Aug 27, 2025 - Technology

Navy secretary wants "maritime supremacy" from new office

Colin Demarest

Man in a navy suit, white shirt, and striped tie stands in front of a dark background with blurred people and objects behind him. — U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan exits the Anduril Industries booth at a defense conference outside of Washington, D.C. Photo: Colin Demarest/Axios

The U.S. Navy is cannibalizing innovation offices and resources dedicated to the Replicator drone-counter-drone initiative to establish a new entity, the Naval Rapid Capabilities Office.

Why it matters: The NRCO is charged with assessing and fielding materiel to ensure "U.S. maritime supremacy," according to an Aug. 19 memo from Navy Secretary John Phelan.

The office director, not named in the document, will report directly to the secretary.

Its portfolio will cover "all naval warfare domains," with priorities also reviewed by the chief of naval operations and the Marine Corps commandant.

Context: Creation of the NRCO appears to be a response to an April executive order meant to overhaul defense acquisition and invigorate the industrial base.

Zoom in: The Disruptive Capabilities Office, Maritime Accelerated Response Capability Cell and NavalX are being absorbed. As are the Navy's closely guarded Replicator activities.

Additional organizations could also be incorporated, according to the memo, which seeks recommendations.

What's next: The next 60 days look busy.

Tasks laid out in the memo include identifying secure office space, crafting a communications plan and recommending at least five programs for prioritization.

Go deeper: U.S. Navy leaders agree: "Embrace the robots"

Add Axios on Google

Navy secretary wants "maritime supremacy" from new office

What to read next