Episode 738: Is the Navy Missing its Moment, with Chris Servello

For a decade and a half, since President Obama’s Pacific Pivot speech, there has been a rising tide in the conversation about the need to fix the US Navy’s shortfall to meet the challenge of the People’s Republic of China.Faced with systemic and cascading failures in everything from surface ship design to maintenance, and distractions as frivolous as Great Green Fleets at sea and as serious as the Islamic State ashore, navalists have been waiting for serious action on the waterfront to match the rising tide of the strategic situation.

Rhetorically at least, the second Trump administration came in saying all the right things to give hope that, at last, we would turn into the wind.

Are we?

Returning to the Midrats Podcast is Chris Servello, CDR, USN (Ret.), cofounder of Provision Advisors PR Consultancy. 

Summary

In this episode of Midrats, Mark, Sal, and Chris Servello discuss the current state of the U.S. Navy, focusing on leadership challenges, the importance of communication, and the need for innovation in naval strategy and technology. They explore the cultural issues within the Navy that hinder progress and the necessity for reform in acquisition processes. The conversation also touches on the role of allied navies and the importance of domestic shipbuilding capabilities in maintaining American sea power.

Takeaways

• The Navy is at a critical juncture in reclaiming its sea power.
• Leadership changes are necessary to address the Navy’s challenges.
• Communication with Congress and the public is vital for naval support.
• Cultural issues within the Navy contribute to a lack of innovation.
• The Navy must learn from allied navies and their practices.
• Acquisition processes need significant reform to be effective.
• Risk-taking and creativity are essential for naval success.
• Domestic shipbuilding capabilities must be prioritized over outsourcing.
• The current political climate affects national security discussions.
• The Navy’s future depends on effective leadership and strategic planning.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction
05:04: Reflections on Naval Strategy and Leadership
09:51: Challenges in Navy Leadership and Administration
14:47: Comparative Analysis of Military Services
19:50: The Importance of Communication and Public Engagement
24:51: Innovations in Naval Technology and Acquisition Reform
30:07: Concluding Thoughts on Naval Future and Leadership
32:18: Navigating Leadership Challenges in the Navy
34:28: The State of American Sea Power
36:42: Balancing Domestic and Foreign Shipbuilding
40:52: The Future of Naval Strategy and Technology
45:18: The Role of Congress in Naval Affairs
48:32: Innovating Beyond Traditional Naval Constructs
51:43: Cultural Barriers to Risk and Innovation
56:40: Reviving Experimentation in Naval Programs
01:00:07: Learning from Global Naval Practices