The Navy heavily into social media, its information chief tells Club Legion Post

Rear Admiral Charles M. Brown speaks at a meeting of the National Press Club American Legion Post 20 at the Club Feb. 20. Photo: Rex Stucky

Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are a major part of the U.S. Navy's public affairs platform, Chief of Naval Information Rear Adm. Charles W. Brown told a meeting of National Press Club American Legion Post 20 on Thursday.

Brown, a Naval Academy graduate who has served around the world during his 20-year career, noted that the Navy no longer has a budget for television advertising, relying instead on social media to gain recruits, publicize the Navy and counter disinformation from U.S. adversaries.  "We reach people who don't already know about the Navy," he told Legionnaires and non-Post Club guests.

Unconventional means of communication Brown has been encouraging includes supporting a Navy enlisted man who has thousands of social media followers for his fitness blog.  While not part of of Navy duties, the sailor often plugs the service while doing his program.  Brown cited a video aired by the You Tubers Dude Perfect on their three-day visit to an aircraft carrier that has drawn nearly 18 million viewers.  And while the Navy aired no advertising during the Super Bowl, it got attention with a Navy/Marine jet flyover.

Brown said the rise of China and reemergence of Russia as naval powers is providing "great power competition in information space.  We are exchanging rounds daily on the information stage."  He said "media literacy" is vital for Americans faced with disinformation campaigns aimed at creating confusion and chaos, especially coming from Russia. 

While disinformation is the main Russian challenge, the challenge with China is dealing with censorship.  "With China it's all about control," he said.

Post Commander Jim Noone announced that the next Post meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25, at noon in the McClendon Room and will feature retired Air Force Brigadier General Carl Reddel, executive director of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission.  He will discuss the many years of effort in bringing to life the sometimes controversial Eisenhower Memorial, scheduled to be dedicated in D..C on May 8.

 The speaker portions of Post 20 meetings are open to all Club members.