"I have seen first hand how important Sea Power is to defending our freedom," said Senator Collins. "Sea Power is one of the most essential components of our national security posture and is an important part of ensuring the United States meets its global commitments."
The war on terrorism has been supported by more than 80 naval vessels and more than half of the nation's 12 aircraft have seen combat since September 11th. As many as 36 ships have been simultaneously deployed the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Naval forces are the sole war fighting capability that can respond anywhere, anytime, and without the permission of a foreign government.
The number of naval ships has decreased from a peak of 568 battle force ships in 1987 to about 315 ships today. Despite this nearly 50 percent cut, the number of overseas deployments has increased by approximately 300 percent.
"In recent years, the government has consistently under-funded the naval shipbuilding and research and development accounts, and this must change."
The FY2003 budget provides $48 billion in overall defense increases, yet the Navy's budget provides for the procurement of fewer ships than last year. Budget data indicate that by 2007 the naval fleet will consist of a mere 287 ships.
"Long before September 11, Navy and Marine Corps leaders were on record stating that their fleet of 315 ships is stretched perilously thin. They report that training is suffering, that promised shore leave between deployments is being cut short, and that maintenance costs are on the rise as a result of an overworked fleet," said Senator Collins. "More needs to be done to ensure that our future force is not at risk. I will continue to fight for naval forces, and I will continue to work to reverse the decline in shipbuilding rates starting this year."
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