Aleutian Provocation:As Destroyers Dispatched to Signal Russia and China,Navy Orders Several More

Last week,a combined force of 11 Russian and Chinese warships operated together off the coast of Alaska's Aleutian Islands,according to U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM).The combined force was larger than one the two US adversaries sent through the Bering Sea last September,which had seven warships,four Russian and three Chinese.These were detected by the US Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutter Kimball (WMSL 756).As capable as the Kimball is,it was deemed to be an inadequate response.Hence four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers were assigned to escort the adversary vessels this time. NORTHCOM told the Wall Street Journal that the 11 vessels did not appear to enter US territory:Air and maritime assets under our command conducted operations to ensure the defense of the United States and Canada.The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.* On Tuesday 1 August 2023,the Navy awarded two five-year procurement contracts to Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for nine Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided-missile destroyers.Huntington will build six destroyers and General Dynamics will build three between 2023 and 2027.The contracts also provide an option for additional destroyers if funded.No cost figures were disclosed.* According to USNI News,Flight III is built around the new AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar.It is to replace the Ticonderoga-class guided-missie cruisers as the primary air defence of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG).Said Bath Iron Works President Chuck Krugh:Flight III destroyers have significantly increased capability,and our skilled shipbuilders are committed to producing ships that meet the quality standards that our Navy Sailors deserve.*Flight III capability is considered critical for the nation,Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) indicated.* Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII),General Dynamics (GD)