Latest news with #KoreanWar
UPI
an hour ago
- Politics
- UPI
Naval chief nominee says U.S. Navy needs sailors, ships, new weapons
1 of 3 | Admiral Daryl Caudle looks on during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on his nomination to be Chief of Naval Operations at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy needs to complete its shipbuilding program and modernize its weapons systems to effectively address the nation's defense needs, Adm. Daryl Caudle told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Committee members questioned Caudle on Thursday morning to consider his nomination for Chief of Naval Operations and reappointment to the grade of admiral. "I view this nomination as a solemn opportunity to ensure the nation's maritime dominance never is surpassed by competitors or adversaries," Caudle told the committee during his opening comments. "Our sailors are the Navy's most enduring competitive advantage," Caudle said. "A stronger Navy means a more effective fleet." He said his father was an Army veteran who served in the Korean War and passed on the importance of service to protect American families and their way of life from harm. Recruitment standards, shipbuilding Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said the Navy has lowered its recruitment standards in recent years to enable more people to join its ranks. He asked how Caudle might ensure the Navy does not permanently rely on lowered standards. Caudle said the Navy has not lowered its standards but instead has increased access. "All that graduate from boot camp meet the rigorous standards of that course to the letter," he told Wicker. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said the Navy has an "overdue" 30-year shipbuilding plan that has not been followed and asked if Caudle would undertake a shipbuilding program to increase the Navy's size and visibility. Caudle said King has his "complete commitment" to the Navy shipbuilding program. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., also raised the matter of the 30-year shipbuilding program and asked if Caudle would commit to completing the program in a timely manner and on budget. Caudle affirmed he would do so and cited the Navy's nuclear submarine program as especially important for ensuring the nation does its part to fulfill strategic agreements with other nations. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., raised concerns about the Navy's force structure design to deter other nuclear powers that are threatening the United States and the world. Caudle called the matter a "math problem" and said he will work closely with Strategic Command to address growing threats from China and other nations to maximize the Navy's effectiveness. Munitions and maintenance Fischer also asked what the Navy could do to ensure it has an ample supply of munitions to quickly replace those that are expended during naval operations. King said the Navy has "way too many sole-source vendors that are underproducing" munitions due to difficulties with obtaining the materials needed to make them. "We need to work through that," King said, adding that the Navy needs to streamline production for greater efficiency. "We roll a Ford F-150 off the assembly line every 20 hours, but it takes greater than a year to build an SM-6" missile, he added. "It's just unacceptable." Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, asked about drydock construction in Hawaii and what Caudle would do to complete an under-construction drydock there on time to ensure Naval vessels can use it for maintenance and repairs. Caudle called the drydock a national asset and said he shares Hirono's concern regarding the importance of the drydock and getting it completed for as close to its budget as possible. Weapons systems modernization Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., asked how Caudle might incorporate unmanned weapons systems to counter naval growth among the nation's potential adversaries. "There is no question that unmanned robotic autonomous systems will be part of any modern warfare going forward," Caudle answered. He said they are used in the Russia-Ukraine war, in space and Middle East conflicts. "We're all learning from this," he said. "Everyone is, including our adversaries." He said the Navy must invest in robotic autonomous weapons systems and ensure the command structure and operational systems are in place to maximize their effectiveness. During his questioning, King suggested directed-energy weapons are the "future" of naval warfare and asked Caudle what his position might be regarding their development and use. "A directed-energy shot is much cheaper than a $4 million missile," but the Biden administration "grossly underfunded" development of the weapons system, King said. Caudle responded that his master's degree is in directed energy and his thesis was on high-powered lasers. "I've not seen the Navy do an adequate amount of effort translating the research and development into shipboard use," he said. "If confirmed, I will make that a priority because it is the infinite magazine, especially against certain targets," Caudle said. "Admiral, you just got my vote," King responded. The morning confirmation hearing lasted for more than two hours. Before the confirmation hearing, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., met with Caudle and in a news release said the admiral "knows a stronger Navy means a safer America." Caudle is a four-star admiral and would replace former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. If confirmed, Caudle would control a naval fleet that is 14 times smaller than the Chinese fleet and has experienced costly shipbuilding delays, according to Politico. This week in Washington House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., speaks during a press conference after the House passed the GENIUS Act at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. The act, which passed with a bipartisan vote, outlines the first federal rules for stablecoins, a popular form of digital currency. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
GMA Network
6 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Lee says Korea a reliable partner of PH amid global instability
'This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950—ultimately more than 7,000 strong,' Lee said. Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said his country is a reliable partner of the Philippines, recalling the Philippines' role in Korea's history as the first country in Asia to send combat troops to the Korean War in 1950. At a luncheon he hosted for members of the Philippine media earlier this week, Lee said, 'Korea knows what solidarity means.' 'This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950—ultimately more than 7,000 strong,' Lee said. 'Because our bond was forged in the crucible of war, it is natural that Korea stands as a reliable partner of the Philippines, particularly when we face deepening global instability, one that is fraught with fragmentation and uncertainty,' he added. 'As fellow maritime nations, we share an abiding interest in peace and stability, as well as upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea and beyond,' Lee said. Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy; and Reina Anne S. Dimapawi, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head of Integrated News Operations, attended the luncheon. Lee thanked the Philippine government, the Filipino people, and the media 'for the trust you have shown in the resilience of Korea's democracy.' 'As you know, Korea has come through a period of domestic uncertainty following the declaration of martial law last December,' Lee said. 'With the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung's new government, stability has been restored across the board. We believe this renewed confidence at home will translate into fresh momentum in our 76-year-old ties,' he added. Lee said that after the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement came into force in December, Korea has topped the list of foreign investors based on PEZA-approved projects. 'We expect even more good news in the months ahead as businesses act on the new opportunities unlocked by the FTA and the Philippines' CREATE MORE Act,' Lee said. Lee said the two countries' defense cooperation also continued to grow with the Korean-built frigate—the BRP Miguel Malvar—getting commissioned in May. 'And with the 12 additional FA-50 fighter aircraft contracted in June, this active defense cooperation will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,' Lee said. Lee said the Filipinos and Koreans also feel their connection through culture. 'Korean culture continues to bring our communities closer. I am glad that Filipinos enthusiastically streamed the latest Squid Game season and embraced the animated hit K-Pop Demon Hunters,' Lee said. 'Building on that excitement, the Korean Cultural Center is hosting 'Step Into the World of K-Pop Demon Hunters' from 18 July to 4 August,' he added. ' I encourage all of you to visit and try on the iconic gat (let me show you this), and create traditional maedeup knots and paint your own Magpie-and-Tiger folk art piece. It's a fun, hands-on way to experience Korea's creative spirit,' Lee said. –NB, GMA Integrated News
![[Contribution] Names we must never forget](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F07%2F24%2Fnews-a.v1.20250724.948793676b2947b0989a2cd4209072c0_T1.png&w=3840&q=100)
![[Contribution] Names we must never forget](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Contribution] Names we must never forget
By Jeong Ji-hyun In June 1950, the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War turned the entire peninsula into a battlefield. Yet in that desperate momeant, Korea was not alone. Young soldiers, from 16 combatant nations and six countries who sent medical support, united under the United Nations flag, answered the call to defend a distant land in the name of freedom. Despite differences in language and culture, their noble sacrifice laid the foundation for the peace and freedom we cherish today. To honor their noble service and sacrifice, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Republic of Korea has designated July 27 — the day the Korean War armistice agreement was signed in 1953 — as UN Forces Participation Day since 2010. Every year, an official ceremony is held to commemorate and honor UN troops who fought fearlessly by our side, ensuring that that their names are not forgotten, but remembered with dignity and gratitude and to remind us that freedom is not something we given freely but something we secured at great cost. The ministry spares no effort to assure that these valiant heroes are not left behind in history; strengthening ties with UN allies, maintaining national cemeteries and memorials across the country and expanding support for veterans so that our gratitude and respect reaches them in meaningful ways. Especially, in 2023, to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice, the ministry produced and distributed specially designed symbolic uniforms for Korean War Veterans. These uniforms served as a visible expression of nationwide respect and gratitude so that our veterans are remembered not only in official ceremonies, but in the everlyday lives of our people. Yet no matter how well-prepared these policies or programs may be, the true meaning of honoring patriotic heroes carries on only through the remembrance and gratitude of our people. A single flower placed at a memorial, a respectful bow to veterans, a sincere word of thanks: These small gestures keep alive the names and stories of these heroes and sustain the spirit of the nation. As July 27 — UN Forces Participation Day — approaches, I hope we all take a moment to remember that peace we cherish today is never given freely. Across the country, numerous memorials and cemeteries have been established to honor the service and sacrifice of UN forces who fought during the Korean War. These sacred sites — including the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan — stand as lasting tributes to the heroes who gave their lives for a country not their own. These sites offer a space to reflect, remember and give thanks. A visit to these UN forces related places is more than a symbolic gesture. It is an act of remembrance that reaffirms our gratitude. Let us strive to be a country that remembers its veterans not as anonymous figures, but as individuals with names, stories and everlasting legacies. This is the path we must walk together to make a true culture of honoring and the promise we must uphold together. Jeong Ji-hyun is an assistant director of the veterans affairs division at the Seoul Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The Seoul Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is affiliated with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and is responsible for veterans affairs in 12 districts in Seoul. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own. — Ed.
Epoch Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘Bataan': Holding the Line, No Matter the Cost
NR | 1h 54m | Drama, History, War | 1943 Before the Vietnam War pushed dense jungle combat into the cinematic mainstream, only a small number of Hollywood films dared to explore warfare in the tangled, humid chaos of tropical battlefields. Much of classic war cinema focused on the European front during World War II, with the Korean War often overlooked, and the Pacific Theater only sporadically depicted. The simply titled 'Bataan' stands out as a bold exception.
Time Magazine
a day ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
To Bounce Back, Democrats Need a New John F. Kennedy Moment
Democrats are still reeling from their second defeat at the hands of President Donald Trump in eight years. They are fighting back against his policies while trying to assess where the party went wrong and how to rejuvenate its hopes. Thankfully for them, the Democratic Party's almost 200 year history offers cause for hope. Democrats have bounced back many times before, including seminal victories in 1912, 1932, 1960, 1992, and 2008. This history reveals that Democrats win when they present their own, clear vision for the country and a concrete platform articulating just what they will do if victorious—one that connects with the public's interests, desires, and needs. No case better illustrates this paradigm than John F. Kennedy's win in 1960. Democrats had controlled the White House from 1933 until 1952, when Republican Dwight Eisenhower, a World War II leader who promised to end the Korean War and to uproot corruption in Washington, beat their lackluster presidential candidate, Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson. That led to a period in which Democrats struggled to figure out what the party stood for. But the creation of the Democratic Advisory Council (DAC) in 1957 helped to develop a new, forward-thinking agenda. And Kennedy provided a youthful, charismatic spokesperson. This combination catapulted Democrats back to the White House and led to major domestic policy achievements over the next eight years. Early in 1953, economist and Democratic strategist John K. Galbraith issued a call to action. He observed that his party understood that opposing Eisenhower and his agenda wasn't sufficient to rebound. Yet, 'it would be hard at this moment to say what the Democratic Party is for.' Galbraith acknowledged that his party had broad principles. Democrats favored 'tidying up the unfinished business of the New Deal' and wanted to expand the economy. But virtually no one could explain what that might involve in 'any great detail.' Read More: Remember JFK Not for His Assassination, But for His Civil Rights Advocacy Initially, party leaders ignored Galbraith's plea. In 1956, Eisenhower beat Stevenson by an even bigger margin than he had in 1952, despite Democrats adopting a slightly more progressive platform shaped by Galbraith and his reform-minded colleagues. The second consecutive loss suggested that only more dramatic changes could produce a Democratic comeback. In 1957, Democratic National Committee Chair Paul Butler established the DAC to stake out issues that would support a positive platform in 1960. The Council identified five policy stances that should anchor the party's agenda: federal aid to education, a national health insurance program (the forerunner of Medicare), housing for the elderly, urban renewal, and a firm stance on civil rights. It selected some of these positions because of concerns percolating up from the grassroots. For example, the public wanted a stronger educational system. As the DAC recognized, however, many states 'cannot do all that must be done and financial assistance from the Federal government has become imperative.' Similarly, the DAC's 'Policy Statement' noted that the growth in families in the 1960s was projected to require 'doubling the annual rate of house production to a level of about 2,000,000 per year.' The country also confronted 'the necessity to proceed rapidly with slum clearance and urban renewal.' On other issues, the DAC was simply reemphasizing longstanding Democratic priorities. Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman had proposed national health insurance, only to see opposition from the American Medical Association and indifference by Republican leaders kill it. Many of the DAC's positions found their way into the 1960 Democratic platform. But a better agenda alone wasn't sufficient. Democrats needed a fresh messenger, and Kennedy fit the bill. The Massachusetts senator had youth and charisma and he was vigorous and dashing. He also came across well on the new medium of the day—television. Kennedy projected an energetic America; he promised "to get this country moving again," and he used the word "future" often in campaign speeches. Kennedy and the Democrats captured the public spirit of the times: a desire for change and a sense of America's potential. There was a growing public restlessness. The Soviet Union's 1957 launch of Sputnik, the first earth satellite, had jarred Americans into realizing that they were falling behind in science and education. The widespread, though incorrect, perception that the Soviets had more intercontinental ballistic missiles than the U.S.—the so-called missile gap—also fueled a sense that the U.S. was slipping. This prodded Americans away from the complacency of the post-war era and toward a more progressive and assertive attitude on everything from Civil Rights to scientific research. Even Eisenhower knew that the public was losing faith in the status quo. In 1960, he empaneled a 'Commission on National Goals.' Its report, Goals for Americans, called for investment in education and the arts, while recommending progressive economic policies to keep the economy expanding and unemployment low. The report also called for 'equality of justice and opportunity, better government, better education, better medical care, more productive economy.' But Americans were alienated for reasons that ran even deeper. As part of a series in Life magazine and The New York Times on 'the national purpose,' historian Clinton Rossiter explained that the nation had lost the 'youthful sense of mission' that had propelled it to greatness. We were once a people 'on the make' but now Americans were more like a people who 'has it made,' content to tolerate mediocrity and unwilling to energetically confront new challenges. Other writers sounded the same theme: it was time to get America out of its mood of complacency and moving into the future. Democrats capitalized on these sentiments. In his opening speech to the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles, Butler set the tone. 'In the day when our republic was young, national ideals overwhelmed all else,' he said. 'Today, almost everything else seems to overwhelm national ideals. If there is any meaning to the American purpose, it has become obscured in eight years of purposelessness.' Kennedy's acceptance speech built on that theme: America needed to do better—and could with the right leadership. The candidate promised an exciting future but one that would require meeting challenges: '[T]he American people expect more from us than cries of indignation and attack. The times are too grave, the challenge too urgent, and the stakes too high‚to permit the customary passions of political debate…. Today our concern must be with [the] future.' Read More: What These 3 Longstanding JFK Myths Reveal About America The nation needed to deal with the threat of Soviet communism abroad. At home, 'an urban population explosion has overcrowded our schools, cluttered up our suburbs, and increased the squalor of our slums.' Further, the 'peaceful revolution' for civil rights demanding an end to racial discrimination 'has strained at the leashes imposed by timid executive leadership.' Like the essayists in Life and The New York Times, the candidate recognized that the country needed more than policy prescriptions. 'Too many Americans have lost their way, their will and their sense of historic purpose. It is a time, in short, for a new generation of leadership—new men to cope with new problems and new opportunities.' Kennedy called for the nation to advance a 'New Frontier,' a term that 'sums up not what I intend to offer the American people, but what I intend to ask of them.' Meanwhile, Kennedy's opponent, Vice President Richard Nixon, seemed to embody what voters were tiring of—the stale complacency and status quo of the 1950s. Kennedy put it this way in one of his final campaign rallies, on Nov. 1: 'Mr. Nixon and the Republicans stand for the past. We stand for the future.' Some may say it was an oversimplification, but it connected with the public. Arthur Schlesinger Jr., who served as a Kennedy advisor, explained that he won by stressing 'peril, uncertainty, sacrifice, and purpose." These new ideas resonated with voters. Kennedy narrowly defeated Nixon, ushering in eight years of Democratic control and seminal achievements: the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, enactment of Medicare and Medicaid, and more. Today, Democrats are once again in the doldrums. But they can rebound by following the prescription that elevated John F. Kennedy to the White House. They need to provide fresh answers that address the problems plaguing the U.S. Once they have an agenda, the party will also need a youthful, charismatic candidate to communicate this agenda. That combination will convince voters that the Democrats are the party of the future, while Republicans are the party of the status quo. Bruce W. Dearstyne is a historian in Albany, New York. His most recent book is Progressive New York: Change and Reform in the Empire State, 1900-1920 -- A Reader (2024). His next book, Revolutionary New York: 250 Years of Social Change, will be published early in 2026. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
