Adm. Daryl Caudle

NEWPORT NEWS, Va.

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

27 August 2022

Good morning everyone – Under Secretary Raven, Representatives Luria, Scott, and Wittman; Ms. Boykin; fellow Flag Officers; distinguished guests; and most importantly, Ms. Katie Ledecky and Ms. Simone Biles – our ship sponsors – thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to celebrate and mark this milestone event and witness the re-birth of a namesake whose story and legend reaches back beyond the founding of this great nation – and that name is … ENTERPRISE.

· It is a great honor and a distinct privilege to represent the Fleet here today as the Commander of U-S Fleet Forces Command and Commander of the Atlantic Fleet. As we tack the first welds on the keel of the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier – establishing the strong and unwavering foundation of the most technologically advanced, most formidable, and most recognizable symbol of our nation’s dedication to freedom and democracy around the world – we also bear witness to the re-forging and passing on of its proud legacy.

 

 

************* FUTURE FORCE *************

· Laying the keel of the future U-S-S ENTERPRISE is truly a monumental occasion – not only for the countless designers, welders, metal workers, electricians, and master craftsmen whose unmatched expertise, ingenuity, hard work, and dedication will bring this modern marvel to life – but for the countless Sailors who will embark and sail her around the globe in times of peace, in times of competition, and if necessary, in times of war to defend our homeland, our partners and our allies – ensuring our freedom and way of life remains strong and viable for decades to come.

· The name ‘ENTERPRISE’ has a long and distinguished history of honorable service to our nation – as I mentioned moments ago, the name ENTERPRISE is firmly rooted in naval history. From the fight for our own independence to World War II to the Cold War and September 11th, ships named ENTERPRISE have been on the front lines.

· CVN-80 will be the 9th ship to bear the name and there is no doubt that she too will sail into harm’s way to represent and defend our Nation.

· From sails to nuclear propulsion, from sloops to aircraft carriers, and from aircraft carriers to starships, the name ENTERPRISE has been an enduring symbol of American maritime ingenuity, innovation, speed, endurance, and might.

· As Fleet Forces Commander, one of my primary missions is to set the conditions for, underwrite, and enable our Fleet to maneuver with purpose in order to mass lethal effects in and through all domains from the seabed to space.

· While we work to proceed at the speed of relevance, operating in this complex and challenged maritime era, where readiness is at a premium, ENTERPRISE will be key to advancing the idea of Integrated Deterrence through its enhanced capabilities - including its unmatched mobility and range; its advanced command, control, and communication systems; its life of ship nuclear power plant; and perhaps most important, its ability to deliver the most robust and lethal next generation strike aircraft at unprecedented pace and persistency.

· And, as with every aircraft carrier since the historic construction of the first – the patriots and master

shipbuilders here in Newport News Shipbuilding have poured every ounce of their devotion and commitment into these magnificent vessels.

· Carriers including the most unique and first nuclear powered carrier, ‘CVN-65’, as well as her conventional predecessor, ‘CV-6’ who earned 20 battle stars in the Pacific during World War II – the name ENTERPRISE brings fear and awe to our adversaries.

· There’s no question that the FORD and NIMITZ Class carriers will continue to serve as the most visible, powerful representation of U-S sovereignty – standing constant watch in the far reaches of the world, as they have proudly done for over 100 years.

· And though ENTERPRISE’S keel is the foundation of the ship, our talented and dedicated shipyard workers are the foundation of its creation. They are an integral part of our nation’s only enduring competitive advantage against our adversaries.

· These skilled experts will continue to work tirelessly over the next decades forging, refueling, and outfitting our carrier fleet so our Sailors will never enter a ‘fair fight’ when defending this nation –

because it is the Sailors who will serve onboard these combat vessels who represent our greatest advantage against the malign forces of the world, and it is these Sailors who will once again make ‘BIG E’ truly unique and special.

 

************* CLOSING *************

· So, I want thank you all for not only what you have done to pave the way for ENTERPRISE, but for what you WILL do for the future of our Carrier Force, our Navy, and our Nation.