Navy’s 2nd Fleet Faces Disestablishment

The Navy would see shore strength diminish by 6,000, who would be moved to sea billets, under the administration’s proposed reductions. The Norfolk Naval Station, Va.-based Second Fleet would be disestablished, with its responsibilities transferred to Fleet Forces Command. Several submarine, patrol aircraft, and destroyer squadron staffs would also face disestablishment, as would one carrier strike group staff. Resources would shift toward acceleration of the development of new electronic jammers and new unmanned surveillance and strike aircraft. The Navy would also buy more upgraded F-18 aircraft and extend the service life of those now serving in the fleet, as well as another destroyer, littoral combat ship, ocean surveillance vessel, and more fleet oilers.