This week, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert released his Navigation Plan for the Navy for 2014 to 2018 to the fleet.
Drawing from the Sailing Directions and the three tenets of Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready, the Navigation Plan defines the course and speed the Navy will follow to organize, train and equip over the next several years.
Greenert also addresses budgetary concerns about Continuing Resolutions, Sequestration and preparations for the FY2014 budget in the document.
“Our first consideration is the ability to fight and win today, while building the ability to win tomorrow,” said Greenert. “Regardless of reductions, we will continue to operate forward with ready forces, where it matters, when it matters.”
Greenert stated that despite future reduction to Navy’s budget that may impact the ability to maintain the overall size of the fleet, the Navy will ensure that the deployable force is proficient and ready. This will include fielding and improving “kill chains”, utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum and maintaining the Navy’s undersea dominance.
The document also addresses the rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region, a strategy that will compel the Navy to add ships to the Forward Deployed Naval Force, and increase the number of ships which are Forward Stationed or Forward Operating.
“The Navy and Marine Corps are our nation’s ‘away team’,” said Greenert. “History demonstrates the Navy is at its best when we are forward and ready to respond.”
Lastly, the Navigation Plan stresses the importance of having Sailors and Civilians that are ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges by being personally prepared, confident and proficient.
“We will sustain our forces’ warfighting capability and ability to operate forward through effective maintenance and timely modernization,” said Greenert. “Ready Sailors and Civilians remain the source of the Navy’s warfighting capability.”
View CNO’s Navigation Plan in PDF: http://www.navy.mil/cno/130813_CNO_Navigation_Plan.pdf
