Capitol Hill Watch Archives - Americans for a Stronger Navy

August 2, 2025August 3, 2025

Beyond Silent: The CCP’s Brazen Wrecking Ball Campaign

24 Months of Evidence Supporting Admiral Studeman’s Warning

How Americans for a Stronger Navy’s research reveals the CCP has escalated from silent infiltration to brazen assault

A Courageous Voice Speaking Essential Truth

When Rear Admiral Mike Studeman tweets about the Chinese Communist Party’s “silent invasion” of the United States, he demonstrates the courage and expertise that made him one of America’s most respected intelligence leaders. As the former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence and director for intelligence (J2) of the Indo-Pacific Command, his assessment carries the weight of unparalleled access to classified intelligence and strategic analysis.

Admiral Studeman’s characterization of a “silent invasion” accurately captures the sophisticated nature of CCP operations and Beijing’s remarkable success in suppressing American awareness of these threats. We deeply respect his expertise and his willingness to speak plainly about dangers that many prefer to ignore.

However, our 24 months of intensive research at StrongerNavy.org suggests the CCP has escalated beyond “silent” operations into something far more brazen and destructive. What we’re witnessing isn’t just sophisticated infiltration—it’s an increasingly overt wrecking ball campaign against American sovereignty, institutions, and security.

From Silent to Brazen: The Evolution We’ve Documented

From Silent to Brazen: The Evolution We’ve Documented

Since early 2023, Americans for a Stronger Navy has been tracking what appears to be a deliberate escalation in CCP operations. While these campaigns retain sophisticated elements that justify Admiral Studeman’s “silent invasion” framework, our evidence reveals increasingly brazen and openly destructive tactics.

The CCP seems to have calculated that they can operate more aggressively without meaningful American response—and unfortunately, they appear to be correct.

The Brazen Infrastructure Assault

Our documentation reveals systematic, increasingly bold attacks on America’s most critical systems. These aren’t subtle probes—they’re aggressive penetrations designed to establish persistent access and demonstrate vulnerability.

The infiltration of presidential communications represents just the most visible example of operations that have grown remarkably brazen. Our research indicates comprehensive targeting of government communications at all levels, conducted with a boldness that suggests confidence in American inaction.

Recent attacks on energy grids, transportation networks, and telecommunications systems show a pattern of escalating aggression. These operations extend far beyond intelligence gathering into active preparation for disruption and destruction.

Open Information Warfare

Perhaps most brazenly, we’ve tracked sophisticated information warfare campaigns that no longer attempt to hide their foreign origins. These operations openly work to disrupt American elections, amplify social divisions, and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

The CCP’s information warfare apparatus has grown increasingly confident in conducting operations that would have been considered unthinkably brazen just years ago. They’re betting that Americans won’t respond effectively even to overt manipulation—and so far, they’re winning that bet.

Economic Wrecking Ball Tactics

Our monitoring reveals systematic efforts to damage American economic competitiveness through increasingly overt means. This goes beyond traditional espionage into active economic warfare designed to weaken American industrial capacity and technological leadership.

The brazenness of these operations reflects Beijing’s assessment that America lacks the will to respond proportionally to economic aggression, even when it’s conducted openly.

Congressional Validation: The Scope of Brazen Operations

Recent congressional investigations validate our assessment that CCP operations have grown increasingly bold and destructive:

More than 60 CCP-related espionage cases documented from February 2021 to December 2024 across 20 states
The FBI reports that roughly 80 percent of economic espionage prosecutions involve conduct that would benefit China
Despite congressional warnings 25 years ago, federal agencies continue to treat these operations as manageable rather than the existential threat they represent

These statistics represent only discovered and prosecuted cases. The true scope of brazen CCP operations likely extends far beyond public acknowledgment, precisely because their boldness makes them harder for American institutions to process and respond to effectively.

The Wrecking Ball Strategy: Why Brazen Works

Intelligence analysts have identified the six broad domains of Chinese political warfare that Admiral Studeman’s assessment encompasses:

Intelligence operations – Now conducted with unprecedented boldness
Cyber operations – Increasingly destructive rather than just penetrative
Information and disinformation operations – Openly aggressive narrative warfare
United Front work – Brazen influence operations in academic and political institutions
Irregular military actions – Escalating gray zone operations testing American resolve
Economic coercion – Open use of economic relationships as weapons

Our research shows escalating aggression across all domains. The CCP appears to have concluded that brazen operations work better than subtle ones because they overwhelm American decision-making processes and exploit our institutional reluctance to acknowledge the scale of the threat.

The Suppression Paradox: Hiding in Plain Sight

Here’s where Admiral Studeman’s “silent invasion” framework remains critically important: Beijing has achieved the remarkable feat of conducting increasingly brazen operations while maintaining effective suppression of American awareness.

This represents a sophisticated understanding of American psychology and institutional dynamics. By operating brazenly while simultaneously suppressing discussion, the CCP creates a psychological disconnect that paralyzes American response.

The suppression operates through:

Institutional capture – Leveraging relationships to discourage acknowledgment of the threat’s scope
Information overwhelm – Creating so much noise that clear signals get lost
Psychological warfare – Making the threat seem too large and complex to address effectively
Economic leverage – Using business relationships to discourage honest assessment

The result is that brazen operations continue while most Americans remain unaware they’re living through an unprecedented assault on American sovereignty.

Admiral Studeman’s Essential Service

Admiral Studeman’s willingness to speak publicly about this threat performs essential national service. His credibility as a former intelligence chief makes it harder to dismiss these concerns as partisan hysteria or threat inflation.

His “silent invasion” framework captures the sophisticated suppression campaign that keeps most Americans unaware of what’s happening. Our research builds on his foundation by documenting how these operations have escalated into increasingly brazen territory.

Together, these perspectives reveal the full scope of the challenge: sophisticated suppression campaigns enabling increasingly brazen destructive operations.

The Wrecking Ball Reality: Beyond Traditional Competition

What we’re documenting isn’t traditional great power competition or even sophisticated espionage. It’s a comprehensive wrecking ball campaign designed to weaken American society, institutions, and capabilities from within.

The “wrecking ball” metaphor captures several essential elements:

Destructive intent – These operations aim to damage, not just gather intelligence
Brazen execution – Increasingly overt operations that test American resolve
Systematic targeting – Coordinated assault on multiple critical systems simultaneously
Escalating aggression – Growing boldness as American responses prove inadequate

This represents something qualitatively different from the Cold War competition or traditional espionage. It’s political warfare designed to achieve strategic objectives through systematic destruction of American capabilities and confidence.

Our Continuing Documentation Mission

For 24 months, Americans for a Stronger Navy has been documenting this escalating campaign because we understand that naval readiness cannot be separated from broader threats to American sovereignty. A stronger Navy requires a society capable of recognizing and responding to unprecedented challenges.

Admiral Studeman’s courage in speaking publicly about the “silent invasion” creates an opportunity to educate Americans about both the sophisticated suppression campaigns and the increasingly brazen operations they enable.

Our research at StrongerNavy.org will continue documenting these operations, providing Americans with evidence-based analysis of threats that combine sophisticated concealment with brazen execution. This isn’t about creating panic—it’s about enabling the informed, strategic response that this unprecedented challenge demands.

Breaking Through: From Silent to Seen

Admiral Studeman’s public warnings represent a crucial first step in breaking through Beijing’s suppression campaign. His “silent invasion” framework helps Americans understand how sophisticated operations can remain hidden in plain sight.

Our “wrecking ball” analysis builds on his foundation by revealing how these operations have escalated into increasingly brazen territory. Together, these perspectives provide a comprehensive understanding of threats that are simultaneously sophisticated and destructive, subtle and brazen.

The silent invasion is real—and it has evolved into something even more dangerous. The wrecking ball campaign is underway. Thanks to leaders like Admiral Studeman, Americans are finally beginning to see what’s been happening on their home soil.

The first step in defending American sovereignty is recognizing that we’re facing something unprecedented: a campaign that combines sophisticated suppression with brazen destruction. Admiral Studeman has provided the framework for understanding the suppression. Our research documents the escalating brazenness.

Together, we can help Americans see the full scope of the challenge—and the urgent need for a response equal to the threat.

Americans for a Stronger Navy has been documenting evidence of escalating foreign political warfare operations at StrongerNavy.org since early 2023. Our mission is to educate Americans about the maritime and national security challenges facing our nation while advocating for the naval capabilities needed to address them.

That’s why we launched Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a 24-part educational series breaking down how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next. Our goal is simple: educate the public, connect the dots, and build the support needed to close the readiness gap before it’s too late.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

Follow our research at StrongerNavy.org and join the conversation on social media @StrongerNavy

August 2, 2025August 3, 2025

MASGA Marks a Critical Milestone—But the U.S. Navy Still Needs Urgent Industrial Surge

Introduction

From Waltz’s Warning to MASGA’s Launch

On September 27, 2023, Congressman Mike Waltz published “America Needs a National Maritime Strategy,” warning that the United States lacked the shipbuilding capacity and strategic alignment needed to counter China and sustain a maritime advantage.

Nearly two years later, that warning has materialized into policy.

On April 9–10, 2025, the White House issued the executive order “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” launching the Maritime Action Plan and creating the new Office of Shipbuilding under the National Security Council.

Then, on July 31, 2025, South Korea’s Finance Minister confirmed the formal launch of Make America Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)—a $150 billion industrial partnership investing in U.S. shipyards, workforce development, and dual-use naval-commercial platforms.

What MASGA Does

MASGA is the largest public-private shipbuilding effort since the Cold War and includes:

Investment from South Korean giants like Hanwha Group into American yards (including the acquisition of Philly Shipyard)
Joint U.S.–ROK workforce training programs to close skilled labor gaps
New production of replenishment, patrol, and logistics vessels for both Navy and commercial use
Maintenance and drydock support for U.S. Navy ships on U.S. soil

It’s a big step forward—but one that must be matched with urgency.

Admiral Caudle’s Stark Warning: “We Need a 100% Industrial Surge”

On July 29, 2025, during his confirmation hearing for Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle delivered a sobering message to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

To meet U.S. obligations under the AUKUS agreement—selling up to five Virginia-class submarines to Australia while sustaining our own fleet—the Navy must double its submarine output:

Current production: ~1.3 Virginia-class submarines per year
Required output: 2.3 per year

“We need a transformational improvement,” Caudle testified. “Not a 10 percent improvement, not a 20 percent—a 100 percent improvement.”

He added that international partnerships would be essential as the U.S. works to rebuild its organic capacity:

“There are no magic beans to that. The solution space must open up. We need ships today.”

Committee Chairman Roger Wicker stressed creativity, outsourcing, and urgency. Admiral Caudle agreed, calling for “an all-hands-on-deck approach.”

This is precisely where MASGA comes in.

Why MASGA Matters for the Navy

MASGA’s structure provides the kind of foreign capacity support and workforce relief Caudle explicitly called for. It aligns directly with the Navy’s urgent need for:

Surge production of submarines and surface combatants
Expanded maintenance infrastructure
Shipyard partnerships to relieve domestic pressure

Congressman Waltz anticipated this crisis in 2023. MASGA is the first large-scale step toward solving it.

The Broader Navy Production Challenge

Submarines aren’t the only problem. The Navy’s broader industrial needs remain acute:

Destroyer production has slipped behind plan; the Navy aims to buy 51 new destroyers over the next 30 years, but current yards are falling short.
Aircraft carriers like the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN‑79) are years behind schedule.
The Navy’s long-term fleet goal of 381 ships by 2042 will remain aspirational without massive industrial acceleration.

And even with MASGA, the Navy is still contending with an aging Military Sealift Command, an undersized Merchant Marine, and shipyard repair backlogs.

Modernization Means Autonomy—And We’re Behind

Modernizing the fleet doesn’t just mean more hulls—it means smarter platforms. The future of naval warfare will be shaped by autonomous surface and undersea vehicles, from uncrewed missile boats to AI-enabled minehunters and refueling drones. China is already fielding swarms of semi-autonomous systems in contested waters. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s efforts under programs like the Medium and Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV/LUSV) remain limited by slow procurement and industrial bottlenecks. MASGA can accelerate the integration of autonomous systems by expanding modular shipbuilding capacity, repurposing civilian infrastructure, and enabling faster tech deployment across the fleet. Without autonomy, we fall behind—not just in numbers, but in survivability and battlefield adaptability.

What Must Come Next

MASGA is a launchpad, not a destination. To restore maritime power, the U.S. must:

Expand submarine production
Reach 2.3 attack subs/year by 2030. This requires labor, capital, and process modernization on a scale not seen in decades.

Accelerate surface fleet output
Ramp up destroyers, amphibious vessels, and support ships. Congress must deliver multi-year procurement and budget certainty.

Fix regulation and finance
Incentivize private capital to flow into U.S. shipyards, not Chinese ones. Close loopholes and create new maritime investment channels for Americans.

Grow the skilled workforce
Welders, naval architects, systems engineers—we need tens of thousands more. Joint international training must be paired with U.S. educational investments.

Modernize the Merchant Marine
We once had over 5,000 ships. Today, we have fewer than 80 engaged in international trade. This is a critical national vulnerability.

Closing Message: MASGA Is a Start, Not a Solution

MASGA validates the vision Mike Waltz articulated in 2023. It meets Admiral Caudle’s call for relief through allied partnerships. It aligns with the Navy’s production and readiness needs.

But China is still building. Delays persist. And the decision space for national security continues to shrink.

Let’s not wait another decade to act like a maritime power. Let’s build, now.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

Join us at StrongerNavy.org
Let’s roll.

July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

America’s Fleet Readiness Crisis: What 80% Really Means

Introduction

If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been sounding the alarm for some time now—raising concerns not out of fear, but out of duty. At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we don’t profit from defense contracts or feed the industrial complex. We’re here because the facts are in: the Navy is falling short of the readiness our nation demands—and we must do better.

The U.S. Navy is aiming for 80% surge readiness by 2027—but it’s stuck at 60%. That 20% gap could determine whether America deters conflict—or invites one.

Brent Sadler, Senior Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology at The Heritage Foundation and author of U.S. Naval Power in the 21st Century: A New Strategy for Facing the Chinese and Russian Threat, put it bluntly:

“It won’t happen until more ships enter the fleet to drive operational tempo down to 30%.”

Top Navy leaders have echoed this urgency. As one Navy official said plainly:

“We must increase our fleet readiness to 80% by 2027 to meet global security demands and deter peer-level threats.”

That’s the heart of the problem—and a major reason we’re sounding the alarm.

From the Indo-Pacific to the U.S. Southern border, the Navy is being stretched dangerously thin. The ships we have are aging, overworked, and under-maintained. Meanwhile, new construction is lagging—leaving sailors to shoulder an impossible burden, and the nation exposed.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we don’t advocate fear—we advocate responsibility. We believe war is preventable, but only if America wakes up and acts.

Let’s move beyond slogans. Let’s build understanding, accountability, and strength—before the next crisis comes knocking.

July 21, 2025July 24, 2025

Microsoft’s China Problem Just Became America’s Wake-Up Call

If you’ve been following us over the past couple of years, you already know—we’ve been sounding the alarm.

Introduction

This week’s news confirms it: Microsoft allowed China-based engineers to support U.S. military cloud systems, including infrastructure tied to the Navy. It took a journalistic exposé, a senator’s inquiry, and finally a directive from the Secretary of Defense to shut it down.

Let’s be clear—this is systemic.

This wasn’t one company’s mistake. It reflects a broader failure—where critical defense infrastructure is entangled with adversarial regimes, our tech workforce has been hollowed out, and profit has been prioritized over patriotism.

This Is My Journey—and My Shout: From Destroyer Sailor to Digital Sentinel

My early days as a U.S. Navy destroyer sailor in the 1970s gave me a global perspective that’s stayed with me ever since. I saw firsthand how the world’s most critical maritime trade routes—from the Malacca Strait to the South China Sea—could quickly become flashpoints when adversaries or their proxies seized control. I came to understand just how vital the U.S. Navy’s role in freedom of navigation is—not only in defending democracy abroad, but in protecting our economic and strategic interests here at home.

After a career in telecommunications, I turned my focus to education. In 1997, I founded a national association committed to building America’s digital workforce. We trained web developers, server administrators, and IT professionals—because I believed then, as I still do, that digital strength is national strength.

Even back then, the writing was on the wall: rising dependence on China, fragile supply chains, and a dangerous complacency about safeguarding America’s digital and strategic backbone.

What I Saw Coming

I could see where this was headed. The decisions being made in boardrooms and bureaucracies—about outsourcing, offshoring, and chasing short-term profits—were creating long-term risks. And I knew exactly who would be left to deal with the fallout: our Navy and the sons and daughters of those I served with.

They’d be the ones sent to navigate hostile waters, defend contested choke points, and hold the line during crises that began far from the sea.

Why I Launched Americans for a Stronger Navy

I couldn’t sit back and hope it would all work itself out. I’ve seen too much. And frankly, it pains me to see the Navy have to grovel for support in an era where threats are multiplying—not receding.

That’s why I founded Americans for a Stronger Navy—to push for the readiness, resources, and respect our Navy needs. Because I know what’s at stake—not just for this country’s future, but for the safety of our allies and the stability of the global order.

This is just the beginning. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be breaking down what went wrong—and how we fight back.

More Than Microsoft: A National Security Crisis

The Navy—and the rest of our armed forces—now depends on cloud systems for everything from warfighting logistics to operational readiness. But when those systems are built or maintained by foreign nationals under weak supervision, our adversaries don’t need to hack their way in. They’re already inside.

This Microsoft scandal is just the latest proof point. Behind it lies:

* A depleted domestic technical base

* A defense industry over-leveraged to foreign subcontractors

* Big Tech firms chasing margins—not national security

And at the center of it all? A Navy that’s being asked to do more with less—and too often, without the tools it needs.

What Comes Next: Charting the Course

That’s why we’re launching Charting the Course: Voices That Matter—a comprehensive 24-session educational series designed to peel back the layers of how we got here, what went wrong, and what must happen next.

Each session will tackle a specific facet of the crisis—from the outsourcing of digital infrastructure and the hollowing out of our industrial base, to the cybersecurity vulnerabilities inside the Navy’s digital backbone. We’ll examine the influence of adversarial regimes, the failure of public-private accountability, and the high-stakes strategic chokepoints where our forces may soon be tested.

But this isn’t just about understanding the problem. It’s about charting a path forward.

We’ll offer concrete proposals to revitalize American shipbuilding, retrain our tech workforce, and rebalance the defense-industrial ecosystem to serve national—not corporate—interests. And yes—we’ll ask the tough question: how do we pay for it?

Because the days of bloated, inefficient spending are over. We need what Navy leadership is already calling for: a leaner, more lethal, and more disciplined force. As Acting CNO Admiral James Kilby put it, the Navy must:

“Exercise strategic discipline… while increasing surge readiness… without sacrificing scheduled maintenance,” with a goal of achieving “an 80% combat‑surge ready posture by 2027.”

We’ll explore potential solutions ranging from public-private innovation partnerships and industrial reinvestment incentives, to reallocating wasteful spending and rethinking procurement models that reward results—not red tape.

These sessions are designed to educate the public, inform policymakers, and mobilize everyday Americans—because this is not just a military issue.

It’s an American one.

We believe that a stronger Navy starts with a stronger nation, and Charting the Course: Voices That Matter is our call to action.

Final Word

Let’s be clear again—this is systemic. And if we don’t act now, the damage will only deepen.

We must rebuild American capability—not just in ships and steel, but in the servers and systems that power modern warfare and strategic readiness.

That means:

Holding Big Tech accountable

Strengthening our domestic tech workforce

Educating the public on the stakes—because the next war won’t wait

👉 Join us at StrongerNavy.org Together, we can strengthen what they stand for. Sign up for our free course, Charting the Course -Voices that Matter by linking here.

April 9, 2025April 17, 2025

Trump Signs Executive Order to Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding

A Turning Point for America’s Maritime Strength

In a bold move aimed at restoring America’s maritime edge, President Donald Trump signed an executive order today (April 9, 2025) designed to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and reduce China’s growing control over the global shipping supply chain. The order calls for sweeping changes across trade, industry investment, and national security infrastructure—setting the stage for long-term renewal of America’s commercial and naval shipping capabilities.

What the Executive Order Includes

The new executive order establishes:

Maritime Security Trust Fund
A dedicated fund to provide stable, long-term investment in shipbuilding, shipyards, dry docks, and repair facilities. Potential funding sources include tariffs, fines, port fees, and other federal revenue streams.

Port Fees on Chinese-Linked Ships
Ships flagged by China or built in Chinese shipyards may soon face significant docking fees at U.S. ports. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is expected to finalize this remedy by mid-April. Allies will also be encouraged to implement similar restrictions.

Tariffs on Chinese-Made Cargo Equipment
The order directs the USTR to consider imposing tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling gear manufactured or assembled in China—or made with Chinese-controlled components anywhere in the world.

Enforcement of Harbor Maintenance Fees
To prevent workarounds, Homeland Security will crack down on companies trying to avoid U.S. fees by routing shipments through Mexico and Canada before transporting them across land borders.

Incentives for U.S. Shipyard Investment
The executive order includes provisions for incentivizing private sector investment in new or revitalized U.S. shipyards, commercial ship components, and critical maritime infrastructure.

Why Americans Should Care

The United States currently produces less than 1% of the world’s commercial ships—while China builds about 50%. In 1999, China’s share was just 5%. This trend has massive implications not just for economic competitiveness, but for national security and maritime logistics.

As President Trump put it:
“We used to build a ship a day, and now we don’t build a ship a year, practically. We have the capacity to do it.”

This executive order is more than policy—it’s a call to action.

Implications for the Navy

While the executive order does not explicitly mention the U.S. Navy, its impact on naval readiness and strategic capability is unmistakable. Revitalizing America’s commercial shipbuilding infrastructure strengthens the industrial base the Navy relies on for new construction, maintenance, and repairs. Investments in dry docks, skilled labor, and cargo handling capabilities bolster our ability to support fleet operations—especially in times of crisis.

Moreover, reducing reliance on Chinese-built shipping equipment and infrastructure directly supports U.S. naval strategy. It limits vulnerabilities in ports and logistics chains, while reinforcing America’s control over critical maritime assets. A stronger shipbuilding sector means a stronger Navy, even if it’s not named in the order.

Implications for Our Allies

The executive order sends a message to America’s allies: We are serious about maritime strength and expect partners to do the same. With Chinese-built vessels operating across global supply chains, coordinated action could limit strategic vulnerabilities and encourage diversified, allied-aligned shipping infrastructure.

A Statement from Americans for a Stronger Navy

“This executive order is a long-overdue step toward restoring our nation’s ability to build and maintain the ships we depend on for both commerce and defense. The Navy does not operate in a vacuum—it needs a healthy, resilient industrial base. America must lead again on the seas, not just militarily, but commercially. This is how we secure freedom of navigation, economic stability, and peace through strength.”
— Bill Cullifer, founder, Americans for a Stronger Navy

Your Voice Matters

This is our moment. Let’s celebrate the executive order—but keep pushing until America leads on the seas again. Congress must act, industry must respond, and Americans must stay engaged.

March 30, 2025March 30, 2025

DOGE in the Navy Yard: Threat or Opportunity?

By Bill Cullifer, Founder and Advocate-in-Chief, Americans for a Stronger Navy

Editor’s Note:
This article is offered as a thought-provoking contribution to the national conversation on military reform and accountability. It is not intended to endorse or oppose any political figure or party. Instead, it invites discussion about how innovation, transparency, and forward-thinking leadership can help strengthen the U.S. Navy for the challenges ahead.

Introduction

While watching Bret Baier’s recent FOX special on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), I found myself thinking: what if this wave of government reviews hits the U.S. Navy? Could it be a disaster—or could it actually make the Navy stronger?

As someone who served in the Navy and now leads Americans for a Stronger Navy, I know how complex and mission-critical our maritime forces are. You can’t simply apply a Silicon Valley mindset to a warship or a global logistics chain. And yet, listening to the cabinet members speak about their departments being put under the microscope, it struck me: those who embrace scrutiny might come out leaner, smarter, and more ready for the future.

The Risk

DOGE could become a blunt instrument. If reformers misunderstand the Navy’s mission, they might cut where they shouldn’t. They might sideline the experience of sailors and shipbuilders, and leave readiness vulnerable in the name of short-term savings.

The Opportunity

But if the Navy leads from the front—inviting review, owning its challenges, and showcasing innovation—it could become a national model. Not just for efficiency, but for integrity and transformation. It could even spark a new wave of public trust.

A Pattern of Problems We Can’t Ignore

This isn’t just theory—it’s backed by years of Government Accountability Office (GAO) reporting. In its March 2025 report, the GAO stated bluntly that despite nearly doubling the Navy’s shipbuilding budget over the past 20 years, the fleet has not grown.

Programs like the Zumwalt-class destroyers, Littoral Combat Ships, and Constellation-class frigates have been riddled with incomplete designs, delays, weak business cases, and massive cost overruns. The Constellation-class, for example, began construction before its design was finalized—despite being based on a proven European frigate.

Since 2015, the GAO has made 90 recommendations to improve Navy shipbuilding. Only 30 have been addressed. That’s not just bureaucratic foot-dragging—it’s a pattern that puts our national security and naval strength at risk.

A Broader Mandate for Reform

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. On March 29, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo launching the Workforce Acceleration and Recapitalization Initiative, ordering a top-down realignment of the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce.

The initiative seeks to reduce duplication, cut excessive bureaucracy, and redirect resources to the front lines. It reopens the Deferred Resignation Program, encourages early retirement, and requires senior leaders to propose leaner organizational charts—aiming to build a force that is “lean, mean, and prepared to win.”

Whether you agree with the approach or not, reform is no longer optional. The question is whether the Navy will lead the charge—or be dragged into it.

Civic Engagement

Americans for a Stronger Navy exists to engage the public, ask hard questions, and help translate naval strength into civic understanding. We believe a strong Navy and a responsible government go hand in hand. If DOGE enters the shipyard gates, we’ll be watching—not to tear down, but to help build back smarter.

Let’s make sure this moment strengthens the fleet, not weakens it.

Call to Action

We invite you to be part of the conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, or concerns by visiting StrongerNavy.org on twitter.

Also, check out our new educational series:
“China, Russia, and America: Navigating Global Rivalries and Naval Challenges”—a 23-episode initiative that explores the past, present, and future of naval power and why it matters to every American.

Let’s make sure the American people don’t just support the Navy—they understand why it matters.

March 26, 2025March 26, 2025

Aegis Combat System Proves It Can Counter Hypersonic Threats

Introduction.

On March 24, 2025, the USS Pinckney (DDG 91) made history. Off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, the Navy successfully completed Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40)—also known as Stellar Banshee—using the Aegis Combat System to detect and simulate engagement with a hypersonic missile threat. This test is a major milestone in the United States’ ability to defend against rapidly emerging threats from near-peer adversaries like China and Russia, both of whom are investing heavily in hypersonic technology.

Test Details: Simulating the Future of Warfare

A Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) equipped with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV-1) was air-launched from a C-17 aircraft. The USS Pinckney used a simulated SM-6 Block IAU interceptor and Lockheed Martin’s latest Aegis Baseline 9 software to detect, track, and engage the target. While no live intercept occurred, the simulated engagement offered critical insights and data collection, validating the system’s ability to counter maneuvering hypersonic threats.

This test also previewed the system’s scalability. Aegis can be deployed at sea or on land—key flexibility in a complex global security environment. The test utilized a virtualized Aegis software configuration, a leap forward in adapting the system for next-generation warfare.

Building on Momentum: Past Successes and What’s Next

FTX-40 follows the success of FTM-32, known as Stellar Sisyphus, in which the USS Preble (DDG 88) intercepted a MRBM with an upgraded SM-6 Dual II missile in a live-fire test. These continued advancements will pave the way for FTM-43, which will aim to perform a live intercept against an HTV-1 target.

The collaboration between the U.S. Navy, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Lockheed Martin, and other defense partners signals a renewed commitment to innovation and integrated missile defense.

Why Americans Should Care

Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, can maneuver mid-flight, and are extremely hard to detect and counter with traditional systems. Adversaries like China and Russia are rapidly developing and testing these weapons. If successful, these weapons could bypass our current defenses and strike critical infrastructure, fleets, or even the homeland.

This test shows that the United States is not standing still. Our Navy is preparing for tomorrow’s battles—today. The Aegis Combat System’s evolving capabilities directly protect American service members at sea, allies abroad, and Americans at home. It’s another reason why investment in a stronger Navy isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Implications for the Navy

This test reinforces the Aegis system as the backbone of the Navy’s integrated air and missile defense strategy. With its growing flexibility, the system can support both forward-deployed naval units and U.S.-based missile defense installations. It also helps the Navy operate in contested environments—areas where hypersonic threats are expected to become commonplace.

Implications for Our Allies

Many of our closest allies—Japan, South Korea, Australia—also rely on Aegis-equipped ships or similar missile defense systems. Demonstrating this capability strengthens not only U.S. deterrence but also our credibility with partners. In a world where multilateral defense cooperation is key, proof of performance matters.

Closing Thought

FTX-40 didn’t just simulate a hypersonic intercept—it sent a clear message: The United States Navy is adapting and preparing to meet new challenges head-on. For Americans watching the headlines, this is a win worth knowing—and a mission worth supporting.

March 17, 2025March 17, 2025

U.S. Navy Enters Sustained Combat Operations Against Houthi Forces

Air Wing (CVW) 1, a part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTSCG), conducts flight operations from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

A New Phase in the Red Sea Conflict

The U.S. Navy has officially escalated its engagement in the Red Sea, transitioning from defensive posturing to sustained combat operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces. This shift follows President Donald Trump’s pledge to employ “overwhelming lethal force” in response to persistent Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels.

The Mission: Neutralizing Houthi Anti-Ship Capabilities

In a press statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the campaign aims to dismantle the Houthis’ ability to target international shipping and U.S. assets. Unlike previous limited retaliatory strikes, this new phase includes proactive, sustained efforts to eliminate threats, including:

Command and control centers
Missile launch sites (Transporter Erector Launchers)
One-way attack drones (OWA-UAS)
Weapons storage facilities

Additionally, sources indicate that Iranian assets—such as the intelligence-gathering vessel MV Behshad, which has reportedly provided targeting data to Houthi forces—may also be targeted.

Combat Operations Underway

In the past 24 hours, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets launched from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) have carried out dozens of strikes across Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. These operations were supported by Tomahawk cruise missile strikes from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the region.

President Trump’s Warning to Iran

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump issued a direct warning to Iran, stating that any Houthi attack would be treated as an Iranian attack:

“Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible… and those consequences will be dire!”

The statement underscores growing concerns that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war.

Houthi Retaliation and U.S. Response

Despite these warnings, Houthi forces launched 10 attack drones at the USS Truman less than a day after the U.S. strikes. All drones were intercepted before reaching the carrier.

According to CENTCOM, since 2023, Houthi forces have attempted:

174 attacks on U.S. Navy ships
145 attacks on commercial vessels

While no U.S. Navy ship has been successfully struck, commercial shipping has suffered multiple hits, including the sinking of the bulk carrier MV Tutor last year.

Preparing for a Prolonged Conflict

The U.S. Navy has been preparing for this scenario for months, including:

Prepositioning missiles and munitions
Deploying airborne minesweepers
Coordinating additional forces

As tensions escalate, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Carrier Strike Group is completing COMPUTEX training and may be deployed to reinforce U.S. forces in the region.

Why Americans Should Care

Strategic Waterways Under Threat: The Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea are critical for global trade. Disruptions could impact oil prices and supply chains.
Broader Implications for U.S. National Security: Iran’s role in these attacks highlights the risk of expanded conflict in the Middle East.
Protecting U.S. and Allied Assets: The safety of commercial shipping, as well as military and civilian personnel in the region, remains a top priority.

Implications for the U.S. Navy

Sustained combat operations will test the Navy’s ability to conduct extended engagements while maintaining readiness elsewhere.
Increased missile defense efforts will be critical to counter future threats.
Potential strain on resources could impact deployments in the Pacific and other high-priority regions.

Implications for U.S. Allies

Increased pressure on regional partners (Saudi Arabia, UAE) to respond to Iranian-backed aggression.
Possible involvement of NATO and European allies in securing international shipping routes.
Greater U.S. military presence in the region could shape future diplomatic efforts.

Final Thoughts

With the U.S. Navy now in active combat and President Trump’s warning to Iran, the stakes in the Red Sea have never been higher. Whether this campaign will succeed in neutralizing the Houthi threat or escalate into a larger regional conflict remains to be seen.

One thing is certain—this is a defining moment for U.S. maritime power and its role in global security. Join the discussion on X.

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025

America’s Navy Needs a Course Correction—The Pentagon’s ‘D’ Grade is a National Security Failure

The latest National Security Innovation Base Summit gave the Pentagon a D grade for modernization. A D—not just in shipbuilding, but across the board in weapons innovation, procurement, and efficiency. This isn’t just a bureaucratic failure; it’s a direct threat to America’s national security.

My friend and shipmate from the ‘70s, Captain David Lennon, USNR (Retired), sent me this Fox News article, saying, “This echoes what you and I have been saying.” He’s right. We’ve been warning for years that America’s defense strategy is moving too slowly to keep up with global threats

The Pentagon’s Outdated Approach to Modern Warfare

According to House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Rob Wittman, the Pentagon operates like the Ford Motor Company in the 1950s—slow, bureaucratic, and resistant to change.

“The Pentagon is the Ford Motor Company of the 1950s. I mean, the way they operate—slow, stoic. ‘Let’s spend years to write a requirement, then let’s spend years to go to a program or record, let’s spend years to acquire.’ By the time we acquire something, guess what? The threat’s way ahead of us.” – Rep. Wittman

That’s the fundamental problem—our enemies aren’t waiting for us to figure things out. China is churning out warships at breakneck speed, modernizing its naval capabilities, and outpacing us in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the U.S. is stuck in a procurement cycle that takes decades.

Captain Lennon put it bluntly:

“America once built a navy that could fight and win a world war. Today, we struggle to maintain 295 deployable ships while our adversaries launch vessels at breakneck speed. This is not just a shipbuilding problem—it’s a national security crisis.”

Shipbuilding: A Slow-Motion Disaster

The U.S. Navy currently has 295 deployable ships. The plan calls for 390 by 2054, but at this rate, we won’t even keep up with ship retirements.

The Maritime Security Program, which maintains a fleet of privately owned, military-useful ships, is down to just 60 vessels. If a major conflict broke out in the Pacific tomorrow, we wouldn’t have the sealift capability to respond effectively.

And while China expands its navy at an alarming rate, the U.S. struggles with:

- Delayed procurement cycles that take years just to approve new ships.

- Budget cuts and shifting priorities that prevent consistent progress.

- Shipyard bottlenecks due to a weakened industrial base.

Cyber Warfare: The Unseen Battlefield

Another major concern raised in the Fox News report is China’s superiority in cybersecurity. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) stated:

“China specifically is better at cybersecurity than we are. It only takes one or two incursions that we don’t see coming or that we aren’t responsive to, to make an enormous difference here.”

Captain Lennon underscored this growing threat:

“China and Russia don’t just challenge us at sea—they challenge us in cyberspace, in supply chains, and in economic warfare. The Navy can’t just be stronger; it has to be smarter, faster, and ready for an entirely new battlespace.”

The Pentagon’s inability to keep pace in cybersecurity makes America vulnerable. China is hacking into critical infrastructure, stealing defense blueprints, and gaining access to classified information. The next war may not begin with missiles—it may start with an attack on our power grid, financial systems, or military networks.

A White House Office of Shipbuilding? What Comes Next?

The Fox News report also revealed that President Trump is taking a direct interest in shipbuilding. His nominee for Navy Secretary, John Phelan, stated that Trump regularly texts him late at night, asking about the state of the fleet.

Trump announced the creation of a White House Office of Shipbuilding, promising to revitalize ship production. While this sounds promising, the real test will be whether it cuts through the bureaucracy and actually delivers results.

Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) described how slow innovation is killing our ability to compete:

“We’re operating off of an innovation cycle right now that, you know, used to be a decade, and it used to be five years. Then it used to be three years, and now it’s a year or less innovation cycle. In Ukraine, they’re actually operating off of week-long innovation cycles.”

Where Do We Go From Here?

This isn’t just a military problem—it’s an economic and strategic problem that affects every American. If we fail to modernize, we risk losing control of key shipping lanes, economic stability, and military deterrence.

Captain Lennon and I both agree:

“Our nation faces an inflection point. Will we modernize our Navy to meet the challenges ahead, or will we let slow processes and outdated thinking leave us vulnerable? The choice is ours—but the clock is ticking.”

This is Why I’m Launching Our Educational Series

This conversation is exactly why I’m launching the China, Russia, and America: Navigating Global Rivalries and Naval Challenges series.

This 23-episode educational initiative will break down how history, economics, and military strategy shape today’s global threats—and why America must rally behind its Navy.

- We’ll dive deeper into shipbuilding, looking at past successes and today’s failures.

- We’ll unpack cybersecurity threats, explaining why China and Russia view cyber warfare as a battlefield as real as the Pacific or the South China Sea.

- We’ll break down public policy, exposing how red tape and slow procurement cripple our defense efforts.

This series isn’t just about the Navy—it’s about why the Navy matters to you.

We need Americans engaged in this conversation because without public support, we won’t get the changes we need.

Captain Lennon and I will continue speaking out, but we need more voices in this fight.

Join Us. Stay Informed. Take Action.

Follow along at StrongerNavy.org as we roll out this critical series. It’s time to wake up America—before it’s too late.

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025

An Open Letter to America: The Future of U.S. Shipbuilding and Naval Strength

Dear Fellow Americans,

We stand at a crossroads in our nation’s history—one that will determine the future of our Navy, our national security, and the very strength of our industrial base. The question before us is clear: Should we rebuild our naval shipbuilding capabilities here at home, seek foreign assistance, or attempt a hybrid approach?

This is not just a debate about policy. It’s a decision that affects every American—from those who serve at sea to the workers who build our ships, to the families and businesses that rely on safe and open trade routes secured by the U.S. Navy.

A Crisis Decades in the Making

The United States Navy, once unrivaled, now finds itself struggling to maintain a fleet large enough to meet global threats. At the same time, our domestic shipbuilding industry has shrunk to a fraction of its former strength.

Fewer Shipyards: During World War II, the U.S. built a ship a day. Now, we are lucky to produce a handful of warships per year due to limited shipyard capacity.
Aging Repair Facilities: The few remaining naval repair yards are overburdened and outdated, leading to costly maintenance delays.
Worker Shortages: The skilled workforce needed to build and maintain ships has dwindled, leaving shipyards struggling to meet demand.
Rising Threats: China now produces more naval tonnage every year than the U.S. does in a decade. Russia and other adversaries are also modernizing their fleets.

The urgency is real. The Navy’s shipbuilding plan is behind schedule, over budget, and falling short of strategic needs. Simply put, we need more ships, more shipyards, and more skilled workers to build and sustain them.

The Debate: Build Here, Look Abroad, or Both?

President-elect Donald Trump recently suggested leaning on allies to help build U.S. Navy ships. His words have sparked a debate with far-reaching consequences.

There are three paths forward:

1. Fully Rebuild U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity (America First Approach)

Invest in more shipyards and repair facilities to increase production.
Expand apprenticeship and workforce training programs to address skilled labor shortages.
Modernize naval infrastructure to improve efficiency and speed of delivery.

✅ Pros: Strengthens U.S. industry, creates jobs, ensures security.
❌ Cons: Takes time, requires significant investment.

2. Use Allied Shipyards for Basic Infrastructure (Hybrid Approach)

Partner with allies (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Italy) to build less complex vessels while reserving warship production for U.S. yards.
Temporarily relieve the burden on U.S. shipyards while domestic capacity is rebuilt.

✅ Pros: Speeds up production, allows time for U.S. shipbuilding expansion.
❌ Cons: Security risks, reliance on foreign suppliers, potential job losses.

3. Fully Outsource Basic Infrastructure (Foreign Assistance Approach)

Contract allied nations to build support ships and basic naval infrastructure abroad.
Focus U.S. shipyards solely on high-end warship production.

✅ Pros: Short-term boost in fleet numbers, cost savings.
❌ Cons: Weakens U.S. shipbuilding industry, risks foreign dependency.

What’s at Stake?

No matter which path we take, one fact remains: The U.S. Navy needs more ships—and we need them faster. The growing threats on the world stage do not wait for political debates or bureaucratic delays.

America must decide:

Do we commit to fully restoring our shipbuilding industry, investing in shipyards, repair facilities, and workforce training?
Do we pursue a temporary partnership with allies to fill immediate gaps?
Do we accept foreign-built support ships, potentially at the cost of domestic industry?

This is not just a decision for policymakers—it is a choice for every American. The strength of our Navy is the strength of our nation.

A Call to Action

We need a national shipbuilding strategy that prioritizes American security, economic resilience, and industrial strength.

Expand our domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Modernize and build more repair facilities.
Train and recruit more American workers to sustain naval readiness.
Ensure the Navy has the fleet it needs to protect global commerce and national security.

History shows us that when America builds, America wins. The decision before us will shape the Navy for generations to come. Let’s make sure it’s a future built on strength.
Americans for a Stronger Navy
StrongerNavy.org. Join the discussion on X.com/strongernavy