![]() In the context of how the Seventh Fleet and the carriers would respond, our job was to launch nuclear weapons when so ordered. ![]() We had a requirement to stand down every now and then to simulate the war plan launching of nuclear weapons, and this went on all over the fleet, as I far as I know. I’m just the skipper of a carrier and my job is to get the guys over the beach and back safely. In the context of global warfare, throughout that whole period of time, the Russians and their Pacific Fleet modernized a lot and clearly got to be bigger and better than our Pacific Fleet. So I commanded an aircraft carrier in Vietnam, focused on running strikes 24/7. ![]() I’m no academic, I’m a tactician, and you try to get the immediate job done. You have to put yourself back in the position of being an operator, and I myself was an operator when the Vietnam War was coming to an end. It’s helpful to begin by providing some context. How did you learn about the Swing Strategy as a senior commander and begin to change the war plans for the Navy? In this conversation, Admiral Hayward discusses how he came to learn of the Swing Strategy, how he initiated efforts to revise war plans, and how he advocated for these changes as commander of the Pacific Fleet and as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). In honor of his memory, we are republishing his interview with CIMSEC that featured in last year’s maritime strategy series.ĬIMSEC discussed the 1980s Maritime Strategy with Admiral Tom Hayward (ret.), who initiated much of the Navy’s efforts toward changing war plans and adopting a more offensive role that would later be embodied in the Maritime Strategy. Navy for nearly 40 years and finished his career as Chief of Naval Operations during a pivotal time in the Cold War and U.S. Hayward, who passed away on March 3 at 97. ![]() CIMSEC regrets the passing of Admiral Thomas B. ![]()
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