* China remains determined to claim sovereignty over international waters in the western Pacific
* Strategic importance of the U.S. alliance with Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines
* Large-deck aircraft carrier an important interment in projecting American seapower
* U.S. Navy not prepared to counter Russian maritime buildup in the eastern Mediterranean
Caption
Projectile cartridge cases are heated in the heat treat shop as a part of the production process at Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on December 8, 2023. (DVIDS)