April 7, 2000
U.S. Navy in the 21st Century has an enduring mission of Maritime Dominance to be ensured by operational primacy through sufficient number of ships, properly trained and equipped officers and sailors, and success in emerging missions: Theatre Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD) as part of Theatre Air Dominance and Long-Range Precision Strike as part of Land Attack. The response to potential aggression from adversaries will be continued emphasis on Assured Access and its corollary, Projected Defense: the ability to defend ourselves and forces ashore with at sea forces, forward and engaged. These capabilities can be exercised without regard to access and sovereignty issues that hamper rapid and effective use of land-based forces. The 21st Century also demands defining and developing our next generation Air Defense Systems. The attention must turn to ever more demanding threats as TBMs and overland cruise missiles proliferate in the hands of potential enemies. The speakers will provide perspective on these new challenges and opportunities as the dawn breaks on the 21st Century.
Rear Admiral Michael G. Mullen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968, from Destroyer school in 1971, obtained a Master's degree in Operations Research in 1985 and attended the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 1991. His first assignment was aboard the USS COLLETT followed by duty aboard USS BLANDY. In 1973 Rear Adm. Mullen assumed command of the USS NOXUBEE and later served as Chief Engineer aboard USS FOX and as Executive Officer, USS STERETT before taking over as Commanding Officer, USS GOLDSBOROUGH. From 1992-94, he served as Commanding Officer, USS YORKTOWN and in August 1996, he served as Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group TWO (George Washington Battle Group). His duties ashore included, Executive Assistant to the Commandant, USNA, (1975-78); Director, Division Officer Course, Surface Warfare Officer's School, (1987); staff assistant for Navy Programs, OSD (1989-91); Director, Surface Officer Distribution Division/Surface Captain Detailer, Bureau of Naval Personnel, (1994-95); Surface Warfare Plans/Programs/Requirements Division (1995-96) and Deputy Director, Surface Warfare Division (1996). Since May 1998, Rear Adm. Mullen has been at the Office of the CNO where is currently serving as Director, Surface Warfare Division.
Rear Admiral Rodney P. Rempt graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1966 and holds Master's degrees in Systems Analysis from Stanford University and in Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Initial assignments at sea included deployments to Vietnam as TERRIER Missile Officer aboard USS COONTZ and Weapons Officer aboard USS SOMERS. His first sea command was USS ANTELOPE and he also commanded USS CALLAGHAN during two WESTPAC/Indian Ocean deployments, winning the Battle Efficiency "E" in two different squadrons. He later commanded USS BUNKER HILL and served as Anti-Air Warfare Commander (AAWC) for SEVENTH Fleet and led the MIDWAY Battle Group in winning the Fleet AAW Award from amongst the nine battle groups deploying to WESTPAC in 1989. His acquisition experience began in 1975 with three years in the Weapon Prototyping Office of NAVSEASYSCOM, including duties as the initial project officer for the MK 41 Vertical Launch system. He also served on the CNO's Staff as Program Coordinator for the AEGIS Weapon System. Additional duties ashore included a year as the Director of the PCO/PXO department at the Surface Warfare Officers Schools Command and as the Director, Anti-Air Warfare Requirements Division on the CNO's staff. Rear Admiral Rempt also worked in the Theater Defense Directorate of BMDO where he initiated the development of Naval TBMD. He was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral by the FY 1994 Flag Selection Board and was subsequently ordered to be Head, Surface Ships and Combat Systems on the staff CNO. In June 1994, the CNO assigned Rear Admiral Rempt as the Director, Theater Air Defense, where he was responsible for establishing requirements, planning and budgeting AEGIS, STANDARD Missile, Surface Launchers, Cooperative Engagement and ship self defense systems. In July 1996 Rear Adm. Rempt assumed duties as Program Executive Officer, Theater Air Defense (PEO TAD). In this capacity he provided leadership for more than 25 air defense programs including serving as the U.S. Steering Committee Member for the NATO Seasparrow and Rolling Airframe Missile multi national programs. As PEO, Rear Adm. Rempt continued his direction of the Navy's growing TBMD program, advanced battle management systems, and future force protection systems. In May 1998, as part of a larger Systems Command/PEO restructure, Rear Adm. Rempt was assigned as the first Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Theater Combat Systems. As such, he is the principle advisor on the introduction of Naval TBMD and the development of advanced shipboard combat systems. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (Third award), the Meritorious Service Medal (Third award), and the Navy