Christopher Cavas
@cavasships.bsky.social
Journalist and commentator specializing in naval, maritime and defense issues. Cohost of the CavasShips Podcast. Former television director. Proud native of Washington DC. Piano player. All comments my own.
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: No holiday here as we reconvene to break down the Pentagon/Navy decision to cancel most of the Constellation-class frigate program. No real plan for what's next, nothing in hand for sure. + LINCOLN group deploys, last LCS delivered defaeroreport.com/2025/11/28/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Nov 28, ’25] Ep: 219 Talking Turkey on the Navy's Decision to Move Away From Frigates - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:32 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: No holiday here as we reconvene to break down the Pentagon/Navy decision to cancel most of the Constellation-class frigate program. No real plan for what's next, nothing in hand for sure. + LINCOLN group deploys, last LCS delivered defaeroreport.com/2025/11/28/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Pentagon/Navy acquisition changes; shipbuilding; ASW anti-submarine warfare. Frmr top Navy acquisition chief Nick Guertin handles all this and more. Plus Naval News of the Week Eastern Shipbuilding's Coast Guard program tanks defaeroreport.com/2025/11/21/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Nov 21, ’25] Ep: 218 Nick Guertin on Pentagon Proposed Acquisition Changes & More - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:39 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Pentagon/Navy acquisition changes; shipbuilding; ASW anti-submarine warfare. Frmr top Navy acquisition chief Nick Guertin handles all this and more. Plus Naval News of the Week Eastern Shipbuilding's Coast Guard program tanks defaeroreport.com/2025/11/21/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Submarine Deep Dive with frmr CNO & career submariner ret. ADM Jonathan Greenert, who gives his thoughts on sub construction, building Korean subs in the US, AUKUS, the future of unmanned systems. Plus Naval News of the Wk defaeroreport.com/2025/11/14/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Nov 14, ’25] Ep: 217 Retired Admiral Greenert Discusses the Latest News from the Submarine Force - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:29 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Submarine Deep Dive with frmr CNO & career submariner ret. ADM Jonathan Greenert, who gives his thoughts on sub construction, building Korean subs in the US, AUKUS, the future of unmanned systems. Plus Naval News of the Wk defaeroreport.com/2025/11/14/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: we break down Pentagon Chief Hegseth's 7 Nov acquisition speech - what it calls for, its scope, new or not or different, whether it will work. Plus building ROK nuclear submarines in the US - realistic? And Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/11/07/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Nov 07, ’25] Ep: 216 Review Sec Hegseth's Call for Greater Acquisition Urgency & Speed - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:37 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: we break down Pentagon Chief Hegseth's 7 Nov acquisition speech - what it calls for, its scope, new or not or different, whether it will work. Plus building ROK nuclear submarines in the US - realistic? And Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/11/07/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: tech innovator & naval thinker Greg Glaros dives into WH & Hill shipbuilding effprts, Navy acquisition, robotics & The Golden Fleet. Plus Naval News of the Week and SECNAV deals a heavy blow to a new Navy museum defaeroreport.com/2025/10/31/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Oct 31, ’25] Ep: 215 Noted Naval Thinker, Entrepreneur & Innovator Greg Glaros - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:35 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: tech innovator & naval thinker Greg Glaros dives into WH & Hill shipbuilding effprts, Navy acquisition, robotics & The Golden Fleet. Plus Naval News of the Week and SECNAV deals a heavy blow to a new Navy museum defaeroreport.com/2025/10/31/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: USNINews' Sam LaGrone and Mallory Shelbourne are with us for the latest on LaGrone's visit to Taiwan, US actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela, and Pentagon press restrictions. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/24/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Oct 24, ’25] Ep: 214 Sam LaGrone & Mallory Shellborne of USNI News - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:23 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: USNINews' Sam LaGrone and Mallory Shelbourne are with us for the latest on LaGrone's visit to Taiwan, US actions in the Caribbean and Venezuela, and Pentagon press restrictions. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/24/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: naval analyst
Bryan Clark is back to fill us in on the latest thinking about the US Navy's future force structure, including how unmanned systems and "battleships" fit into the picture. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/17/d...
Bryan Clark is back to fill us in on the latest thinking about the US Navy's future force structure, including how unmanned systems and "battleships" fit into the picture. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/17/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Oct 17, ’25] Ep: 213 Bryan Clark on Navy's Future Force Structure - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:27 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: naval analyst
Bryan Clark is back to fill us in on the latest thinking about the US Navy's future force structure, including how unmanned systems and "battleships" fit into the picture. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/17/d...
Bryan Clark is back to fill us in on the latest thinking about the US Navy's future force structure, including how unmanned systems and "battleships" fit into the picture. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/17/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Salvage expert and frmr SupSalv Gregg Baumann details clearing the containership DALI from the Baltimore Bridge collapse. Plus maritime safety, firefighting, and Navy salvage capabilities. And Naval News of the Week. defaeroreport.com/2025/10/10/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Oct 10, ’25] Ep: 212 Resolve Marine's Gregg Baumann Talks Salvage - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
October 12, 2025 at 1:06 AM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Salvage expert and frmr SupSalv Gregg Baumann details clearing the containership DALI from the Baltimore Bridge collapse. Plus maritime safety, firefighting, and Navy salvage capabilities. And Naval News of the Week. defaeroreport.com/2025/10/10/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Govt shutdown, Houthi attacks resume, the Shadow Fleet expands, & govt info gets harder & harder to get. Sal Mercogliano and John Konrad are back for a very lively and information-packed discussion. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/03/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Oct 03, ’25] Ep: 211 Sal Mercogliano & John Konrad - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:38 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Govt shutdown, Houthi attacks resume, the Shadow Fleet expands, & govt info gets harder & harder to get. Sal Mercogliano and John Konrad are back for a very lively and information-packed discussion. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/10/03/d...
Big week for new Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers: HII Ingalls announced completion of sea trials for TED STEVENS DDG128, the 2nd F3 to be completed for the US Navy, while
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
September 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Big week for new Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers: HII Ingalls announced completion of sea trials for TED STEVENS DDG128, the 2nd F3 to be completed for the US Navy, while
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
GDBathIronWorks christened their 1st F3, LOUIS H WILSON JR DDG126, on 27 Sept
SENTRY MCM3 & DEVASTATOR MCM6 last US Navy mine countermeasures ships in 5th Fleet decommissioned 25 Sept at Mina Salman Bahrain. With DEXTROUS MCM13 decom'ed 3 Sept & GLADIATOR MCM11 decom'ed 4 Sept all will be brought to Philadelphia via heavylift ship for disposal
September 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
SENTRY MCM3 & DEVASTATOR MCM6 last US Navy mine countermeasures ships in 5th Fleet decommissioned 25 Sept at Mina Salman Bahrain. With DEXTROUS MCM13 decom'ed 3 Sept & GLADIATOR MCM11 decom'ed 4 Sept all will be brought to Philadelphia via heavylift ship for disposal
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Analyst Tom Shugart is back with us to dive into the latest Chinese naval technology, tit-for-tat Taiwan Strait transits, and the robustness of Chinese warship construction after 2 ships hit each other. Plus Naval News Of The Week defaeroreport.com/2025/09/19/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Sep 19, ’25] Ep: 210 Tom Shugart on Recently Revealed Chinese Technology - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
September 21, 2025 at 3:03 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Analyst Tom Shugart is back with us to dive into the latest Chinese naval technology, tit-for-tat Taiwan Strait transits, and the robustness of Chinese warship construction after 2 ships hit each other. Plus Naval News Of The Week defaeroreport.com/2025/09/19/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: UK shipbuilding is on a roll and Babcock Marine CEO Sir Nick Hine fills us in with details. Plus impressions of this year's DSEI exposition in London and Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/09/12/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Sep 12, ’25] Ep: 209 Babcock Marine's Sir Nick Hine & Takeaways from DSEI - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
September 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: UK shipbuilding is on a roll and Babcock Marine CEO Sir Nick Hine fills us in with details. Plus impressions of this year's DSEI exposition in London and Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/09/12/d...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: new Surface Navy Assoc prez VADMret Ron Boxall on issues facing the Surface Force, incl readiness, unmanned vessel integration & the upcoming Waterfront Conference West in San Diego. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/09/05/d...
Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Sep 05, ’25] Ep: 208 SNA President Ron Boxall - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
September 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: new Surface Navy Assoc prez VADMret Ron Boxall on issues facing the Surface Force, incl readiness, unmanned vessel integration & the upcoming Waterfront Conference West in San Diego. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/09/05/d...
Farewell minesweepers USS DEXTROUS MCM13, decommissioned 3 Sept, and GLADIATOR MCM11, decommed 4 Sept, both at Bahrain. Their anti-mine mission in US 5th Fleet has been replaced by newly-arrived littoral combat ships. Tough little ships! closeup views are MCM11
September 5, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Farewell minesweepers USS DEXTROUS MCM13, decommissioned 3 Sept, and GLADIATOR MCM11, decommed 4 Sept, both at Bahrain. Their anti-mine mission in US 5th Fleet has been replaced by newly-arrived littoral combat ships. Tough little ships! closeup views are MCM11
2 Sept 1945 - the formal end of World War 2, 80 years ago today. Japan's surrender documents signed aboard battleship USS MISSOURI BB63 anchored in Sagami Wan, presided over by US Gen MacArthur. "These proceedings are closed."
September 2, 2025 at 3:04 PM
2 Sept 1945 - the formal end of World War 2, 80 years ago today. Japan's surrender documents signed aboard battleship USS MISSOURI BB63 anchored in Sagami Wan, presided over by US Gen MacArthur. "These proceedings are closed."
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: UK RADM ret Jon Pentreath talks UK Defence and NATO & European maritime trends ahead of DSEI 2025 opening in London in mid-Sept. Of special note are reactions to new US political stances. Plus Naval News & Katrina Plus 20 defaeroreport.com/2025/08/29/c...
CAVASShips Podcast – Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Aug 29, ’25] Ep: 207 DSEI Preview and Look at European Naval Trends - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
August 31, 2025 at 4:52 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: UK RADM ret Jon Pentreath talks UK Defence and NATO & European maritime trends ahead of DSEI 2025 opening in London in mid-Sept. Of special note are reactions to new US political stances. Plus Naval News & Katrina Plus 20 defaeroreport.com/2025/08/29/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: the worldside shadow tanker fleet numbers nearly 2,000 ships - 1/5 the global tanker fleet. Martime intel expert Michelle Wiese Bockmann talks about the dark fleet's strategic & security threats. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/08/22/c...
CAVASShips Podcast - Defense & Aerospace Report CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Aug 22, ’25] Ep: 206 Shining a Light on the Global Shadow Fleet - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
August 24, 2025 at 3:52 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: the worldside shadow tanker fleet numbers nearly 2,000 ships - 1/5 the global tanker fleet. Martime intel expert Michelle Wiese Bockmann talks about the dark fleet's strategic & security threats. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/08/22/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: navalist and thinker Brent Sadler is back to talk force structure, shipbuilding, US Navy readiness for conflict and the dustup and collision in the South China Sea. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/08/15/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Aug 15, ’25] Ep: 205 Brent Sadler on the Navy's Near Term Event Horizon - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
August 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: navalist and thinker Brent Sadler is back to talk force structure, shipbuilding, US Navy readiness for conflict and the dustup and collision in the South China Sea. Plus Naval News of the Week defaeroreport.com/2025/08/15/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Bryan Clark joins us to break out Reconciliation Act funding, discuss the state of unmanned surface warfare in the US Navy and talk war gaming & shipbuilding. Plus Naval News of the Week and 80 yrs since a war no one should forget. defaeroreport.com/2025/08/08/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Aug 08, ’25] Ep: 204 Bryan Clark Helps Connect Dots - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
August 11, 2025 at 4:33 AM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Bryan Clark joins us to break out Reconciliation Act funding, discuss the state of unmanned surface warfare in the US Navy and talk war gaming & shipbuilding. Plus Naval News of the Week and 80 yrs since a war no one should forget. defaeroreport.com/2025/08/08/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Hanwha is showing off its newly-acquired Philadelphia Shipyard. CEO David Kim details current and future capabilities and investment in PhillyShip, including naval construction. Plus Naval News of the Week and new CNO priorities defaeroreport.com/2025/07/25/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Jul 25, ’25] Ep: 202 Hanwha Philly Shipyard CEO David Kim - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
July 27, 2025 at 3:14 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Hanwha is showing off its newly-acquired Philadelphia Shipyard. CEO David Kim details current and future capabilities and investment in PhillyShip, including naval construction. Plus Naval News of the Week and new CNO priorities defaeroreport.com/2025/07/25/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Sal Mercogliano and John Konrad are back as we take on renewed and deadly Houthi attacks on merchant shipping, whatever is going on with the Ships Act and frustration with Coast Guard shipbuilding defaeroreport.com/2025/07/11/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Jul 11, ’25] Ep: 201 Sal Mercogliano & John Konrad - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
July 14, 2025 at 1:33 AM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Sal Mercogliano and John Konrad are back as we take on renewed and deadly Houthi attacks on merchant shipping, whatever is going on with the Ships Act and frustration with Coast Guard shipbuilding defaeroreport.com/2025/07/11/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: as production of new ships comes to an end what's next for the US Navy's long-running, still controversial & quite busy LCS littoral combat ship program? Plus Naval News of the Week and some thoughts on this, our 200th podcast! defaeroreport.com/2025/07/03/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Jul 03, ’25] Ep: 200 LCS Program Office Update - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
July 6, 2025 at 9:18 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: as production of new ships comes to an end what's next for the US Navy's long-running, still controversial & quite busy LCS littoral combat ship program? Plus Naval News of the Week and some thoughts on this, our 200th podcast! defaeroreport.com/2025/07/03/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Vigor Marine Group is one of the US Navy's top ship repair contractors. CEO Francesco Valente discusses Navy readiness goals, maintenance, and Vigor's influence. Plus Naval News of the Week and a Squawk on leadership defaeroreport.com/2025/06/27/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Jun 27, ’25] Ep: 199 Vigor's Francesco Valente - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the world. This week…Vigor Marine Group’s Francesco Valente joins us to discuss the Navy’s lofty readiness goals, ways to improve vessel maintenance practices and his company’s growing influence in the US ship repair business. Please send us feedback by DM’ing @CavasShips or @CSSProvision or you can email chriscavas@gmail.com or cservello@defaeroreport.com.
defaeroreport.com
June 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: Vigor Marine Group is one of the US Navy's top ship repair contractors. CEO Francesco Valente discusses Navy readiness goals, maintenance, and Vigor's influence. Plus Naval News of the Week and a Squawk on leadership defaeroreport.com/2025/06/27/c...
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: NAVSEA's top engineer, RADM Pete Small, talks frankly about shipbuilding, ship repair, the application of 1000s of technical specs and more. Plus Naval News of the Week and a new CNO is nominated defaeroreport.com/2025/06/20/c...
CAVASSHIPS Podcast [Jun 20, ’25] Ep: 198 NAVSEA's Rear Admiral Pete Small - Defense & Aerospace Report
Welcome to the CavasShips Podcast with Christopher P. Cavas and Chris Servello…a weekly podcast looking at naval and maritime events and issues of the day – in the US, across the seas and around the w...
defaeroreport.com
June 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
On the latest CavasShips Podcast: NAVSEA's top engineer, RADM Pete Small, talks frankly about shipbuilding, ship repair, the application of 1000s of technical specs and more. Plus Naval News of the Week and a new CNO is nominated defaeroreport.com/2025/06/20/c...