Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

🚨📰 #USNAVY UPDATE: USS John P. Murtha to support NASA's Artemis II mission SAN DIEGO – Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) is slated to serve as the recovery ship for the Orion spacecraft and its crew upon their return from the historic Artemis II mission. The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that will take them beyond the Moon. This mission will mark humanity's first crewed voyage to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years. Upon completion of their mission, the Orion capsule will splash down in the Pacific Ocean, where John P. Murtha and its crew will be prepared to recover the astronauts and the spacecraft.

"...you see those battleships sitting there, and you think that they float on water, don't you? You are wrong. They are carried to sea on the backs of those Chief Petty Officers.” – Fleet Admiral William "Bull" Halsey Happy 133rd birthday, Chiefs! ⚓🐐 #CPOBirthday

It was a privilege to be with our @USNavy warfighters at @NS_Mayport. From Sailors returning home to those heading out in support of ongoing global operations, I saw a palpable and collective commitment to readiness across all commands. BZ Shipmates!

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived in Split, Croatia for a port visit March 28. "We are incredibly proud of the Sailors aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford. Their response at sea was rapid, professional, and effective-a true reflection of their training, especially while operating during combat. Their actions demonstrated the adaptability and resilience that define our Navy, ensuring the ship remains fully operational and ready to continue its vital mission in support of our national interests." -Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations

In honor of National Medal of Honor Day, we recognize Captain Royce Williams: whose bravery will live on through history. He annihilated adversary aircraft, breaking down a Soviet directed attack, and protected U.S. ships and Sailors above and beyond the call of duty.

It was a privilege to highlight Richard Gudis’ generosity and service to our military families as he was recognized with the Fisher Foundation’s Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award. His dedication is a powerful reminder that patriotism extends beyond the battlefield, found in the quiet support of our heroes at home.

Today, we mourn the loss of six United States Servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. These brave Americans answered the call without hesitation. They stood the watch on behalf of the American people and our way of life. The Department of the Navy stands shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters of the @USArmy and the entire Joint Force as we grieve this loss and honor their courage. We will never forget their service. We will honor their sacrifice not only in words, but in our continued commitment to readiness, strength, and the defense of this great Nation. God bless our fallen. God bless their families. God Bless the United States of America, and the @USNavy and @USMC team that defends her.

Over the past few months I've had the profound honor getting to know Captain E. Royce Williams, a Naval Aviator whose extraordinary bravery on November 18, 1952, saved the lives of thousands of Americans. Much of what occurred that day remained classified for decades. But what never changed was the fact that Williams acted fiercely at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Williams, on behalf of the Department of the Navy and a grateful Nation, thank you for your courage, your skill, and your unwavering devotion to duty.

Capt. Elmer Royce Williams (Ret.) was formally inducted into the Hall of Heroes today. Surrounded by family, Shipmates, and leaders, we honored his extraordinary valor and enduring legacy of service.

At the State of the Union, @POTUS recognized a true @USNavy legend with the Medal of Honor — Captain E. Royce Williams, a Naval Aviator whose courage, skill, and quiet professionalism represent the very best of our Navy - not one act of incredible heroism, but a lifetime of service.

Business as usual is over. We’re streamlining oversight, leveraging commercial best practices, and using proven designs to deliver capability faster. The VCM model drives accountability and performance. We’re delivering the ships our @USNavy and @USMC need to remain the most lethal forces in the world. navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/Art…

GenAI.mil is now part of the @USNavy and @USMC daily battle rhythm: speeding decisions, accelerating innovation, and sharpening readiness. We’re integrating GenAI into how we plan, write, analyze, and execute so we can move faster, cut friction, and deliver real capability to the Fleet at the pace the mission demands.

We’re restoring America’s industrial might and putting shipbuilding back on a wartime footing. Under @POTUS’s Golden Fleet, we have a clear, three-part strategy to maintain American Maritime Dominance: rebuild the Fleet faster, revitalize the maritime industrial base, and change how the Navy does business.

One year into @POTUS Administration, the renaissance of American shipbuilding is underway. 

Under @POTUS leadership we are building the Golden Fleet, restoring shipyards, integrating emergent technologies and investing in the workforce so our @USNavy and @USMC Team remains the most lethal, feared and ready to dominate anytime, anywhere 24/7/365. Thank you, Mr. President.

.@POTUS’s Golden Fleet will maintain and enhance American Maritime Dominance, powered by three core principles: 1. Rebuild the Fleet: Delivering the most advanced and capable ships. 2. Revitalize Industry: Strengthening our maritime industrial base. 3. Reform Business: Changing how the Department of the Navy operates. Under @POTUS’s plan, we will have the most tonnage under contract since WWII. The Fleet will be a high-low mix of platforms, next-generation battleships, and continued production of destroyers, carriers, amphibs, and submarines. #SNANational26 @navysna

We are committed to delivering peace through strength now and into the future.

On Wednesday, I visited @WeAreHII with @SECNAV and @CMC_Marinecorps to meet the industry leaders and shipbuilders driving the future of America’s Fleet. Partnering with our maritime industrial base is critical to building the capacity our Sailors need.

Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Daryl Caudle, sits down with Bret Baier for an interview on tonight’s edition of “Special Report.”

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle presented coins to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola-area service members during an all-hands call Jan. 6 onboard the air station. @USNavyCNO #CNIC #CNRSE #NASP

During the engagement, Caudle emphasized his commitment to putting Sailors first in every decision he makes as CNO.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman met with Sailors at Naval Air Station Pensacola to discuss CNO’s priorities of Foundry, Fleet and Fight; listen to Sailors’ feedback; and answer questions.