Episode720: Sen. Tim Sheehy on the Challenges and Opportunities Revitalizing the Navy

Many frustrated by the perceived lack of understanding of our nation’s maritime heritage requirements want new leaders with fresh ideas, unburdened by legacy entanglements. It is hoped that a younger cohort with military experience, preferably naval, in the House of Representatives and the Senate who bring to the job an additional background in business and industry will emerge to promote constructive change.

Today’s guest fits the bill perfectly: the new Senator from Montana, Senator Tim Sheehy.

Tim Sheehy is a father, husband, combat veteran, patriot, and an entrepreneur. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 2008 with a B.S. in History, Tim completed several deployments and hundreds of missions as a US Navy SEAL Officer and Team Leader, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region. Tim was honored to serve alongside many American heroes and was involved in dozens of engagements with enemy forces, earning him multiple combat decorations. Additionally, Tim completed a joint tour with Army Special Operations forces where he was privileged to complete US Army Ranger School and serve alongside the 5th Special Forces Group, 75th Ranger Regiment and other units within US Army Special Operations Command.

Tim completed his active duty service as a mini submarine pilot and navigator specializing in sensitive undersea operations. After his active duty service, Tim fulfilled reserve duty as a recruiter and assessor for future naval officers. Tim was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserve in 2019.In 2014, Tim founded Belgrade-based Bridger Aerospace with all of his savings and an all-veteran team. Under his leadership, Bridger Aerospace and its sister company, Ascent Vision Technologies experienced rapid growth and created hundreds of Montana jobs. Ascent Vision Technologies was acquired by CACI in 2020, and Bridger Aerospace went public on the NASDAQ in 2023.

Tim sits on the Senate Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Summary

In this conversation, Senator Tim Sheehy discusses his journey from Naval Academy graduate to U.S. Senator, emphasizing the need for a new generation of leaders in the maritime domain. He highlights the importance of revitalizing the Navy, addressing challenges in shipbuilding, and fostering bipartisan support for maritime strength. The discussion also touches on the need for innovation in naval strategy and acquisition processes, advocating for a shift in mindset towards risk-taking and adaptability in the face of modern challenges.

Show Links

• Operation Red Wings
• Six Frigates
• The Fall of Kabul

Takeaways

• Tim shares his journey from the Naval Academy to the Senate.
• The importance of revitalizing the Navy is highlighted.
• Challenges in shipbuilding and acquisition processes are discussed.
• Bipartisan support for maritime strength is crucial.
• Innovation in naval strategy is necessary for future readiness.
• Quantity in naval assets is as important as quality.
• A new shipbuilding paradigm is needed to meet modern demands.
• Risk-taking should be encouraged in military leadership.
• The Navy's historical context is essential for understanding current challenges.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Maritime Challenges and New Perspectives
12:47: Senator Tim Sheehy's Journey: From Navy to Politics
18:44: Revitalizing the Navy: Challenges and Opportunities
24:37: Acquisition Paradigms and the Future of Naval Strategy