Proceedings - September 2023 Vol. 149/9/1,447

Training and Education The ‘Back-to-School’ Issue

September 2023

This month we are focused on naval training and education.

CEO Notes

September 2023

Not many CEOs have the privilege and opportunity to serve in their “perfect” job of choice and celebrate a 150th anniversary!

A 1962 test of a U.S. Navy nuclear antisubmarine rocket.

Comment & Discussion

September 2023

Readers respond to articles on undersea cables, nuclear weapons, and more.

Responsible for training and equipping U.S. special operations forces (SOF), U.S. Special Operations Command has the expertise to help the joint force develop a strategy to counter adversary SOF in a future conflict. Here, Naval Special Warfare personnel operate a diver propulsion device.

The Joint Force Needs a Counter-SOF Strategy

By Lieutenant Commander Alex Crosby, U.S. Navy

September 2023

In a potential strategic conflict, the U.S. joint force must be prepared to counter adversary special operations forces threatening U.S. national interests at home and abroad.

U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2023 midshipmen celebrate their selection as surface warfare officers on service selection night, 17 November 2022.

Make the Officer Selection Process More Random

By Commander Reed Kitchen, U.S. Navy

September 2023

How does the service maintain warfighting readiness while addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The safety officer on board the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) discusses safety with Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Navy needs to implement changes to safeguard its most important assets—sailors and Marines.

A Safety Assessment from the Deckplates

By Seaman Julio C. Arredondo, U.S. Navy

September 2023

Enlisted Prize Essay Contest—Second Prize, Sponsored by USAA. Each department should designate a safety sailor.

Invest in Enlisted Education

By First Sergeant Brandon E. Smart, U.S. Marine Corps, Erik G. Helzer, and Jennifer A. Heissel

September 2023

It is crucial for maintaining the nation’s military advantage.

The Naval War College should develop remote junior and senior war college programs to appeal to more officers, offer a better work-life balance, and reinvigorate interest in strategic education.

Bring the Naval War College Into the Future

By Commander Matt Wright, U.S. Navy

September 2023

A remote learning option could increase the appeal of war college.

The General Board (shown here in 1932) was part of an interwar learning campaign, which also included the Chief of Naval Operations, naval intelligence, the Naval War College, and fleet commanders.

Navy Campaigns of Learning

By Captain John T. Hanley Jr., U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired)

September 2023

A rigorous learning culture prepared the Navy for World War II, and it could prepare today’s Navy for the next war.

The Navy Needs a Non-Due-Course Correction

By Commander Stiles Herdt, U.S. Navy

September 2023

The Navy needs to redefine career success to retain talent.

The commanding officer of the USS Halsey (DDG-97) speaks to the crew during an all-hands call. A captain must impart a fundamental sense of purpose: to prepare for missions at sea, the most important of which is to defeat other navies.

Management Makes Warfighting Possible

By Commander DeVere Crooks, U.S. Navy

September 2023

COs must find creative ways to focus on warfighting while managing day-to-day tasks.

A U.S. Marine with 2nd Marine Logistics Group programs an AN/PRC-117F radio at Battle Skills Training School on Cape Lejeune, North Carolina.

Naval Comms

By A. Denis Clift

September 2023

Highlighting 150 years of flag bags, satellites, and naval communications in the pages of Proceedings.

The wreckage of a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet shot down over Ukraine in the summer of 2022.

Air Denial Lessons from Ukraine

By Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Bowsher, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

September 2023

The Marine Corps needs the capability to impose air denial.

The fast response cutters USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC-1147) and John Scheuerman (WPC-1146) sail across the Atlantic Ocean in June 2022.

The Navy Should Use the Fast Response Cutter as a Patrol Boat

By Commander Steve Hulse, U.S. Coast Guard

September 2023

Given the success of the fast response cutter program and a still-hot production line, the Navy should consider this platform for a fleet of missile patrol craft.

Planning for the Next War Must Be a Mixture of Art & Science

By Rear Admiral Patrick Piercey, U.S. Navy (Retired)

September 2023

Success in a future peer-level fight will depend on understanding commander’s intent and the art of warfare.

The first three fast response cutters—the USCGC Richard Etheridge (WPC-1102), Bernard C. Webber (WPC-1101), and William Flores (WPC-1103).

Modern Cutters for IndoPaCom Partners Is a Win-Win Opportunity

By Lieutenant Tai T. Chan, U.S. Coast Guard

September 2023

Transferring older vessels of the classes the U.S. Coast Guard is actively fielding would improve deterrence and interoperability with regional allies.

An ensign stands watch on board the USS Ross (DDG-71). While recent changes to junior surface warfare officer training were designed to emphasize bridge watchstanding, they do not address the problem of too many ensigns assigned to each ship.

Redesign the SWO Junior Officer Pipeline

By Lieutenant Nathan Sicheri, U.S. Navy

September 2023

Revamping the JO training pipeline could increase surface warfare officer retention and expertise.

Demographics are an easy way for the Navy to measure diversity, but diversity of thoughts, education, experience, and opinions—most often cultivated by different life experiences—can be a force multiplier on the battlefield.

Diversity Is More Than Demographics

By Lieutenant Commander Michelle Kingsland, U.S. Navy

September 2023

Diversity & inclusion Essay Contest—Second Prize, Sponsored by Raytheon Technologies. Diversity has been key to U.S. victory throughout history.

An MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, during a search-and-rescue exercise off San Diego, California. Navy distributed maritime operations will require more long-range rotary-wing rescue missions.

More of Naval Aviation Needs to Prioritize Range

By Commander Matt Wright, U.S. Navy

September 2023

As naval aviation develops capabilities to extend the reach of the carrier air wing, supporting elements must stretch their reach in parallel.

The USS Momsen (DDG-92) and the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) nearly collided in San Diego Bay on 29 November 2022. This incident reinforces the need for deck watchstanders to be proficient at computing vessel meeting points.

Watchstanders Must Get Better at Calculating Vessel Meeting Points

By Lieutenant Anthony Carrillo, U.S. Navy

September 2023

Ships should be computing the expected meeting points with other vessels and presenting them at the navigation brief.

An F-18 Super Hornet lands on board the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) steams nearby in the South China Sea.

Make Information Warfare the Supported Warfare Commander

By Commander Kevin R. Barrett, U.S. Navy

September 2023

The afloat information warfare team must be a presence among the other warfare commanders. Only then can IW leaders refine commander’s priorities and preplanned responses.

Book Reviews

September 2023

Experts review Vectors, Four Battlegrounds, and other new and noteworthy books.

Where We Were

September 2023

A look back at the September issues of Proceedings from 1923, 1973, and 1998.

A U.S. Navy PN-9 taking off near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, in September 1925.

From Our Archive

September 2023

A U.S. Navy PN-9 taking off near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, in September 1925.

An M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicle belonging to Alpha Company, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, sits under the night sky on a demolitions range at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Wash., July 12, 2018. The M1132 is the combat engineering variant of the Stryker armored fighting vehicle.

An Engineering ACV for EABO and Beyond

By Captain Karl Flynn, U.S. Marine Corps

September 2023

Developing an engineering vehicle based on the ACV would create a versatile tool for all types of operations across the spectrum of conflict.

The Kumano (pictured) is second in her class but was the first to launch. The Mogami suffered propulsion problems and launched several months later.

Japan’s Multimission Mogami-class Frigates

By Eric Wertheim

September 2023

Japan’s high-technology Mogami-class frigates seek a delicate balance that reduces cost and crew size while providing a modest solution for 21st-century requirements.

On this map, 200–nautical mile exclusive economic zones are shown in light blue, and the high seas, which will be covered by the new treaty, are in dark blue.

High Seas Treaty on Marine Biological Diversity

By Captain Lawson W. Brigham, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)

September 2023

The new treaty is underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which defines coastal state jurisdiction and establishes the international high seas.

Celebrate Where It All Began

September 2023

A 150th anniversary is a time to celebrate! Throughout 2023, the Naval Institute is taking every opportunity to mark this milestone.

Asked & Answered

September 2023

What are the best and worst U.S. Navy ship names?

Sailors play with a dog from Mutts with a Mission on board the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-76) as part of a morale boosting event. Science has shown dogs can help fight stress—one of many options the Navy should consider.

The Navy Must Double Down on Suicide Awareness and Prevention Programs

By Captain John P. Cordle, U.S. Navy (Retired)

September 2023

The Navy already has many suicide awareness and prevention programs. It must support them.

Finland and Sweden’s addition to NATO would bring a newfound emphasis to the alliance’s maritime security amid the invasion of Ukraine.

Finland and Sweden Will Reinvigorate NATO’s Navies

By Ensign Benoit Gorgemans, U.S. Navy

September 2023

Finland and Sweden’s accession into NATO will revive its naval component.

U.S. Marines approach a landing area in a CB-90 during Exercise Archipelago Endeavor with the Swedish Armed Forces in 2021. The Navy and Marine Corps should consider procuring and employing the Swedish Combat Boat 90 (CB-90) or similar craft for amphibious operations as an integral component of the Navy–Marine Corps amphibious team.

The Marine Corps Must Still Prepare for Opposed Landings

By Captain Pete Pagano, U.S. Navy (Retired)

September 2023

The CB-90 should be used in forcible entry operations.

Joint Chiefs of Staff / Flag Officers and Senior Enlisted Leaders of the U.S. Navy

September 2023

Officers of flag rank and senior enlisted leaders of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard; and officers of flag rank of NOAA and at Maritime Academies.