The Naval Brief: Ukrainian port cities threatened; F-35C recovered; Cyber vigilance; and more...

Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future. 

Amphibious landings in Ukraine. The Russian military conducted an amphibious landing into the Donetsk region of Ukraine, cutting off the country from the Sea of Azov, Defense One reports. The Black Sea port city of Odessa is concerned that it’s next, after reports of Russian ships heading towards it and the takeover of the city of Kherson.

Aircraft recovered from the sea: The F-35C Lightning II aircraft that hit the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson and fell into the South China Sea in January has finally been recovered, from a depth of 12,400 feet, the Navy announced. The Navy salvage team used a CURV-21 remotely operated vehicle to attach rigging to the aircraft, and a ship’s crane pulled it up. The aircraft will now be examined to determine what caused the crash, which injured the pilot and six sailors.

Cyberaware: Sailors and Marines need to stay alert to potential cyberattacks, the Navy said, noting that they are a target for their access to networks and information, Nextgov reports. The messages come amid concerns that Ukraine could face increased cyberattacks from Russia.

12 minutes of heroism. Marine Maj. Cory Jones was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for saving the lives of his KC-130J Hercules crew after the aircraft was hit by another plane during an aerial refueling training mission Sept. 29, 2020. He was able to regain control of the aircraft and land it despite “both right-side engines and propellers damaged or missing, the fuselage damaged, the landing gear damaged, and the right external fuel tank on fire,” according to the Marine Corps.

Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1915, Congress established the position of chief of naval operations, first held by Adm. William Benson. Benson led the service through World War I.

From Defense One

What Just Happened With Putin's Nuclear Forces? Here's What Experts Say // Caitlin M. Kenneyand Bradley Peniston

Whatever it is, U.S. officials are calling it escalatory–but not "high alert."

'The Convoy Is Stalled': Logistics Failures Slow Russian Advance, Pentagon Says // Tara Copp

Ukraine says captured Russian troops say they were sent with only three days of food.

Can Ukraine Really Use Donated Fighter Jets? That Depends // Marcus Weisgerber

After EU says it will send some aircraft to Ukraine, a retired U.S. fighter chief explains how that might work.

Here's Why a Ukraine No-Fly Zone's a No-Go // Marcus Weisgerberand Tara Copp

NATO officials say it's off the table, but there could be a "nuanced option."