CNO Caudle Orders Fleet to Achieve ‘Excellence Ashore’

Adm. Caudle’s C-Note #6 emphasizes shore-based readiness as critical to naval power projection. This directive refocuses fleet efforts on infrastructure, sustainment, and combat support capabilities on land to ensure sea dominance.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle issued the sixth C-Note message on March 23, 2026, directing the Navy fleet to prioritize "Excellence Ashore." The note stresses that naval power projection and combat sustainability begin not at sea but ashore — specifically at piers, bases, and support facilities.

The message underscores that the foundation of U.S. naval strength lies in shore-based infrastructure and logistics. Caudle highlights the need to maintain and innovate facilities to ensure the fleet’s ability to deploy, resupply, and recover effectively in any conflict scenario.

Strategically, this guidance signals a shift toward strengthening homeland and forward base readiness as global naval competition intensifies. Shore facilities enable rapid force generation, sustainment, and repair, which are critical as peer adversaries expand their maritime capabilities.

Technically, the initiative involves upgrading port infrastructure, enhancing maintenance depots, and improving logistics chains. It prioritizes investments in technologies that increase sortie generation rates and support complex warfighting operations from land bases.

This note likely presages increased funding and organizational reforms to bolster shore establishments. By reinforcing "Excellence Ashore," the Navy aims to secure uncontested sea control amid escalating Great Power maritime competition, ensuring operational endurance and readiness.