From the monthly archives:

February 2011

In Press: Talking LPD-17’s rehab in the Virginian-Pilot

by Craig Hooper on February 28, 2011

Until last year, one of the most annoying things about being a long-standing LPD-17 critic was the constant push-back from pro-LPD-17 partisans (my criticism began here and, oh, here). There is no denying that the LPD-17, as planned, is a capable and exciting platform. The only problem, which the Virginian-Pilot’s Navy scribe Corinne Reilly details […]

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USNI Mission: Don’t fix what ain’t broke

by Craig Hooper on February 28, 2011

I have been traveling, shop so I am a bit late to the party. But I do not like the proposed USNI mission statement change, viagra nor do I appreciate the attempt to ram this change through via a proxy vote without wider discussion. A century-old mission statement–that did USNI good service–deserves at least a […]

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Welcome to you, new NAMRU: NAMRU-6 grows up!

by Craig Hooper on February 15, 2011

In a quiet, little-reported move, Navy Times tells us that NAMRU-6 is now a full-fledged command: A small medical research department the Navy established in Peru three decades ago to study tropical and infectious diseases such as malaria became a full-fledged command Feb. 10. Naval Medical Research Department – Lima got a new name – […]

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In Press: Talking Navy aviation and UAVs in the San Diego Union-Tribune

by Craig Hooper on February 14, 2011

On the eve of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, the San Diego Union-Tribune’s awesome national security reporter, Jen Steele, filed a piece on how UAVs would transform the Navy.  I was quoted in the story and you can read the entire piece here. Certainly, UAVs are going to have a big role–and make a big […]

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How can the Navy win a flyover…during a budget crisis?

by Craig Hooper on February 12, 2011

Over the next year, the Navy is gonna learn that a depression makes a bad time to party. Today, as the U.S. Navy prepares to kick-off the ceremony-laden, flyby bedecked Centennial of Naval Aviation with a massive flyby in San Diego, the nation’s “Austerity-First” budget-trimmers are sharpening their pencils, ready pillory the Navy for each […]

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The U.S. Coast Guard Commandant calls for leadership, strategic direction and resources

by Craig Hooper on February 10, 2011

Admiral Bob Papp just gave the USCG’s State of the Coast Guard address, and warned that the Post-post 9/11 Coast Guard will be setting priorities and limits: We need to change our focus. We need to train to proficiency — and retain proficiency. In order to achieve proficiency in our most needed activities and capabilities, […]

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An Inspiring Mistake: Australia’s turn from mid-sized amphibs

by Craig Hooper on February 7, 2011

It is no secret the Australian Navy is super-sizing their amphibious force. But…is that force going to be too big and unwieldy to do a good job of projecting security throughout the South Pacific? The first step towards a super-sized amphibious force is interesting. Last month, after I urged the Australian Navy to retire their […]

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