; and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight . (4) The January 2017 report of the Department of Defense entitled Report to Congress on Strategy to Protect United States National Security Interests in the Arctic Region states that [i]n support of the U.S. national security interest in preserving all of the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea and airspace recognized under international law, DoD will preserve the global mobility of U.S. military and civilian vessels and aircraft throughout the Arctic, as in other regions. This includes conducting Freedom of Navigation operations to challenge excessive maritime claims when and where necessary . (5) In regard to the ability of the United States Navy to conduct Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the Arctic region, on June 15, 2017, Admiral John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, stated that [i]t's absolutely true that we don't have the capacity or the capability . (b) Reports (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the capabilities of the Navy in the Arctic region. (2) Elements The report required in paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of the following: (A) The current naval capabilities of the Department of Defense in the Arctic region, with a particular emphasis on surface capabilities. (B) Any gaps that exist between the current naval capabilities described in paragraph (1) and the ability of the Department to fully execute its updated strategy for the Arctic region. (C) Any gaps in the capabilities described in paragraph (1) that require ice-hardening of existing vessels or the construction of new vessels to preserve freedom of navigation in the Arctic region whenever and wherever necessary. (D) An analysis and recommendation of which Navy vessels could be ice-hardened to effectively preserve freedom of navigation in the Arctic region when and where necessary, in all seasons and weather conditions. (E) An