A Legislative Agenda For Transformational Times

By SHEILA M. McNEILL, National President

These are challenging times for the sea services and the Merchant Marine. They continue to pursue the global war on terrorism as they transform to deal with the fast-changing security landscape of the 21st century.

The Navy League is rising to this challenge with a legislative agenda for the 109th Congress that provides vital support to our sea services as they take on broader missions in an era of fiscal restraint.

Our war against terrorists will be a long one, and the hour of heightened conflict is always near. Among the resources needed is a Navy fleet of not less than 300 ships to continue its leading role in the battle and provide the surge capabilities requisite for future major combat operations. That fleet should comprise the next-generation CVN-21 aircraft carrier, the DD(X) land-attack destroyer, the CG(X) next-generation cruiser and the high-speed Littoral Combat Ship.

The Navy League strongly supports full funding of the program to convert four Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to the SSGN (guided-missile) configuration. This innovative transformation delivers new capabilities to the fleet and deserves the forceful support of Congress. Meanwhile, the Virginia-class attack submarine will be a critical element of our nation’s defenses well into the 21st century.

The Navy League also supports continued production of the F/A-18 family of tactical aircraft and the P-8A Multimission Maritime Aircraft to replace the P-3 family of antisubmarine warfare and surveillance planes.

The Marine Corps continues to perform courageously in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti and around the globe, as sustained deployments have taken a heavy toll on its equipment. The force needs recapitalization, and the fiscal year 2005 supplemental request and 2006 budget contain the funding to achieve that goal.

New hardware also is needed, including the essential MV-22 Osprey. Full funding for development is vital, as is full production of the tiltrotor aircraft as soon as practical. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter short takeoff/vertical landing plane will change the way Marines fight, due in part to its longer legs, sophisticated mission systems and greater payload. That also is true of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, a high-speed, armored amphibious personnel carrier able to transport 17 Marines and a crew of three.

The Coast Guard is taking on new homeland security missions while expanding its force and dealing with hardware that often is grounded for repair. After years of underfunding, much of its fleet is in decrepit shape. Thus, it is imperative that Congress support acceleration of the Integrated Deepwater System of new ships, aircraft and intelligence systems. Truncating this program to 15 years from the originally scheduled 20 is mandatory, and can be accomplished if Deepwater funding is maintained at $1.2 billion per year (in 2005 dollars).

A strong U.S.-flagged Merchant Marine is essential if our front-line forces are to get to the fight well armed and in time to make a difference. Under the Maritime Security Program, the government contracts for transport services with the owners of U.S.-flag commercial ships during national emergencies. It should be expanded from 47 to 60 ships, as a cost-effective means of transport. The Ready Reserve Force comprises 59 ships kept in reserve status for quick response to the military services for rapid movement of troops or materiel. It should be recapitalized to ensure the nation’s continued success at rapid deployment.

Even the most advanced equipment and efficient logistics will not keep our nation strong and free. That is the task of those who wear the cloth of our nation. The men and women of our sea services and Merchant Marine must be well-paid, highly trained, expertly led and confident that their families are supported and protected as they stand on the front lines of freedom and democracy.

Our complete legislative program is available at www.navyleague.org. It is an agenda for these transformational times that deserves the support of every member of Congress.