U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade prepare to load onto a Japan Self Defense Force CH-47JA Chinook helicopter during Keen Sword 23 at Tsutara, Japan, Nov. 16, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps / Cpl. Scott Aubuchon
The Naval Brief: Too few sub parts; Zumwalt’s latest ops; Too-slow innovation?; and more…
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Sub yards lack repair parts. Attack submarines are entering their maintenance availabilities with just half of the needed materials purchased, so the program executive officer for these subs to better plan and fund these repair jobs, Defense One reports. The force is already facing about 1,100 days of maintenance delays and Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker wants to bring that down to 700 days by 2026.
USS Zumwalt stretches its legs. The guided missile destroyer Zumwalt recently returned from its first operational employment in the Pacific, where its crew learned how to operate and maintain the ship while working through joint training and testing, ship and squadron leaders told reporters Wednesday. Towards the end of next year, the destroyer is expected to go into an 18-month drydock availability to install equipment for the conventional prompt strike hypersonic weapon system.
Changing at speed. While the Pentagon is taking steps towards innovation and experimentation, it is not yet clear whether these steps will lead to long-term changes, two experts said, Defense One reports. The efforts by the services, including the Navy’s work with unmanned systems, are promising but are still behind when it comes to specific programs.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On this day in 1924, the commander of the first U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, used the ship’s catapult to launch a seaplane.
From Defense One
Milley: Ukrainian Military Victory Isn't Near, But It's a Good Time for Negotiations // Patrick Tucker
Russia's strategic goals are out of reach, but its forces still hold one-fifth of the country, says Joint Chiefs chairman.
The Pentagon Failed Its Audit Again, But Says Bots Could Change That // Lauren C. Williams
More widespread use of data analytics and automated tools could result in a clean audit, says Pentagon finance chief.
Biden's Nuclear Policy Fails the Ukraine Test // Tom Z. Collina
His administration's Cold War-style thinking is missing a golden opportunity.