One Atlantic: The Navy’s Evolving Blueprint for Global Agility

Original Broadcast 4/27/25

Presented by Maximus

Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, joined Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose at Sea-Air-Space 2025 to offer a detailed look at the Navy’s strategic evolution through the “One Atlantic” concept. This approach aims to break down the traditional command boundaries that have historically limited the flexibility and responsiveness of U.S. naval forces. Instead of rigidly assigning forces to specific combatant commands, “One Atlantic” encourages seamless sharing of assets between the European Theater, Northern Command (NORTHCOM), and now Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The result is a force posture that adapts more dynamically to threats across hemispheres.

Admiral Caudle described how the concept has matured from a theoretical framework into a proven model for operational efficiency. One key benefit is that missions can now be completed with approximately 30% fewer forces compared to traditional force deployment models. This efficiency stems from the ability to reallocate naval assets as needed, regardless of the command boundaries that typically constrain such movements. A recent example involved a Russian submarine excursion in the Caribbean, where naval forces flowed from Europe to NORTHCOM to SOUTHCOM within a single operation.

This strategic flexibility is also proving valuable in the Red Sea. Although the Navy doesn’t refer to it formally as “One Eastern Med,” similar force-sharing principles are enabling rapid support and repair between the Fifth and Sixth Fleets. When ships transit the Suez Canal, they can undergo maintenance or rearm on either side, making the force posture more adaptable and mission-capable.

Beyond organizational agility, Admiral Caudle emphasized the importance of accelerated learning and real-time feedback loops. In past conflicts, it could take a year or more to incorporate lessons from combat into training and doctrine. That timeline has now been reduced to mere days, thanks to the integration of advanced data systems. Strike groups like Eisenhower and Truman are sending data packages—including audio from combat information centers—back to analysis centers in near-real time. This allows Navy leadership and tactical training units to adjust doctrine quickly and effectively.

Caudle pointed out that this change is not just about equipment or strategy but also about people. New training protocols now incorporate live combat lessons, particularly through the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), which prepares carrier strike groups for deployment. The Navy is also enhancing its approach to weapon selection, developing systems that allow for better matching of threats to the most appropriate munitions. This ensures that advanced and expensive weapons aren’t wasted on targets that could be neutralized with less costly alternatives.

He credited Navy institutions like NAVWAR, SURFLANT, and the Dahlgren Center for leading this doctrinal transformation. By collaboratively working to adapt systems on ships and reimagine engagement strategies, these partners are helping the Navy evolve rapidly in the face of modern threats.

One of the more strategic themes of the interview was the growing importance of the Arctic. Caudle reaffirmed his commitment to raising awareness of the region’s strategic value, both in terms of national security and natural resources. As the polar ice caps recede, new maritime routes and contested zones are emerging. Russia’s increasing activity in the region, including territorial claims and military presence, heightens the need for U.S. vigilance.

To that end, the Navy is expanding its presence in the Arctic, working in close partnership with Canada and the U.S. Coast Guard. Caudle highlighted the austere conditions in the region and the need for specialized capabilities in navigation, communications, and cold-weather operations. His recent visit to Ice Camp with Fox News helped draw attention to the harsh realities—and immense strategic importance—of this frontier.

Caudle’s conversation with Francis Rose concluded on a forward-looking note. He described ongoing collaborations with IT leadership in the Navy, including CIO Jane Rathbun, to ensure that agile development and flexible requirements are built into new technologies from the ground up. The goal is not just to respond to today’s operational challenges, but to proactively design systems that can evolve as the Navy’s mission evolves.

In essence, Admiral Caudle’s insights revealed how the Navy is rewriting the playbook for global maritime operations—through strategic agility, real-time learning, technological innovation, and a renewed focus on contested frontiers like the Arctic. The One Atlantic concept is not only a blueprint for today’s missions—it’s a vision for the Navy’s future posture in an increasingly complex global environment.