Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday spoke on a panel at the U.S. Naval Institute’s 13th annual Defense Forum held at the Newseum, Dec. 5.

Former Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Hon. Robert O. Work, moderated the panel.  

Each year, the conference invites senior military officers and members of Congress to address issues facing the Department of Defense. This year’s topic “Are We Building the Naval Power the Nation Needs,” provided an opportunity for Gilday to discuss his guidance to the fleet, along with other topics.

“Modern naval operations are in rapid transition, demanding the integrated, multi-domain capabilities of our fleets,” said Gilday. “Our fleets will be ready to fight and win at sea – keeping that fight forward, far from the homeland.”

Gilday  released his initial guidance to the fleet yesterday via a fragmentary order (FRAGO) that he wrote to simplify, prioritize, and build on the foundation of “A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority 2.0” which was issued by Adm. John Richardson last December.

“We will focus our efforts and expand on the momentum we have gained as a Navy over the past two years, guided by both the National Defense Strategy and the National Military Strategy,” said Gilday.

Gilday told the audience that the Navy will focus on three principal areas: the warfighter, warfighting, and the future Navy.

“Mission One for every Sailor – active and reserve, uniformed and civilian – is the operational readiness of today’s Navy,” said Gilday. “Our nation expects a ready Navy – ready to fight today – and our commitment to the training, maintenance, and modernization that will also ensure a Navy ready for tomorrow. We will deliver this Navy.”

To read Fragmentary Order 01/2019 in its entirety, click here.

To download a one-page infographic, click here.

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