SECNAV Joins Defense Innovators at 2024 USNI Forum in Washington

WASHINGTON (Dec. 11, 2024) – During the 2024 U.S. Naval Institute Defense Forum, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro addressed an audience comprising senior military officials, members of Congress, industry leaders, and defense analysts. The discussions centered on the current state and future challenges of shipbuilding, with emphasis on fleet size, maintenance hurdles, operational capabilities, and the workforce issues plaguing shipyards.

Secretary Del Toro commenced his speech by outlining strategies for constructing a naval force that meets national demands. “For the first time since World War II, we face a comprehensive maritime power,” Del Toro stated. He highlighted the role of the Navy and Marine Corps in demonstrating the nation’s commitment to allies in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific regions.

Further, Del Toro emphasized the importance of strengthening maritime dominance, stressing that relying solely on maintaining sea power is insufficient. “To fight and decisively win our Nation’s wars, we cannot rely on merely maintaining our sea power—we must strengthen our maritime dominance,” he asserted, noting that the department’s personnel provide a competitive edge in warfighting capabilities.

The importance of building a warfighting culture grounded in leadership, dignity, and respect was another key point in Del Toro’s address. He also underscored the strategic value of enhancing partnerships with the Defense Industrial Base, stating these relationships are crucial for informed decision-making in shipbuilding and maintenance.

In conclusion, Secretary Del Toro expressed his pride in the achievements of the Navy over the past three years. Looking to the future, he conveyed optimism about navigating forthcoming geopolitical challenges, backed by the Navy-Marine Corps team’s resilience and adaptability.