The Urban Developer’s Post

Companies play a crucial role in helping decision-makers make informed choices. In this short case study, I share how Austal USA and I collaborated with Congress to present the accurate facts surrounding a key program and showcasing how Austal is delivering exceptional results for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. #Lobbying #Lobbyist #Defense #Congress #Funding

On the 14th, the U.S. Coast Guard testified that the United States faces a national security threat in the Arctic (near Alaska) due to a lack of icebreakers needed to counter China and Russia's growing actions in the region. The US Coast Guard presently has two icebreakers. Russia has in excess of 40. China has 4. During testimony, Vice Admiral Peter Gautier confirmed Chinese and Russian presence near Alaska, and enhanced naval activity. There is concern our lack of preparedness not only opens us to substantial risk, it prevents us from maintaining a rules based order and freedom of navigation. While the Representatives insisted these issues were largely the responsibility of the USCG, I’d argue the true responsibility lies with Congress, who both fails to effectively fund programs to the necessary level for completion of ice breakers and fails to cut through the beauracracy that is snails pace construction from ship builders. For the Congressman openly expressing concern with the military industrial complex, reform or repeal the Jones Act. I’m going to hit my caption limit, but I encourage all interested to research the Jones Act and it’s unintentional consequences on America’s national security and, specifically, ship building. PS. I would absolutely love to spend a week on an icebreaker. If anyone has that pull, please let me know. 🚢😂 _____ #uscg #nationalsecurity #defense #foreignaffairs #foreignpolicy #russia #china

Red Sea Crisis : no end in sight? Find below few points related to actual red sea shipping disruption which is affecting international trade. "Since the Red Sea disruptions began the situation appears to be heading into a more intense and broadening confrontation with seamen" https://lnkd.in/ekDnsN8B Why Can’t the U.S. Navy and Its Allies Stop the Houthis? The Houthis are giving headache to the western coalition. https://lnkd.in/eiB7urGU

Sometimes, we need to step back in time & space to see a problem more clearly. This INDOPACOM graphic shows more & more PLA Navy & Coast Guard presence in the South China Sea in the first 7 yrs of Xi’s rule. An updated version would show more bright red inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. In sum: PRC maritime colonialism is well underway. The CCP's creeping approach to territorial aggrandizement doesn't make this threat any less dangerous.

📢 RIMPAC 2024: Enhancing Maritime Partnerships 📢 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, the world's largest international maritime exercise, is currently underway from June 27 to Aug. 1. Hosted by the U.S. Navy's Indo-Pacific Command, along with the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard, RIMPAC features participation from 29 nations, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel. This year's theme, "Partners: Integrated and Prepared," underscores the significance of multinational cooperation. Key leaders include Vice Adm. John Wade (U.S.), Commodore Alberto Guerrero (Chile), Rear Adm. Kazushi Yokota (Japan), Commodore Kristjan Monaghan (Canada), and Air Commodore Louise DesJardins (Australia). Notably, this RIMPAC will host its largest humanitarian aid and disaster relief exercise. Stay connected with us for updates on this critical exercise. #RIMPAC2024 #MaritimeExercise #IndoPacific #USNavy #MultinationalCooperation #Defense #Security #MilitaryTraining #PolicyAnalysis #PacificForum

On June 20, China Coast Guard personnel threatened Filipino crew with knives and spears, attempting to board resupply vessels at the contested Second Thomas Shoal. This incident highlights the growing volatility in one of the world's busiest waterways, where over $3 trillion in trade passes annually. The Philippines, backed by a mutual defense treaty with the US, is enhancing its naval defense capabilities and seeking new security partnerships to strengthen its position. As regional tensions escalate, the risk of a broader conflict looms, potentially involving major global powers. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e5eN2eTH #SouthChinaSea #Geopolitics #MaritimeSecurity #Philippines #China #US #InternationalRelations #Defense #GlobalTrade

Underscoring the importance of an effective Canadian contribution to its own and international security in a broad perspective. Important views from a key traditional partner.

🌊⚓️ The Red Sea crisis calls for increased collaboration and strategic adaptation by Western naval forces to address evolving threats in the region. By strengthening alliances, investing in advanced technologies, and maintaining a proactive presence, navies can safeguard global trade routes and promote stability in this vital maritime corridor. #RedSea #MaritimeSecurity #WesternNavalForces 🚢🔒 https://lnkd.in/gB4brQgK

During the American Civil War, the Confederate drift torpedo was a naval weapon primarily used as an early form of naval mine. It was designed to float on the water's surface and disguised as harmless objects such as logs or barrels. These torpedoes were equipped with a contact detonator that would explode upon contact with an enemy ship. Confederate forces deployed drift torpedoes in various waterways to disrupt Union naval operations, especially in narrow rivers and channels where Union ships were vulnerable to such attacks. One of the most well-known instances of the use of drift torpedoes was during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Confederate forces laid a large field of these torpedoes in the path of the Union fleet. Despite the danger posed by the torpedoes, the Union fleet, commanded by Admiral David Farragut, successfully navigated the minefield and ultimately captured the Confederate forts defending Mobile Bay. Credit: Social media #history #US #Civilwar #maritime #EOD #EOKHUB