Episode 758: Mid Month Free for All

Blockades, 11-month deployments, the Vietnam War, shipbuilding plans, and some love for our friends from The Philippines…a full plate for a Midrats Free for All.SummaryThis episode covers the recent return of the USS Gerald Ford after a 326-day deployment, the significance of naval operations, shipbuilding plans, and geopolitical considerations in the Indo-Pacific region. The hosts analyze naval readiness, technological advancements, and strategic challenges facing the US Navy.Show LinksFORD Carrier Strike Group receives Presidential Unit Citation.USS Mahan (DDG-72) returns from deploymentUSS Midway (CV-41) off Vietnam 1973Easter Offensive of 1972Hong Kong’s Mary SooExecutive Orders:141921426514269Latest Shipbuilding PlanDecades-long requirement for a nuclear powered escortMobilize: How to Reboot the American Industrial Base and Stop World War III,by Shyam Sankar and Madeline HartEpisode 393: Building the right carrier; heavy, medium, or light with Tal ManvelBalikatan 2026China, the unwanted guestChapters00:00: Introduction and Overview of the USS Gerald Ford’s Deployment10:01: Lessons Learned from the USS Gerald Ford’s Deployment14:24: Historical Context of Carrier Deployments22:29: Life on Deployment: Experiences and Morale30:27: Current Naval Operations and Future Considerations33:02: The Ongoing Naval Operations in the Persian Gulf38:55: Challenges in Aircraft Carrier Deployment44:47: The Future of Shipbuilding and Naval Assets50:54: The Role of Nuclear Power in Modern Naval Warfare56:52: International Naval Cooperation and Exercises