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Alaska-class large cruiser USS Guam (CB-2) moored at Pearl Harbor on 21 February 1945. The port catapult and aircraft crane are trained over the side. Guam served only 29 months on active duty.

 

Alaska-class large cruiser USS Guam (CB-2) moored at Pearl Harbor on 21 February 1945. The port catapult and aircraft crane are trained over the side. Guam served only 29 months on active duty.

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HII Christens US Navy’s Third America Amphibious Assault Vessel – post includes photo of current build state

HII Ingalls Shipbuilding has christened the US Navy’s third America-class amphibious assault ship in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The USS Bougainville (LHA 8) is a multi-functional vessel that can deploy in obstructed conditions.

Its operational flexibility in various environments will further support the service’s expeditionary strike groups, amphibious-ready groups, and amphibious task forces.

The design of the LHA 8 was based on the enhanced Wasp-class amphibious assault ships. 

While other variants under the America class incorporate larger spaces to carry aviation fuel and aircraft, LHA 8’s structure has slightly smaller medical space and a hangar to fill in additional well deck area for small docking systems.

The ship’s island was also modified to support maintenance for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

The Pascagoula ceremony followed the vessel’s launch in October. HII received the $2.4 billion contract to build LHA 8 last year.

HII is expected to deliver the system to the US Navy by 2024.

USS Bougainville
America-class amphibious assault ship “Bougainville.” Photo: HII

Testament to Cooperation

LHA 8 is the second ship to bear the name of Bougainville Island in the Solomons.

Inspiration for adopting the title was the success of interoperability between the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and allied forces during World War II.

This coordination enabled warfighters to secure a strategic airfield in the northern Solomons, limiting the dominance of Japanese forces in the South Pacific.

“Today is not only a day to celebrate our namesake, representatives of the successful outcome of a World War II campaign, but also the teamwork and collaboration of our United States Navy and Marine Corps that enabled it,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson stated.

“To fulfill our mission here in the shipyard, our sailors and Marines serve as a stellar example of how this extended network works together to fulfill a bigger purpose.”

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Immortal: The history of 809 Naval Air Squadron, a unit being reborn again Alex Candlin 6th December 2023 at 1:47pm

Royal Navy FRS.1 Sea Harriers flying off the cost of the Falkland Islands (Picture: MOD/Crown Copyright)

809 Naval Air Squadron operated FRS.1 Sea Harriers during the Falklands War (Picture: MOD/Crown Copyright)

809 Naval Air Squadron has been disbanded five times in its history – but is being resurrected once again to become the first Royal Navy formation to fly the new F-35B Lightning.

Originally formed during the Second World War, 809 NAS received a number of battle honours ranging from the Arctic in 1941 to the Falklands in 1982.

809 NAS will be brought back on Friday 9 December and was chosen by former first sea lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas due to the squadron’s “illustrious history as a strike and attack squadron”.

809 NAS has been disbanded several times in its history, including after the Falklands conflict
809 NAS has been disbanded several times in its history, including after the Falklands conflict

With the motto “Immortal”, the squadron has earned its incredible reputation as it was called upon time and time again during some of Britain’s darkest hours.

Formed in 1941 at Royal Naval Air Station St Merryn, the squadron would go on to see action in some of the most crucial theatres of the conflict.

Aircrew from 809 NAS flying Fairey Fulmar fighters were used in support of the invasions of North Africa, Italy and the south of France.

They also fought alongside HMS Victorious in 1942, and later operated over the Indian Ocean against Japan in 1944.

After the war, the squadron continued to distinguish itself and saw action in the Suez Operation in 1956 using Sea Venom fighters.

It also flew the Blackburn Buccaneer, a low-level strike bomber that was operated by the Fleet Air Arm from 1965 to 1979.

The F-35 is currently flown by 617 Squadron, which draws from both RN and RAF personnel (Picture: MOD).
The F-35 is currently flown by 617 Squadron, which draws from both RN and RAF personnel (Picture: MOD)

When Great Britain found itself at war with Argentina in the Falklands, 809 Naval Air Squadron was once again called upon.

Reformed in 1982, the squadron was brought back specifically to fly Sea Harriers from HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible during the conflict.

The squadron was decommissioned in December of that same year. During the conflict, none of its Harriers was lost.

Watch: F-35B trials underway on HMS Prince of Wales

In the next chapter of 809 Naval Air Squadron’s story, the crews will be operating one of the most advanced fighter planes in the world.

The unit is being resurrected to fly the new fifth-generation stealth F-35B Lightning.

The aircraft is capable of ground attack, air superiority and air-to-air combat roles.

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Guided-missile Destroyer USS Mason Shoots Downs Drone in Red Sea – By: Sam LaGrone December 6, 2023 11:38 AM • Updated: December 6, 2023 2:43 PM

USS Mason (DDG-87) sails in the Atlantic Ocean June 27, 2023. US Navy Photo

This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87) shot down a drone in the Red Sea on Wednesday, just days after USS Carney (DDG-64) downed three drones launched from Yemen, a defense official confirmed to USNI News.

“We can confirm the USS Mason shot down an uncrewed aerial vehicle originating from Houthi controlled areas of Yemen at 10:20 a.m. (Yemen time) Dec. 6 in the southern Red Sea,” a defense official told USNI News in an email. “There was no damage or injury to U.S. equipment or personnel.”

Carney and Mason are part of the U.S. naval forces that have been on station following the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

On Sunday, Carney shot down the drones in the Red Sea while responding to distress signals from merchant ships.

Houthi forces have been targeting commercial ships linked to Israel, according the group’s public statements.

In the statement, CENTCOM described the Sunday attacks as “a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.”

“They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world. We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” the statement reads.

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First Royal Navy squadron to operate advanced F-35 jets to be stood up on Friday –

RAF F-35B aircraft waiting to be refuelled over the Baltic Region Ex Ruska 23 28092023 CREDIT MOD

The F-35 is currently flown by 617 Squadron, which draws from both RN and RAF personnel

One of the most advanced fighter planes ever constructed is set to be operated by a Royal Navy formation for the first time.

Originally formed in 1941, 809 Naval Air Squadron has been resurrected to fly the new F-35B Lightning.

The F-35B squadron will be stood up on Friday.

‘A phoenix is rising from the flames’

Dating back to the Second World War, 809 Naval Air Squadron was selected by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, because of its illustrious history as a strike and attack squadron.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Royal Navy said: “Lightning is forecast this Friday… A phoenix is rising from the flames… Are you ready for the Immortals? Friday, December 8, 2023, RAF Marham.”

The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth jet that is capable of ground attack, air superiority and air-to-air combat – all of which will be carried out by the pilots of 809 Naval Air Squadron.

The squadron first saw action in 1941 in the Arctic, operating the Fairey Fulmar, going on to serve in Malta, North Africa, Salerno, the south of France, the Aegean, Burma, Suez and the Falklands.

It was decommissioned in December 1982, with its eight Sea Harriers having served in the Falklands conflict – with none being lost.

RAF F35-B 2 Marham DATE 22112022 CREDIT RAF.jpg
The F-35B is capable of conducting air-to-surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering and air-to-air missions simultaneously (Picture: RAF).

The UK’s current fleet of F-35Bs is operated by 617 Squadron, which draws its personnel from both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The fleet of F-35s is being maintained and supported by Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems thanks to a £161m contract.

The deal looks to support the F-35 fleet until 2027, allowing the UK more freedom to operate the aircraft, increase the number of flying hours and deliver mission planning, training and maintenance.

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The Roman Amphibious Invasion of Britain When the legions of Emperor Claudius stormed the British coast in 43 AD, it heralded centuries of Roman rule at the farthest fringes of the Empire—courtesy of an epic logistical operation of staggering proportions. By Steven Iacono December 2023 Naval History Magazine

When most people think about ancient Rome, it is likely they are picturing huge stone amphitheaters, gladiators, and roving armies. However, it is the massive and almost immeasurable unseen logistical efforts of the Empire that demonstrate the true genius of Rome. Much has been written about Rome’s legions and the wars they fought across a territory that covered more than 1.5 million square miles—from modern-day Britain in the west to Iraq in the east. Yet these military operations would not have been possible without naval logistics on a grand scale, since the movement of men and matériel by sea was often swifter and more efficient as compared to land routes.

The Roman Empire’s invasion of Britain required organization and planning on a grand scale; it marked the beginning of four and a half decades of conquest, as Rome extended its reach ever farther inland and established the province of Britannia.
The Roman Empire’s invasion of Britain required organization and planning on a grand scale; it marked the beginning of four and a half decades of conquest, as Rome extended its reach ever farther inland and established the province of Britannia. Alamy

In the year 43 AD, Rome invaded Britain, a feat that required a staggering movement of troops, horses, grain, and equipment. The difficulties and complexities associated with amphibious warfare are immense. Today it would require extensive use of computers, electronic communications, tide charts, weather predictions, and thousands of other variables, but the Romans had no such capacity. What they did have was an exceptional level of organization—which made for a relentless method of warfare.

Historians note various reasons for the Roman invasion of Britain, including Emperor Claudius’s need for prestige, new avenues for taxation, access to natural resources, and regional politics. But the baseline is that the early Roman Empire was focused on expansionism. Assimilating peoples and nations brought resources, slaves, land, and taxes into the coffers. With these attainments in mind, four Roman legions totaling approximately 20,000 troops were dispatched to Britain’s shores in nearly 1,000 ships.

Many sources put the entire force—including servants, slaves and auxiliary combat detachments—at between 35,000 and 40,000. Before the invasion these troops were moved up from Central and Southern Europe, a sizable task. Researchers estimate that the average Roman soldier had 54 to 100 pounds of equipment, which would have created a significant baggage train of wagons and mules—all needing transport by ship.

Emperor Claudius had numerous motivations for invading Britain—prestige, wealth, the expansion of the Empire’s borders. The massive logistical demands of the invasion, which would have required lengthy and Herculean levels of preparation, testified to his determinedness.
Emperor Claudius had numerous motivations for invading Britain—prestige, wealth, the expansion of the Empire’s borders. The massive logistical demands of the invasion, which would have required lengthy and Herculean levels of preparation, testified to his determinedness. Alamy

In addition, the army, and the individual soldiers, routinely had slaves and servants who traveled with them during combat operations. Estimates range between 400 and 1,400 per legion, thus four legions would have brought along 1,600 to 5,600 additional persons needing to be transported.

The movement of troops and personnel was enormous, but the amount of shipping needed was even greater, as a large number of horses, mules, and other animals would have accompanied them to carry equipment and serve the cavalry. It is estimated that the average legion required 1,400 mules, which would mean at least 5,600 needed for the invasion. Some researchers put that number at upwards of 10,000. Since the Romans made use of heavy siege tools and battlefield artillery (carroballistae, onagers/catapults, towers, and rams), this number is not outside the realm of possibility. Artillery likely comprised a large portion of a typical military baggage train. There are historical references indicating a Roman legion might have 60 to 65 pieces of artillery. Each legion thus would require 70 wagons and 160 animals for these weapons and their ammunition, equating to 280 wagons and 640 animals. A mule weighs between 800 and 1,000 pounds, thus adding a substantial increase in the aggregate need for shipping.

In addition, each legion usually had a detachment of approximately 150 to 400 cavalry (equites legionis) who were often used for reconnaissance and screening. It would seem that initially 600 to 1,600 horses would be needed, but spares also would have been required because of attrition stemming from accidents, combat, and disease. Adding to this, senior officers likely had more than one horse.

Expansionist Rome had been casting a covetous eye on Britain for quite some time. In 55—54 BC, Julius Caesar (far left) had invaded twice, but no lasting Roman presence had resulted. And Claudius’s notoriously bizarre emperor-predecessor Gaius (left), better known as Caligula, had made ambitious plans to invade as well, but they came to naught.
Expansionist Rome had been casting a covetous eye on Britain for quite some time. In 55—54 BC, Julius Caesar (far left) had invaded twice, but no lasting Roman presence had resulted. And Claudius’s notoriously bizarre emperor-predecessor Gaius (left), better known as Caligula, had made ambitious plans to invade as well, but they came to naught. Public Domain; New Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen

The transport of horses by ship is a delicate process that requires special attention to loading and unloading, especially for an amphibious landing. Ancient sources observed the negative impact of moving animals by sea. There is also the possibility that elephants were part of the invasion force. A substantial amount of food/fodder for animals would have been shipped, because the Romans would not have known what kind of reception they would receive upon landing on the shores of Britain; free-grazing might not be possible. When Julius Caesar had made a brief invasion of the island nearly a century before, his forces met with immediate armed resistance on the beach, and they soon returned to the continent. It was one of the first recorded mentions in history of ship-to-shore fire.

All armies march on their stomachs, and Rome’s was no exception. In a time when the average citizen had a rather limited diet, soldiers are known to have had quite a bit of variety. Their ration consisted mainly of grain (the frumentum) for bread and other foodstuffs (the cibaria). Research has shown that cattle, pigs, cheese, beans, oil, and wine, along with numerous fruits and vegetables, were frequently consumed in garrisons.

Four Roman legions totaling some 20,000 troops took part in the invasion—but factoring in auxiliary combat detachments, servants, slaves, and camp followers, the invasion involved an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 individuals.
Four Roman legions totaling some 20,000 troops took part in the invasion—but factoring in auxiliary combat detachments, servants, slaves, and camp followers, the invasion involved an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 individuals. Alamy

It cannot be presumed that troops on the move in combat would eat like those stationed in garrisons, but also it is unlikely that grain/bread could sustain tens of thousands of men burning through large sums of daily calories for long periods of time. Herds of animals likely were brought along to provide meat, again increasing the need for transport. It has been calculated that a six-month supply of grain for 40,000 personnel would have weighed 6,967 tons (nearly 14 million pounds). A few decades prior to the invasion of Britain, when the Roman Army was fighting in Germany, the soldiers likely were consuming 25 tons of wheat and 7.5 tons of other foods, as well as nearly 25 tons of barley for their animals—each day. The cross-sea provision of food for the soldiers in Britain must have been a monumental naval task in and of itself.

It is not known exactly when in 43 AD the invasion took place, but sources point to late spring or early summer. The southeastern coast of Britain is not known for its fine weather and hospitable currents even during the warmer months. Caesar’s earlier invasion was greatly delayed due to gales. Sea temperatures in May are in the low 50s. Air temperatures are in the upper 50s to low 60s, with nights in the mid- to upper 40s, which is important to note, since Caesar’s brief prior invasion force likely had arrived at night. This allowed for a full day’s worth of daylight for the landing and disembarkation. However, this also meant that the soldiers and animals were in open-air ships for several hours during the crossing and prior to landing. It is likely that the arrival of the invasion force in 43 AD also occurred at night. This would have required an enormous amount of planning, coordination, and signaling of various forms to keep the fleet operating in unison.

Sources note that the invasion likely required 724 to 1,041 ships. Even if it took multiple trips (and thus fewer vessels) to get all of the troops and equipment across, it was still a sizable fleet. Estimates are that a single ship could hold 80 to 120 personnel or 30 horses. The number of trees needing to be felled, and the lead time to build these vessels, is staggering. Reconstruction archaeology of a small Roman riverine patrol boat, which would have held 20 to 22 people and weighed six tons, required 18 trees. The average weight of a Roman cargo vessel was between 33 and 44 tons. Thus, building nearly 1,000 would have consumed tens of thousands of trees. Needless to say, the creation of such a fleet was an industrial undertaking with regard to felling, prepping, and moving of timber.

It is known that the Romans would transport timber across great distances when necessary, and the legions may well have participated in this process. That makes sense, since it literally would require a well-organized army to accomplish such an enormous task. There are many historical references to the use of the army for building bridges, aqueducts, fortifications, and roads. For example, the 72-mile-long fortification line known as Hadrian’s Wall was built in Britain by the legions in the early part of the 2nd century.

One result of the conquest was the creation of the Classis Britannica—Rome’s provincial British naval fleet. In a sense, the Classis Britannica was a harbinger—an ancient precursor to the great naval power Britain someday would become.
One result of the conquest was the creation of the Classis Britannica—Rome’s provincial British naval fleet. In a sense, the Classis Britannica was a harbinger—an ancient precursor to the great naval power Britain someday would become. Public Domain

Greco-Roman shipbuilders were keenly aware of the specific properties and hardiness of different types of wood. Analysis of three Roman cargo vessels found in the harbor of Naples, Italy, noted that many different types of trees were used in each one depending on their various properties of sturdiness, straightness, and resistance to decay in water.

As for other needs, several years before invading Britain the previous emperor, Gaius (known as Caligula), had contemplated the endeavor and ordered the initial preparations for the attack, including the building of ships. He also built portions of the naval port at Gesoriacum (modern day Bolougne) and its lighthouse—all of which likely played a role in 43 AD.

The Roman invasion of Britain required a massive logistical effort that must have taken years to prepare. Each individual supply requirement (food, ships, lumber, horses, etc.) was an astronomical task in and of itself. Roman naval forces were able not only to provide for a successful amphibious assault, but also to sustain it for months and years to come. Over time, this would become the nucleus for the Classis Britannica, one of the few Roman fleets outside of the Mediterranean. For the next three and a half centuries, Britain would be colonized and ruled by Rome as a vassal nation.

Sources:

E. Allevato, E. Russo Ermolli, G. Boetto, and G. Di Pasquale, “Pollen-wood Analysis at the Neapolis Harbour Site (1st–3rd Century AD, Southern Italy) and Its Archaeobotanical Implications,” Journal of Archaeological Science 37, no. 9 (September 2010): 2365–2375.

R. W. Davies, “The Supply of Animals to the Roman Army and the Remount System,” Latomus 28, no. 2 (April-June 1969): 429–59.

Cassius Dio, Historia Romana, book 60, penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/60*.html.

Adrian Goldsworthy, The Complete Roman Army (London: Thames & Hudson, 2003).

Adrian Goldsworthy, The Roman Army at War, 100 BC–AD 200 (Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press, 1996).

Gerald Grainge, The Roman Channel Crossing of AD 43: The Constraints on Claudius’s Naval Strategy (Oxford, UK: Archaeopress, 2002).

Peter Kehne, “War and Peacetime Logistics: Supplying Imperial Armies in East and West,” in Paul Erdkamp, ed., A Companion to the Roman Army (London: Blackwell-Wiley, 2007).

David Mason, Roman Britain and the Roman Navy (Gloucestershire, UK: History Press, 2009).

Russell Meiggs, “Sea-borne Timber Supplies to Rome” Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome 36 (1980): 185–96.

Russell Meiggs, Trees and Timber in the Ancient Mediterranean World (Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press. 1982).

“Logbook of Shipbuilding: Reconstruction of a Late Roman Danube Ship,” interreg-danube.eu/approved-projects/living-danube-limes/section/logbook-of-shipbuilding.

Michael Pavkovic, “The Legionary Horsemen: An Essay on the Equites Legionis and Equites Promoti,” doctoral thesis, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1991, scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/e186ff6a-c917-482b-87f1-db69beb5a744.

Jonathan Roth, The Logistics of the Roman Army at War, 264 BC–AD 235 (Leiden, NL: Brill Publishing, 1999).

Jonathan Roth, “The Size and Organization of the Roman Imperial Legion,” Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte 43, no. 3 (Fall 1994): 346–62.

Rose Mary Sheldon, “Caesar, Intelligence, and Ancient Britain, International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence 15, no. 1 (2002): 77–100.

Richard Thomas and Sue Stallibrass, eds., Feeding the Roman Army: The Archaeology of Production and Supply in NW Europe (Oxford, UK: Oxbow Books, 2008).

Jorit Wintjes, “Technology with an Impact: Field Artillery in the Ancient World, Vulcan 3, no. 1 (May 2015): 19–41.

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