The Christening of the America Class Amphibious Ship: The Opening of a New Era (Updated)

10/21/2012
2012-10-19 By Robbin Laird I am attending the christening event for the new America class ship which will be held October 20, 2012.  And have had the opportunity to discuss the ship with several key players in developing and defining the new ship. Discussions have been held with the prospective…

A Libyan “Loose” Manpads Update: In Use Against Israelis

10/17/2012
According to a report in The Jerusalem Post, Libyan manpads have been used against Israeli forces. The IDF has refused to officially comment on reports that Palestinian terrorists fired a shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile at an IAF helicopter over Gaza last week. According to the report, which appeared in Yediot Aharonot…

The USCG and the Arctic

10/15/2012
2012-10-15 Recently, Rear Admiral Thomas P. Ostebo, Commander of the USCG, 17th District, appeared before the US Senate and provided an overview on recent USCG activity in the Arctic. (For the complete testimony read the document below: Operation Arctic Shield). Notably, the Admiral provided a succinct overview on Operation Arctic…

West Hemisphere Defense: Where is the Beef?

10/13/2012
2012-10-13 recently, the Pentagon released its guidance with regard to building Western Hemisphere defense in the period ahead.The document highlights the strategic need to evolve partnerships in more effective directions and across the board in delivering security in challenging times. The document highlights the need for evolving the collaborative approach,…

Re-Shaping the US-Japanese Relationship for the “Dynamic Defense” of Japan

09/30/2012
2012-09-30 By Richard Weitz During the Cold War, the core bargain was that the United States would defend Japan against external attack while the Japanese government would contribute to its immediate self-defense and offer generous financial and other support, including hosting U.S. military facilities on Japanese territory. American strategists consider…

US Military Presence and the “Dynamic Defense” of Japan

09/30/2012
2012-09-30 By Richard Weitz Although the Japanese-U.S. security relationship has evolved considerably since the end of the Cold War, the fundamental bargain enshrined in their mutual security treaty has remained. The United States will defend Japan from external aggression while the Japanese will facilitate this process by hosting U.S. military…

The Challenge of Persistent Presence in the Pacific: An Interview with Lt. General Robling

09/29/2012
2012-09-29 In an interview with Second Line of Defense, the highest ranking Marine in the Pacific discussed the challenges facing the United States as it reset policies in the Pacific. In the interview,Lt. General Terry “Guts” Robling, Commander, USMC Forces Pacific, focused on the key contribution of the USN-USMC team…