Saturday, August 31, 2019
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Naval Strategy:U.S. 2nd Fleet One Year On
On 24 August 2019 the U.S. 2nd Fleet marked the 1st anniversary of its Establishment Ceremony,which took place aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) at Norfolk,Virginia.The Fleet was given the following Mission:
To develop and employ maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access,deter aggression,and defend U.S.,allied and partner interests.*
Writing for the Business Insider website,the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk,VADM Andrew Lewis,said that:
The last time 2nd Fleet existed,the world looked very different than it does now:Today maritime superiority,vital to our national security,has been placed at risk by resurgent powers,namely Russia and China,seeking to supplant the US as the partner of choice around the world.The 2nd Fleet of today has redirected its strategic focus from mainly training units to deploy to regional conflicts in the Middle East to operating high-end naval forces and developing tactics to deter potential conflicts,to include near-peer adversaries in the North Atlantic and Arctic.*
We must be present in contested spaces-and virtual presence is not true presence.US 2nd Fleet is focused on the waters from the East Coast to the Arctic,Norway,and approaches of the Baltic and Azores.*
VADM Lewis continued:
Russia considers itself THE great power in the Arctic,and China is certainly interested in the hydrocarbon and fish available in those waters.If we do not get into the Arctic with a measured and deliberate approach,the area is destined for conflict.*
The greatest challenge I have faced is disrupting the sense of normalcy established during years of fighting FROM the sea,rather than fighting UPON the sea.We need to take a close look at the assets we have and ensure we are employing them appropriately and fighting as fleets rather than task groups or units.*
We are building US 2nd Fleet to be the market disrupter that changes the way we fight as a fleet-as a coalition-and in doing so,we will be ready to fight.*
To develop and employ maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access,deter aggression,and defend U.S.,allied and partner interests.*
Writing for the Business Insider website,the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk,VADM Andrew Lewis,said that:
The last time 2nd Fleet existed,the world looked very different than it does now:Today maritime superiority,vital to our national security,has been placed at risk by resurgent powers,namely Russia and China,seeking to supplant the US as the partner of choice around the world.The 2nd Fleet of today has redirected its strategic focus from mainly training units to deploy to regional conflicts in the Middle East to operating high-end naval forces and developing tactics to deter potential conflicts,to include near-peer adversaries in the North Atlantic and Arctic.*
We must be present in contested spaces-and virtual presence is not true presence.US 2nd Fleet is focused on the waters from the East Coast to the Arctic,Norway,and approaches of the Baltic and Azores.*
VADM Lewis continued:
Russia considers itself THE great power in the Arctic,and China is certainly interested in the hydrocarbon and fish available in those waters.If we do not get into the Arctic with a measured and deliberate approach,the area is destined for conflict.*
The greatest challenge I have faced is disrupting the sense of normalcy established during years of fighting FROM the sea,rather than fighting UPON the sea.We need to take a close look at the assets we have and ensure we are employing them appropriately and fighting as fleets rather than task groups or units.*
We are building US 2nd Fleet to be the market disrupter that changes the way we fight as a fleet-as a coalition-and in doing so,we will be ready to fight.*
Friday, August 23, 2019
Two Green Berets killed in Afghanistan identified
Two Green Berets killed in Afghanistan identified: Both soldiers were assigned to 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
US,Danish Warships Exercise in the Arctic - revised
A US Navy and Royal Danish Navy warship have held drills near the Danish possession of Greenland,the largest island in the world.The PASSEX,or passing exercise,was conducted by the USS Gravely (DDG 107),an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer,and HDMS Absalon (L16),an Absalon-class command and support ship.At one point,a Royal Danish Navy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter touched down aft on the Gravely.*
A PASSEX is a series of drills by two navies that ensures their ability to communicate and cooperate closely during a crisis.These may include close manoeuvres;flag-hoist drills;flashing light drills;and semaphore drills;as well as electronic communications and target acquisition drills.*
The USS Gravely has been conducting Arctic operations during an eight-month deployment.According to CDR Michael O'Reilly,commanding officer:
The exercise was a unique opportunity for Gravely to conduct training with the Danish navy and demonstrate interoperability in strategically important waters.*
Later in the deployment,crew members of the Gravely qualified on a machine gun while plying the Arctic waters.*
A PASSEX is a series of drills by two navies that ensures their ability to communicate and cooperate closely during a crisis.These may include close manoeuvres;flag-hoist drills;flashing light drills;and semaphore drills;as well as electronic communications and target acquisition drills.*
The USS Gravely has been conducting Arctic operations during an eight-month deployment.According to CDR Michael O'Reilly,commanding officer:
The exercise was a unique opportunity for Gravely to conduct training with the Danish navy and demonstrate interoperability in strategically important waters.*
Later in the deployment,crew members of the Gravely qualified on a machine gun while plying the Arctic waters.*
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Canadian Officer Joins U.S. 2nd Fleet Staff
RADM Steven Waddell,Royal Canadian Navy,has joined the staff of the new U.S. 2nd Fleet as Vice Commander.RADM Waddell was most recently Director of Naval Strategic Readiness for the RCN.VADM Andrew Lewis ,Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk,welcomed RADM Waddell,who is the first foreign national officer on the 2nd Fleet staff, to his new post.*
U.S. 2nd Fleet was legislatively re-established on 1 July 2018 in the wake of Russian aggression in Eastern Europe,including its invasions of Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014,where it illegally annexed Crimea and wages hybrid warfare in Eastern Ukraine.It is also a response to the growing strategic and commercial importance of the Arctic.*
Speaking at a press conference in Norfolk,Virginia,VADM Lewis said that:
the 2nd Fleet has the capability to command and control forces assigned in high end maritime operations as it is expected of any other numbered fleet.*
U.S. 2nd Fleet was legislatively re-established on 1 July 2018 in the wake of Russian aggression in Eastern Europe,including its invasions of Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014,where it illegally annexed Crimea and wages hybrid warfare in Eastern Ukraine.It is also a response to the growing strategic and commercial importance of the Arctic.*
Speaking at a press conference in Norfolk,Virginia,VADM Lewis said that:
the 2nd Fleet has the capability to command and control forces assigned in high end maritime operations as it is expected of any other numbered fleet.*
Monday, August 12, 2019
Operation Inherent Resolve:US Marine Corps SOF Member Killed in Action in Iraq
On 10 August 2019,GYSGT Scott A. Koppenhafer,35,of Mancos,Colorado was killed in action in Iraq when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire,the Pentagon said.The battle is being investigated.
GYSGT Koppenhafer was a member of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion,MARSOC,out of Camp Lejeune,North Carolina.He had pulled four tours in his MARSOC career,including one in Afghanistan,where he was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant,as well as Iraq.*
According to US CENTCOM,Gunny Koppenhafer was killed while on a joint mission with the Iraqi Security Forces in Nineveh Province,Northern Iraq.He was serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces as they attempt to dislodge remnants of the Islamic State in Northern Iraq.
GYSGT Koppenhafer had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2);and the Combat Action Ribbon (2).*
The revered special operator was the third US service member to be killed in action in Operation Inherent Resolve this year.About 5,000 US troops are currently deployed to Iraq with OIR in a train,advise and assist mission.In 2018,Gunny Koppenhafer was named the 2018 Marine Special Operator of the Year for his masterful leadership that directly contributed to the defeat of Islamic State forces in Northern Iraq.He is survived by his wife and two children.*
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee:thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,and afterword receive me to glory."
-Psalm 73:23-24
GYSGT Koppenhafer was a member of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion,MARSOC,out of Camp Lejeune,North Carolina.He had pulled four tours in his MARSOC career,including one in Afghanistan,where he was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant,as well as Iraq.*
According to US CENTCOM,Gunny Koppenhafer was killed while on a joint mission with the Iraqi Security Forces in Nineveh Province,Northern Iraq.He was serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces as they attempt to dislodge remnants of the Islamic State in Northern Iraq.
GYSGT Koppenhafer had been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (2);the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2);and the Combat Action Ribbon (2).*
The revered special operator was the third US service member to be killed in action in Operation Inherent Resolve this year.About 5,000 US troops are currently deployed to Iraq with OIR in a train,advise and assist mission.In 2018,Gunny Koppenhafer was named the 2018 Marine Special Operator of the Year for his masterful leadership that directly contributed to the defeat of Islamic State forces in Northern Iraq.He is survived by his wife and two children.*
"Nevertheless I am continually with thee:thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel,and afterword receive me to glory."
-Psalm 73:23-24
Friday, August 9, 2019
US, Canadian Fighters Intercept Russian Bombers off Alaskan Coast
US, Canadian Fighters Intercept Russian Bombers off Alaskan Coast: American and Canadian jets intercepted a pair of Russian Tu-95s in international airspace off the coast of Alaska.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
New NATO Command Activated in Virginia
On 26 July 2019,the North Atlantic Council,NATO's executive body in Brussels,Belgium,formally activated Joint Force Command Norfolk in Virginia as a NATO military body.The JFCNF has the following missions and tasks:
1.To deliver multinational and NATO effects;
2.maintain readiness,protect the North Atlantic strategic lines of communication;
3.deter aggression;
4.contribute to NATO responsiveness;
5.secure reinforcements and resupply;
6.and,if necessary,project power to defend its Allies and Partners.*
According to VADM Andrew Lewis,Commander of JFCNF and the US Navy 2nd Fleet:
This is a significant milestone in the short history of this unique NATO command.As we forge ahead,we are continuing to press ahead and look forward to receiving the full complement of international personnel so we can meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by December 2019.*
The JFCNF was created out of concern for NATO's capacity to rapidly reinforce Europe in the event of a crisis.
1.To deliver multinational and NATO effects;
2.maintain readiness,protect the North Atlantic strategic lines of communication;
3.deter aggression;
4.contribute to NATO responsiveness;
5.secure reinforcements and resupply;
6.and,if necessary,project power to defend its Allies and Partners.*
According to VADM Andrew Lewis,Commander of JFCNF and the US Navy 2nd Fleet:
This is a significant milestone in the short history of this unique NATO command.As we forge ahead,we are continuing to press ahead and look forward to receiving the full complement of international personnel so we can meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by December 2019.*
The JFCNF was created out of concern for NATO's capacity to rapidly reinforce Europe in the event of a crisis.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Northern Greece:Orthodox Church of Ukraine Delegation Visits Thessaloniki
An official delegation of the newly independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine visited Thessaloniki,Greece on 25 July 2019.The delegation consisted of His Eminence Archbishop German of Chernivtsi and Chotin;Archpriest Valery Semantso of the Church of the Lifegiving Font in Kiyiv;and Archpriest Vasily Lilo of the Church of St.Nikolai Boyarka.They concelebrated the Divine Liturgy at the fourteenth century Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Vlatadon,Thessaloniki with the igoumenos (abbot),His Grace Bishop Nikiforos of Amorion.Their talks afterword centered on gaining recognition for the OCU's autocephaly in the context of the Orthodox world.*
After the Divine Liturgy,the delegation met with His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neopolis and Stavroupolis at the Metropolis headquarters;subsequently,they met with His All-Holiness Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki,whose high title reflects the great esteem for Thessaloniki during the Byzantine era.Metropolitan Anthimos confirmed that the Metropolis would continue to support a positive solution to the Ukrainian issue.*
With the blessing of His All-Holiness Metropolitan Anthimos,the delegation went on to the Church of St.Dimitrios the Greatmartyr,where they venerated his relics.
The Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki is one of the New Lands within the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,but which,in light of political and cultural reality,is administered by the Church of Greece under an agreement with the Patriarchate.
After the Divine Liturgy,the delegation met with His Eminence Metropolitan Varnavas of Neopolis and Stavroupolis at the Metropolis headquarters;subsequently,they met with His All-Holiness Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki,whose high title reflects the great esteem for Thessaloniki during the Byzantine era.Metropolitan Anthimos confirmed that the Metropolis would continue to support a positive solution to the Ukrainian issue.*
With the blessing of His All-Holiness Metropolitan Anthimos,the delegation went on to the Church of St.Dimitrios the Greatmartyr,where they venerated his relics.
The Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki is one of the New Lands within the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,but which,in light of political and cultural reality,is administered by the Church of Greece under an agreement with the Patriarchate.
Friday, August 2, 2019
NATO Responds to Demise of INF Treaty
On 2 August 2019,NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg responded to the demise of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) on account of Russia's development and deployment of the nuclear-capable SSC-8 missile at multiple locations within minutes of striking Europe.Speaking in a somber tone from NATO headquarters in Brussels,Mr.Stoltenberg said:
We have agreed a package of measures to ensure that NATO's deterrence and defence remains credible and effective;but we will not rush to implementation or make any rash moves.We will consider our options carefully.
We have decided to work on issues such as exercises;intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance;air and missile defences;and conventional capabilities.We will also ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains safe,secure and effective.Some of these measures can be implemented quickly,and others will take time.Everything we do will be balanced,coordinated and defensive.*
The Russian missiles are part of a broader pattern,and NATO has already started to respond to that pattern of Russian behaviour...we have already started to invest in new,modern air and missile defence capabilities;Allies are investing more,spending more for the first time in many,many years-and a big proportion of this spending is actually being invested in new capabilities in air and missile defence.We have increased our presence in the Eastern part of the Alliance.We are buying new,modern fighter jets;we are increasing the readiness of our forces,so it is not as if NATO is not doing anything;but everything we have done is within the borders,the limitations of the INF Treaty.Today the INF Treaty ceased to exist.That's the big difference;but we will make sure that we find the right balance between being strong,providing credible deterrence and defence,but without overreacting or rushing to conclusions.*
Analysis:We can expect developments in each of the areas Mr.Stoltenberg mentioned,but not in a dramatic way.A US official says the Pentagon will,within a matter of weeks,be flight testing a new weapon that would have exceeded the INF limits;but it will not be deployable for years.Perhaps it is a system that can be carried by bombers or even advanced fighter aircraft.Another option that has been mentioned involves special drills or patrols by nuclear-capable aircraft near the Russian borders-more nuclear exercises than have previously been held.
We have agreed a package of measures to ensure that NATO's deterrence and defence remains credible and effective;but we will not rush to implementation or make any rash moves.We will consider our options carefully.
We have decided to work on issues such as exercises;intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance;air and missile defences;and conventional capabilities.We will also ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains safe,secure and effective.Some of these measures can be implemented quickly,and others will take time.Everything we do will be balanced,coordinated and defensive.*
The Russian missiles are part of a broader pattern,and NATO has already started to respond to that pattern of Russian behaviour...we have already started to invest in new,modern air and missile defence capabilities;Allies are investing more,spending more for the first time in many,many years-and a big proportion of this spending is actually being invested in new capabilities in air and missile defence.We have increased our presence in the Eastern part of the Alliance.We are buying new,modern fighter jets;we are increasing the readiness of our forces,so it is not as if NATO is not doing anything;but everything we have done is within the borders,the limitations of the INF Treaty.Today the INF Treaty ceased to exist.That's the big difference;but we will make sure that we find the right balance between being strong,providing credible deterrence and defence,but without overreacting or rushing to conclusions.*
Analysis:We can expect developments in each of the areas Mr.Stoltenberg mentioned,but not in a dramatic way.A US official says the Pentagon will,within a matter of weeks,be flight testing a new weapon that would have exceeded the INF limits;but it will not be deployable for years.Perhaps it is a system that can be carried by bombers or even advanced fighter aircraft.Another option that has been mentioned involves special drills or patrols by nuclear-capable aircraft near the Russian borders-more nuclear exercises than have previously been held.
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