Bill Dinan’s Post

"Sea conditions stop Marines from amphibious landings at Normandy to mark D-Day." ------------- An all-weather oh darn... Actually a rare case of the Universe righting a wrong. We should not have been commemorating something we had no part in in the first place. However -- we can still do Guams' 80th Aniverssary in July -- if we hurry -- because rumor has it we were actually there in '44 to liberate it from the Sons of Nippon. I wonder if a branch of one of our Armed Forces could possibly transport some Marines to Guam again (all the way to the southern tip of the Marianas Archipelago) say...through the water...and once there, the Marines could enter some sort of ship-to-shore amphibious connector in order to go ashore to commemorate the great deeds of our forefathers (and for a Dog & Pony show and police call.) Do we still even have a branch that uses ships to transport Marines to every clime and place? I know we used to. If not, I guess we could ask the Army or the Space Force or UPS or Pack 10 Webelos from Lakehurst N.J. to do it for us. It's no skin off of DoD knees. Remember folks, these days it's all about confusing efforts with results and form over function... and DEI... #JuneisPTSDawarenessmonth

#onthisdayinhistory, 80 years ago, it was D-Day. #dday80 On June the 6th 1944 the Normandy landings of the Allies took place. It was codenamed Operation Neptune, the start of the Operation Overlord, which would liberate France and the rest of German-occupied Western Europe. It was as such a decisive step towards the unconditional surrender of the German dictatorship and End of World War II in Europe. Operation Neptune stands to date as the largest amphibious assault in history. The preparations had started in 1943 already. They included the Operation Bodyguard, a complex military deception strategy to support the action. D-Day was delayed for 24 hours from the original planning due to the dire weather conditions, and carried out despite those not being optimal, to avoid having to postpone it for two more weeks. The amphibious assault followed naval bombardment, air raids and an airborne assault. The Allies reached almost none of their objectives on D-Day. They nevertheless managed to set beachheads, from where they could carry on with Operation Overlord. The price was terrible: the Allies suffered over 10000 casualties among which 4414 lost their lives. This picture shown one of the landing crafts models made by our friend Olaf Krabbenhöft in a scale of 1:35 for our World War II section on deck 5 of our exhibition. It shows a LCM-3 of the US Navy carrying a M4 Sherman tank. #maritime #museum #hamburg #history #europe

Lest We Forget. ⚡ 🚨 ⏱️ Each November 11th, Canadians observe Remembrance Day as a time to honour the #bravery and #sacrifice of those who served in the military. Originally known as Armistice Day, the occasion marks the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. But it’s much more than a date; it’s a day of collective reflection on #courage, #sacrifice, and the impact of war on generations past and present. Canada’s role in global conflicts is a testament to the #spirit and #resilience of ordinary citizens who became heroes. Nearly a million Canadians served in World War II alone, including those who participated in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. This historic #mission — one of the most #daring in history—was a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom, where Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to #liberate Europe from #tyranny. My grandfather, William Ellis, was a paratrooper with the British Royal Marines. He was part of that D-Day operation, courageously jumping into Normandy with his fellow soldiers. He, like so many others, left behind everything familiar to serve something far greater than himself. While he rarely spoke about those days, the few stories he shared with our family revealed the incredible bravery and #unity that defined his generation. They were ordinary men and women transformed into heroes by the urgency of a shared mission. The impact Canada had on the world stage during these conflicts created a legacy of resilience and duty. On Remembrance Day, we honour those sacrifices—not only as a #tribute to the past but as an inspiration for the #future. It’s a reminder that when we align on a mission larger than ourselves, ordinary people can indeed accomplish extraordinary things. Today, let’s take a moment to remember, reflect, and express gratitude for all those who served. Their courage and selflessness should never be forgotten. 🌹 #LestWeForget #leadership #heroes #rolemodel #service

In this Memorandum, Julien Lalanne de Saint-Quentin examines the history of private naval vessels and considers if there are applications in the 21st century 🌊 ‘Warships are an important symbol of sovereignty.’ You can read the article here: https://lnkd.in/epYuURCs #BritainsWorld #Memorandum #Naval #Maritime

On November 10, 1775, a resolution by the Second Continental Congress birthed the United States Marine Corps,  setting the stage for a legacy of valor. These first Marines distinguished themselves in their first amphibious raid in the Bahamas, March 1776, under Captain Samuel Nicholas, the first Marine Commandant. From the shores of Tripoli to the forests of Belleau Wood, Marines have fought valiantly, shaping the course of history and embodying the spirit of the nation. Their bravery was not just in battles; it extended to protecting American interests around the world, from the Caribbean to the Falkland Islands, and beyond. The Marine Corps' evolution in warfare, from amphibious capabilities to air support and rapid deployment, showcases their adaptability to changing combat landscapes. Their role in major conflicts, including both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, underlines the Corps' critical impact on global military history. Beyond the battlefield, the Marines have been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, bringing hope and aid to those in dire need around the globe. From the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to disaster relief in Haiti, the valor of the Marine Corps extends far beyond combat. Today, the United States Marine Corps stands ready, a testament to the unyielding spirit of those willing to sacrifice for their country, embodying honor, courage, and commitment.

“At the core, the American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn't want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed. So, they fought and won, and we, all of us, living and yet to be born, must be forever profoundly grateful.” — Stephen Ambrose, Citizen Soldiers #throwbackthursday The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. To commemorate D-Day on its 80th anniversary, here are three examples for us to consider: Unwavering Courage and Sacrifice— On June 6, 1944, over 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy, facing intense enemy fire. Their courage and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good were pivotal in turning the tide of World War II, demonstrating the profound impact of collective bravery and determination. Extraordinary Collaboration— D-Day was a remarkable example of international cooperation and strategic planning. Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, involved extensive coordination among multiple Allied forces, including the orchestration of naval, air, and land assaults. This unity in pursuit of a common goal highlights the power of teamwork and collaboration in overcoming monumental challenges. Innovative Ingenuity— The success of D-Day was significantly aided by innovative military tactics and technologies. The Allies developed and utilized specialized landing crafts, artificial harbors (Mulberry harbors), and an intricate deception plan (Operation Bodyguard) to mislead the German forces. This ingenuity underscores the importance of creativity and adaptability in achieving victory against formidable odds. #neverforget #inspiration #motivation

80 Years ago, the greatest generation sacrificed everything to stop those that wanted to take everything. 🇺🇸 📣 On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the long-anticipated invasion of Normandy, France. Soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations faced Hitler's formidable Atlantic Wall as they landed on the beaches of Normandy. ▶ BUILDUP AND TRAINING The planning for an invasion in northwest Europe began years in advance, although it was not until December 1943, when General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, that preparations for the future operation, code-named Overlord, intensified. ▶THE PLAN Operation Fortitude successfully deceived German High Command into expecting a landing at Pas-de-Calais. Instead, the Allies targeted a 50-mile stretch of Normandy coastline. The plan had two components: Operation Neptune, the naval assault phase, and Operation Overlord, the broader invasion strategy. Approximately 160,000 Allied troops were to land across five beaches: Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah, with British and American airborne forces landing inland. ▶D-DAY Initially set for June 5, D-Day was delayed due to poor weather. With a small window of opportunity in the weather, Eisenhower decided to go—D-Day would be June 6, 1944. Paratroopers began landing after midnight, followed by a massive naval and aerial bombardment at 6:30 a.m. American forces faced severe resistance at Omaha and Utah Beaches. Despite challenges, including mislandings and fierce opposition, Allied forces established a critical beachhead in Normandy. ▶HEDGEROW FIGHTING For all of the preparations made for Overlord, the Allied forces were ill-equipped to fight in the hedgerows they quickly encountered in Normandy. The Normandy bocage presented unexpected challenges with its dense hedgerows and narrow roads. German forces used the hedgerows defensively, creating deadly killing fields that Allied troops had to cross. The Allies had to adapt their tactics to overcome these obstacles and advance. ▶THE END OF THE NORMANDY CAMPAIGN American forces isolated and captured Cherbourg by June 27, while British forces secured Caen by July 9. Despite these victories, progress was slow. On July 24–25, American forces launched Operation Cobra, breaking through German lines near Saint-Lô. This marked the end of the Normandy Campaign and the beginning of the Allied push to liberate northern France and Paris. #Mayport #WW2 #DDay #DDay80 💻 MC1 Brandon J. Vinson

Saab and Damen Naval have agreed to export the advanced Expeditionary C-71 submarines. CEO of Damen Shipyards Arnout Damen and CEO of Saab Micael Johansson made the decision this week to export together the submarine, which has been developed for the Royal Netherlands Navy to replace the current Walrus class. The agreement doubles the long-term prospect of employment and income for the Netherlands Naval Cluster with the replacement of the Walrus submarines by Saab Damen. The two companies have also agreed to offer their advanced Expeditionary submarines to Canada. A country in the initial phase of a similar process to replace their diesel-electric submarines. The expeditionary submarine is based on the successful, proven, and future-proof design of the A26 submarines. It incorporates the latest capabilities and technologies, while the modular design allows room for customisability as well as new technologies as they develop, ensuring relevance for decades to come. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dsVCkc6s #Saab #Damen #submarine #navy #naval #expeditionary #C71 #A26 #defence #technology #Sweden #Netherlands #cooperation #industry

Together with our partner Saab, we have agreed to export the advanced Expeditionary C-71 submarines. The submarines have been developed for the Royal Netherlands Navy to replace the current Walrus class, but we have now also decided to offer them as an export product. The agreement doubles the long-term prospect of employment and income for the Netherlands Naval Cluster with the replacement of the Walrus submarines by Saab-Damen. Saab and Damen have been working together since 2015 to design, engineer, build, modernise, and maintain the new expeditionary submarine for the Royal Netherlands Navy. This project is so much more than delivering four submarines.Given the geopolitical developments at the moment, Dutch strategic autonomy is vital in strategic projects such as the submarine replacement. Our two companies have now also agreed to offer these advanced Expeditionary submarines to Canada; a country that is exploring a similar submarine capability. #shipbuilding #naval #DamenNaval #Submarines

The Golden Book is a testament to thousands of IU men and women who have served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, the Mexican Border Expedition, World War I, and World War II. Also listed are donors to IU’s Memorial Fund, which sponsored the construction of three buildings on campus in honor of those men and women: Memorial Hall, Indiana Memorial Union, and Memorial Stadium. Learn more about the book and legacy of those who served: https://bit.ly/3Kf6NCy.