-air missile sites in Iraq again.
Sunday, September 9, 2001 |
Royal Navy – HMS Ark Royal’s recently completed refit was substantial, and will allow her to operate Merlin and Sea King helicopters as well as Sea Harriers and RAF Harriers.
- Times of London: Updated Ark Royal returns home
US Navy – The USS Greenville was slightly damaged during docking maneuvers in Saipan harbor.
- Stars and Stripes: USS Greeneville checked for possible
damage after rough arrival at Saipan
US Navy – Will the DD-21 program suffer the same fate of the Seawolf program and put the destroyer ship building infrastructure in danger?
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: DD-21: Another Seawolf?
Friday, September 7, 2001 |
Royal Navy – The Royal Navy is engaged in anti-drug patrol in the Caribbean.
- Daily Telegraph: Royal Navy foils £40m drugs run
US Navy – The USS Boxer rescued crewman from a sinking fishing trawler.
- San Diego Union Tribune: Navy ship Boxer saves 8 in Pacific
US Navy – An essay arguing that engagement is the best policy for dealing with the Chinese military today and in the future.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings; Military Contact Is Lynchpin in Sino-U.S. Relations
Thursday, September 6, 2001 |
Chinese Navy – The former Russian aircraft carrier Varyg has received permission to transit the Bosporus Strait and be towed to China. What use will the Chinese Navy make of it?
US Marine Corps – What the Commandant of the Marine Corps thinks the defense review should mean to the Marine Corps.
- Washington Post: For Jones, Marines, time for a change
Wednesday, September 5, 2001 |
Russian Navy – A detailed look at the plans for raising the Kursk.
- New York Times (registration required): For the Nuclear Submarine Kursk, Plans for a Risky Resurrection
Royal Navy – The Royal Navy task force in exercise Argonaut 2001 will use Internet technology to aid communications.
- Times of London: Navy chiefs to plan tactics on Web
Tuesday, September 4, 2001 |
Chinese Navy – The Chinese Navy is practicing coordinated air, sea, and subsurface attacks against US aircraft carriers.
Canadian Navy – The transfer of the Upholder-class conventionally powered attack submarines from the Royal Navy to Canada is taking longer than planned.
- Halifax Herald: Delays keep submariners and families ocean apart
US Navy – Defense contractors and their lobbyists play a tremendous role in shaping our military force.
- New York Times (registration required):Dogfight for Dollars on Capitol Hill
Monday, September 3, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – The asylum seekers have been transferred from the Norwegian freighter to the troop carrier HMAS Manoora which will take them to Papau New Guinea from where they will fly to their final destinations in New Zealand and Nauru.
Royal Australian Navy – Meanwhile, Australia vows to more aggressively patrol its territorial waters, to halt future such incursions.
- The Australian: Boats to patrol waters off Java
Background – US Defense Reform – Maybe the defense review is going exactly as planned???
Sunday, September 2, 2001 |
Nigerian Navy – The Nigerian Navy is actively pursuing pirates in the Niger Delta.
Background – Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) – How Silicon Valley companies hope to influence RMA
- Red Herring: New technologies may revolutionize war
US Navy – It is time to move past Vieques.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Vieques: Get Over It
Saturday, September 1, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – A solution to the refugee stalemate off Christmas Island.
Romanian Navy – The Romanian Navy is investigating acquiring two Type 22-class frigates from the Royal Navy.
- Jane’s: Romania, UK discuss frigate sale
US Marine Corps – The similarities between the introduction of the helicopter in 1947 and the MV-22 Osprey in 2001 into the Marine Corps.
- Marine Corps Gazette: From the Helicopter to the Vñ22:
The Corpsí Continuing Duty
Friday, August 31, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – Continued standoff between Australia and the Norwegian ship with several hundred refugees onboard. An Australian frigate is on its way to the scene, off Christmas Island.
US Navy – The US Navy is using the Web to help it defend against terrorist attacks.
- San Diego Union Tribune: Navy uses Web for experiment in anti-terrorism
Royal Navy – The first Mk. 8 Mod I 4.5 inch guns have been installed on Royal Navy ships.
Thursday, August 30, 2001 |
Royal Australian Navy – Royal Australian Navy high speed patrol boats have transported SAS troops to a Norwegian ship carrying over 400 refugees in order to ask it to sail out of Australian territorial waters.
US Navy – Recycling warships, in an environmentally conscious manner, becomes a difficult task.
US Navy – Again, a US Navy ship has struck a whale.
Wednesday, August 29, 2001 |
US Navy – The US and China are in a struggle for supremacy in information warfare – this is the real background to the downing of the Navy EP-3 earlier this spring.
Royal Navy – The Royal Navy will attempt to make future sonars whale and dolphin friendly.
- The Times: Navy spends to save dolphins
- Guardian: Navy’s anti-sub frigates to fire shots as warnings to dolphins
US Navy – It is both good and bad that the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark, was not named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Virginian Pilot: Clark’s loss for top post might be Navy’s gain
Monday, August 27, 2001 |
US Navy – The US and China are set to meet to negotiate a maritime conduct accord in order to avoid future incidents like the EP-3 affair.
Royal Marines – The Royal Marines are undergoing an amphibious renaissance.
Russian Navy – The salvage of the Kursk is being hampered by difficult weather. Meanwhile the Russian Navy wants to ensure that Western eyes do not see the Granit cruise missiles on board.
- BBC: Fresh storms halt Kursk salvage
- CNN: ">Kursk salvage faces new delays
- Sunday Times: Russia hurries Kursk salvage to hide missile
Sunday, August 26, 2001 |
US Coast Guard – The cutter Sherman is the first Coast Guard cutter to circumnavigate the world.
- Contra Costa Times: Coast Guard vessel travels the world in historic voyage
US Navy – More information has been released on an ASW sensor that uses lasers to see beneath the waves.
US Navy – The latest summary on the US Navy’s low frequency active sonar work.
- Christian Science Monitor: Whales to Navy: Less noise, please
Saturday, August 25, 2001 |
Indian Navy – The Indian Navy is dropping most of the Royal Navy traditions which it had adopted after Independence.
Royal Navy – The UK is considering its options for lightweight towed array sonars for its new Astute-class nuclear attack submarines that will be more suited for operations in the littoral .
US Navy – The latest in environmentally friendly anti-barnacle research.
Thursday, August 23, 2001 |
Russian Navy – Could it be that the Russian Navy is pulling ahead of the West in antisubmarine detection?
- Sunday Times of London: MI6 called up to safeguard nuclear subs
Royal Navy – A fault in the heart of HMS Torbay’s nuclear reactor has been discovered only at the end of a three-year refit, instead of when it was being repaired.
US Coast Guard – Is the US Coast Guard really always ready?
- SeaPower: Staying Ready
"All of the Time"
Wednesday, August 22, 2001 |
Royal Navy – A large Royal Navy worldwide exercise, Argonaut 01, has begun, involving HMS Illustrious and HMS Ocean.
Background – Asia – Asian countries are beginning to align themselves to provide a counterbalance to China.
- Jane’s: Asia’s new power balance
Background – US Defense Review – The UK’s view of the US Defense Review.
Tuesday, August 21, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Constellation and USS Carl Vinson battlegroups held exercises in the South China sea, sending a signal to China that the US does not consider the South China sea to be a Chinese territory. Subsequently a P-3C patrol plane was denied permission to visit Hong Kong on a training mission.
- CNN: U.S. Navy plays in China’s backyard
- Associated Press: China bars US Navy plane
US Navy – The US Navy’s naval aviation woes are slowly improving.
- Virginian Pilot: Navy air commander says fleet back on track
Background – Okinawa – A closer look at the complex social scene on Okinawa. Do all the Japanese want the US forces off the island?
- Time: Sex And Race In Okinawa
Monday, August 20, 2001 |
US Navy – How the USS Kitty Hawk’s Web site is maintained.
- New York Times (registration required): To the Navy’s Ranks, Add Webmaster
US Navy – The US Navy will convert up to 4 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines into cruise missile carrying submarines which will also have special operations warfare capabilities.
Saturday, August 18, 2001 |
US Navy – More on the future of UCAVs – uninhabited combat aerial vehicles, including their naval applications such as the X-47.
- Virginian Pilot: Military gets glimpse of high-tech future
- Air Force: Send in the UCAVs
US Navy – What kind of access to the Internet do sailors have when they are at sea?
Friday, August 17, 2001 |
Israeli Navy – One of the Israeli Navy’s Dolphin-class submarines suffered a diving mishap.
- Jerusalem Post: Dolphin sub suffers mishap
Georgian Navy – The Georgian Navy has been exercising with the US Navy.
- Associated Press: U.S., Georgian Ships Hold Exercise
US Navy – The USS Constellation battlegroup is taking a shore leave at the new Changi naval base in Singapore.
- Channel News Asia: USS Constellation sails into town
Thursday, August 16, 2001 |
Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – A Japanese submarine rescue ship will assist in the salvage of the fishing trawler Ehime Maru.
US Coast Guard – Aboard the USCG icebreaker Healy on her maiden voyage to the Arctic.
US Navy – The US Navy is increasing security around its Trident-class ballistic missile submarines and their bases.
Wednesday, August 15, 2001 |
Background – Piracy – More on the high cost to shippers of the current rash of piracy.
- National Post: Not since Captain Kidd has piracy been so rife
Russian Navy – The current Russian Navy thinking on what happened to the Kursk – it was damaged by an internal explosion.
- Washington Times: Sub blast ‘came from within’
- CNN: Hydrogen theory in Kursk disaster
US Coast Guard – An essay on the role the US Coast Guard can play in the US maritime strategy.
Tuesday, August 14, 2001 |
US Navy – A tanker attempting to circumvent the UN blockade against Iraq has been sunk while being pursued by US Navy ships.
- Reuters: Ship with Iraq Oil Sinks in Gulf Fleeing Patrol
- Reuters: Iraq says ship that sank in Gulf was holed by U.S.
Russian Navy – What it is like to dive to the Kursk.
US Coast Guard – The Commandant of the US Coast Guard says the service is being transformed, but it must be given time to make the transformation of its offshore capabilities.
- Seapower: "Transformation Over Time"
Monday, August 13, 2001 |
Spanish Navy – The first Spanish F-100-class frigate, equipped with the Aegis combat suite, will soon enter service.
Background – Weaponization of Space – The state-of-the-art in space weapons.
- New York Times: The Next Battlefield May Be in Outer Space
Sunday, August 12, 2001 |
US Navy – US and British forces, including aircraft from the USS Enterprise, have struck Iraqi targets in the largest raid against Iraq in the last several months.
- BBC: Allied planes bomb Iraq
- Times of London (registration required): Bush delivers stern message to Baghdad
US Marines – Eight members of the US Marines have been charged with misconduct for falsifying MV-22 Osprey maintainence records.
Saturday, August 11, 2001 |
US Navy – The demise of the US Merchant Marine has left the US short of the sailors needed to man the cargo ships of the Ready Reserve Force, which will lead to disaster in time of war as supplies will be delayed in reaching forces in combat.
- The Sun : Merchant marine’s demise endangers war readiness
- The Sun : U.S. merchant fleet sails toward oblivion
Venezuelan Navy – Venezuela is aggressively pursuing sovereingnty claims in the Carribean and using its navy to back them up.
- Associated Press: Venezuelan claim to tiny Caribbean island shoves region’s border disputes to the fore
Friday, August 10, 2001 |
Russian Navy – Navy Day in Russia was marked by pledges to rebuild the Russian Fleet.
- National Post: Russia vows to salvage navy along with Kursk
US Navy – The USS Kitty Hawk has received the Rolling Airframe Missile point defense system.
Background – South East Asia – Is there a movement afoot by the US to build an Asian equivalent of NATO to help contain China?
Thursday, August 9, 2001 |
Russian Navy – A further explanation of the new theory regarding the cause of the Kursk’s sinking.
Background – Merchant Marine – New container ships being constructed will have nearly twice the speed of current container ships. This is a potential revolution in transport – what effect will it have on naval forces?
- The Economist: How to shrink the world
Wednesday, August 8, 2001 |
Russian Navy – The Russian Navy claims that numerous Western submarines have been trying to investigate the wreckage of the Kursk, perhaps to learn the secrets of the Granit antiship missiles onboard Kursk.
- Moscow Times:
Defending the Kursk
US Navy – A US Navy frigate has collided with a whale, incurring some damage to the ship. The whale was not injured.
Tuesday, August 7, 2001 |
US Navy – A status report on the US defense review – still proceeding more slowly than had been anticipated.
- Washington Post: For Rumsfeld, Many Roadblocks
Argentinian Navy – The President of Argentina has formally renounced trying to recover the Falkland Islands by force.
Monday, August 6, 2001 |
Russian Navy – Controversy continues over what sunk the Kursk, and a BBC documentary suggests a new cause – a hydrogen peroxide torpedo-related fire.
US Navy – Two US carriers are currently in the Persian Gulf – might the US be contemplating a retaliatory strike against Iraq due to its recent aggressive use of surface-to-air missiles?
Sunday, August 5, 2001 |
US Navy – More on the proposed "Streetfighter"-class small surface combatants – meant to sail in harms way, and to possibly be sunk in harms way as well.
- Strategy Page: Born To Die: Streetfighter
US Navy – ???meanwhile, the closest thing the US Navy has to a "Streetfighter" – the new Cyclone-class patrol boats – are being decommissioned for lack of operating funds.
Friday, August 3, 2001 |
US Navy – The Commander in Chief of the US Navy Atlantic Fleet reflects on his first year on the job.
- Virginian Pilot: Fleet leader marks first year’s progress,
challenges
Royal Marines – More details on the Royal Marines new all terrain vehicle.
Background – Weaponization of Space – With satellites playing a crucial role in naval affairs, a look at the pros and cons of weaponizing space.
- Economist: Something to watch over you
Thursday, August 2, 2001 |
Italian Navy – Italy has laid down its second aircraft carrier, the Andrea Doria. It will be about twice the
size of the current carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi.
US Navy – The USS Carl Vinson carrier battle group and USS Peleliu amphibious ready group have departed for the Persian Gulf.
- San Diego Union Tribune: Navy battle group leaving for Gulf
US Marines – More on the new USMC cammouflage pattern.
- Washington Times: Marines’ cammies stand out
for not standing out
Wednesday, August 1, 2001 |
Iranian Navy – Iranian Navy gunboats are threatening oil exploration vessels in the Caspian Sea, an area of increasing importance, oil-wise, to the US.
- Daily Telegraph: Iran raises the stakes in Caspian dash for oil
- Radio Free Europe: ">Azerbaijan: Tension Subsiding In Iranian Gunboat Incident
- Reuters: United States Concerned Over Caspian Sea Incident
French Navy – A French Navy frigate has seized a large drug shipment off French Guiana in the Carribean.
US Navy – The USS Eisenhower heads in for its nuclear refueling overhaul as the USS Nimitz completes hers.
- Jane’s: Pit-stop for USS Eisenhower
Tuesday, July 31, 2001 |
US Navy – The USS Constellation carrier battlegroup will be making a port call in Hong Kong next month, evidence of the diplomatic thaw between the US and China.
- Washington Post: 7 US warships to visit Hong Kong
Russian Navy – The Russian Navy’s new Gepard-class nuclear attack submarine will commission soon.
- Indian Express: Russian Navy to get new, most formidable nuke submarine
Indian Navy – The US continues to bolster its ties with the Indian military, as the US will revive a joint military planning
body with India.
Sunday, July 29, 2001 |
Singapore Navy – Singapore is becoming an important regional counterweight to China, and a key part of Washington’s China policy.
Russian Navy – A tour of the Kursk’s grave.
Russian Navy – A Russian Delta 3-class ballistic missile submarine launched a scientific satellite.
US Navy – At current construction rates, the US Navy is heading towards a 230 ship fleet.
- Virginian Pilot: Panels tell Rumsfeld Navy’s fleet is inadequate
Saturday, July 28, 2001 |
Royal Navy – Improved habitability is a key aspect of the new Type 45 destroyers under construction. The class was designed to carry people, not weapons???
- Times of London: Navy destroyers expand for crew comfort
Taiwanese Navy – An informal alliance is developing between Taiwan and Japan, against China.
- Taipei Times: Taiwan and Japan `silent allies’
US Navy – Another look at aircraft carrier vulnerability.
- Christian Science Monitor: The giants of the Navy face growing risks
US Coast Guard – A look at the US Coast Guard in action aboard the cutter Valiant.
Friday, July 27, 2001 |
US Navy – The US Navy is developing plans to defend Taiwan.
- Washington Times: Pentagon has plan to defend Taiwan
- Washington Times: Pentagon confirms defense talks between Taiwan, U.S.
Russian Navy – The former Russian carrier Varyag is in limbo in the Black Sea, unable to pass through the Bosporous Straits to her new owners in China.
- Washington Post: Turks keep ship going round in circles
Russian Navy – More evidence that Russian merchant ships are spying on US ballistic missile submarines outside their bases.
- Times of London: Russian merchant ships spying on US subs
- Washington Times: Study says Russian merchant ships spy on US
US Navy – The USS Valley Forge, an Aegis-class destroyer, has been transformed into a "smart ship."
- San Diego Union Tribune: Smart ships at sea
Thursday, July 26, 2001 |
US Navy – The new military strategy could lead to cuts in the number of troops, aircraft and ships stationed abroad in the Middle East and Europe.
- Washington Post: Military cuts are implied in new strategy
South Korean Navy – The South Korean Navy fired on a North Korean fishing trawler.
Royal Marines – The Royal Marines have received new colors.
US Navy – Flaws remain in US Navy port security, at home and abroad, and are almost impossible to address completely, although attempts are being made.
- ABC: Cracks in the Armor
- San Diego Union Tribune: Navy ratcheting up security at bases
Wednesday, July 25, 2001 |
Royal Navy – HMS Ark Royal has rejoined the fleet after an extensive refit.
- BBC: Ark Royal sets sail after refit
- The Times of London (registration required): Navy flagship heads for open seas again
Phillipine Navy – The old US Navy base at Subic Bay may be put up for rent by the cash-strapped Phillipine government.
- International Herald Tribune: Subic Bay May Be Up for Rent
US Coast Guard – Is the US Coast Guard stretched too thin?
- Foster’s Sunday Citizen: Coast Guardís aging equipment, overworked crews leading to ëunsafeí situation, admiral fears
Friday, July 20, 2001 |
NOSI will be updated next on Wednesday July 25.
French Navy – The French Navy is placing an emphasis on acquiring nuclear attack submarines and frigates which can fire land attack cruise missiles.
US Navy – The US Navy must move from a conscription mentality to a subscription mentality as to how it treats its recruits.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: From Conscription to Subscription
US Marines – US forces are not currently ready for urban combat.
- Marine Corps Gazette: Are We Operationally Prepared to
Win a Street Fight?
US Navy – How peacekeeping operations can be used in enhance, rather than degrade, military readiness.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Making Peacetime Engagement Work
Thursday, July 19, 2001 |
Royal Marines – The Royal Marines are to receive new armoured vehicles.
Turkish Navy – Another Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate will be sold or loaned to Turkey.
- Middle East News Line: Pentagon OKs frigate request from Turkey
US Navy – A plea for junior officers to speak their minds to superiors, a situation which is becoming increasingly rare in the US Navy.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: End the Silence of the Wardroom
Wednesday, July 18, 2001 |
US Coast Guard – The US Coast Guard is training Asian navies in how to combat piracy.
- Associated Press: U.S. Helping Asia Combat Sea Piracy
Indian Navy – The Indian Navy is employing private companies in its bid to construct a nuclear submarine.
US Marines – How the US Marines are preparing for urban combat – what they term the "three block war."
- Marine Corps Gazette: Training for Urban Operations
In the 21st Century
Tuesday, July 17, 2001 |
Taiwanese Navy – Why the Taiwanese Navy will have difficulty acquiring attack submarines from the US.
US Navy – More on how the Okinawans want the US to leave its bases on their island.
Russian Navy – More on the upcoming Kursk salvage operation.
Monday, July 16, 2001 |
Canadian Navy – A stinging criticism of Canadian naval planning.
- Halifax Herald: Navy planners consistent in failure to make the grade
US Navy – The Center for Naval Analyses has released its study on how Vieques should be replaced – with installations along the Virginia Capes and a site at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
Indonesia Navy – The Indonesian Navy has recaptured a hijacked tanker from pirates.
Sunday, July 15, 2001 |
Taiwanese Navy – Taiwan is considering building Kilo-class submarines under license from Russia.
- Jane’s: Russians talk subs with Taipei
Russian Navy – The salvage operation to raise the Kursk is about to begin.
US Navy – The latest on the US defense review, which is moving from theorizing into concrete recommendations.
- Washington Post: Review Fractures Pentagon
Saturday, July 14, 2001 |
Royal Navy – The Royal Navy expects that it’s new Astute-class submarines will be the last manned submarines it builds; and expects them to be replaced by robotic submarines.
- Daily Telegraph (registration required): Robots to replace submariners
Friday, July 13, 2001 |
US Navy – The US Navy has asked the UK to iron the bugs out of a sub-boat that is part high speed raiding craft and part submarine.
- The Sunday Times (registration required): Navy to test stealth speedboat that turns into a submarine
US Coast Guard – Who can help make up the US Coast Guard’s funding shortfall?
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Toss the Coast Guard a Life Ring
Thursday, July 12, 2001 |
US Navy – A fascinating review of the Bush Defense Review, and the Bush Administrations view on the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA). The opinion expressed here is that the military changes very slowly — when it changes at all — and if all that comes out of this defense review is a small change — it should be enough to eventually snowball into a big change, down the road. "RMA by stealth" is what it is termed???
- New Yorker: Dreaming About War
US Navy – Laser weapons are closer to deployment than we may have been lead to believe???
- Tech Review: The Light Brigade
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 |
NOSI will be taking a short break from July 4 – July 11. I will see you back on July 12.
Royal Navy – Why did the Royal Navy *really* lose HMS Sheffield? New questions about the Exocet attack on her have arisen.
US Navy – The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) has been commissioned.
- PR Newswire: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps to Commission Seventh Northrop Grumman LHD Amphibious Assault Ship
US Navy – Roles for unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Christian Science Monitor: New push for robotic aircraft
Monday, July 2, 2001 |
Royal Navy – The Royal Navy’s Type 23-class frigates, which were originally designed for use in the North Atlantic, are having difficulties handling the heat in the Persian Gulf due to insufficient air conditioning.
- Daily Telegraph (registration required): Sailors roast in Cold War ships
US Coast Guard – A day in the life of the Midgett, a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter.
- Seattle Post Intelligencer: Operation Deepwater’s goal: Newer, faster ships for Coast Guard
US Navy – The prototype SH-60R Strikehawk successfully deployed the AN/AQS-22 dipping sonar during recent trials.
US Navy – An essay by the CINCPAC on how the Navy must change to adapt to the new information age.
- US Naval Institute Proceedings: Change Is Possible & Imperative
Sunday, July 1, 2001 |
US Navy – The last ship was launched downed the ways at Bath Iron Works.
- Associated Press: Century-Old Shipyard Tradition Ends
US Coast Guard – The Coast Guard is struggling to fulfill its search and rescue mission.
- Seattle Post Intelligencer: Coast Guard struggles to fulfill mission
US Navy – The first Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) to undergo a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) was delivered to the US Navy.
US Navy – The USS Enterprise will soon be exercising off Scotland.
- Times of London (registration required): US carrier puts Royal Navy in the shade