The Administration's Fiscal Year 2006 budget request would cut DD(X) destroyer production by more than half, only funding five DD(X) destroyers rather than the twelve proposed in last year's budget and outyear projections. Further, this budget calls for the retiring of 31 P-3s before a new multi-mission maritime aircraft is available. During today's hearing, military leaders admitted that current fiscal constraints were the driving force behind their budget proposal for this year, and Senator Collins said that was unacceptable.
"The shipbuilding budget falls far short of stated Navy requirements, and I am particularly concerned about the slash in production of the DD(X) destroyer," Senator Collins said. "When it comes to the strength of our Armed Forces, both military requirements and budget constraints should be weighed. In the case of cutting DD(X) production, the decision appears to have been based on budget constraints alone. The effectiveness of our Navy relies upon the continued enhancement of the fleet's strength and size. The decision to cut production of our 21st Century destroyer is not in the best interest of our nation's military needs at this time."
In response to Senator Collins questioning, Admiral Clark acknowledged that the military requirement for 12 DD(X)s remains, and that the proposed cut is due to funding issues.
"I am also concerned about the decision to retire 31 P-3s before a new maritime aircraft is available. Currently, P-3s from the Brunswick Naval Air Station are assisting in the tsunami relief efforts; they have also proven to be invaluable during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom," Senator Collins said. "We should use caution when assuming an aircraft, weapons system, or base is no longer needed. We do not know what the threats of the future are going to require, no matter how much we try to predict what those threats might be."
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