By Robbin Laird Recently, the Department of the Navy released, on March 16, 2021, its unmanned systems campaign framework. As Admiral Gilday, Chief of Navy Operations, commented in his forward to the document: As the Navy adapts to an increasingly complex security environment, it is imperative that we understand what…
The role of an empowered sea base in support of U.S. Middle East operations was recently demonstrated by the USN-USMC team operating off the USS Makin Island. According to a recent USMC story, "15th MEU supports Operation Inherent Resolve from Makin Island ARG." The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and…
A UK Ministry of Defence story published on March 11, 2021, highlights the role of the UK-led JEF. Frigates HMS Lancaster and Westminster, tanker RFA Tiderace and vessels from all three Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – have joined forces for a concerted demonstration of Britain’s commitment to…
By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake It is clear that C2 is a key element for shaping the way ahead for maritime operations. The U.S. Navy highlights the importance of distributed maritime operations as it reworks its way ahead with regard to 21st century deterrence and warfighting. As Navy Vice…
By Robbin Laird The pathway for the U.S. Navy to integrate unmanned surface vessels into its fleet operations is for these vehicles to be able to effectively and efficiently support real-world tasks that fit into maritime concepts of operations, rather than being disruptive technology to mission operations and undercutting combat…
By Robbin Laird In his book, Selling Schweinfurt, Col. Brian D. Vlaun discusses how combat leaders, supported by their structures that provide cross-cutting assessments of target effectiveness, sorted through the challenge of how to use the World War II European-based bomber force. The core effort was pretty straightforward — attrite…
From December 7th to 18th, 2020, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted the Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercise “Forest Light” with the U.S. Marine Corps in Sekiyama Training Area, Somagahara Training Area and Camp Somagahara. “Forest Light” aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and improve bilateral response capabilities by conducting field training…
USS America, the lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st MEU, is seen in the slide show below operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and…
