Navy Updates Operation Cattle Drive for IT Modernization

The U.S. Navy is expected to issue new guidance to optimize its information technology infrastructure, according to a new memorandum signed by Justin Fanelli, acting chief technology officer and a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker.

By streamlining outdated legacy systems through a process known as “structured divestment,” the service aims to free up substantial funds for reinvestment in modernization initiatives, DefenseScoop reported.

The new memo, which has yet to be released publicly, establishes a clear framework for identifying and eliminating redundant IT platforms to maximize the Navy’s return on investment and enable it to focus on developing more advanced capabilities.

It also builds on Operation Cattle Drive, initiated in 2020 for IT consolidation, which has already yielded savings of approximately $150 million.

Additionally, the revamped strategy aligns with the Navy’s broader digital transformation efforts through the adoption of c concepts, including the World Class Alignment Metrics framework. According to the memo, the Navy personnel will also benefit from the directive’s list of best practices for implementation.

The Department of the Navy’s chief information officer, along with the assistant secretary of the Navy for financial management and comptroller, will lead Operation Cattle Drive.