The naval enterprise is investing in its people and capabilities to build a more lethal force in the age of great power competition, US Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer said.
“We’re building the Navy the nation needs and the Marine Corps of the future,” Spencer said at a Pentagon news briefing on May 2 with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John M. Richardson and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller.
The naval enterprise is investing in modernization of key capabilities and new technologies to continue to provide warfighters with everything they need to “fight tonight,” he said.
“As directed by the 2018 National Defense Strategy, we’re building a model of a more lethal, resilient and agile force, capable of deterring and defeating any enemy in this age of, as we know it, renewed power competition,” Spencer further said.
As explained, the enterprise is refining processes, will use every acquisition authority given by congress to grow the team, and is working in partnership with industry to deliver maximum efficiency and value.
“We’re building a more lethal and ready Navy-Marine Corps team by focusing on process improvement. We’ll ensure that our processes are value-add, and efficiently supporting our warfighter as our core competency,” he stressed.
Further, he underscored the importance of consistent, predictable funding, and welcomed the bipartisan budget agreement signed into law in March by President Donald J. Trump, after years of uncertain funding.
What is more, investments in the men and women who serve are key in the effort to increase the competitive edge over adversaries, according to Spencer.
He saluted the service members, including 94,000 sailors and marines deployed around the globe, ensuring maritime lanes of commerce remain free and open and protecting American citizens and interests abroad.