Is The U.S. Navy Struggling To Deploy Repalcement Ships To The Middle East?

In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, front, and the landing ship USS Carter Hall travel through the Red Sea on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. | Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia/U.S. Navy  

Politico: As the Middle East heats up, the Navy struggles to deploy replacement ships  

Delays are emblematic of a wider issue with repair and maintenance in the Navy that has seen warships languish pierside for months after they had been scheduled to leave. 

A group of warships led by the USS Bataan has done it all over the past six months. 

From warning off Iranian ships in the Persian Gulf to patrolling the Red Sea to filling in for an aircraft carrier off the Israeli coast, the workhorse amphibious ships Bataan and USS Carter Hall and their force of 2,000 Marines have been at the center of the action in a volatile Middle East. Yet the group is past the point that it should have started heading home for some much-needed rest, and is still on station because replacements are in short supply.

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WNU Editor: I am sure the US Navy can keep a necessary deployment of ships in the Middle East for as long as it takes. But there is going to be a heavy cost in resources, manpower, and monies.

USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier Heading Home After 8 Months And 2 Extensions

 

Business Insider: US Navy says the Ford carrier strike group is finally heading home after its first full deployment was upended by war 

* The Navy's new aircraft carrier is returning to the US after being sent into waters near Israel. 

* The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was sent to stop the Israel-Hamas war from expanding. 

* The CSG's deployment was repeatedly extended. 

The US Navy is finally bringing the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group home after it was abruptly tasked to the eastern Mediterranean in response to the Israel-Hamas war and kept at sea longer than planned. 

The Ford carrier strike group was sent to the eastern Mediterranean in October during its first full deployment in an effort to "contribute to our regional deterrence and defense posture," the Navy said in a statement.  

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USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier Heading Home After 8 Months And 2 Extensions  

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is returning home after extended deployment defending Israel -- AP  

US Navy ending aircraft carrier's Middle East deployment -- Reuters  

USS Gerald R Ford strike group heading home to Norfolk -- Navy Times 

USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier heads home after standing guard near Israel following Oct. 7 attack -- FOX News 

US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier returning to US after extended deployment in Mediterranean -- CNN  

US sends aircraft carrier back to Virginia from Israel -- The Hill  

Carrier USS Ford Finally Heads Home After Extended Mission in East Med -- Maritime Executive  

Tweaking the ‘defense posture’: USS Gerald Ford strike group to leave the Mediterranean -- Breaking Defense  

Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Heading Home After 8 Months, 2 Extensions -- USNI News

Report Says USS Gerald R. Ford To Leave The Eastern Mediterranean In The 'Coming Days'

USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier refuels from the underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, October 11, 2023. (US Navy photo via AP)  

ABC News: Exclusive: US to bring back aircraft carrier from eastern Mediterranean  

The USS Gerald R. Ford will leave "in coming days," two U.S. officials say. 

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group will leave the eastern Mediterranean Sea, where it was sent just after the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, in the "coming days," two U.S. officials tell ABC News. 

The Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier and was nearing the end of its first operational deployment when it was redirected to the eastern Mediterranean the day after Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7. 

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Update #1: US said set to pull one of its aircraft carriers away from Middle East (Times of Israel) 

Update #2: USS Gerald R. Ford to Leave the Eastern Mediterranean, ABC Says (Bloomberg)  

WNU Editor: This contradicts earlier reports that said the Ford's deployment was extended .... USS Ford to remain in the Mediterranean Sea amid Israel-Hamas war (Navy Times/AP).

U.S. Navy Brags In Game-Day Video That Its Destroyer Is 22-0 Against The Missiles Launched By Yemen's Houthis

The real fight continues. BZ to both teams for playing a good game. 🤝 Until next year.

Hooyah USS Carney (DDG 64)!💥💥💥#GoNavy! #AlwaysForward#ArmyNavyGame2023 pic.twitter.com/zNrLqtN8TJ

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) December 9, 2023

Business Insider: US Navy brags in game-day video a destroyer is 22-0 against the missiles and other threats Iran-backed rebels are throwing around 

* Army may have beaten Navy on Saturday, but the maritime service bragged one of its warships is 22-0 against another challenge. 

* USS Carney, deployed to the Middle East, has been forced to engage threats from Houthi rebels. 

* The Navy shared a video showing the Carney downing missiles and drones launched by the militants. 

The US Naval Academy's football team didn't get a win on Saturday, but thousands of miles away, there's one American warship that's on an impressive hot streak. 

USS Carney is undefeated — by a margin of 22-0 — against the missiles and drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer deployed to Middle Eastern waters in October, according to a video shared to social media by the US Navy during Saturday's Army-Navy football game, which saw the Black Knights defeat the Midshipmen 17-11.  

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WNU Editor: Bragging aside. The U.S. Navy's deployment off the coast of Yemen is causing complications .... A Treacherous Game of ‘Battleship’ Ensnares the U.S. at Sea (Daily Beast).

U.S. Says An Ohio-Class Submarine Has Arrived In The Mediterranean

The USS Florida sails during "Giant Shadow," a Naval Sea Systems Command/Naval Submarine Forces exercise to test the capabilities of the Navy's future guided missile submarines off the coast of the Bahamas. David Nagle/U.S. Navy 

 Business Insider: An Ohio-class submarine, possibly equipped with ballistic missiles, has arrived in the Mediterranean 

* CENTCOM on Sunday confirmed an Ohio-class submarine has traveled to the Mediterranean Sea. 

* Ohio-class submarines can be equipped with advanced ballistic or Tomahawk missiles. 

* The sub was pictured appearing to sail through the Suez Canal in Egypt, which connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas. 

An Ohio-class submarine, a type of vessel which can be equipped with advanced ballistic or Tomahawk cruise missiles, has arrived in the Mediterranean as the US continues to bolster its defensive posture amid the Israel-Hamas war. 

CENTCOM, the Department of Defense combatant command with authority over US forces in the Middle East and West and Central Asia, posted a photo on Sunday of the submarine on X, formerly Twitter, confirming it had arrived in the region. 

The disclosure of the submarine's location is significant as the whereabouts of the vessels are typically kept secret for security regions.  

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U.S. Says An Ohio-Class Submarine Has Arrived In The Mediterranean  

In rare announcement, US says guided missile sub has arrived in Middle East, a message of deterrence to adversaries -- CNN  

US nuclear submarine has arrived at the Middle East - The Pentagon -- Jerusalem Post  

Rare announcement reveals Ohio-class submarine's deployment to US Central Command -- Stars and Stripes

Two U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Are Now Operating In The Eastern Mediterranean Sea

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) steams in formation with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) during a photo exercise, Nov. 3, 2023. US Navy Photo  

USNI News: USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Operate Together in Eastern Med. 

For the first time in decades, two U.S. aircraft carriers sailed together in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, U.S. 6th fleet announced Friday. Carriers USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) drilled for three days in the Mediterranean Sea along with USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) and two Italian guided-missile frigates.

“Operating dual carrier strike groups alongside Allies and Partners in a dynamic environment demonstrates our capability and capacity to respond with agility decisively to any contingency,” Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet said in a Friday statement. 

“Our presence sends a clear signal about our commitment to deter aggression and promote stability throughout the region.”  

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Two U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Are Now Operating In The Eastern Mediterranean Sea  

US sends a warning with 2 aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean at the same time -- Task & Purpose  

U.S. Sixth Fleet Conducts Bilateral, Dual-Carrier Operations in Eastern Mediterranean Sea -- US Navy  

Photos: U.S. Naval Power on Display in Mediterranean Sea -- gCaptain

U.S. Navy Looks Overseas For Warship Repairs

Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg in a dry dock in Norfolk in June 2021. US Navy/MCS3 Brandon Roberson  

Insider: China's massive navy is only getting bigger, and the US is looking overseas for help keeping its warships in action 

* For years, the US Navy has struggled to complete repairs of its ships on time. 

* Protracted delays heighten concerns about maintaining US naval presence in the Western Pacific. 

* To reduce workload at domestic shipyards and keep ships at sea, the US is looking for help overseas. 

The rapid expansion of China's navy has heightened concerns about the availability of the US Navy's fleet, driving Washington to look abroad for help repairing warships that might otherwise face long delays at home. 

China has the world's largest navy, with more than 370 ships and submarines in service in 2022, according to the Pentagon latest report on the Chinese military. 

Officials and experts say the US Navy's battleforce of roughly 300 ships has a qualitative advantage, but its edge has been dulled by protracted delays at domestic shipyards, problems that have the US looking to foreign shipyards to perform some maintenance and repairs its ships have had to leave the Pacific to receive.  

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WNU Editor: It looks like the US is in a rush to repair and maintain their ships ASAP. So the big question that needs to be answered is "why the rush"?

For The First Time In 10 Years The US Navy Will Conduct Exercises With South Korea In The Yellow Sea

USS America (LHA 6) conducts a cooperative deployment with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ship JS Kunisaki (LST 4003).  

SCMP: US Navy group heading for Yellow Sea in biggest show of strength near eastern China in 10 years 

* Local media reports say the amphibious group led by the USS America will take part in a joint exercise with South Korean forces 

* The US and South Korean presidents have pledged to 'enhance the regular visibility of strategic assets' amid rising tensions with China and the North 

The United States Navy is expected to take part in its first large-scale exercises in the Yellow Sea off the coast of northern China in 10 years, a move that risks further fuelling tensions with Beijing. 

A South Korean defence ministry official said a US amphibious ready group, led by the USS America, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver would "participate in the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Incheon during the Korean war and the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korea alliance".  

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WNU Editor: Beijing has responded .... US naval drill in Yellow Sea 'will destabilize Korean Peninsula, posing laughable threat to China' (Global Times).

Admiral Lisa Franchetti Takes Charge Of The U.S. Navy

 

Daily Mail: Lisa Franchetti takes over as acting Navy head - despite not being the first choice of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin 

* Chief of Naval Ops. Adm. Mike Gilday retired and handed the torch to Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti in a ceremony 

* Franchetti will serve in acting capacity until officially confirmed by the Senate

* Franchetti is one of over 300 military officers whose nominations are on hold in the Senate 

The first woman took over as chief of the US Navy in 'acting capacity,' even though Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin nominated someone else for the role. 

Chief of Naval Ops. Adm. Mike Gilday retired and handed the torch to Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who will serve in an acting capacity until officially confirmed by the Senate after her nomination by President Joe Biden. 

If confirmed, Franchetti would make history as the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  

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Update: Franchetti Takes the Helm After Gilday’s Relinquishment of Office (Navy.mil)  

WNU Editor: Admiral Lisa Franchetti's nomination is stuck in the US Senate .... ‘Unprecedented’ and ‘unsafe’: Navy chief retires as Tuberville hold drags on (Politico).

Ignoring The Pentagon's Recommendation To Promote Admiral Samuel Paparo To Head The Navy, President Biden Nominates The First Female To Head The Branch

 

CNN: Biden chooses Admiral Lisa Franchetti to become the first woman in US history to be top officer in the Navy 

President Joe Biden has selected Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be the Navy’s top officer. If confirmed, she would be the first woman in the Navy’s history to hold the job, and the first woman in the joint chiefs of staff. 

Franchetti, who is currently serving as the vice chief of naval operations, commissioned in 1985 and has served as the commander of US Naval Forces Korea, deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development, and director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy of the Joint Staff, according to her official biography. She has also commanded two carrier strike groups, and became the Vice CNO in September 2022.  

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WNU Editor: This is who Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wanted as the next head of the US Navy .... Austin recommends Pacific leader as next Navy chief, passing over female admiral (Politico). 

President Biden Nominates The First Female To Head The Branch 

Biden nominates Adm. Lisa Franchetti as first woman to lead U.S. Navy -- Washington Post  

Biden picks female admiral to lead Navy. She’d be first woman on Joint Chiefs of Staff -- AP  

Biden nominates Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be first woman to lead US Navy -- Reuters  

In historic move, Biden nominates Adm. Lisa Franchetti as first woman to lead Navy -- CBS News  

Biden’s pick for top Navy leader would be first female Joint Chiefs member -- Politico  

Biden chooses Lisa Franchetti to head Pentagon military branch -- BBC  

Joe Biden nominates Admiral Lisa Franchetti to be first woman to lead US navy -- SKY News  

Biden defies Pentagon to nominate female Navy head -- RT  

How Franchetti's experience made her Biden's pick to lead the Navy -- Defense News

Are The World’s Best Warships Not American?

The South Korean Navy's Aegis destroyer King Sejong the Great, front, sails with US and Japanese ships during a joint drill off the east coast of the Korean peninsula on Feb. 22. South Korea Defense Ministry/AP

CNN: These may be the world’s best warships. And they’re not American 

Seoul, South Korea CNN — It’s a growing problem that has United States naval commanders scratching their heads: How to keep up with China’s ever-expanding fleet of warships. 

Not only is China’s navy already the world’s largest, its numerical lead over the US is getting wider, with the head of the US Navy warning recently that American shipyards simply can’t keep up. Some experts estimate China can build three warships in the time it takes the US to build one. 

It is just one of the concerns, alongside Beijing’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, that’s likely to be weighing on the mind of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he joins top military figures from across the region at this weekend’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.  

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WNU Editor: Building US-designed vessels in Japan or South Korean shipyards may make sense economically. But politically it is not going to happen.

U.S. Navy Says It Is Ready To 'Fix' Its Slow Computers

Sailors stand watch in the Fleet Operations Center at the headquarters of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (Navy)  

Federal News Agency: Navy ready to start implementing fixes to notoriously slow computers 

The Navy thinks it has some answers to the “fix our computers” problem, and those answers can’t come soon enough. Officials estimate the service is losing about one man-year of productivity every single day by virtue of how long it takes employees to log into their desktops and laptops — and that figure only accounts for the service’s workforce within the five walls of the Pentagon. 

The Navy’s latest attempt to improve user experience will also start inside the Pentagon, where all of its users could start seeing major improvements by next month. That choice was made partly because, for even the most senior leaders there, the experience is far from good.  

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WNU Editor: This problem has been ongoing for years .... How the Navy wants to fix its woefully antiquated computer systems (Navy Times).

Report Says 9 Suicides Aboard The Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Were Due To Some of the Toughest Living Conditions In The Military

 

USNI News: Junior Sailors on USS George Washington Endured Some of the Toughest Living Conditions in the Military, Says New Navy Investigation 

Since 2017, junior sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) were subject to some of the toughest living conditions in the military, according to a new Navy investigation released on Thursday. 

Sailors assigned to the carrier over its almost six-year-long maintenance period at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding experienced poor living conditions, up to three-hour commutes and isolation from their families and peers as part of life in the shipyard. 

Complaints about the life as a George Washington sailor, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, fell on deaf ears within Navy leadership, according to the quality of life investigation released on Thursday and reviewed by USNI News.  

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Update #1: Investigation into USS George Washington suicides finds US Navy failed to provide a basic quality of life for sailors (CNN)  

Update #2: Navy releases reports, action plan on suicides on board USS George Washington, Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (WAVY.com)  

WNU Editor: It does not take a genius to know that this is probably one of the main reasons why the Pentagon is having a recruiting problem.

Report On How Water Aboard Two US Aircraft Carriers Was Contaminated Is Released

A photo from social media of water from USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in September.  

USNI News: Procedural Problems, Maintenance Lapses Led to Water Contamination Aboard Carriers USS Nimitz, USS Abraham Lincoln 

Water contaminated with jet fuel accidentally pumped throughout aircraft carrier USS Nimitz‘s (CVN-68) potable water system and resulted in widespread contamination that made 11 sailors sick in September, according to an investigation the Navy released on Monday.

One week later, dirty bilge water contaminated the potable water supply aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) after entering the system through a hole in the piping, according to a separate investigation also released on Monday.

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WNU Editor: Looking at the picture above. Yup. There is definitely a problem. 

A summary of the report is here .... Investigations into 2022 potable water contamination aboard Nimitz and Abraham Lincoln complete (Navy.mil). 

Report On How Water Aboard Two US Aircraft Carriers Was Contaminated Is Released 

 No one knew a US aircraft carrier water tank had jet fuel in it until the unaware crew hooked it up to the drinking water system, Navy report says -- Business Insider  

Navy Investigation of Carrier Water Contamination Finds Crew, Equipment Failures -- Military.com  

Navy details failures behind drinking water contamination on 2 carriers -- Stars and Stripes  

Bilge Water Leaks Forced Two Carriers to Return to Port Last Year -- Maritime Executive  

Navy Releases Findings from Probe into Water Contamination Aboard Carriers -- Times of Sandiego

US Navy Appoints Non-Binary Drag Queen As Its Digital Ambassador

The U.S. Navy hired this non-binary drag queen as a “digital ambassador” to try to recruit people pic.twitter.com/l3LIEtndVD

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 2, 2023

Daily Mail: Is this the Navy's Dylan Mulvaney moment? Drag performer Harpy Daniels is Navy's new 'digital ambassador' in bid to boost recruitment that's set to fall short by 8,000 

* Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, whose stage name is Harpy Daniels, announced he would be the Navy's first 'digital ambassador' 

* The program was part of the Navy's efforts to 'reach a wide range of potential candidates' as it seeks to recruit more Gen Z sailors 

* Authorities say the Navy is still expected to fall 8,000 short of its recruitment goals for the year 

The United States Navy has turned to a drag performer in its efforts to reach younger recruits on digital platforms and social media. 

Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelley, whose stage name is Harpy Daniels, announced on TikTok in November that he would be the Navy's first 'digital ambassador,' highlighting his journey from performing on board beginning in 2018 and growing to become an 'advocate' for those who 'were oppressed for years in the service.' 

 Kelley, who identifies as non-binary, was one of just five active sailors to participate as 'digital ambassadors' for the Navy in its 'efforts to reach a wide range of potential candidates,' a spokesperson told Daily Caller.  

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WNU Editor: This is not your grandfather's navy. 

US Navy Appoints Non-Binary Drag Queen As Its Digital Ambassador  

US Navy platformed ‘drag queen influencer’ to attract youth to the military in hiring crisis -- FOX News  

Navy Using Drag Queen Harpy Daniels as 'Digital Ambassador' Sparks Debate -- Newsweek  

US Navy Enlists Drag Queen For 'Digital Ambassador' Role To Attract More Recruits -- Zero Hedge  

US Navy under fire over recruiting pitch featuring drag queen -- FOX News  

Fury over Navy's first 'digital ambassador' non-binary drag queen Harpy Daniels -- Daily Mail

U.S. Navy Has Popular San Diego Web Cameras Removed

At the Navy's request, the National Parks Service has removed a pair of web cameras that captured this near collision of warships in San Diego Bay in November 2022. (San Diego Web Cam via Twitter)  

Navy Times: Popular San Diego web cameras removed at Navy’s request 

A group that runs an array of San Diego-based web cameras that capture Navy ships coming and going is calling foul after the National Parks Service removed two cameras overlooking San Diego Bay this month at the Navy’s request. 

While Navy officials framed the recent cam removal as a matter of force protection, Barry Bahrami, a 52-year-old San Diego local who runs the volunteer San Diego Web Cam group, alleges that the cameras were removed from Cabrillo National Monument after they captured an embarrassing near-collision of two Navy ships in November. 

That close call between the guided-missile destroyer Momsen and the dock landing ship Harpers Ferry came to be known as the “warship chicken” incident after San Diego Web Cam footage of the encounter went viral. 

The parks service confirmed Friday that it had removed the two cameras at Cabrillo after the Naval Criminal Investigative Service requested they be removed “due to security concerns.” Bahrami said he was notified of the removal on April 11.  

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Update: Popular San Diego live webcams turned off at the request of the Navy (CBS)  

WNU Editor: This is not going to stop the person who runs the volunteer San Diego Web Cam group .... Popular San Diego webcam founder to set up new cameras overlooking bay (CBS).

Pentagon Orders Heightened Security Procedures At All U.S. Navy Installations

Heightened security procedures set at all U.S. Navy installations https://t.co/DmdVJNogTZ

— Bizz Macc (@BizzMacc) April 17, 2023

ABC News: Heightened security procedures set at all U.S. Navy installations 

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Heightened security procedures have been set at all U.S. Navy installations Friday. 

NAS Pensacola and all other U.S. Navy installations have been directed by higher authorities to set a heightened security posture. 

DoD identification card holder escorting privileges are still permitted.

Individuals should expect delays at both NAS Pensacola gates at this time.  

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WNU Editor: I do not know if this increase in security at US naval installations is due to current exercises that are being conducted, intelligence warnings, or geopolitical tensions, but it is clear that the US Navy is concerned enough that they want more security.

Why The US Keeps On Trying To Land Oversized Cargo Planes On Aircraft Carriers At Sea (Video)

 

WNU Editor: I learn something new everyday.

Hat tip Instapundit.

This Is How The U.S. Navy Could Destroy China’s Aircraft Carriers In A War

STRAIT OF MALACCA (June 18, 2021) The Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) transits the South China Sea with the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). Reagan is part of Task Force 70/Carrier Strike Group 5, conducting underway operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rawad Madanat)  

19FortyFive: How the U.S. Navy Could Destroy China’s Aircraft Carriers in a War  

Most research suggests Chinese aircraft carriers would be highly vulnerable in an engagement with the U.S. Navy for several reasons. Here is a quick survey of all of the ways China’s carriers could be placed in danger by the U.S. Navy. 

Would China’s new aircraft carrier fleet survive in a war against the U.S. military? 

Most research suggests Chinese aircraft carriers would be highly vulnerable in an engagement with the U.S. Navy for several reasons. Here is a quick survey of all of the ways China’s carriers could be placed in danger by the U.S. Navy:  

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WNU Editor: I doubt that these Chinese aircraft carriers will be easy to sink.

What Is The Current State Of The US Navy?

The Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral Samuel Paparo, tells 60 Minutes if the president & Congress orders it, “the bulk of the U.S. Navy will be deployed rapidly to the Western Pacific,” to aid Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. https://t.co/7Eh9glwwfb pic.twitter.com/Q5ZjiklvdZ

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 19, 2023

CBS 60 minutes: The state of the U.S. Navy as China builds up its naval force and threatens Taiwan 

The United States Navy helped secure victory in two world wars and the Cold War. Today the Navy remains a formidable fighting force, but even officers within the service have questioned its readiness. 

While the U.S. spent 20 years fighting land wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon watched China, its greatest geopolitical rival of the 21st century, build the largest navy in the world. China has threatened to use that navy to invade Taiwan, an important American ally. 

As tensions with China continue to rise, we wanted to know more about the current state of the U.S. Navy, and how it's trying to deter China, while preparing for the possibility of war.

Admiral Samuel Paparo: The Navy's always on alert. One third of the Navy is always deployed and operating at all times. The Navy's mustering right now about 300 ships, and there are about 100 ships at sea right now all around the globe.  

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WNU Editor: Only 100 US navy ships deployed worldwide at anytime? That is not a big number. Will it be big enough to deter a Chinese invasion/blockade of Taiwan? You tell me.