By MC2 Michael Ehrlich

Retired Rear Adm. John Padgett speaks to NPS students, faculty and staff on the current state of the submarine force during a guest lecture in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Auditorium, March 3. Padgett made a point to emphasize how decisions made today shape the submarine force for decades to come.

"I don't think it's an overstatement to say that having a strong Navy ensures U.S. prosperity … Sea lanes carry the vast majority of products that are carried around the world," said Padgett. "If you're going to keep your force structure capable of what it's doing today, you have to make the investments in order for those ships to be available in 10 years."

Padgett discussed the impact of the rebalance to the Pacific on the submarine force, and described how developments in new technology yield unexpected possibilities for the community.

"I have no idea what unmanned vehicles will provide for us in the coming years, but I know it will be substantial," he said.

Padgett concluded his presentation by emphasizing the critical balance between maintaining budgets, and accomplishing the future mission through sound investment.

"The [Ohio Class Submarine] replacement is the most survivable and effective sea-based strategic deterrent [on Earth], and is integral to our nation's defense," said Padgett. "I think that it's important, as military professionals, to understand that although budget matters, making good investments is terribly important as well … What we are really talking about is the best investment in value for our Navy."