Navy assessment calling for larger ship fleet endorsed by Thornberry and Collins

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) welcomed the Navy’s recent Force Structure Assessment that calls for an increase in battle force ships.

The Navy’s new fleet plan sets a goal of 355 battle force ships, including an increase of 16 large surface combatant ships from current levels. It also includes the DDG-1000 and Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyers produced by Bath Iron Works in Maine. The assessment is one part of the Navy’s fiscal year 2018 30-year shipbuilding plan.

Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) said in a joint statement that they welcome the Navy’s candid assessment of the naval fleet required to protect the United States.

“Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has been a staunch supporter of shipbuilding during his eight-year tenure, and we applaud him today for taking a fresh look at the necessary size and capability of the Navy’s fleet, particularly while China continues to modernize its own naval forces,” Collins and King said. “The Navy’s new 355 ship goal is not only an important benchmark to achieve for our nation’s security, but good news for Bath Iron Works and the state of Maine, where the Navy’s world-class destroyers are built.”

The Navy’s assessment is also consistent with President-elect Donald Trump’s stated goal of building a 350-ship fleet.

Thornberry, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, called the Navy Force Structure Assessment long overdue, but good news for the country’s national security.

“A steady decline in ships corresponds to a steady decline in our capacity and capabilities,” Thornberry said. “At a time when our adversaries are investing in weapons systems and engaging in aggressive behavior, this strategy, if implemented, will help boost our fleet, support our security, and send a strong signal to allies and enemies alike that American naval power remains a key element of our defense.”