Naval Operations Research Articles

The genesis of methods and tools of counterintelligence activities of a national special service: historical experience and prospects

The article provides a historical analysis of the methods and tools of intelligence and counterintelligence activities exploited by the national intelligence service in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, in the period of the Cossacks and the formation of the Ukrainian Cossack-Hetman State. The priority goal is to establish dialectical connection between the effective tools of countering the aggressor of that period and nowadays. The relevance of the article lies in the study of the counterintelligence activities of the national intelligence service of that period, the transformation of the relevant units and their powers from the Cossack period to nowadays, as it was set up in the context of the national liberation war in confrontation with external enemies. The author highlights the historical aspects of counterintelligence activities of the period under study, in particular, the methods and tools that are used in conducting naval campaigns. The article is allocated to the study of the formation and evoluation of counterintelligence activities in historical aspects, the fundamental tactics of warfare of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries during successful naval operations in the context of retrospective changes in national special services, as well as the opportunity to use the Cossacks’ experience in the modernisation and transformation of counterintelligence tools in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war of the twenty-first century. The researchers have introduced a historical parallel between the powerful Cossack «Gull» boats and the «SeaBaby» unmanned surface vehicles and «Mamai» high-speed maritime drones that are used by the Security Service of Ukraine in the Black Sea to repel the aggressor. The aspects of the genesis of counterintelligence methods and tools have been outlined in the study. They depict overt and covert methods and techniques of intelligence and counterintelligence, that have been used in the fight against the enemy in various forms since ancient times and have undergone long changes. It has been mentioned that the results of studying the history of the formation and functioning of national special services are of empirical impact. They can be used to improve and enhance the activities of the Security Service of Ukraine in modern realities, to conduct effective counterintelligence activities and special operations in the context of war with the aggressor and to adjust the national security strategy.

FOREWORD AND FAREWELL

As I write my final foreword as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Naval Sciences and Engineering (JNSE), it is with deep gratitude and pride that I look back on the transformative progress we have achieved together. I first took on this role with the responsibility of publishing the second issue of 2022, just as the journal transitioned from the Naval Sciences and Engineering Institute to the Turkish Naval Academy (TNA). Now, following my promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and my appointment as the Deputy General Manager of Naval Shipyards, I prepare to step down, filled with confidence in the journal's future impact. During my tenure, JNSE has not only expanded its reach but also evolved in structure. As the first Editor-in-Chief after this significant transition, I established a structured workflow to ensure the smooth handling of the journal’s workload. This progress would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our esteemed contributors, editors, reviewers, and readers, who have collectively strengthened the journal’s place as a respected publication in naval sciences and engineering. Naval sciences and engineering have always been at the forefront of the Turkish Navy’s priorities, with an increasing emphasis on innovation and self-reliance in defense capabilities. As researchers and engineers, our collective work—through publications like this journal—contributes, even if indirectly, to these larger goals. It is essential to recognize that advancements in naval platforms, weaponry, and defense systems depend heavily on foundational research in science and technology. Every study, every paper, and every breakthrough—however modest it may seem—plays a role in building the knowledge base that supports these ambitious naval goals. In this foreword, I highlight recent and ongoing projects of the Turkish Navy, from initial concepts to construction, to offer future contributors an idea of impactful areas of study. Research in fields like autonomous systems, AI-driven operations, and advanced propulsion technologies can shape the Navy’s future capabilities. As the quote often attributed to Faraday or Franklin reminds us, "What is the use of a newborn baby?" Theoretical research, like this newborn, may not reveal its full utility immediately, yet it holds the potential to make profound impacts over time. (Full foreword available in the PDF version.) As I transition from this role, I am proud of the journal’s achievements. One of the most notable milestones has been the introduction of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for all published papers since the second issue of 2022. This change has allowed for greater visibility, wider dissemination, and immediate online publication, which are crucial in the fast-paced world of research. Additionally, reorganizing the editorial team, including the appointment of key roles such as the Technical Editor, Layout Editor, and Secretariat from the capable staff of the TNA has ensured a streamlined workflow and elevated the journal's standards. The December 2024 issue is a testament to the journal’s interdisciplinary reach. This issue includes four valuable studies: one presenting a robust planning model for irrigation, a topic of relevance as climate change increasingly impacts maritime and agricultural resources; a second, developing a cybersecurity perception scale for maritime industry employees, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in naval operations; a third, a performance analysis of adaptive MIMO techniques for visible light communication, which holds promise for improving naval communication systems; and finally, a paper on thyroid nodule segmentation using ultrasound, which highlights how advances in medical imaging can also improve healthcare aboard naval vessels. These papers, though diverse, reflect the journal's goal of fostering interdisciplinary innovation. As I conclude my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I want to express my gratitude one last time to the readers, the dedicated editors who served alongside me, and the referees who ensured the quality of the research we published. It has been a privilege to oversee the journal through significant milestones, and I deeply appreciate the effort and commitment of everyone involved. Reflecting on my tenure, I am particularly proud of the journal's growth, both in scope and influence. Over these years, we have not only expanded our reach but have also contributed to shaping the dialogue around the future of naval technology. Though this marks the end of my tenure, I depart with the satisfaction of knowing that we have upheld the highest standards in naval science and engineering research. As I bid farewell, I leave with the hope that the journal continues to inspire and contribute to the advancement of naval sciences. May your journey be swift and your destination secure. Fatih ERDEN, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief

Navigating uncharted waters: Legal challenges and the future of unmanned underwater vehicles in maritime military cyber operations

The evolving landscape of maritime security is increasingly shaped by the integration of cyber technologies into naval operations, posing complex legal challenges under international maritime law. This paper examines the 2016 Bowditch incident, in which a U.S. Navy Unmanned Underwater Vehicle was detained by the Chinese navy, as a case study for comprehending the legal implications of maritime military cyber operations. The research delves into the ambiguous legal standing of unmanned underwater vehicles and their activities, particularly within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Through a detailed analysis of the incident, this study identifies significant gaps in existing legal frameworks and advocates for the urgent need to augment international law to adequately address the emergence of cyber technologies in maritime military operations. The findings underscore the crucial role of international consensus in defining the legal status of unmanned maritime systems and the norms governing maritime military cyber operations, essential for upholding global maritime security and stability.

The law of perfidy and ruses of war at sea

Abstract The principle of distinction is a fundamental principle in the law of armed conflict, aimed at protecting civilians and civilian objects from direct attacks. Adherence to this principle is crucial for minimizing the humanitarian impact of warfare. Nevertheless, the longstanding practice of ruses of war, deeply embedded in customary international law, complicates the application of this principle in combat. While certain deceptive tactics are allowed, the line between acceptable ruses and forbidden acts of perfidy is often unclear, especially in naval warfare. The evolution of modern warfare technology further obscures these distinctions, raising important legal questions regarding their relevance today. This article critically examines the existing legal framework governing ruses and perfidy at sea and explores how these rules apply to contemporary naval operations. Finally, the article identifies key legal gaps and proposes pathways for reform to better align the law with current realities.

Evolution of Unmanned Surface Vehicle Path Planning: A Comprehensive Review of Basic, Responsive, and Advanced Strategic Pathfinders

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are rapidly becoming mission-indispensable for a variety of naval operations, from search and rescue to environmental monitoring and surveillance. Path planning lies at the heart of the operational effectiveness of USVs, since it represents the key technology required to enable the vehicle to transit the unpredictable dynamics of the marine environment in an efficient and safe way. The paper develops a critical review of the most recent advances in USV path planning and a novel classification of algorithms according to operational complexity: Basic Pathfinders, Responsive Pathfinders, and Advanced Strategic Pathfinders. Each category can adapt to different requirements, from environmental predictability to the desired degree of human intervention, and from stable and controlled environments to highly dynamic and unpredictable conditions. The review includes current methodologies and points out the state-of-the-art algorithmic approaches in their experimental validations and real-time applications. Particular attention is paid to the description of experimental setups and navigational scenarios showing the realistic impact of these technologies. Moreover, this paper goes through the key, open challenges in the field and hints at the research direction to leverage in order to enhance the robustness and adaptability of path planning algorithms. This paper, by offering a critical analysis of the current state-of-the-art, lays down the foundation of future USV path planning algorithms.

Enhancing Submarine Propulsion: Hydrogen SI Engine With EGR for NOx Reduction Monitored by AI

AbstractThis research paper underscores the critical importance of advancing submarine technology by proposing a fully hydrogen‐powered submarine integrated with an air‐independent propulsion (AIP) system and artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven safety measures. Such an innovative approach not only addresses the limitations of traditional diesel‐electric submarines but also promises to revolutionize naval operations. The adoption of hydrogen as the primary power source significantly extends the submarine's operational range, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. The incorporation of AIP technology enables sustained underwater endurance, reducing vulnerability and enhancing mission effectiveness. Concurrently, AI‐driven safety measures provide robust leak detection and safe hydrogen handling, ensuring the well‐being of the crew while optimizing operational efficiency. This integrated solution represents a transformative step toward achieving a more sustainable, capable, and stealthy submarine fleet for modern warfare scenarios.

Safety underreporting during naval operations: Prevalence, associated risk, and several contributing factors

Workplace safety concerns or violations are often underreported, which can result in small issues manifesting into a mishap or accident. Safety underreporting can also be difficult to track since, by definition, workers are knowingly failing to report issues. Unfortunately, underreporting remains pervasive even in high-risk occupations where safety issues may produce exceptionally dangerous and costly outcomes. This study investigated safety underreporting in the context of naval operations using a multi-level, multi-factor approach to evaluate underreporting with three study aims: 1) determine the prevalence of safety underreporting in a naval environment; 2) estimate the link between underreporting and real-world safety incidents; and finally, 3) identify the relative contribution of different factors to underreporting. Analyzes examined a large (N>11,000) sample of active-duty servicemembers who voluntarily participated in a routine online anonymous safety climate survey. Approximately 30% of respondents underreported safety incidents despite the high-risk occupational setting, and Monte Carlo simulations provided estimates for safety underreporting frequency aboard different ship-classes. Additional regression analyses linked safety underreporting aboard ship to actual safety issues (e.g., fire and electrical shock) thereby underscoring the real-world relationship. Finally, hierarchical logistic regression estimated that the most consistent predictor of safety underreporting was making prior reports of safety incidents. For every additional safety event reported, there was a 65 % increase in the likelihood of failing to report safety issues. The next most significant predictors were non-compliance attitudes toward safety regulations at the individual and crew level. Taken together, these results demonstrate the prevalence of underreporting in a naval environment while implicating several key contributing factors, including frequency of safety incidents in the work environment and non-compliance attitudes. This study’s findings highlight the importance of actively leveraging approaches to counter underreporting (e.g., anonymous reporting systems) and promoting positive safety climates to improve safety reporting and reduce negative outcomes (e.g., mishaps and accidents).

Multivariate ocean waves dynamics in North Sea and Norwegian Sea by Gaidai reliability method

Current study presents state-of-the-art approach for evaluating spatiotemporal multivariate environmental risks, especially suitable for complex environmental systems that have been either numerically simulated or physically observed. Advocated methodology provides accurate hazard risk forecasts, based on real-time in situ environmental data. Design of offshore structures requires multivariate risk assessment – offshore and naval operations require both short- and long-term risk and reliability analyses. Contemporary risk evaluation techniques often struggle with raw timeseries multivariate data due to intrinsic multidimensionality and nonlinear interconnections among critical system’s dimensions/components. In the current study effectiveness of the Gaidai multivariate risk evaluation method is illustrated by utilizing significant wave heights dataset, measured within two offshore zones: Heidrun and Troll Norwegian oil fields. Analyzing offshore waves being particularly challenging due to their complexity, high nonlinearity, multidimensionality, yet dynamic inter-correlations. Global warming being among several significant factors, affecting ocean and sea wave heights. For naval, offshore and marine structures operating in harsh weather conditions, robust multivariate environmental risk evaluation methods being crucial for both design and safe operations. Current study aims to validate and benchmark state-of-the-art methodology, enabling extraction. Advocated approach allows for efficient yet accurate assessment of global damages, failures or hazard risks for a wide range of complex nonlinear multivariate environmental and energy systems. Primary advantage of presented multivariate reliability methodology lies within its ability to treat complex systems with practically unlimited number of dimensions, while existing reliability methods being mostly limited to univariate and bivariate analyses.

Assessing Corpsmen Training Needs: Enhanced Medical Readiness in the Indo-Pacific for Near Peer.

Naval operations rely on Corpsmen to provide combat casualty and primary care services to the fleet, including the Fleet Marine Force. The United States faces new conflict challenges with near-peer adversaries in the modern geo-political climate. Corpsmen will likely require new skills to care for patients in anti-access/area-denial regions and transport patients across expansive maritime environments. To help them adapt to these new challenges, we evaluated the need for Corpsmen curriculum reform at the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). This model begins with a general needs assessment to target gaps between the current and ideal approaches identified by the stakeholders. We identified 4 primary stakeholders within the Fleet Marine Force community: Marine Commanders (Society), Marines receiving treatment (Patients), Corpsmen providing care (Health Care Workers), and medical providers supervising Corpsmen (Medical Educators). We invited all ranks from III MEF to participate. The participants were interviewed in a mixture of focus groups and individual interviews in conversational and open-ended discussions. Transcripts of these discussions were analyzed and inductively coded using principles of grounded theory to identify prevailing themes that connected across interviews. The study was exempted by the Institutional Review Board at Naval Medical Center San Diego and Headquarters Marine Corps. The study involved 47 participants, including all stakeholders in III MEF and ranks from E1 through general officers. Through interviews and focus groups, 4 key themes emerged regarding Corpsmen's education: "Training," "Tasking," "Performance," and "Impact". "Training" discussions covered formal education, including gaps in basic training and the applicability of skills in civilian settings. "Tasking" examined daily responsibilities and equipment needs, such as teaching roles and first-responder care. "Performance" highlighted the quality of care and challenges in maintaining skills amid non-clinical tasks. Lastly, "Impact" assessed Corpsmen's influence on mission success and job satisfaction, revealing positive and negative perceptions among participants regarding their role and career prospects. The discussion emphasizes the importance of contextual factors in developing a Corpsmen-based curriculum, focusing on themes such as Training, Performance, and Impact. Tasking highlights critical areas for curriculum development, especially in educating Corpsmen as Educators, Leaders, and First-responder Caregivers. Gaps in training were identified, particularly in Non-trauma and First-responder Care, impacting Corpsmen's ability to handle diseases and injuries independently. Drawing parallels with Community Health Worker and Physician Extender (PE) education paradigms, we suggest adapting existing models to meet Corpsmen's needs. The discussion also delves into the history of employing PEs and developing training programs within the Naval Service. We propose a combination of Community Health Worker and PE-based education to enhance Corpsmen's competency and job satisfaction while facilitating their transition to civilian health care. Standardized curricula and training programs could improve skill transferability and readiness for Corpsmen in both military and civilian settings.

Synergistic impact of corrosion pitting on the rotating bending fatigue of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel: Integrated experimental and modeling analyses

In this study, the ex-situ rotating bending corrosion fatigue behavior of laser powder bed fused stainless steel (SS) 316L has been studied incorporating experimental analyses and modeling. The findings revealed significant variations (almost 20 %) in fatigue lifetime in pre-corroded specimens relative to non-corroded (virgin) specimens because of corrosion-derived pitting phenomena on the surface. To this end, the fatigue strength of virgin (non-corroded) and pre-corroded SS 316L were recorded at 242 MPa and 203 MPa, respectively. Upon conducting the fatigue tests and extracting stress-life trends, advanced microstructural characterization and postmortem analyses were used to quantify fatigue crack behavior and fracture surface. An empirical model is also developed employing depth-sensing indentation testing, linear elastic fracture mechanics, and computer tomography scans to propose an optimum predictive trend. The analysis comparing existing models with our proposed model demonstrates reasonable agreement between experimental findings and the predicted life for the studied laser powder bed fused SS 316L material exposed to corrosion rotating bending fatigue test. The findings of this research carry important contributions to the structural integrity and longevity of marine engineering, ship construction, naval operations, and naval aviation where materials and components are exposed to cyclic loading and corrosion.

Naval forces operational environment. Flexibility and strategic adaptability

In the dynamic scene of naval operations, constant adaptation and innovation are imperative to meeting the challenges and opportunities of technological advances, geopolitical changes and environmental considerations. This article aims to explore the multidimensional landscape of the naval operational environment, offering original insights and solutions to enhance naval capabilities and cooperation on a regional and global scale. From the forefront of technological innovation, onboard unmanned systems integration and artificial intelligence-based decision-making, to strategic adaptability in response to geopolitical dynamics, the study explores the complex interplay between naval strategy and emerging trends, with environmental considerations taking centre stage. The article argues for a collaborative global naval framework, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing common maritime challenges. This framework envisages the creation of alliances, initiatives and partnerships to foster collective security, promote environmental protection and ensure the peaceful use of the world’s oceans. The main objective is to highlight the intersections between technological advances, strategic flexibility, environmental factors and international cooperation in shaping the future of naval operations. Overall, the study aims to engage a diverse audience comprising policymakers, maritime military leaders, researchers, academics and stakeholders involved in maritime security, defence and environmental protection.

Harnessing traditional controllers for fast-track training of deep reinforcement learning control strategies

ABSTRACT In recent years, Autonomous Ships have become a focal point for research, specifically emphasizing improving ship autonomy. Machine Learning Controllers, especially those based on Reinforcement Learning, have seen significant progress. However, addressing the substantial computational demands and intricate reward structures required for their training remains critical. This paper introduces a novel approach, “Harnessing Traditional Controllers for Fast-Track Training of Deep Reinforcement Learning Control Strategies,” aimed at bridging conventional maritime control methods with cutting-edge DRL techniques for vessels. This innovative approach explores the synergies between stable traditional controllers and adaptive DRL methodologies, known for their complexity handling capabilities. To tackle the time-intensive nature of DRL training, we propose a solution: utilizing existing traditional controllers to expedite DRL training by cloning behavior from these controllers to guide DRL exploration. We rigorously assess the effectiveness of this approach through various ship maneuvering scenarios, including different trajectories and external disturbances like winds. The results unequivocally demonstrate accelerated DRL training while maintaining stringent safety standards. This approach has the potential to bridge the gap between traditional maritime practices and contemporary DRL advancements, facilitating the seamless integration of autonomous systems into naval operations, with promising implications for enhanced vessel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall safety.

The naval Operation Irini of the European Union: a step backwards of the csdp in the fight against the illegal immigration and search and rescue activities in the Mediterranean

Operation Irini is a new EU naval operation, in the framework of CSDP, to address violations of the arms embargo and illicit export of petroleum products in Libya, imposed by the United Nations Security Council. As a second objective, the Operation contributes to the training of Libyan coastguards in their fight against illegal immigration, as well as combating the mafias involved in the smuggling of migrants in the Central Mediterranean. From the outset, the naval operation has had scant resources and, unsurprisingly, its results have been poor in these first three years. In short, this new Operation, in the wake of Sophia’s poor results in the last months of its activity, represents a new setback for the CSDP and for the EU’s ambition to become a relevant actor in contemporary international society. Unfortunately, moreover, allegations of significant violations of migrants’ human rights by Libyan coast guard forces cast a shadow over the EU, which is assisting and training these security forces. Received: 04 September 2023Accepted: 24 January 2024

Global Strong Winds Occurrence Characteristics and Climate Index Correlation

Guided by entering the deep sea and achieving deep marine development in marine construction, the factors hindering marine construction cannot be ignored. Strong ocean winds have a devastating impact on tasks such as ship navigation, carrier aircraft take-off and landing, naval operations and military exercises, and affect the planning of sea routes and the development of the long-distance sea. This paper uses ERA5 wind field data and key climate indices to conduct a systematic analysis of catastrophic winds in the global ocean using methods such as climate statistical analysis, the Theil–Sen trend method, Pearson correlation and contribution rate calculation. It points out the spatiotemporal distribution, variation trend, climate index correlation and contribution rate characteristics of strong winds occurrence (SWO) and hopes that the results of this study can serve as a guide for maritime route planning and provide technical assistance and decision-making support for marine development and other needs. The results show the following: The high global SWO occurs in the Southern Ocean, the North Atlantic, the North Pacific, near Taiwan, China, the Arabian Sea and other locations, with the strongest SWO in summer. The growth trend of SWO in the Southern Ocean is strongest, with decreasing regions near the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and the growth trend is reflected in all four seasons. The climate indices with the strongest correlation and highest contribution to the global SWO are AAO (Antarctic Oscillation) and EP–NP (East Pacific–North Pacific pattern) with a correlation between −0.5 and 0.5 and a contribution rate of up to −50%~50%.

Environmental Challenge as a Common Threat Impacting Maritime Security Operations

This research employs document studies to investigate the significant environmental and climate change threats facing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The littoral states of the IOR contribute to oceanic contamination through poor sanitation, inadequate waste management, and increased waste production due to population expansion. The resulting ocean pollution severely impacts marine ecosystems, depleting fish species and threatening food sources and livelihoods for coastal populations. Additionally, climate change exacerbates human migration and poses risks to maritime security and naval operations by increasing atmospheric and sea temperatures. The study highlights the need for collaborative efforts among IOR states to address these environmental challenges, emphasizing that the consequences of one state's environmental practices can affect the entire region.

Analyzing Naval Fleet Modelling with a Tactics Perspective – The Case of Implementation of Autonomous Vessels

Development of autonomous vessels is expected to create a paradigm shift in how warfare is conducted. Therefore, there is need to explore the possibilities and limitations in developing integrated systems for defence at sea to support innovation. Fleet modelling can analyse functions and other design options such as autonomous platform’s and evaluate their added effect in naval operations. However, due to the complexity of naval operations, it is not feasible to create a tool that covers all aspects needed to mimic reality. This study, from the perspective of naval tactics, investigate the value of a tool that analyses potential fleet architectures including autonomous platforms. The study identifies that the tool creates relevant mental models for future naval fleets by identifying feasible fleet compositions. However, the proposed fleet combinations are only tested against a limited set of tactical needs and can only be seen as a starting point for development.

Djibouti: A strategic choke point in the Bab el-Mandeb region

Djibouti's strategic position at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, underscores its geopolitical significance. This narrow strait is essential for global trade, with a significant share of the world's oil and commercial shipments passing through. Djibouti’s location at this juncture enhances its role as a pivotal hub for international maritime traffic and naval operations. The geopolitical landscape in Djibouti is currently influenced by its relationships with global powers. The country hosts military bases for the United States, China, France, and Japan, each seeking to secure their interests in this vital region. The establishment of China’s first overseas military base in Djibouti signifies a notable shift in the balance of power, emphasising Djibouti's strategic importance on the global stage. These bases are crucial for safeguarding maritime routes, countering piracy, and managing regional conflicts. At the same time, they also prove to be a potential source of power struggle between great powers. In the contemporary period, it is important to reevaluate the importance of this region in resonance with China’s rising influence through trade relations and investments. The intersection of military, economic, and geopolitical interests in Djibouti along with its regional dynamics certifies its enduring strategic importance. The resurgence of piracy, involvement of the Houthi rebels and the ongoing Israel Hamas conflict also reassure the shift of power relations in the Arab region from the lenses of global security.

Exploring the Guerrilla Warfare of the National Government Navy Behind Enemy Lines in the Yangtze River Basin during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

Abstract The guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines of the national government is still a weak link in the study of the history of the war of resistance, and the naval guerrilla warfare on the Yangtze River is even less specifically discussed. This paper first analyzes the change in the national government’s naval operational thinking after the July 7 Incident and up to the Battle of Wuhan and divides the naval operations in the Yangtze River Basin during the period of total war of resistance into four stages. Then, combined with the ontology theory and taking various archives, museums, libraries, and memorial halls as sources, after fusing heterogeneous data, it adopts the relevant writings, notes, diaries, speeches, photographs, objects of the Navy’s Yangtze River Resistance as well as the results of the archive compilation formed later to construct the Navy’s Yangtze River Resistance Archives Knowledge Graph Model. After the reasoning and searching of the knowledge map, it is concluded that in 1938 and 1940, the Yangtze River Bray Guerrilla Group killed 950 and 3020 enemies, respectively, destroyed 20,400 tons and 118,400 tons of warships, strongly supported the Battle of Wuhan and two Battles of Xiangbei, and prevented the Japanese army from invading to the west along the river, and in 1940, it destroyed the Japanese large-scale transports and merchant ships of a total of 58,700 tons, which dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese army on the Yangtze River and the Yangtze River. Heavy blows to the Japanese water transport capacity of the Yangtze River delayed its front and rear troops, weapons, supplies, and transportation plans so that its ability to expand received a major limitation, unable to continue the attack on the Yangtze River west of Wuhan, to defend the safety of Chongqing and Sichuan. This paper makes up for the research gaps in the history of the National Government’s naval resistance and the history of guerrilla battles in the Bray of the Yangtze River Basin and provides a useful exploration of the combination of resistance history research and information technology.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Naval Operations W.R.T Maritime Law

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Naval Operations W.R.T Maritime Law

Expanding our view of the cold-water coral niche and accounting of the ecosystem services of the reef habitat

Coral reefs are iconic ecosystems that support diverse, productive communities in both shallow and deep waters. However, our incomplete knowledge of cold-water coral (CWC) niche space limits our understanding of their distribution and precludes a complete accounting of the ecosystem services they provide. Here, we present the results of recent surveys of the CWC mound province on the Blake Plateau off the U.S. east coast, an area of intense human activity including fisheries and naval operations, and potentially energy and mineral extraction. At one site, CWC mounds are arranged in lines that total over 150 km in length, making this one of the largest reef complexes discovered in the deep ocean. This site experiences rapid and extreme shifts in temperature between 4.3 and 10.7 °C, and currents approaching 1 m s−1. Carbon is transported to depth by mesopelagic micronekton and nutrient cycling on the reef results in some of the highest nitrate concentrations recorded in the region. Predictive models reveal expanded areas of highly suitable habitat that currently remain unexplored. Multidisciplinary exploration of this new site has expanded understanding of the cold-water coral niche, improved our accounting of the ecosystem services of the reef habitat, and emphasizes the importance of properly managing these systems.