CDR Salamander - What do you give your Navy for its 251st Bday?

The last 12 months have been good for our Navy. Regardless of what you think of this year’s operations against Iran and her proxies:

• Our surface forces built off their years of success in the Red Sea over the last year and have a level of experience in actual warfighting not seen since…well…WWII really. We saw a little bit of a threat in Korea, Vietnam, and a spot of bother now and then…but a sustained threat like this? Not seen in generations. Everything from low-speed drones to anti-ship cruise missiles to anti-ship ballistic missiles was thrown at our Aegis destroyers and our remaining cruisers…and nothing got through to them or the carriers and auxiliaries they supported. They sent a lot of ordnance downrange to top it all off.

• Speaking of auxiliaries, our merchant mariners started this conflict short of mariners and ships, but they supported sustained combat operations at sea with limited access to good and safe ports in a way that, again, we only have a whisper of understanding of. We have a lot of lessons here, and I hope to see action on them soon.

• In line with the above, we only know the wafer-thin details of the strikes Navy and Marine Corps aviation conducted. Everything from strafing runs to anti-mine work to sinking submarines.

• Our submarines managed to sink an enemy destroyer… in case you forgot… and I’m sure they did all sorts of fun things we’ll read about in 2040. Ditto our Marines and Naval Special Warfare bubbas. We saw hints of what you were doing if we knew where to look…but we don’t need the details. Tip of the hat.

Long deployments, extended combat operations, few safe and friendly ports to support them…and still…they excelled in everything that was asked of them.

Excellence was expected and provided. It was clear that we practiced until we were perfect, and then practiced perfection...or as close as we humans can get to it.

Oh, did you forget we took down the Marxist dictatorship in Venezuela and sent the Cubans, Chinese, and Russians packing? Yes, a joint operation…but…from the sea.

We are starting to see movement on the industrial front in shipbuilding, shipyards, and new programs. The Primes are being challenged by nimble, and quick-moving new players. The competition will be good for everyone…and a net positive for the tools our Sailors will take with them the next time their nation asks them to go in harm’s way.

There are 364 other days of the year when we can look at areas that need improvement or discuss some sub-optimal people or activities…but today is as good a day as any to say what is clear to see: Navy had a good year.

May the next year be even better.

Speaking of birthday presents…if you have not already pulled the trigger to be an underwriter of the CDR Salamander Substack, well, maybe today is your day!

In celebration of our Navy’s birthday, we’re offering a 20% discount on monthly and annual paid subscriptions today only. Your subscription will provide you with…

1. My undying gratitude and thanks for supporting what we do here.

2. Extra attention to your comments…as I know you are invested in the creative friction we try to promote here.

3. Access to the paid-subscriber-only UNCLAS Read Board Podcast.

You have until midnight Eastern Time to claim your discount. Click here.

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