The U.S. Navy is working on a comprehensive wartime response plan aimed at enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of its ships and crews in combat situations. The plan, known as the Global Maritime Response Plan, is being developed by the head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Daryl Caudle.

The need for a new response plan has become apparent as the Navy has faced ongoing challenges in the Middle East, specifically in regions like the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. Houthi militants in Yemen have been targeting naval and merchant ships, military forces onshore, and even Israeli targets with missiles and drones.

Under the current Optimized Fleet Response Plan, ships, planes, and submarines are prepared for routine deployments through a cycle of training, deployment, and maintenance. However, Adm. Caudle believes that a more rapid transition to a warfighting footing is necessary. The Global Maritime Response Plan aims to supplement the existing plan to ensure the Navy can swiftly respond and engage in combat if required.

A key focus of the plan is to increase the number of vessels and crew members ready for deployment at a moment's notice. Adm. Caudle and his team are studying various factors, such as maintenance requirements, training acceleration, and potential reassignment of personnel to combat-focused positions. The fleet maintenance officer, Rear Adm. Dianna Wolfson, is leading efforts to develop a similar plan for combatants and amphibious ships.

To ensure ships can remain in the fight once deployed and quickly recover from battle damage, the Navy is exploring options for efficient repairs. The Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center in Naples, Italy; Rota, Spain; and Manama, Bahrain has been reinforced with additional technicians and parts. The Navy also plans to involve industry partners, including defense contractors, to address repairs affecting warfighting systems.

Furthermore, the Navy is considering partnerships with shipyards in allied countries to conduct maintenance overseas. This initiative would allow up to six U.S.-based ships to undergo repairs in foreign ports for periods of up to 90 days. The goal is to improve collaboration with foreign repair facilities, expand their understanding of American ship designs and systems, and lay the groundwork for potential emergency repairs.

Adm. Caudle and his team aim to have the Global Maritime Response Plan drafted by the end of the year, providing operational commanders with better data and resources to make informed decisions in the event of a major conflict. The Navy is committed to ensuring the readiness and combat effectiveness of its forces to protect national security interests around the world.

The development of this new response plan showcases the Navy's dedication to continually improving its capabilities and adaptability in an ever-changing global security landscape.