Caudle unveiled the document during remarks at the U.S. Naval War College, which he described as the Navy’s “home of thought,” underscoring the importance of presenting the guidance to future operational and strategic leaders. He framed the strategy as the service’s response to a defining challenge of the era, asking: “How do we ensure we can fight and win across the spectrum of conflict, under conditions we cannot entirely predict, against adversaries who are increasingly capable, innovative, and aggressive — at near parity levels — simultaneously in key areas of vital national interest around the world?”
In his remarks, Caudle said the Navy operates in an era of great power competition marked by rapid technological change, sophisticated adversaries and mounting strain on the defense industrial base. “We find ourselves operating in an era with other great powers, an era in which the speed of decision ruthlessly punishes delay,” he said, adding, “The requirement for a strong, resilient, and globally present Navy has never been more important to our Nation’s defense.”
At the center of the Hedge Strategy are tailored forces and tailored offsets, described as mission-focused combinations of platforms, systems and capabilities designed to address high-consequence scenarios without constraining overall fleet design. Together, these elements are intended to expand combat mass, improve flexibility and preserve the Navy’s ability to deliver decisive effects at acceptable levels of risk.
Caudle said the approach complements national efforts to grow and modernize the Fleet, including the president’s Golden Fleet initiative, which highlights the need for a larger, more capable Navy supported by a resilient maritime industrial base. He also emphasized that Sailors remain the service’s decisive advantage, stating, “At the center of this vision will always be the United States Navy Sailor,” and adding, “They are our most enduring strategic advantage, our primary weapon system, and the heartbeat of our world-class Navy.”
Quoting the late Hyman G. Rickover, known as the Father of the Nuclear Navy, Caudle concluded by stressing the need for action over rhetoric. “The great end of life is not knowledge, but action,” he said, adding, “Through disciplined execution and a clear-eyed approach, we will defend our country, deter our adversaries, and preserve our place as the most formidable fighting force the world has ever known.”
