The Green Knights pioneered the standup of an operational F-35 squadron. They have been operating from Japan for the past four years. Capt. Anneliese Satz, a pilot assigned to the "Green Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, is seen working with Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) service members…

By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake The standup of C2F and Allied JFC Norfolk has occurred as allies are significantly reworking their approaches to deterrence and warfighting in the North Atlantic at the same time. It is the blend of the U.S. efforts with those of the allies which is…

By Robbin Laird Recently, the latest large deck carrier was at sea with the ITS Cavour.  One could describe this as a large deck carrier at sea with a smaller carrier but that would really miss the point. From the standpoint of what we are seeing with the launch of…

By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake When you visit 2nd Fleet and JFC Norfolk, you are acutely aware of the key role they play in working together to build out 21st century North Atlantic defense. Vice Admiral Lewis is the head of both commands, and the two commands work closely…

By Robbin Laird and Ed Timperlake As the Commander of 2nd Fleet and of JFC Norfolk put it in a recent article in The Proceedings: “In response to Russia’s military resurgence, the U.S. Navy reestablished Second Fleet (C2F) in 2018, and NATO’s North Atlantic Council announced the formal activation of…

By Robbin Laird If one can develop a common maritime autonomy capability across a fleet of craft of different sizes, there is a clear advantage in terms of flexibility in operations. This flexibility comes from an ability to mix and match craft, operate larger craft as mother ships for smaller…

During our visit to C2F in March 2021, we had an opportunity to discuss the standup of the command in 2018 and its evolution since then. One clearly important fact cannot be missed when visiting VADM Lewis, the CO of C2F. In his frugal office space, one finds his office…