Navy Modernization: Alternatives for Achieving a More Affordable Force
Highlights
GAO discussed the Navy's recapitalization program, focusing on: (1) the program's affordability; and (2) alternatives that would reduce Navy costs. GAO noted that: (1) the Navy's request to recapitalize its fleet and maintain the defense industrial base may be difficult to justify given its growing affordability problem; (2) the Navy's ability to procure weapons and systems over the next 5 years is significantly at risk because the Navy cannot predict its future security needs, contain its procurement and environmental cleanup costs, and accurately determine the effectiveness of its cost saving measures; (3) Congress, the Department of Defense, and the Navy need to consider alternatives so that the Navy can maintain an overseas presence, provide a deep strike mission capability, and effectively protect national security at a significantly lower cost; and (4) the Navy could substantially reduce its costs by reducing the number of carriers, consolidating nuclear carrier and submarine shipbuilding operations, building conventional rather than nuclear ships, increasing the use of noncarrier group ships, and reevaluating its plans to upgrade its deep strike aircraft.