Retired Navy Capt. William Toti, a seasoned submariner and former consultant to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, has assumed the position of the Navy’s second-ranking civilian official.
As of May 1, Toti has taken on the responsibilities of the under secretary of the Navy following Hung Cao’s appointment as acting secretary after the removal of John Phelan in late April.
Endorsement from Acting Secretary Cao
“William Toti has been granted full confidence and authority from me to initiate reforms, enhance operational efficacy, and hasten decision-making processes. This empowerment is aimed at bolstering our warfighting capabilities, supporting our sailors and Marines in the field, and safeguarding our nation on a daily basis,” Cao articulated in a statement disseminated on various social media platforms last Friday.
Toti’s Naval Background
Toti’s illustrious 26-year tenure in the Navy includes significant roles such as the commander of the Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Command in Norfolk, commodore of Submarine Squadron 3, and captain of the nuclear fast attack submarine USS Indianapolis (SSN-697), as detailed in his biography.
During his time away from sea duty, Toti served nearly ten years at the Pentagon. His roles included special assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Navy representative on the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, and deputy director of the Navy War Plans Cell, known as Deep Blue.
Advocacy and Historical Correction
Beyond his military service and contracting roles in Washington, D.C., Toti notably served as the final captain of the nuclear attack submarine USS Indianapolis. He played a pivotal role in the campaign to clear the name of Charles McVay, the captain of the World War II-era heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, recognized for being involved in the most catastrophic naval disaster in U.S. history.
In a past discussion with Military Times, Toti expressed, “I encountered an injustice and dedicated myself to rectifying it.”
Utilizing a torpedo fire control computer before his submarine was decommissioned, Toti programmed torpedo trajectories and intercept courses to demonstrate that failing to execute zigzag maneuvers did not put the ship at risk.
“What I did was manually simulate the Indianapolis’ route, incorporating as many evasive zigs as possible against Hashimoto’s firing solution,” Toti explained. “I performed numerous simulations. After conducting over 90 of these, in each scenario, at least one of Hashimoto’s torpedoes struck the target.”
He further discussed his findings with Navy JAG officers who argued that if the initial torpedo had not sunk the ship, Hashimoto would have retreated. “They don’t understand the mechanics of it,” Toti responded. “The first torpedo destroyed the ship’s bow. It was fated to sink regardless. The data confirms this, something that was unachievable back in 1945 but is possible today.”
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
