Armed Forces News

The Navy’s plans to reach 308 ships during the next 30 years are insufficient, according to a June 12 report by the Congressional Research Service. Weighing the projected size of the fleet, rate of procurement, and prospective affordability, the Navy would fall short of surface-combatant vessels from 2015 through 2027. The attack-submarine force would experience shortfalls between 2025 and 2036, and the number of large surface combatants – including destroyers and cruisers – would be lacking from 2036 through 2045 at minimum, according to the report. To address the issue, the CRS indicated that lawmakers should focus on three areas: the impact of budget cuts; the appropriate size and structure of the fleet in light of budgetary considerations; and the affordability of the 30-year shipbuilding plan.