Can the U.S. Navy Maintain an “Around the World” Presence?

Ray Mabus, who was navy secretary during both Obama Administrations and held that post longer than anyone since World War I, discussed innovation in the Navy – such as the use of green technologies – and the importance of public-private partnerships Thursday at The Cipher Brief’s annual Threat Conference in Sea Island, GA. After receiving a Master’s Degree from Johns Hopkins University, Mabus served as a naval officer aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock. He became the governor of Mississippi and ambassador to Saudi Arabia before returning to the Navy, 37 years later, as secretary. The Cipher Brief’s Kaitlin Lavinder sat down with Mabus after his talk at the conference to discuss in more detail his time at the Navy Department and current naval concerns such as China’s aggression in the South China Sea.  

The Cipher Brief: When many people think of the Navy, they think of ships, and that’s all. Can you talk about the other roles the Navy has in protecting the United States?