SECNAV Sheds Light on Modern Warfare and Climate Crisis at Newport Forum

NEWPORT, R.I. – On September 5, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro addressed an audience at the Forum at Newport, a prominent conference focused on national security and climate change. This event was co-hosted by the Naval War College (NWC) and the Pell Center at Salve Regina University.

Secretary Del Toro highlighted the Department of the Navy’s active measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather and climate change on operational readiness. His speech emphasized the Department’s new Climate Action 2030 strategy, which centers on two primary objectives: enhancing climate resilience and minimizing climate-related threats.

“Climate resilience is force resilience,” stated Secretary Del Toro. “We must look beyond normal operations and approach solutions to climate change through the lens of innovation.”

He pointed to ongoing and completed initiatives, such as the Farragut Seawall project at the U.S. Naval Academy, as examples of progress. However, he stressed the importance of continuous innovation through partnerships with government, academia, and industry.

Later, Secretary Del Toro engaged in discussions with Stephen Mariano, provost of NWC, and Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, president of NWC. They explored the integration of climate change and national security topics into NWC’s new course, Perspectives on Modern War. The course is designed to merge theoretical analysis with practical solutions to contemporary and future global security issues.

Del Toro commended the Perspectives on Modern War course as evidence of the Navy’s academic institutions adapting to current security challenges, such as climate change. He underlined the critical need for future strategic leaders to develop practical and innovative solutions.

“When I meet with senior officers I often tell them I expect them to be brilliant at naval warfare,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I really need them to think critically and strategically about solutions to the dynamic challenges our Navy and Marine Corps face — a course like this will help grow future leaders with those critical skills.”

This course is now part of the core curriculum at NWC, enhancing the education provided by the College of Naval Command and Staff, the College of Naval Warfare, the Naval Command College, and the Naval Staff College. The curriculum aims to equip military and civilian leaders with strong strategic and operational thinking, adaptability to uncertainty, and comprehensive knowledge of the security environment.

Founded in 1884, the Naval War College is the oldest institution of its kind globally. It is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and outreach, aiming to prepare today’s decision-makers, educate tomorrow’s leaders, and collaborate with partners and allies to maintain peace, respond to crises, and achieve victory in warfare.