Overview

• Caudle was sworn in as the 34th chief of naval operations at the Washington Navy Yard on Aug. 25, replacing acting CNO Adm. James Kilby.
• He defined the “foundry” of shipyards, maintenance, logistics, training sites and weapons production as the core engine for readiness and set measurable goals for on‑time deliveries, repairs and munitions output.
• He announced plans for an updated fleet design that integrates artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems, resilient command networks, hypersonic weapons, advanced manufacturing and quantum‑enabled sensing.
• Navy Secretary John Phelan cited decaying shipyards, cost overruns and delayed deliveries, urging cultural change focused on readiness, accountability and results.
• The change in leadership comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed multiple senior officers, and Caudle emphasized sailor quality of life in housing, childcare, healthcare and training.