Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday released his initial guidance to the Fleet, Dec. 4.
The guidance was issued via a fragmentary order (FRAGO) and is intended to simplify, prioritize, and build on the foundation of “A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority 2.0,” issued by Adm. John Richardson in December of 2018.
“Mission One for every Sailor – uniformed and civilian, active and reserve – is the operational readiness of today’s Navy,” said Gilday. “A ready Navy – ready to fight today – with a commitment to training, maintenance, and modernization will ensure a Navy for ready for tomorrow.”
While Gilday said that the Navy’s strategic direction focused on Great Power Competition is sound, this guidance focuses the Navy’s efforts across three areas that are vital to achieving success now and in the future: warfighting, warfighters, and the future Navy.
Warfighting: A Navy that is ready to win across the full range of military operations. We must have a Fleet that is manned, trained, equipped, integrated, and ready to meet requirements of our senior leaders at any time. Alongside the Marine Corps, the Navy will deliver decisive Integrated American Naval Power.
Warfighter: A Navy that is world-class. We must recruit, educate, train, and retain America’s most talented men and women. Our people – uniformed and civilian Sailors – are our asymmetric advantage.
Future Navy: A Navy fully prepared to fight and win. Our Navy will be equipped with the right capabilities and numbers to meet the challenges of a complex and competitive maritime environment. We will look at what is required to operate forward, build the Fleet to match, and train together until we achieve integrated combat power across the force.
“Together with the United States Marine Corps, our Navy is the bedrock of Integrated American Naval Power,” said Gilday. “I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation needs and will rely upon tomorrow – and we will do so with urgency.”
The guidance also focuses on building alliances and partnerships to broaden and strengthen global maritime awareness and access.
“Combined with a robust constellation of allies and partners who desire to build and strengthen the international economic order, we are operating towards the same end - continued security and stability that results in a free and open maritime commons,” said Gilday. “We will continue to partner and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all nations who share a mutual respect for and adherence to international law as well as a vision of free and open maritime commons.”
Story credit to navy.mil.
