Open Letter: Give the Navy the Tools—And Stop Leaving Us to Pick Up the Pieces

By Bill Cullifer
Founder, Americans for a Stronger Navy
Former U.S. Navy Destroyer Sailor (1970s)

There’s been a lively debate online between economic giants Larry Summers and David Sacks about tariffs, trade policy, and the consequences of decades of globalization. But while they spar over markets and presidential strategies, a bigger question goes largely unspoken:

Who picks up the pieces when economic policy becomes a national vulnerability?

As someone who served in the U.S. Navy in the 1970s and now leads Americans for a Stronger Navy, I’ve watched closely as the Navy quietly shoulders the consequences of decisions made far from the sea. While economists argue over the stock market’s reaction to tariffs, the Navy secures global trade routes, deters adversaries, and absorbs the burden of an offshored industrial base.

But the Navy isn’t alone. Entire sectors of American life—logistics, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, finance, and technology—depend on the smooth flow of global trade. From major ports and retailers to family farms and Fortune 500 companies, virtually every modern American business benefits from the stability the Navy helps provide.

The American economy is global because the U.S. Navy keeps it that way.

Yet in the recent debate, while Summers described trillions lost in market volatility and economic fallout, no one mentioned the ripple effects on military readiness, deterrence, or strategic capability. That absence reflects a dangerous blind spot.

When Wall Street stumbles, the Navy sails.
When diplomacy falters or trade routes are threatened, the Navy deploys.

But today it’s doing so with fewer ships, aging platforms, and underinvested shipyards—while our adversaries build, modernize, and maneuver.

This isn’t just a Navy issue. It’s a business issue. A national issue.

If your industry touches global trade—if you depend on international logistics, rare earth minerals, undersea cables, satellite access, shipping lanes, or simply consumer confidence—then you depend on a ready and capable Navy.

This is a message to American industry: You benefit. You must engage. You must contribute.

We need your voice—and your leadership—in support of:

  • Rebuilding our shipbuilding and repair base
  • Investing in drones, AI, and technologies that give our fleet an edge
  • Modernizing infrastructure and dry docks that sustain readiness
  • Funding advocacy and education to spark public awareness

The economic world order your industry thrives in exists because American sea power has kept the global commons safe for decades. That foundation is eroding—and silence is no longer an option.

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we’re connecting the dots between civic awareness, economic strategy, and maritime strength. We’ve launched a 24-part educational initiative to help Americans understand what’s at stake and how to act.

Explore the series: Charting the Course – For Country. For Unity. For a Stronger Navy.

Whether you’re a CEO, policymaker, investor, teacher, or neighbor—this affects you. Now is the time to link economic resilience with strategic defense. To give the Navy the tools—not just praise—before the next storm arrives.

This is your moment to lead. Not from the sidelines—but from the front.

Use your platform. Leverage your influence. Show the next generation that prosperity is earned—and defended.

Because a secure economy doesn’t start with policy.
It starts with power. And power starts at sea.

Learn more at StrongerNavy.org and join the movement to educate, equip, and engage.

A stronger Navy requires a stronger America behind it. Let’s get to work.

Sealab and the Silent Frontier: Why Undersea Exploration Still Matters for America

SEALAB I was lowered off the coast of Bermuda in 1964
Bill Cullifer, Founder
Bill Cullifer, Founder

In the 1960s, while the world marveled at NASA’s race to the moon, the U.S. Navy was quietly conducting its own groundbreaking experiments in the depths of the ocean. Capt. George Bond, a visionary Navy medical officer, saw the ocean floor as humanity’s next frontier. Through the Sealab program, Bond and his team pioneered technologies and techniques that pushed the boundaries of what was possible underwater.

Why this matters

Though it lacked the glory and attention of space exploration, Sealab revealed the untapped potential of the ocean and laid the groundwork for advancements that still benefit us today. But the real question remains: Why should Americans care about undersea exploration now, decades after the Sealab program ended?

The answer lies in what the oceans represent—security, resources, and innovation. In an increasingly competitive and interconnected world, America’s ability to operate and protect its interests underwater is more critical than ever.

The Vision of Sealab

The Sealab program was nothing short of audacious. In an era when divers could barely spend 30 minutes underwater using compressed air, Capt. Bond and his team envisioned a future where humans could live and work on the ocean floor for weeks or even months. Through Sealab I, II, and III, they developed and tested the revolutionary concept of saturation diving, which allowed divers to stay submerged for extended periods without suffering from decompression sickness.

Sealab II, in particular, demonstrated the viability of underwater living. Teams of aquanauts conducted scientific experiments, tested tools for underwater construction, and explored how the human body coped with prolonged exposure to the deep sea. The program even incorporated whimsical innovations, like a trained dolphin named Tuffy, to deliver supplies.

Despite its promise, the program ended tragically with the death of aquanaut Berry Cannon during the Sealab III mission. But the legacy of Sealab lived on, influencing both naval operations and the oil industry’s offshore drilling advancements.

The Ocean’s Strategic and Economic Importance

While Sealab was ahead of its time, its lessons are more relevant today than ever. The oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface and hold the key to global trade, communication, and resources. Undersea cables, for instance, carry 95% of the world’s internet traffic—making them critical to both commerce and national security.

Moreover, the ocean floor contains vast reserves of minerals, rare earth elements, and other resources essential for modern technologies. Nations like China are actively pursuing undersea mining and infrastructure projects to secure these resources, positioning themselves as dominant players in the maritime domain.

The U.S. Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding these interests. From protecting shipping lanes to monitoring underwater activity, the Navy’s ability to operate in the undersea domain is essential to America’s security and economic stability. Sealab’s pioneering spirit reminds us that exploration and innovation are necessary to maintain this edge.

The Lessons of Sealab for Today

The Sealab program was a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. The aquanauts’ willingness to push physical and technological limits paved the way for modern advancements in undersea exploration. Technologies developed during Sealab, such as saturation diving, are still used by the Navy and commercial industries today.

But the program also underscores the importance of readiness and adaptability. The challenges faced by the Sealab teams—equipment malfunctions, extreme cold, and life-threatening situations—are reminders that operating underwater requires constant vigilance and innovation.

As competition for undersea resources intensifies and adversaries like China and Russia expand their capabilities, the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind. Investing in undersea technologies, such as autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced submarines, is critical to maintaining America’s strategic advantage.

Why America Should Care

The oceans may not capture the public’s imagination like space, but they are no less important. Sealab showed us that the ocean floor is not just a mysterious expanse—it’s a frontier of opportunity and strategic importance. The Navy’s ability to operate effectively underwater is essential for protecting our economy, ensuring global stability, and deterring aggression.

And let me add this—while Elon Musk is busy dreaming of Mars, I think we can start a little closer to home. We live here. This planet is our home, and the ocean is a wealth of untapped opportunity. Supporting our Navy’s efforts to explore and protect the undersea domain isn’t just about national security; it’s about investing in the place where humanity will continue to thrive. Sorry, Elon, but this sailor would rather stay right here, on Earth.

A Call to Action

Sealab may be a forgotten chapter in America’s history, but its lessons remain vital. The program was a bold attempt to explore the unknown and push the limits of human potential. Today, we face new challenges and opportunities in the undersea domain, and we must rise to meet them with the same spirit of innovation and determination.

As Americans, we have a responsibility to support the Navy and ensure it has the resources and technologies needed to protect our interests. The oceans are a silent frontier, but their importance to our security and prosperity cannot be overstated. Let’s honor the legacy of Sealab by championing the Navy’s mission and investing in the future of undersea exploration.

The U.S. Navy’s commitment to undersea exploration and innovation lives on through the work of institutions like the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Naval Postgraduate School. These organizations, alongside collaborations like the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT), continue to push the boundaries of what is possible beneath the waves. Their efforts ensure that America remains at the forefront of undersea research, protecting vital resources and advancing technology in ways that honor the legacy of Sealab and its pioneers.