DoD considering ‘czar’ roles for key Navy, Air Force programs: Sources
The new positions, covering submarines and a number of Air Force programs, would report directly to the deputy defense secretary, numerous sources told Breaking Defense.
By Justin Katz, Valerie Insinna and Aaron Mehta on August 07, 2025 3:48 pm
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is considering the creation of two new “czar” roles to take over major defense acquisition portfolios from the Navy and Air Force, in a move that would have them report directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, multiple sources tell Breaking Defense.
While no final decisions have been made, a dozen sources from the Pentagon, industry and defense community say a proposal has been floated in which one czar would have oversight over the Navy’s submarine programs and another in charge of several high-profile Air Force projects.
According to sources, Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, commander of naval submarine forces, is being eyed for the submarine role. Lt. Gen. Dale White, the Air Force’s military deputy for acquisition, is under consideration to be put in charge of an office managing programs like the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, the newly announced F-47 fighter jet and the beleaguered Sentinel ICBM — although sources said the scope of the portfolio has yet to be set in stone.
Spokespeople for the Navy and Gaucher declined to comment for this report, while the Air Force referred comment to OSD. A defense official, speaking on background, said, “No additional information has been released.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/08/exclusive-dod-considering-czar-roles-for-key-navy-air-force-programs/
