Story Number: NNS060425-08 Release Date: 4/25/2006 2:58:00 PM
From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- 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. He said that today's current fleet of 281 ships, while very capable, is as low as the Navy can go without damaging its ability to meet warfighting requirements.
Comment: Laudable goals but with a $13.4 billion budget required every year to make it happen, one has to wonder where the money is going to come from. Congress may have other ideas about this.Cordially, Michael H. Standart Equal Opportunity Curmudgeon
