In an age of rapidly intensifying global competition, the U.S. Department of the Navy (DON) is investing heavily in numerous initiatives guided by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro’s three enduring priorities: strengthening maritime dominance, empowering the DON’s people and strengthening partnerships.
Since the release of these priorities in 2021, the DON has seen significant accomplishments in both internal programs and external alliances, according to Navy Undersecretary Hon. Erik Raven.
“The progress that our sailors, Marines and civilians are making on so many fronts is inspiring,” Raven emphasized during his keynote address Wednesday at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2023 Navy Summit.
“Although it is still early, and although we face significant challenges, we are seeing some important wins,” he said.
Raven highlighted several specific areas of achievement, one of which is fleet enhancement. He noted that currently, the Navy has 55 ships under construction and 78 on contract.
Critical infrastructure has also moved to the forefront of Naval priorities, with the multi-billion dollar Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program leading the way. Raven said that the initiative, which targets public shipyards in multiple states, will help ensure that these facilities are able to continue servicing the Navy’s modernizing fleet in the future.
Within the Marine Corps, Raven said that the Force Design 2030 modernization strategy has already demonstrated success with the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets and CH-53K heavy lift helicopters as well as munitions purchases that “enable Marines to conduct long range precision strikes against maritime targets.”
Externally, the DON is cultivating partnerships with industry organizations to “prevent maintenance delays for ships and submarines, improve shipyard infrastructure, develop a skilled workforce and deliver game-changing technologies and capabilities to our sailors and Marines,” according to Raven.
Driving these efforts are the Naval Innovation Center and the Marine Innovation Unit, which he said are “creating opportunities for private companies to come together with our sailors and marines to identify new capabilities that will improve upon our existing systems and platforms.”
“While both of these units are in their early stages, we are confident that they will serve as key enablers to leverage the power of American innovation in support of national security,” Raven added.
Internationally, the relationships within the AUKUS agreement – a trilateral security pact between the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia – are strengthening. He noted President Biden’s recent announcement of the welcoming of Australian sailors and civilians to U.S. submarines and installations as well as the nation’s industrial base as a step forward.
Raven emphasized that the heart of this progress lies within the DON’s people.
“Our Navy and Marine Corps are more than just advanced platforms and weapon systems. Our people remain our greatest strength and are at the core of everything that we do,” he said.
To ensure the readiness of its force, the DON is offering a number of training opportunities throughout the department. Raven cited degree programs at multiple Naval academic institutions, virtual simulator-based training and the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence as some of these opportunities.
Training and education are also key elements of Force Design 2030, which highlights the importance of organizing and equipping the service branch with the knowledge needed to contribute unique warfighting capabilities to joint operations.
“Skilled workforces and staff are not created overnight,” he stressed. “However, the actions we take in the near term through the synchronization of public and private investment efforts will lay the groundwork for generational American maritime renewal.”
Ambitious modernization efforts are underway across the U.S. military. For a look into the Air Force’s top priorities and strategic goals, the Potomac Officers Club will host its 2023 Air Force Summit on July 18. To learn more and register to attend the event, which will bring together Air Force officials and industry experts to discuss the service branch’s ongoing initiatives and opportunities, click here.
