The obsession with petty and domestic matters and the lack of focus has been to our detriment as a Great Power.
How much was destroyed and spent in the urban crises inflamed by agitators in the past decade? Spent from the government coffers on witch-hunts against political opponents? On the world stage, we're all Americans, and those who hate us hate us all.
While the politics of personality like to focus on the (imperial or not) Presidency, IMO this failure lies solely at the feet of the Article 1 Congress, and specifically within the Catilinarian club of 100 who no longer represent their individuals state's concerns at the federal level nor the Replublic as a whole.
"...they are looking at how to leverage every corner of the planet for military and economic gain for themselves."
Themselves. alas, at our expense. To the loss of all others, outside themselves. This a war; perhaps of a newer type, but war nonetheless; and it is in opposition to all....but themselves.
we may not have to be the world's police, but no one else has the means to effectively fight this war. we need to be more engaged, far more quickly; else we, and all but China and her vassals, will lose, forever
(I must add an edit, as follows: nothing changes until WE change. as individuals, we need to be more involved and more vocal. Write your congress critters, demand the change. ) end edit
They are gaining experience in polar waters of the Arctic (and Antarctica) while whatever proficiency we have continues to dwindle. They conduct this op this year (then the next, then the next) and pretty soon their sailors are proficient while ours wait at the yards hoping for a precom.
I think your thought is best expressed in the negative.
Until your nation has been defeated and humiliated, you don't understand the importance of not coming in second place, to any but your strongest allies, in any security area.
Sorry but I don’t subscribe to the US being defeated nor learning from it. Defeat is not what America great but the pragmatic killer instinct to make the other guy die for his country.
Heard a rumor that the Coasties, bless them, are having difficulty with a shortage of “ice pilots” — that specialty of conning through ice of varying conditions.
Of course, no icebreakers, no ice pilot training. Clearly not a skill that can be learned via a PPT presentation!
I can't find the articcle, but somewhere in the past week someone was saying spend the money arming icebreakers with other platforms we need up there like subs, patrol, and infrastructure for shore batteries. If arming them, make it bolt on and modular. Arming an icebreaker sounds a lot like a big, slow guy signing up for a knife fight against a guy who wants to fight with knives.
If I were in the White House I would be worried as to which way Greenland might go if the pressure was hard enough. America beware of your shrinking Strategic Depth to your north.
It is a shorter and safer route for their commerce to Europe and I suspect a protected space for their next generation ballistic missile subs. No second island chain barrier to overcome
Yes, of course. “Under-ice” was not exactly what I was referring to. “Ice-classed” refers to a specific capability of a surface ship to proceed at “x” speed through ice of a “y” thickness, with assistance from an icebreaker, or without. There are roughly about seven classes, defined differently by various class societies, but they are similar and translatable.
If the USN wants to do a strategic job, it's best to build a nuclear icebreaker-cum-warship.
We already have submarine nuclear reactors small enough to be fitted into destroyer-sized icebreakers if needed.
This would alleviate a string of winter port investments and USN supply ships.
It pains me greatly to see US shipyards like Bolinger taking taxpayers' money for icebreakers and producing nothing for several years now.
I just wonder if we could just buy a good icebreakers blueprint from Finland and hire a few of their designers and consultants to modify it for our needs. It would still be cheaper than letting a couple of Austral boys in Louisiana, trying to figure out things from scratch, which they don't have any experience in building icebreakers...
We are already decades behind in acquiring Navy destroyers from their Zumwalt-class fiasco, which can't work reliably.
It's simple. Both nature and great power competition abhor a vacuum. They are simply showing up where we are not. The US and Canada are simply ceding to China.
Good Afternoon CDR Salamander, may I give you some insight as to why I believe PRC is there with it’s Ice Breaker?
1. To break the ice.
2. To respond to a Russian vessel not able to maneuver due to the ice.
3. To assist with the transportation of goods across whichever portion of the Arctic Sea Lane the Ice Breaker is needed.
Allow me to give you one example.
Nuclear Power is carried and delivered to where it needs to be delivered to. Sometime three days are needed. Sometimes there are storms and the necessary ship is stuck in the accumulating “ICE”. That’s bad for the next recipient of the Nuclear Power further away.
As it was in 2023-2024, only three (3) months of “Ice Free” traversable channels.
Let me give you another example. As the Frozen Ice attached to Greenland as an example, breaks free… it floats and obstructs what was a clear “Channel”.
Now about Research “Drilling” PRC Ships.
Those serve a different purpose.
As far as “War” in the Arctic, I hope not because I’m counting on the Arctic Sea Lane open and free to those either the ship technology to accomplish the mission safely. Nurse Jane Lights the Way Forward, even in the Arctic where she hopes to be ship’s company on a Russian Ship or Submarine for the three (3) months “Adventure”. Recall, “We do NOT shoot Polar Bears! We drop what we are doing and get back onto the ship, or boat! Understood? Yes, I’m so happy you agree! Have a save rest of your day! NJ
Please consider the Diplomatic “Strategies” of the current Russian Federation. We spoke about that Armenian - Azerbaijan Road on Sunday.
Please look at my copy-paste below.
Please consider how Belarus and Russia work together to promote “Economic” benefits.
CDR Salamander, please think back to the old “Soviet” Navy… an Officer did not rotate from Engine Spaces to Torpedo Launch Spaces.
What I’m getting at is an excellent discipline of “Training”, “Responsibility” and “Accountability” which continues Today in both Belarus and Russia.
In addition to these disciplines, “Documentation” is demanded! Believe it or not, said “Documentation” is read and “Checked” and… signed-off!
Now, if there are any “Discrepancies” or “Accidents”, please know every Russian person on that “Line” will correct the problem.
Present example, Drones sent to catch the grasslands on “Fire” too close to a working Nuclear Facility. No injuries, no damage because… people were sent out immediately to assess, contain, and… “Report Back”!
CDR Salamander, I’m just an “Active Registered Nurse”. However, I’m trained to function in War Room and on a Ship!
Please allow me to share with you the “Good Things” I know about today’s Russia. Thank you! NJ
—-…—- TASS—-…—-
“…The key topics of discussion included illegal migration and ways to solve it, countering crimes committed using information and communication technologies, working together to ensure road safety, and regulation of relations linked to the use of personal mobility aids.
At the meeting, the chairmanship passed from Belarus to Russia.
In July, Azerbaijan refused to participate in a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Moscow.“
Thank you for sharing your overwhelming and vast knowledge of geopolitical subject. BTW apropos of absolutely nothing Trudeau isn't our Prime Minister. He resigned last January.
The obsession with petty and domestic matters and the lack of focus has been to our detriment as a Great Power.
How much was destroyed and spent in the urban crises inflamed by agitators in the past decade? Spent from the government coffers on witch-hunts against political opponents? On the world stage, we're all Americans, and those who hate us hate us all.
While the politics of personality like to focus on the (imperial or not) Presidency, IMO this failure lies solely at the feet of the Article 1 Congress, and specifically within the Catilinarian club of 100 who no longer represent their individuals state's concerns at the federal level nor the Replublic as a whole.
This clearly needs to laid st the Feet of Party over Country.
Octogenarian uniparty - how very Soviet.
"...they are looking at how to leverage every corner of the planet for military and economic gain for themselves."
Themselves. alas, at our expense. To the loss of all others, outside themselves. This a war; perhaps of a newer type, but war nonetheless; and it is in opposition to all....but themselves.
we may not have to be the world's police, but no one else has the means to effectively fight this war. we need to be more engaged, far more quickly; else we, and all but China and her vassals, will lose, forever
(I must add an edit, as follows: nothing changes until WE change. as individuals, we need to be more involved and more vocal. Write your congress critters, demand the change. ) end edit
I think the biggest threat is they look at the world as a zero sum game and now our policy will reflect the same to everyone's loss.
They are gaining experience in polar waters of the Arctic (and Antarctica) while whatever proficiency we have continues to dwindle. They conduct this op this year (then the next, then the next) and pretty soon their sailors are proficient while ours wait at the yards hoping for a precom.
and doing research that supports hunting for our subs. eg mapping, salinity, and temp gradients
As PR that damages our prestige
This is the game. They more than understand it while out political classes put Party over Country.
This is what happens when you forget what being the worlds most powerful Navy means to the success & survival of your nation.
I think your thought is best expressed in the negative.
Until your nation has been defeated and humiliated, you don't understand the importance of not coming in second place, to any but your strongest allies, in any security area.
Sorry but I don’t subscribe to the US being defeated nor learning from it. Defeat is not what America great but the pragmatic killer instinct to make the other guy die for his country.
Heard a rumor that the Coasties, bless them, are having difficulty with a shortage of “ice pilots” — that specialty of conning through ice of varying conditions.
Of course, no icebreakers, no ice pilot training. Clearly not a skill that can be learned via a PPT presentation!
I can't find the articcle, but somewhere in the past week someone was saying spend the money arming icebreakers with other platforms we need up there like subs, patrol, and infrastructure for shore batteries. If arming them, make it bolt on and modular. Arming an icebreaker sounds a lot like a big, slow guy signing up for a knife fight against a guy who wants to fight with knives.
Lots of DP ASM defense/AS capable weapons (Radar-controlled cannon, RAM/SeaRAM launchers) and ASW capacity.
If I were in the White House I would be worried as to which way Greenland might go if the pressure was hard enough. America beware of your shrinking Strategic Depth to your north.
can’t complain about being treated like a bitch if ya consent
It is a shorter and safer route for their commerce to Europe and I suspect a protected space for their next generation ballistic missile subs. No second island chain barrier to overcome
It’s the second not the first. They understand the strategic necessity of tue Arctic and how is puts us in a box.
Sorry but shipping lanes are a nice bonus & cover story at the end of the day it the Arctic is a military power play.
And, to repeat myself: Number of ice-classed warships in the USN: Zero.
3rd flight 688s, Sea Wolf, and Virginia Class SSNs are under ice capable.
Yes, of course. “Under-ice” was not exactly what I was referring to. “Ice-classed” refers to a specific capability of a surface ship to proceed at “x” speed through ice of a “y” thickness, with assistance from an icebreaker, or without. There are roughly about seven classes, defined differently by various class societies, but they are similar and translatable.
If the USN wants to do a strategic job, it's best to build a nuclear icebreaker-cum-warship.
We already have submarine nuclear reactors small enough to be fitted into destroyer-sized icebreakers if needed.
This would alleviate a string of winter port investments and USN supply ships.
It pains me greatly to see US shipyards like Bolinger taking taxpayers' money for icebreakers and producing nothing for several years now.
I just wonder if we could just buy a good icebreakers blueprint from Finland and hire a few of their designers and consultants to modify it for our needs. It would still be cheaper than letting a couple of Austral boys in Louisiana, trying to figure out things from scratch, which they don't have any experience in building icebreakers...
We are already decades behind in acquiring Navy destroyers from their Zumwalt-class fiasco, which can't work reliably.
Red China is interested in the Arctic because in their Long View what is now eastern Russia will be theirs.
That’s why they are backing Russia in Ukraine, to wreck the Russian military and subvert Russia to a client state of Red China.
(Exaggerated hyperbole intended)
Except I'm not sure it's much of an exaggeration…
Indeed. 100%
It's simple. Both nature and great power competition abhor a vacuum. They are simply showing up where we are not. The US and Canada are simply ceding to China.
Good Afternoon CDR Salamander, may I give you some insight as to why I believe PRC is there with it’s Ice Breaker?
1. To break the ice.
2. To respond to a Russian vessel not able to maneuver due to the ice.
3. To assist with the transportation of goods across whichever portion of the Arctic Sea Lane the Ice Breaker is needed.
Allow me to give you one example.
Nuclear Power is carried and delivered to where it needs to be delivered to. Sometime three days are needed. Sometimes there are storms and the necessary ship is stuck in the accumulating “ICE”. That’s bad for the next recipient of the Nuclear Power further away.
As it was in 2023-2024, only three (3) months of “Ice Free” traversable channels.
Let me give you another example. As the Frozen Ice attached to Greenland as an example, breaks free… it floats and obstructs what was a clear “Channel”.
Now about Research “Drilling” PRC Ships.
Those serve a different purpose.
As far as “War” in the Arctic, I hope not because I’m counting on the Arctic Sea Lane open and free to those either the ship technology to accomplish the mission safely. Nurse Jane Lights the Way Forward, even in the Arctic where she hopes to be ship’s company on a Russian Ship or Submarine for the three (3) months “Adventure”. Recall, “We do NOT shoot Polar Bears! We drop what we are doing and get back onto the ship, or boat! Understood? Yes, I’m so happy you agree! Have a save rest of your day! NJ
Canada deployed a frigate and a replenishment vessel to the Arctic yesterday, for six weeks. For what it’s worth.
And they do that yearly.
That's what, a third of their "navy?"
CDR Salamander,
Please consider the Diplomatic “Strategies” of the current Russian Federation. We spoke about that Armenian - Azerbaijan Road on Sunday.
Please look at my copy-paste below.
Please consider how Belarus and Russia work together to promote “Economic” benefits.
CDR Salamander, please think back to the old “Soviet” Navy… an Officer did not rotate from Engine Spaces to Torpedo Launch Spaces.
What I’m getting at is an excellent discipline of “Training”, “Responsibility” and “Accountability” which continues Today in both Belarus and Russia.
In addition to these disciplines, “Documentation” is demanded! Believe it or not, said “Documentation” is read and “Checked” and… signed-off!
Now, if there are any “Discrepancies” or “Accidents”, please know every Russian person on that “Line” will correct the problem.
Present example, Drones sent to catch the grasslands on “Fire” too close to a working Nuclear Facility. No injuries, no damage because… people were sent out immediately to assess, contain, and… “Report Back”!
CDR Salamander, I’m just an “Active Registered Nurse”. However, I’m trained to function in War Room and on a Ship!
Please allow me to share with you the “Good Things” I know about today’s Russia. Thank you! NJ
—-…—- TASS—-…—-
“…The key topics of discussion included illegal migration and ways to solve it, countering crimes committed using information and communication technologies, working together to ensure road safety, and regulation of relations linked to the use of personal mobility aids.
At the meeting, the chairmanship passed from Belarus to Russia.
In July, Azerbaijan refused to participate in a meeting of the CIS Economic Council in Moscow.“
Trudeau will give China a base in the artic.
We need more ice breakers.
Thank you for sharing your overwhelming and vast knowledge of geopolitical subject. BTW apropos of absolutely nothing Trudeau isn't our Prime Minister. He resigned last January.
And all you need to do is tell us the difference between the two in any way that matters in policy terms.
Three USN icebreakers...armed with 5'38" mounts and associated combat systems on par with contemporaneous DD's and DE's...in the 50's.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Burton_Island%2C_Atka%2C_and_Glacier_push_iceberg_in_McMurdo_Sound_%28827218l%29.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Glacier_(AGB-4)#/media/File%3A330-PSA-152-60_(USN_817415)_(21287040542).jpg