Stories about Ships | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

The war in the Gulf and blockade of the The war in the Gulf and blockade of the straight of Hormuz has highlighted the straight of Hormuz has highlighted the straight of Hormuz has highlighted the importance of ships, not just warships, importance of ships, not just warships, importance of ships, not just warships, but cargo vessels like those carrying but cargo vessels like those carrying but cargo vessels like those carrying oil or gas. But as we first reported in oil or gas. But as we first reported in oil or gas. But as we first reported in March, American ship building is in March, American ship building is in March, American ship building is in shambles due to decades of short-sighted shambles due to decades of short-sighted shambles due to decades of short-sighted policies and neglect. Our submarine policies and neglect. Our submarine policies and neglect. Our submarine building program is sluggish. And our building program is sluggish. And our building program is sluggish. And our commercial ship building is nearly commercial ship building is nearly commercial ship building is nearly extinct. extinct. extinct. China makes roughly a thousand cargo China makes roughly a thousand cargo China makes roughly a thousand cargo ships a year. The US maybe three. ships a year. The US maybe three. ships a year. The US maybe three. The Trump administration has called this The Trump administration has called this The Trump administration has called this a national security crisis. But can this a national security crisis. But can this a national security crisis. But can this ship be turned around? This is the Philadelphia shipyard, one This is the Philadelphia shipyard, one of only two left in the US, building of only two left in the US, building of only two left in the US, building large commercial cargo ships. Once a large commercial cargo ships. Once a large commercial cargo ships. Once a symbol of American might and innovation, symbol of American might and innovation, symbol of American might and innovation, ships built here helped win our ships built here helped win our ships built here helped win our independence in the 18th century and independence in the 18th century and independence in the 18th century and World War II in the 20th.

World War II in the 20th. World War II in the 20th. >> $8 million worth of floating defense. >> $8 million worth of floating defense. >> $8 million worth of floating defense. >> This shipyard has become a symbol of >> This shipyard has become a symbol of >> This shipyard has become a symbol of American industrial decline, a money American industrial decline, a money American industrial decline, a money loser falling decades behind our global loser falling decades behind our global loser falling decades behind our global rivals. rivals. rivals. And it still uses a crane from 1942. And it still uses a crane from 1942. And it still uses a crane from 1942. Now, talk about a metaphor of how far Now, talk about a metaphor of how far Now, talk about a metaphor of how far behind we are. behind we are. behind we are. >> A lot of times, people call it a >> A lot of times, people call it a >> A lot of times, people call it a dinosaur. dinosaur. dinosaur. >> What else is a dinosaur? >> What else is a dinosaur? >> What else is a dinosaur? >> Almost everything that you've seen out >> Almost everything that you've seen out >> Almost everything that you've seen out there. there. there. >> David Kim, the new head of the Philly >> David Kim, the new head of the Philly >> David Kim, the new head of the Philly shipyard, showed us around. He works for shipyard, showed us around. He works for shipyard, showed us around. He works for Hanoa, a giant ship maker from South Hanoa, a giant ship maker from South Hanoa, a giant ship maker from South Korea, the country making most ships Korea, the country making most ships Korea, the country making most ships after China. Hanoa bought the yard in after China. Hanoa bought the yard in after China. Hanoa bought the yard in 2024 for $und00 million, then poured in 2024 for $und00 million, then poured in 2024 for $und00 million, then poured in another hundred million and tasked Kim, another hundred million and tasked Kim, another hundred million and tasked Kim, a Korean American born and bred in Texas a Korean American born and bred in Texas a Korean American born and bred in Texas to bring it into the 21st century. to bring it into the 21st century. to bring it into the 21st century. >> How many ships do you actually make >> How many ships do you actually make >> How many ships do you actually make here?

here? here? >> Here at the Han Philly Shipyard, we >> Here at the Han Philly Shipyard, we >> Here at the Han Philly Shipyard, we deliver one to one and a half ships a deliver one to one and a half ships a deliver one to one and a half ships a year versus our yard in Korea where they year versus our yard in Korea where they year versus our yard in Korea where they deliver basically one a week. deliver basically one a week. deliver basically one a week. >> What? One a year for delivery versus one >> What? One a year for delivery versus one >> What? One a year for delivery versus one a week. a week. a week. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> That's correct. >> Not building ships in the US is >> Not building ships in the US is >> Not building ships in the US is considered a national security threat considered a national security threat considered a national security threat because if there's a conflict with because if there's a conflict with because if there's a conflict with China, for instance, Beijing could China, for instance, Beijing could China, for instance, Beijing could weaponize its substantial merchant fleet weaponize its substantial merchant fleet weaponize its substantial merchant fleet and cut us off from global goods. Hanoa and cut us off from global goods. Hanoa and cut us off from global goods. Hanoa plans to spend $5 billion in Philly and plans to spend $5 billion in Philly and plans to spend $5 billion in Philly and has already sent 50 trainers from Korea has already sent 50 trainers from Korea has already sent 50 trainers from Korea to teach American workers. to teach American workers. to teach American workers. >> Our aspiration is to get to up to 20 >> Our aspiration is to get to up to 20 >> Our aspiration is to get to up to 20 ships a year here at the shipyard. ships a year here at the shipyard. ships a year here at the shipyard. >> So, we come back in two years. How >> So, we come back in two years. How >> So, we come back in two years. How different will it look? different will it look? different will it look? >> You will see robots. You will see >> You will see robots. You will see >> You will see robots. You will see automation equipment. And we're looking automation equipment. And we're looking automation equipment. And we're looking to grow the workforce by call it 7 to to grow the workforce by call it 7 to to grow the workforce by call it 7 to 10,000 people. Sounds great. Only 10,000 people. Sounds great. Only 10,000 people. Sounds great. Only there's a huge shortage in the US of there's a huge shortage in the US of there's a huge shortage in the US of skilled labor in ship building, skilled labor in ship building, skilled labor in ship building, including welders and pipe fitters.

including welders and pipe fitters. including welders and pipe fitters. This work is grueling. Freezing in This work is grueling. Freezing in This work is grueling. Freezing in winter, scorching in summer, and it's winter, scorching in summer, and it's winter, scorching in summer, and it's dangerous. And while the yard has a dangerous. And while the yard has a dangerous. And while the yard has a training program, it can only train 20 training program, it can only train 20 training program, it can only train 20 or so new hires at a time, and it takes or so new hires at a time, and it takes or so new hires at a time, and it takes three years. Still, apprentices Justin, three years. Still, apprentices Justin, three years. Still, apprentices Justin, Jeff, and Meg told us this beats their Jeff, and Meg told us this beats their Jeff, and Meg told us this beats their old jobs. old jobs. old jobs. >> I worked at Amazon as a grocery picker. >> I worked at Amazon as a grocery picker. >> I worked at Amazon as a grocery picker. >> Before this job, I was a cake decorator >> Before this job, I was a cake decorator >> Before this job, I was a cake decorator at a bakery at a bakery at a bakery >> and a nanny. >> and a nanny. >> and a nanny. >> And a nanny as well. Yes, I worked many >> And a nanny as well. Yes, I worked many >> And a nanny as well. Yes, I worked many jobs. jobs. jobs. >> If you were to pitch this job and this >> If you were to pitch this job and this >> If you were to pitch this job and this place to a friend, place to a friend, place to a friend, what would you say? I would tell my what would you say? I would tell my what would you say? I would tell my friend that instead of paying out of friend that instead of paying out of friend that instead of paying out of pocket to go to a trade school, you're pocket to go to a trade school, you're pocket to go to a trade school, you're getting paid while you learn here the getting paid while you learn here the getting paid while you learn here the entire time. entire time. entire time. >> They pay you. >> They pay you. >> They pay you. >> Yes. You know, and healthare >> Yes. You know, and healthare >> Yes. You know, and healthare >> and health care, which is amazing. >> and health care, which is amazing. >> and health care, which is amazing. >> But aren't the conditions really harsh? >> But aren't the conditions really harsh? >> But aren't the conditions really harsh? >> Not the easiest work. Like I go home.

>> Not the easiest work. Like I go home. >> Not the easiest work. Like I go home. Granted, I'm more tired, but it's more Granted, I'm more tired, but it's more Granted, I'm more tired, but it's more fulfilling to me. Makes you feel like fulfilling to me. Makes you feel like fulfilling to me. Makes you feel like you're something part of something you're something part of something you're something part of something bigger. bigger. bigger. But not only are workers scarce and the But not only are workers scarce and the But not only are workers scarce and the yard outdated, the Philly shipyard has yard outdated, the Philly shipyard has yard outdated, the Philly shipyard has to bring key components to the US, such to bring key components to the US, such to bring key components to the US, such as propellers and even the engine. So as propellers and even the engine. So as propellers and even the engine. So ships that take 6 months to build in ships that take 6 months to build in ships that take 6 months to build in Korea or China can take twice as long Korea or China can take twice as long Korea or China can take twice as long here and cost five times as much. And here and cost five times as much. And here and cost five times as much. And who will buy them? There's no doubt that who will buy them? There's no doubt that who will buy them? There's no doubt that we have uh challenges and headwinds, but we have uh challenges and headwinds, but we have uh challenges and headwinds, but I also think we have a unique moment in I also think we have a unique moment in I also think we have a unique moment in time. time. time. >> Michael Coulter, who's Hanwa's top >> Michael Coulter, who's Hanwa's top >> Michael Coulter, who's Hanwa's top executive in charge of US operations, executive in charge of US operations, executive in charge of US operations, says the way to lower prices is scale up says the way to lower prices is scale up says the way to lower prices is scale up production. production. production. >> So you're saying if we build more ships, >> So you're saying if we build more ships, >> So you're saying if we build more ships, then the cost per ship will come down then the cost per ship will come down then the cost per ship will come down >> significantly. >> It's so busy here. It is busy.

>> It's so busy here. It is busy. >> He took us to Hanoa shipyard in Korea >> He took us to Hanoa shipyard in Korea >> He took us to Hanoa shipyard in Korea where nine ships are being built at where nine ships are being built at where nine ships are being built at once. Four in a row like Lego sets the once. Four in a row like Lego sets the once. Four in a row like Lego sets the size of football fields. size of football fields. size of football fields. Steel chunks bigger than buildings hover Steel chunks bigger than buildings hover Steel chunks bigger than buildings hover over the ground. They're lifted above over the ground. They're lifted above over the ground. They're lifted above the water or they just glide by. He showed us how far ahead they are He showed us how far ahead they are technologically. technologically. technologically. Rows and rows of robots. Rows and rows of robots. Rows and rows of robots. But even with all the automation, the But even with all the automation, the But even with all the automation, the human workforce keeps growing. There are human workforce keeps growing. There are human workforce keeps growing. There are over 26,000 workers on site, many over 26,000 workers on site, many over 26,000 workers on site, many getting around on low tech because this getting around on low tech because this getting around on low tech because this place is so vast and the yard keeps place is so vast and the yard keeps place is so vast and the yard keeps hiring, training 400 workers at once, hiring, training 400 workers at once, hiring, training 400 workers at once, way more than the 20 in Philly. way more than the 20 in Philly. way more than the 20 in Philly. and they're taught using cuttingedge and they're taught using cuttingedge and they're taught using cuttingedge virtual reality. He's learning to paint.

virtual reality. He's learning to paint. virtual reality. He's learning to paint. It's a dance of tech, cranes, trucks, It's a dance of tech, cranes, trucks, It's a dance of tech, cranes, trucks, and bikes. And this yard also builds and bikes. And this yard also builds and bikes. And this yard also builds military vessels, including submarines, military vessels, including submarines, military vessels, including submarines, which the US desperately needs since our which the US desperately needs since our which the US desperately needs since our fleet is aging and we can barely make fleet is aging and we can barely make fleet is aging and we can barely make new ones. new ones. new ones. >> From a Hanwa perspective, uh we build >> From a Hanwa perspective, uh we build >> From a Hanwa perspective, uh we build great submarines great submarines great submarines >> here in Korea. Here in Korea, yes, we >> here in Korea. Here in Korea, yes, we >> here in Korea. Here in Korea, yes, we have told the US government that if they have told the US government that if they have told the US government that if they so wish, we will build submarines for so wish, we will build submarines for so wish, we will build submarines for them uh in the United States and in them uh in the United States and in them uh in the United States and in Philadelphia just like we do in Korea. Philadelphia just like we do in Korea. Philadelphia just like we do in Korea. >> Is the ultimate goal for your company to >> Is the ultimate goal for your company to >> Is the ultimate goal for your company to build nuclear submarines for the US Navy build nuclear submarines for the US Navy build nuclear submarines for the US Navy >> submarine program in the United States >> submarine program in the United States >> submarine program in the United States is heading in the wrong direction and we is heading in the wrong direction and we is heading in the wrong direction and we think we can help. It is about think we can help. It is about think we can help. It is about >> another way Hano says it wants to help >> another way Hano says it wants to help >> another way Hano says it wants to help the US is with transporting liqufied the US is with transporting liqufied the US is with transporting liqufied natural gas or LNG hoping to build these natural gas or LNG hoping to build these natural gas or LNG hoping to build these giant LNG tankers in Philly. giant LNG tankers in Philly. giant LNG tankers in Philly. >> The United States is the largest >> The United States is the largest >> The United States is the largest producer of natural gas and yet we don't producer of natural gas and yet we don't producer of natural gas and yet we don't have any LG ships that we make have any LG ships that we make have any LG ships that we make ourselves. Is that correct?

ourselves. Is that correct? ourselves. Is that correct? >> That's correct. Not a single one. >> That's correct. Not a single one. >> That's correct. Not a single one. >> This leads to an absurd situation. While >> This leads to an absurd situation. While >> This leads to an absurd situation. While we export LNG on foreign carriers to we export LNG on foreign carriers to we export LNG on foreign carriers to over 30 countries, over 30 countries, over 30 countries, >> one country we don't send it to is other >> one country we don't send it to is other >> one country we don't send it to is other parts of the United States. parts of the United States. parts of the United States. Colin Greybo, a trade expert at the Colin Greybo, a trade expert at the Colin Greybo, a trade expert at the Libertarian Kato Institute, explains Libertarian Kato Institute, explains Libertarian Kato Institute, explains that a century old law called the Jones that a century old law called the Jones that a century old law called the Jones Act, requires that any cargo shipped Act, requires that any cargo shipped Act, requires that any cargo shipped between US ports, say from Baltimore to between US ports, say from Baltimore to between US ports, say from Baltimore to Boston or Seattle to Juno, that cargo Boston or Seattle to Juno, that cargo Boston or Seattle to Juno, that cargo has to be on an Americanmade ship. So if has to be on an Americanmade ship. So if has to be on an Americanmade ship. So if the cargo is LNG, it has to be on an the cargo is LNG, it has to be on an the cargo is LNG, it has to be on an Americanmade LNG ship. But we don't Americanmade LNG ship. But we don't Americanmade LNG ship. But we don't build any. build any. build any. >> That's right. There aren't any. Now, you >> That's right. There aren't any. Now, you >> That's right. There aren't any. Now, you might think this seems like an easy might think this seems like an easy might think this seems like an easy problem to solve. Go build the ship, problem to solve. Go build the ship, problem to solve. Go build the ship, transport the gas. Except the math transport the gas. Except the math transport the gas. Except the math doesn't work. If you want to build one doesn't work. If you want to build one doesn't work. If you want to build one of those ships in Asia, the cost is of those ships in Asia, the cost is of those ships in Asia, the cost is around $260 million. Here in the United around $260 million. Here in the United around $260 million. Here in the United States, about a billion dollars.

States, about a billion dollars. States, about a billion dollars. >> Well, wait. Are there parts of this >> Well, wait. Are there parts of this >> Well, wait. Are there parts of this country that cannot get natural gas country that cannot get natural gas country that cannot get natural gas because of this law? because of this law? because of this law? >> That's right. Uh, New England. In >> That's right. Uh, New England. In >> That's right. Uh, New England. In winters, New England has to import winters, New England has to import winters, New England has to import pricier natural gas from abroad, even pricier natural gas from abroad, even pricier natural gas from abroad, even though it's extracted only a few states though it's extracted only a few states though it's extracted only a few states away. away. away. >> In fact, Puerto Rico imported Russian >> In fact, Puerto Rico imported Russian >> In fact, Puerto Rico imported Russian natural gas the same month as Russia natural gas the same month as Russia natural gas the same month as Russia invaded Ukraine. So, we take a stance invaded Ukraine. So, we take a stance invaded Ukraine. So, we take a stance against Russia. On the other hand, we're against Russia. On the other hand, we're against Russia. On the other hand, we're importing their energy, something that importing their energy, something that importing their energy, something that we have in abundance. You can't make we have in abundance. You can't make we have in abundance. You can't make this stuff up. Last year, President this stuff up. Last year, President this stuff up. Last year, President Trump made solving our ship crisis a Trump made solving our ship crisis a Trump made solving our ship crisis a national priority, signing an executive national priority, signing an executive national priority, signing an executive order creating a multi- agency action order creating a multi- agency action order creating a multi- agency action plan and a White House office of ship plan and a White House office of ship plan and a White House office of ship building. building. building. >> We're way, way, way behind. We used to >> We're way, way, way behind. We used to >> We're way, way, way behind. We used to build a ship a day and now we don't do a build a ship a day and now we don't do a build a ship a day and now we don't do a ship a year practically. ship a year practically. ship a year practically. >> But the White House has conflicting >> But the White House has conflicting >> But the White House has conflicting priorities. So here's the priorities. So here's the priorities. So here's the administration. and it wants to build administration. and it wants to build administration. and it wants to build ships and they're putting huge tariffs ships and they're putting huge tariffs ships and they're putting huge tariffs 50% on steel which is the main component 50% on steel which is the main component 50% on steel which is the main component in a ship. What's wrong with that in a ship. What's wrong with that in a ship. What's wrong with that picture?

picture? picture? >> Yes, this is one of the paradoxes of the >> Yes, this is one of the paradoxes of the >> Yes, this is one of the paradoxes of the Trump administration. We're artificially Trump administration. We're artificially Trump administration. We're artificially increasing the cost of building ships in increasing the cost of building ships in increasing the cost of building ships in this country. this country. this country. >> So why can't uh ship builders just use >> So why can't uh ship builders just use >> So why can't uh ship builders just use Americanmade steel? There's no tariffs Americanmade steel? There's no tariffs Americanmade steel? There's no tariffs on those. on those. on those. >> That's true. But when we put heavy >> That's true. But when we put heavy >> That's true. But when we put heavy tariffs on imported steel, we drive tariffs on imported steel, we drive tariffs on imported steel, we drive those costs up. That's a great those costs up. That's a great those costs up. That's a great opportunity for Americans to raise their opportunity for Americans to raise their opportunity for Americans to raise their own price. What we know is today own price. What we know is today own price. What we know is today American steel is roughly twice as American steel is roughly twice as American steel is roughly twice as expensive as steel in say China. expensive as steel in say China. expensive as steel in say China. >> What you're saying is when the price of >> What you're saying is when the price of >> What you're saying is when the price of steel goes up because of tariffs, then steel goes up because of tariffs, then steel goes up because of tariffs, then the American steel manufacturer hikes the American steel manufacturer hikes the American steel manufacturer hikes the price of steel. the price of steel. the price of steel. >> These are profit-oriented enterprises. >> These are profit-oriented enterprises. >> These are profit-oriented enterprises. He actually thinks we should be able to He actually thinks we should be able to He actually thinks we should be able to just buy and use ships from our ally just buy and use ships from our ally just buy and use ships from our ally South Korea, not build them. And he South Korea, not build them. And he South Korea, not build them. And he points to another conflicting White points to another conflicting White points to another conflicting White House priority, making it harder to House priority, making it harder to House priority, making it harder to grant skilled immigrants work visas. grant skilled immigrants work visas. grant skilled immigrants work visas. >> Traditionally, a lot of immigrants have >> Traditionally, a lot of immigrants have >> Traditionally, a lot of immigrants have been willing to this kind of work, and been willing to this kind of work, and been willing to this kind of work, and yet we are turning our back on uh yet we are turning our back on uh yet we are turning our back on uh immigration, adopting a more hostile immigration, adopting a more hostile immigration, adopting a more hostile stance.

stance. stance. >> The administration seems to be fighting >> The administration seems to be fighting >> The administration seems to be fighting its own policy. Yes. its own policy. Yes. its own policy. Yes. >> It didn't help when last September, ICE >> It didn't help when last September, ICE >> It didn't help when last September, ICE raided a Korean battery plant in raided a Korean battery plant in raided a Korean battery plant in Georgia, alleging visa violations. Georgia, alleging visa violations. Georgia, alleging visa violations. Agents dragged off 300 Korean Agents dragged off 300 Korean Agents dragged off 300 Korean technicians and engineers in cuffs and technicians and engineers in cuffs and technicians and engineers in cuffs and chains despite their coming here to chains despite their coming here to chains despite their coming here to train American workers. Hanois's Michael train American workers. Hanois's Michael train American workers. Hanois's Michael Coulter says this caused a backlash in Coulter says this caused a backlash in Coulter says this caused a backlash in Korea. Have you been assured that what Korea. Have you been assured that what Korea. Have you been assured that what happened in Georgia will not happen in happened in Georgia will not happen in happened in Georgia will not happen in Philadelphia? Philadelphia? Philadelphia? >> We've been assured that our visas are >> We've been assured that our visas are >> We've been assured that our visas are the right visas and our team is uh not the right visas and our team is uh not the right visas and our team is uh not going to be impacted. going to be impacted. going to be impacted. >> The White House is committed to making >> The White House is committed to making >> The White House is committed to making ships here. So last year, when President ships here. So last year, when President ships here. So last year, when President Trump threatened to put tariffs on Trump threatened to put tariffs on Trump threatened to put tariffs on Korean imports, Korea's president Korean imports, Korea's president Korean imports, Korea's president offered instead to invest $150 billion offered instead to invest $150 billion offered instead to invest $150 billion to revive the US ship building industry, to revive the US ship building industry, to revive the US ship building industry, promising Philly is just the start.

promising Philly is just the start. promising Philly is just the start. >> There's a recognition that the United >> There's a recognition that the United >> There's a recognition that the United States has a problem that Korea may be States has a problem that Korea may be States has a problem that Korea may be uniquely positioned to help. uniquely positioned to help. uniquely positioned to help. >> It's like aid for the United States. >> It's like aid for the United States. >> It's like aid for the United States. Wow. Wouldn't it be more profitable and Wow. Wouldn't it be more profitable and Wow. Wouldn't it be more profitable and wiser if the United States just bought wiser if the United States just bought wiser if the United States just bought the ships from Korea? the ships from Korea? the ships from Korea? >> That doesn't solve the problem. At the >> That doesn't solve the problem. At the >> That doesn't solve the problem. At the end of the day, ship building is a end of the day, ship building is a end of the day, ship building is a national security necessity. The US national security necessity. The US national security necessity. The US needs to be able to secure our own needs to be able to secure our own needs to be able to secure our own commerce. We need to be able to export commerce. We need to be able to export commerce. We need to be able to export our own energy. The idea that we now our own energy. The idea that we now our own energy. The idea that we now rely on Korean expertise to help us rely on Korean expertise to help us rely on Korean expertise to help us build an industry that we need for build an industry that we need for build an industry that we need for national security reasons. Should we be national security reasons. Should we be national security reasons. Should we be ashamed of ourselves? Should we feel ashamed of ourselves? Should we feel ashamed of ourselves? Should we feel weak? weak? weak? >> I don't think we should be fearful or >> I don't think we should be fearful or >> I don't think we should be fearful or feel weak. We are in a ship building feel weak. We are in a ship building feel weak. We are in a ship building crisis in the United States and every crisis in the United States and every crisis in the United States and every American should be aware of that. Um, American should be aware of that. Um, American should be aware of that. Um, but that doesn't mean that it's not but that doesn't mean that it's not but that doesn't mean that it's not solvable. solvable. solvable. We once deployed ships to save South We once deployed ships to save South We once deployed ships to save South Korea.

Korea. Korea. Now we've been forced to turn to South Now we've been forced to turn to South Now we've been forced to turn to South Korea to save us. Korea to save us. Korea to save us. In a statement to 60 Minutes, the White In a statement to 60 Minutes, the White In a statement to 60 Minutes, the White House said, quote, "No president has House said, quote, "No president has House said, quote, "No president has done more to bolster American maritime done more to bolster American maritime done more to bolster American maritime power. power. power. With gas prices becoming increasingly With gas prices becoming increasingly With gas prices becoming increasingly volatile due to the war, the president volatile due to the war, the president volatile due to the war, the president has temporarily suspended the Jones Act has temporarily suspended the Jones Act has temporarily suspended the Jones Act to ease the transport of oil and gas to ease the transport of oil and gas to ease the transport of oil and gas within the US. The spot where the Colombia River spills The spot where the Colombia River spills into the Pacific Ocean at the border into the Pacific Ocean at the border into the Pacific Ocean at the border between Oregon and Washington State is between Oregon and Washington State is between Oregon and Washington State is where Lewis and Clark ended their where Lewis and Clark ended their where Lewis and Clark ended their journey of discovery in 1805 with Clark journey of discovery in 1805 with Clark journey of discovery in 1805 with Clark writing in his journal, "Oh in view, oh writing in his journal, "Oh in view, oh writing in his journal, "Oh in view, oh joy." But it's not all joy. In fact, joy." But it's not all joy. In fact, joy." But it's not all joy. In fact, it's one of the most dangerous inlets in it's one of the most dangerous inlets in it's one of the most dangerous inlets in America. Up to a million cubic feet of America. Up to a million cubic feet of America. Up to a million cubic feet of water can pour out of the river's mouth water can pour out of the river's mouth water can pour out of the river's mouth every second and run right into waves every second and run right into waves every second and run right into waves that have been moving across the Pacific that have been moving across the Pacific that have been moving across the Pacific for thousands of miles. As we first for thousands of miles. As we first for thousands of miles. As we first reported last fall, it's precisely reported last fall, it's precisely reported last fall, it's precisely because of this powerful aquatic because of this powerful aquatic because of this powerful aquatic collision that elite members of the collision that elite members of the collision that elite members of the United States Coast Guard come to this United States Coast Guard come to this United States Coast Guard come to this place once each year determined to earn place once each year determined to earn place once each year determined to earn the coveted certification as surfmen.

the coveted certification as surfmen. the coveted certification as surfmen. on the bout. Here comes a big one. Watch on the bout. Here comes a big one. Watch on the bout. Here comes a big one. Watch your head. Come starboard. >> On a wet February afternoon, we're on >> On a wet February afternoon, we're on board a 47 ft US Coast Guard motor board a 47 ft US Coast Guard motor board a 47 ft US Coast Guard motor lifeboat with Chief Eric Kelly at the lifeboat with Chief Eric Kelly at the lifeboat with Chief Eric Kelly at the helm, driving through breaking surf helm, driving through breaking surf helm, driving through breaking surf barely 100 yards off the beach. barely 100 yards off the beach. barely 100 yards off the beach. >> I have another swallow right up here >> I have another swallow right up here >> I have another swallow right up here right behind that. right behind that. right behind that. >> Exactly. Oh. Oh. >> At the time, Kelly was chief instructor >> At the time, Kelly was chief instructor >> At the time, Kelly was chief instructor at the Coast Guard's National Motor at the Coast Guard's National Motor at the Coast Guard's National Motor Lifeboat School. This was the first day Lifeboat School. This was the first day Lifeboat School. This was the first day of class, and the three students on his of class, and the three students on his of class, and the three students on his boat were studying his every turn of the boat were studying his every turn of the boat were studying his every turn of the wheel and calling out approaching wheel and calling out approaching wheel and calling out approaching swells. swells. swells. >> Got a saddle, a starboard valve. Six more trainees were on two other Six more trainees were on two other boats with other instructors. Kelly says boats with other instructors. Kelly says boats with other instructors. Kelly says everyone is here because this place at everyone is here because this place at everyone is here because this place at the mouth of the Columbia River the mouth of the Columbia River the mouth of the Columbia River consistently has some of the worst consistently has some of the worst consistently has some of the worst weather and highest seas in America. We weather and highest seas in America. We weather and highest seas in America. We exposed them to a tremendous amount of exposed them to a tremendous amount of exposed them to a tremendous amount of surf conditions over four weeks, more so surf conditions over four weeks, more so surf conditions over four weeks, more so than they'd get over years at their own than they'd get over years at their own than they'd get over years at their own unit.

unit. unit. >> Morning ship mates. How are we? >> Morning ship mates. How are we? >> Morning ship mates. How are we? >> First thing that morning, Tim Crochet, >> First thing that morning, Tim Crochet, >> First thing that morning, Tim Crochet, commanding officer of the lifeboat commanding officer of the lifeboat commanding officer of the lifeboat school, had welcomed this class of nine school, had welcomed this class of nine school, had welcomed this class of nine students. students. students. >> And I promise you, the instructors >> And I promise you, the instructors >> And I promise you, the instructors behind me are going to give you behind me are going to give you behind me are going to give you world-class instruction. And they're world-class instruction. And they're world-class instruction. And they're going to help you become a better motor going to help you become a better motor going to help you become a better motor lifeboat operator. We're going to get lifeboat operator. We're going to get lifeboat operator. We're going to get you closer and closer to certifying as a you closer and closer to certifying as a you closer and closer to certifying as a surfman. Certifying as surfman, that's surfman. Certifying as surfman, that's surfman. Certifying as surfman, that's the goal of each of these students and the goal of each of these students and the goal of each of these students and the dream of thousands of other members the dream of thousands of other members the dream of thousands of other members of the Coast Guard. Being a surfman is of the Coast Guard. Being a surfman is of the Coast Guard. Being a surfman is sometimes compared to being a Navy Seal sometimes compared to being a Navy Seal sometimes compared to being a Navy Seal or in the Army Special Forces, but in or in the Army Special Forces, but in or in the Army Special Forces, but in truth, this is a more exclusive club, truth, this is a more exclusive club, truth, this is a more exclusive club, isn't it? isn't it? isn't it? >> Currently, we have about 130 active duty >> Currently, we have about 130 active duty >> Currently, we have about 130 active duty surfmen right now. surfmen right now. surfmen right now. >> How many members of the Coast Guard? >> How many members of the Coast Guard? >> How many members of the Coast Guard? >> Um, I think the Coast Guard's right >> Um, I think the Coast Guard's right >> Um, I think the Coast Guard's right around 40,000 people. 40,000 people and around 40,000 people. 40,000 people and around 40,000 people. 40,000 people and 100 surfmen. So that is a pretty 100 surfmen. So that is a pretty 100 surfmen. So that is a pretty exclusive club. exclusive club. exclusive club. >> It is. It's a there's a small number of >> It is. It's a there's a small number of >> It is. It's a there's a small number of us. us. us. >> Certifying as a surfman means the Coast >> Certifying as a surfman means the Coast >> Certifying as a surfman means the Coast Guard trusts you to drive a lifeboat on Guard trusts you to drive a lifeboat on Guard trusts you to drive a lifeboat on the most challenging rescue missions in the most challenging rescue missions in the most challenging rescue missions in 20ft breaking waves and 50 knot winds.

20ft breaking waves and 50 knot winds. 20ft breaking waves and 50 knot winds. At the entrance to the school is a At the entrance to the school is a At the entrance to the school is a display of every surfman medallion display of every surfman medallion display of every surfman medallion called a check ever earned. called a check ever earned. called a check ever earned. >> So how far back does this go? It goes >> So how far back does this go? It goes >> So how far back does this go? It goes back to 1872. back to 1872. back to 1872. >> That's when the US Life-Saving Service >> That's when the US Life-Saving Service >> That's when the US Life-Saving Service began saving mariners in distress. It began saving mariners in distress. It began saving mariners in distress. It became the Coast Guard in 1915 and now became the Coast Guard in 1915 and now became the Coast Guard in 1915 and now operates 20 surf stations where rescues operates 20 surf stations where rescues operates 20 surf stations where rescues may have to be made in breaking waves. may have to be made in breaking waves. may have to be made in breaking waves. On average, the Coast Guard makes more On average, the Coast Guard makes more On average, the Coast Guard makes more than 5,000 rescues a year. Where is than 5,000 rescues a year. Where is than 5,000 rescues a year. Where is yours? yours? yours? >> Mine is right back here. It's check >> Mine is right back here. It's check >> Mine is right back here. It's check number 407. number 407. number 407. Chief instructor Eric Kelly, whose boat Chief instructor Eric Kelly, whose boat Chief instructor Eric Kelly, whose boat we were on, wears his surfman number. I we were on, wears his surfman number. I we were on, wears his surfman number. I >> understand you have a tattoo. >> understand you have a tattoo. >> understand you have a tattoo. >> I do. I do. I have my surfing number. >> I do. I do. I have my surfing number. >> I do. I do. I have my surfing number. I'm surfing 545. This is something that I'm surfing 545. This is something that I'm surfing 545. This is something that is very, very important to me. is very, very important to me. is very, very important to me. >> At the opening session of the motor >> At the opening session of the motor >> At the opening session of the motor lifeboat school, Chief Kelly read the lifeboat school, Chief Kelly read the lifeboat school, Chief Kelly read the Coast Guard's Surfman's Creed aloud. I Coast Guard's Surfman's Creed aloud. I Coast Guard's Surfman's Creed aloud. I will never unnecessarily jeopardize will never unnecessarily jeopardize will never unnecessarily jeopardize myself, my boat, or my crew, but will do myself, my boat, or my crew, but will do myself, my boat, or my crew, but will do so freely to rescue those in peril.

so freely to rescue those in peril. so freely to rescue those in peril. >> And he told the students they'd each >> And he told the students they'd each >> And he told the students they'd each need to have the creed memorized before need to have the creed memorized before need to have the creed memorized before the 4-week course was over. the 4-week course was over. the 4-week course was over. >> It takes a lot to get there. And it >> It takes a lot to get there. And it >> It takes a lot to get there. And it takes a person, a special type person takes a person, a special type person takes a person, a special type person willing to put themselves into those willing to put themselves into those willing to put themselves into those situations where you're looking up at a situations where you're looking up at a situations where you're looking up at a 20 foot break and sea and like I want to 20 foot break and sea and like I want to 20 foot break and sea and like I want to do this. I want to keep training in do this. I want to keep training in do this. I want to keep training in this. this. this. This class was all male, but there are This class was all male, but there are This class was all male, but there are nearly a dozen female surfmen. nearly a dozen female surfmen. nearly a dozen female surfmen. >> Most candidates come here first for a >> Most candidates come here first for a >> Most candidates come here first for a basic course, then heavy weather, and basic course, then heavy weather, and basic course, then heavy weather, and finally this surf class. Derek finally this surf class. Derek finally this surf class. Derek Samuelson, Trenton Campbell, and Joshua Samuelson, Trenton Campbell, and Joshua Samuelson, Trenton Campbell, and Joshua Slaughter are the three trainees on Eric Slaughter are the three trainees on Eric Slaughter are the three trainees on Eric Kelly's boat. Kelly's boat. Kelly's boat. >> Most of us are going to be pushing >> Most of us are going to be pushing >> Most of us are going to be pushing pretty close to four years when we get pretty close to four years when we get pretty close to four years when we get certified. That's almost a college certified. That's almost a college certified. That's almost a college degree worth of training in driving degree worth of training in driving degree worth of training in driving these boats. these boats. these boats. >> It's something not a lot of people get >> It's something not a lot of people get >> It's something not a lot of people get to do. to do. to do. >> It's not that they get to do it, but >> It's not that they get to do it, but >> It's not that they get to do it, but that they achieve it. that they achieve it. that they achieve it. >> That they achieve it. Yes. >> That they achieve it. Yes. >> That they achieve it. Yes. >> We come here. Our only job is to learn >> We come here. Our only job is to learn >> We come here. Our only job is to learn and drive and surf. So, it's it's a and drive and surf. So, it's it's a and drive and surf. So, it's it's a great opportunity.

great opportunity. great opportunity. >> This is a representation of the mouth of >> This is a representation of the mouth of >> This is a representation of the mouth of the Colombia. Jeff Smith is the curator the Colombia. Jeff Smith is the curator the Colombia. Jeff Smith is the curator of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which has a giant map illustrating how which has a giant map illustrating how which has a giant map illustrating how the mouth of the Columbia River has the mouth of the Columbia River has the mouth of the Columbia River has earned the title Graveyard of the earned the title Graveyard of the earned the title Graveyard of the Pacific. Pacific. Pacific. >> All these little boats that you see are >> All these little boats that you see are >> All these little boats that you see are representative of the shipwrecks that representative of the shipwrecks that representative of the shipwrecks that have occurred. have occurred. have occurred. >> All of these. >> All of these. >> All of these. >> Yeah. This is We have 50 of them >> Yeah. This is We have 50 of them >> Yeah. This is We have 50 of them numbered, but there's many, many more. numbered, but there's many, many more. numbered, but there's many, many more. >> Thousands more over several centuries >> Thousands more over several centuries >> Thousands more over several centuries with at least 700 lives lost. The with at least 700 lives lost. The with at least 700 lives lost. The skeletons of wrecked ships still litter skeletons of wrecked ships still litter skeletons of wrecked ships still litter some area beaches. some area beaches. some area beaches. >> So despite how treacherous this waterway >> So despite how treacherous this waterway >> So despite how treacherous this waterway is, it's a vital economic waterway as is, it's a vital economic waterway as is, it's a vital economic waterway as well. It certainly is. Of all the grain well. It certainly is. Of all the grain well. It certainly is. Of all the grain exported from the United States, just exported from the United States, just exported from the United States, just over 40% goes out the Columbia River. over 40% goes out the Columbia River. over 40% goes out the Columbia River. >> Every commercial ship coming into the >> Every commercial ship coming into the >> Every commercial ship coming into the river must have a local pilot come on river must have a local pilot come on river must have a local pilot come on board to guide it. This video shows how board to guide it. This video shows how board to guide it. This video shows how perilous it can be just to get that perilous it can be just to get that perilous it can be just to get that pilot onto one of those ships. Imagine pilot onto one of those ships. Imagine pilot onto one of those ships. Imagine the dangers faced by coast guardsmen the dangers faced by coast guardsmen the dangers faced by coast guardsmen trying to rescue a ship or sailboat or trying to rescue a ship or sailboat or trying to rescue a ship or sailboat or fishing boat that's in trouble. I'm fishing boat that's in trouble. I'm fishing boat that's in trouble. I'm always a little bit I don't know if always a little bit I don't know if always a little bit I don't know if starruck is the word or aruck when I'm starruck is the word or aruck when I'm starruck is the word or aruck when I'm in the presence of the men and women of in the presence of the men and women of in the presence of the men and women of our Coast Guard cuz the the job they do our Coast Guard cuz the the job they do our Coast Guard cuz the the job they do is just amazing. It's incredible.

is just amazing. It's incredible. is just amazing. It's incredible. an incredible group of people. an incredible group of people. an incredible group of people. >> It's such a a cool mission that we get >> It's such a a cool mission that we get >> It's such a a cool mission that we get to do. Like, we get to go drive these to do. Like, we get to go drive these to do. Like, we get to go drive these awesome boats out and have the awesome boats out and have the awesome boats out and have the opportunity to save people in their opportunity to save people in their opportunity to save people in their darkest day. darkest day. darkest day. >> As he drove into ever stormier seas on >> As he drove into ever stormier seas on >> As he drove into ever stormier seas on that first day of school, it was clear that first day of school, it was clear that first day of school, it was clear Eric Kelly would rather be at the helm Eric Kelly would rather be at the helm Eric Kelly would rather be at the helm of his lifeboat than just about anywhere of his lifeboat than just about anywhere of his lifeboat than just about anywhere else. else. else. >> So, you love this, huh? >> So, you love this, huh? >> So, you love this, huh? >> I absolutely love this. But Kelly was >> I absolutely love this. But Kelly was >> I absolutely love this. But Kelly was also deadly serious about teaching his also deadly serious about teaching his also deadly serious about teaching his students how to read every swell. students how to read every swell. students how to read every swell. >> Watch that run from that. Running. >> Watch that run from that. Running. >> Watch that run from that. Running. Running. Run in center of that helm. I'm Running. Run in center of that helm. I'm Running. Run in center of that helm. I'm going. You got that beat. Got window going. You got that beat. Got window going. You got that beat. Got window right here. Nice little near side right here. Nice little near side right here. Nice little near side shoulder. Easing off. Let that come to shoulder. Easing off. Let that come to shoulder. Easing off. Let that come to me. I'm going to get right on the back. me. I'm going to get right on the back. me. I'm going to get right on the back. Full. Follow that peak point. This is Full. Follow that peak point. This is Full. Follow that peak point. This is going to get super dynamic down here. going to get super dynamic down here. going to get super dynamic down here. These are shooting in every direction. These are shooting in every direction. These are shooting in every direction. When he couldn't outrun a wave, Kelly When he couldn't outrun a wave, Kelly When he couldn't outrun a wave, Kelly executed what may be the most important executed what may be the most important executed what may be the most important maneuver a lifeboat driver must master.

maneuver a lifeboat driver must master. maneuver a lifeboat driver must master. >> Nowhere to go. Squaring up. >> Nowhere to go. Squaring up. >> Nowhere to go. Squaring up. >> Squaring up is pointing the bow of the >> Squaring up is pointing the bow of the >> Squaring up is pointing the bow of the boat directly into and through a boat directly into and through a boat directly into and through a breaking wave. Sometimes a really big breaking wave. Sometimes a really big breaking wave. Sometimes a really big breaking wave. We hit a couple of those yesterday where We hit a couple of those yesterday where we got the spray and you went up and you we got the spray and you went up and you we got the spray and you went up and you know the the bow was up and you saw a know the the bow was up and you saw a know the the bow was up and you saw a blue sky and then all of a sudden you blue sky and then all of a sudden you blue sky and then all of a sudden you you're down in a in a hole. you're down in a in a hole. you're down in a in a hole. >> Um what's the worst thing you could do >> Um what's the worst thing you could do >> Um what's the worst thing you could do in a situation like that? in a situation like that? in a situation like that? >> The worst thing you could do is not be >> The worst thing you could do is not be >> The worst thing you could do is not be square to that breaking wave. You could square to that breaking wave. You could square to that breaking wave. You could have a knockdown, which is when the boat have a knockdown, which is when the boat have a knockdown, which is when the boat goes underneath water but rewrites in goes underneath water but rewrites in goes underneath water but rewrites in the same direction. or even worse, a the same direction. or even worse, a the same direction. or even worse, a 360°ree rollover. 360°ree rollover. 360°ree rollover. >> Have you ever experienced that yourself? >> Have you ever experienced that yourself? >> Have you ever experienced that yourself? >> I haven't experienced a full 360°ree >> I haven't experienced a full 360°ree >> I haven't experienced a full 360°ree rollover. I have experienced a knockdown rollover. I have experienced a knockdown rollover. I have experienced a knockdown or two, and that's what they designed or two, and that's what they designed or two, and that's what they designed this boat for. this boat for. this boat for. >> That design is seen in this >> That design is seen in this >> That design is seen in this demonstration video. But out in the demonstration video. But out in the demonstration video. But out in the surf, Eric Kelly was showing his surf, Eric Kelly was showing his surf, Eric Kelly was showing his students how to avoid ever having to students how to avoid ever having to students how to avoid ever having to test it on a real mission.

test it on a real mission. test it on a real mission. >> How long before you let the students >> How long before you let the students >> How long before you let the students take control of the boat? So, starting take control of the boat? So, starting take control of the boat? So, starting tomorrow, we'll do another demonstration tomorrow, we'll do another demonstration tomorrow, we'll do another demonstration of wherever we're going to train, and of wherever we're going to train, and of wherever we're going to train, and then students are on it for the then students are on it for the then students are on it for the remainder of the the course. Hold on. remainder of the the course. Hold on. remainder of the the course. Hold on. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Every day for the next four weeks, the Every day for the next four weeks, the Every day for the next four weeks, the students took the helm with Eric Kelly students took the helm with Eric Kelly students took the helm with Eric Kelly signaling approval when they did signaling approval when they did signaling approval when they did something right and correcting them when something right and correcting them when something right and correcting them when they didn't. they didn't. they didn't. >> We probably should have squared up to >> We probably should have squared up to >> We probably should have squared up to that one, but on the bow, guys. that one, but on the bow, guys. that one, but on the bow, guys. Students drove in every kind of condition and ran drove in every kind of condition and ran simulated missions like pulling someone, simulated missions like pulling someone, simulated missions like pulling someone, in this case a dummy in this case a dummy in this case a dummy >> reaching >> reaching >> reaching >> out of the water. >> out of the water. >> out of the water. >> Nice reach, Josh. >> Nice reach, Josh. >> Nice reach, Josh. >> Get him on board. >> Get him on board. >> Get him on board. >> Don't play off. Don't play off. >> Don't play off. Don't play off. >> Don't play off. Don't play off. >> All right, stand by to clear the recess. >> All right, stand by to clear the recess. >> All right, stand by to clear the recess. Sometimes a real rescue mission can Sometimes a real rescue mission can Sometimes a real rescue mission can supplant the simulations as when the supplant the simulations as when the supplant the simulations as when the boats were making one last training run boats were making one last training run boats were making one last training run on graduation day 2023.

on graduation day 2023. on graduation day 2023. >> Mayday. Mayday. >> Mayday. Mayday. >> Mayday. Mayday. >> Sure enough, we heard a mayday uh for >> Sure enough, we heard a mayday uh for >> Sure enough, we heard a mayday uh for distress go out over channel 16 radio distress go out over channel 16 radio distress go out over channel 16 radio frequency. frequency. frequency. >> I think I might be taking on water. >> I think I might be taking on water. >> I think I might be taking on water. Hurry up. By the time the three training Hurry up. By the time the three training Hurry up. By the time the three training boats spotted a white boat called the boats spotted a white boat called the boats spotted a white boat called the Sandpiper with one man on board, Sandpiper with one man on board, Sandpiper with one man on board, conditions had gone from mild to mad. conditions had gone from mild to mad. conditions had gone from mild to mad. And And And >> at this point, we're facing 25, 30 foot, >> at this point, we're facing 25, 30 foot, >> at this point, we're facing 25, 30 foot, 35 ft, breaking seas, u 50 knots of 35 ft, breaking seas, u 50 knots of 35 ft, breaking seas, u 50 knots of wind, it's raining, hailing, and very, wind, it's raining, hailing, and very, wind, it's raining, hailing, and very, very dynamic. very dynamic. very dynamic. >> Far too dynamic to have any chance of >> Far too dynamic to have any chance of >> Far too dynamic to have any chance of towing the vessel to safety. It was also towing the vessel to safety. It was also towing the vessel to safety. It was also graduation day for the Coast Guard's graduation day for the Coast Guard's graduation day for the Coast Guard's Advanced Rescue helicopter school and Advanced Rescue helicopter school and Advanced Rescue helicopter school and they dropped a rescue swimmer named John they dropped a rescue swimmer named John they dropped a rescue swimmer named John Walton into the water. You can see him Walton into the water. You can see him Walton into the water. You can see him paddling furiously. paddling furiously. paddling furiously. >> It was his first rescue and they >> It was his first rescue and they >> It was his first rescue and they deployed him and he was able to retrieve deployed him and he was able to retrieve deployed him and he was able to retrieve that individual off the sandpiper right that individual off the sandpiper right that individual off the sandpiper right as that 30 plus foot break rolled that as that 30 plus foot break rolled that as that 30 plus foot break rolled that boat multiple times. It's hard to boat multiple times. It's hard to boat multiple times. It's hard to imagine how either the rescued or the imagine how either the rescued or the imagine how either the rescued or the rescuers survived that, but they both rescuers survived that, but they both rescuers survived that, but they both did.

did. did. >> But really seeing how the Coast Guard >> But really seeing how the Coast Guard >> But really seeing how the Coast Guard worked together and have one of the the worked together and have one of the the worked together and have one of the the coolest rescues I've had my entire coolest rescues I've had my entire coolest rescues I've had my entire career career career >> on graduation >> on graduation >> on graduation >> on graduation day for these future uh >> on graduation day for these future uh >> on graduation day for these future uh surfmen. surfmen. surfmen. >> Graduation day for the class of 2024 was >> Graduation day for the class of 2024 was >> Graduation day for the class of 2024 was far more placid. All nine students far more placid. All nine students far more placid. All nine students completed the course and all nine had completed the course and all nine had completed the course and all nine had memorized the surfman's creed. memorized the surfman's creed. memorized the surfman's creed. >> I will to the best of my ability pursue >> I will to the best of my ability pursue >> I will to the best of my ability pursue each mission with the commitment, each mission with the commitment, each mission with the commitment, compassion, and courage inherent and compassion, and courage inherent and compassion, and courage inherent and title surfman. title surfman. title surfman. >> They didn't all certify as surfmen that >> They didn't all certify as surfmen that >> They didn't all certify as surfmen that day. Most had to wait to return to their day. Most had to wait to return to their day. Most had to wait to return to their home units for their commanding officers home units for their commanding officers home units for their commanding officers to give them the nod. But two of the to give them the nod. But two of the to give them the nod. But two of the nine got a surprise. nine got a surprise. nine got a surprise. >> Uh BM2 Casey, BM2 Campbell, front and >> Uh BM2 Casey, BM2 Campbell, front and >> Uh BM2 Casey, BM2 Campbell, front and center, please. Dorian Casey and Trenton center, please. Dorian Casey and Trenton center, please. Dorian Casey and Trenton Campbell had their commanding officers Campbell had their commanding officers Campbell had their commanding officers in attendance, ready to bestow the honor in attendance, ready to bestow the honor in attendance, ready to bestow the honor then and there. It seemed every certified surfman on the It seemed every certified surfman on the west coast had come and they handed the west coast had come and they handed the west coast had come and they handed the coveted medallions those checks to one coveted medallions those checks to one coveted medallions those checks to one another.

another. another. Ser 494 station Koyu River. Ser 494 station Koyu River. Ser 494 station Koyu River. >> 485 station Mororrow Bay. >> 485 station Mororrow Bay. >> 485 station Mororrow Bay. >> 484 station Humble Bay. >> 484 station Humble Bay. >> 484 station Humble Bay. >> 4550 station river. >> 4550 station river. >> 4550 station river. >> 407 station Chatco River. And then to >> 407 station Chatco River. And then to >> 407 station Chatco River. And then to the two newest surfmen. the two newest surfmen. the two newest surfmen. Trenton Campbell accepted hugs from his Trenton Campbell accepted hugs from his Trenton Campbell accepted hugs from his trainers and fellow classmates and then trainers and fellow classmates and then trainers and fellow classmates and then headed back to his base station Quillute headed back to his base station Quillute headed back to his base station Quillute River on the coast of Washington. ready River on the coast of Washington. ready River on the coast of Washington. ready to do what he joined the Coast Guard to to do what he joined the Coast Guard to to do what he joined the Coast Guard to do. do. do. >> The reason why we all want to be here is >> The reason why we all want to be here is >> The reason why we all want to be here is that dream to save a life. Um, I think that dream to save a life. Um, I think that dream to save a life. Um, I think there's no better feeling than that. there's no better feeling than that. there's no better feeling than that. We're training for the opportunity to We're training for the opportunity to We're training for the opportunity to save a human life. It's all the save a human life. It's all the save a human life. It's all the motivation you need. NATO, which just marked its 70th NATO, which just marked its 70th anniversary, is widely considered the anniversary, is widely considered the anniversary, is widely considered the gold standard of military alliances, gold standard of military alliances, gold standard of military alliances, binding countries on both sides of the binding countries on both sides of the binding countries on both sides of the Atlantic in common cause against Russian Atlantic in common cause against Russian Atlantic in common cause against Russian aggression. But President Trump aggression. But President Trump aggression. But President Trump complains that other members of the complains that other members of the complains that other members of the alliance don't pay their fair share of alliance don't pay their fair share of alliance don't pay their fair share of what it costs to defend Europe against what it costs to defend Europe against what it costs to defend Europe against the intimidation tactics of Vladimir the intimidation tactics of Vladimir the intimidation tactics of Vladimir Putin. The president has told ace he Putin. The president has told ace he Putin. The president has told ace he doesn't see the point of the alliance doesn't see the point of the alliance doesn't see the point of the alliance and has even mentioned withdrawing from and has even mentioned withdrawing from and has even mentioned withdrawing from NATO. Despite those misgivings, the US NATO. Despite those misgivings, the US NATO. Despite those misgivings, the US and its NATO allies have been steadily and its NATO allies have been steadily and its NATO allies have been steadily increasing the frequency and size of increasing the frequency and size of increasing the frequency and size of their military exercises. Last fall,

their military exercises. Last fall, their military exercises. Last fall, NATO held the largest one yet in Norway, NATO held the largest one yet in Norway, NATO held the largest one yet in Norway, one of the countries President Trump has one of the countries President Trump has one of the countries President Trump has singled out for failing to spend enough singled out for failing to spend enough singled out for failing to spend enough on defense. You might not think of on defense. You might not think of on defense. You might not think of Norway, which has a tiny military, as a Norway, which has a tiny military, as a Norway, which has a tiny military, as a vital NATO ally, but we found a country vital NATO ally, but we found a country vital NATO ally, but we found a country that is on the front lines with Russia that is on the front lines with Russia that is on the front lines with Russia and serves as NATO's eyes and ears in and serves as NATO's eyes and ears in and serves as NATO's eyes and ears in the high north. Norway's F-16s are on 15minute alert Norway's F-16s are on 15minute alert 24/7. 24/7. 24/7. Every time Russian military aircraft are Every time Russian military aircraft are Every time Russian military aircraft are detected, these pilots scramble to detected, these pilots scramble to detected, these pilots scramble to intercept them. intercept them. intercept them. Videos they bring back show nuclear Videos they bring back show nuclear Videos they bring back show nuclear capable Russian bombers as they fly up capable Russian bombers as they fly up capable Russian bombers as they fly up and down the Norwegian coast. Most of and down the Norwegian coast. Most of and down the Norwegian coast. Most of the encounters are routine, the encounters are routine, the encounters are routine, but sometimes, says Lieutenant General but sometimes, says Lieutenant General but sometimes, says Lieutenant General Run Yakabson, Norway's Joint Force Run Yakabson, Norway's Joint Force Run Yakabson, Norway's Joint Force commander, they're anything but. commander, they're anything but. commander, they're anything but. Exactly. What we have seen lately is um Exactly. What we have seen lately is um Exactly. What we have seen lately is um aggressive flying uh and simulated aggressive flying uh and simulated aggressive flying uh and simulated attacks against um uh Norwegian attacks against um uh Norwegian attacks against um uh Norwegian exercises.

exercises. exercises. >> Simulated attacks. >> Simulated attacks. >> Simulated attacks. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How do you know it's a simulated attack? >> How do you know it's a simulated attack? >> How do you know it's a simulated attack? >> An airman knows what an attack looks >> An airman knows what an attack looks >> An airman knows what an attack looks like. like. like. >> So they go to the point at which they >> So they go to the point at which they >> So they go to the point at which they would release their weapons. would release their weapons. would release their weapons. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. Yakobson tracked those simulated attacks Yakobson tracked those simulated attacks Yakobson tracked those simulated attacks from his command center buried deep from his command center buried deep from his command center buried deep inside a mountain. After the Cold War inside a mountain. After the Cold War inside a mountain. After the Cold War ended, a nuclearp proof bunker seemed ended, a nuclearp proof bunker seemed ended, a nuclearp proof bunker seemed positively old-fashioned positively old-fashioned positively old-fashioned until lately when Russia became more until lately when Russia became more until lately when Russia became more threatening. threatening. threatening. This is illustration of an a Russian This is illustration of an a Russian This is illustration of an a Russian attack formation, simulated attack that attack formation, simulated attack that attack formation, simulated attack that was flown in May 2017, not far north of was flown in May 2017, not far north of was flown in May 2017, not far north of of this position. And the red dot is the of this position. And the red dot is the of this position. And the red dot is the target. target. target. >> Red dot is the target. >> Red dot is the target. >> Red dot is the target. >> That doesn't look like the act of a >> That doesn't look like the act of a >> That doesn't look like the act of a friendly country. friendly country. friendly country. >> No, that's not something you should do >> No, that's not something you should do >> No, that's not something you should do to your neighbor. to your neighbor. to your neighbor. >> Norway shares a 120 m border with its >> Norway shares a 120 m border with its >> Norway shares a 120 m border with its neighbor Russia. It is some of the most neighbor Russia. It is some of the most neighbor Russia. It is some of the most remote, rugged, and beautiful landscape remote, rugged, and beautiful landscape remote, rugged, and beautiful landscape in all of Europe.

in all of Europe. in all of Europe. >> Captain Karina Vintterdal guards the >> Captain Karina Vintterdal guards the >> Captain Karina Vintterdal guards the northern sector with 120 soldiers. They northern sector with 120 soldiers. They northern sector with 120 soldiers. They are along the border all the time. 24/7 are along the border all the time. 24/7 are along the border all the time. 24/7 I have people along the border. I have people along the border. I have people along the border. >> So I have four uh observation posts that >> So I have four uh observation posts that >> So I have four uh observation posts that are manned at all time throughout the are manned at all time throughout the are manned at all time throughout the whole year. whole year. whole year. >> Are your soldiers armed? >> Are your soldiers armed? >> Are your soldiers armed? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Do they ever have to use their weapons? >> Do they ever have to use their weapons? >> Do they ever have to use their weapons? >> No, but we have to be prepared. >> No, but we have to be prepared. >> No, but we have to be prepared. >> We went to the most remote of those >> We went to the most remote of those >> We went to the most remote of those outposts in the high north of the outposts in the high north of the outposts in the high north of the Norwegian mainland. One unit was just Norwegian mainland. One unit was just Norwegian mainland. One unit was just finishing its three weeks on watch and a finishing its three weeks on watch and a finishing its three weeks on watch and a new one coming in. new one coming in. new one coming in. To get there, you have to lug your gear To get there, you have to lug your gear To get there, you have to lug your gear up a long, steep staircase, up a long, steep staircase, up a long, steep staircase, part of which is covered over to defend part of which is covered over to defend part of which is covered over to defend against the Arctic winter. against the Arctic winter. against the Arctic winter. The observation post is manned year The observation post is manned year The observation post is manned year round, and once you get to the top, you round, and once you get to the top, you round, and once you get to the top, you can see why it's worth the trouble. can see why it's worth the trouble. can see why it's worth the trouble. These Norwegian soldiers are able to These Norwegian soldiers are able to These Norwegian soldiers are able to look deep into Russia and far out to look deep into Russia and far out to look deep into Russia and far out to sea, making this a key piece of terrain sea, making this a key piece of terrain sea, making this a key piece of terrain for the NATO alliance.

for the NATO alliance. for the NATO alliance. That's Russia over there. And this is That's Russia over there. And this is That's Russia over there. And this is where the border with Norway ends. It's where the border with Norway ends. It's where the border with Norway ends. It's NATO's northernmost flank. And you don't NATO's northernmost flank. And you don't NATO's northernmost flank. And you don't need to be a military expert to know you need to be a military expert to know you need to be a military expert to know you can never leave your flank exposed. That can never leave your flank exposed. That can never leave your flank exposed. That includes the Barren Sea out there. Those includes the Barren Sea out there. Those includes the Barren Sea out there. Those are the home operating waters of are the home operating waters of are the home operating waters of Russia's northern fleet and are kept Russia's northern fleet and are kept Russia's northern fleet and are kept under constant surveillance by the US under constant surveillance by the US under constant surveillance by the US and Norway. and Norway. and Norway. This map shows what lies just over the This map shows what lies just over the This map shows what lies just over the horizon on that thumb of land called the horizon on that thumb of land called the horizon on that thumb of land called the Cola Peninsula. Cola Peninsula. Cola Peninsula. It is the home of Russia's northern It is the home of Russia's northern It is the home of Russia's northern fleet, naval bases, airfields, and fleet, naval bases, airfields, and fleet, naval bases, airfields, and nuclear weapons storage sites, which nuclear weapons storage sites, which nuclear weapons storage sites, which represent that country's single greatest represent that country's single greatest represent that country's single greatest concentration of military power, concentration of military power, concentration of military power, especially submarines. especially submarines. especially submarines. >> They have a very capable submarine >> They have a very capable submarine >> They have a very capable submarine force, and we've seen an increase in force, and we've seen an increase in force, and we've seen an increase in submarine activity over the last few submarine activity over the last few submarine activity over the last few years that causes me pause. Admiral years that causes me pause. Admiral years that causes me pause. Admiral James Fogo, the commander of US naval James Fogo, the commander of US naval James Fogo, the commander of US naval forces in Europe, is particularly forces in Europe, is particularly forces in Europe, is particularly concerned about this submarine, the Seo concerned about this submarine, the Seo concerned about this submarine, the Seo Vinsk, nuclearpowered and armed with Vinsk, nuclearpowered and armed with Vinsk, nuclearpowered and armed with land attack cruise missiles with a range land attack cruise missiles with a range land attack cruise missiles with a range greater than 1,000 miles.

greater than 1,000 miles. greater than 1,000 miles. >> The Seovinsk is a brand new class of >> The Seovinsk is a brand new class of >> The Seovinsk is a brand new class of submarine and it's uh very capable. It's submarine and it's uh very capable. It's submarine and it's uh very capable. It's very quiet. So, that's uh the most very quiet. So, that's uh the most very quiet. So, that's uh the most important thing I think in submarine important thing I think in submarine important thing I think in submarine warfare. When you say quiet, you're warfare. When you say quiet, you're warfare. When you say quiet, you're saying harder to detect, harder to saying harder to detect, harder to saying harder to detect, harder to track. track. track. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. >> Does that sub come down into the >> Does that sub come down into the >> Does that sub come down into the Atlantic? Atlantic? Atlantic? >> Suffice it to say that the Russians have >> Suffice it to say that the Russians have >> Suffice it to say that the Russians have increased uh their presence in uh all increased uh their presence in uh all increased uh their presence in uh all bodies of water around Europe and in the bodies of water around Europe and in the bodies of water around Europe and in the Atlantic. Atlantic. Atlantic. >> Have you ever lost the Sarah Vince? >> Have you ever lost the Sarah Vince? >> Have you ever lost the Sarah Vince? >> I'd rather not comment on submarine >> I'd rather not comment on submarine >> I'd rather not comment on submarine operations uh to that specific level of operations uh to that specific level of operations uh to that specific level of detail. detail. detail. Fogo won't comment, but Pentagon Fogo won't comment, but Pentagon Fogo won't comment, but Pentagon officials told 60 Minutes that last officials told 60 Minutes that last officials told 60 Minutes that last summer the Seo Vince slipped into the summer the Seo Vince slipped into the summer the Seo Vince slipped into the Atlantic Ocean and for weeks evaded all Atlantic Ocean and for weeks evaded all Atlantic Ocean and for weeks evaded all attempts to find it. attempts to find it. attempts to find it. In peace time, losing a Russian sub in In peace time, losing a Russian sub in In peace time, losing a Russian sub in the Atlantic is embarrassing. In a the Atlantic is embarrassing. In a the Atlantic is embarrassing. In a crisis, it could be a disaster. crisis, it could be a disaster. crisis, it could be a disaster. >> Think about uh the global infrastructure >> Think about uh the global infrastructure >> Think about uh the global infrastructure that rests on the bottom of the ocean.

that rests on the bottom of the ocean. that rests on the bottom of the ocean. >> You're talking about the undersea >> You're talking about the undersea >> You're talking about the undersea cables. cables. cables. >> That's correct. Those fiber optic cables >> That's correct. Those fiber optic cables >> That's correct. Those fiber optic cables carry 99.4% carry 99.4% carry 99.4% of the data exchanged over the internet of the data exchanged over the internet of the data exchanged over the internet by the US and its allies and trading by the US and its allies and trading by the US and its allies and trading partners. Depending on your point of partners. Depending on your point of partners. Depending on your point of view, they are either the backbone or view, they are either the backbone or view, they are either the backbone or the Achilles heel of the world economy. the Achilles heel of the world economy. the Achilles heel of the world economy. >> Have Russian submarines >> Have Russian submarines >> Have Russian submarines gotten close to those undersea cables? gotten close to those undersea cables? gotten close to those undersea cables? >> I'm not at liberty to talk about uh any >> I'm not at liberty to talk about uh any >> I'm not at liberty to talk about uh any of that. That's because tracking Russian of that. That's because tracking Russian of that. That's because tracking Russian submarines is a top secret day in dayout submarines is a top secret day in dayout submarines is a top secret day in dayout game of hideand seek. game of hideand seek. game of hideand seek. But the Norwegian military allowed 60 But the Norwegian military allowed 60 But the Norwegian military allowed 60 minutes aboard one of its maritime minutes aboard one of its maritime minutes aboard one of its maritime patrol planes to see what sub hunting patrol planes to see what sub hunting patrol planes to see what sub hunting looks like. The pilot, co-pilot, and looks like. The pilot, co-pilot, and looks like. The pilot, co-pilot, and engineer are up front while the crew in engineer are up front while the crew in engineer are up front while the crew in the back scans the Norwegian Sea with the back scans the Norwegian Sea with the back scans the Norwegian Sea with radar and high-powered cameras. Flying radar and high-powered cameras. Flying radar and high-powered cameras. Flying at less than 300 feet, they can clearly at less than 300 feet, they can clearly at less than 300 feet, they can clearly make out anything on the surface, make out anything on the surface, make out anything on the surface, including passing cargo ships. For including passing cargo ships. For including passing cargo ships. For what's under the water, they drop what's under the water, they drop what's under the water, they drop patterns of sonoboys, which send out patterns of sonoboys, which send out patterns of sonoboys, which send out sound waves sound waves sound waves that will bounce off a submerged that will bounce off a submerged that will bounce off a submerged submarine.

submarine. submarine. Major leaf outerholm, the plane's Major leaf outerholm, the plane's Major leaf outerholm, the plane's tactical coordinator, has been flying tactical coordinator, has been flying tactical coordinator, has been flying these missions since the 1980s. these missions since the 1980s. these missions since the 1980s. >> And it is very important to collect on >> And it is very important to collect on >> And it is very important to collect on remote locations. How big an area is it remote locations. How big an area is it remote locations. How big an area is it that you have to cover? that you have to cover? that you have to cover? >> The area operation for this kind of >> The area operation for this kind of >> The area operation for this kind of aircraft is six times larger than the aircraft is six times larger than the aircraft is six times larger than the area of land in Norway. So it's uh quite area of land in Norway. So it's uh quite area of land in Norway. So it's uh quite quite big. quite big. quite big. >> So how frequently do you encounter the >> So how frequently do you encounter the >> So how frequently do you encounter the Russians out here? Russians out here? Russians out here? >> We counter them regularly when we go >> We counter them regularly when we go >> We counter them regularly when we go further east. further east. further east. >> Further east lies the headquarters of >> Further east lies the headquarters of >> Further east lies the headquarters of the Northern Fleet and Norwegian patrol the Northern Fleet and Norwegian patrol the Northern Fleet and Norwegian patrol planes frequently spot Russian planes frequently spot Russian planes frequently spot Russian submarines while they're still on the submarines while they're still on the submarines while they're still on the surface. surface. surface. But the most valuable intelligence is But the most valuable intelligence is But the most valuable intelligence is collected by a ship. One you've never collected by a ship. One you've never collected by a ship. One you've never heard of. There it is down there in the heard of. There it is down there in the heard of. There it is down there in the harbor. The crown jewel of Norway's harbor. The crown jewel of Norway's harbor. The crown jewel of Norway's fleet. That's Norway's newest spy ship, fleet. That's Norway's newest spy ship, fleet. That's Norway's newest spy ship, the Mariotta. It's at sea nearly 300 the Mariotta. It's at sea nearly 300 the Mariotta. It's at sea nearly 300 days a year monitoring the northern days a year monitoring the northern days a year monitoring the northern fleet, but just happened to be in port fleet, but just happened to be in port fleet, but just happened to be in port the day we arrived here in Kirkines, the the day we arrived here in Kirkines, the the day we arrived here in Kirkines, the town closest to the Russian border. The town closest to the Russian border. The town closest to the Russian border. The Marata flies the Norwegian flag, but Marata flies the Norwegian flag, but Marata flies the Norwegian flag, but much of its easedropping equipment comes much of its easedropping equipment comes much of its easedropping equipment comes from the US.

from the US. from the US. >> Its mission is to collect intelligence >> Its mission is to collect intelligence >> Its mission is to collect intelligence on the operations of Russia's northern on the operations of Russia's northern on the operations of Russia's northern fleet, which Lieutenant General Yakerson says which Lieutenant General Yakerson says is arming itself with a new generation is arming itself with a new generation is arming itself with a new generation of precision guided weapons and testing of precision guided weapons and testing of precision guided weapons and testing them in the waters off Norway. >> Are you able to monitor those? Yeah, >> Are you able to monitor those? Yeah, because most of the testing of new because most of the testing of new because most of the testing of new equipment is done up north of the Cola equipment is done up north of the Cola equipment is done up north of the Cola Peninsula and we are present there uh Peninsula and we are present there uh Peninsula and we are present there uh every day with our maritime patrol every day with our maritime patrol every day with our maritime patrol aircrafts and our vessels at sea. aircrafts and our vessels at sea. aircrafts and our vessels at sea. >> That daily hall of intelligence, all of >> That daily hall of intelligence, all of >> That daily hall of intelligence, all of which is directly relayed to the US and which is directly relayed to the US and which is directly relayed to the US and NATO didn't stop President Trump from NATO didn't stop President Trump from NATO didn't stop President Trump from sending this letter of complaint. sending this letter of complaint. sending this letter of complaint. Norway, he wrote, is the only NATO ally Norway, he wrote, is the only NATO ally Norway, he wrote, is the only NATO ally sharing a border with Russia that lacks sharing a border with Russia that lacks sharing a border with Russia that lacks a credible plan to spend 2% of its gross a credible plan to spend 2% of its gross a credible plan to spend 2% of its gross domestic product on defense. domestic product on defense. domestic product on defense. >> Well, I think that he he has a fair >> Well, I think that he he has a fair >> Well, I think that he he has a fair point in in pointing out that we need to point in in pointing out that we need to point in in pointing out that we need to step up.

step up. step up. >> Aa Ericson Sarida is Norway's foreign >> Aa Ericson Sarida is Norway's foreign >> Aa Ericson Sarida is Norway's foreign minister, the first woman to hold the minister, the first woman to hold the minister, the first woman to hold the job. job. job. >> So, these are all your predecessors. >> So, these are all your predecessors. >> So, these are all your predecessors. >> They are. They are. And they're all men. >> They are. They are. And they're all men. >> They are. They are. And they're all men. >> And they're all men. You're the first >> And they're all men. You're the first >> And they're all men. You're the first woman. woman. woman. >> Yeah. Before that, she was defense >> Yeah. Before that, she was defense >> Yeah. Before that, she was defense minister in 2014 when all the members of minister in 2014 when all the members of minister in 2014 when all the members of NATO pledged to increase their military NATO pledged to increase their military NATO pledged to increase their military spending to 2% of their GDP. spending to 2% of their GDP. spending to 2% of their GDP. >> So, have you met that pledge? >> So, have you met that pledge? >> So, have you met that pledge? >> No, we haven't met it yet, but we are >> No, we haven't met it yet, but we are >> No, we haven't met it yet, but we are moving in the right direction and we are moving in the right direction and we are moving in the right direction and we are doing uh a lot of big investments. doing uh a lot of big investments. doing uh a lot of big investments. >> The biggest of those investments is the >> The biggest of those investments is the >> The biggest of those investments is the Americanmade F-35, a stealth fighter Americanmade F-35, a stealth fighter Americanmade F-35, a stealth fighter designed to evade state-of-the-art air designed to evade state-of-the-art air designed to evade state-of-the-art air defenses. It will dramatically increase defenses. It will dramatically increase defenses. It will dramatically increase operational capabilities both in the operational capabilities both in the operational capabilities both in the high north and beyond. high north and beyond. high north and beyond. >> Norway is buying 52 of them at a cost of >> Norway is buying 52 of them at a cost of >> Norway is buying 52 of them at a cost of $89 million each. $89 million each. $89 million each. >> It's a very expensive airplane >> It's a very expensive airplane >> It's a very expensive airplane >> well and it also functions well and it >> well and it also functions well and it >> well and it also functions well and it has capabilities that we need. Our F-16 has capabilities that we need. Our F-16 has capabilities that we need. Our F-16 has served us well, but they are has served us well, but they are has served us well, but they are starting to get old. Those F-16s are starting to get old. Those F-16s are starting to get old. Those F-16s are going on 40 years old and were never going on 40 years old and were never going on 40 years old and were never designed to be stealthy. Until they are designed to be stealthy. Until they are designed to be stealthy. Until they are replaced by the F-35, Lieutenant General replaced by the F-35, Lieutenant General replaced by the F-35, Lieutenant General Yakinson told us Norway's air force will Yakinson told us Norway's air force will Yakinson told us Norway's air force will be no match for Russia's modern air be no match for Russia's modern air be no match for Russia's modern air defenses.

defenses. defenses. >> Meaning um today um if we had a >> Meaning um today um if we had a >> Meaning um today um if we had a conflict, we would not be able to fly in conflict, we would not be able to fly in conflict, we would not be able to fly in the northernmost part of Norway. So your the northernmost part of Norway. So your the northernmost part of Norway. So your air force today couldn't operate in the air force today couldn't operate in the air force today couldn't operate in the very high north. very high north. very high north. >> No. Uh not in in in a serious crisis. >> No. Uh not in in in a serious crisis. >> No. Uh not in in in a serious crisis. >> Last fall, NATO practiced what it would >> Last fall, NATO practiced what it would >> Last fall, NATO practiced what it would do in a serious crisis. do in a serious crisis. do in a serious crisis. Bringing in 50,000 troops, 250 aircraft, 250 aircraft, and 65 ships, all under the command of and 65 ships, all under the command of and 65 ships, all under the command of Admiral Fogo. This is one of the largest Admiral Fogo. This is one of the largest Admiral Fogo. This is one of the largest NATO exercises since the Cold War. NATO exercises since the Cold War. NATO exercises since the Cold War. >> Called Trident Juncture. It was a war >> Called Trident Juncture. It was a war >> Called Trident Juncture. It was a war game designed to repulse an invasion of game designed to repulse an invasion of game designed to repulse an invasion of Norway by an unnamed country whose Norway by an unnamed country whose Norway by an unnamed country whose identity was a mystery to no one. identity was a mystery to no one. identity was a mystery to no one. >> And the message to Russia is >> And the message to Russia is >> And the message to Russia is >> the message to Russia or anybody else >> the message to Russia or anybody else >> the message to Russia or anybody else that may want to challenge the alliance that may want to challenge the alliance that may want to challenge the alliance is think twice. You don't want to mess is think twice. You don't want to mess is think twice. You don't want to mess with us.

with us. with us. >> It was the first time in nearly 30 years >> It was the first time in nearly 30 years >> It was the first time in nearly 30 years the US had sent a carrier strike group, the US had sent a carrier strike group, the US had sent a carrier strike group, the USS Harry S. Truman and its escorts the USS Harry S. Truman and its escorts the USS Harry S. Truman and its escorts above the Arctic Circle, above the Arctic Circle, above the Arctic Circle, a long way from the Persian Gulf and the a long way from the Persian Gulf and the a long way from the Persian Gulf and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. >> Did you feel that NATO just wasn't >> Did you feel that NATO just wasn't >> Did you feel that NATO just wasn't paying attention to uh to Norway? paying attention to uh to Norway? paying attention to uh to Norway? >> What we saw was that NATO over many >> What we saw was that NATO over many >> What we saw was that NATO over many years had been engaged heavily for years had been engaged heavily for years had been engaged heavily for instance in Afghanistan and and that's a instance in Afghanistan and and that's a instance in Afghanistan and and that's a very important mission. But we also saw very important mission. But we also saw very important mission. But we also saw that some of the um I would say core that some of the um I would say core that some of the um I would say core areas of of NATO, the territorial areas of of NATO, the territorial areas of of NATO, the territorial defense maybe had um not had the same defense maybe had um not had the same defense maybe had um not had the same attention over years. attention over years. attention over years. >> Well, now you have an American aircraft >> Well, now you have an American aircraft >> Well, now you have an American aircraft carrier carrier carrier >> operating off your coast. >> operating off your coast. >> operating off your coast. >> I think it is a very good way of showing >> I think it is a very good way of showing >> I think it is a very good way of showing that we have to practice in peace time that we have to practice in peace time that we have to practice in peace time to be able to operate if the crisis to be able to operate if the crisis to be able to operate if the crisis occurs. occurs. occurs. >> Norway will never have a military that >> Norway will never have a military that >> Norway will never have a military that can take on its much larger and more can take on its much larger and more can take on its much larger and more powerful neighbor. powerful neighbor. powerful neighbor. But the pilots who fly these F-16s call But the pilots who fly these F-16s call But the pilots who fly these F-16s call themselves the Guardians of the North.

themselves the Guardians of the North. themselves the Guardians of the North. They can't stop the Russians, They can't stop the Russians, They can't stop the Russians, but they are the first to spot them. The United States Navy helped secure The United States Navy helped secure victory in two world wars and the Cold victory in two world wars and the Cold victory in two world wars and the Cold War. Today, the Navy remains a War. Today, the Navy remains a War. Today, the Navy remains a formidable fighting force, but even formidable fighting force, but even formidable fighting force, but even officers within the service have officers within the service have officers within the service have questioned its readiness. While the US questioned its readiness. While the US questioned its readiness. While the US spent 20 years fighting land wars in spent 20 years fighting land wars in spent 20 years fighting land wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon watched China, its greatest geopolitical watched China, its greatest geopolitical watched China, its greatest geopolitical rival of the 21st century, build the rival of the 21st century, build the rival of the 21st century, build the largest navy in the world. China has largest navy in the world. China has largest navy in the world. China has threatened to use that navy to invade threatened to use that navy to invade threatened to use that navy to invade Taiwan, an important American ally. As Taiwan, an important American ally. As Taiwan, an important American ally. As tensions with China continue to rise, we tensions with China continue to rise, we tensions with China continue to rise, we wanted to know more about the current wanted to know more about the current wanted to know more about the current state of the US Navy and how it's trying state of the US Navy and how it's trying state of the US Navy and how it's trying to deter China while preparing for the to deter China while preparing for the to deter China while preparing for the possibility of war.

The Navy's always on alert. Onethird of The Navy's always on alert. Onethird of the Navy is always deployed and the Navy is always deployed and the Navy is always deployed and operating at all times. The Navy's operating at all times. The Navy's operating at all times. The Navy's mustering right now about 300 ships and mustering right now about 300 ships and mustering right now about 300 ships and there are about 100 ships at sea right there are about 100 ships at sea right there are about 100 ships at sea right now all around the globe. now all around the globe. now all around the globe. >> Admiral Samuel Paparro commands the US >> Admiral Samuel Paparro commands the US >> Admiral Samuel Paparro commands the US Pacific Fleet whose 200 ships and Pacific Fleet whose 200 ships and Pacific Fleet whose 200 ships and 150,000 sailors and civilians make up 150,000 sailors and civilians make up 150,000 sailors and civilians make up 60% of the entire US Navy. We met him 60% of the entire US Navy. We met him 60% of the entire US Navy. We met him last month on the aircraft carrier USS last month on the aircraft carrier USS last month on the aircraft carrier USS Nimmitz deployed near the US territory Nimmitz deployed near the US territory Nimmitz deployed near the US territory of Guam, southeast of Taiwan and the of Guam, southeast of Taiwan and the of Guam, southeast of Taiwan and the People's Republic of China or PRC. People's Republic of China or PRC. People's Republic of China or PRC. >> You've been operating as a naval officer >> You've been operating as a naval officer >> You've been operating as a naval officer for 40 years. How has operating in the for 40 years. How has operating in the for 40 years. How has operating in the Western Pacific changed? Western Pacific changed? Western Pacific changed? >> In the early 2000s, the PRC Navy >> In the early 2000s, the PRC Navy >> In the early 2000s, the PRC Navy mustered about 37 vessels. Today, mustered about 37 vessels. Today, mustered about 37 vessels. Today, they're mustering 350 vessels. This they're mustering 350 vessels. This they're mustering 350 vessels. This month, China's new foreign minister, month, China's new foreign minister, month, China's new foreign minister, Chin Gong, delivered a stern warning to Chin Gong, delivered a stern warning to Chin Gong, delivered a stern warning to the US. the US. the US. He said that if Washington does not He said that if Washington does not He said that if Washington does not change course in its stance towards change course in its stance towards change course in its stance towards China, conflict and confrontation is China, conflict and confrontation is China, conflict and confrontation is inevitable.

inevitable. inevitable. This past August, when then Speaker of This past August, when then Speaker of This past August, when then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi became the most the House Nancy Pelosi became the most the House Nancy Pelosi became the most senior US political figure to visit senior US political figure to visit senior US political figure to visit Taiwan in 25 years, China called it a Taiwan in 25 years, China called it a Taiwan in 25 years, China called it a blatant provocation. blatant provocation. blatant provocation. The People's Liberation Army fired The People's Liberation Army fired The People's Liberation Army fired ballistic missiles into the sea around ballistic missiles into the sea around ballistic missiles into the sea around Taiwan and encircled the island with Taiwan and encircled the island with Taiwan and encircled the island with aircraft and warships. aircraft and warships. aircraft and warships. >> So, are Chinese warships now operating >> So, are Chinese warships now operating >> So, are Chinese warships now operating closer to Taiwan after Nancy Pelosy's closer to Taiwan after Nancy Pelosy's closer to Taiwan after Nancy Pelosy's visit? visit? visit? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> The best guess anyone has about China's >> The best guess anyone has about China's >> The best guess anyone has about China's ultimate intentions for Taiwan comes ultimate intentions for Taiwan comes ultimate intentions for Taiwan comes from the CIA. According to its from the CIA. According to its from the CIA. According to its intelligence assessment, China's intelligence assessment, China's intelligence assessment, China's president, Xi Jinping, has ordered the president, Xi Jinping, has ordered the president, Xi Jinping, has ordered the People's Liberation Army to be prepared People's Liberation Army to be prepared People's Liberation Army to be prepared to take back the island by force by to take back the island by force by to take back the island by force by 2027. 2027. 2027. >> And if China invades Taiwan, what will >> And if China invades Taiwan, what will >> And if China invades Taiwan, what will the US Navy do? the US Navy do? the US Navy do? >> It's a decision of the President of the >> It's a decision of the President of the >> It's a decision of the President of the United States and a decision of the United States and a decision of the United States and a decision of the Congress. It's our duty to be ready for Congress. It's our duty to be ready for Congress. It's our duty to be ready for that. But the bulk of the United States that. But the bulk of the United States that. But the bulk of the United States Navy will be deployed rapidly to the Navy will be deployed rapidly to the Navy will be deployed rapidly to the Western Pacific to come to the aid of Western Pacific to come to the aid of Western Pacific to come to the aid of Taiwan if the order comes to aid Taiwan Taiwan if the order comes to aid Taiwan Taiwan if the order comes to aid Taiwan in thwarting that invasion.

in thwarting that invasion. in thwarting that invasion. >> Is the US Navy ready? >> Is the US Navy ready? >> Is the US Navy ready? >> We're ready. Yes. Uh I'll never admit to >> We're ready. Yes. Uh I'll never admit to >> We're ready. Yes. Uh I'll never admit to being ready enough. being ready enough. being ready enough. >> Yes. President Biden has declared four >> Yes. President Biden has declared four >> Yes. President Biden has declared four times, including on 60 Minutes, that the times, including on 60 Minutes, that the times, including on 60 Minutes, that the US military would defend Taiwan, which US military would defend Taiwan, which US military would defend Taiwan, which is a democracy and the world's leading is a democracy and the world's leading is a democracy and the world's leading producer of advanced microchips. producer of advanced microchips. producer of advanced microchips. >> 604 limit. >> 604 limit. >> 604 limit. >> To reach the USS Nimmits, we first >> To reach the USS Nimmits, we first >> To reach the USS Nimmits, we first traveled to America's westernmost traveled to America's westernmost traveled to America's westernmost territory, the island of Guam, in the territory, the island of Guam, in the territory, the island of Guam, in the middle of the Pacific. middle of the Pacific. middle of the Pacific. Guam was taken by Imperial Japan 2 days Guam was taken by Imperial Japan 2 days Guam was taken by Imperial Japan 2 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor in after the attack on Pearl Harbor in after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. 1941. 1941. US Marines recaptured it two and a half US Marines recaptured it two and a half US Marines recaptured it two and a half years later. And the island about the years later. And the island about the years later. And the island about the size of Chicago became an indispensable size of Chicago became an indispensable size of Chicago became an indispensable strategic foothold in the Western strategic foothold in the Western strategic foothold in the Western Pacific as it remains today. Pacific as it remains today. Pacific as it remains today. From Guam, we boarded a Navy C2 From Guam, we boarded a Navy C2 From Guam, we boarded a Navy C2 Greyhound. The Cold War era transport Greyhound. The Cold War era transport Greyhound. The Cold War era transport plane takes people and supplies back and plane takes people and supplies back and plane takes people and supplies back and forth from land to the carrier.

It was a short flight to the ship and an It was a short flight to the ship and an even shorter landing. >> Incredible. >> Incredible. >> First COD landing. >> First COD landing. >> First COD landing. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Oh, very nice. >> Oh, very nice. >> Oh, very nice. >> Certain operations >> Certain operations >> Certain operations >> before Admiral Paparo rose to lead the >> before Admiral Paparo rose to lead the >> before Admiral Paparo rose to lead the Pacific Fleet. He flew jets and Pacific Fleet. He flew jets and Pacific Fleet. He flew jets and graduated from the school known as Top graduated from the school known as Top graduated from the school known as Top Gun. Gun. Gun. >> When you talk about ships, what's the >> When you talk about ships, what's the >> When you talk about ships, what's the most powerful in the US Navy? It's an most powerful in the US Navy? It's an most powerful in the US Navy? It's an aircraft carrier and its airwing is aircraft carrier and its airwing is aircraft carrier and its airwing is capable of 150 strike or air-to-air capable of 150 strike or air-to-air capable of 150 strike or air-to-air sordies per day with uh at its surge sordies per day with uh at its surge sordies per day with uh at its surge levels the ability to deliver 900 levels the ability to deliver 900 levels the ability to deliver 900 precisiong guided munitions every day precisiong guided munitions every day precisiong guided munitions every day and reloadable every night. and reloadable every night. and reloadable every night. >> So even though China now has the largest >> So even though China now has the largest >> So even though China now has the largest navy in the world, they don't have navy in the world, they don't have navy in the world, they don't have anything like this in terms of aircraft anything like this in terms of aircraft anything like this in terms of aircraft carriers. carriers. carriers. >> They do not. But they're working towards >> They do not. But they're working towards >> They do not. But they're working towards it and they have they have two it and they have they have two it and they have they have two operational aircraft carriers right now. operational aircraft carriers right now. operational aircraft carriers right now. >> That's China's two dieselfueled carriers >> That's China's two dieselfueled carriers >> That's China's two dieselfueled carriers to the US's 11 nuclearpowered ones that to the US's 11 nuclearpowered ones that to the US's 11 nuclearpowered ones that can carry a total of about a thousand can carry a total of about a thousand can carry a total of about a thousand attack aircraft, more than the navies of attack aircraft, more than the navies of attack aircraft, more than the navies of every other nation on Earth combined.

every other nation on Earth combined. every other nation on Earth combined. >> I'll tell you this, we are here to stay >> I'll tell you this, we are here to stay >> I'll tell you this, we are here to stay right in the South China Sea and in this right in the South China Sea and in this right in the South China Sea and in this part of the world. And I think that's part of the world. And I think that's part of the world. And I think that's the message that we really want to the message that we really want to the message that we really want to convey to not only China but the entire convey to not only China but the entire convey to not only China but the entire world. We will sail wherever world. We will sail wherever world. We will sail wherever international law allows. international law allows. international law allows. Lieutenant Commander David Ash flies an Lieutenant Commander David Ash flies an Lieutenant Commander David Ash flies an FA18. >> Do you get briefed on China's growing >> Do you get briefed on China's growing military threat and the progress that military threat and the progress that military threat and the progress that their navy is making? their navy is making? their navy is making? >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah, absolutely. We do and they are >> Yeah, absolutely. We do and they are >> Yeah, absolutely. We do and they are making great progress in a lot of key making great progress in a lot of key making great progress in a lot of key areas. The Chinese areas. The Chinese areas. The Chinese >> The Chinese are from a military >> The Chinese are from a military >> The Chinese are from a military standpoint. standpoint. standpoint. >> This video from weapons systems officer >> This video from weapons systems officer >> This video from weapons systems officer Lieutenant Commander Matthew Carlton Lieutenant Commander Matthew Carlton Lieutenant Commander Matthew Carlton shows his FA18 strafing ground targets shows his FA18 strafing ground targets shows his FA18 strafing ground targets with a machine gun on a US weapons range with a machine gun on a US weapons range with a machine gun on a US weapons range near Guam. The pilots on the Nimmits also conduct The pilots on the Nimmits also conduct air-to-air combat or dog fighting drills air-to-air combat or dog fighting drills air-to-air combat or dog fighting drills daily. daily. daily. How aggressive has China become in the How aggressive has China become in the How aggressive has China become in the air? aggressive. And uh just some air? aggressive. And uh just some air? aggressive. And uh just some examples include unsafe, unprofessional examples include unsafe, unprofessional examples include unsafe, unprofessional intercepts where they move within single intercepts where they move within single intercepts where they move within single digits of feet of other aircraft, digits of feet of other aircraft, digits of feet of other aircraft, flashing the weapons that they have on flashing the weapons that they have on flashing the weapons that they have on board to the air crew of the other board to the air crew of the other board to the air crew of the other aircraft, operating in international aircraft, operating in international aircraft, operating in international airspace, maneuvering their aircraft in airspace, maneuvering their aircraft in airspace, maneuvering their aircraft in such a way that denies the the ability such a way that denies the the ability such a way that denies the the ability to turn in one direction. If they're to turn in one direction. If they're to turn in one direction. If they're safe and professional, then there's no safe and professional, then there's no safe and professional, then there's no problem. Everybody has the right to fly

problem. Everybody has the right to fly problem. Everybody has the right to fly and sail wherever international law and sail wherever international law and sail wherever international law dictates. dictates. dictates. >> But the Chinese are pushing that. >> But the Chinese are pushing that. >> But the Chinese are pushing that. >> They are pushing it. >> They are pushing it. >> They are pushing it. >> China's increasingly aggressive moves in >> China's increasingly aggressive moves in >> China's increasingly aggressive moves in the Western Pacific, encroaching on the Western Pacific, encroaching on the Western Pacific, encroaching on territory, illegal fishing, and building territory, illegal fishing, and building territory, illegal fishing, and building bases in the middle of the South China bases in the middle of the South China bases in the middle of the South China Sea have pushed nations like Japan and Sea have pushed nations like Japan and Sea have pushed nations like Japan and the Philippines to forge closer military the Philippines to forge closer military the Philippines to forge closer military ties to the US. And this past week, ties to the US. And this past week, ties to the US. And this past week, Britain, the US, and Australia signed a Britain, the US, and Australia signed a Britain, the US, and Australia signed a landmark deal to jointly develop landmark deal to jointly develop landmark deal to jointly develop nuclearpowered attack submarines to nuclearpowered attack submarines to nuclearpowered attack submarines to patrol the Pacific. patrol the Pacific. patrol the Pacific. This is how China and Taiwan appear on This is how China and Taiwan appear on This is how China and Taiwan appear on most maps. This is how the Chinese most maps. This is how the Chinese most maps. This is how the Chinese Communist Party sees the Western Communist Party sees the Western Communist Party sees the Western Pacific, including the South and East Pacific, including the South and East Pacific, including the South and East China seas from Beijing. Taiwan is the China seas from Beijing. Taiwan is the China seas from Beijing. Taiwan is the fulcrum in what China's leaders call the fulcrum in what China's leaders call the fulcrum in what China's leaders call the first island chain, a constellation of first island chain, a constellation of first island chain, a constellation of US allies that stretches across its US allies that stretches across its US allies that stretches across its entire coast. Control of Taiwan is the entire coast. Control of Taiwan is the entire coast. Control of Taiwan is the strategic key to unlocking direct access strategic key to unlocking direct access strategic key to unlocking direct access to the Pacific and the sea lanes where to the Pacific and the sea lanes where to the Pacific and the sea lanes where about 50% of the world's commerce gets about 50% of the world's commerce gets about 50% of the world's commerce gets transported. China has accused the transported. China has accused the transported. China has accused the United States of trying to contain them.

United States of trying to contain them. United States of trying to contain them. What do you say to China? What do you say to China? What do you say to China? I would say uh do you need to be I would say uh do you need to be I would say uh do you need to be contained? Are you expanding? Are you an contained? Are you expanding? Are you an contained? Are you expanding? Are you an expansionist power? To a very great expansionist power? To a very great expansionist power? To a very great extent, the United States was the extent, the United States was the extent, the United States was the champion for China's rise. champion for China's rise. champion for China's rise. And in no way are we seeking to contain And in no way are we seeking to contain And in no way are we seeking to contain China. What we are seeking for them to China. What we are seeking for them to China. What we are seeking for them to play by the rules. play by the rules. play by the rules. >> China's Navy, a branch of the People's >> China's Navy, a branch of the People's >> China's Navy, a branch of the People's Liberation Army, is now the world's Liberation Army, is now the world's Liberation Army, is now the world's largest. China is also using its 9,000mi largest. China is also using its 9,000mi largest. China is also using its 9,000mi coastline to rewrite the rules of coastline to rewrite the rules of coastline to rewrite the rules of fighting at sea. As these images from fighting at sea. As these images from fighting at sea. As these images from Chinese state media show, Chinese state media show, Chinese state media show, its military has invested heavily in its military has invested heavily in its military has invested heavily in long range precisiong guided weapons long range precisiong guided weapons long range precisiong guided weapons like the DF-21 and DF26 that can be used like the DF-21 and DF26 that can be used like the DF-21 and DF26 that can be used to target ships. China's People's Liberation Army Rocket China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force calls them carrier killers and has Force calls them carrier killers and has Force calls them carrier killers and has practiced shooting them at mock-ups of practiced shooting them at mock-ups of practiced shooting them at mock-ups of American ships in the desert that look a American ships in the desert that look a American ships in the desert that look a lot like the Nimmits. Since the United lot like the Nimmits. Since the United lot like the Nimmits. Since the United States has been operating in the Western States has been operating in the Western States has been operating in the Western Pacific, China's backyard, they've been Pacific, China's backyard, they've been Pacific, China's backyard, they've been developing missiles to attack our developing missiles to attack our developing missiles to attack our assets, haven't they? Specific missiles.

assets, haven't they? Specific missiles. assets, haven't they? Specific missiles. >> Absolutely. Yes. First, I'll say >> Absolutely. Yes. First, I'll say >> Absolutely. Yes. First, I'll say the United States is also a Western the United States is also a Western the United States is also a Western Pacific nation. Pacific nation. Pacific nation. >> So, it's not it's not China's backyard. >> So, it's not it's not China's backyard. >> So, it's not it's not China's backyard. It's, you know, it is a free and open It's, you know, it is a free and open It's, you know, it is a free and open Indo-Pacific that encompasses numerous Indo-Pacific that encompasses numerous Indo-Pacific that encompasses numerous partners and treaty allies. And yes, we partners and treaty allies. And yes, we partners and treaty allies. And yes, we have seen them greatly enhance their have seen them greatly enhance their have seen them greatly enhance their power projection capability. power projection capability. power projection capability. >> How much do you worry about the PLA >> How much do you worry about the PLA >> How much do you worry about the PLA rocket force? rocket force? rocket force? >> I worry, you know, I'd be a fool to not >> I worry, you know, I'd be a fool to not >> I worry, you know, I'd be a fool to not worry about. Of course, I worry about worry about. Of course, I worry about worry about. Of course, I worry about the PLA rocket force. Of course, I work the PLA rocket force. Of course, I work the PLA rocket force. Of course, I work every single day to develop the tactics every single day to develop the tactics every single day to develop the tactics and the techniques and the procedures to and the techniques and the procedures to and the techniques and the procedures to counter it and to continue to develop counter it and to continue to develop counter it and to continue to develop the systems that can also defend uh the systems that can also defend uh the systems that can also defend uh against them. against them. against them. >> About how far are we from mainland >> About how far are we from mainland >> About how far are we from mainland China? China? China? >> 1500 nautical miles. >> 1500 nautical miles. >> 1500 nautical miles. >> They can hit us. >> They can hit us. >> They can hit us. >> Yes, they can. If they've got the >> Yes, they can. If they've got the >> Yes, they can. If they've got the targeting in place, targeting in place, targeting in place, they could hit this aircraft carrier. If they could hit this aircraft carrier. If they could hit this aircraft carrier. If I don't want to be hit, there's I don't want to be hit, there's I don't want to be hit, there's something I can do about it. US Navy something I can do about it. US Navy something I can do about it. US Navy planners aren't just plotting how to planners aren't just plotting how to planners aren't just plotting how to evade China's rocket force, but also how evade China's rocket force, but also how evade China's rocket force, but also how they could effectively fight back.

they could effectively fight back. they could effectively fight back. From the vicinity of Guam, none of the From the vicinity of Guam, none of the From the vicinity of Guam, none of the aircraft on this ship has the range to aircraft on this ship has the range to aircraft on this ship has the range to approach Taiwan without refueling in the approach Taiwan without refueling in the approach Taiwan without refueling in the air. air. air. Ships like the US destroyer Wayne E. Ships like the US destroyer Wayne E. Ships like the US destroyer Wayne E. Meer, part of the Nimtt strike group, Meer, part of the Nimtt strike group, Meer, part of the Nimtt strike group, would need to sail much closer towards would need to sail much closer towards would need to sail much closer towards China to fire their missiles at any China to fire their missiles at any China to fire their missiles at any force invading Taiwan. force invading Taiwan. force invading Taiwan. One naval scholar we spoke to likened it One naval scholar we spoke to likened it One naval scholar we spoke to likened it to a boxing match in which a fighter, in to a boxing match in which a fighter, in to a boxing match in which a fighter, in this case China, this case China, this case China, has much longer arms than their has much longer arms than their has much longer arms than their potential opponent, the US. potential opponent, the US. potential opponent, the US. I'll give you a lot of examples where a I'll give you a lot of examples where a I'll give you a lot of examples where a shorter fighter was able to prevail over shorter fighter was able to prevail over shorter fighter was able to prevail over a long firearm fighter by being on their a long firearm fighter by being on their a long firearm fighter by being on their toes by maneuvering and we can also toes by maneuvering and we can also toes by maneuvering and we can also stick and move uh while we're developing stick and move uh while we're developing stick and move uh while we're developing those those longer range weapons. those those longer range weapons. those those longer range weapons. >> There is another area of modern naval >> There is another area of modern naval >> There is another area of modern naval warfare where the US had a head start warfare where the US had a head start warfare where the US had a head start and retains a deep advantage over China.

and retains a deep advantage over China. and retains a deep advantage over China. I just noticed out of the corner of my I just noticed out of the corner of my I just noticed out of the corner of my eye, this eye, this eye, this >> this is a 688 class, a Los Angeles class >> this is a 688 class, a Los Angeles class >> this is a 688 class, a Los Angeles class attack submarine. This is the most attack submarine. This is the most attack submarine. This is the most capable submarine on the planet. You capable submarine on the planet. You capable submarine on the planet. You know, with the exception of the Virginia know, with the exception of the Virginia know, with the exception of the Virginia class, our newer class of submarines. class, our newer class of submarines. class, our newer class of submarines. The exact number is classified, but our The exact number is classified, but our The exact number is classified, but our best estimate is that there are about a best estimate is that there are about a best estimate is that there are about a dozen nuclearpowered fast attack dozen nuclearpowered fast attack dozen nuclearpowered fast attack submarines patrolling the Pacific at any submarines patrolling the Pacific at any submarines patrolling the Pacific at any time. They are difficult to detect and time. They are difficult to detect and time. They are difficult to detect and track, something China is trying to track, something China is trying to track, something China is trying to solve. How much more advanced is US solve. How much more advanced is US solve. How much more advanced is US submarine technology than Chinese submarine technology than Chinese submarine technology than Chinese capability? capability? capability? >> A generation. >> A generation. >> A generation. >> Generation. >> Generation. >> Generation. >> And u by a generation think 10 or 20 >> And u by a generation think 10 or 20 >> And u by a generation think 10 or 20 years. But broadly, I don't really talk years. But broadly, I don't really talk years. But broadly, I don't really talk in depth about submarine capabilities. in depth about submarine capabilities. in depth about submarine capabilities. It's the silent service. Since Nancy It's the silent service. Since Nancy It's the silent service. Since Nancy Pelos's visit to Taiwan, China's Pelos's visit to Taiwan, China's Pelos's visit to Taiwan, China's military leaders have themselves been military leaders have themselves been military leaders have themselves been mostly silent and ignored efforts by the mostly silent and ignored efforts by the mostly silent and ignored efforts by the US military to keep the lines of US military to keep the lines of US military to keep the lines of communication open, even when a Chinese communication open, even when a Chinese communication open, even when a Chinese spy balloon breached American airspace spy balloon breached American airspace spy balloon breached American airspace and was shot down by the US. If the US and was shot down by the US. If the US and was shot down by the US. If the US and Chinese militaries can't communicate and Chinese militaries can't communicate and Chinese militaries can't communicate over a Chinese spy balloon, then what's over a Chinese spy balloon, then what's over a Chinese spy balloon, then what's going to happen when there's a real going to happen when there's a real going to happen when there's a real crisis in the South China Sea or with crisis in the South China Sea or with crisis in the South China Sea or with Taiwan?

Taiwan? Taiwan? >> We'll hope that they'll answer the phone >> We'll hope that they'll answer the phone >> We'll hope that they'll answer the phone else we'll do our very best assessment else we'll do our very best assessment else we'll do our very best assessment based on the things that they say in based on the things that they say in based on the things that they say in open source and based on their behavior open source and based on their behavior open source and based on their behavior to define their intentions and we'll act to define their intentions and we'll act to define their intentions and we'll act accordingly. Doesn't that make the accordingly. Doesn't that make the accordingly. Doesn't that make the situation even more dangerous if US and situation even more dangerous if US and situation even more dangerous if US and Chinese militaries are not talking? Chinese militaries are not talking? Chinese militaries are not talking? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Several sources within the Pentagon tell >> Several sources within the Pentagon tell >> Several sources within the Pentagon tell 60 Minutes that if China invaded Taiwan, 60 Minutes that if China invaded Taiwan, 60 Minutes that if China invaded Taiwan, it could very well kick off in outer it could very well kick off in outer it could very well kick off in outer space with both sides targeting the space with both sides targeting the space with both sides targeting the others satellites that enable precisiong others satellites that enable precisiong others satellites that enable precisiong guided weaponry. Cyber attacks on guided weaponry. Cyber attacks on guided weaponry. Cyber attacks on American cities and the sabotage of American cities and the sabotage of American cities and the sabotage of ports on the west coast of the US ports on the west coast of the US ports on the west coast of the US mainland could follow. One recent mainland could follow. One recent mainland could follow. One recent non-classified war game had the US non-classified war game had the US non-classified war game had the US prevailing but losing 20 ships including prevailing but losing 20 ships including prevailing but losing 20 ships including two carriers. Does that sound about two carriers. Does that sound about two carriers. Does that sound about right? right? right? >> That is a plausible outcome. I can >> That is a plausible outcome. I can >> That is a plausible outcome. I can imagine a more pessimistic outcome and I imagine a more pessimistic outcome and I imagine a more pessimistic outcome and I can imagine a more optimistic outcome.

can imagine a more optimistic outcome. can imagine a more optimistic outcome. We should be cleareyed about the costs We should be cleareyed about the costs We should be cleareyed about the costs that we're potentially incurring. that we're potentially incurring. that we're potentially incurring. >> There are about 5,000 Americans on board >> There are about 5,000 Americans on board >> There are about 5,000 Americans on board the Nimtts. This ship is nearly half a the Nimtts. This ship is nearly half a the Nimtts. This ship is nearly half a century old. Given the Navy's current century old. Given the Navy's current century old. Given the Navy's current needs in the Pacific, and because needs in the Pacific, and because needs in the Pacific, and because there's fuel left in its nuclear there's fuel left in its nuclear there's fuel left in its nuclear reactors, the carrier's life at sea is reactors, the carrier's life at sea is reactors, the carrier's life at sea is going to be extended. Is it your hope going to be extended. Is it your hope going to be extended. Is it your hope that the power of the US Navy, the force that the power of the US Navy, the force that the power of the US Navy, the force posture of the US Navy will deter a posture of the US Navy will deter a posture of the US Navy will deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan? Chinese invasion of Taiwan? Chinese invasion of Taiwan? >> It's not my hope. It's my duty in >> It's not my hope. It's my duty in >> It's not my hope. It's my duty in conjunction with allies and partners to conjunction with allies and partners to conjunction with allies and partners to deliver intolerable costs to anybody deliver intolerable costs to anybody deliver intolerable costs to anybody that would upend the order in violation that would upend the order in violation that would upend the order in violation of the nation's security or in violation of the nation's security or in violation of the nation's security or in violation of the nation's interests. the saying of the nation's interests. the saying of the nation's interests. the saying which is see patch and parabellum which which is see patch and parabellum which which is see patch and parabellum which is if you want peace prepare for war. is if you want peace prepare for war. is if you want peace prepare for war. >> As China's president she prepares for a >> As China's president she prepares for a >> As China's president she prepares for a state visit in Russia tomorrow to state visit in Russia tomorrow to state visit in Russia tomorrow to strengthen that alliance we look at strengthen that alliance we look at strengthen that alliance we look at critical questions about the state of critical questions about the state of critical questions about the state of the US Navy and its readiness when we the US Navy and its readiness when we the US Navy and its readiness when we come back.

60 Minutes has spent months talking to 60 Minutes has spent months talking to current and former naval officers, current and former naval officers, current and former naval officers, military strategists, and politicians military strategists, and politicians military strategists, and politicians about the state of the US Navy. One about the state of the US Navy. One about the state of the US Navy. One common thread in our reporting is common thread in our reporting is common thread in our reporting is unease, both about the size of the US unease, both about the size of the US unease, both about the size of the US fleet and its readiness to fight. The fleet and its readiness to fight. The fleet and its readiness to fight. The Navy ships are being retired faster than Navy ships are being retired faster than Navy ships are being retired faster than they're getting replaced. While the Navy they're getting replaced. While the Navy they're getting replaced. While the Navy of the People's Republic of China or PRC of the People's Republic of China or PRC of the People's Republic of China or PRC grows larger and more lethal by the grows larger and more lethal by the grows larger and more lethal by the year, we asked the commander of the US year, we asked the commander of the US year, we asked the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Samuel Paparro, Pacific Fleet, Admiral Samuel Paparro, Pacific Fleet, Admiral Samuel Paparro, about this on our visit to the USS about this on our visit to the USS about this on our visit to the USS Nimttz, the oldest aircraft carrier in Nimttz, the oldest aircraft carrier in Nimttz, the oldest aircraft carrier in the Navy. the Navy. the Navy. >> We call it the decade of concern. We've >> We call it the decade of concern. We've >> We call it the decade of concern. We've seen a t-fold increase in the size of seen a t-fold increase in the size of seen a t-fold increase in the size of the PRC Navy. the PRC Navy. the PRC Navy. >> Technically speaking, the Chinese now >> Technically speaking, the Chinese now >> Technically speaking, the Chinese now have the largest navy in the world in have the largest navy in the world in have the largest navy in the world in terms of number of ships. Correct. Do terms of number of ships. Correct. Do terms of number of ships. Correct. Do the numbers matter? the numbers matter? the numbers matter? >> Yes. As the saying goes, quantity has >> Yes. As the saying goes, quantity has >> Yes. As the saying goes, quantity has equality all its own. equality all its own. equality all its own. >> At some point, are they going to reach >> At some point, are they going to reach >> At some point, are they going to reach numbers that we can't prevail over?

numbers that we can't prevail over? numbers that we can't prevail over? >> I'm not comfortable with the trajectory. >> I'm not comfortable with the trajectory. >> I'm not comfortable with the trajectory. If you look at a map of the Indoacific, If you look at a map of the Indoacific, If you look at a map of the Indoacific, one thing becomes clear. There's a lot one thing becomes clear. There's a lot one thing becomes clear. There's a lot of water on that map. And so ours has to of water on that map. And so ours has to of water on that map. And so ours has to be a maritime strategy. be a maritime strategy. be a maritime strategy. >> Republican Mike Gallagher and Democrat >> Republican Mike Gallagher and Democrat >> Republican Mike Gallagher and Democrat Ela Lauria served together on the House Ela Lauria served together on the House Ela Lauria served together on the House Armed Services Committee in the last Armed Services Committee in the last Armed Services Committee in the last Congress. Congress. Congress. >> What is it about the US Navy that has >> What is it about the US Navy that has >> What is it about the US Navy that has allowed the two of you to find common allowed the two of you to find common allowed the two of you to find common cause? cause? cause? >> I think we share a sense of the urgency >> I think we share a sense of the urgency >> I think we share a sense of the urgency of the moment. We see increasing threats of the moment. We see increasing threats of the moment. We see increasing threats from China in particular in the from China in particular in the from China in particular in the Indoacific. We feel like we're not Indoacific. We feel like we're not Indoacific. We feel like we're not moving fast enough to build a bigger moving fast enough to build a bigger moving fast enough to build a bigger navy. navy. navy. >> Congressman Gallagher is a Marine >> Congressman Gallagher is a Marine >> Congressman Gallagher is a Marine veteran who represents Green Bay, veteran who represents Green Bay, veteran who represents Green Bay, Wisconsin. He chairs the new House Wisconsin. He chairs the new House Wisconsin. He chairs the new House Committee on China. He's concerned that Committee on China. He's concerned that Committee on China. He's concerned that under the Navy's current plan, the fleet under the Navy's current plan, the fleet under the Navy's current plan, the fleet will shrink to 280 ships by 2027, the will shrink to 280 ships by 2027, the will shrink to 280 ships by 2027, the same year the CIA says China has set for same year the CIA says China has set for same year the CIA says China has set for having the capability to take Taiwan by having the capability to take Taiwan by having the capability to take Taiwan by force. So, we will be weakest when our force. So, we will be weakest when our force. So, we will be weakest when our enemy is potentially strongest.

enemy is potentially strongest. enemy is potentially strongest. >> China's increased rhetoric and potential >> China's increased rhetoric and potential >> China's increased rhetoric and potential aggression against Taiwan. We're going aggression against Taiwan. We're going aggression against Taiwan. We're going to have to be ready to respond today to have to be ready to respond today to have to be ready to respond today with the forces we have today. with the forces we have today. with the forces we have today. >> Former Congresswoman Elaine Lauria >> Former Congresswoman Elaine Lauria >> Former Congresswoman Elaine Lauria represented Virginia Beach until this represented Virginia Beach until this represented Virginia Beach until this past January. Anapapolis graduate, past January. Anapapolis graduate, past January. Anapapolis graduate, Lauria had a 20-year naval career before Lauria had a 20-year naval career before Lauria had a 20-year naval career before being elected to Congress. What would being elected to Congress. What would being elected to Congress. What would you say the state of the US Navy is you say the state of the US Navy is you say the state of the US Navy is today? I think the Navy has not received today? I think the Navy has not received today? I think the Navy has not received the attention and resources that it the attention and resources that it the attention and resources that it needs over two decades. I mean, I served needs over two decades. I mean, I served needs over two decades. I mean, I served on six different ships. Every single one on six different ships. Every single one on six different ships. Every single one of those ships was either built during of those ships was either built during of those ships was either built during or a product of the fleet that was built or a product of the fleet that was built or a product of the fleet that was built um in the Cold War. um in the Cold War. um in the Cold War. >> Both Mike Gallagher and Elaine Lauria >> Both Mike Gallagher and Elaine Lauria >> Both Mike Gallagher and Elaine Lauria have lobbyed for government money for have lobbyed for government money for have lobbyed for government money for the shipyards in or near their the shipyards in or near their the shipyards in or near their districts, but they say this is less districts, but they say this is less districts, but they say this is less about jobs and more about national about jobs and more about national about jobs and more about national security. Yeah, if security. Yeah, if security. Yeah, if >> we don't get this right, all of these >> we don't get this right, all of these >> we don't get this right, all of these other things we're doing in Congress other things we're doing in Congress other things we're doing in Congress ultimately might not matter. ultimately might not matter. ultimately might not matter. >> If you think about what a coherent grand >> If you think about what a coherent grand >> If you think about what a coherent grand strategy visa v China would be, hard strategy visa v China would be, hard strategy visa v China would be, hard power would be the most important part power would be the most important part power would be the most important part of that and the Navy would be the most of that and the Navy would be the most of that and the Navy would be the most important component of your hard power important component of your hard power important component of your hard power investments.

investments. investments. >> Over the last two decades, the Navy >> Over the last two decades, the Navy >> Over the last two decades, the Navy spent $55 billion on two investments spent $55 billion on two investments spent $55 billion on two investments that did not pan out. The first was a that did not pan out. The first was a that did not pan out. The first was a class of destroyers known as the class of destroyers known as the class of destroyers known as the Zoomwalt. The futuristic fighting ships Zoomwalt. The futuristic fighting ships Zoomwalt. The futuristic fighting ships were supposed to revolutionize naval were supposed to revolutionize naval were supposed to revolutionize naval warfare. warfare. warfare. 32 were ordered, but only three were 32 were ordered, but only three were 32 were ordered, but only three were ever launched. The cost of each ship, by ever launched. The cost of each ship, by ever launched. The cost of each ship, by one estimate, was upwards of 8 billion, one estimate, was upwards of 8 billion, one estimate, was upwards of 8 billion, making them the three most expensive making them the three most expensive making them the three most expensive destroyers ever put to sea. destroyers ever put to sea. destroyers ever put to sea. Another example is the Latoral Combat Another example is the Latoral Combat Another example is the Latoral Combat Ship or LCS, designed to be a fast Ship or LCS, designed to be a fast Ship or LCS, designed to be a fast all-purpose warship for shallow waters. all-purpose warship for shallow waters. all-purpose warship for shallow waters. $30 billion later, the program ran a $30 billion later, the program ran a $30 billion later, the program ran a ground after structural defects and ground after structural defects and ground after structural defects and engine trouble. Within the Navy, the LCS engine trouble. Within the Navy, the LCS engine trouble. Within the Navy, the LCS earned the unfortunate nickname little earned the unfortunate nickname little earned the unfortunate nickname little crappy ship. The Navy's last few decades crappy ship. The Navy's last few decades crappy ship. The Navy's last few decades have been described as a lost generation have been described as a lost generation have been described as a lost generation of ship building. Is that overly of ship building. Is that overly of ship building. Is that overly dramatic?

dramatic? dramatic? >> I don't think so. We're still struggling >> I don't think so. We're still struggling >> I don't think so. We're still struggling to build ships on time, on budget, and to build ships on time, on budget, and to build ships on time, on budget, and that's something we absolutely need to that's something we absolutely need to that's something we absolutely need to fix going forward. This past week, we fix going forward. This past week, we fix going forward. This past week, we spoke with Admiral Mike Gilde at the spoke with Admiral Mike Gilde at the spoke with Admiral Mike Gilde at the Pentagon. He is the chief of naval Pentagon. He is the chief of naval Pentagon. He is the chief of naval operations and is responsible for operations and is responsible for operations and is responsible for building, maintaining, and equipping the building, maintaining, and equipping the building, maintaining, and equipping the entire US Navy. Is the Navy in crisis? entire US Navy. Is the Navy in crisis? entire US Navy. Is the Navy in crisis? >> No, the Navy is not in crisis. The Navy >> No, the Navy is not in crisis. The Navy >> No, the Navy is not in crisis. The Navy is out on point every single day. is out on point every single day. is out on point every single day. >> Is it being outpaced by China? >> Is it being outpaced by China? >> Is it being outpaced by China? >> No. Our Navy is still in a position to >> No. Our Navy is still in a position to >> No. Our Navy is still in a position to prevail, but um that's not blind prevail, but um that's not blind prevail, but um that's not blind confidence. We are concerned with the confidence. We are concerned with the confidence. We are concerned with the trajectory that China's on with China's trajectory that China's on with China's trajectory that China's on with China's behavior, but we are in a good position behavior, but we are in a good position behavior, but we are in a good position right now if we did ever get into a right now if we did ever get into a right now if we did ever get into a fight against them. fight against them. fight against them. >> How would you describe what China has >> How would you describe what China has >> How would you describe what China has been able to do militarily over the last been able to do militarily over the last been able to do militarily over the last 20 years? The most alarming thing is the 20 years? The most alarming thing is the 20 years? The most alarming thing is the growth of not only their conventional growth of not only their conventional growth of not only their conventional forces but also their strategic nuclear forces but also their strategic nuclear forces but also their strategic nuclear forces, their cyber capability, their forces, their cyber capability, their forces, their cyber capability, their space capability and how they are using space capability and how they are using space capability and how they are using that to force other nations uh navies that to force other nations uh navies that to force other nations uh navies out of certain areas in the South China out of certain areas in the South China out of certain areas in the South China Sea. Instead of recognizing Sea. Instead of recognizing Sea. Instead of recognizing international law, they want to control international law, they want to control international law, they want to control where those goods flow and how.

where those goods flow and how. where those goods flow and how. >> What lessons did the US Navy learn from >> What lessons did the US Navy learn from >> What lessons did the US Navy learn from some of the ship building mistakes of some of the ship building mistakes of some of the ship building mistakes of the last 20 years? I think one of the the last 20 years? I think one of the the last 20 years? I think one of the things that we learned uh was that we things that we learned uh was that we things that we learned uh was that we need to uh have the design well in place need to uh have the design well in place need to uh have the design well in place before we begin bending metal. And so we before we begin bending metal. And so we before we begin bending metal. And so we are going back uh to the past to what we are going back uh to the past to what we are going back uh to the past to what we did in the 80s and the '90s. The Navy did in the 80s and the '90s. The Navy did in the 80s and the '90s. The Navy has the lead. has the lead. has the lead. >> There is a tendency among the great >> There is a tendency among the great >> There is a tendency among the great powers to look at each other's naval powers to look at each other's naval powers to look at each other's naval buildups with deep suspicion. Toshi buildups with deep suspicion. Toshi buildups with deep suspicion. Toshi Yoshiara of the Center for Strategic and Yoshiara of the Center for Strategic and Yoshiara of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments may know more than Budgetary Assessments may know more than Budgetary Assessments may know more than any scholar in the West about China's any scholar in the West about China's any scholar in the West about China's Navy. Navy. Navy. >> China will have about 440 ships by 2030 >> China will have about 440 ships by 2030 >> China will have about 440 ships by 2030 and that's according to the Pentagon. and that's according to the Pentagon. and that's according to the Pentagon. >> Why is China able to build more warships >> Why is China able to build more warships >> Why is China able to build more warships more quickly than the US? China has more quickly than the US? China has more quickly than the US? China has clearly invested in this defense clearly invested in this defense clearly invested in this defense industrial infrastructure to produce industrial infrastructure to produce industrial infrastructure to produce these ships, which allows them to these ships, which allows them to these ships, which allows them to produce multiple ships simultaneously, produce multiple ships simultaneously, produce multiple ships simultaneously, essentially outbuilding many of the essentially outbuilding many of the essentially outbuilding many of the Western navies combined. China's Navy Western navies combined. China's Navy Western navies combined. China's Navy piggybacks on a booming commercial ship piggybacks on a booming commercial ship piggybacks on a booming commercial ship building industry kept afloat by building industry kept afloat by building industry kept afloat by generous state subsidies, inexpensive generous state subsidies, inexpensive generous state subsidies, inexpensive materials, and cheap labor. In the materials, and cheap labor. In the materials, and cheap labor. In the United States, it's a different story.

United States, it's a different story. United States, it's a different story. After the Cold War ended, the ship After the Cold War ended, the ship After the Cold War ended, the ship building industry consolidated and many building industry consolidated and many building industry consolidated and many of the yards where ships were both built of the yards where ships were both built of the yards where ships were both built and maintained closed down. What do you and maintained closed down. What do you and maintained closed down. What do you see when you see China's ship building see when you see China's ship building see when you see China's ship building program? program? program? >> It's very robust. >> It's very robust. >> It's very robust. >> Do we have enough shipyards? >> Do we have enough shipyards? >> Do we have enough shipyards? >> No. I wish that we had more commercial >> No. I wish that we had more commercial >> No. I wish that we had more commercial shipyards. Over my career, we've gone shipyards. Over my career, we've gone shipyards. Over my career, we've gone from more than 30 shipyards down to from more than 30 shipyards down to from more than 30 shipyards down to about seven that we rely upon a about seven that we rely upon a about seven that we rely upon a day-to-day basis to build ships. One of day-to-day basis to build ships. One of day-to-day basis to build ships. One of those yards is run by Huntington Les those yards is run by Huntington Les those yards is run by Huntington Les Industries, which built the Industries, which built the Industries, which built the state-of-the-art new Fordass aircraft state-of-the-art new Fordass aircraft state-of-the-art new Fordass aircraft carrier. After controlled explosions in 2021 to After controlled explosions in 2021 to prove it could withstand combat, the prove it could withstand combat, the prove it could withstand combat, the Ford got closer to deployment, 6 years Ford got closer to deployment, 6 years Ford got closer to deployment, 6 years late and billions of dollars over late and billions of dollars over late and billions of dollars over budget. The Navy's not just struggling budget. The Navy's not just struggling budget. The Navy's not just struggling to build new ships on time. According to to build new ships on time. According to to build new ships on time. According to the Government Accountability Office, or the Government Accountability Office, or the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, there's a multi-year backlog GAO, there's a multi-year backlog GAO, there's a multi-year backlog repairing the ships in the fleet.

repairing the ships in the fleet. repairing the ships in the fleet. >> Our maintenance backlog is one of the >> Our maintenance backlog is one of the >> Our maintenance backlog is one of the primary things that I'm working on to primary things that I'm working on to primary things that I'm working on to correct. So, just three years ago, we correct. So, just three years ago, we correct. So, just three years ago, we had 7700 delay days. That is extra days had 7700 delay days. That is extra days had 7700 delay days. That is extra days in a shipyard by ships when they weren't in a shipyard by ships when they weren't in a shipyard by ships when they weren't operational. We have cut that down to operational. We have cut that down to operational. We have cut that down to 3,000. We are not satisfied. 3,000. We are not satisfied. 3,000. We are not satisfied. >> Maintenance delays mean sailors can't >> Maintenance delays mean sailors can't >> Maintenance delays mean sailors can't come home because the ship that's come home because the ship that's come home because the ship that's supposed to replace them is not ready. supposed to replace them is not ready. supposed to replace them is not ready. It means longer deployments. It means It means longer deployments. It means It means longer deployments. It means away from your family more. That's a big away from your family more. That's a big away from your family more. That's a big strain on the workforce. strain on the workforce. strain on the workforce. >> The more ships that we can have >> The more ships that we can have >> The more ships that we can have available to send at sea alleviates many available to send at sea alleviates many available to send at sea alleviates many of those problems that you pointed out. of those problems that you pointed out. of those problems that you pointed out. Sailors join the Navy to see the world. Sailors join the Navy to see the world. Sailors join the Navy to see the world. And so it's my job to make sure that And so it's my job to make sure that And so it's my job to make sure that those maintenance delays go to zero and those maintenance delays go to zero and those maintenance delays go to zero and we can get those ships to sea as quickly we can get those ships to sea as quickly we can get those ships to sea as quickly as possible. as possible. as possible. >> In the last year alone, at least 10 >> In the last year alone, at least 10 >> In the last year alone, at least 10 sailors assigned to ships undergoing sailors assigned to ships undergoing sailors assigned to ships undergoing maintenance or working at maintenance maintenance or working at maintenance maintenance or working at maintenance facilities have died by suicide.

facilities have died by suicide. facilities have died by suicide. >> It is a problem that we're taking very, >> It is a problem that we're taking very, >> It is a problem that we're taking very, very seriously. And down to every leader very seriously. And down to every leader very seriously. And down to every leader in our Navy, everybody has a in our Navy, everybody has a in our Navy, everybody has a responsibility to look out for each responsibility to look out for each responsibility to look out for each other, take care of each other. There is other, take care of each other. There is other, take care of each other. There is no wrong door to knock on when you need no wrong door to knock on when you need no wrong door to knock on when you need help. help. help. >> Admiral Gilde says the US Navy's main >> Admiral Gilde says the US Navy's main >> Admiral Gilde says the US Navy's main advantage over China is America's advantage over China is America's advantage over China is America's sailors. His goal is to modernize the US sailors. His goal is to modernize the US sailors. His goal is to modernize the US fleet and have those sailors serving fleet and have those sailors serving fleet and have those sailors serving alongside hundreds of unmanned vessels alongside hundreds of unmanned vessels alongside hundreds of unmanned vessels by 2045. by 2045. by 2045. >> I think unmanned is the future. And so I >> I think unmanned is the future. And so I >> I think unmanned is the future. And so I think that uh some 40% of our fleet in think that uh some 40% of our fleet in think that uh some 40% of our fleet in the future I believe is going to be the future I believe is going to be the future I believe is going to be unmanned. unmanned. unmanned. >> Are these like underwater drones? Some >> Are these like underwater drones? Some >> Are these like underwater drones? Some of them are highly capable capable of of them are highly capable capable of of them are highly capable capable of delivering mines and perhaps other types delivering mines and perhaps other types delivering mines and perhaps other types of weapons. of weapons. of weapons. >> Admiral Gilde is talking about the Orca, >> Admiral Gilde is talking about the Orca, >> Admiral Gilde is talking about the Orca, an extra-large unmanned undersea an extra-large unmanned undersea an extra-large unmanned undersea vehicle. vehicle. vehicle. >> Can you say what it will do or is that >> Can you say what it will do or is that >> Can you say what it will do or is that classified? classified? classified? >> Well, uh, at a minimum it'll have a >> Well, uh, at a minimum it'll have a >> Well, uh, at a minimum it'll have a clandestine mine laying capability. So, clandestine mine laying capability. So, clandestine mine laying capability. So, it'll be done in a way that is very it'll be done in a way that is very it'll be done in a way that is very secretive, uh, but very effective. But secretive, uh, but very effective. But secretive, uh, but very effective. But the GAO reports that it's already a the GAO reports that it's already a the GAO reports that it's already a quarter of a billion dollars over budget quarter of a billion dollars over budget quarter of a billion dollars over budget and three years behind schedule.

and three years behind schedule. and three years behind schedule. >> Uh that particular platform is behind >> Uh that particular platform is behind >> Uh that particular platform is behind schedule. It's the first of a kind. When schedule. It's the first of a kind. When schedule. It's the first of a kind. When it delivers, I see a very high return on it delivers, I see a very high return on it delivers, I see a very high return on investment from that particular platform investment from that particular platform investment from that particular platform >> because >> because >> because >> because uh it will be among the most >> because uh it will be among the most >> because uh it will be among the most lethal and stealthy platforms uh in the lethal and stealthy platforms uh in the lethal and stealthy platforms uh in the arsenal of the US military. The Navy's arsenal of the US military. The Navy's arsenal of the US military. The Navy's total budget request for fiscal year total budget request for fiscal year total budget request for fiscal year 2024 is over a quarter of a trillion 2024 is over a quarter of a trillion 2024 is over a quarter of a trillion dollars, an 11 billion increase from dollars, an 11 billion increase from dollars, an 11 billion increase from last year. The focus is on China. The US last year. The focus is on China. The US last year. The focus is on China. The US defense posture is viewed as aggressive defense posture is viewed as aggressive defense posture is viewed as aggressive by the Chinese. The foreign minister by the Chinese. The foreign minister by the Chinese. The foreign minister just said, "Look, stop the containment. just said, "Look, stop the containment. just said, "Look, stop the containment. This may lead to conflict." Perhaps the This may lead to conflict." Perhaps the This may lead to conflict." Perhaps the Chinese minister doesn't like the fact Chinese minister doesn't like the fact Chinese minister doesn't like the fact that the US Navy is operating in that the US Navy is operating in that the US Navy is operating in collaboration with dozens of navies collaboration with dozens of navies collaboration with dozens of navies around the world to ensure that the around the world to ensure that the around the world to ensure that the maritime commons remains free and open maritime commons remains free and open maritime commons remains free and open for all nations. The Chinese want to for all nations. The Chinese want to for all nations. The Chinese want to dictate those terms and so they don't dictate those terms and so they don't dictate those terms and so they don't like our presence, but our presence is like our presence, but our presence is like our presence, but our presence is not intended to be provocative. It's not intended to be provocative. It's not intended to be provocative. It's intended to assure and to reassure intended to assure and to reassure intended to assure and to reassure allies and partners around the world allies and partners around the world allies and partners around the world that those sea lanes do remain open. The that those sea lanes do remain open. The that those sea lanes do remain open. The global economy literally floats on global economy literally floats on global economy literally floats on seawater.