Latest news with #Navy
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Navy must be ready for new normal in war on terror: Admiral
NEW DELHI: India's new approach to treat any act of terror as an act of war has added a new dimension to the Navy's operational outlook after the conduct of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said Friday. "We must be prepared for this new normal," the Navy chief said at an investiture ceremony here. Over 35 Indian warships and submarines led by aircraft carrier INS Vikrant , with its MiG-29K fighters, were forward deployed in a dissuasive deterrent posture against Pakistan in the northern Arabian Sea last month. "Our ships, submarines and aircraft were operationally ready and deployed, projecting strength and preparedness to deter any potential actions from our western adversary," Admiral Tripathi said. "This rapid and measured response not only showcased our strategic reach and maritime dominance but also sent a clear message of resolve - forcing our adversary to plead for ceasefire. I would say, just in time." The Navy's forward deployment at the time IAF and Army launched deep precision strikes against nine terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 ensured the Pakistan navy remained bottled up within its own shores in a defensive mode. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Navy's role has become more critical than ever as India navigates an era filled with the complex and rapidly changing global security environment. "The shifting geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, along with various ongoing conflicts worldwide, has significantly increased the frequency, diversity and complexity of our tasks," Admiral Tripathi said. "As the fastest-growing service, the Navy is continuously enhancing its operational capabilities by embracing cutting-edge technologies and inducting state-of-the-art ships, subs, aircraft, unmanned systems, space-based assets and Al-driven platforms," he added.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Harvey Milk name erased from Navy ship during Pride Month
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the U.S. Navy has renamed a ship honoring slain gay rights icon Harvey Milk, replacing it with the name of a World War II hero. The decision, which critics called politically motivated and timed to Pride Month, marks a stark reversal in the Navy's recent approach to commemorating civil rights leaders. The fleet oiler, formerly known as the USNS Harvey Milk, will now bear the name of Oscar V. Peterson, a Medal of Honor recipient who died saving his ship, the USS Neosho, during a 1942 Japanese attack. 'We are taking the politics out of ship naming,' Hegseth said in a video posted to X. 'People want to be proud of the ship they're sailing in.' I am pleased to announce that the United States Navy is renaming the USNS Harvey Milk to the USNS Oscar V. Peterson. We are taking the politics out of ship naming. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) June 27, 2025 The ship was christened in 2021 under a policy from the Obama-era Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to name oilers after civil and human rights champions. Milk, a Navy veteran who was forced to accept an 'other than honorable' discharge due to his sexuality, later became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. before his assassination in 1978. An internal Navy memo revealed that the renaming aligns with President Donald Trump's and Hegseth's goals to 're-establish the warrior culture.' The timing — days after WorldPride celebrations in Washington, D.C. — has drawn intense backlash. 'The removal of Harvey Milk's name from a naval vessel — during Pride Month, no less — is absolutely shameful,' state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said in a statement when the news of the name change first emerged this month. 'Brave LGBTQ veterans worked for years to achieve the naming of a ship for Harvey. Now Trump and Hegseth are wiping it away due to straight-up bigotry.' The USNS Harvey Milk is one of 17 vessels built to honor civil rights heroes, including civil rights activist Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga.; Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy; women's rights activist Lucy Stone and abolitionist Sojourner Truth. 'Donald Trump's assault on veterans has hit a new low.' California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on social media this month. 'Harvey Milk wasn't just a civil rights icon — he was a Korean War combat veteran whose commander called him 'outstanding.' Stripping his name from a Navy ship won't erase his legacy as an American icon, but it does reveal Trump's contempt for the very values our veterans fight to protect.'
India Gazette
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
India's evolved appraoch to treat act of terror as war adds new dimension to operational outlook: Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Friday underlined India's evolving security landscape and the Indian Navy's preparedness to counter emerging threats. He said that the country's evolved approach to treat any act of terror as an act of war has added a new dimension to our operational outlook. Speaking at the Naval Investiture Ceremony 2025, held at Nausena Bhawan, Admiral Tripathi emphasised the vital role of naval personnel and their unwavering dedication to duty, stating that the Indian Navy's true power rests not in its advanced technology but in the spirit, skill, and commitment of its people. 'India's evolved approach to treat any act of terror as an act of war, has added a new dimension to our operational outlook. Today, a notice to motoring could well be a notice to conflict, and we must be prepared for this new normal,' he said. Recalling Operation Sindoor, he said Indian naval assets were swiftly deployed, showcasing operational readiness that helped deter adversarial actions. 'You all are well aware that during Operation Sindoor, our ships, submarines, and aircraft were operationally ready and deployed, projecting strength and preparedness to deter any potential actions from our Western adversary. This rapid and measured response not only showcased our strategic reach and maritime dominance but also sent a clear message of resolve, forcing our adversary to plead for a ceasefire ... I would say, just in time!' he added. Describing the Navy as the fastest-growing arm of India's defence forces, Admiral Tripathi highlighted its induction of cutting-edge platforms -- from unmanned systems and space-based assets to AI-powered technologies. 'The fastest-growing service, the Indian Navy is continuously enhancing its operational capabilities by embracing cutting-edge technologies and inducting state-of-the-art ships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems, space-based assets, and AI-driven platforms,' he said. Speaking at the Naval Investiture Ceremony, Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi said, 'Our greatest asset, therefore, is not the steel of our warships or the sophistication of our machines, but rather the skill, spirit and commitment of our trained and dedicated workforce. It is their professionalism and dedication that can transform capability into combat power, and platforms into instruments of national resolve.' Admiral Tripathi also extended his congratulations to the medal recipients and units honoured for their distinguished service, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship. 'I am delighted to be part of the Naval Investiture Ceremony 2025. At the outset, I would like to congratulate all the award winners, recipients of Unit Citations and Green Practices Trophy, for their commitment, hard work, diligence and dedication, in service of our Navy and the nation,' he said. 'The grandeur of this occasion perfectly reflects the honours we confer today, on the most deserving. Each medal awarded, each citation read, is not merely a recognition of gallantry, devotion to duty, and professional excellence; it stands as a powerful symbol of the Navy's enduring spirit, courage under fire, and unwavering commitment to service before self,' said Admiral Tripathi. Adding further, he said, 'Our awardees have demonstrated, what it truly means to serve with honour - whether in challenging operations at sea; executing complex missions in the air; conducting silent patrols beneath the sea; pursuing operational excellence or championing environmental stewardship, their actions embody the very essence of our Navy's ethos.' The Navy Chief said, 'As we navigate an era filled with complex and rapidly changing global security environment, the role of the Indian Navy is more critical than ever. The shifting geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, along with various ongoing conflicts worldwide, has significantly increased the frequency, diversity, and complexity of our tasks.' He said, 'As the fastest-growing service, the Indian Navy is continuously enhancing its operational capabilities by embracing cutting-edge technologies and inducting state-of-the-art ships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems, space-based assets, and Al-driven platforms. But, while technology and platforms are critical enablers, it is the personnel behind these systems, their professionalism and never-say-die spirit, that ensures our collective success.' 'Our greatest asset, therefore, is not the steel of our warships or the sophistication of our machines, but rather the skill, spirit and commitment, of our trained and dedicated work force. It is their professionalism and dedication that can transform capability into combat power, and platforms into instruments of national resolve,' said Admiral Tripathi. The Admiral said that the navy personnel have always risen to the occasion, countering every challenge with determination and tactical acumen and that their selfless service and unwavering commitment has brought laurels for the Indian Navy, and to our nation, time and again. He also mentioned about the significance of deep research and in-depth analysis in today's day and age. Emphasising the value of intellectual depth in modern warfare, the Navy Chief cited Voltaire, and said, 'No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking,' and encouraged continued emphasis on research, innovation and tactical agility. Emphasising the value of intellectual depth in modern warfare, the Navy Chief cited Voltaire, and said, 'As one of the award categories today aptly highlights, it is only through intellectual rigour, professional reading, and innovative thinking that we can stay tactically agile and operationally sharp. I will repeat what Voltaire had once said---'No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.' To the officers and sailors, Admiral Tripathi said, 'Your achievements inspire us all. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all medal recipients and nine units for their well-deserved recognition. Your conduct reflects the very best of naval tradition, and serves to remind us that excellence is not just an act, but a habit. I will urge you to keep pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks for others to follow.' Admiral Tripathi also expressed gratitude to the families of the navy personnel and said, 'Your constant support, strength, and encouragement are the unseen anchors that keep our personnel steady and resolute. Today's honours are as much yours as they are theirs. I congratulate and thank each one of you.' He also complimented the CPS and his Team for this well-planned and conducted maiden Investiture Ceremony at Nausena Bhawan. 'Let this Ceremony at new Nausena Bhawan be remembered not just as an event of honour and recognition, but as a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to professional excellence and our duty to the Nation,' he said. 'May the spirit of service before self, continue to guide each one of us as we nurture a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Ready Indian Navy - ready to protect and promote India's maritime interests - Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow,' concluded Admiral Tripathi. (ANI)
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hegseth renames USNS Harvey Milk during Pride Week, claims move isn't political
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that a U.S. Navy ship previously named after LGBTQ rights hero Harvey Milk will be renamed the USNS Oscar V. Peterson — a move he said was aimed at 'taking the politics out of ship-naming,' despite unveiling the decision just ahead of Pride Weekend. 'We're not renaming the ship to anything political,' Hegseth said in a video shared on social media. 'This is not about political activists — unlike the previous administration.' Milk, who served in the Navy during the Korean War, was forced to resign at the rank of lieutenant junior grade in 1955 after being questioned about his sexual orientation. He later made history as California's first openly gay elected official when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was assassinated inside City Hall the following year, just months after helping pass a landmark bill banning discrimination on sexual orientation in housing and employment. In 2016, the U.S. Navy announced it would name a ship after Milk. Construction began in late 2019, and two years later, Navy veteran Paula Neira christened the USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) during a ceremony in San Diego Bay attended by state and local leaders. Oscar V. Peterson, the ship's new namesake, was a World War II watertender who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during a 1942 Japanese attack on the USS Neosho in the Battle of the Coral Sea. A Navy escort ship named after him was decommissioned in 1965 after more than two decades of service. Earlier this month, after reports emerged that Hegseth had ordered Navy Secretary John Phelan to put together a team to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed the move as a 'shameful, vindictive erasure of those who fought to break down barriers for all to chase the American Dream.' _____
CBC
7 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
U.S. government cuts key hurricane forecasting data from satellites
Social Sharing Weather experts are warning that hurricane forecasts will be severely hampered by the upcoming cutoff of key data from U.S. Department of Defence satellites, the latest Trump administration move with potential consequences for the quality of forecasting. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said it would discontinue the "ingest, processing and distribution" of data collected by three weather satellites that the agency jointly runs with the Defense Department. The data is used by scientists, researchers and forecasters, including at the National Hurricane Center. It wasn't immediately clear why the government planned to cut off the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's microwave data by Monday. The Defence Department referred questions to the Air Force, which referred them to the Navy, which did not immediately provide comment. In a statement, NOAA spokesperson Kim Doster called it a "routine process of data rotation and replacement," and said the remaining data sources "are fully capable of providing a complete set of cutting-edge data and models that ensure the gold-standard weather forecasting the American people deserve." Data helps identify rapid intensification Traditional visible or infrared satellites provide data that becomes images showing the structure, intensity and temperature of a storm, according to NOAA information, along with features such as lightning. But those miss the three-dimensional details of a storm. The microwave data gives critical information that can't be gleaned from the conventional satellites, and helps peer under a regular image of a hurricane or a tropical cyclone to see what's going on inside. It is especially helpful at night. The news is especially noteworthy during the ongoing hurricane season and as lesser storms have become more frequent, deadly and costly as climate change is worsened by the burning of fossil fuels. WATCH | CBC meteorologist looks at what's in store for this year's hurricane season: CBC meteorologist Ashley Brauweiler breaks down this year's National Hurricane Centre forecast 1 month ago Duration 1:46 Microwave imagery allows researchers and forecasters to see the centre of the storm. Experts say that can help in detecting the rapid intensification of storms and in more accurately plotting the likely path of dangerous weather. "If a hurricane, let's say, is approaching the Gulf Coast, it's a day away from making landfall, it's nighttime," said Marc Alessi, a science fellow with the Union of Concerned Scientists. "We will no longer be able to say, 'OK, this storm is definitely undergoing rapid intensification, we need to update our forecasts to reflect that.' " Other microwave data will be available but only roughly half as much, hurricane specialist Michael Lowry said in a blog post. He said that greatly increases the odds that forecasters will miss rapid intensification, underestimate intensity or misplace the storm. That "will severely impede and degrade hurricane forecasts for this season and beyond, affecting tens of millions of Americans who live along its hurricane-prone shorelines," he said. Ending satellite access 'is insanity,' researcher says University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy called the loss of data "alarmingly bad news" in a post on Bluesky. "Microwave data are already relatively sparse, so any loss — even gradual as satellites or instruments fail — is a big deal; but to abruptly end three active functioning satellites is insanity." NOAA and its National Weather Service office have been the target of cuts and changes in U.S. President Donald Trump's second term. Already, hurricane forecasts were anticipated to be less accurate this year because weather balloons launches have been curtailed due to lack of staffing. "What happened this week is another attempt by the Trump administration to sabotage our weather and climate infrastructure," Alessi said. Canadian impact of NOAA cuts When the NOAA cuts were first announced earlier this year, Eddie Sheerr was among a growing number of Canadian scientists sounding the alarm about sweeping NOAA cuts made by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, then run by billionaire Elon Musk. Sheerr, a meteorologist with NTV in St. John's, said he uses NOAA's data and modelling "literally every day." "They have some of the best hurricane forecasters and meteorologists in the world. I rely on that data and their expertise heavily when tracking these tropical systems, as do meteorologists throughout the country," he said in a recent interview. "They provide life-saving information. Period." Sheerr said he was using NOAA data when he decided to phone Port aux Basques Mayor Brian Button the night before Fiona slammed into the community on Newfoundland's southwestern tip in September 2022. He said he figured people would tell the mayor they'd seen plenty of bad storms. "And I said, 'Brian, you haven't seen this before. And that's what you need to tell the residents.' " Sheerr urged Button to evacuate homes closest to the water, and Button took his advice. Fiona destroyed about 100 houses in the area and swept a woman out to sea. Data from NOAA makes Canadian forecasts and weather warnings more accurate, Sheerr said, adding that he worries the cuts will reduce the accuracy of forecasts and ultimately make it harder to predict the impacts of dangerous storms.
