Karl Owen Thomas

03/10/2025

03/10/2025

03/10/2025

Success on the water requires a world-class team on the shore.
The hangar bay of the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) served as a powerful backdrop last night as I hosted the local leaders and officials who transformed the vision of Fleet Week into a reality.
The mission was to bring the Navy and Marine Corps to the heart of the fourth-largest city in the U.S., and it was only possible through the dedication of our partners in city government and the local planning committees. These receptions are more than just a formal gathering; they are a celebration of the hospitality and patriotism that define the community.
As we looked out across the deck of this ship, we saw the tangible result of what happens when a maritime nation and its greatest cities work in tandem. Thank you for welcoming our Sailors and Marines with open arms. ⚓️🏙️

03/10/2025

At its core, a Navy is only as strong as the people and the nation it protects.
From the energy sector to the quiet halls of the Children’s Hospitals, Fleet Week has been a powerful testament to the bond between our sea services and the American community.

03/10/2025

It was a week showcasing how the Navy generates and integrates combat-ready forces on the water and alongside partners pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
My engagement at Johnson Space Center with NASA and Artemis II astronaut Capt. Victor Glover highlights what connects sea power and space exploration: teams trained to operate in high-risk environments, executing complex missions with precision and purpose.
That’s how we build advantage and deliver ready forces. -- from Seabed to Space 🌊🛰️

03/10/2025

I had a great tour, visiting several sites at Naval Station Mayport, including LCS Squadron 2, USS Marinette (LCS 25), Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), and several helicopter maritime strike squadrons.

03/10/2025

I was accompanied by Rear Adm. Robert Wirth, commander, Submarine Group 10, to visit several sites at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, including the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) and key naval installations in the Southeast, including Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Naval Station Mayport, and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The purpose of the trip was to assess fleet readiness, review modernization efforts, and engage directly with Sailors, civilian personnel, and their leadership.

03/10/2025

The crew and Captain had the distinct honor of welcoming me aboard for a tour of our exceptional ship. I expressed how impressed I was with the crew’s mission readiness and their commitment to being warfighting ready. It was a great visit. Thanks for honoring me and for treating me like a true leader. 🪖🪖⚓️⚓️

03/10/2025

As I settle into the job, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the “fight” through three distinct but interconnected lenses: High-end warfighting, achieving sustained readiness, and the key enablers that underpin it all. I know the Foundry is running, the Fleet is Ready, and when the nation calls, we will deliver the fight.