Free Republic

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine set off a flurry of handwringing over Taiwan. Russia, in this interpretation, “broke the ice” by attacking Ukraine, emboldening China versus Taiwan. But any such action by China would likely run into a similar buzzsaw of resistance, while lacking Russian advantages such as access to overland transit. Ukraine is not Taiwan, and regardless of what Chinese leadership thinks they are learning about the benefits of naked aggression, the PLA lacks the necessary power projection and sustainment capability and capacity to execute an opposed occupation of a densely urbanized island packed with citizens who have no interest...

A Spanish company vying for a $30 billion Navy ship building contract is using a Youtube video to imply its landing craft can carry Australia’s heavy tanks despite the boat sinking too low in water when the armoured vehicle was put on board. Navantia, one of three contenders for Australia’s $30 billion Future Frigates contract, has a contract worth about $240 million to supply Australia with 12 landing craft supposedly capable of carrying the army’s 62 tonne M1A1 Abrams tanks. Defence has since confirmed trials of the boats had to be suspended after they sank to low in the water...

PHOTO: HMAS Adelaide will no longer participate in planned Talisman Sabre exercises with the US. (ABC News: Billy Cooper) Engineers are still trying to identify what is causing problems with the "azimuth" propulsion system on board the $1.5 billion Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide. "It may well be a design issue," conceded Rear Admiral Adam Grunsell, the head of maritime systems in Defence's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. This week, HMAS Adelaide was placed into dry dock at the Garden Island naval base so the ship's propulsion pods could be removed for a thorough examination. The...

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Spotted Off The Coast Of The Rockaways As Part Of Federal Response To Sandy November 1, 2012 3:38 PM NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – An aircraft carrier was spotted 3 miles off the coast of the Rockaways on Thursday afternoon. Chopper 2 saw the military vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, a part of the federal response to superstorm Sandy. It is a hopeful sight for folks in Queens, who were among some of the hardest hit residents during the storm. The presence of the naval ship means the helicopters circling our area to survey the damage and provide...

With New York City and coastal New Jersey still paralyzed after Superstorm Sandy, the Navy on Wednesday was sending three helicopter carrier ships to help rescue and recovery operations, officials told NBC News. The USS Wasp, USS Carter Hall, and USS Mesa Verde will provide landing platforms for Coast Guard, National Guard and civilian agency helicopters if needed, the officials said, adding that the Atlantic Fleet command made the decision in the name of "prudent planning."

The USS America, (PCU), LHA-6, the United States Navy's newest Amphibious/Air Assault and Sea Control Carrier nears completion in Mississippi. USS AMERICA, (PCU) LHA-6 She's 45,000 tons of US Navy fighting machine. Can carry up to two thousand Marines and the vehicles and wepaonry to support them, including transport helos, attack helos, and air support Harriers or later, F-35B Joint Strike Fighters. She can also be outfitted for pure sea control duties and operate as a modern "Jeep" Carrier, with 24 or so Strike Fighters, and support helicopters.

With the proposed cancellation of the Marine Corps planned amphibious vehicle of the future—the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle—about to be put up for debate in Congress, there has been a lot of talk lately about how the Marines haven’t made a wartime amphibious landing since the Korean war. But that isn’t necessarily true. In April 2003 the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force was approaching Baghdad from the east, but found that the Iraqis had blown holes in the two main bridges on Route 6 leading into East Baghdad. The Marines knocking on Baghdad’s door were stuck—or at least they might have been if they weren't...

Russia may order amphibious assault ship from France - media MOSCOW, August 4 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is planning to purchase a Mistral class large amphibious assault ship from France, a French business daily has said. According to La Tribune newspaper, the ongoing talks on the issue may result in an agreement as early as September. The purchase, if successful, would be the first large-scale arms import deal concluded by Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia first expressed interest in bilateral cooperation with France in the sphere of naval equipment and technologies in 2008 when Navy chief...

While Hunter completed two combat tours in Afghanistan as an active duty Marine, Nothstine was deployed to the Al-Anbar province of Iraq in early February 2005. Nothstine joined the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, India Company for his deployment in Iraq. As a crew chief on an amphibious assault vehicle, which is used to carry and support the infantry in combat operations through the cities and towns of Al-Anbar Province, he was part of numerous combat operations. Hunter deployed to Iraq in late August for his third military deployment but his first venture to Iraq. He, too, was attached to the...

US reveals China arms build-up By Hamish McDonald Beijing March 7, 2005 American intelligence agencies have revealed a huge build-up in Chinese assault forces - apparently designed to invade Taiwan - as China's leaders made new overtures for a peaceful agreement with the island republic. US officials said China was racing to complete 23 amphibious ships able to ferry tanks and troops across the 160-kilometre-wide Taiwan Strait and 13 submarines to protect them, according to a New York Times report. "Their amphibious assault shipbuilding alone equals the entire US Navy shipbuilding since 2002," one official said. The US revelation came...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. God Bless America...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members...

The Royal Navy is planning its biggest amphibious landing operation since the Falklands as the main British effort in a war to topple Saddam Hussein in the new year. The whole of the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade, which made up the bulk of the landing force in the Falklands, will join United States forces to seize the strategically vital southern port of Basra, Iraq's second city. Allied commanders regard the capture of Basra, along with its docks at the head of the Gulf and two airfields, as extremely important to the invasion. The amphibious force being assembled for the...