Chief of Naval Operations Highlights Combat Readiness During New England Base Tour

NEWPORT, R.I. – Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, recently conducted an influential visit to New England. Her itinerary included meetings with Navy personnel, shipbuilders, and academic institutions, emphasizing the Navy’s strategic focus on readiness and modernization.

During her stop at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, Adm. Franchetti engaged with shipbuilders constructing the Navy’s first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the PCU Louis H. Wilson Jr. She lauded their efforts, highlighting the critical role they play in national defense. “Your work is fundamental to our mission,” she asserted, reminding attendees of their collective responsibility in bolstering the nation’s security framework.

Franchetti further interacted with Sailors working on the final DDG Flight IIA ships, Harvey C. Barnum Jr and Patrick Gallagher, underscoring the long-term service these vessels are expected to provide. She referenced a historic commissioning address by Adm. Arleigh Burke, reinforcing the combative spirit and readiness expected from today’s naval forces.

The visit extended to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where Franchetti reviewed various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Sailors, including infrastructure upgrades. Her discussions addressed the broader goals of improving service conditions and maintaining operational efficiency, part of the Navy’s strategic Navigation Plan.

At Portsmouth, Adm. Franchetti emphasized the significance of ongoing modernization efforts, which are essential for maintaining the fleet’s operational readiness. She also commended the crew of the USS North Dakota, a Virginia-class submarine, aligning their accomplishments with the Navy’s overarching mission of ensuring preparedness and lethality.

In Newport, R.I., Adm. Franchetti visited the Surface Warfare Schools Command, imparting guidance to department heads and prospective commanding officers. Her address highlighted the ongoing demand and global operational presence of the Navy, stressing the importance of continuous readiness and adaptability in maintaining maritime security.

The visit concluded with engagements at the Naval War College, where Franchetti received updates on advanced research initiatives pertaining to geopolitically sensitive regions. She also extended her gratitude to educators and students at key navy academic institutions, acknowledging their contributions to sustaining the Navy’s strategic and tactical edge.