Adm. Daryl Caudle is not “forgiving” of the defense industrial base’s flaws and is sick of hearing their justifications.
That was the unusually direct statement delivered by the four-star officer in charge of US. Fleet Forces Command conveyed a message to the Surface Navy Association’s annual symposium on Wednesday. Caudle’s no-nonsense demeanor stood out at the trade expo because SNA, Sea Air Space, and other big defense industry conferences have traditionally seen high-ranking commanders embrace business as “partners” and praise their contributions to the Pentagon’s mission. In contrast, the head of US Fleet Forces issued a warning to business, allegedly referring to China: The Navy is “coming up against a rival here and a possible opponent that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”
