The admiral selected to be the next Chief of Naval Operations has been recognized throughout his career for his leadership, integrity, and concern for his Sailors, and brings extensive experience in the Pacific at a time of increased military and economic focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
Admiral Gary Roughead also has a well-founded understanding of how Congress works and a reservoir of good relations on Capitol Hill, another valuable asset in light of the recent strains between the military and the lawmakers.
Based on his actions and statements, he would maintain the emphasis on rebuilding the Navy's antisubmarine warfare capabilities, which he called "my top warfighting priority," and would continue the current CNO's initiatives on the 1,000-ship navy and the Global Fleet Station. Roughead also would support the troubled littoral combat ship program, which he said "is going to be a ship of the future for the U.S. Navy." And he has stressed the need to embrace the power of network-centric warfare in Fleet operations.
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