Ex-Navy Sailor Sentenced to 16 Years for Spying for China

The **U.S. Navy** is the naval warfare branch of the United States Armed Forces, tasked with recruiting, training, equipping, and organizing combat-ready naval forces to win conflicts, maintain maritime security, and project power globally. Its mission centers on sea control, power projection, deterrence, maritime security, and sealift, enabling the U.S. to sustain a forward presence worldwide and protect national interests[4]. Founded in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War, the Navy has evolved into a technologically advanced force with over **400,000 personnel** and around **480 ships** in total, including approximately **243 active fleet units** as of 2024–2025. The fleet is dominated by nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, especially the newer Ford-class replacing aging Nimitz-class supercarriers, and a large destroyer fleet expected to number about 80 in 2025, representing nearly 30% of total naval strength[2][4][1]. The submarine force is also significant, contributing roughly a quarter of the Navy’s combat power. Key recent achievements include the Navy’s active roles in two distinct theaters: high-tempo warfare against missile and drone threats in the Middle East, and modernization efforts in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s growing naval presence. The Navy has successfully deployed cutting-edge weaponry such as directed energy systems and autonomous platforms, marking a shift toward integrating artificial intelligence and robotic systems into operations[3][1]. Facing challenges like a constrained shipbuilding industry and budget pressures, the Navy aims to expand its fleet to 381 ships, including manned and unmanned vessels, with ongoing investments in advanced technologies and shipbuilding efficiency. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan emphasizes cost reduction and readiness improvement as priorities to maintain U.S. naval superiority amid rising global competition[5]. Notably, the U.S. Navy is a leader in business and technology innovation within defense, continuously upgrading its capabilities to remain at the forefront of maritime warfare and security well

**The USS Essex Association** is a veteran-led organization uniting former sailors and Marines who served aboard the historic U.S. Navy ships named USS Essex, fostering camaraderie, preserving legacy, and honoring naval service through memberships, reunions, and shared history.[1][6] Founded to carry forward the "spirit of Essex"—exemplified by service to country, Navy, citizens, freedom, and peace—the Association supports shipmates from two iconic vessels: the World War II-era aircraft carrier **USS Essex (CV/CVA/CVS-9)** and the modern amphibious assault ship **USS Essex (LHD-2)**.[1] The CV-9, lead ship of its 24-vessel Essex-class commissioned in December 1942, revolutionized naval aviation with its capacity for larger aircraft amid rising Pacific threats.[3][5][7] It spearheaded Task Force operations, earning **14 Battle Stars** for strikes on Marcus Island, Wake, Rabaul, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Truk (sinking eight Japanese ships), Marianas, Palau, and Mindanao, plus four more in Korea as flagship for TF 77—the first to launch F2H Banshees in combat.[2][3][5] Modernized with an angled flight deck in 1951, it served through NATO exercises, antisubmarine warfare, and Middle East operations until decommissioning in 1969.[2][3] The **LHD-2**, second Wasp-class ship commissioned in 1992, excels as flagship for Amphibious Ready Groups, deploying Marines, helicopters, and F-35B jets for power projection.[4][8] Key achievements include 2018-2022 deployments across 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets, supporting Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel, joint exercises like CARAT and Noble Fusion, and South China Sea operations with Carrier Strike Groups

**Naval Base San Diego: America's Premier Pacific Fleet Hub** Naval Base San Diego stands as the **world's second largest surface ship naval base** and serves as the principal homeport of the United States Pacific Fleet.[3] Established in 1922, the facility has evolved into a critical strategic asset for U.S. naval operations across the Pacific and beyond.[5] The base operates across 1,600 acres of land and 326 acres of water, divided into 13 piers and organized into "wet" and "dry" operational sections.[3] The wet side houses the primary operational infrastructure, including 70 Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity workshops and fleet vessels, while the dry side accommodates administrative functions, medical facilities, training centers, and personnel housing.[2] Currently, Naval Base San Diego serves as homeport to approximately 54-56 ships, including 46 U.S. Navy vessels, two Littoral Combat Ships, two U.S. Coast Guard cutters, and eight Military Sealift Command ships.[2][3] The base hosts over 150 separate tenant commands and support facilities, employing approximately 26,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel.[3] Beyond ship operations, the base provides comprehensive fleet support services. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) functions as the single point of contact for ship maintenance throughout the San Diego region, overseeing both contracted maintenance and depot-level repairs.[6] The Defense Distribution Depot handles supply chain operations including preservation, packing, and reclassification of goods across multiple categories.[2] The Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility manages air, surface, and subsurface activities across California offshore ranges.[2] The base's mission extends to personnel welfare, offering medical and dental care, family services, educational programs, and modern residential facilities housing over 4,

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a premier law enforcement agency in the United States, renowned for its role in protecting the nation from domestic and international threats. Founded on July 26, 1908, as the Bureau of Investigation, it was initially tasked with addressing land fraud and corporate malfeasance under President Theodore Roosevelt[1][2]. Over time, its mandate expanded significantly, particularly with the passage of the Mann Act in 1910, which allowed federal jurisdiction over certain moral offenses[1][4]. ### History and Evolution The FBI underwent significant transformation under J. Edgar Hoover, who became its director in 1924. Hoover implemented strict hiring standards and enhanced operational capabilities, transforming the agency into a robust investigative force[1][4]. The FBI's name was officially changed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1935[5][6]. Throughout its history, the FBI has faced challenges, including concerns about potential abuses of power, but it has consistently demonstrated its value in national security and law enforcement[3][4]. ### Key Achievements The FBI has been instrumental in combating various crimes, including white-collar offenses, civil rights violations, and national security threats. Notable achievements include its role in enforcing the Espionage Act during World War I and its investigations into organized crime throughout the 20th century[2][4]. ### Current Status Today, the FBI is a sophisticated agency with over 37,100 employees, including special agents and professionals in various fields such as intelligence analysis and cybersecurity[5]. It operates in 55 field offices across the U.S. and has an international presence in 81 nations[5]. The FBI continues to evolve, addressing emerging threats like cybercrime and terrorism while maintaining its commitment to justice and integrity. ### Notable Aspects The FBI is known for its rigorous training programs at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and its advanced forensic capabilities at the FBI Laboratory. Its work in business and technology includes