Statement of Robert F. Hale, Assistant Director, National Security Division, Congressional Budget Office
Abstract
Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to testify today about the early retirement of Navy aircraft carriers. Last year, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a report to the full committee titled "Navy Combat Aircraft: Issues and Options." The report indicated that the Navy, based on its own requirements and other planning factors, was short of combat aircraft. This shortage suggests that the Navy would not have enough planes to utilize fully all of its aircraft carriers, particularly in wartime. Changes proposed in this year's budget leave the Navy with the same number of carriers but with one less air wing and a continuing shortfall of aircraft, which may heighten concerns over utilization. As my testimony will show, retiring an aircraft carrier earlier than now planned would permit fuller utilization of remaining carriers and would make the number of carriers and wings equal. Early retirement would also save money. But there are other solutions. The Congress could allow the Navy to buy more aircraft. Or it could maintain the current plan for the same number of carriers and accept the risk that they would not all be fully utilized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA529880
Entities
People
- Robert F. Hale
Organizations
- Congressional Budget Office