The National Interest published an article Monday, “How Can the U.S. Navy Fight Back Against Communist Expansion? Consider Submarines
Submarines are an important part of maintaining the balance of power in the Western Pacific, the article said.
Here’s what to remember: The U.S. Navy reiterates that these operations are designed to ensure that the submarine force is ready and able to respond quickly to any mission. The Pacific Submarine Force provides anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and early warning, special operations capabilities, and strategic deterrence around the world.
This month, the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet Submarine Force announced that all of its forward-deployed submarines are simultaneously conducting “contingency response operations” in the Western Pacific in support of the Pentagon’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOP) policy. “policy. This is to counter China’s expansionism in the South China Sea and to downplay the notion that the U.S. Navy has been hampered by the current New Coronavirus (CCP) pandemic.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that at least seven submarines, but possibly more, including all four Guam-based attack submarines, the San Diego-based USS Alexandria and multiple Hawaii-based submarines, are part of a showcase of U.S. Navy strength in the region, while emphasizing the Pentagon’s flexibility and unpredictability. The U.S. Navy is simply touting the presence of its normally invisible submarine force to make a statement to its adversaries – but in this case, it may also be to emphasize how the United States remains flexible in responding to the Epidemic.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt has been stranded in Guam since late March following an outbreak of COVID-19 (Chinese Communist virus) among its 4,800-member crew. The Associated Press reports that it could return to service in the next few days. It will reportedly sail with a scaled-down crew of about 3,000, leaving about 1,800 crew members in quarantine ashore.
Even with the carriers set aside, the U.S. Navy’s submarine force, maintains a unique ability to access critical undersea areas, and the ability to deploy rapidly is a critical component of the Pacific Fleet’s ability to respond to crises and conflicts in the region. The Navy announced that these submarines are conducting combat readiness training and employing undersea warfare capabilities in support of a variety of missions.
“Our submarine force has proven Time and again that they are ready to fight anywhere, anytime,” said Rear Adm. Blake Converse, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, “The Pacific Fleet submarine force remains lethal, agile and ready to fight tonight. “
Submarines have long been seen as an important component in maintaining the balance of power in the Western Pacific, including the East and South China Seas. The U.S. Navy’s ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) force remains the centerpiece of the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
This month, three U.S. 7th Fleet submarines participated in an advanced readiness training exercise in the Philippine Sea, which in turn involved maritime security operations, surface and underwater combat scenarios.
“A key element of our collective success is our ability to leverage undersea warfare capabilities in support of multiple missions,” said Rear Adm. Jimmy Pitts, commander, 7th Submarine Group (CSG7), “This is a Navy-wide effort, and as this exercise demonstrates, everyone in the 7th Fleet Task Force is fully committed to testing and improving our cross-services coordination. The seamless, unified operations between our theaters demonstrated a strength and professionalism that is only possible with our regular training and participation.”
The Navy reiterated that these operations are designed to ensure the submarine force is ready and responsive to any mission. The Pacific Submarine Force provides anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and early warning, special operations capabilities and strategic deterrence around the world.
Our actions demonstrate our willingness to defend our interests and freedoms in accordance with international law,” Rear Admiral Converse added.
Recent Comments