A littoral combat ship launches a powerful Standard SM-6 missile for the first time while another LCS shepherds the largest-ever deployment of unmanned surface vessels – all while the US Navy’s medium and large-scale unmanned surface vessel programs are stalled. The Americans and Chinese have a larger-than-usual number of ships at sea – but is it a surge or just a coincidence? And the Marinette group of shipyard in Wisconsin has built up, modernized, and is getting set to swing into full-scale frigate production. We’ll discuss some of the things we saw in our recent visit.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…Fincantieri’s Marine Group of shipyards is not only building ships but it’s greatly expanded its facilities and ability to move into full-bore production of the US Navy’s new Constellation-class frigates. We went to Wisconsin to see their yards and to talk with CEO of Finatieri Marinette Marine Mark Vandroff, who will fill us in on what’s happening now and what’s soon to come.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…the U. S. Navy’s 248th Birthday seems a great time to check back with the U. S. Navy Memorial and the organization’s president and CEO, Retired US Navy Rear Admiral Frank Thorp, who will fill us in on how organizations like his help celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…What is going on in the South China Sea? Sam LaGrone of USNI News joins us to discuss the first in a series of articles based on the seven-week trip this summer by reporter Mallory Shelbourne. First up is a great story detailing a long patrol over the Nine-Dash Line aboard a US Navy patrol aircraft.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…A special report, at sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. The ship emerged in May from the longest-ever overhaul of any US aircraft carrier and is working up to return next year as the US Navy’s forward-deployed carrier in Japan. You’ll hear from the ship’s captain and others we talked to during a two-day embark at sea.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…the view from Oceana: We caught up with newly-installed commander of Naval Air Forces Atlantic, Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, at the recent Naval Air Station Oceana air show. We talked about some of his greatest challenges, including maintenance of the US Navy’s air fleet, along with the recruitment and retention of sailors and aviators. Stay tuned for a great discussion from the flight line.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…The U.S. Navy’s largest mishap involving almost a dozen destroyers occurred off the coast of California 100 years ago. What lessons from the infamous Honda Point incident remain relevant today? And what can we learn from the introduction of new technology whether it be uncrewed or involve advanced manufacturing? We talk to retired Navy Captain and noted navalist Dr. Jerry Hendrix for his take as well as a look at breaking news out of the Black Sea. 

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…Is the US Navy focused on its mission? Is it doing what it should to prepare to keep the peace and to be ready to fight if need be? A recent piece in the New York Times raised those questions. Navalist Bryan McGrath joins us to break down some of those issues.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…Lockheed Martin is matching the Patriot Advanced Capability Three missile interceptor with its Aegis Weapon System SPY-1 radar – a potentially significant advance in anti-missile defense. Will talk about that and more with two of Lockheed’s top missile and fire control executives.

Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…Admiral Lisa Franchetti is the US Navy’s top uniformed officer but – for now – she cannot be confirmed as the next Chief of Naval Operations. So, as acting CNO, where should she focus her efforts? Naval analyst Bryan Clark zeroes in on what can be done in the short term, where she might have a more immediate impact. We’ll dive into the specifics right after taking a look at this week’s naval news.

Please send us feedback by DM’ing @CavasShips or @CSSProvision or you can email chriscavas@gmail.com or cservello@defaeroreport.com.