The U.S. Navy is facing an unprecedented challenge as foreign nationals, many from nations like China and Russia, are increasingly attempting to gain unauthorized access to its bases, potentially compromising national security. In a revealing interview with Fox News, Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, disclosed that Navy personnel are stopping these intruders “at least” two to three times per week.
“Usually the cover story is ‘I’m a student, I’m an enthusiast, I want to see the ships,’ that type of thing,” Caudle explained, adding that despite possessing passports and papers, these individuals are not authorized to be on the bases. The Navy is working diligently to counter this threat by involving the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and collecting biometric data when possible.
The alarming trend extends beyond the Navy, with recent incidents at Marine Corps bases, such as the arrest of a Chinese national at the 29 Palms base in March. The individual, who was in the U.S. illegally, proceeded onto the installation without authorization despite being prompted to exit by security personnel.
As the Navy grapples with the challenge of differentiating between curious tourists and potential state-sponsored espionage, the increasing frequency of these incidents highlights the need for enhanced security measures and collaboration with federal and state authorities. The growing threat of foreign espionage targeting U.S. military installations underscores the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting the nation’s critical assets and secrets.
