Naval Year In Review

2023

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The Ukrainian Navy’s closing of the Black Sea to the Russian Navy. What lessons can other navies learn from Ukraine’s anti-access area denial strategy?
The Houthi’s closing of the Red Sea (with help from their sponsor Iran) to merchant shipping. What lessons will other insurgencies learn from this anti-access area denial strategy?
The US Navy’s alarming ammunition expenditure while conducting successful anti-ballistic missile and cruise missile target practice against the Houthis in the Red Sea. Will the US Navy be able to use this experience to convince the US Congress to increase its surface to air missile procurement in order to have a more than adequate missile magazine depth in case of war with China?
The increasing emphasis Western navies are placing on countering sea bed warfare against all the critical national infrastructure that exists under the sea. When will naval budgets meet naval aspirations for this new arena of warfare?
The transformation of the Baltic Sea into a NATO sea, with Finland joining NATO this year and hopefully Sweden joining NATO next year. What will Russia do in response?
The awakening of Japan and the Philippines to the Chinese threat, as evidenced by their increase in defense procurement. How will they spend their funds in order to best deter China?
Taiwan’s beginning to adapt a porcupine strategy for its defense against a Chinese invasion. Will Taiwan be able to keep buying these low-cost, unglamorous, but effective weapons in ever-increasing numbers going forward, or will they again revert to buying high-cost, glamorous and ineffective weapons?
The European Union’s growing realization that it has a role to play in the Indo-Pacific theater, evidenced by increasing European naval deployments to that region, such as seen with France’s Charles De Gaulle strike group deployment this year. How can Europe get maximum use out of its constrained naval resources?
The US Navy’s interesting experiments with TF-59 in the Persian Gulf, its experimental unmanned surface vessel squadron. When will the US Navy have learned enough from experiments to start building medium and large unmanned surface vessels for use by the fleet?
The difficulties that Western navies (Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Maritime Administration) are experiencing in recruitment and retention. If these countries were to expand their fleets, how would they man them?

2022

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The Russian Navy’s overall poor performance in the war with Ukraine in the Black Sea, which was on par with the poor performance of the Russian Army and Air Force. Is the Russian Navy a Potemkin fleet?
The Ukrainian Navy’s adaptable and creative performance against the Russian Navy in the Black Sea. What additional indigenous weapons will the New Year bring to the Ukrainian Navy?
The further democratization of commercial space services (communications, imaging, etc.) for military purposes as evidenced in the lead-up to and throughout the conflict in the Ukraine. How will this affect naval warfare in the future?
The threats to undersea infrastructure with undersea cables to Svalbard and the Shetland Islands cut and the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines cut. What will be an efficient and effective technique for protecting such infrastructure going forward?
China’s new alliance with Papua New Guinea, which sits astride the U.S. – Australian sea line of communication. Will China build an anti-access area-denial base there?
Taiwan beginning to reluctantly adopt an anti-invasion porcupine strategy, encouraged in part by events in the Ukraine. With such a strategy could Taiwan survive an invasion by China?
Stepped up joint Chinese-Russian naval patrols around Japan. Is this the straw that finally broke the camel’s back and led to Japan procuring long range cruise missiles to provide its Self Defense Force with an offensive capability if attacked?
Lots of nuclear signaling with Western ballistic missile submarines to counter Russia’s nuclear signaling over the Ukraine. Did the West’s message get through?
The decommissioning of littoral combat ships from the US Navy almost as soon as they are commissioned. Is this the final, inglorious end of the LCS program?
Pausing of unmanned surface vehicle (USV) work in the U.S. Navy, which has decided to focus on USV technology maturation before USV procurement. Will perfect become the enemy of good enough?

2021

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

China building new naval shipbuilding yards while the US Navy struggles with figuring out how to update the old shipyards it has so that they may efficiently handle the work assigned to them. When will the US Navy get serious about maintaining the fleet it has?
The ever-widening operating sphere of the Chinese Navy as it seeks naval bases in Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. How soon until we see Chinese naval bases in Central or South America?
China’s progress in obtaining the amphibious lift necessary to realistically attempt an invasion of Taiwan, through traditional amphibious ships and the utilization of civilian ferries and RORO ships. Why can’t the US Navy be as creative in its thinking as the Chinese Navy seems to be?
China creating its own reality at Sansha City in the South China Sea, from which it is governing the contested areas of the South China Sea as if they were Chinese territory. Clearly China believes that possession is 9/10’s of the law. Meanwhile, Western powers keep stepping up their South China Sea FONOPS. Is it all in vain?
France’s commitment to the stability of the Indo-Pacific through the naval forces it bases in the Indo-Pacific and the naval forces it rotates through the Indo-Pacific. When will the rest of the Western world acknowledge France’s contributions and treat them with the respect and partnership they deserve?
France’s commitment to replace the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Is this fleet architecture sustainable for the French Navy and is it meaningful geopolitically?
The AUKUS agreement and the commitment of Australia to a future nuclear attack submarine force. Will this come to fruition in time to meaningfully contribute to the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific?
The deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group around the world to Asia. Is this operationally sustainable for the Royal Navy on a regular basis and is it meaningful geopolitically?
While the US Navy’s surface and undersea warfare communities begin to honestly execute on their vision for Unmanned Surface Vehicles and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles in its future fleet by actively identifying and working to address the challenges these vehicles will face, the US Navy’s air warfare community pays minimal attention to unmanned aerial vehicles in its Naval Aviation Vision 2030-2035. How can they be so blind as to the role UAV’s should be playing in naval aviation by then?
Japan’s government’s public support for Taiwan’s independence and it’s public signaling that it would come to the defense of Taiwan if it is attacked. Are the Japanese people in agreement with their government on this issue?

2020

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The impact of the COVID pandemic upon naval operations this year, from the first at sea infections aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt causing it to suspend a deployment to the US Navy’s subsequent mastery of operations underway while under the threat of COVID. What lessons about living with COVID can the civilian world learn from the military world?
The catastrophic loss of the USS Bon Homme Richard to a fire while refitting. How could this have happened and how devastating will this loss be to the future operations of the US Navy?
The rapidly rotating leadership at the levels of the US Secretary of Defense and US Secretary of the Navy and the resulting large number of conflicting future fleet architecture studies published this year by the US Department of Defense, US Navy, and think tanks. Which one of these interesting studies – most notably the Hudson Institute’s study which begins to demonstrate the realm of the possible in regards to unmanned naval forces – will be the way forward for the US Navy?
The complete breakdown in trust between the leadership in the US Department of Defense and US Navy and the US Congress with Congress not trusting the Navy to design manned and unmanned ships or decide its future fleet architecture or budget responsibly for it. How can trust be restored between these entities during the incoming Biden administration so the US Navy can move forward with a coherent plan to meet the rise of China?
The continued slow rolling of the US Navy’s work on unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and unmanned underwater vessels. When will the US Navy re-embrace the advice of Admiral Wayne Meyer and go back to “build a little, test a little, learn a lot” and move forward more vigorously in the unmanned domain?
The continued Chinese build-up in the South China Sea and the steady drum beat of the US Navy’s recent FONOPS in the South China Sea in response. Will the incoming Biden administration continue to keep up the pressure up on China?
While the Taiwan Strait remains on a slow boil as Taiwan begins to earnestly re-arm, tensions heat up in the East China Sea as well. Is China’s increased patrolling in the area a prelude to it actively challenging Japan’s sovereignty over the area?
The solid progress being made by the US Marine Corps in fleshing out its vision for Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Will the US Congress allow it to restructure itself and buy what it needs to accomplish this vision?
The increasing commitment of Western navies and Coast Guards to the North – in the Arctic and the Barents Sea. Will adequate budget dollars flow to fund these new commitments?
Wide-spread commercial undersea mining is about to get underway. What will be the consequences of this new industry for navies and naval forces?

2019

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

Iranian attacks on oil tankers, oil refineries, and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Persian Gulf as Western sanctions continue to harm the Iranian economy. Can the US continue to stay the course and resist retaliation?
The steady increase in the size of the Israeli Navy and the increasing recognition within Israel of its importance in protecting its shipping lanes, littorals, ports, energy reserves and deterrence capability. Will it receive the increasing portion of the defense budget that it deserves in the future?
The debut of Chinese containerized anti-ship cruise missiles that could turn their commerical fleet into warships and the commercial ports they control around the world into missile bases. How does this change the world-wide balance of naval power?
China’s creative experiments at undersea replenishment using commercial ships to resupply its warships. When will the US Navy undertake similar experiments to help compensate for the small size and vulnerability of its logistics force? Amateurs talk tactics, generals (and admirals!) talk logistics…
China’s firing of anti-ship ballistic missiles from its island bases in the South China Sea. As their militarization of the South China Sea progresses, where will they build their next sand castle?
The year of the flattop. The US Marine Corps gained increased experience in operating its F-35Bs in large numbers from its amphibious assault ships (“Lightning Carrier” concept), the Royal Navy gained increased experience in operating its F-35Bs from its aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and commissioned its second carrier HMS Prince of Wales, and the Chinese Navy commissioned its second aircraft carrier Shandong and its first amphibious assault ship Type 075. When will the US Navy take significant steps towards extending the range of its carrier air wing, besides buying a token number of MQ-25 tankers?
The chaotic leadership at the US Department of Defense in general with multiple Secretaries of Defense this year, and in the US Navy in specific with the resignations of the nominee for the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy. What negative effect is this having on the Department of the Navy?
The declaration of what the future of the Marines is by the new US Marine Corps Commandant: Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, and their rapid progress towards defining it, wargaming it and starting to determine how they need to change their force structure to be able to implement it. Will the US Congress approve the changes in US Marine Corps structure necessary to accomplish it?
As part of its definition of Distributed Maritime Operations, the US Navy is taking its first concrete steps towards building unmanned surface vehicles. Can the US Navy articulate its plan clearly to the US Congress so they will approve the budget for it? Was asking the US Congress to retire early a carrier (USS Truman) with 25 years of life left on it the right way for the Navy to try to fund its future?
All the hype about hypersonic weapons. Will 2020 be the year that we see these weapons tested and deployed within a coherent concept of operations?

2018

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The completion of the first Indian Navy SSBN deterrence patrol. When will India be able to do this routinely?
The US Navy’s purchase of its first operational UAV, the MQ-25 tanker. Will its commitment to this operational concept remain strong, or fade as it has in the past with prior US Navy UAV programs? And when will the US Navy start investing as heavily as the Chinese Navy has in USVs and UUVs?
The operational collapse of the German armed forces in general and the German Navy in particular. What is the point of having a navy that is not fit for sea?
The slow but steady NATO military build up in the Baltic against Russia topped off by Exercise Trident Juncture this fall. When will the US consider Russia contained and focus most of its energies on the Chinese threat?
The Royal Navy reacquiring a fixed wing aircraft capability at sea with the F-35B. Will they be able to afford enough aircraft to field a viable capability?
The US Marine Corps rededicating itself to an offensive mission of seizing and holding advance bases that they can use to practice their own form of anti-access area denial. Will this be a mission they hold uniquely or share with the US Army?
The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force taking a more serious approach to defending the Senkaku Islands, including activating a Marine unit and buying F-35B’s for its Izumi-class carriers. Is the tale of the popular Japanese manga story Kubo Ibuki coming true?
China weaponizing its sand castles in the South China Sea with defensive and offensive missiles and aircraft. When will the US have the political will to hold military exercises in the South China Sea with its allies to counter these actions rather than just conducting FONOPs?
China’s use of predatory financing to take control of critical infrastructure around the world including ports and airports. When will the world realize you don’t want your greatest rival owning you?
The ever-increasing use of new commercial cubesat constellations to monitor commercial activities at sea and in port. When will they be weaponized and start being used to monitor operational naval activities at sea and in port?

2017

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The lack of any meaningful progress towards creating a 355 ship fleet for the US Navy. How much longer will the US Navy continue to be over-tasked and under-resourced, and what will be the consequences?
The tragic collisions involving the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain and the root causes of those collisions. How could the training of these ship’s crews been allowed to lapse to such a shocking degree, and how will the US Navy ensure that such a lapse will not happen again?
The loss of the Argentinian Navy submarine San Juan. Are modern submarines too complex for small navies to operate safely?
The opening of the Chinese Navy’s first overseas base in Dijbouti. Is this the first concrete naval step in China’s One Belt and One Road Initiative?
The Philippines folding to Chinese pressure over their claims to territory in the South China Sea, despite having the weight of a UN tribunal behind them. Who’s next?
The announcement by both France and the United Kingdom of mini naval pivots to Asia in order to counter the Chinese Navy’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Why has it taken them so long to realize they have interests in the Pacific as well?
The standing up of formal amphibious capabilities by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy. Why is the United Kingdom, at the same time, considering standing down the Royal Navy’s formal amphibious capability?
The effect of BREXIT on the United Kingdom’s defense procurement and operations. How will it change the size and architecture of the Royal Navy’s fleet?
The newly identified Russian threat to undersea communication cables. Are these Internet fiber optic pipes a new maritime center of gravity that NATO needs to plan on defending?
The increasing Russian military strength in the Arctic which is backing up a clear strategy for the region. Can the West articulate a counter-strategy and resource it?

2016

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The election of Donald Trump. During his presidency will concrete progress be made in enlarging the US Navy to 350 ships to help relieve it from the overstretch it now faces?
The continued high operational tempo of the Russian Navy. Is this tempo sustainable in the long term or will it eventually become “fake news?”
The recognition that Russia has turned the Baltic Sea into an anti-access area-denial zone, centered around its enclave in Kaliningrad. What steps will NATO, Finland, and Sweden take to counter it?
The increased interest in the US Army in reclaiming its coastal artillery role. When will we see their anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and land-attack missiles deployed in the Baltic or Pacific?
The continued belligerence of China in the South China Sea – despite a UN tribunal rejecting China’s claims there this year – as evidenced by this year’s militarization of its newly created “sand castles” and its seizing of a US Navy underwater drone. What incident will China create to test the new President Trump?
The increasing realization that China’s Maritime Militia is playing a key role at sea. Will 2017 be the year they are formally called out by the governments they are harrassing?
The increasing acceptance by Japan of the threat China poses to the Senkaku Islands. How will China next test Japan’s resolve over the Senkaku’s and how will Japan respond?
The continued shift in the US Marine Corps strategic thinking towards the Pacific. What new hardware, tactics, techniques and procedures will they create to address the adversary they now face there?
The continued belligerence of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy in the Gulf of Hormuz. When will their actions finally break the US Navy’s patience?
The democratization of the submarine launched ballistic missile with successful tests this year of missiles by India and North Korea. What effect will this have on the deployment of anti-ballistic missile systems?

2015

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The creation of Chinese “islands” as air and naval bases in the South China Sea. Will the rest of the world tolerate the presence of these new sand castles or will the Chinese be forced to let them wash away?
The confusing US Navy Freedom of Navigation Exercises in the South China Sea. What exactly was the message the US was trying to send and why did it take so long?
The modification of Japan’s constitution to allow more flexibility in the operation of its Self-Defense Forces. Will we now begin to see the Japanese regularly operating in the South China Sea?
The growing arms race in the South China Sea to serve as a counterbalance to Chinese moves there. Can these countries be brought together in an operational alliance against China or is this an impossible geopolitical task?
Increasingly aggressive operations by the Iranian Navy in the Persian Gulf in terms of convoy escort and harassing merchant ships. Will the US Navy be able to continue to counter them given its ever decreasing fleet size and increasing operational commitments elsewhere?
The continuation of the Russian Navy’s increased worldwide operational tempo highlighted by the Office of Naval Intelligence’s report. Can this be sustained over time or will the Russian Navy be pushed beyond its operational breaking point?
The evidence of Russia’s continued concern over the US ballistic missile defense program – the positioning of Russian cruise missile-armed submarines on deterrent patrols off the US coast to conduct decapitation strikes against the US National Command Authority and the development of a new submarine with a nuclear-armed torpedo to destroy port cities. What other new tactics, techniques and procedures will result from this concern?
The realization by the US Navy that it has shrunk so small it must arm all of its ships with over the horizon anti-ship missiles under the “Distributed Lethality” concept. Can the US Navy quickly acquire such weapons, or will this be another decades-long procurement morass?
The US Marine Corps declaration of Initial Operating Capability for the F-35B fighter, marking the F-35’s finally coming of age. Or has it? When will the F-35 finally acquire enough software capability to allow it to be truly useful in combat?
The US Navy’s continued reluctance to push ahead rapidly with acquiring and integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles into its carrier air wings, thus depriving them of the long-range aircraft they would need in a conflict with China. How long with the US Navy keep its head in the sand in regards to the future of naval aviation?

2014

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The successful operations of the Russian Navy in neutralizing the Ukrainian Navy during the seizure of the Crimea by Russia, leading to a near permanent presence of NATO warships on patrol in the Black Sea. Can Russia financially afford to hold on to its new acquisition in the long term?
The aggressive operations of the Russian Navy around the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. How long will these countries allow their borders to be harassed in this manner?
The successful humanitarian operation carried out in support of the Ebola crisis in West Africa by the Royal Navy, US Marine Corps and US Army. Where will the next humanitarian crisis be?
The attempted hijacking of a Pakistan Navy frigate by Al Qaeda. What will Al Qaeda’s next naval adventure be?
The first operational deployment of a laser weapon at sea on the USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf. How will this weapon work under combat conditions?
The US Marine Corps new and innovative Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Forces for African Command based in Spain and for Central Command based in Kuwait. These company-sized units show the Marines at their expeditionary best. For what geographic region will the next one be created?
The continued rise of the Chinese Navy and the growing threat it poses to the global commons in its “near seas” coupled with the growing belligerence of China toward Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam this year. How long will the rest of the world allow the “salami-slicing” in the South China Sea to continue?
The deployment by China of a SOSUS-like underwater sonar network in the South China Sea. Will this begin to neutralize the US Navy’s most potent weapon against the Chinese Navy?
The inability of the US Navy to design and construct well armed ships that work well (see LCS and San Antonio LPD) and to base new ship designs on problematic older ones (see LCS follow-on frigate and LX(R)). Why does the US Navy continually reward ship builders that produce substandard products with new contracts?
The inability of the US Navy to agree on a specification for its new UCLASS unmanned aerial vehicle. If your Chief of Naval Operations forbids the public naming of the country you are most likely to fight, is it more difficult to design a weapon to fight against them?

Statistics

In 2014, NOSI linked to 599 news stories.

In 2014, 295 of these stories (49%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2014, 51 of these stories (9%) were background stories.

The remaining 253 news stories (42%) covered the operational activities of 29 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Phillipines, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam

In 2014, 141,935 pages read (page hits) from 120,602 users (visitors). There were 84 email subscribers. There were 70,614 post views (impressions) and 39,264 unique users (reach) and 824 fans (members) on the NOSI Facebook page. There were 9,700 impressions and 118 followers on Twitter.

2013

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / trends / themes this year included:

The ratcheting up of Chinese rhetoric and actions regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the heating up of the Chinese / Japanese dispute over the Diaoyu / Senkaku islands, the declaration of a Chinese Air Defense Identification Zone over them, and the harassment of the USS Cowpens while it was steaming near the Chinese aircraft Liaoning while it was on exercises. At what point will the Chinese actions provoke a shooting incident with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force?
The Russian Navy’s symbolic, tactical, and strategic support for the Assad regime in Syria. Is the Russian Navy the most influential fleet in the Mediterranean Sea today?
The successful humanitarian operation carried out by the Royal Navy, US Navy Marine Corps, and Chinese Navy in the Philippines for Typhoon Haiyan. When and where will the next one be?
The use of French naval and marine forces in support of Operation Serval in Mali. How long will the French military be involved in this conflict?
The renewing of Russia’s seaborne nuclear deterrent with the entry into service of the first Borei-class SSBN. Is the Bulava SLBM now felt to work reliably, given its checkered testing program?
The Indian Navy’s commissioning (finally!) nearly 10 years after purchase of INS Vikramaditya, the former Soviet Kiev-class aircraft carrier Baku. When will India’s indigenously produced Vikrant-class carriers come into service?
The effect of sequestration on the US Navy’s maintenance and procurement programs and especially operations, with the cancelation of the USS Harry S. Truman’s deployment to the Persian Gulf 2 days before sailing. Is the greatest threat to the US Navy a combination of the US economy and the US Congress?
The successful launch and landing of the X-47B UAV from the USS George H.W. Bush. Exactly what form will its operational counterpart take and when will it enter service?
The US Marine Corps reboot in the direction of its amphibious roots. Is their expeditionary (but not amphibious) nature going to be seriously challenged by the US Army in the Pacific?
The Philippines resorting to lawfare to protect its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Do they have a chance at the United Nations?

Statistics

In 2013, there were news stories linked to on 365 / 365 days – that is on 100% of the days.

In 2013, NOSI linked to 428 news stories.

In 2013, 197 of these stories (46%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2013, 69 of these stories (16%) were background stories.

The remaining 162 news stories (38%) covered the operational activities of 21 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Angola, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Phillipines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Vietnam

In 2013, 144,030 pages read (page hits) from 114,938 users (visitors). There were 11 email subscribers. There were 135,467 post views (impressions) and 68,907 unique users (reach) and 665 fans (members) on the NOSI Facebook page.

2012

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The drawdown of troops from Afghanistan. What exactly was accomplished by the surge?
The continued tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the US Navy presence in the Persian Gulf. What will Israel do?
The increasing Chinese sabre rattling and belligerency over the Spratley Islands with the Philippines and the Senkaku Islands with Japan. Will this lead to open conflict? Will it lead to stronger alliances with the US?
The first flight operations on the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning. When will we see it go on an operational cruise?
The possibility of Scotland declaring independence. If this happens – thus depriving the Royal Navy’s ballistic missile submarines of their home port – will this effectively lead to the nuclear disarmament of the United Kingdom?
The decrease in the size of the US fleet coupled with no change in operational commitments leading to decreasing morale and increasing deferred maintainence. How long until the force becomes hollow?
The quiet continued development of Unmanned Maritime Vehicles (UMVs) / Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) / Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). When will we see them reach operational use?
The US Navy’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program continues to move forward at a glacial pace. When will we see this program get off the ground?
The continuing soap operatic saga of the Littoral Combat Ship. How can a program so old still be adrift in so many ways?
The decreasing rate of piracy world-wide. How can we still not know what to do with captured pirates?

Statistics

In 2012, there were news stories linked to on 364 / 365 days – that is on 99% of the days.

In 2012, NOSI linked to 400 news stories.

In 2012, 170 of these stories (43%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2012, 83 of these stories (21%) were background stories.

The remaining 145 news stories (36%) covered the operational activities of 19 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Australia, China, Denmark, France, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Phillipines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Vietnam

In 2012, 146,514 pages read (page hits) from 103,142 users (visitors). There were 280 followers of the RSS feed. There were 29,536 unique users (reach) and 389 fans (members) on the NOSI Facebook page.

2011

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The withdrawal of US combat forces from Iraq. After nearly a decade and a trillion dollars later, what exactly does the US have to show for it?
The troop surge, and subseqent beginning of the drawdown in Afghanistan. What exactly will victory look like there?
The NATO combined arms operations against the Libyan goverment. Is this the new model for regime change – sea and air power with a minimal footprint on the ground? (Wait – wasn’t that how we started off in Afghanistan 10 years ago…)
The formal reorientation of US strategy and forces from the Middle East to the Pacific to contain China’s rise. Is AirSea Battle the correct way to address the Chinese threat?
The world economic crisis leading to US economic turmoil causing US budget turmoil which will result in deep defense cuts. What will these cuts do to the Navy and Marines who must recapitalize their forces whose equipment is worn out after a decade of war and who must now shift their focus from the sand to AirSea Battle?
The Chinese Navy continues to deploy its sensor network on land and in space for targeting for its antiship ballistic missile while the US Navy begins to devise countermeasures to it. When will we see this weapon test fired?
The first Chinese Navy (actually ex-Soviet Navy) aircraft carrier goes to sea, beating the Indian Navy’s (ex-Soviet Navy) aircraft carrier refurbishment project. When will the Chinese begin to conduct aircraft operations?
The Chinese Navy’s deployment of a ship to Libya to evacuate Chinese citizens from a war zone. Should we no long be shocked by Chinese blue-water naval operations around the world?
The tension around the Spratley Islands as the Chinese Navy begins to flex its muscles at sea. Will this area be a good place to base the US Navy Littoral Combat Ships and will this be their role in AirSea Battle?
The SEAL mission that killed Osama Bin Laden. Who would have bet 10 years ago that it would have been the SEALs who got the kill?
(…and yes, I’m tired of mentioning piracy again, and again, and again…so I won’t…)

Statistics

In 2011, there were news stories linked to on 323 / 365 days – that is on 88% of the days.

In 2011, NOSI linked to 341 news stories.

In 2011, 118 of these stories (35%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2011, 90 of these stories (26%) were background stories.

The remaining 133 news stories (39%) covered the operational activities of 24 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Phillipines, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vietnam

In 2011, 168,013 pages of information were read on NOSI by 120,000 users. There were 76,299 post views (impressions) and 239 fans (members) on the NOSI Facebook page.

2010

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The declaration by the US Navy that the Chinese anti-ship ballistic missile DF-21D has reached initial operational capability. What countermeasures is the US planning to use against it?
The publication of the “Air-Sea Battle” concept by the US as a strategy to neutralize the rise of the Chinese Navy. What steps does the US need to take to transform strategy into action?
The sinking of the South Korean Navy frigate Cheonan by a North Korean torpedo. What will be the next act of insanity that North Korea will commit, and how will South Korea respond to it?
The disastrous Israeli naval commando raid against the Gaza relief convoy that resulted in many civilian deaths. How could the mission’s planners not have expected heavy resistance?
The extension of Russia’s lease on its Black Sea Fleet base in the Ukraine and the news that it will upgrade and enlarge its fleet there. How will this affect NATO’s increasing operations in the Black Sea?
The survival of the Royal Navy’s under-construction aircraft carriers after its defense review, albeit with a shift in their air wing from the F-35B STOVL variant to the F-35C naval variant. Will these aircraft ever actually be purchased or will the Queen Elizabeth-class become the world’s largest commando carriers?
The continued drain of piracy on the world’s navies. When will one country step forward and start prosecuting and jailing pirates?
The US Navy’s (non) decision to purchase equal numbers of both versions of the Littoral Combat Ship. How is this going to lead to logistical and budgetary efficiencies?
The continued importance of operations other than war to the US Navy, evidenced by the relief delivered to earthquake-ravaged Haiti led by U.S.S. Bataan and to flood-ravaged Pakistan by U.S.S. Peleliu. When will the US Navy be recognized for the good it does in these operations?
The final withdrawal of US Marines from Iraq, closely coupled to their redeployment to Afghanistan. Will the surge in Afghanistan be as militarily successful as the one in Iraq?

Statistics

In 2010, there were news stories linked to on 347 / 365 days – that is on 95% of the days.

In 2010, NOSI linked to 436 news stories.

In 2010, 140 of these stories (32%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2010, 110 of these stories (25%) were background stories.

The remaining 186 news stories (43%) covered the operational activities of 28 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam

In 2010, 180,010 pages of information were read on NOSI by 120,095 users. There were 63,972 post views (impressions) and 134 fans (members) on the NOSI Facebook page.

2009

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The ever-increasing piracy off of Somalia and the expanding, expensive and ultimately ineffectual response to it by the world’s navies. When will some country pass a law against piracy and start prosecuting and jailing these pirates?
The continued ascent of the Chinese Navy, with its near-official declaration of its desire for an aircraft carrier during its 60th anniversary celebrations and with even more clues emerging as to how its anti-ship ballistic missile capability will work. When will the entire system be tested?
The continued descent of the Russian Navy, with the future credibility of its ballistic missile submarine deterrent force in question as the Bulava missile fails test after test and as the Russian fleet turns to France as a supplier of amphibious assault ships. Will the Russians have to out source all their naval procurement in the future?
India’s continuing pursuit of a modernized aircraft carrier force with the keel laying of its first indigenously built carrier. Will it be commissioned before the refurbished carrier Admiral Gorshkov is delivered to India from Russia?
The continuing evisceration of the Royal Navy due to retargeting of funds to fight the war in Afghanistan. Will the two new carriers be completed before the funds run out and will there be any escorts left to screen them?
The use by Israel of its navy for signaling it’s strategic retaliatory capabilities to Iran, in the form of its Dolphin-class submarines. How many nuclear-tipped cruise missiles do they carry?
The increase in size and importance of the US and allied (Japanese) Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) force, especially in light of the decision not to deploy ground-based ballistic missile interceptors in Eastern Europe. How can the US Navy get BMD so right and the US Army get BMD so wrong?
The conflicting sovereignty claims in the Arctic, as Russia heats up its claims to the region. Will the Russians back their claims with force – and if so exactly what deployable forces do they have?
The Chinese lawfare campaign to upset traditional notions of freedom of navigation in order to deny foreign warships and aircraft access to its coastal waters. Can China win this campaign solely by scholarly articles and symposia?
The mysterious at-sea collision between the British ballistic missile submarine HMS Vanguard and its French counterpart Le Triomphant. The silence surrounding this event was deafening. What exactly is the chance of two boomers running into each other accidentally in the middle of the ocean?

Statistics

In 2009, there were news stories linked to on 353 / 365 days – that is on 97% of the days.

In 2009, NOSI linked to 455 news stories.

In 2009, 104 of these stories (23%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2009, 180 of these stories (40%) were background stories.

The remaining 171 news stories (38%) covered the operational activities of 27 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, North Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Vietnam

In 2009, 194,560 pages of information were read on NOSI by 122,852 users.

2008

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The increasing amount of piracy off of Somalia, and the increasingly ad-hoc response from the world’s navies. It seems the law needs to catch up with reality, and that there needs to be better coordination between the various navies in the region.
The continued conflicting sovereignty claims in the Arctic, as global warming does its work. Can this be settled by a treaty?
The increased emphasis on humanitarian operations by all navies. Unfortunately, this emphasis is for nought if the devastated country refuses assistance, as Burma did this year.
The increased number of Russian Navy exercises in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Can petrodollars help it to keep increasing its tempo of deployments?
The slow but steady ascent of the Chinese Navy on all fronts. Most interestingly, more clues emerged this year as to how its anti-ship ballistic missile capability works.
The use of semisubmersibles to smuggle drugs into the U.S. What countermeasures can be effectively deployed against them?
The MV-22 Osprey’s first successful deployment in Iraq. Will it be deployed to Afghanistan in 2009?
The shoot-down of a faulty spy satellite by a US Navy cruiser. How widely deployed is this capability in the fleet today?
The continuing lawfare over US Navy sonar use in training and the potential harm it does to marine mammals, referred this year all the way to the Supreme Court. How closely must the US military follow environmental laws?
The continuing crisis in quality and quantity in US Navy ship building. Do the shipbuiders have no shame?

Statistics

In 2008, there were news stories linked to on 292 / 365 days – that is on 80% of the days.

In 2008, NOSI linked to 408 news stories.

In 2008, 114 of these stories (28%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2008, 152 of these stories (37%) were background stories.

The remaining 142 news stories (35%) covered the operational activities of 23 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Columbia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, United Kingdom

In 2008, 189,995 pages of information were read on NOSI by 115,850 users.

2007

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The US military’s recognition that climate change poses a security threat to the U.S. Most interesting was their recommendation that the U.S. government work to mitigate climate change.
The Chinese anti-satellite test which showed that China has the capability to destroy satellites in low earth orbit. Could the U.S. Navy operate today without satellites?
The Russian cyberwar waged against Estonia, which showed how wars in cyberspace will be conducted. Could the U.S. Navy have defended itself as well as the Estonians did?
The success of the surge / Sunni Awakening in Iraq. Remember that the Sunni Awakening began in Anbar Province and was aided by the US Marines first.
The seizure of Royal Navy personnel in the Gulf by Iran. Iran continues to take an offensive rather than defensive attitude in the Gulf.
The growing sovereignty claims over the Northwest Passage. This year Russia planted a flag on the seabed there, the US Coast Guard opened a base there, and the Canadian Navy funded a class of arctic patrol ships intended to work there.
The resurgence of the Russian Navy, funded by petrodollars. Long range patrol flights coupled with the first task force deployment to the Mediterranean Sea since Soviet times means the Russian Navy is (mildly) back.
The decreasing size of the Royal Navy. Note though its two new aircraft carriers were formally funded this year.
The deepening disaster of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deepwater procurement program. It seems empowering contractors to oversee their own contracts was not such a great idea after all.
The crisis in the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding program has come to a head with the canceling of follow-on Littoral Combat Ships due to massive cost overruns. Will the U.S. Navy finally take a more hands-on approach to its shipbuilding programs to keep costs down?

Statistics

In 2007, there were news stories linked to on 275 / 365 days – that is on 75% of the days.

In 2007, NOSI linked to 428 articles covering 394 news stories.

In 2007, 118 of these stories (30%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2007, 186 of these stories (47%) were background stories and 4 stories (1%) were historical stories.

The remaining 85 news stories (22%) covered the operational activities of 19 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom

In 2007, 177,202 pages of information were read on NOSI by 106,546 users.

2006

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The ten most significant naval news stories / themes this year included:

The continued irrelevance of the US Navy to Fourth Generation Warfare. Nearly 4 years after the invasion of Iraq, the US Navy is finally ready to send a brown water / riverine unit to Iraq to patrol the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. What took so long and why was there no sense of urgency?
The rising awareness within the US military on the best ways to conduct the war in Iraq, evidenced by the new joint manual by the US Marines / US Army entitled FM 3-24 / MCWP 3-33.5 – Counterinsurgency.
The first successful naval attack by a Fourth Generation entity (Hezbollah) against an Israeli naval vessel with a land-based antiship missile, showing how Fourth Generation opponents can reach out and strike naval targets successfully.
The rise of Iran as a preeminent regional power in the Persian Gulf, and the implications that could have in a naval conflict in the Persian Gulf.
The continued slow but steady rise of the Chinese Navy – will it be peaceful – or not?
The increasing ballistic missile defense capability being forward-deployed at sea by the US Navy.
The failure of the SeaSwap manning initiative in the US Navy, which shows that too much efficiency can sometimes be a bad thing.
The successful use of lawfare, by environmental groups, to impede US Navy use of low frequency active sonar systems.
The slow fading away of the Royal Navy, due to continued deep budget cuts.
The US Marine Corps devising ways to (literally) shoot troops anywhere around the Earth in a few hours using rockets, showing that long-term planning and thinking is still thankfully alive and well in the Marine Corps…

Statistics

In 2006, there were news stories linked to on 270 / 365 days – that is on 74% of the days.

In 2006, NOSI linked to 556 articles covering 505 news stories.

In 2006, 171 of these stories (34%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2006, 201 of these stories (40%) were background stories and 17 stories (3%) were historical stories.

The remaining 116 news stories (23%) covered the operational activities of 20 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, United Kingdom

In 2006, 216,179 pages of information were read on NOSI by 119,473 users.

2005

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The operational story of the year was the occupation of Iraq, and the tremendous challenges it continues to face due to the lack of planning for the post-combat phase of the war.

Several recurring themes were identified throughout this year’s naval news stories, many of which persist from last year:

Continuing piracy on the high seas, particularly off of Africa, that is beginning to be slowly addressed.
The threats terrorists pose to ships.
The continuing rise of the Indian Navy, backed by an extensive ship building program and naval exercise schedule.
The acknowledgment that China is becoming a rising naval power, as China recognizes the importance of protecting its sea lines of communication in order to protect its economic development.
The inability of the U.S. Navy to articulate and commit to a consistent ship building program.
The dangerous nature of submarine operations, evidenced this year by the collision of the USS San Francisco with an undersea mountain and the fire on board a Chinese submarine exercising in the South China Sea.
Concern over the damaging effect that low frequency active sonar has on marine mammals.

Significant naval operations this year included:

Extensive naval assistance in operations other than war including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Bon Homme Richard along with assets of the Royal Navy / Royal Australian Navy / French Navy in the Indonesian tsunami relief effort in January, the USS Bataan in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort in August, the USS Iwo Jima in the Hurricane Rita relief effort in September, and the US Marine’s Pakistan earthquake relief effort in October.
There was no ship-to-ship combat this year.

The most significant operational naval news story of the year was the Israeli Navy exercising with NATO forces for the first time.
The naval training story of the year was the assignment of US Marine forces to the US Special Operations Command, where they will assume a large role in training foreign militaries.
The most significant personnel naval news story this year was that some US Marine units are now serving their third combat tour in Iraq, and this is putting a huge strain on them professionally, personally, and psychologically.
The most dramatic naval news story of the year was the English rescue of a Russian Navy minisub crew which was tangled in fishing nets in the Russian Far East.
The most disappointing naval news story of the year was the documentation of continued deficiencies in the Advanced SEAL delivery system mini-submarine, which render it effectively non-operational.
The naval procurement story of the year is the continued saga of the former Soviet aircraft carrier Varyag. Is China refitting it for operational use?
The naval aviation story of the year was the last combat cruise of the F-14 Tomcat fighter in the US Navy.
The most ignored naval news story of the year remains port security in the U.S., or the lack thereof.
The most surprising naval news story of the year was Japan allowing a US nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, to be homeported there for the first time.
The most welcome naval news story of the year was the slow redevelopment of the US Navy’s brown water riverine naval capabilities, for use in Iraq.
The most technically significant naval news story of the year was the first successful use of a nonlethal sonic weapon to protect a cruise ship from a pirate attack off of Somalia.
The most bizarre naval news story of the year was Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi dictating the operational deployment of the hospital ship USNS Comfort to benefit his constituents during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
The quietest naval story of the year was the extensive war planning underway in the US for strikes against Iran to neutralize its nuclear weapons capability.
And finally, the naval news story of the year with the most potential long term significance for the third year in a row was the continued rise of 4th Generation Warfare techniques in Iraq and Afghanistan. How will the U.S. effectively address 4th Generation Warfare?

Statistics

In 2005, there were news stories linked to on 308 / 365 days – that is on 84% of the days.

In 2005, NOSI linked to 864 articles covering 777 news stories.

In 2005, 343 of these stories (44%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2005, 236 of these stories (30%) were background stories and 51 stories (7%) were historical stories.

The remaining 147 news stories (19%) covered the operational activities of 24 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Netherlands, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom

In 2005, 254,437 pages of information were read on NOSI by 136,797 users.

2004

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The operational story of the year was the occupation of Iraq, and the tremendous challenges it has faced due to the lack of planning for the post-combat phase of the war, as documented in numerous articles this year. I believe that history will judge harshly the CENTCOM CINC, Secretary of Defense, and President for their lack of attention to this planning.

The strategic story of the year was Thomas P.M. Barnett’s strategic vision outlined in his book, “The Pentagon’s New Map.” I believe it outlines a strategic plan for the United States and the world that replaces the Cold War strategy of containment with a strategy for making globalization global, and that it therefore outlines a “future worth creating” for the world.

Several recurring themes were identified throughout this year’s naval news stories, many of which persist from last year:

Continuing piracy on the high seas, particularly in the South China Sea, that is beginning to be slowly addressed.
The threats terrorists pose to ships.
The tension in the Taiwanese Straits between Taiwan and China.
The question of whether or not China is becoming a rising naval power.
The realignment of U.S. Navy bases and forces around the world.
The inability of the U.S. Navy to articulate and commit to a consistent ship building program.
The inability of the Russian Navy to safely and successfully exercise at sea.
The dangerous nature of submarine operations, evidenced this year by the fire on board the newly commissioned HMCS Chicoutimi.
Concern over the damaging effect that low frequency active sonar has on marine mammals.

Significant naval operations this year included:

Exercise Summer Pulse 04 in which the U.S. Navy put its Fleet Response Plan into action for the first time, sending seven Carrier Strike Groups (formerly Carrier Battle Groups) to sea simultaneously around the world.
Exercise Team Samurai, off of Korea, the first exercise involving the nations of the Proliferation Security Initiative, which is dedicated to stopping shipments of weapons of mass destruction at sea.
The most professional amphibious operations of the year was the redeployment of the U.S. First Marine Division to Iraq to assist in the occupation. Unfortunately, the First Marine Division’s much vaunted “low-key” approach to occupation was never given a chance as soon after the Marines arrived in country, Fallujah exploded in violence.
Dispatch of a Marine Expeditionary Unit to Haiti for peacekeeping.
Dispatch of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to Afghanistan to assist in hunting down the Taliban.
Dispatch of the Royal Marines 40 Commando to Iraq to assist in the occupation.
The tracking and identification of a Chinese submarine which entered Japanese territorial waters by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense force.
There was no ship-to-ship combat of the year.

The most significant operational naval news story of the year was the successful first test of the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Response Plan.
The naval training story of the year was the increasing use of simulators to train personnel before and after they go to sea.
The most strategically significant naval news story of the year was the stationing of an Aegis-equipped U.S. warship off the Sea of Japan so as to contribute its sensors to the U.S. ballistic missile defense program.
The most significant personnel naval news story this year was that the U.S. Navy’s Sea Swap program has been found to undercut morale, and if it is to be successful in the the long term it must be modified.
The most tragic naval news story of the year was the loss of life aboard the HMCS Chicoutimi.
The most intriguing naval news story of the year was the near mutiny aboard the nuclear submarine HMS Trafalgar over safety concerns. This would have been the Royal Navy’s first mutiny in over 200 years.
The most humorous naval news story of the year is the continuing Taiwanese submarine saga – will they or won’t they order them?
The most bizarre naval news story of the year was the attempted sale of the Brazilian aircraft carrier Minas Gerais on eBay.
The procurement story of the year is the continued shrinking in size of the Royal Navy, to help pay for its future aircraft carriers.
The naval aviation story of the year was the choice of Boeing to produce the U.S. Navy’s Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA), which may eventually replace the P-3 Orion in many navies around the world.
The most ignored story of the year remains port security in the U.S., or the lack thereof.
The most surprising story of the year was Russia sending warships to join NATO’s antiterrorist patrol in the Mediterranean Sea. This is a concrete step in closer counter-terrorism cooperation between Russia and NATO.
The most technically significant naval news story of the year was the increasing promise and potential demonstrated by underwater autonomous vehicles.
The quietest naval story of the year was the continued tracking, by coalition navies, of cargo ships belonging to Al Qaeda. What is on these ships, where are they going, and what has become of them?
The most insulting naval news story was that hundreds of Commonwealth troops working in sensitive positions in the British Armed Forces have been ordered to adopt British nationality or lose their jobs.
And finally, the naval news story of the year with the most potential long term significance for the second year in a row was the continued rise of 4th Generation Warfare techniques in Iraq and Afghanistan. How will the U.S. effectively address 4th Generation Warfare?

Statistics

In 2004, there were news stories linked to on 320 / 365 days – that is on 88% of the days.

In 2004, NOSI linked to 1,058 articles covering 1,002 news stories.

In 2004, 436 of these stories (44%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2004, 268 of these stories (27%) were background stories and 59 stories (6%) were historical stories.

The remaining 298 news stories (30%) covered the operational activities of 33 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, India, Indonesia, Iraq (Coast Guard), Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia (Navy and Coast Guard), New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom (Navy and Marines)

In 2004, 209,986 pages of information were read on NOSI by 115,315 users.

2003

World Naval Operational News Highlights

Overall, it is fascinating to reflect on just how correct open source intelligence stories were in 2003 in regards to what has subsequently transpired in Iraq. The stories NOSI covered described precisely the buildup of forces and logistics in theater, the evolution of the war plan, and accurately predicted the challenges the U.S. would face in a post-Saddam Iraq.

Several recurring themes were identified throughout this year’s naval news stories, many of which persist from last year:

Yet another navy running out of operating funds. The Canadian Navy will effectively take 2004 off, to rest and recuperate from the high level of operations it has been conducting in the Persian Gulf.
Continuing piracy on the high seas, particularly in the South China Sea.
The tension in the Taiwanese Straits between Taiwan and China, with China continuing to probe Taiwanese territorial waters with spy ships.
The growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
Territorial disputes over islands in the South China Sea, such as the Spratly Islands.
Territorial disputes in the Caspian Sea, based upon oil drilling rights to the vast oil riches in the region.
The threats terrorists pose to ships.
The dangerous nature of submarine operations, evidenced this year by the mysterious loss of the Ming-class Chinese submarine’s crew, but not the submarine off of China and the loss of the decommissoned Russian November-class submarine while being towed for scrapping.
Concern over the damaging effect that low frequency active sonar has on marine mammals.
Concern that the decaying former Soviet Navy nuclear submarine force tied up at dock is having a damaging effect on the marine environment.

Significant naval operations this year included:

Coalition naval operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The most professional amphibious operations of the year were the U.S. First Marine Division’s drive on Baghdad and the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade’s (40 and 42 Commando) drive on Basra during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Interestingly, every available Amphibious Ready Group in both navies sortied for Iraq early in the year to contribute forces for the campaign.
The continued joint operations against terrorism at sea lead by the Spanish Navy in the Horn of Africa (Task Force – 150) and the Canadian Navy in the Persian Gulf (Task Force – 151).
The resumption of ballistic missile submarine deterrent patrols by the Russian Navy after a hiatus of one year.
The continued right-sizing of the Russian Navy, with its at-sea naval exercising slowly increasing in number and size, especially illustrated by its exercises in the Indian Ocean this year.
The use of amphibious ships by the French to quickly move peacekeeping troops into the Ivory Coast.
The U.S. Navy’s introduction of the Expeditionary Strike Group, an evolutionary expansion of the Amphibious Ready Group, thus creating a far more capable power projection platform.
The only ship-to-ship combat of the year was the continuing conflict between Sri Lankan and Tamil Tiger gunboats and a few brief skirmishes at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The most significant operational naval news story of the year was the U.S. Navy’s abandonment of its traditional 6 month at sea deployment patterns of aircraft carrier battlegroups and expeditionary strike groups. The reason for this is the desire to be able to surge large number of ships into combat zones at times of crisis, rather than be constrained by what the fixed 6 month deployment patterns make available at the time of a crisis.
The naval training story of the year was the replacement of the U.S. Navy training area on Vieques island, in Puerto Rico with a number of alternative training bases along the U.S. Eastern and Gulf coasts. So far, the U.S. Navy does not appear to be suffering ill effects from the change.
The most strategically significant naval news story of the year is the near-confirmation by the U.S. that the Israeli Navy does possess a nuclear deterrent capability in the form of nuclear-tipped land attack Harpoon cruise missiles in their Dolphin-class submarines.
The most significant personnel naval news story this year was the U.S. Navy’s success in obtaining more underway days in theater from its ships by forward basing and dual-crewing more of them.
The most tragic naval news story of the year was the loss of life in the submarine accidents in the Chinese and Russian navies.
The most intriguing naval news story of the year was the proposed naval blockade of North Korea, by a coalition of nations lead by the U.S., for the purpose of blocking ballistic missile proliferation. Will this blockade be implemented in 2004?
The most humorous naval news story of the year was the formal committment by the Royal Navy to construct two new aircraft carriers operating F-35 aircraft; and then the near-immediate back pedaling as to their expected size and capabilities. Is the U.K. committed to building an effective aircraft carrier, or not?
The most bizarre naval news story of the year was that Russia is considering the use of Typhoon-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines as tankers.
The procurement story of the year is Taiwan’s on-again, off-again purchase of attack submarines and Kidd-class destroyers from the U.S..
The most ignored story of the year remains port security in the U.S., or the lack thereof.
The most surprising story of the year was the formation of a standing European Union naval force, which will always have an English, French, Spanish, or Italian aircraft carrier assigned to it.
The most technically significant naval news story of the year was the emergence of working prototypes of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) that promise to revolutionize naval warfare in the same way their counterparts in the air, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are revolutionizing warfare on the land and in the air.
The most interesting naval experiment of the year along with the newly deployed naval weapon of the year was the U.S. Navy’s deployment of HSV-X1 Joint Venture during Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of mine clearing and special operations.
The quietest naval story of the year was the continued tracking, by coalition navies, of cargo ships belonging to Al Qaeda. What is on these ships, where are they going, and what has become of them?
The non-story of the year was the electromagnetic pulse weapon. After a big buildup of how they were going to be used in the “shock and awe” phase of the campaign in Iraq, they were never heard from again. Something to file away for the Next War?
The most insulting naval news story was the Bush Administration’s attempted character assassination of retired Marine General Anthony Zinni, former CENTCOM CINC, who has been highly critical of the decision to attack Iraq and the handling of Iraq’s post war affairs…the administration should not confuse dissent with disloyalty…
And finally, the naval news story of the year with the most potential long term significance was the continued rise of 4th Generation Warfare techniques in Iraq and Afghanistan. How will the US effectively address 4th Generation Warfare?

Statistics

In 2003, there were news stories linked to on 344 / 365 days – that is on 94% of the days.

In 2003, NOSI linked to 1,326 articles covering 1,221 news stories.

In 2003, 551 of these stories (45%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2003, 359 of these stories (29%) were background stories and 27 stories (2%) were historical stories.

The remaining 284 news stories (23%) covered the operational activities of 35 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Algeria, Al-Qaeda, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Greece (Navy and Coast Guard), Guyana, Netherlands (Marines), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom (Navy and Marines)

In 2003, 209,699 pages of information were read on NOSI by 90,017 users.

2002

World Naval Operational News Highlights

Overall, I think it is quite interesting to reflect on just how correct open source intelligence stories were in 2002 in regards to what has subsequently transpired in Iraq. The stories NOSI covered described precisely the buildup of forces and logistics in theater, the evolution of the war plan, and predicted accurately the challenges the U.S. would face in a post-Saddam Iraq.

Several recurring themes were identified throughout this year’s naval news stories, many of which persist from last year:

Yet another navy running out of operating funds. This year it was the Portuguese Navy, which ran out of money to operate in March and had to return to port.
Continued piracy on the high seas, particularly in the South China Sea. This year, however, increased patrols in the Straits of Malacca by the Indonesian, Malaysian, Indian, and U.S. navies have led to some decrease in the amount of piracy.
The tension in the Taiwanese Straits between Taiwan and China, with China continuing to probe Taiwanese territorial waters with spy ships.
Territorial disputes over islands in the South China Sea, such as the Spratly Islands. This year the USS Bowditch, a survey ship, did its best to assert the U.S. Navy’s right to freedom of navigation in this region.
Territorial disputes in the Caspian Sea, based upon oil drilling rights to the vast oil riches in the region.
The threats terrorists pose to ships, this year demonstrated through stories about terrorist plots to attack shipping in the Straits of Gibraltar, and the terrorist attack against the French tanker Limburg off of Yemen.
The dangerous nature of submarine operations, evidenced this year with a fire about the USS Dolphin and many continued teething problems with Canada’s Upholder-class submarines.
Concern over the damaging effect that low frequency active sonar has on marine mammals.
Concern that the decaying former Soviet Navy nuclear submarine force tied up at dock is having a damaging effect on the marine environment.

Significant naval operations this year included:

The continued joint operations against terrorism at sea lead by the German Navy in the Horn of Africa and the Royal Australian Navy in the Persian Gulf.
The most professional amphibious operation of the year was the use of the Royal Marines 45 Commando to hunt down Taliban troops in Afghanistan.
The use of a combined arms force by the Spanish Navy to evict Moroccan troops from Spanish islands off of Morocco.
The most significantly averted combat of the year was the near-war between India and Pakistan due to heightened tensions in Kashmir. Both navies had sortied from their bases; interestingly the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle played a roll in deconflicting the two sides.
The only ship-to-ship combat of the year was the continuing conflict between Sri Lankan and Tamil Tiger gunboats and a sharp, brief battle between North and South Korean gunboats.

The naval training story of the year was the loss to the U.S. Navy of the training area on Vieques island, in Puerto Rico. The long term effect of this upon U.S. forces will need to be watched carefully.
The most strategically significant naval news story of the year is the continued move by China to position itself near strategic naval choke points through the acquisition of commercial port facilities near them.
The most significant personnel naval news story this year was the U.S. Navy’s intention to obtain more underway days in theater from its ships by forward basing and dual-crewing more of them.
The most narrowly averted naval disaster of the year was the fire about the research submarine USS Dolphin, which luckily occurred close to shore.
The most intriguing naval news story of the year was the Spanish Navy’s seizure at sea, at the bequest of the U.S., of a cargo ship carrying SCUD missiles from North Korea. The U.S. later allowed the cargo ship to deliver the SCUD missiles to their destination, Yemen, as it is an ally of the U.S. What is the official U.S. position on the proliferation of ballistic missiles?
The most humorous naval news story of the year was the Royal New Zealand Navy’s use of rented civilian jet warbirds to simulate enemy attacks during training, now that New Zealand’s air force has disposed of its fighter aircraft.
The procurement story of the year is India’s on-again, off-again purchase of the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.
The most ignored story of the year is port security in the U.S., or the lack thereof.
The most surprising story of the year was the deployment of the command ship USS Mount Whitney, nicknamed the “USS Never Sail,” to the Horn of Africa for 7 months to head up the U.S. war on terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
The most technically significant naval news story of the year was the new and unique uses that the U.S. Navy’s P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft community was devising for their aircraft, including its use as a ground surveillance platform in Afghanistan.
The most interesting naval experiment of the year were the U.S.’ experiments with high speed transport vessels – the U.S. Marine Corps with its HSV WestPac Express and the U.S. Army with its HSV-X1 Joint Venture.
The newly deployed naval weapon of the year was the F-18E Hornet, which made its first cruise on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The quietest naval story of the year was the near-war between India and Pakistan due to heightened tensions in Kashmir with both navies deploying on war footings.
The non-story of the year was that of the new U.S. aircraft carrier CVN-77, which will not be built to a radically different design as initially proposed, but instead will be the last of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.
The most insulting naval news story was the naming of the next U.S. aircraft carrier after former president George H.W. Bush. The politicization of the naming of U.S. Navy ships has truly reached a new low.
And finally, the naval news story of the year with the most potential long term significance was the Royal Navy’s decision to scrap its Sea Harrier fleet and leave it’s aircraft carriers unequipped with interceptor aircraft. Is this a creeping beginning of the end for the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier program?

Statistics

In 2002, there were news stories linked to on 351 / 365 days – that is on 96% of the days.

In 2002, NOSI linked to 1,673 articles covering 1,529 news stories.

In 2002, 614 of these stories (40%) were related to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, or U.S. Military Sealift Command.

In 2002, 305 of these stories (20%) were background stories and 27 stories (2%) were historical stories.

The remaining 583 news stories (38%) covered the operational activities of 53 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

Argentinean, Bangladeshi, Burmese, Canadian, Chilean, Chinese, Columbian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Indian, Indonesia, Iranian, Iraqi, Irish, Israeli, Italian, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Japanese Coast Guard, Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Myanarese, NATO, Nigerian, Omani, Pakistan, Palestinian, Phillipine Navy, Phillipine Marines, Portuguese, Romanian, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Royal New Zealand Navy, Russian, Singaporean, South African, South Korean, Spanish, Swedish, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Taiwanese Marines, Thai, US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, US Military Sealift Command, US Navy, Venezuelan

In 2002, 175,462 pages of information were read on NOSI by 67,242 users.

2001

World Naval Operational News Highlights

The biggest story this year was the huge role that US and allied navies have played in the war on terrorism.
Several recurring themes were identified throughout this year’s naval news stories, many of which persist from last year:

The continuing enforcement of economic sanctions and no-fly zones against Iraq, who remains able to successfully circumvent the economic sanctions on the exporting of oil.
The Russian Navy promising – and failing – to rebound from its doldrums, this year abandoning its base in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.
Piracy in the South China Sea, which is worsening as Indonesia descends into anarchy.
The tension in the Taiwanese Straits between Taiwan and China.
Further consolidation of the US ship building industry.
The ascendency of the Indian Navy, demonstrated during this year’s International Fleet Review, and its suprising new alliance with the US Navy.
Territorial disputes over islands in the South China Sea, such as the Spratly Islands, which is what the EP-3 was really investigating.
Clampdown on the entry of illegal immigrants into countries, evidenced by the aggressive actions of the Malaysian and Royal Australian navies.
Underfunding of the US Coast Guard, which was unable to meet its missions before September 11, let alone after that date.
The woes of the MV-22 Osprey, which is desperately needed to replace the US Marines aging rotary wing force.
Concern over the damaging effect that certain types of sonars have on marine mammals.

The most professional amphibious operation of the year was the landing of US Marine Expeditionary Units within Afghanistan, several hundred miles from the sea.
The only ship-to-ship combat of the year was between the Sri Lankan Navy and the Tamil Tigers; and the Japanese Coast Guard and the (presumed) North Korean Navy.
The most intriguing naval news story of the year was that US nuclear attack submarines continue to carry out clandestine intelligence missions to place taps on undersea fiber optics cables to intercept data traffic on them.
The most strategically significant naval news story of the year is the “coming out” of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force with its first overseas deployment outside Japan since World War II, and how it may serve in the future as a counter balance to the Chinese Navy.
The most technically significant naval news story this year was the rise of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, and what its maritime applications will be, as demonstrated by the Global Hawk’s demonstration flight to Australia early in the year.
The most narrowly averted naval disaster of the year was the downing of the US Navy EP-3 intelligence aircraft by the Chinese Air Force, and the continuing harrassment of US intelligence aircraft since that incident.
The most tragic naval news story of the year was the accidental sinking of the Japanese fishing trawler by the USS Greeneville.
The most bizarre naval news story of the year was the inabilty of the Swedish Navy to go to sea for the last 7 months of the year because it had been banned from allowing its sailors to work overtime.
The most humorous naval news story of the year was the plight of the former Soviet aircraft carrier Varyag, which waited for years for permission to transit the Bosphorus Strait, and after doing so, broke its tow and went adrift for some distance in the Aegean before being successfully taken in tow again.
The most technically impressive naval news story of the year was the raising of the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk from the sea bed and her return to port for scrapping.
The quietest naval story of the year was the cancelation of the US Navy’s DD-21 class destroyers. This program seemed to have no clear supporters to oppose its cancelation.
The non-story of the year was the US defense review, which never reached any solid conclusions are resulted in any definite plans.
And finally, the naval news story of the year with the most potential long term significance was the dangerous overemphasis placed on avoiding collateral damage when making targeting decisions in Afghanistan by the US. What targets were missed in the name of “safety?”

Statistics

In 2001, there were news stories linked to on 311 / 365 days – that is on 85% of the days.

In 2001, NOSI linked to 1,077 articles covering 916 news stories.

The news stories linked to covered the operational activities of 43 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

United States – 396 stories

United Kingdom – 75 stories

Russia – 54 stories

Australia – 30 stories

India – 29 stories

Canada – 21 stories

Taiwan – 20 stories

China – 14 stories

Japan – 12 stories

France – 9 stories

Malaysia – 9 stories

Sri Lanka – 6 stories

South Korea – 6 stories

Pakistan – 5 stories

Phillipines – 5 stories

Israel – 4 stories

Iran – 3 stories

Italy – 3 stories
Indonesia – 3 stories

Singapore – 3 stories
New Zealand – 3 stories
Turkey – 2 stories

Romania – 2 stories
Tamil Sea Tigers – 2 stories
Egypt – 2 stories

Argentina, Bahrain, Chile, Columbia, Denmark, Ghana, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Nigeria, North Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela – 1 story

…and 117 Background news stories

In 2001, 92,436 pages of information were read on NOSI by 39,079 users.

2000

World Naval Operational News Highlights

Several recurring themes were identified in this year’s naval news stories:

Iraq’s successful attempts to circumvent the United Nations
economic sanctions on the exporting of oil.

The crisis in readiness, especially in the navies of the United
States, United Kingdom, Russia, and Canada.
Piracy in the South China Sea.
The standoff in the Taiwanese Straits between Taiwan and China.
Ship handling accidents in the United States Navy.
The ascendency of Indian Navy.
Territorial disputes over islands in the South China Sea, such as the Spratly Islands.

Support for Operations Other Than War including the Royal Navy and French Navy in Mozambique
and Madagascar, the Royal Navy in Sierra Leone, and the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy in the Solomon Islands.

The most professional combined arms operation of the year was the deployment of British forces to Sierra Leone to attempt to restore stability to the country.
The only ship-to-ship combat of the year was between the Sri Lankan Navy and the Tamil Tigers.
The most intriguing naval news story of the year is whether or not Israel has developed a sea based nuclear deterrent in the form of nuclear tipped cruise missiles on its new Dolphin-class submarines.
The most strategically significant naval news story of the year is the possibility that the US may have to turn its base on Diego Garcia back over to the native Chagos islanders who were unlawfully evicted from the island in the 1960’s.
The most narrowly averted naval disaster of the year was the serious problem found in the cooling system of the nuclear reactor on the Royal Navy’s nuclear attack submarines.
The most tragic naval news stories of the year was the sinking of the Russian nuclear attack submarine Kursk with the loss of all hands, and the terrorist attack on the guided missile destroyer USS Cole with heavy loss of life.
The most bizarre naval news story of the year was the construction of a midget submarine in the mountains of Columbia, to be used by drug smugglers, with assistance from Russian nationals.
The most humorous naval operation of the year was the sight of the Canadian Navy undertaking an operation to recapture Canadian Army equipment from a transport ship’s crew which was holding it hostage in order to be reimbursed for its transport from Kosovo to Canada.
And finally, the naval news story of the year with the most potential long term significance was the unsuccessful attempt of Argentinians to sue the British government over the sinking of the cruiser General Belgrano in the Falklands War. Will the wars of the future be refought in the court room, rather than in the simulator room?

Statistics

NOSI was launched on February 18, 2000.

In 2000, there were news stories linked to on 208 / 318 days – that is on 65% of the days.

In 2000, NOSI linked to 559 articles covering 468 news stories. On December 31, 2000, each link was
checked to see if it was still working. 139 / 567 links, or 25% were
broken.

The news stories linked to covered the operational activities of 32 nation’s navies, coast guards, and marine corps:

United States – 178 stories

Russia – 77 stories

United Kingdom – 74 stories

India – 44 stories

Canada – 22 stories

Australia – 21 stories

China – 16 stories

France – 15 stories

Taiwan – 14 stories

Sri Lanka – 13 stories

Indonesia – 8 stories

Japan – 8 stories

Nigeria – 6 stories

South Africa – 6 stories

Iran – 5 stories

New Zealand – 4 stories

Israel – 4 stories

Columbia – 4 stories

Pakistan – 3 stories

Phillipines – 3 stories

Suriname – 2 stories

Malaysia – 2 stories

Brazil – 2 stories

Ukraine – 2 stories

Mauritania – 1 story

North Korea – 1 story

Portugal – 1 story

Poland – 1 story

Turkey – 1 story

Uruguay – 1 story

Yugoslavia – 1 story

South Korea – 1 story

…and 26 Background news stories

In 2000, 18,205 pages of information were read on NOSI by 8,612 users.

NOSI – Naval Open Source Intelligence™

Operational naval news, curated from open source intelligence, intended to serve as a source of continuing naval education. By Michael P. D'Alessandro M.D.

Naval Year In Review

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