A Conversation with the Chief of Naval Operations

Attended a conversation with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson at Brookings Institution, Washington DC, January 28, 2019. Graduating from from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982, Admiral Richardson's tours have included service on four submarines, commanding USS HONOLULU (SSN 718), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and as Director of Naval Reactors. Moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O'Hanlon, CNO discussed the Navy's operational outlook and plans for future growth, also providing an assessment of the contentious maritime domain, amidst an era of increasing power competition. Admiral Richardson spotlighted the spectrum of rivalry around the world, ranging from peaceful presence to potential total war. CNO reminded that Information Warfare, to include Cyber and Space, is inescapably linked to that spectrum of rivalry - be it day to day, in escalation, or in mobilization.

With challenges remaining both in the conceptual and capability realms for the Navy, the Admiral emphasized his recent travels to speak with and listen to officers and sailors around the world at all ranks and rates, in an effort to gain feedback and determine their requirements. Fielding questions from the media and audience, CNO stressed that existing shortfalls in the Navy will take many years to correct. With significant financial investment, desired future growth and modernization can be achieved.