Navy Shipbuilding Plan Called 'Fantasy', Cost Requirements Underestimated

摘要

With the Defense Department girding for big cuts in the years ahead, lawmakers in both chambers are questioning whether the Navy will ever reach its far-flung goal of fielding a modern, 306-ship fleet. In a series of recent hearings on Capitol Hill, Navy leaders staunchly defended their long-term shipbuilding plans, arguing that the service must grow and modernize its fleet to meet its commitments around the world. But several lawmakers stressed that the plan does not take into account anticipated budget cuts in fiscal 2014 and beyond and, as such, is simply unrealistic. "The president's budget for fiscal year 2014 on shipbuilding is a fantasy," Arizona Sen. John McCain, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services seapow-er subcommittee, said at a May 8 hearing. "It will continue the department's budget uncertainty, paralyzing any ability to conduct deliberate planning or sound management of Navy shipbuilding accounts or any other investment program."