NORFOLK, Va. — Adm. Daryl Caudle used his first all-hands call as the Navy’s 34th chief of naval operations to set a brisk tone on readiness, warfighting and sailor-focused leadership, addressing a hangar bay packed with crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at Naval Station Norfolk on Aug. 28.
The event marked Caudle’s inaugural fleet visit as CNO and a stage to outline his priorities, which he framed around three lines of effort: The Foundry, The Fleet, and The Way We Fight. He underscored the centrality of sailors to the service’s competitive edge, telling those assembled, “Let there be no doubt that the single greatest and enduring competitive advantage against our adversaries is all of you—the Sailors. You are the engine that brings our ships to life, ensures our equipment performs with maximum endurance and efficacy, and delivers the lethal ordnance to win in combat.”
Truman’s commanding officer, Capt. Daniel Prochazka, called the stop a point of pride for the carrier and its crew. “Having Adm. Caudle choose Truman for his first all-hands call as CNO was a powerful moment for this crew and for the fleet,” said Prochazka. “Our Sailors came home from deployment combat-tested and proud, and that spirit was on full display as they welcomed him aboard. It was a meaningful start to his tenure and a reminder of Norfolk’s central role in the strength of our Navy.”
Caudle described a strategic focus on operational readiness, force generation and warfighting excellence. “Our Navy must be resilient, agile, globally present, and combat credible—ready to fight and win decisively – today, tomorrow, and well into the future,” said Caudle. “To achieve this vision, everything we do will be viewed through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the Foundry, the Fleet, and the way we Fight.”
He also opened the floor for questions, took feedback, and recognized several sailors’ achievements, including by presenting a challenge coin. “Being recognized by the CNO at his first fleet event is something I’m proud of, but it really reflects the hard work of my division,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Juncker, who received a challenge coin from Caudle. “We put a lot into keeping our gear ready, and this shows our effort makes a difference.”
“Having the CNO come here first shows he really wants to connect with Sailors,” said Seaman Eliana Gilson, a Sailor of the quarter aboard Truman. “For me, being early in my career, it makes the Navy feel a little smaller and more personal.”
Before departing, Caudle voiced confidence in the fleet’s ability to deter and, if necessary, fight and win alongside allies and partners. “With battle-ready Sailors like you manning the helm, our Fleet delivers overwhelming effects like no other in the world: mobility, persistent presence, and global reach—causing our adversaries to think twice, while reassuring our allies that peace is best kept through strength,” said Caudle.
A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Caudle is a career submariner and a magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University. He has commanded at every level, most recently leading U.S. Fleet Forces Command before assuming duties as CNO earlier this month.
USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class carrier and flagship of the Truman Strike Group, is homeported in Norfolk. Carrier Strike Groups are central to the Navy’s forward presence, sea control and power projection.
