US Navy Faces Crisis, Admiral Caudle Warns

Admiral Daryl Caudle has declared that the US Navy is facing a crisis, stemming from years of fleet reductions, a decline in the shipbuilding industry, and ongoing delays in ship repairs. This alarming assessment was made during a hearing of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, where he is being considered for an extension of his powers as admiral and his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations.

Caudle emphasized the growing threat posed by China’s expanding naval capabilities, warning that the prospect of conflict between similarly matched navies increases with each passing day. He pointed out that the repercussions of poor decisions made in the past are becoming increasingly clear, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the crisis, which he believes endangers US national security, particularly in light of the rapid advancements of the People’s Liberation Army Navy of China.

In response to the situation, Caudle outlined a comprehensive plan to rebuild the Navy. His strategy includes achieving full operational capability, undertaking significant modernization efforts utilizing modular platforms, and enhancing integration across maritime, air, cyber, and undersea domains “like never before.” His proposals ignited a lively discussion among senators, with some advocating for increased funding for shipbuilding while others stressed the necessity for reforms in project management.