The Coast Guard spends more than $2 billion annually as part of the effort to stop illegal narcotics from entering the United States. The carrier strike group teamed up with Japanese destroyers Inazuma and Kongo to complete air warfare training and other exercises. The new task force aims to target those smuggling coal, drugs, weapons and people in the Red Sea, according to Vice Adm. Brad Cooper. The sea service plans to spend billions in the coming years on surface and underwater drones. U.S. forces challenged 37 excessive maritime claims by 26 countries in fiscal 2021, up from 28 such claims by 19 countries the year before. The Air Force is preparing for a new era in maritime operations, taking on a larger role in surface warfare as the U.S. casts a wary eye at China and Russia. AFRICOM has increased air capacity and added more surgical capabilities to its recovery capabilities in recent years. Retired Adm. James Foggo will be the inaugural head of the league's Center for Maritime Strategy. Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 “Valkyries” was established Oct. 1, and is outfitted with MH-60R Seahawks. Load More