The war on terror and the accelerating pace of technological change demand innovation in the Navy. An experimental program in the Enterprise (CVN-65) Carrier Strike Group is bringing the war fighter into the innovation process to produce prototypes such as this Spartan unmanned surface vehicle.
Innovation is promoted in the upper echelons of the military. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld continues to promote a military culture that embraces and rewards innovation. The Navy's "Sea Power 21" vision and the Sea Trial pillar embrace the process of innovation from the fleet. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Vern Clark has stated that the Navy will do everything possible to encourage innovation and the Navy "cannot have too many pilot programs under way." 1
