Congress this year is less willing to boost shipbuilding funding above the Trump administration’s request than in recent years and has shown some skepticism over the U.S. Navy’s push for rapid adoption of unmanned systems, the two top congressional analysts…
Top HASC Republican Says His Vote Hinges on GOP’s 2020 Budget Add-Ons
The House Armed Services Committee’s ranking Republican says his vote to pass the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act will depend on whether the final bill continues the recent progress is preparing the military to confront Russia and China or…
House Armed Services Chairman Downplays Party Differences Over 2020 Defense Spending
The House Armed Services Committee chairman downplayed the partisan differences over the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization but said the “biggest threat” to adequate defense funding was the failure to reach agreement on lifting punishing spending caps. Although the chairman’s…
HASC Subcommittee Budget Markups Bar USS Truman’s Early Retirement, Provide 3.1% Pay Raise, Fund Third Virginia-Class Sub
The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) took initial steps June 4-5 toward passing a fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization, with the HASC’s six subcommittees approving the “chairmen’s marks.” But a partisan dispute broke out over the Strategic Forces panel’s language…
Joint Chiefs Chairman Defends Lincoln Battle Group Deployment to Deter Iran
The nation’s top military officer validated the intelligence that raised concerns of possible Iranian attacks on U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf region and said the deployment of troops to the U.S.-Mexico border was legal and an appropriate mission to…
Navy Secretary Says Maritime Logistical Force is Inadequate to Support the New National Defense Strategy
The Navy’s current and planned maritime logistical force “is inadequate” to support the new National Defense Strategy and major military operations against China or Russia, and failure to correct that deficiency “could cause the United States to lose a war,”…
Former Pacific Fleet Intel Director Warns of Widening Gap Between Chinese, U.S. Fleet Buildup
The Chinese navy already is larger than the U.S. Navy and is building ships four times as fast, with a firm goal of achieving sea control by 2030 and naval superiority by 2039, a former Pacific Fleet director of intelligence…
Spencer: Navy’s Readiness Relies on Industrial Base, New Approach to Risk
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Navy Department is showing progress in its drive to increase readiness and prepare its forces to “fight tonight and win,” Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer said May 8. But in a luncheon speech at the…
Geurts: Navy Balancing Columbia, Virginia Sub Production
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The meeting of Navy leaders with submarine shipbuilding industry officials, planned for this month, will focus on integrating the production of the Columbia-class ballistic missile sub and the future Virginia-class attack boats, the Navy’s top acquisition…
Navy Tackling Shipyard Inefficiencies That Leave Fleet Lagging
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Navy is investing $21 billion in a multiphase program to improve the efficiency of its government shipyards, which have struggled to get ships and submarines back into service on time. The program is called the…
