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CNO: Sea Power a Force for Good

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050826-06
Release Date: 8/26/2005 1:56:00 PM

From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen defined his vision of sea power as a "force for good" while speaking at the Worldwide Commandants' Conference Aug. 23 in Arlington, Va.

“Sea power [should also be used] as way to understand, as a way to deliver hope, and empower where there is the will and desire to be empowered,” he told the commandants and chiefs of navies from 26 countries assembled at the conference.

The conference, hosted by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Mike Hagee, was designed to stimulate discussion about future cooperation, humanitarian missions, the role of maritime nations in the global war on terror and the continuing relevance of strong sea power.

Mullen said teamwork was the first real requirement of sea power, and he pointed to the Navy’s close relationship with the Marine Corps as proof.

“When I talk about partnerships, my first partner is (Gen.) Mike Hagee. The synergy that we bring to the expeditionary nature of our business has been proven throughout history. I believe this really is the essence of sea power,” he added.

Equally important to teamwork is the ability to constantly change to meet new operational requirements and threats, something Mullen noted the sea services were particularly well-suited to do.

"There's a lot of talent in our Navy. We are deep with talent and it's important for us to look for ways to relieve some of the stress on the force," Mullen said. "Essentially, where I would like the United States Navy to go, and in a complimentary way with the United States Marine Corps, is in the maritime domain wherever the requirement exists. That's an area we should have some expertise."

Mullen noted there are nearly 4,000 U.S. Sailors on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait and that the service may soon be replacing Army units in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as well as assuming command of joint task force operations in the Horn of Africa.

He stressed that international cooperation was also the key to success in any military endeavor.

Before becoming the Navy’s 28th CNO, Mullen commanded NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples in Italy, a command that included peacekeeping forces in Kosovo.

The international community can and must "assist so that standards of living can be improved, so people can live and raise their families in a secure environment, and that there is a future hope for the young people," he said.

"To do that, and especially to help the young people around the world, drives me every single day. Not just there (Kosovo), we have all been in places around the world where that's been the case," Mullen continued. "But it is [being] that force for good, in addition to clearly to being able to carry out the war fighting mission, that makes us unique."