Tag: naval operations
41 articles
Modern Sea Control Unravels Under Drone and Sensor Pressure
The era of guaranteed sea control is fading fast, as drones, sensors, and precision strike capabilities erode the advantage of superior ships and aircraft, leaving navies to fight for fleeting, localized dominance. The old rules of maritime supremacy no longer apply in the Indo-Pacific, where control will be hard-won and episodic.
US Aircraft Carrier Fleet Regroups Amid Middle East Tensions
After a grueling 188 days at sea, the USS George H.W. Bush finally dropped anchor off Phuket, Thailand, bringing a welcome break to its crew after a long tour with US Central Command. The aircraft carrier had been supporting critical operations in the Middle East before heading to Thai waters.
Navy Probes EA-18G Growler Mishap Aboard USS Eisenhower
A dramatic scene unfolded off the Virginia coast on Monday evening when an EA-18G Growler jet experienced an arresting gear failure while attempting to land on the USS Eisenhower, forcing its crew to make an emergency ejection. Fortunately, the pilots were quickly recovered by search-and-rescue teams and returned safely to the ship, with only minor injuries reported among the eight sailors evaluated.
Navy Destroyer Petersen Jr. Confronts Iranian Threats in 40-Day Combat Stint
Meet the Navy's newest destroyer, the Petersen, which just wrapped up a 40-day combat stint against Iranian threats and kept dozens of ships safe from missile and drone attacks. The USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. returned home to a hero's welcome after a 10-month deployment that took it over 85,000 nautical miles and through 45 replenishments at sea.
Navy Delays USS Connecticut Submarine Repairs Until 2027
The USS Connecticut submarine, damaged in a 2021 collision with an underwater seamount in the South China Sea, won't be back in action until 2027, after a lengthy repair process at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The submarine underwent a series of voyages to reach the repair site, stopping in Guam and San Diego along the way.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy Globally Amid Rising Tensions
The USS Abraham Lincoln has wrapped up a quick pit stop in Guam, where the crew enjoyed some well-deserved downtime, catching a concert and accessing base services before setting off on the next leg of their journey home. After a 307-day deployment, the carrier is now heading east to San Diego.
Navy Accelerates USS Ford Repairs Amid Lengthy Deployment
The Navy is racing against time to repair the USS Gerald R. Ford, vowing to deliver the ship back in just six months despite a grueling deployment and an onboard fire that threatened to derail the timeline. Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadah is confident that the Norfolk Naval Shipyard can meet the ambitious deadline.
China Coast Guard Expands Capabilities with Amphibious Landing Craft
China's Coast Guard is taking a giant leap in capabilities with its newest addition - a versatile amphibious landing craft, now part of its fleet. This unexpected move raises questions about the coast guard's future plans and the potential implications.
USS Abraham Lincoln Undergoes Emergency Cleaning in Thailand
The USS Abraham Lincoln's 286-day sea deployment clearly took its toll, as the supercarrier arrived in Laem Chabang Port looking worn and weathered, with visible rust and algae coating its hull. A hasty emergency cleaning effort by local workers in protective gear quickly scrubbed away some of the grime, sparking public interest and social media buzz.
US Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln Shows Signs of Wear After 286 Days At Sea
After an incredible 286 days at sea, the USS Abraham Lincoln has finally docked in Laem Chabang, Thailand, showing visible signs of wear, with a hull marred by dark "running rust" and a vibrant green algae ring at the waterline. The historic port stop offers a welcome chance for its crew to rest and recharge.
Navy Submarine Idle Time Costs $3.4 Billion Over Decade
The Navy has racked up a whopping $3.4 billion in unnecessary costs over the past decade due to maintenance delays and idle time for its attack submarines. This staggering bill could balloon even further if the Navy can't find a way to mitigate the issue, with an additional $3.1 billion on the table by 2030.
US Aircraft Carriers Deploy, Relieve in Middle East Theater
After a grueling 277-day deployment, one of the longest in modern history, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is finally heading home, bringing relief to its weary crew. The US aircraft carrier will make a well-deserved port call in Thailand before docking at Naval Base San Diego.
US Carrier Deployments Strain Naval Force Amid Global Tensions
The US Navy is feeling the strain as four of its aircraft carriers are currently sidelined for maintenance, putting extra pressure on the remaining ships to manage global hotspots. With tensions running high, the USS George Washington has been redeployed to the Middle East to help relieve the overworked USS Abraham Lincoln.
Firestorm Labs Tests 3D Printing at Sea Amid Rough Waters
Imagine printing thousands of unique parts at sea, even in the roughest of waters - that's exactly what Firestorm Labs achieved on board the USS Essex during a recent trial. The company's portable 3D printing unit, xCell, proved its mettle by producing parts non-stop despite the ship pitching through Sea State 5.
US Navy Struggles to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway, has been crippled, with traffic plummeting to just 10 percent of its normal volume, leaving around 500 merchant ships stranded in the Gulf. This severe disruption has inflicted immense economic and strategic damage, forcing extraordinary political decisions, including President Trump's sudden reversal on a military strike.
US Navy Seeks Mothership for Southern Command Ops
The US Navy is on the hunt for a game-changing mothership to supercharge its Southern Command operations, boosting maritime awareness and response capabilities across the Eastern Pacific and Southern Caribbean. This versatile vessel will be a crucial asset, and the Navy is now seeking input on its design and construction.
China Coast Guard Bolsters Replenishment at Sea Capabilities
The China Coast Guard is stepping up its game with a strategic upgrade: the ability to replenish its ships at sea, keeping them on station for longer and bolstering its presence in the South China Sea. Two 5,000-ton tankers, hulls 5502 and 5602, are already on the job, supporting patrols in the region.
China Builds Massive Supply Ship for Carrier Groups
China is building a massive supply ship that has caught the world's attention, particularly in the US, as it signals a new era of maritime power. This hulking vessel, rising from the shipyard on Longxue Island, is set to support China's carrier groups and challenge traditional naval dominance.
China's PLAN Enhances Readiness with At-Sea Degaussing Operations
A recent photo reveals a fascinating glimpse into China's naval operations, showcasing the Type 072A landing ship Baxianshan getting degaussed at sea with the help of the Type 911 degaussing vessel Dongqin-870. This routine yet crucial sustainment action keeps ships ready for action without needing to return to base.
USS Abraham Lincoln Sets Record with 210 Days at Sea
Meet the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that's made history by spending a record-breaking 210 days at sea, showcasing its unparalleled endurance and capabilities. With over 5,000 Sailors and Marines on board, this unstoppable vessel has been a continuous presence in Middle Eastern waters since November 2025.
US Aircraft Carriers Reposition Amid Iran Talks Escalation
The US has beefed up its naval presence in the Middle East with four major warships on station, including two aircraft carriers, as tensions rise during ongoing Iran talks. This strengthened force posture features the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush, and amphibious assault ships USS Tripoli and USS Boxer.
Navy Retires C-2 Greyhound After Decades of Carrier Resupply Missions
The C-2 Greyhound's legendary career came to a close with its final takeoff and landing on the USS Nimitz, marking the end of nearly 60 years of dedicated service as the Navy's carrier onboard delivery workhorse. The iconic aircraft will continue to fly until later this year, when it will be fully retired.
China's Third Carrier Exposes Operational Limits
China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, recently made a significant move by transiting through the Taiwan Strait, prompting Taiwan's military to spring into action with enhanced surveillance measures. The move was closely monitored by Taiwan, which even released a striking aerial image of the carrier - with one notable detail: its flight deck was eerily empty.
Iran Strikes Cargo Vessel, Halts Strait of Hormuz Evacuation Plan
The International Maritime Organization has hit the pause button on an evacuation plan for hundreds of vessels in the Persian Gulf after a cargo ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, citing safety concerns. The move aims to ensure that necessary safety guarantees remain in place for ships in the region.