Shipping Titans Unite: Insights from Maritime Economic Deterrence Executive Council

WASHINGTON – On September 17, 2024, Mr. Christopher Diaz, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, addressed the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) Maritime Economic Deterrence Executive Council (MEDEC) in Arlington, Virginia. Diaz emphasized the initiative’s significance in his remarks.

MEDEC underscores the Navy’s recognition of maritime economic threats. It showcases the department’s dedication to early problem identification for the safety of Navy personnel and securing U.S. allies and partners.

The event gathered industry leaders for a day of breakout groups and discussions. The insights and recommendations will guide Secretary Del Toro in strategizing MEDEC’s collaboration with Navy partners across government, industry, and the investment sectors.

For over eight decades, the Department of the Navy and CNA have tackled the Navy-Marine Corps team’s toughest issues, informing national leaders as they navigate the nation’s future.

“MEDEC acts as the coordinating body for addressing adversarial economic activities threatening the technologies and capabilities that our Sailors and Marines rely on,” Diaz stated.

Secretary Del Toro announced MEDEC’s inception in New York City during a panel hosted by the Aspen Institute and the Bloomberg Foundation on February 22, 2024.

“We’ve assembled experts in supply chain management, tech protection, security, foreign investment review, intelligence, and law enforcement,” Diaz added.

Vice Adm. Scott Pappano, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), co-chairs MEDEC.

“Our adversaries exploit investment, industry, and innovation ecosystems that fuel the economies of the U.S. and its allies,” noted Pappano.

“Compromising capabilities or losing critical intellectual property poses significant risks for personnel globally,” Diaz emphasized. “That is a risk we cannot afford.”

CNA, an independent nonprofit research and analysis organization, has been pivotal in ensuring national safety and security through data-driven insights for 80 years.

-30-