Navy Prepares For Potential Conflict With China

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Laboon sails in the Red Sea, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

The U.S. Navy is drawing insights from recent combat experiences in the Red Sea and Ukraine's strategies in the Black Sea to enhance its preparedness for a potential future conflict with China. The Navy is expanding its combat capabilities, incorporating drones, unmanned surface vessels, and advanced ship-board gun operations into its training regimen.

Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, is outlining a series of ambitious goals in a new navigation plan to address the evolving security landscape, particularly the rising challenge posed by China. One key objective is to ensure 80% of the force is combat-ready at any given time, a goal that she acknowledges as challenging but essential for swift deployment in response to national security threats.

The plan, set for release, includes priorities such as streamlining ship maintenance, enhancing infrastructure, bolstering recruitment efforts, and optimizing drone and autonomous system utilization.

Franchetti emphasized the importance of learning from global conflicts, citing Ukraine's successful use of drones and unmanned vessels to deter Russian naval activities in the Black Sea. She highlighted the need for sea control in potential Asia-Pacific conflicts and commended Ukraine's innovative battlefield tactics.

Adm. Lisa Franchetti is leading ambitious goals for Navy preparedness.

The Navy is learning from Red Sea and Black Sea combat experiences.

Combat capabilities are being expanded with drones and unmanned vessels.

80% combat readiness goal set for swift deployment in response to threats.

The Navy's engagement with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen provided valuable lessons, with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier playing a pivotal role in defending ships from Houthi attacks. The Navy's sustained presence in the region marked a significant operational milestone.

Efforts to enhance Navy development of unmanned systems and integrate them into combat operations are underway. The plan also underscores the importance of financial constraints and the need for effective collaboration with other military branches to optimize resources.

Addressing maintenance challenges and ensuring timely ship deployments are critical components of maintaining a combat-ready Navy. Franchetti emphasized the necessity of daily readiness to meet evolving security demands.