Are We on the Cusp of a Maritime Renaissance in Time to Meet the PRC Challenge?
The author warns that U.S. shipbuilding has slipped far below its World War II dominance and argues the nation must launch a maritime renaissance to counter the growing People's Republic of China threat. Recent congressional testimony by Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signaled fresh funding and political will to revive the naval industrial base. The piece stresses that rebuilding will require land, heavy industry, skilled labor, and a cultural shift toward long‑term stewardship. The author believes tangible progress could appear within the next few years if momentum is maintained.
Robert Kaplan Returns to the Pier
Robert D. Kaplan’s May 1 New York Times opinion piece, “The Tragic Decline of the American Navy,” revisits his 2007 Atlantic essay and argues that the U.S. fleet is losing its historic edge. He points to the loss of control over the South...
May Day Midrats Melee
The May Day Midrats Melee episode examines naval operations in the Straits of Hormuz, focusing on the effectiveness of blockades amid heightened economic sanctions against Iran. Experts dissect how the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps influences regional security and assess the...
Fullbore Friday
In April 1982, British SAS commandos executed a daring raid on Pebble Island, one of the Falkland Islands, to neutralize Argentine aircraft. The 45‑man force, supported by HMS Glamorgan’s naval gunfire, infiltrated four airstrips and destroyed six planes using explosive...
FF(X) Flight II: In the Works
The Navy’s new FF(X) frigate program will field Flight I hulls by 30 June 2030, using a proven flight‑upgrade approach borrowed from the Arleigh Burke destroyer line. Flight II is still in the design phase and is not expected until 30 September 2031, five years later...
I'll Take LCC-21, 22, and Yes, 23 and 24, Thank You
The author argues that the U.S. Navy’s two existing command ships, LCC‑19 Blue Ridge and LCC‑20 Mount Whitney, are insufficient for modern warfare. Recent Iranian attacks on Gulf facilities and Chinese targeting of static U.S. sites highlight the vulnerability of...
Latin American Policy, with Dr. Colin Dueck--On Midrats
In a recent Midrats episode, AEI senior fellow Dr. Colin Dueck joins hosts Mark and Sal to dissect U.S. policy toward Latin America. The conversation traces the Monroe Doctrine from its 19th‑century origins through Cold‑War interventions to today’s great‑power competition....
So, the SECNAV Has Departed
Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan was removed after 393 days amid reported clashes with senior Pentagon officials and disagreements over the Navy's lagging shipbuilding program. The New York Times cited infighting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy...
Did China Culminate and No One Noticed?
Recent analyses, citing Bloomberg‑derived charts, show the United States pulling ahead of China with a $29.2 trillion economy versus China’s $18.9 trillion in 2024. The gap has widened for three consecutive years, driven by China’s shrinking working‑age population and a fertility rate...
It's a Free for All--On Midrats
The Mid‑April "Free for All" podcast episode dives into recent naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz, US Navy maintenance challenges, and expanding defense collaborations in the Indo‑Pacific. Hosts discuss a US‑Iran ship interception, the USS Boise’s upkeep issues, and Japan‑Australia...
What Are the Details for 18 Battle Force and 16 Non-Battle Force Ships?
Earlier this month the Navy announced a $65.8 billion procurement package for 34 new ships. The breakdown comprises 18 battle‑force vessels—including a Columbia‑class SSBN, two attack submarines, a DDG‑51 destroyer and various support ships—and 16 non‑battle ships such as five fireboats,...
Bring Rainier and Bridge Out of Reserve
The author urges the U.S. Navy to reactivate the Reserve‑status Supply‑class ships USNS Rainier and USNS Bridge, arguing that their speed and fuel‑transfer capability are essential for a potential high‑end conflict in the Indo‑Pacific. Although the vessels were slated for decommissioning to...
34 Ships & $65.8 Billion Is Nothing to Sneeze At
The Office of Management and Budget has proposed a $65.8 billion shipbuilding package for FY 2027, the largest U.S. government ship order since World War II. The plan calls for 34 new vessels – 18 combat ships and 16 support ships such as...
European Navies' Lessons, with Alessio Patalano
In a Midrats podcast episode, Professor Alessio Patalano joins host Mark and Sal to dissect recent maritime conflicts—from the Strait of Hormuz to the Black Sea—and extract lessons for European navies. The discussion highlights funding shortfalls, technology gaps, and the...
So, While You Still Have CSAR in Your Scan
An F-15E Strike Eagle crew was rescued after a crash in Iran, showcasing an extensive, all‑hands CSAR effort. The author argues that while land‑based assets succeeded this time, the U.S. Navy’s recent loss of its dedicated rotary‑wing CSAR unit, HSC‑85,...