Bell Flight’s Post

Summary: The US Navy's dry deck shelters (DDS) have revolutionized special operations aboard submarines, allowing for covert deployment of SEALs, submersible vehicles, and equipment. These cylindrical lockout modules enable efficient and secure missions, transforming submarines into motherships for Navy SEAL raids. Takeaway: The DDS technology has significantly enhanced the capabilities of US military submarines, providing a strategic advantage in conducting special operations and maintaining naval superiority. Hashtags: #USNavy #Submarines #SpecialOperations #DDS #NavySEALs #MilitaryTechnology #NavalInnovation

☑ "Aircraft Carriers: Still Indispensable" (July "Proceedings", U.S. Naval Institute) ☑ Excellent restating I believe of the case for large carriers below from Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet from May 2021 to April 2024 and Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command since May 2024. ☑ Now, Admiral Paparo would write that, wouldn't he, given his own immense "Top Gun pedigree". But so I suggest would the equivalent officers in the Royal, Chinese, Indian and French Navies if afforded/permitted the same public platform. Collectively, are they right or wrong in their (silent) advocacy? ☑ and now there's a UK defence review on! https://lnkd.in/egzfdtbC #usni #aircraftcarriers #navaldoctrine #shipbuilding #geopolitics #strategicdefencereview #royalnavy #usnavy #defencepolicy

Wonderful piece by Sandy… Logistics and Distributed Lethality Today, the U.S. Navy operates using a modern doctrine of ‘distributed lethality’ – more ships, with more weapons, more widely dispersed. With this operating concept permanently in place, the requirement to support an expanding network of deployed and ashore naval forces calls for increasing the numbers of combat logistics forces and modernizing them sooner rather than later. Robust logistics are more than ‘nice to have’ for distributed forces; they’re mandatory. https://lnkd.in/gNtv8kzN

Excellent synopsis of why class notations mean less in the modern naval environment. The question becomes is there a place for sub class differentiation and specialization. #usnavy #stricklyships #shipdesign

Alright, let's talk about the navy's little problem with its littoral combat ships (LCS). 🚢💔 So, here's the tea ☕️: the navy seems to have a love-hate relationship with these ships, and from the looks of it, the hate might be winning. 🤷♂️ But why though? Well, for starters, let's address the elephant in the room: cost overruns. The LCS program has been plagued with budget issues from the get-go, with the projected costs ballooning to nearly double the initial estimates. I mean, come on, who wouldn't be a little salty about that? 💸 And let's not even get started on the whole "modularity" concept, which was supposed to make the ships more adaptable and cost-effective, but ended up causing even more headaches and expenses. It's like a bad breakup that you just can't seem to shake off. 💔 Then there's the issue of effectiveness and dependability. Many critics argue that the LCS lacks the firepower and survivability needed for modern naval warfare. There have been concerns about the ships' vulnerability to enemy attacks and their ability to withstand combat situations. It's like dating someone who looks good on paper, but just can't seem to hold their own in a tough situation. 🤦♂️ But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. There are still some die-hard supporters of the LCS who believe that with the right upgrades and modifications, these ships can still prove their worth. And who knows, maybe with a little TLC, the navy's relationship with the LCS can turn around. 🤞 #LittoralCombatShip #NavyWoes #CostOverruns #NavalWarfare #ShipStruggles #military #pentagon #procurementexcellence #navy At the end of the day, it's clear that the navy and its littoral combat ships have some serious issues to work through. Whether it's addressing cost overruns or beefing up the ships' capabilities, it's going to take some serious effort to mend this relationship. Let's just hope that the navy and the LCS can find a way to make it work in the end. https://lnkd.in/eAb5bvcg

The future of Canada's navy is taking shape with the River-class destroyers, a fleet set to redefine our nation's maritime combat power. This ambitious project is a historic investment in the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities, ensuring the protection of Canada's waters and continued contributions to international naval operations. Based on the British Type-26, Canada has significantly modified the combat systems to future-proof the ship and make it more interoperable with our allies and NORAD. This is the best overview of the class that I've read in the context in allied naval renewal. What do you think of Canada's approach?

Noting Taiwan potentially faces a host of threats this ASW platform's RCS looks classically modified for Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles but not Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles- visually. Which allegedly the Houthis have launched in the Red Sea? When will we see a ship laid down that addresses the whole ASM threat set? Minimising reflecting surfaces wrt threat angle is the #1 rule. How different will it look vs how will the crew do their duties on deck? Just a thought.

#ForceDesignFriday Maya Angelou said, "You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” The USMC is continuing toward Force Design 2030, emphasized by the 39th CMC, in FRAGO 01-2024 https://lnkd.in/e5C-xmSA This week highlights the 29th CMC. Gen. Gray discusses staffing tactical units while divesting capabilities into the reserves, including tanks. Gen. Gray also highlights operating concepts similar to those recently demonstrated by TF 61/2. https://lnkd.in/eMXraeSw "A major effort is being dedicated to studying our force structure. We want to put more Marines into infantry battalions, light armor units, and aviation squadrons. Those assets that are used mostly in general war, such as some of our heavy armor and certain engineer and logistics functions, may be considered for transfer to the Reserves. We want to combine reconnaissance, surveillance, remotely piloted vehicles, and selected intelligence functions into a single unit." All this to say, it's important to know where the USMC has been to know where the USMC is going. (Image courtesy of the Marine Corps Gazette, April 1988, p.24-27) #USMC #History #ForceDesign #Defense #Marines #Military

New Guidance for Amphibious Readiness The US Navy and United States Marine Corps have signed off on new guidelines to ensure the readiness of the amphibious ship fleet. The "Memorandum of Understanding on Amphibious Warfare Ship Terms of Reference" was created after a "deep dive" ordered by the service chiefs earlier this year. The new guidelines are designed to maintain amphibious readiness even after the current leadership retires. According to CNO Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, the document will "ensure consistency and uniformity in Navy and Marine Corps amphibious force planning, assessment, and operational mission execution." This move follows testimony from the service chiefs emphasizing their "locked shields" on the importance of amphibious ships - a shift from past disagreements. It also reflects the Navy Secretary's changed messaging, after previously implementing a "strategic pause" on certain amphibs. #Navy #MarineCorps #AmphiousShips #MilitaryReadiness #MilitaryModernization #AmphiobusOperations #NavalWarfare

Here's a rare and impressive feat in naval aviation: an arresting gear landing during underway replenishment! This remarkable event requires exceptional skill, coordination, and focus from both the aircraft pilot and the ship's crew. Underway Replenishment (UNREP) is a complex operation where a replenishment oiler transfers fuel, ammunition, and supplies to a warship while both vessels are in motion. It demands precise planning, coordination, and execution to ensure safety and efficiency. An arrested landing is a critical phase of aircraft carrier operations where the aircraft engages the arresting gear to rapidly decelerate and come to a stop on the flight deck. This requires precise control, timing, and trust in the arresting gear system. Combining these two operations is a rare occurrence due to the challenges involved. The pilot must navigate through a dynamic environment with obstacles like hoses, lines, and personnel on deck while aligning with the arresting gear. Safety is the top priority, and the ship's crew must ensure a clear landing area while the pilot adjusts to the changing environment. Logistical challenges also come into play, as UNREP operations involve multiple vessels, aircraft, and personnel. Finding a suitable window for an arrested landing requires careful planning and coordination. The successful execution of an arresting gear landing during underway replenishment is a testament to the skill, training, and teamwork of naval aviators and crew members. It's a rare and impressive feat that showcases the capabilities of naval aviation! #navalaviation #aircraftcarrier #underwayreplenishment #arrestinggearlanding