All articles tagged with #maritime operations
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reportedly conducted a successful drone attack on a Russian FSB Coast Guard patrol vessel of the Project 22460 class in the Black Sea, with limited details released about the incident.
A temporary pier constructed by the US military to transport aid into Gaza broke apart in heavy seas, causing significant damage and delaying the humanitarian effort. The pier will be removed and repaired in the Israeli port of Ashdod, a process expected to take over a week. The pier, which cost $320 million and began operating on May 17, requires very calm sea conditions to function effectively. The damage has paused aid shipments, with thousands of tons of aid waiting to be delivered.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore believes the "aggressive timeline" set by President Biden to reopen the channel after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is realistic, aiming for full functioning by the end of May. Efforts to remove debris and open channels for some ships have been progressing, with the president pledging federal financial support for the city's economy and the entire cost of bridge reconstruction. Gov. Moore emphasized the national implications of the tragedy and urged bipartisan support for the rebuild.
The ongoing conflict between the US military and the Houthi rebels in Yemen is proving to be costly, with the US spending significant amounts to defend against Houthi attacks on commercial ships and US assets. The Houthis have been successful in disrupting Red Sea traffic, leading to increased shipping costs and potential economic challenges for countries reliant on the Suez Canal. Despite the high cost, the US is committed to safeguarding international trade and continues to target the Houthi group in Yemen, while experts suggest exploring cheaper means of countering Houthi drones and missiles.
Captain John Konrad highlights the recent attacks on US-flagged ships in the Red Sea and the secrecy surrounding Operation Prosperity Guardian. He argues that public apathy, not loose lips, poses a greater threat to maritime security. Drawing parallels to World War II, he emphasizes the importance of informed public engagement and transparency in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of maritime operations, criticizing the suppression of information and lack of support for the US Merchant Marine. He calls for greater public awareness and demands more Navy and Marine Corps protection for American sailors.
Ukraine launched a drone strike on a Russian tanker in the Black Sea near Crimea, a day after damaging a Russian warship in a major port. The Ukrainian Security Service confirmed their involvement in the attack, stating that such operations are legal within their territorial waters. Russian authorities also confirmed the strike, reporting damage to the tanker but no casualties. The strikes come amid escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine making advances on the ground and vowing to continue using drone strikes on Russian vessels in the Black Sea.