High Summer Free For All, from the CNO, to unmanned systems, to ... Austria?
Show Links Navy’s Plan for Unmanned Systems Department of Crazy Ideas: How about a cheap inshore fleet ? Mark Tempest, 2009. Buy Fords, Not Ferraris, Jerry Hendrix , 2008 Droning on About Drones , CDR Salamander, 2013 Building the Navy’s Hybrid Fleet , Lieutenant Commander Jack Rowley, Proceedings, July 2025. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress , Robert A. Heinlein The Mote in God’s Eye , Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle Benjamin Kohlmann, Nominated for Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs John Lewis-class replenishment oiler Cleo Paskal on X A Death in the Pacific , CDR Salamander, July 2025 Rods From God Austria Ponders NATO Summary In this episode of Midrats, the hosts discuss the current state of the U.S. Navy, starting with the new Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the challenges he faces in balancing operational needs with budget constraints. They explore the importance of shipbuilding and naval readiness, innovations in technology such as modular attack surface craft, and the role of autonomous systems in enhancing operational capabilities. The conversation also touches on economic considerations in naval strategy, the potential for space-based systems, and the significance of recruitment and training for future naval forces. Additionally, the hosts discuss the role of the Naval Reserve, political dynamics in naval appointments, logistical challenges, and geopolitical considerations in the Pacific, concluding with thoughts on NATO's future and the potential inclusion of Austria. Chapters 00:00: Introduction 02:05: New CNO and Navy Leadership Challenges 04:57: Shipbuilding and Naval Readiness 09:43: Modular Attack Surface Craft, Drones, and Innovation 16:15: Autonomous Systems and Experimentation 19:23: Risk Management via Distributed Risk 21:32: Economic Considerations in Naval Strategy 22:55: Rods from God: Now More Than Ever 30:18: The Role of the Naval Reserve 33:50: Political Appointments and Their Impact 36:22: More Oilers, Faster 47:28: Saipan, and Geopolitical Considerations in the Pacific 52:52: Austria’s future of NATO? 01:01:46: Conclusion and Recommendations