Chinese Navy – China continues to try to encircle the US by acquiring port facilities at naval strategic choke points around the world.

• Washington Times: Inside the Ring

US Navy – The Naval Network Warfare Command is commissioned.

• Virginian Pilot: Navy unveils its network command
  

Russian Navy – A Russian ballistic missile submarine launches another satellite payload into orbit.

• Associated Press: Russia Launches Space Vehicle
  

Royal Navy – Repairs are underway aboard HMS Nottingham.

• BBC: Repairs begin on stricken Navy warship
  

Royal Marines – The commander of 3 Commando Brigade gives his opinion of what was achieved in Afghanistan.

• Ananova: Marine brigadier hits back at MoD critics

Background – Post-Saddam Iraq – The news this week has been buzzing with rumors of special operations already begun in Iraq, and an invasion of Iraq timed for early 2003. Here is a transcript of a recent Booknotes program on C-SPAN, featuring the author of “The Reckoning: Iraq and the Legacy of Saddam Hussein.” The author explains in great detail what the world can expect to happen to Iraq after Saddam is deposed.

• Booknotes: The Reckoning: Iraq and the Legacy of Saddam Hussein