The Hoover Institution National Security Task Force hosted a roundtable discussion with Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations
United States Navy is going to be key in effectively confronting the security landscape now ahead. In discussion with the CNO, Task Force participants discussed the Navy's efforts to marshal the joint capabilities of partner tri-service U.S. maritime services in order to communicate, and meet, the gravity of that challenge. Admiral Gilday further emphasized the share of his personal effort now devoted to outreach with global allies and partners, and Task Force participants argued that allies together not only offer a “1000 ship Navy,” but that there were further returns to such cooperation in the Pacific and elsewhere that go beyond military advantage. Participants contemplated the value ahead of the Navy employing emerging “technology” versus “mass.” They highlighted the role of the U.S. Navy in enabling the global economic commons—including trade and prevention of logistics disruptions. They remarked on the creativity exhibited through new sailor education initiatives intended to reach non-traditional recruits. And they stressed, without apology, for the ongoing centrality of the Navy as the long pole in the Indo-Pacific.