Wicker fights to expand Navy’s fleet

Legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Monday would establish a national requirement for the Navy to maintain a fleet of 355 ships, which is the military’s current naval requirement.

The Securing the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas (SHIPS) Act would expand the Navy’s current fleet of 276 ships, of which approximately 100 are currently deployed, to bolster military readiness.

“Time is of the essence. The U.S. Navy faces more missions and more competition in today’s evolving maritime environment,” Wicker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, said. “China and Russia are rapidly building up their naval resources and coverage around the world. Rogue states like North Korea and Iran have similarly sought to expand their influence with investments in naval power. Our own fleet should not wane while those of our adversaries strengthen.”

Because ships and submarines take years to build, Wicker added, it’s imperative to begin the shipbuilding process immediately to ensure military readiness.

“Listening to our naval commanders reinforces this imperative, and they tell us they do not have the ships or submarines they need,” Wicker added. “Only about 100 of our 276 ships are deployed right now. The other ships are undergoing maintenance, routine sustainment or training for deployment. These limitations in fleet size could have consequences when it comes to protecting our national security interests, safeguarding global commerce, projecting power and reassuring our allies around the world.”

The SHIPS Act has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and President Donald Trump also has said he wants to expand the naval fleet.