Rear Admiral Scott Pappano, a highly experienced submarine program manager, has been appointed as the principal military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition.
Pappano, who previously oversaw the construction of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and expertise, especially during a period where the Navy’s submarine construction and industrial base management are in the spotlight. His role will be versatile and pivotal to the Navy as it maneuvers through the complexities of the trilateral defense pact between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Bryan Clark, a Hudson Institute fellow and retired Navy submariner, noted, “That job in a lot of ways is sort of whatever the acquisition executive wants it to be. You don’t really have your own independent portfolio… As the acquisition deputy — whatever the ASN RDA needs you to do is what you do.”
Pappano’s predecessor, Vice Adm. Frank Morley, had an outsized role in the deputy position due to delays in Senate confirmation of Nicholas Guertin as acquisition executive. Now that Guertin holds the office, Pappano is expected to play an instrumental role in managing the submarine industrial base and supply chain improvements.
In light of these challenges, Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Tom Emmer introduced the Ammunition Supply Chain Act, requiring the Executive Branch to report to Congress on domestic smokeless gunpowder supplies. The act represents a critical step toward understanding and improving U.S. production capabilities.
Jason Vanderbrink, co-CEO of Vista Outdoor, the world’s largest ammunitions maker, stressed, “The ammunition market depends on a robust supply of nitrocellulose, global strain on supply threatens freedom and impacts those who protect and serve.”
Relevant articles:
– time sub manager, as new acquisition advisor, Breaking Defense
– Navy taps Pappano, long-time sub manager, as new acquisition advisor, newsbreak.com
– To counter China, the US must strengthen ammunition production, Breaking Defense
– Transition TAP, MyNavyHR (.mil)