Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen talks with Government Executive Magazine Editor Tim Clark, during a leadership breakfast at the National Press Club. The CNO addressed senior leaders from several federal agencies and organizations about the future and transformation of the Navy. U.S. The Navy’s shipbuilding plan is the key to the fleet’s future and is critical for the joint force, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen told an audience at a Leadership Breakfast sponsored by Government Executive Magazine at the National Press Club here April 24. Mullen took the opportunity to reiterate the strength of his shipbuilding plan, submitted Feb. 7 with the Navy's FY-07 budget proposal. The plan calls for a fleet of about 313 ships.