"Fighting Instructions": US Navy Shifts Toward Smaller Combat Groups and Unmanned Systems to Replace Carrier Dominance

Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, has unveiled a transformative strategic vision called "Fighting Instructions." This new framework advocates for the deployment of smaller, more specialized naval groups instead of consistently relying on massive aircraft carriers for every global crisis. Central to this vision is the "Hedge Strategy," which emphasizes agility and the integration of unmanned systems and smaller surface combatants to respond to threats like those currently seen off Venezuela and Iran.

Caudle argues that the Navy must move away from "mass dominance alone" toward a model of "Expanded Maritime Maneuver." By utilizing modular force packages—including drones, robotic systems, and littoral combat ships—the Navy can provide commanders with tailored options while reducing the immense strain on carrier strike groups. This shift aligns with the "Golden Fleet" initiative, seeking to build a larger, more resilient fleet that balances high-end platforms with cost-effective, scalable assets for modern contested environments.