Unsolicited Advice for the U.S. Navy

[rangerrebew]

Unsolicited Advice for the U.S. Navy
By Anthony Cowden
February 04, 2025
 
Previously, I had published two articles providing advice to the current Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti. This is an update to the advice contained in those two articles. Why provide it now? Because the swearing in of President Trump has ushered in not just a change in presidential administration, but a sea change in how the U.S. government will operate: no more “business as usual” – period, exclamation point, full stop. [ii]

No recent event has crystalized this feeling, at least in military circles, more than the firing of the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Linda Fagan. While there has been some criticism of this decision, there frankly hasn’t been much, and it highlights the mantra that all general and flag officers understand, that they serve at the pleasure of the President – and the President is not pleased. I think he, and the American people in general, are not pleased with the status quo of how America works. The President has clearly indicated he wants to change how America works, and he needs to move quickly, as he will only be President for four years.[iii]


So, what “status quo” issues exist in the Navy that need to be changed, and therefore might catch the attention of the new administration? One is clearly shipbuilding: the Navy has a recent history, dating back at least 25 years of horrible combatant ship acquisition decisions. Another general problem is the shortage of personnel in at-sea billets.[iv]

In addressing these issues, consider the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). First commissioned in 2008, the LCS class – er, two hulls, one class; uh, one class, but wo variants; oh, never mind, you get the point! – still has not found a solid role within the Fleet.

https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/02/04/unsolicited_advice_for_the_us_navy_1089144.html

[rangerrebew]

How dare Cowden offer advice?  He doesn't understand the rules today, obviously.  He must be a sexist pig!  No one is allowed to criticize a woman in this day and age, unless she is a known conservative.  The judgement of Franchitti is assumed to be flawless unless a liberal says otherwise.

[rustynail]

'Unsolicited Advice for the U.S. Navy', learn to swim.

[MeganC]

My unsolicited advice to the Navy is to create a modern capital ship armed with lots of missiles and drones, armored against missiles and drones, and maybe sporting modern day heavy guns mounted on familiar turrets.

And call it a BATTLESHIP.

Bring back the pride in America's Navy with a ship that can kill everything else at sea.