The United States Navy, the bastion of maritime prowess, is embarking on a transformative journey to navigate the twenty-first century’s turbulent waters.
As global power dynamics shift with the rapid expansion of rival naval forces, the U.S. Navy is charting a course to maintain its dominance and secure the nation’s interests in an increasingly interconnected and contested world.
The inception of a “campaign design” by Admiral John Richardson underscores the Navy’s awareness of the growing threats and its unwavering commitment to remain the world’s leading naval power.
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ARABIAN SEA (April 26, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) operates in the Arabian Sea displaying signal flags that read, “IKE, CVN 69, GR8R EACH DAY.” The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway on a scheduled deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)
In a dynamic era where the margin of maritime might is narrowing, this campaign aims to steepen the Navy’s curve of capability, despite the fiscal constraints imposed by Congress.
060618-N-8492C-276 Pacific Ocean (June 18, 2006) – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), foreground, USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), center, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and their associated carrier strike groups steam in formation while 17 aircraft from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps fly over them during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) while preparing for exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Chief PhotographerÕs Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (RELEASED)
The proposed strategy isn’t just about material capability; it emphasizes the human dimension, urging service members to cultivate core attributes of integrity, accountability, initiative, and toughness.
These attributes aim to foster a culture of innovation and resilience—key to retaining the strategic edge over prospective adversaries like Russia.
A linguistic pivot is also suggested, from the superficial terms of values and attributes to the enduring classical language of virtue.
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Atlantic Ocean (Apr. 23, 2004) – Search and Rescue Swimmer (SAR) members sit in a MH-60s ÒKnighthawkÓ helicopter during an vertical replenishment to transfer ammunition between the USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). Kennedy is making final preparations before deploying on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Chris Weibull. (RELEASED)
The essence of Aristotelian virtue, as embedded in courage and honor, aligns with the Navy’s core values and is instrumental in building a robust institutional culture necessary for meeting the challenges ahead.
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BUKIT TIOMAN DARAT, Malaysia (July 15, 2008) Malaysian army rangers and U.S. Marines from Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marines, wade ashore from Landing Craft Unit (LCU) 1634 at a beachhead during an amphibious exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2008. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Daryl Borgquist (Released)
The Navy is also embracing a cooperative framework, as highlighted in the nation’s new maritime strategy “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”
This approach emphasizes the importance of building a robust network of maritime forces through international partnerships, ensuring the safety and security of global sea lanes and oceans.
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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 20, 2008) A Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey prepares to land aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). The Nassau Strike Group is en route to the NavyÕs 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Anthony Falvo (Released)
The strategy accentuates the essence of military strategy in a globalized world—interdependence.
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ARABIAN SEA (April 13, 2007) – An SH-60F Seahawk, from the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, hovers in the air as Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) transits through the Arabian Sea just prior to flight operations. John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ron Reeves (RELEASED)
This interconnectedness extends to a shared vision of security, stability, and prosperity, binding the nation’s maritime forces in a collective endeavor to enhance global maritime security.
060618-N-8492C-276 Pacific Ocean (June 18, 2006) – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), foreground, USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), center, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and their associated carrier strike groups steam in formation while 17 aircraft from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps fly over them during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) while preparing for exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Chief PhotographerÕs Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (RELEASED)
Furthermore, the Global Maritime Partnership initiative, seeks to forge an informal maritime network that underscores the pivotal role of coalition communications for the success of a wide range of missions.
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Philippine Sea (June 18, 2006) – Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike groups, break away while the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike group continues to sail ahead following the photo portion of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (RELEASED)
The challenges of integrating disparate national navies, particularly those with limited network-centric warfare capabilities, are profound.
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ARABIAN SEA (April 26, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) operates in the Arabian Sea displaying signal flags that read, “IKE, CVN 69, GR8R EACH DAY.” The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway on a scheduled deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)
The Naval NETWAR FORCEnet Enterprise is spearheading efforts to equip warfighters with the right tools for effective networking, envisioning a collaborative future fleet that enjoys enhanced operational effectiveness through coalition networking.
