The Naval Brief: Carrier surprise; Warship requirements; Fleet size; and more...
CAITLIN M. KENNEY | APRIL 7, 2022 02:59 PM ET
THE NAVAL BRIEF NAVY MARINE CORPS
Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.
Surprise Ford update. It was recently revealed that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier reached initial operational capability in December, Defense One reports. The new carrier will soon conduct trials with a full air wing on board, and plans are still in place for the ship to go on its first overseas deployment in the early fall.
Marines want LAWs. Marine officials continue to make the case for the Navy to obtain the new Light Amphibious Warship for its Marine Littoral Regiments; however, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said he’s waiting on an amphibious ship study to determine which capabilities are needed for the ship, Defense One reports. The study is expected to be completed soon.
Fleet size debate. The quality of the fleet is more important than the number of its ships, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday argued this week, pointing to the Russian military’s struggles in Ukraine, Defense One reports. “We need a ready, capable, lethal force more than we need a bigger force that's less ready, less lethal, and less capable,” Gilday said.
Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On April 8, 1925, then-Lt. John Price made the first planned night landing on an aircraft carrier at sea, the USS Langley.
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2022/04/naval-brief-carrier-surprise-warship-requirements-fleet-size-and-more/364165/
