Sailors direct the pilot of an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Adriatic Sea, April 6, 2022. U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tate Cardinal
The Naval Brief: Carrier surprise; Warship requirements; Fleet size; and more...
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Surprise Ford update. It was recently revealed that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier reached initial operational capability in December, Defense One reports. The new carrier will soon conduct trials with a full air wing on board, and plans are still in place for the ship to go on its first overseas deployment in the early fall.
Marines want LAWs. Marine officials continue to make the case for the Navy to obtain the new Light Amphibious Warship for its Marine Littoral Regiments; however, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said he’s waiting on an amphibious ship study to determine which capabilities are needed for the ship, Defense One reports. The study is expected to be completed soon.
Fleet size debate. The quality of the fleet is more important than the number of its ships, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday argued this week, pointing to the Russian military’s struggles in Ukraine, Defense One reports. “We need a ready, capable, lethal force more than we need a bigger force that's less ready, less lethal, and less capable,” Gilday said.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On April 8, 1925, then-Lt. John Price made the first planned night landing on an aircraft carrier at sea, the USS Langley.
From Defense One
Top Marine Defends Corps' Lighter Direction // Caitlin M. Kenney and Bradley Peniston
Gen. Berger responded to retired four-stars' critiques by saying he's building the right force to deter China.
Defense Secretary, Joint Chiefs Chair Rebuff Claims Vaccine Mandate Hurts Recruiting // Elizabeth Howe
GOP lawmakers try to pin recruiting, retention misses on DOD's COVID requirements.
Defense Firms Should Hire Ukrainian, Afghan Refugees, Navy's Top Admiral Urges // Marcus Weisgerber
Adm. Mike Gilday touts shipbuilding apprentice programs as perfect landing spots.
What Is China Learning from the Ukraine War? // Thomas Corbett, Ma Xiu and Peter W. Singer
From battlefield concepts to geopolitics, Beijing is sure to be watching with avid interest—and some chagrin.