Murtha said he would include in the fiscal 2008 supplemental money to buy 14 C-17 Air Force transports, which are not in the budget, and enough C-130s to get a lower price. He would boost Navy shipbuilding in the new budget from the seven requested to 10...
He also supported building more ships, while expressing doubt that the Navy could afford the 313-ship fleet it wants. He suggested adding fiscal 2009 construction funds for T-AKE cargo ships and an LPD-17 San Antonio-class amphibious ship. The Navy wants both to modernize its fleet of vessels ready to carry a sizable combat force to a hostile nation and support it ashore. But he said he has warned the Navy and shipbuilders that Congress no longer would cover cost overruns for "low-ball" contract bids.
Lets keep in mind that Mr. Murtha made a bunch of promises last year too. Gene Taylor has also been using the magic number of ten ships. The Navy has 7 ships and the Army 1 ship in this years budget, so if we assume that is 8, and the 10th LPD-17 would be nine, what would be the 10th ship?
There are already two T-AKEs in this years budget, so despite what Murtha is saying, buying a third seems unlikely. It really depends who is calling the shots. If Murtha is calling the shots, this could go a number of directions, but we may see him push for the 11th LPD-17 that General Conway now wants. If Gene Taylor is calling the shots, then this looks more likely every day.
Update: Or another Virginia class? Maybe.
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