United States Senator Tim Sheehy opened with a lighthearted tone as he joked about the impeachment of our Rotary President and welcomed attendees. After a Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer for U.S. Navy personnel and Montana, numerous guests were personally acknowledged, including local leaders, veterans, and the speaker’s father-in-law, Mike Clancy. Tim promoted the Billings Air Show, featuring the Golden Knights, Red Bull Air Team, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. He also honored Jory Thomas, a 14-year-old Montanan, who saved a man from drowning in the Yellowstone River using a lasso during a camping trip—earning him a senatorial service award. He then introduced Assistant Secretary Ben, a former Navy fighter pilot (F-18) and veteran of the USS Nimitz, now responsible for manpower and reserve affairs. His emotional recount of seeing a U.S. supercarrier during a flight to Hawaii reignited his pride in naval service.
The Honorable Benjamin C. Kohlmann, the 20th Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs discuss the current state and future of the U.S. Navy, its recruitment, shipbuilding challenges, and workforce development—particularly in Montana. The Navy’s mission extends beyond combat: it ensures global maritime dominance, enabling free trade, navigation, and American prosperity, and despite operating $15 billion carriers and $3 billion destroyers, the speaker emphasized that “without the people, nothing happens.” The U.S. Navy is experiencing strong recruitment and retention, driven by renewed national purpose and leadership. There is a critical shortage in naval shipbuilding capacity exists, with China outpacing the U.S. by a factor of 232 times in ship production. Workforce development for skilled trades—welding, pipefitting, electrical work—is essential to rebuild the naval industrial base. At this time, Montana has a high rate of veteran participation but low representation in service academies, indicating a need for greater awareness and outreach. The Assistant Secretary believes the reserves offer a pathway for skilled professionals to serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers. This model supports mission-driven service without sacrificing income, particularly appealing to veterans who miss the purpose of military life. Currently, AR/VR simulations are being used to engage high school students, allowing them to virtually experience shipyard work.