Uncharted seas: Maritime strategy for a new era of naval challenges

While the Department of the Navy is already indispensably involved in implementing transformative strategic frameworks, from the Joint Concept for Access and Maneuver in the Global Commons to the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, it must also look over the horizon to emerging challenges and opportunities. Alongside the development of innovative new technologies critical to maintaining America’s overseas presence, the department and services must also contend with rising naval powers and growing regional tensions and rivalries.

On February 26, the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence at Brookings hosted the civilian and military leaders of the nation’s sea services for a discussion of these future maritime concepts, strategies, and technologies. Joining this conversation on all elements of sea power—amphibious, undersea, and surface—were The Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy; Admiral John M. Richardson, chief of Naval Operations; and General Robert B. Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps. Michael O’Hanlon, senior fellow at Brookings, moderated the discussion.