U.S. Coast Guard crew member aboard cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) looks out at Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) during a ship maneuvering exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. U.S. Coast Guard / Petty Officer 3rd Class Taylor Bacon
The Naval Brief: NDAA amendments; Russian missiles; Rim of the Pacific; and more...
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Defense bill amendments. Among the 650 amendments being considered by the House in their version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act is a requirement for displaying only U.S.-grown flowers at federal buildings, including the Pentagon, Defense One reports. Other amendments that are more defense-focused include a government-wide table-top exercise to create a response for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan and the retirement of nine littoral combat ships.
Russian missile threat. A new assessment says the U.S. homeland is not prepared to defend against the types of cruise missiles Russian forces are using against Ukraine, Defense One reports. The low-flying missiles can be fired from submarines off the coast. The only defense systems in the U.S. that can take out these missiles are located around Washington, D.C.
RIMPAC preview. Next week, I’ll be in Hawaii covering the 28th Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, the largest international maritime exercise in the world, according to the U.S. Navy. There are 26 nations participating with 38 surface ships, over 170 aircraft, more than 30 unmanned systems, and 25,000 personnel. Visit Defense One for our coverage of the exercise.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1862, the Navy announced the end of the “spirit ration,” no longer allowing distilled alcohol aboard ships except for medical purposes.
From Defense One
Biden Defends Saudi Trip To 'Reassert' US Influence Amid Human Rights Criticism // Jacqueline Feldscher
"I'm meeting with nine other heads of state. It just happens to be in Saudi Arabia," the president said.
Russia Seems to Be Running Low on Drones // Patrick Tucker
The Russian military wrote the book on tactical drones in 2014. Now its leaders are begging foreign partners and regional officials to help replace downed UAVs.
Marines Look To A Future Where More Authority, Intel Moves to the Edge // Patrick Tucker
Commandant sees empowered battlefield commanders, and new support roles further from the front lines.