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Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC)

@cimsec.bsky.social

150 followers 18 following 150 posts

Non-partisan think tank building a global community of practitioners and academics in maritime security. CIMSEC is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank. https://cimsec.org/

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Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 2d

"Building Tactical Excellence: How SWCTC Supports LT Breen’s Call for Higher SWO Proficiency"

The Surface Warfare Combat Training Continuum (SWCTC) is transforming how the Navy builds tactical readiness by tracking proficiency—not just qualification.

cimsec.org/building-tac...

Building Tactical Excellence: How SWCTC Supports LT Breen’s Call for Higher SWO Proficiency | Center for International Maritime Security

By LCDR Jeffrey Bolstad (ASW/SUW WTI) and LT Matthew Bain (ASW/SUW WTI) In his recent CIMSEC article, “Reprioritize SWO Tactical Qualifications for the High-End Fight,” LT Seth Breen underscores a pre...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 2d

"Strategic Minerals and the False Promise of Seabed Mining"

Metals Company’s bid to mine Pacific seabeds marks a desperate turn for private seabed mining. With China’s dominance in mineral processing, the deep-sea gold rush may be over already.

cimsec.org/strategic-mi...

Strategic Minerals and the False Promise of Seabed Mining | Center for International Maritime Security

By Drake Long On April 29, a small seabed mining enterprise known as The Metals Company (TMC) formally submitted an application to NOAA to commence commercial-scale mining in an area of the ocean know...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 4d

"Made In China 2025’s Impact on Chinese Shipbuilding"

China’s Made in China 2025 and military-civil fusion transformed its shipbuilding industry. Yet inefficiency, dependence on foreign parts, and overcapacity show limits to Beijing’s industrial model.

cimsec.org/made-in-chin...

Made In China 2025’s Impact on Chinese Shipbuilding | Center for International Maritime Security

By Dan Katz Ten years ago, the Chinese Communist Party, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, introduced two major policy initiatives: Made in China 2025 and military-civil fusion. Each represents an up...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 5d

Notes to the New CNO Series Concludes on CIMSEC

For the past two weeks, CIMSEC featured short notes submitted to our Call for Notes to the New CNO.

Featured articles and authors are listed at the link below, and we thank them for their contributions.

cimsec.org/notes-to-the...

Notes to the New CNO Series Concludes on CIMSEC | Center for International Maritime Security

By Dmitry Filipoff For the past two weeks, CIMSEC featured short notes submitted to our Call for Notes to the New CNO. In this special series, authors conveyed their thoughts on what they believe are ...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 8d

Notes to the New CNO - Three Focus Areas for the New CNO

Shipyards dominate headlines, but the Navy must also tackle physical fitness, unify education, and elevate cyber as a warfighting domain. These reforms are essential as the Davidson Window closes.

cimsec.org/three-focus-...

Three Focus Areas for the New CNO | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Jacob Wiencek The U.S. Navy faces multiple, simultaneous pressures that necessitate equal levels of attention. We face legendary shipyard pressures with critical project...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 9d

Notes to the New CNO - Navigate the Future Through Maritime Wisdom

Maritime power is rooted in centuries of strategic wisdom—from Sun Tzu to Mahan. Today’s sailors must draw on this tradition to face modern threats and ensure sea power endures.

cimsec.org/navigate-the...

Navigate the Future Through Maritime Wisdom | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Roshan Kulatunga Subtle intellect remains the most essential trait for individuals steering maritime power. Yet the acquisition of maritime wisdom is not an overnight en...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 9d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Technical Interoperability in Contested Environments is a Must

The CNO warns the margin for error is shrinking. The Navy must interoperable yet resilient field systems—prioritizing modular, open, and distributed designs.

cimsec.org/technical-in...

Technical Interoperability in Contested Environments is a Must | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Nicholas A. Kristof In his remarks at his assumption of office ceremony, Admiral Caudle stated that, “Great power competition is sharpening, threats and capabilities are...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 9d

Notes to the New CNO - Rugby and Rivalry: Use Sports Diplomacy to Counter China in the South Pacific

PRC influence is rising in the South Pacific despite US outreach—the US Navy can use sports diplomacy to compete for influence in Pacific Island nations.

cimsec.org/rugby-and-ri...

Rugby and Rivalry: Use Sports Diplomacy to Counter China in the South Pacific | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Jason Lancaster Despite U.S. and allied development aid contributions dwarfing PRC contributions in the South Pacific, the PRC has made significant regional gains in inf...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 10d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Conduct Legal Preparation of the Battlespace

The US once shaped maritime law, from the Code of Naval Warfare to the Freedom of Navigation program. Revitalizing Navy influence in maritime law is essential for future sea power.

cimsec.org/legal-prepar...

Conduct Legal Preparation of the Battlespace | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By James Kraska The U.S. Navy must rebuild its capacity to shape and influence international maritime law. Since the first Code of Naval Warfare was published at the U.S. N...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 10d

Notes to the New CNO Week - The Imperative for Integrated Maritime Operations

The ARG/MEU remains vital, but modern threats demand deeper Navy–Marine Corps integration to build a path towards a more lethal, agile naval force.

cimsec.org/the-imperati...

The Imperative for Integrated Maritime Operations | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Steven Bancroft and Benjamin Van Horrick The Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) team serves as the cornerstone of America’s forward-deployed, rap...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 10d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Start Building Small Warships

The US needs smaller, well-armed ships to complement its destroyer fleet. The Lightly Manned Automated Combat Capability (LMACC) offers a leap in capability for future conflicts.

cimsec.org/start-buildi...

Start Building Small Warships | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Shelley Gallup and Ben DiDonato In past wars, small and well-armed ships have been a necessary complement to the large, multipurpose ships that dominate today’s U.S. Nav...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 11d

Notes to the New CNO Week - The Indian Ocean: An Opportunity to Strengthen Alliances and Deter China

Alliances must go global, with permanent European naval presence in the Indian Ocean—partnered with the U.S. Navy.

cimsec.org/the-indian-o...

The Indian Ocean: An Opportunity to Strengthen Alliances and Deter China | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Captain Renato Scarfi, (Italian Navy, Ret.) and Captain Gian Carlo Poddighe (Italian Navy, Ret.) Today, the new global order imposes a different vision of alliances. On ...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 11d

Notes to the New CNO Week - To Win the Fight, We Must First Win the Mind: Create NDP-1.1 Naval Warfighting

The Navy needs a philosophy—a new NDP-1.1 Naval Warfighting could give Sailors a common framework for decision-making & elevate the art of command.

cimsec.org/to-win-the-f...

To Win the Fight, We Must First Win the Mind: Create NDP-1.1 Naval Warfighting | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Paul Nickell The new CNO’s vision to place the Sailor at the center of the Foundry, the Fleet, and the Way We Fight provides a powerful focus for the U.S. Navy. The endu...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 11d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Expand the Navy’s Over-the Horizon Targeting Solutions

Space-based Long-Range Kill Chains can fix the Navy’s over-the-horizon ISR gap — but the fleet must utilize modernized maritime requirements now.

cimsec.org/expand-the-n...

Expand the Navy’s Over-the Horizon Targeting Solutions | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Richard Mosier Since the fielding of the Harpoon missile in the 1970s and the original Tomahawk Anti-ship Missile (TASM) in 1982, maritime over-the-horizon targeting has...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 12d

Sea Control 587 — 20 Years Past the Military Response to Hurricane Katrina

Elaine Helm joins to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and her time embedded with US military during rescue operations in New Orleans and Houston.

sea-control.simplecast.com/episodes/sea...

Sea Control 587: 20 Years Past the military response to Hurricane Katrina | Sea Control

Elaine Helm joins the program to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and her time as a journalist embedded with the US military during their response and recovery operations in New O...

sea-control.simplecast.com

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 12d

Notes to the New CNO Week - A Navy for War in the Age of Intelligent Missiles

Short-range fires are giving way to long-range missiles and distributed sensors. Future kill chains favor low-signature shooters & expendable drones — not legacy platforms.

cimsec.org/navy-for-war...

A Navy for War in the Age of Intelligent Missiles | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Craig Koerner The U.S. model of delivering firepower continues to predominantly take the form of short-range weapons delivered from smart and expensive tactical platform...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 12d

Notes to the New CNO - Anchor Acquisition and Force Development on Targeting China’s C4ISR

As the Davidson window looms, the Navy must prioritize neutralizing PRC C4ISR to defeat A2/AD, by prioritizing electronic warfare, cyber, comms, and space.

cimsec.org/anchor-acqui...

Anchor Acquisition and Force Development on Targeting China’s C4ISR | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Nicholas Weising Admiral Daryl Caudle’s tenure as CNO began on August 25th, 2025, meaning his four-year term includes the end of the Davidson window in 2027, when China ...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 15d

Notes to the New CNO - The Submarine Force Needs More Flexible Training Tools

Scarce shore attack centers leave shipyard submarines undertrained. Low-cost “attack-center-in-a-box” and tabletop wargames can keep crews sharp during availabilities.

cimsec.org/the-submarin...

The Submarine Force Needs More Flexible Training Tools | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Andrew Pfau and Bridger Smith Shore-based team trainers – attack centers – are critical for submarine crews preparing for deployment to exercise the full range of tactic...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 15d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Fix the Navy’s Flawed System of Warfighting Development

Decades of post–Cold War focus left the Navy tactically atrophied. To face China, the Navy needs a service-wide warfighting command to put tactics and lethality first.

cimsec.org/fix-the-navy...

Fix the Navy’s Flawed System of Warfighting Development | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Dmitry Filipoff “After their examination, the recruits should then receive the military mark, and be taught the use of their arms by constant and daily exercise. But thi...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 15d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Revisiting A Modest Proposal for Improving Shipyard Production and Repair Capacity

Shipyard bottlenecks stem from cramming work. A new schedule could double output hours, ease congestion, and boost morale—readiness can’t wait.

cimsec.org/revisiting-a...

Revisiting A Modest Proposal for Improving Shipyard Production and Repair Capacity | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Ryan Walker It came as a great surprise to me that, despite disliking being a submariner in a shipyard, I quite enjoyed working as a test engineer/technician at Electric...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 16d

Notes to the New CNO Week - What Unifies the Foundry, Fleet, and Fighting Triad? Warfighting Focus

Fleet readiness is hollow if warfighting follows admin checklists. The Navy must align manning, training & maintenance to restore warfighting culture.

cimsec.org/what-unifies...

What Unifies the Foundry, Fleet, and Fighting Triad? Warfighting Focus | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By CDR Paul Viscovich, USN (Ret.) Which part of a spear makes it lethal? The shaft. Without its alignment of all vectors behind the tip, a spear is no more deadly than a st...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 17d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Train to Win Below the Threshold of War

The PRC thrives in gray-zone ops below open conflict. To deter, the Navy must develop real tactics for the space in between peacetime and high-end warfighting. Deterrence demands nuance.

cimsec.org/train-to-win...

Train to Win Below the Threshold of War | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Vince Vanterpool In support of developing a new Navy Deterrence Concept, the U.S. Navy needs to develop and train to new tactics and techniques in how to operate just be...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 17d

Notes to the New CNO Week - We are at Risk of Forgetting the Lessons of the 2017 Collisions

The Navy learned lessons after the 2017 collisions, but recent near-misses suggest risks remain. Have fixes truly worked—or just been checked off?

cimsec.org/dont-forget-...

We are at Risk of Forgetting the Lessons of the 2017 Collisions | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By John Cordle A common saying in safety organizations is to consider the "half-life of scared" as a measure of the decay of institutional urgency after an accident. In 201...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 18d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Sink the Kill Chain: A Navy Space Guide to Protecting Ships and Sailors

Win in space—or lose at sea.

To survive China’s killchain, we must treat space & C-C5ISRT as core warfighting domains. If we can’t hide, we can’t fight.

cimsec.org/sink-the-kil...

Sink the Kill Chain: A Navy Space Guide to Protecting Ships and Sailors | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Alan Brechbill Admiral Caudle’s first message to the fleet outlined three priorities: the Foundry; the Fleet and the way we Fight. These priorities cannot be realized wi...

Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) @cimsec.bsky.social · 18d

Notes to the New CNO Week - Accelerate Human-Machine Teaming in the Maritime Operations Center

The Navy must accelerate AI-driven human-machine teaming in Maritime Operations Centers. The fight is multi-domain. The time to act is now.

cimsec.org/accelerate-h...

Accelerate Human-Machine Teaming in the Maritime Operations Center | Center for International Maritime Security

Notes to the New CNO Series By Michael Posey To maintain maritime superiority in this era of trans-regional, multi-domain warfare, the Navy must accelerate human-machine teaming within Maritime Operat...