MostGloriousLeader

Today President Hayes announced a new tax plan closing loopholes in the current tax code for people making in excess of $1 million a year in order to provide more funding for education and defense initiatives that have been proposed in Congress. It is predicted that this will be contested by the Libertarian Party, being the largest single voting bloc. Rumors have been floating around that both Republicans and Democrats may be working together to institute passage of the plan in order for both parties to gain at least something of what they want out of the bill in lieu of Libertarian resistance.

Fusion Power Today scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have announced the successful activation of a commercially viable fusion reactor design. This marks the first time a North American nation has achieved viable fusion power on its own and makes the American Commonwealth one of the few nations in the world to fully develop such technology on its own. It is anticipated that this will lead to a large shift in the nation's energy production policies towards the mass development of commercial fusion power plants.

“As I recall from the mediation hosted by Tianxia the party at fault in the Alberta Incident was determined to be Japan. I should know, I was present. While I do wish to move past this issue history is to be learned from and I believe that actions speak louder than words. Prior to that incident the Commonwealth had friendly, or at the very least neutral, relations with Japan. The actions taken by your nation in that incident were unwarranted and singlehandedly set back relations between our nations. What came after was a reaction to Japanese actions and nothing more”. “I would say that your country’s take on the matter was over enthusiastic, as was mine I will admit at the time. Tensions and tempers were high in the aftermath. But Japan left that incident with nothing worse than a little hurt pride. For the Commonwealth it represented a significant upset to the very security of my country. And for all the aggression you have accused us of you seem to forget that the deployment of additional forces was defensive in nature, never venturing anywhere near Japan. Once Japan had left that was the end of it for us. There was no retaliation on our part in any way. Not militarily, not economically and not politically. Japan on the other hand saw fit to eject our diplomatic mission and recalled its own embassy in DC, cutting all diplomatic communications. This negative attitude of Japan seems to have continued to this day despite the lack of reciprocal feelings on the part of the Commonwealth after the passage of time”. “The massive spending increase you claim we initiated was never begun in the first place. It was something proposed by some of our more, let’s say conservative, law makers opposite the president’s party as a reaction to the incident. President Marston ensured it did not pass at the after an appeal by the Emperor of Tianxia in order to stop the situation from getting even further out of hand. Beyond what had already happened that was it for us. Not all that long after Japan ceased to exist after that incident you had with your ship naming conventions, which really was quite an odd event to us. We drew down our forces in the Pacific to a single carrier and all subsequent increases in our military capabilities was driven by factors that were distinctly not Japanese”. “When Japan returned to the world stage we welcomed you back with the hopes it would be a new nation with a new attitude. To that effect we maintained our low key military presence in the Pacific in the hopes that we would be able to improve relations. I suppose this sentiment was not entirely shared by your nation as after your initial military rebuilding of your military capabilities, which of course we have no problem with, you come here threatening some arms race in the Pacific that we have not engaged in nor did we have any plans to start one”. “While your proposal is interesting I do not know how feasible it would be for my nation to agree to such restrictions. As your prime minister’s greatest concern is the security and well being of your nation, so it is the same for us with President Marston. But unlike Japan the Pacific is not the only area of the world we have interests in. You claim some sort of disparity in naval strength levels in both a quantitative and qualitative measure and I will acknowledge that as true, but there is a reason for that. Unlike Japan our naval forces must operate not just in the Pacific, but the North and South Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean as well. Our naval forces are spread over 50% of the globe. As a result our forces will never be as concentrated in any one theater necessitating a qualitative edge to make up for the inherent lack of numbers we will face in any one theater or another”. “You have asked that we address the security concerns your nation has but I ask you to consider that my nation also has its own concerns as well. I’m sorry to say this but the Commonwealth cannot compromise its worldwide defense capabilities just to appease the concerns of a single nation in a theater that we have never really placed much of an emphasis on. Even in spite of your nations large military buildup we have steadfastly maintained our small military presence in the Pacific. But now your stated intention is to match us in an arms race to gain parity, although if you were to try build up a force to match the combined might of our Pacific fleet you’d end up with a single carrier”. “You say that the balance of power must be equal to promote trust and good relations but with the differing needs of our nation’s military forces an equal balance of power may be impossible to achieve. I would argue that we ought to let trust promote trust and good relations. Despite your claims to fears of attack by my nation I would hope you at least acknowledge that since Japan has returned to the world stage that my country has done nothing that could be in any way construed as aggressive towards Japan. In fact we reached out with the intention of normalizing relations which is why we're here today. And despite the concerns of some of our policy makers and military leaders Japan has not taken any actions that are inherently aggressive towards the Commonwealth. It is my hope that we can use this as a stepping stone to continued peace and better relations”. “Instead of a hard cap on either of our navies what I propose is this. We would encourage that your nation voluntarily reduce its naval buildup in exchange for which we will agree to maintain at most a 1:2 ratio of naval forces in the Pacific in Japan’s favor and not a ship more to help alleviate both of our nation's security concerns”.

"Being one of the first diplomatic ventures of my nation as well as the shared interests of our three nations I too hope that we can come to strengthen the ties between our three nations.

[Massachusetts, 5 of 7] As per the requirements of achieving statehood, a popular referendum was to be held on the issue and was being prepared for. Ultimately it was the people who would decide if Massachusetts became a part of the US. [New Hampshire/Connecticut/Rhode Island, 5 of 7] Like Massachusetts, the rest of the New England states would begin preparations for their own referendums. From choosing sites to arranging security and the logistics of the referendums, multiple agencies would be involved from the local and state levels with assistance from the federal government.

“I too would like to be able to move past the previous issues between our countries but they do have some bearing here. The historical precedent is one where Japan has sent a large military expedition into an area we consider not just vital to our national interests, but is in extremely close proximity to our own national borders. The same cannot be said for the Commonwealth in regards to Japan. Our military forces have never ventured into the Western or North Pacific in any meaningful numbers and have never conducted operations that could be remotely considered as threatening, even after Japan had sent a massive task force to take Western Canada. Any and all military deployments by my nation in the Pacific have been entirely defensive in nature. These are historical facts that speak for themselves. I cannot recall off the top of my head anytime in living memory where a North American nation has ever undertaken any such aggressive actions in the Pacific or against a nation in Asia and so I find your fears of some grave threat from my nation to be a bit unfounded. I would think that it seems we have more reason to be concerned about Japan then Japan should be with the Commonwealth”. “Now I acknowledge that Japan has some valid security concerns in this matter but you must acknowledge that the American Commonwealth has its own as well. And to that end I am not sure what you would ask of my country to do in this issue. As it currently stands Alaska has been declared a protectorate of the American Commonwealth and it will be afforded the benefits all of our protectorates have, including the protection of the Commonwealth military. Ultimately, in the end the people of Alaska will determine their own fate and we will honor whatever their decision may be. Democratic values and the ideals of self determination are crucial cornerstones of our protectorate programs and nothing will change that”. “That being said we consider the Pacific to be of extreme importance to not just us, but the whole world, in terms of trade and economic activity. Bringing our two nations to more friendly terms would go a long way in not just ensuring the stability of the region but help foster further economic growth and activity. To that end I ask what do you suggest can be done that both assuages your fears while fairly addressing the security concerns of my nation?”.

I've been out of the loop for a bit and it seems like I forgot to ask for Alaska to be labeled as a protectorate. Please and thank you.

"This seems fine to me" said the President as he affixed his signature to the treaty. OOC: Woops. I seriously thought I already signed this.

20XX Presidential Election Currently serving out his fifth term as President of the American Commonwealth, President Marston has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in a sixth term. In his announcement he stated "I am proud to have been the leader of this great country and I am truly thankful that my fellow citizens have seen fit to elect me to lead for not one, not two, not three or four but FIVE terms as President! I am truly humbled by their faith in me and while I have decided not to run for a fifth term I truly believe that in my time in office I have fulfilled my obligations to the voters and to the country. I am both joyous and sad to make this announcement but I have no doubt that greater things are in store for the Commonwealth and the path to greatness requires new blood. And so I must declare that this will be my last time I will serve you as your President". The announcement came as a surprise to both Democrats and Republicans as both parties have begun to scramble to find the best available candidates for a presidential run. In his last three elections President Marston ran virtually unopposed by serious opposition and won huge landslides resulting in a relatively tame political environment. Now with Marston retiring, political experts have predicted a revitalization of national politics in the lead up to the next Presidential Election.

[Massachusetts, 4 of 7] In Massachusetts the situation had markedly improved. The Department of the Interior has formally announced the end of its main mission, relinquishing control to the state government and local authorities. This would represent an important milestone in Massachusetts' quest for statehood. [New Hampshire/Connecticut/Rhode Island, 4 of 7] The rest of the New England states would follow suit with each state regaining full control after the review period administered by the Department of the Interior. They were now one more step ahead on the path to statehood.

Classified With the announcement of the Japanese exercises in the North Pacific, the Commonwealth Pacific and Northern Commands would adopt an increased readiness posture in accordance with standard operating procedures when such things occurred near Commonwealth territory or forces. Satellite coverage of the area would be increased in addition to an heavy increase in long range UAV and aircraft patrols, with UAVs being ordered to shadow the Japanese ships at a comfortable distance. In the meantime dozens of combat and support squadrons were being redeployed to bases in Alaska, the West Coast and Western Canada. Ground forces in Alaska were also put on alert and additional air defense and surveillance assets would be brought in.

"As I said this is the ideal end goal we will hopefully be able to achieve in the future. I acknowledge that between now and then, there is much work to be done to improve basic relations. I would also refute the notion that the American Commonwealth possesses any real measurable amount of 'Japanaphobia'. Any such feelings were the result of the Alberta Incident and have long since passed. Even then it was not some ingrained, natural dislike of the Japanese people, but rather a very real concern over its actions at the time. The Japanese Empire at the time had established its very own colony in South America, something we overlooked at the time because we had no real interests there. But to have a foreign enclave from a nation thousands of miles away appear right at our doorstep? I'm sure if Russia had disappeared and my country moved into Kamchatka or Sakhalin Japan's reaction would have been similar if not the same am I not correct? In any case if you do remember, even after the arbitration hosted by Tianxia the American Commonwealth kept its word and continued to allow Japanese business interests to continue in Canada without any interference outside of our own laws". "I understand that our peacekeeping actions in Alaska were a bit sudden but we felt that time was a factor for us. While our relations with Russia can be characterized as friendly we'd rather not see an even larger expansion of their influence in our neighborhood. We have also had back channel communications with Tianxia on this matter and they have expressed their approval of our operations there so rest assured we are not attempting to steal away parts of a nation we both regard as a friend. That being said if it eases your government's worries we could make a more public announcement with Tianxia to eliminate any doubts you may have". "As it stands the American Commonwealth has never meddled in the affairs of East Asia and we have never wanted to become involved in the affairs of East Asia beyond fair economic activity and positive diplomatic relations. You may characterize my nation's foreign affairs as a little enthusiastic but even you must admit that we have never wandered too far from our own shores. We have our own problems to deal with and I'm sure you do as well looking at what I can only describe as that ridiculous regime that seems to have popped up on the Korean Peninsula". "But you are correct, our countries have not done much on either side to improve our strained relations with each other, although to be fair after Japan collapsed we have not really had that opportunity until now. And so we are at a crossroads. For the first time in a long time we have the chance to change the relationship between our nations for the better and try to put the past behind us. I don't expect vast and immediate improvements but if your nation is as willing as mine to try restart a relationship then we can move forward little by little and I believe we can get to a point where large improvements are possible. It is my hope that your country is willing to try as well".

President Hayes would accept the offer to pick up the talks that had abruptly come to a halt. The trip was initially hampered by delays, with the scheduled runway being closed due to a fuel spill, which was followed by several more hours of grounding as a civilian plane mistakenly wandered too close to Andrews and had to be escorted away by fighters. Even after they had gotten into the air, turbulence and headwinds would even further delay his flight. Taking some time to relax, President Hayes realized this would be his first formal trip to a foreign nation as the President of the USNA. Hopefully his first official foreign policy trip would go well and that he'd be able to see some sights after the talks were done. After receiving clearance to land, Air Force One would follow air traffic controllers and made its descent. After the plane had touched down the president, along with staff and security personnel, would proceed to Buckingham Palace where he greeted the other waiting heads of state. "Greetings everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting but its been a heck of a time trying to get over here".

With the collapse of the Republic of Alaska's government, Commonwealth troops would begin deployment from their Canadian bases to rapidly secure the territory. The ground forces would be preceded by airborne and air-mobile forces moving fast and deep into the region to secure vital population centers and military facilities. Weapons and munitions would be secured on site to await removal or reactivation by Commonwealth forces. In the cities order would be restored as troops enforced a temporary curfew to improve the security situation while restoring vital utilities and public services. Once the initial operations were complete, and the region secured, an public announcement would be made on the situation.

The American Commonwealth recognizes the Maratha Empire as a sovereign nation and welcomes you to the world stage. For too long the Indian people have not had a presence in the global community. It is our hope that our two nations will be able to engage in friendly relations, and offer the establishment of a formal diplomatic exchange. -American Commonwealth State Department

"Ashley, could you bring a lemonade for the minister please?" said the Secretary to one of the aides available who left the room and returned with the drink, which she handed to the minister. "I agree. The problems of the past affect the future only as far as we allow it to do so in the present. The American Commonwealth seeks to establish a robust and mutual diplomatic, cultural and trade relationship with Japan, hopefully establishing the groundwork for further cooperation in economic and security issues that effect the Pacific and the world. Would your nation be interested in pursuing such a relationship?".

Naval Development Program Kitsap class MMCS Based on the Independence class littoral combat ship, the Fairfield class Multi-Mission Combat Ship is a redesign that improves upon the original vessel. While it was fast and agile, the original LCS design was rejected as too specialized and lacking in a number of areas, including armament, sensor capabilities and survivability. Even with the various mission modules it still lacked effective capabilities against common air and surface threats and a ship that was capable of blue water in addition to littoral operations was desired. The MMCS design provides a substantial improvement in base performance capabilities while retaining many of the positive aspects of the LCS's modularity and design. One of the primary reasons the LCS was rejected by the Commonwealth Navy was that it lacked effective firepower and self defense capabilities. This has been rectified by the addition of additional weapons systems, the most notable of which is the addition of two tactical module 16 cell Mk 41 VLS batteries on either side of the superstructure which allows the use of most missiles with the exception of land attack cruise missiles. The forward bow has been refitted to allow the use of modular weapons systems. The main gun mount is able to utilize either a 57mm or 76mm cannon while the forward missile battery can be used for traditional anti-ship missile launchers, another 16 cell Mk41 VLS battery, or a battery of smaller weapons like the NLOS-LS or hellfire missiles for increased close in surface defense, or additional short range air defense systems. Close in missile defense such as the Phalanx or SeaRAM can be installed on two dedicated mounts, while close in surface defense is provided by four Typhoon Weapon Stations. A secondary missile battery can be installed near the CIWS mounts if it doesn't require deck penetration, and two triple Mk 32 torpedo systems are available on either side of the vessel which remain closed until weapons deployment to maintain stealth. The MMCS has dramatically improved sensor systems with the addition of an multifunction AESA radar system and the Aegis combat system. This provides the MMCS with wide area air/surface surveillance and defense capabilities and allows it to operate seamlessly either on its own or with a larger task force. It also possesses effective sub surface sensors, with a multifunction sonar capable of detecting submarines and mines as well as a towed sonar array. The MMCS's air basic air contingent of two SH-60s and a UAV can further extend sensor range and effectiveness. This can all be combined with its stealth capabilities to provide an effective forward patrol vessel for a task force. Survivability has also been improved in the new design, with additional reinforcing of critical points against damage as well as the installation of an extensive automated battle damage control system. Able to deal with damage from conventional threats like anti-ship missiles, the MMCS is also survivable against littoral threats, namely mines, being able to withstand greater underwater damage than the LCS. The increased use of advanced composite materials has both increased durability and enhanced its stealth capabilities. Despite the MMCS's redesign and upgrades, it still has many of the desirable features of the LCS, chiefly its speed, maneuverability, and its spacious mission bay. With the increase to its baseline capabilities the anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare modules have been scrapped. The mine countermeasures module will be retained and three new modules, mine warfare, amphibious warfare and special operations, have been developed. The mine warfare module uses the rear and side boat launch/recovery systems to dispense carried mines. The amphibious warfare module includes additional berthing and logistics and involves the removal and replacement of the rear boat launch/recovery system with a splash down ramp able to launch and recover amphibious vehicles like the AAV and EFV. This will allow the embarked company sized landing force and necessary command and control elements to conduct amphibious operations. The special forces module also includes additional berthing, logistics and command and control elements to support special forces operations as well as additional aircraft. Without any of the mission modules the MMCS can be utilized as a troop transport with the large available area for vehicles and berthing, capable of carry a fully equipped company sized combat force. The large roll on/roll off ramps on either side facilitate the rapid embarkation and debarkation of troops and vehicles. Currently 30 Multi-Mission Combat Ships have been completed, are under construction, or have been ordered to supplement and at least partially replace the Franklin class corvettes currently in service. Designed primarily as an open ocean vessel, the Franklins have been found lacking effective in-shore littoral combat capabilities and it is hoped that the MMCS will be able to supplant them as both blue water and littoral combat vessels. The Commonwealth Navy intends to purchase 20 more if they prove capable and meet requirements, or go with two separate classes and develop another open ocean corvette if an alternative is deemed necessary.

"Mr. Bengal, my country views the United Caribbean States as not just our southern neighbors, but as a potentially strong partner in regional and international trade and security issues. In regards to the Panama Canal, the USNA's stewardship over this vital asset of global trade will ensure the smooth flow of international shipping. We intend to maintain the previous standard rates for shipping in order to maintain the canal as well as expand operations at the canal zone as the volume of traffic increases. While I cannot promise completely free transit through the canal we may, after some period of cooperation, be able to an arrangement to implement minimal fees for some of your shipping. We would be more than happy to come to a free trade and non-aggression agreement in the meantime".

"I think I can fix us up with something good. Richard?". The president gestured towards a porter waiting in the corner who left the room for a brief moment and returned with a tray with a bottle and two glasses. "Thank you Richard" said the president as the man put down the tray and filled the glasses. "This is a 30 year old Islay, I hope this works for you". "Now to the business at hand. Looking at Europe, or even the world at large, Great Britain is one of the few nations that adhere to the core principals of liberal democracy. My country is another. It is because of our shared values that makes the restoration of the historic special relationship between our peoples not just a possibility, but a desirable goal.

Integrated Naval Surveillance & Strike System Covering roughly one third of the continental United States, the USNA has a fairly sizable landmass. But despite this, the USNA can be construed as a maritime nation. Through the sea is where most of the trade of the nation is conducted. It is the Atlantic Ocean that provides a natural wall for the nation. As such it is in the vital interest of national security and prosperity that the USNA actively monitors maritime activities in its areas of interest and be ready to act and repel hostile forces seeking to attack the nation via the sea. Surveillance Systems Aerial surveillance systems include the P-3 Orion and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV, E-3 Sentry, and E-8 JSTARS. Ground based surveillance is provided by OTH radar networks covering most of the Atlantic, as well as installations installed in Central America and the Pacific, as well as mobile search radars. Sea based surveillance is provided by normal naval vessels as well as an extensive network of disguised naval intelligence trawlers. Strike Systems One of the most noticeable naval strike systems used by the USNA military is the Sea Strike Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile system. Other land based systems include numerous smaller mobile anti-ship missile launchers for a variety of missiles including Harpoons, NSMs as well as supersonic ASMs such as the Brahmos and Klub missiles. Launch systems utilizing common shipping containers for concealment are also in use to provide further survivability. The last line of coastal defense falls to special coastal artillery units, utilizing mobile guns designed to be able to engage larger ships in shore as well as fast moving landing craft, such as LCACs.

[Massachusetts, 3 of 7] All military control has been relinquished and turned over to the Department of the Interior, although troops will be on hand to assist civil authorities if requested. Military facilities have been reactivated and are fully operational. [New Hampshire/Connecticut/Rhode Island, 3 of 7] The same would be true for the rest of the New England states. Military forces had turned over all of their former duties to civilian agencies and were now settling into their garrisons. Military facilities had been reactivated and were now fully operational.

The Caribbean diplomat would be taken to the White House after landing at the Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport, from where the DSS would take him to the White House where President Hayes was awaiting. "Greetings Mr. Bengal and welcome to the United States. I trust that you had a good flight up? Would you like a refreshment? Something to drink?".

The British envoy would be allowed to land at Andrews AFB from where he would be transported to the White House by the DSS. There the recently elected President Darren Hayes was awaiting him in the Oval Office. "Welcome to the US Mr. Churchill" he said greeting the british envoy. "You've had a long journey. Can I offer you something to drink?".

The Japanese delegation was cleared and directed to land at the Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport where their aircraft would be parked at a secure hanger owned and operated by the State Department. The delegation would then be provided transportation and a DSS escort through downtown Washington DC to the Harry S. Truman Building where they would be ushered to the Secretary of State's own personal office where he was waiting to meet them. "Minister Minoru, it is a pleasure having you here in the American Commonwealth" said McNutt as he greeted the delegation. "Please have a seat, and can I offer you any refreshments? I'm no stranger to trans-oceanic travel and I know how weary long distance traveling can be" he said as they all sat down. "It is good to see Japan has once again regained its footing on the world stage, despite the fact that our last interactions did not really have good results. But the past is the past. The American Commonwealth would like to put the past behind us and move forward to develop a dialogue and partnership with the Japanese people".