This U.S. Admiral Has Been Tasked With Facing The Russians (And Other Foes)

Adm. Michelle J. Howard, the vice chief of naval operations, has become the first female four-star in the history of the Navy. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times

Kimberly Dozier, Daily Beast: The Admiral Staring Down Putin’s Subs

Admiral Michelle Howard sees both challenges and opportunities as an ascendent Russia makes its presence known in international waters.

The USS Porter was patrolling international waters in the Black Sea last month when four Russian military aircraft buzzed the guided missile destroyer as close as 200 yards. The captain and crew had seconds to decide whether to fire on them and provoke an international incident, or just watch them fly by, over and over.

As Americans stateside focused on the first draft of the travel ban and the devolving fate of now-former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, Russia was sending a good old-fashioned Cold-War-style hello to the Trump administration.

“The message is, ‘we see this as our space…’ signaling ‘we don't think you should be here,’” said four-star Admiral Michelle Howard, who commands Naval Forces Europe and Africa, based at Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

“We’re in international waters… we’re a member of NATO… So we're going to be there,” she said in an interview with The Daily Beast of such incidents.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Four-star Admiral Michelle Howard who has been tasked with this responsibility has had (and is still having) an incredible career .... A Four-Star Female Admiral Makes History for the Navy (New York Times)

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