I see this as just another check in the box for the diversity crowd. I'm not saying she's not qualified to be CNO, it's just that the media hacks will make a big deal about the first female CNO and forget that our Navy has already been rapidly surpassed in wartime capability by the PRC. Also it would be nice if the next CNO can "unwoke" the Navy and get some painting done before all the hulls rot away to nothing.
We have been saying "Change is needed" for so long it seems to be an echo carried down through the decades. The next CNO won't do it because the political establishment doesn't want it.
I will stick to the drum I have been beating for 20 years: Change is forced on large organizations from the outside.
"..the greatest threat is the long-dwell nomenklatura in a commuting distance of The Pentagon and The Hill who do not see their job as adjusting their responsibilities to support the CNO.."
Admiral Paparo is an outspoken China hawk. Still, this might be a blessing. If a naval campaign kicks off in the western Pacific, it could be more valuable to have him in/near theatre than in DC.
Slightly OT, I've seen chatter about the CCP having run a massive reforestation effort, only to now be chopping down tees to plant grain on marginal land. The concern is that the CCP fears near-term embargo of grain via ship movement. If that thread hangs together, it would seem like the confrontation will happen on her watch...
I sure hope you're right, and she rates every chance to do it right. My only cavil is that, according to pretty good sources, the White House overrode Navy/DOD to force her selection. Why, other than the obvious?
How can she be anything other than a product of the filter of the current dysfunctional system that transforms any junior officer into a political creature? How do we not get a buffoon like Milley as an output given the way the current promotion system operates? Not stepping on rakes? The woke rakes? The demigender rakes? The don't make waves rakes? The Obama purge was brutally thorough. I don't think any moles made it through.
Maybe she will prove to need an eyepatch and get a telepathic treecat and lead us to victory. I certainly hope so. But that was science fiction. Real life doesn't work that way.
Let's not forget that the CNO works for Del Toro and Austin who in the minds of many here have proven themselves antithetical to fixing many of the USN problems while dutifully promoting the agenda of the President who appointed them to their positions and gave them their marching orders.
Any progress made by any CNO under those conditions, however slight should be praised.
Damn. The more I think about this the more disappointed I am. I was really hoping Admiral Kirby would get the job. We don't stand a chance above, on or under the water. Our only chance is to psyop the PLA Navy. Disinformation warfare is the future. Nobody does it better than the Kirbmonster.
Jul 24, 2023·edited Jul 24, 2023Liked by CDR Salamander
Recently spent a few years with her in Naples (C6F) including seeing her in Chapel most Sundays. She (and her family) are the real deal. She was tough but fair in briefs, a genuine problem solver, a rounded leader, and a grounded human being. I'd sail into a battle with her any day. I have no doubt she will handle the Puzzle Palace just fine.
By the way, ADM (Sel) Koehler was my COS in Djibouti for a year. Another decent bloke that I'm glad to see do well.
My ADM Franchetti story was when I met her when she was a midshipman. During a readiness workup off SDGO in 1980, she was assigned as my escort when I boarded an LST (from our AE), to give a MIW brief. I had her card for years but now can't find it after a gillion HHG moves. Followed her career for years. I wish her well... she is very qualified IMHO.
And the incoming CNO has a degree in journalism. That sounds like a plus to me.
This is the right take for CNO to make the #1 priority...”We need more ship repair capabilities and parts to enable a more combat ready fleet.”
I see this as just another check in the box for the diversity crowd. I'm not saying she's not qualified to be CNO, it's just that the media hacks will make a big deal about the first female CNO and forget that our Navy has already been rapidly surpassed in wartime capability by the PRC. Also it would be nice if the next CNO can "unwoke" the Navy and get some painting done before all the hulls rot away to nothing.
We have been saying "Change is needed" for so long it seems to be an echo carried down through the decades. The next CNO won't do it because the political establishment doesn't want it.
I will stick to the drum I have been beating for 20 years: Change is forced on large organizations from the outside.
When I worked at opnav earlier this year everybody seemed to like and respect her a great deal.
Her lack of experience on the budget side was a worry for me, but Kilby has that well-covered.
"..the greatest threat is the long-dwell nomenklatura in a commuting distance of The Pentagon and The Hill who do not see their job as adjusting their responsibilities to support the CNO.."
Truer words were ne'er spoken..........
Thanks for a great summary and outlook. 4 nominations of the right people for the right jobs.
Admiral Paparo is an outspoken China hawk. Still, this might be a blessing. If a naval campaign kicks off in the western Pacific, it could be more valuable to have him in/near theatre than in DC.
We will see. She cannot be worse than the goblin filling the (small) suit now.
But I find it interesting that neither the CinC, or SECDEF, or SECNAV could be arsed to make the announcement themselves.
Slightly OT, I've seen chatter about the CCP having run a massive reforestation effort, only to now be chopping down tees to plant grain on marginal land. The concern is that the CCP fears near-term embargo of grain via ship movement. If that thread hangs together, it would seem like the confrontation will happen on her watch...
I sure hope you're right, and she rates every chance to do it right. My only cavil is that, according to pretty good sources, the White House overrode Navy/DOD to force her selection. Why, other than the obvious?
How can she be anything other than a product of the filter of the current dysfunctional system that transforms any junior officer into a political creature? How do we not get a buffoon like Milley as an output given the way the current promotion system operates? Not stepping on rakes? The woke rakes? The demigender rakes? The don't make waves rakes? The Obama purge was brutally thorough. I don't think any moles made it through.
Maybe she will prove to need an eyepatch and get a telepathic treecat and lead us to victory. I certainly hope so. But that was science fiction. Real life doesn't work that way.
Let's not forget that the CNO works for Del Toro and Austin who in the minds of many here have proven themselves antithetical to fixing many of the USN problems while dutifully promoting the agenda of the President who appointed them to their positions and gave them their marching orders.
Any progress made by any CNO under those conditions, however slight should be praised.
Damn. The more I think about this the more disappointed I am. I was really hoping Admiral Kirby would get the job. We don't stand a chance above, on or under the water. Our only chance is to psyop the PLA Navy. Disinformation warfare is the future. Nobody does it better than the Kirbmonster.
Recently spent a few years with her in Naples (C6F) including seeing her in Chapel most Sundays. She (and her family) are the real deal. She was tough but fair in briefs, a genuine problem solver, a rounded leader, and a grounded human being. I'd sail into a battle with her any day. I have no doubt she will handle the Puzzle Palace just fine.
By the way, ADM (Sel) Koehler was my COS in Djibouti for a year. Another decent bloke that I'm glad to see do well.
My ADM Franchetti story was when I met her when she was a midshipman. During a readiness workup off SDGO in 1980, she was assigned as my escort when I boarded an LST (from our AE), to give a MIW brief. I had her card for years but now can't find it after a gillion HHG moves. Followed her career for years. I wish her well... she is very qualified IMHO.