Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) deck department conduct small boat operations, August 3, 2022.

Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) deck department conduct small boat operations, August 3, 2022. U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington

The Naval Brief: Lessons from RIMPAC; Unmanned ships test capabilities; A Marine Corps first; and more...

Welcome to The Naval Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the sea services’ future.

RIMPAC lessons. Troops at RIMPAC have been able to share lessons and tactics for more than a month, but one area that still needs improvement is the ease of sharing of information, Defense One reports. The war in Ukraine has shown how important it is, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday wants to see improvements among countries in the Pacific region.

Unmanned at RIMPAC. Four unmanned surface ships participated in RIMPAC for the first time, and sailors used their sensors to gather and share data for operations, Defense One reports. Their work in the exercise is helping the Navy learn how to improve the unmanned vessels to get them closer to a program of record. 

Historic promotion. When Lt. Gen. Michael Langley is promoted to general Saturday, he’ll be the first Black Marine of that rank in the history of the service, the Marine Corps announced this week. Langley will lead U.S. Africa Command, based in Germany.

Sign up to get The Naval Brief every Thursday from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On Aug. 5, 1864 during the Battle of Mobile Bay, Rear Adm. David Farragut allegedly shouted “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” 


From Defense One

The Navy Is Testing 5G For Future Forward Operating Bases // Patrick Tucker

From drone-deployed 5G networks to digital twinning, a small 5G pilot is rewriting the rules for battlefield connectivity.

Can a Fitness App Ease the Military's Recruitment Crisis? // Patrick Tucker

App gives recruiters a tool to monitor how their recruits are shaping up before shipping out.

SOCOM Orders Cropduster Attack Planes from L3Harris Technologies // Marcus Weisgerber

The contract, which could grow to 75 aircraft, marks a major victory for proponents of prop-driven close air support.

Coast Guard Wants Better Internet on Its Ships, and More Recruits // Lauren C. Williams

Commandant Fagan ties increased connectivity to operational needs and improving Coasties' quality of life.