Top U.S. Naval Officer Calls for an Increase in Fleet SizeJanuary 15, 2009
 The U.S. Navy's top uniformed official tied the strength of the Navy to the health of the American shipbuilding industry, saying that the service must increase the size of its fleet and continue to fund shipbuilding programs to maintain its naval superiority throughout the world. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead, called for the Navy to grow its fleet to 313 ships from 283, according to a report in Newport News, VA. "Maintaining a steady workflow and the health of the shipbuilding industry is of national strategic importance," Roughead said at a Navy conference outside of Washington. "There is a direct correlation between the capabilities of navies and the capabilities of their national industrial base. We must never forget that." But he also warned that American shipbuilders must produce quality ships on time and within budget. The Navy shipbuilding program has been hampered with late deliveries and budget overruns. The next generation of aircraft carriers, including the Gerald R. Ford, is expected to be delivered in 2015. But Northrop Grumman officials and Roughead worry about the ship's timeline because several new planned technologies are behind schedule, according to the Daily Press. Other conference speakers also called for a stronger naval force. Senator Mel Martinez, R–Fla., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower subcommittee, noted that the success of the Navy "hinges on three simple words: build more ships." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse Dick/Released) |
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