Center for Maritime Strategy

Led by Dean, Admiral James Foggo, USN (ret.), the CMS breakfast kicked off day two of Sea Air Space this morning.

He was joined by ADM Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, VADM Robert Gaucher, Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager Submarines and Program Acquisition Executive Submarine, and CAPT William Toti, Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary of War.

The 5th annual CMS Breakfast focused on maritime dominance in an era of great power competition.

The global maritime landscape has reached a critical pressure point. As the United States and its allies navigate an era of unprecedented transparency in the world's oceans, the traditional advantages of stealth and isolation are being challenged by ubiquitous sensing, artificial intelligence, and a strained industrial base.

This high-level panel brought together senior leaders in the U.S. Navy and the Department of War to discuss how the U.S. Navy will maintain dominance through 2030 and beyond.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this important discussion.

Step into the decision-making seat.

At SAS2026, the Center for Maritime Strategy will host
“Gaming to Win” an interactive experience where attendees can explore how modern wargaming is shaping maritime strategy and operational planning.

Participants can observe and join demonstrations featuring both physical and digital game environments, highlighting the latest approaches in game theory, design, and strategic analysis.

Browse the demonstration floor, watch scenarios unfold, and see how strategic decisions are tested before they ever reach the fleet.

📍 Cherry Blossom Ballroom | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Wednesday, April 22

Be sure to add “Gaming to Win: Live Wargaming Demonstrations” to your SAS26 show planner: https://sas26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=105

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Meeting the MARAD Administrator

Admiral Foggo and Dr. Wills welcome the Honorable Stephen Carmel and sit down for a conversation every American should hear — on the future of U.S. maritime policy, shipbuilding, and national security.

With decades of industry and policy experience, Carmel breaks down lessons from history, the evolving role of the Maritime Administration, and the real strategic challenges facing the U.S. merchant fleet.

🎧

Meeting the MARAD Administrator | The Honorable Stephen Carmel In this episode, Admiral Foggo and Dr. Steve Wills sit down with the Honorable Stephen Carmel for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of U.S. maritime ...

China is demonstrating how commercial shipping can be rapidly converted into missile launch platforms—at scale.

John D. McCown explores what this dual-use model means for U.S. maritime strategy and global security.

🔗 Read the full analysis in The MOC: https://centerformaritimestrategy.org/publications/dualuse-initiative-by-china-could-exponentially-increase-its-missile-launch-platforms/

As the Undersea Grows More Contested, U.S. Navy Subs are the Right Response.

"The nuclear submarine remains the apex predator of the deep, one that can strike hard, and if needed maneuver away from threats at high speed. Nuclear boats carry more weapons on average than conventional subs, thus letting them stay in the fight longer, inflicting more lethal results on opponents."

As the Undersea Grows More Contested, U.S. Navy Subs are the Right Response - Defense Opinion The U.S. Navy should pursue the concept of teaming manned units -- like attack submarines -- with unmanned units as the best method to maximize combat potential.

The conversations from America’s Future Fleet 2025 are now available to watch. Senior leaders and experts examine how the United States builds, fields, and fights the future fleet.

View the full panels and keynotes at:

Center for Maritime Strategy On December 4, 2025 the Center for Maritime Strategy and the Naval War College Foundation co-hosted its fourth symposium, “America’s Future Fleet: Foundry, Fleet, and Fight,” at the Navy League of the United States Headquarters in Arlington, VA. The symposium brought together notable members o...