Gen. David H. Berger relieved Gen. Robert B. Neller on July 11 to become the 38th commandant of the Marine Corps in a ceremony at Marine Corps Barracks, Washington. Acting Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said of Berger: “In this…
International ‘Gray Zone’ Actions Challenge Blue-Water Navy
Despite the current heavy focus on great power competition, the Navy must retain and build its ability to engage in irregular maritime conflict, which historically has always been a fundamental part of maintaining maritime security, a panel of historians and…
Analysts: Congress Shifting Money to Readiness, Seems Less Willing to Boost Shipbuilding, Unmanned Systems
Congress this year is less willing to boost shipbuilding funding above the Trump administration’s request than in recent years and has shown some skepticism over the U.S. Navy’s push for rapid adoption of unmanned systems, the two top congressional analysts…
Top HASC Republican Says His Vote Hinges on GOP’s 2020 Budget Add-Ons
The House Armed Services Committee’s ranking Republican says his vote to pass the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act will depend on whether the final bill continues the recent progress is preparing the military to confront Russia and China or…
House Armed Services Chairman Downplays Party Differences Over 2020 Defense Spending
The House Armed Services Committee chairman downplayed the partisan differences over the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization but said the “biggest threat” to adequate defense funding was the failure to reach agreement on lifting punishing spending caps. Although the chairman’s…
HASC Subcommittee Budget Markups Bar USS Truman’s Early Retirement, Provide 3.1% Pay Raise, Fund Third Virginia-Class Sub
The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) took initial steps June 4-5 toward passing a fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization, with the HASC’s six subcommittees approving the “chairmen’s marks.” But a partisan dispute broke out over the Strategic Forces panel’s language…
Joint Chiefs Chairman Defends Lincoln Battle Group Deployment to Deter Iran
The nation’s top military officer validated the intelligence that raised concerns of possible Iranian attacks on U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf region and said the deployment of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border was legal and an appropriate mission to…
Navy Secretary Says Maritime Logistical Force is Inadequate to Support the New National Defense Strategy
The Navy’s current and planned maritime logistical force “is inadequate” to support the new National Defense Strategy and major military operations against China or Russia, and failure to correct that deficiency “could cause the United States to lose a war,”…
Former Pacific Fleet Intel Director Warns of Widening Gap Between Chinese, U.S. Fleet Buildup
The Chinese navy already is larger than the U.S. Navy and is building ships four times as fast, with a firm goal of achieving sea control by 2030 and naval superiority by 2039, a former Pacific Fleet director of intelligence…
Spencer: Navy’s Readiness Relies on Industrial Base, New Approach to Risk
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Navy Department is showing progress in its drive to increase readiness and prepare its forces to “fight tonight and win,” Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer said May 8. But in a luncheon speech at the…
