“Aircraft elevator number three sustained no damage and is fully operational.”
I'm a bit skeptical. Who ya gonna believe? The Navy? or your own lyin' eyes?
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
The aircraft carrier that collided with a merchant tanker off the coast of Egypt pulled into Souda Bay, Greece, for repairs, U.S. 6th Fleet announced on Sunday.
The Navy’s Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center will assess the repairs needed on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) following the collision.
“The assessment team includes structural engineers, naval architects, and other personnel from FDRMC and Norfolk Naval Shipyard,” reads a statement from the Navy. They will be supported by ship’s force personnel and local industry partners for the repair effort.”
Truman collided with merchant bulker M/V Besiktas-M off the coast of Port Said at the entrance to the Suez Canal on Wednesday night.
https://news.usni.org/2025/02/16/uss-harry-s-truman-pulls-into-souda-bay-for-repairs-after-collision
***
The newest America-class amphibious assault ship will head to its new home in Japan later this year, USNI News has learned.
USS Tripoli (LHA-7) will switch homeports from Naval Base San Diego to Sasebo, Japan, and become the Navy’s forward-deployed big-deck amphibious warship in the Indo-Pacific, Naval Surface Force said in a Thursday news release.
“The forward presence of Tripoli supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan, enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests,” the release reads. “Tripoli will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region.”
In turn, USS America (LHA-6) will shift its homeport to Naval Base San Diego. America has been forward-deployed to Sasebo since December 2019.
https://news.usni.org/2025/02/14/uss-tripoli-moving-to-japan-to-serve-as-forward-deployed-big-deck
POLITICAL FRONT –
Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) said he is drafting articles of impeachment against Judge Paul Engelmayer of the Southern District of New York, who in a ruling last weekend temporarily restricted Musk and DOGE aides from accessing a Treasury Department payment system. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is working on an impeachment resolution against Rhode Island District Judge John McConnell Jr. over his ruling halting the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding. “We will hold this judge and others who try to stop the will of the people and their elected leaders accountable.”
OBSERVATION - Good for initiative, but there are not enough democrats in the senate willing to vote to impeach. It will put democrats on defensive footing
***
Last week, thousands of govt workers from across the alphabet agencies received their pink slips.
Lawfare against DOGE continues with more court hearings today. Corrupt judges on the take from USAID payouts are now in the cross hairs for their rulings demanding USAID continue funding their grift.
TRUMP Watch –
Trump in the Beast leading the pack at Daytona yesterday. Totally outrageous and the Americans in the stands loving it. NASCAR better get it right after going woke in past years - this is your audience, not the left.
China –
The US Department of State dropped “We do not support Taiwan independence” from its website on Feb. 13, 2025
The State Department’s fact sheet previously affirmed that the US opposed “any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side, does not support Taiwan’s independence, and expects cross-Strait disputes to be resolved peacefully.”
In the updated version, the Trump administration removed the statement that “The US does not support Taiwan’s independence”.
https://x.com/IndoPac_Info/status/1891206451479318902
OBSERVATION - This will seriously stick in China’s craw.
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
The Kremlin officially reiterated its claim that Ukraine has no sovereignty, setting conditions for Moscow to claim that Ukraine has no standing to negotiate with Russia or that any agreements reached with Ukraine in the future are invalid.
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the teens - 20 range. Mostly fair with some snow showers.
***
European leaders have demanded a place at the negotiating table, but Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has said that European leaders should be “consulted” but not participate in the negotiations. The most important thing is that the US has simultaneously demanded that there should be no American troops to ensure a peace agreement, but it should be European.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Ukraine’s Air Force repelled a massive Shahed drone attack. Out of 147 launched, 83 were shot down and another 59 (mostly dummies/simulators) were suppressed by electronic warfare.
Russian losses per 17/02/25 reported by the Ukrainian General Staff
+1530 men
+16 tanks
+52 AFVs
+37 artillery systems
+149 service vehicles
Overnight, Ukrainian attack drones successfully struck two major Russian oil installations in Krasnodar Krai.
Early in the evening, seven Ukrainian drones struck the Kropotkinskaya pumping station, the largest on the Caspian Pipeline, reportedly slashing total system capacity.
During the same raid, Ukrainian drones targeted the Ilsky Oil Refinery, reportedly striking the facility.
Summary —
The war is switching to a geopolitical phase. Russia wants to isolate Ukraine and EU from any input. So far it looks like Trump is allowing Russia to play their game and Ukraine and EU are furious. And following Vance’s address in Munich and Sec St Rubio’s comments there is a gap growing on multiple other issues as well.
I’m not sure if this is a ‘don’t throw me in the briar patch’ play or something else and that Trump has some leverage on Russia that he’s holding very close.
Continued very large Sahed drone attacks. Other missiles are not being used to any significant extent.
One wild card Ukraine still has yet to play is the destruction of the Kerch Strait Bridge. They have the capability now.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- Deep strikes in Lebanon.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived for a several-day visit to the Middle East, concluded in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said at the end of the meeting: “There is nothing more important in our talks than Iran. We agreed that Iran will not have nuclear weapons.”
Rubio: “We cannot continue the cycle that has brought us to the same place over and over again. Hamas cannot remain as a military or governmental force, or as a factor that threatens through violence - peace is impossible. Hamas must be eliminated.”
Rubio added: “I want to say to the people of this great country, for all that you have been through and will go through - you are an extraordinary country. You rose from the ashes of a historic low point for humanity, you face threats from all sides and you are an example to the whole world. If there were more Israel in the Middle East, it would be more peaceful and quiet.
——— GAZA FRONT / HAMAS ———————————-
An Israeli drone bombed the vicinity of a civilian vehicle on Rashid Street, northwest of the Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip
Sky News Arabia: Hamas expressed in a letter to the PLO its readiness to hand over the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority and the government committee to administer Gaza
Neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority will control the Gaza Strip after the war ends, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday in response to a report which claimed Hamas would hand over Gaza to the PA.
“I’m committed to US President Donald Trump’s plan to create a different Gaza,” Netanyahu added.
“It will not be,” the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said of the report, reiterating a similar stance.
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-842421#google_vignette
IDF soldiers stationed in the security zone around Gaza report observing Hamas infrastructure crews working in the area and planting explosives. Israeli journalist Almog Boker interviewed soldiers who said terrorists are taking advantage of their access to the zone to lay explosives intended for Israelis.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
The Israeli army confirms carrying out an airstrike in the coastal Lebanese city of Sidon this morning, killing a senior Hamas commander. The target of the strike, Mohammed Shaheen, was the chief of Hamas’s operations in Lebanon, according to the military and Shin Bet
The Israeli army confirms carrying out airstrikes deep in Lebanon a short while ago, saying it targeted Hezbollah facilities were activity by the terror group was identified. The Hezbollah sites included rocket launchers and other weapons, according to the military
Qassem: The Lebanese Prime Minister was informed that Israel will strike the Beirut airport runway if the Iranian plane lands.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem delivered a warning—Israel must fully withdraw from Lebanon by February 18, or face consequences.
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Reports of Israeli armor movements in the occupied ‘buffer zone’ east of Golan.
———INTERNATIONAL ——————————-
Egyptian Foreign Minister stresses the need for Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon
Arab countries will unveil their plan for the reconstruction of Gaza on February 27 in Cairo. This initiative, developed by the Palestinians and handed over to the Egyptians for implementation, will be presented to the leaders of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
A ton of dynamics on all levels going on.
In Gaza, it looks like Israel may continue negotiations for Phase 2, in spite of current outlines that would be totally against its security interests. Also rumors that Hamas is willingly looking to turn control over to the PA - their arch enemy apart from Israel.
I really don’t see Phase 2 getting implemented. IDF is poised to hit Gaza hard once Phase 1 ends. There is a potential for more Phase 1 releases, but it won’t last much past the time limit.
Lebanon, Hezbollah is flexing its muscles against the govt as well as resuming threats towards Israel. It has taken the time to restructure its forces as well as some limited rearming. Hezbollah faces critical supply / support issues lacking Iranian help. Should things get hot again, the Lebanese army will be pushed aside and a non-factor. They are smart enough to stay out of the targeting sights of Israel.
Iran –
Iranian media reports that Lebanon has officially notified Iran that all flights from Iran to Lebanon will be suspended until February 18.
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz says President Trump is willing to negotiate with Iran, but only if it fully abandons its nuclear program. “All options are on the table,” he warned.
https://x.com/osint613/status/1891164369301426553?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
Egypt –
Egypt has been quietly amassing a formidable military presence in the Sinai Peninsula, a move that has sent alarm bells ringing in Israel and beyond. Satellite images and intelligence reports reveal new military bases, the deployment of elite forces, and the presence of Abrams tanks—Egypt’s most powerful battle tanks, previously reserved for elite units.
Israel sees this buildup as a direct and dangerous violation of the 1979 peace treaty, which was meant to ensure that Sinai remained a demilitarized buffer zone. Now, with tensions in the region already at a boiling point, the question arises: What exactly is Egypt preparing for?
A Slow and Steady Build-Up—But Why Now?
Egypt’s justification for its military expansion in Sinai has traditionally been counterterrorism operations against jihadist insurgents. While extremist groups have indeed been active in the region, the scale of this buildup far exceeds what’s needed for anti-terror campaigns. This is not just about policing rogue militants; this is full-scale military mobilization with bases that can only be used for offensive operations.
While Egypt has not fought a large-scale war in decades, its military buildup in Sinai suggests a shift in focus. If a conflict were to break out with Israel, Egypt’s sheer size would present a serious challenge, particularly in a prolonged engagement. However, Israel’s technological superiority, cyber warfare capabilities, and advanced missile defense systems would likely tip the balance in its favor.
https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=7891#google_vignette
OBSERVATION - This is concerning, but I think at this stage is more defensive against a Gazan migration blow out. However, M1’s are not really needed for such an operation - need more ground pounders. As noted above, the Egyptian army is undertrained for an assault on Israel. Modern equipment in a high intensity battlefield against a very trained opponent (Israel) hasn’t worked well for Egypt ever since the founding of Israel in 1948. With the exception of the initial surprise attack in 1973, Israel has soundly defeated Egypt with smaller forces.
Syria -
CENTCOM Forces Kill Senior Operative of Al-Qaeda affiliate Hurras al-Din: On Feb. 15, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria targeting and killing a senior finance and logistics official in the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Misc of Note –
A new map has revealed the devastation of a large-scale nuclear attack on American soil.
Every populated city on the East Coast, Midwest, West Coast and South COULD be targeted, killing up to 250 million Americans - about 75 percent of the country’s population, according to the map.
OBSERVATION - An updated estimation of potential targets and fall out patterns. Worst case scenario by the article. Many other threat and fallout maps on line, many from the cold war era and may be out dated.
An interesting development in Egypt.....
From Amir:
https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/50073
“Recently, the Egyptian paratrooper brigade conducted training exercises, jumping out of aircraft and using powered gliders—the same type used on October 7th to invade Israel.
What are they training for?”
“Aircraft elevator number three sustained no damage and is fully operational.”
I'm a bit skeptical. Who ya gonna believe? The Navy? or your own lyin' eyes?
If it's the Chinese they'll use emp weapons and take down the grid. They want the land and buildings... and our people dead. I doubt Russia's in a position to bite off more than they can chew. Again. Can't see them nuking us. And the middle east? They can't take enough of us out to stop us from wiping them off the face of the earth. Oh, and you were right about Vance... and I was wrong.
.
CW2 / Domestic violence - Moderate THREAT - up dated Jan 19, 2025
“50501” protests are still appearing in places. They’ve modified their meaning to – 50 states, 50 state capitols, 1 movement (instead of 1 day). Predominantly peaceful and in one report, they did a red light blockage of a main street. They spread the banner across the street at the red light and removed it when it turned green.
Terrorism - HIGH THREAT as of Jan 24, 2025
At-large Trantifa terror cult leader Jack “Andrea” “Ziz” LaSota and his co-member Michelle J. Zajko have finally been arrested.
They were caught in Allegany County, Md. overnight on Feb. 16. Both of them were armed.
https://x.com/mrandyngo/status/1891536504821785033?s=46&t=nfRT-Yioj0xALNzJelzFcA
Military / Strategic Activity / Deployments –
I’ve already pointed this out days ago, but here it comes again.
Lots of confusion and disinformation concerning the deployment of 11 Green Berets from the U.S. Army’s 7th Special Forces Group to Mexico to cross train with the Mexican Navy’s (SEMAR) Special Operations Forces. The U.S. operators, who arrived today, are in Mexico to train Mexican Naval Special Forces at the Specialized Training Center of the Marine Infantry in San Luis Carpizo, Campeche until March 30, 2025. All reports that these units are in Mexico to actively fight the cartel are FALSE. Additionally, bilateral military cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. is extremely common and such training exchanges take place rather often.
POLITICAL FRONT –
Congressional democrats finding their ability to fight the Trump juggernaut increasingly restricted. The senate can filibuster to some extent, but otherwise is cut out of the executive branch operations. Schumer trying to build a lawfare element to the minority democrats, critical since one key element of the Trump purges is the cessation of govt funds to liberal NGOs and other causes which find their way back into the democrat coffers.
INTERNATIONAL GENERAL –
Russia and the US are meeting in Saudi Arabia in preliminary talks on cessation of the Ukraine war.
Illegal Immigration –
In the last 24 hours the US Border Patrol has encountered a total of 229 aliens across the entire southwest border. That is down from a high of over 11,000 a day under Biden. I started as a Border Patrol Agent in 1984 and I don’t remember the numbers ever being that low. President Trump promised a secure border and he is delivering. ~ Thomas D. Homan
US Border Czar
https://x.com/RealTomHoman/status/1891483288398975326
Russia -
WAR WATCH - into the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - Feb 24th, 2022
*****
Russia is categorically negative about the prospect of European troops appearing in Ukraine, no matter what role they play there, - said Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko
Ukraine –
WEATHER FORECAST – Temperatures in the teens - 20 range. Mostly fair with some snow showers.
24 HOUR ROUND UP –
Russia launched a massive Shahed drone attack. Out of 176 launched, 103 were shot down and another 67 were supressed by electronic warfare. There is damage in the Kirovohrad, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Cherkasy regions.
Russian losses per 18/02/25 reported by the Ukrainian General staff
+1170 men
+12 tanks
+12 AFVs
+53 artillery systems
+2 MLRS
+1 AD system
+74 service vehicles
Summary —
Geopolitical games started in Saudi Arabia, leaving Ukraine and EU on the sidelines. Not sure what Trump has up his sleeve. He does have sights on recouping some of the expenses via Ukrainian resources but beyond that he seems to continue to hold his cards close.
Another massive Sahed drone assault over night with just a very few getting thru. Also reports of a few cruise missiles with at least one downed as well. Lowered Russian casualties suggest fighting intensity is maintaining its lower tempo.
ISRAEL –
Key overnight developments -
- IDF pulls out of most of S Lebanon.
- The bodies of dead hostages may be released by the weekend.
——— GENERAL ——————————-
Israeli Foreign Minister: We will begin negotiations on the second phase of the prisoner and detainee exchange agreement
Up to 8 Israeli hostage bodies are expected to be returned to Israel by Friday.
2/20: 4 bodies of kidnapped people
2/22: 3 alive hostages
2/27: 4 bodies of kidnapped people
By 3/8: the decade long hostages Abra Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed will be released, along with another 10/7 abductee alive.
——— LEBANON / HEZBOLLAH——————————-
The Lebanese Army deployed to several towns and communities in Southern Lebanon last night, following the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Force. The IDF carried out a full-withdrawal overnight from the towns of Aabbasiyyeh, Majidieh, Kafr Kila, Marjaayoun, Odaisseh, Markaba, Houla, Mays al-Jabal, Blida, Mahbib, Maroun al-Ras, Yaron, Bint Jbeil as well as several others near the Lebanon-Israel Border, in compliance of the Ceasefire and observed by the U.S-led Supervision Committee and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
***
Defense Minister Israel Katz in a statement says the IDF will “forcefully” enforce the ceasefire deal in Lebanon and act against any Hezbollah threat, as troops remain in five strategic posts. “Starting today, the IDF will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five strategic outposts and will continue to enforce forcefully and without compromise against any violation by Hezbollah,” he says.
The next phase in the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on Tuesday morning. The IDF completed its withdrawal from the Shiite villages in southern Lebanon, where it has operated over the past two and a half months.
Other forces are manning the five forward installations in southern Lebanon that Israel has announced it will not return.
The IDF announced ahead of the withdrawal that the area around the northern border would remain a closed zone.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “As of today, the IDF will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five commanding positions and will continue to enforce with uncompromising force against any violation of the Hezbollah - we are determined to provide full security to all the northern towns.”
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/404096
——— SYRIA / HEZBOLLAH / IRAN———————————-
Syrian sources announced that the Halakhala military airport, located in the Sweida province in southern Syria, was attacked by the IDF.
——— ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE OPERATIONS ————————-
Peace plans in Gaza and Lebanon continue to move forward, but potential for sudden ending still loom large.
Though Israel is moving forward with the Phase 2, demands from both sides are major no goes.
In Lebanon, the squishy Lebanese army is doing virtually nothing to disarm and remove Hezbollah forces south of the Litani River as required, bringing some rumored that a coalition force may be needed to accomplish the act.
And in Iran, IRGC is talking tough again about the long promised counter strike against Israel. Yes, I do believe they are dumb enough but Israel’s concessions so far to Hamas and Hezbollah in the arab are a sign of weakness. This may cause them to strike.
Iran –
IRGC Deputy Commander Ali Fadavi announced that Iran will launch its third attack on Israel, Operation True Promise 3, “at the right time.”