The US Navy faces its most challenging period since the end of the Cold War, and it needs someone with the right qualities to steer it back on course, says former SecNav John Lehman and AEI's Anand Toprani.
The contracts come as the Navy expands its marketplace for unmanned systems and moves into the second phase of the MUSV program.
A commitment to long-term operational value.
Capt. Tamara Lawrence, the current acting chief of information, will take over the post traditionally held by a rear admiral.
The White House has also sent nominations over to the Senate for William Toti to serve as undersecretary of the Navy, and for retired Vice Adm. Richard Breckenridge as an assistant secretary of the Navy.
The Ford wrapped up its 326-day deployment in May.
Navy veteran Hung Cao has been the service's acting secretary since April.
AI-enabled workflows accelerate production, but cybersecurity and governance remain central.
The Navy currently utilizes a 36-month Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), but leaders want to stretch it to 56 months.
Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8 embarked on the Ford returned to their home naval air stations on Monday.
The new shipbuilding plan also confirmed that the Trump-class battleship will be nuclear-powered, and that the Navy wants an inventory of 15 battleships by 2056.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao delivered his first public remarks since stepping into the role.
"Being able to tell the commander you don't need to do something is actually a pretty powerful message, as well."
Robbin Laird and Edward Timperlake discuss newly-appointed Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao’s thoughts on Guam and Vietnam’s roles in the Indo-Pacific when it comes to deterring China.
A number of other top civilian positions in the Navy's civilian leadership remain filled by acting officials.
Hung Cao, a retired Navy officer, has been nominated to become the under secretary, but has yet to be confirmed.
A retired Navy captain, Cao unsuccessfully ran for elected office in Virginia in 2022 and 2024.