Navy League Members Discuss Maritime Policy Statement

By John C. Marcario, Assistant Editor

Representatives of the Navy League's 2009-2010 maritime policy statement, "National Security - Maritime Superiority - Global Presence," discussed policy specific details during a briefing at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., May 4.

The policy statement, issued in late March, identifies critical programs and policies influencing the operational and materiel readiness of the U. S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S. flag-Merchant Marine. It was developed by a panel of committees and approved by the Navy League executive committee and board of directors.

Committee members maintained that the Navy's desire for a 313-ship fleet should be considered a bare minimum, given the challenges it faces around the world, and advocated giving additional funding to the Coast Guard to help build its aging fleet.

Richard Macke, chairman of the sea services committee and former Navy League vice president for sea services liaison, said the United States is being seriously challenged for maritime superiority by other countries.

"We are losing (the amphibious capability war)," he said.

Bob Sutton, chairman of the naval affairs committee, spoke in support of the the Navy's 313-ship fleet plan, but described that figure as a minimum requirement.

"This is the most critical of all programs in the Department of Defense budget," he said.

James Hull, chairman of the Coast Guard affairs committee, was perhaps the most animated speaker as he stressed the importance of speed the pace of the service's fleet modernization.

"We need modern assets, replaced and recapitalized, in a shorter amount of time than I think we see happening today," Hull said.

He said the service needs at least $3 billion more per year and took a swipe at the 24-year, $25 billion Deepwater fleet modernization program noting, "A 20-year program to replace assets that are broken today is not a program in my particular opinion."