CNO calls for larger fleet at SNA conference

[unhappycamper]

CNO calls for larger fleet at SNA conference
By Zachary M. Peterson - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Jan 15, 2008 18:27:05 EST

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy must build more ships per year and deliver a “balanced fleet” of at least 313 ships in coming years, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead told naval officers and industry officials here.

Roughead’s call for more robust shipbuilding has become a regular theme of his speeches and other public comments since he became head of the Navy last September. He presented his thoughts on the matter again Tuesday at the Surface Navy Association’s annual conference.

The admiral noted the service delivered a net gain of only two new ships in 2007. But after a recent trip to visit shipyards around the country that are building Navy ships, Roughead said he remains confident the service can deliver a future fleet that is balanced — and provides enough ships to conduct myriad missions. This balanced fleet will include Littoral Combat Ship vessels for maritime security operations closer to shore and the next-generation destroyer DDG-1000 for more traditional naval combat operations, he said.

Roughead noted many have asked what is more important to him — balance or quantity in the future fleet.

“Balance and quantity are mutually re-enforcing,” he argued. Without enough ships, the fleet will not be able to maintain the forward, global presence called for in the new maritime strategy released in October 2007, Roughead explained.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/01/navy_sna_roughead_080115/