“Acting Secretary Hung Cao asked me to step in as the PTDO Under to help ensure continuity and momentum behind the Department’s most critical priorities: taking care of our Sailors and Marines, building ships, and defending the homeland. I accepted because he is the right leader for this moment — someone who understands both the operational force and the urgency of the challenges ahead.

Both the Acting Secretary and I have worn command pins over multiple tours of duty, and we share a deep appreciation for strong operational leadership and clear accountability. Simply put, my role is to serve as the XO — helping keep the Department focused on execution, alignment, and mission success.

That mission starts with the warfighter and servant leadership is the watchword. As we move forward, any future Secretariat reorganization adjustments will be thoughtful, informed by stakeholder input, and driven by one principle above all else: what best serves the warfighter and the mission. The warfighter comes first — full stop. Acting Secretary Cao is not interested in managing decline. He is focused on building the Fleet this nation needs for the fight that may come. The order to the helm is all ahead flank on shipbuilding.

Meeting that challenge requires not only urgency, but a new approach to acquisition and industrial capacity. The old model — where government funding substituted for corporate commitment — is over. Defense companies must have skin in the game. We are prepared to offer long-term contracts that give industry the stability to recoup investments, but the expectation is clear: companies must demonstrate seriousness by investing their own capital, innovating, and expanding production capacity to meet the mission.

This Department is moving with urgency, clarity, and a singular focus on delivering for the warfighter.”