US Navy – Navy says training could kill dozens of sea mammals

– Virginian Pilot – Navy testing and training could kill dozens of dolphins, whales and other sea mammals and injure thousands more over the next five years, according to the service’s own analysis. But while environmental groups say those estimates only scratch the surface of the impact that sonar and explosives can have on sea life, the Navy believes that most of those injuries would be temporary, that the numbers will likely be lower and that the long-term effects on the species will be negligible.

US Navy – U.S. Navy Expanding Simulator Use To Cut Costs

– Aviation Week – The US Navy’s aviation simulation master plan for 2020 calls for progressively boosting the fidelity of individual simulators among Navy aircraft as well as the connectivity between simulators located anywhere. Rather than eliminate live aircraft training, the simulator plan is designed to cautiously and progressively increase the amount of cost-saving virtual training while maintaining enough in-aircraft practice to ensure safety.

Chinese Navy – Chinese warship nearly collided with USS Cowpens

– Stars and Stripes – On Dec. 5, a Chinese warship nearly collided with a U.S. Navy guided missile cruiser, according to U.S. Pacific Fleet. “While lawfully operating in international waters in the South China Sea, USS Cowpens (CG 63) and a PLA Navy vessel had an encounter that required maneuvering to avoid a collision. This incident underscores the need to ensure the highest standards of professional seamanship, including communications between vessels, to mitigate the risk of an unintended incident or mishap,” PACFLT said in a statement.

Chinese Navy – China Uses ADIZ As Part Of Buffer-Building Strategy

– Aviation Week – East Asia and the U.S. had better get used to this sort of thing. China’s heavy-handed declaration of an unusually demanding air defense identification zone (ADIZ) is only one in a series of moves in which the country will gradually try to exert control over its maritime approaches. Worryingly, it may also be an early example of China’s Communist Party contriving to raise international tension as a means of rallying popular support at home.

French Navy – French Aircraft Carrier deploys to Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, will train with U.S. Navy

– Navy Recognition – The French Navy announced its carrier battle group (CVBG) just deployed for Operation “Bois Belleau”. The group is centered on the French Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91). Its escort is consists in the Horizon class AAW Destroyer Forbin (D620), the Georges Leygues class anti-submarine Frigate Jean de Vienne (D643), the Durance class replenishment oiler Meuse (A607) and Rubis class SSN (nuclear-powered attack submarine)