The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) makes its way up the Thames River and past the city of New London while returning to Submarine Base New London, Oct. 1, 2021, after conducting routine operations. U.S. Navy / John Narewski
The Naval Brief: Vaccine refusal consequences; Navy firefighting scrutinized; U.S. missile deterrence; and more...
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Consequences for vaccine refusal. Sailors who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine could face dismissal and have to repay their bonuses, according to new instructions, Defense One reports. As of Wednesday, 90 percent of the total Navy force is fully immunized. The service also announced that a master-at-arms senior chief died Oct. 10 of COVID-19 complications.
Improving naval firefighting. The Navy is hoping to improve its approach to firefighting pierside following an investigation into the USS Bonhomme Richard disaster and a review of major fires over the past 12 years, Defense One reports. Crews are not properly prepared for some of the risks and challenges of a ship’s maintenance phase, the reports found.
Alleged spies with financial trouble. The Maryland couple who are accused of trying to sell nuclear submarine secrets to an unnamed foreign nation may have been motivated in part by money, the New York Times reports. The couple asked for an initial payment of $100,000 in cryptocurrency.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1948, Ensign Jesse Brown completed Navy flight training, becoming the first African American naval aviator.
From Defense One
China’s Hypersonic Test Raises Questions About US Missile Defense, Deterrence // Patrick Tucker: Basic questions about how to defeat or deter orbital weapons remain undecided.
China Ambassador Nominee ‘Concerned’ By Beijing’s Nuke Buildup // Jacqueline Feldscher: In his confirmation hearing, Nicholas Burns also talked about more American help for Taiwan and NATO’s views on China.
Help Military Families by Stopping the Spread of COVID // Julie Bogen: More than 4,700 troops have deployed for COVID relief. Those who won't get vaccinated are taking advantage of the military community’s altruism.