Guest author William Bayless: William spent 9 years on active duty Navy as an analyst with 2 years aboard the USS John F. Kennedy and duty stations in Maryland and the United Kingdom. He has an MBA as well as a two year degree in Information Systems and a solid foundation of basic cyber security principles and concepts.
The U.S. Navy’s 2nd fleet will be back and operational as of July 1, 2018 to counter a resurgent Russian Navy that has been on the rise for a number of years. The United States, along with NATO, seeks to counter this rise in Russian military power by shifting their focus from counterinsurgency, which has been the main focus of the United States since 9/11, to a strategy of containing a Russia and China that have had the advantage of catching up with American and NATO forces in terms of military strength, capabilities and global reach.
The U.S. Navy has divided areas of responsibility to different numbered fleets. Its 2nd fleet is operating out of Norfolk, VA, and has an area of responsibility that stretches from the East Coast of the United States to approximately halfway across the Atlantic where it meets with U.S. 6th Fleet based in Naples, Italy. Navy 5th fleet is based out of Bahrain, and 3rd fleet is based out of San Diego while 7th fleet is based out of Japan.
According to both American and Russian sources, the level of activity of Russian naval vessels and patrols has reached levels that have not been seen since the Cold War. Admiral Vladimir Korolyov, former Commander of Russia’s Northern Fleet, is on record saying that his submarines are spending as much time on patrols as they were just before the end of the Cold War. Admiral Korolyov is now in charge of the Russian Navy and has stated that the priority of the Northern Fleet is the exploration of the Arctic and safeguarding the interests of Russia in that region of the world.
The Arctic is a region that may become more and more strategically important as time passes. There are vast natural resources and of course the Northern Route which could potentially rival other sea routes for shipping, so Russia has a large interest in both the Arctic and in naval dominance. Countering the United States is also a high national priority for the Russians. The United States is the largest threat to their interests, so it seems we may be headed into another Cold War-type scenario where both forces are trying to gather intelligence, testing, and harassing one another.
Chief of Naval Forces Europe, James Foggo III, has stated that, “Once again, an effective, skilled, and technologically advanced Russian submarine force is challenging us. Russian submarines are prowling the Atlantic, testing our defenses, confronting our command of the seas, and preparing the complex underwater battlespace to give them an edge in any future conflict.”
The rise in Russian naval power is part of Russia’s interest in having their own capable naval force to project power from the sea to serve several purposes. First, to counter the American Navy and to project an image of strength from the sea much like the United States is able to project power by deploying capable and technologically sophisticated attacks anywhere in the world. The uptick in Russian naval activity is consistent with an overall strategy of Russia to be a more influential force in world politics and conflicts.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
More from SOFREP
Most Read
Leadership Under Fire: Recent Dismissals of Two High-Ranking Military Commanders
2Army Major Accused of Sexual Offenses Against At Least 20 Victims Over 3 Year Period
3The US Pilot Who Became Friends With The Serb Who Shot Him Down
4SOFREP Daily: Ukraine Launches Biggest Drone Strike, North Korea’s GPS Manipulation, US Strikes Houthi Weapon Storage
5Former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy Elected to US Senate
Recent Comments
Join SOFREP Team Room for Insider Access and Analysis
Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff
SUBSCRIBE NOW
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.