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Listen "Ret. RADM Terry Kraft on Aircraft Carriers Adapting to Future War"
Episode Synopsis
When RADM Terry Kraft, USN (ret.), flew his first combat mission during Desert Storm, 20 years of Cold War training doctrine changed in a single night of anti-aircraft fire so dense "you could walk on it." His experience commanding the USS Ronald Reagan's maiden deployment and flying 40 combat missions gives insights into leadership adaptation under extreme pressure and the evolution of naval warfare tactics.
Now serving as President & CEO of The USS Midway Museum, Terry demonstrates how military leadership principles translate to civilian organizations, from managing 750 volunteers to preserving 80-year-old Naval hardware. His approach to command — built on direct access rather than hierarchical communication — offers practical frameworks for leaders managing large, distributed teams in high-stakes environments.
Resources:
A-6E Intruder
CNO Rapid Innovation Center
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Valiant Shield
USS Midway Museum
USS Enterprise
USS Ronald Reagan
Topics Discussed:
How Desert Storm combat experience forced immediate abandonment of Cold War low-altitude attack doctrine when anti-aircraft artillery proved more dangerous than sophisticated missile systems.
The leadership philosophy of providing direct access to command through post-meeting question sessions and ship-produced television programming to connect with 5,000-person crews.
Why aircraft carriers remain relevant as adaptable platforms for future warfare technologies.
The CNO Rapid Innovation Center's approach to fleet innovation to drive deck-plate solutions and identify bureaucratic barriers.
Emissions control operations that prepared carrier groups for great-power competition by operating without radar or comms.
The institutional challenge of defense technology adoption, where the average new system is older than the sailors using it, and strategies for innovation despite 18-year procurement cycles.
Maintaining operational leadership credibility through technical proficiency and regular engagement with frontline operations.
How naval traditions like crossing-the-line ceremonies maintain unit cohesion and shared identity across technological generations.
The strategic value of aircraft carriers hosting international military leaders as tools for demonstrating freedom of navigation principles.
Museum leadership lessons from transitioning military command experience to civilian volunteer management.
Now serving as President & CEO of The USS Midway Museum, Terry demonstrates how military leadership principles translate to civilian organizations, from managing 750 volunteers to preserving 80-year-old Naval hardware. His approach to command — built on direct access rather than hierarchical communication — offers practical frameworks for leaders managing large, distributed teams in high-stakes environments.
Resources:
A-6E Intruder
CNO Rapid Innovation Center
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Valiant Shield
USS Midway Museum
USS Enterprise
USS Ronald Reagan
Topics Discussed:
How Desert Storm combat experience forced immediate abandonment of Cold War low-altitude attack doctrine when anti-aircraft artillery proved more dangerous than sophisticated missile systems.
The leadership philosophy of providing direct access to command through post-meeting question sessions and ship-produced television programming to connect with 5,000-person crews.
Why aircraft carriers remain relevant as adaptable platforms for future warfare technologies.
The CNO Rapid Innovation Center's approach to fleet innovation to drive deck-plate solutions and identify bureaucratic barriers.
Emissions control operations that prepared carrier groups for great-power competition by operating without radar or comms.
The institutional challenge of defense technology adoption, where the average new system is older than the sailors using it, and strategies for innovation despite 18-year procurement cycles.
Maintaining operational leadership credibility through technical proficiency and regular engagement with frontline operations.
How naval traditions like crossing-the-line ceremonies maintain unit cohesion and shared identity across technological generations.
The strategic value of aircraft carriers hosting international military leaders as tools for demonstrating freedom of navigation principles.
Museum leadership lessons from transitioning military command experience to civilian volunteer management.
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