NNS020329-13. CNO Gives State of the Navy Address at Sea-Air-Space Exposition
By Chief Journalist Walter T. Ham IV, CNO Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy was ready and deployed on Sept. 11 and has continued to prove itself on the point in Operation Enduring Freedom, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark said March 28 in a State of the Navy address at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition.
"I believe the events of the last year have proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that the nation needs a piece of its military to be able to operate in the international domain -- that's space and the seas -- in places where we don't need a permission slip to represent the vital interest of the United States of America," the CNO said.
Noting that the Navy has played a central role in every facet of Operation Enduring Freedom, Clark said carrier-based aircraft have flown over three quarters of the tactical strikes in the war on terrorism. Eighty percent of those missions were carried out on targets of opportunity, unknown at the time of launch.
Emphasizing the importance of the Navy's reach, Clark added that the sorties are being launched from the sea and flown hundreds of miles inland. "It's as if you launch from a position 100 miles south of New Orleans, fly to the Great Lakes, orbit around for awhile waiting for the designation of your target in the evolving intelligence, conduct your strikes, fly back to the Gulf of Mexico and then, at 3 o'clock in the morning, land on something the size of a postage stamp."
The CNO also stressed the joint nature of operations in the war on terrorism, noting that Navy and Marine Corps squadrons are flying strikes from aircraft carriers, Navy maritime air patrol squadrons are conducting surveillance flights in support of ground troops, and Navy ships are part of an allied armada of 92 ships from 14 coalition nations.
Clark said that this kind of reach and "persistent, combat credible power" are the key requirements for the Navy of the future.
"If we're going to be successful in executing and ensuring that this nation has a force that can kick down the door from that international domain, we must have the capability to climb in the ring," the CNO said. "That means that we must bring technology at rates that ensure we will not only deter future enemies, but dissuade them."
Clark discussed that the future was about repackaging our forces. He provided examples such as submarines and Tomahawk-shooting destroyers operating with amphibious ready groups, increases in unmanned aircraft and greater partnerships with the Coast Guard for homeland defense. He stressed the importance of partnering with industry and of growing and developing Sailors.
"We will not give up on the investment in technology that makes sure that the men and women who raise their right hand and make a pledge to this nation have the technology, warfighting capability, characteristics and equipment that are second to none. We are not looking for any even fights."
The CNO noted the impressive technological advances on display at the exposition. He also praised the performance of the technology that has been implemented in Operation Enduring Freedom. But he reminded those in attendance that Navy's real success is, "due to the dedication, commitment, training and superior performance of our Sailors."
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
