An influential Republican senator is unveiling legislation today to improve the Navy’s surface force readiness that includes language providing new authorities for the service’s acquisition executive.
The bill, introduced by Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS), is known as the Surface Warfare Enhancement Act and leverages recommendations from the Navy’s Strategic Readiness Review and Comprehensive Review along with recommendations by the Government Accountability Office, according to congressional aides. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) is a cosponsor of the measure.
“In the wake of the tragic accidents involving the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain, our commanders and sailors have been calling for meaningful reform,” Wicker said in a statement. “Overextended and undermanned ships, overworked crews, fewer officers with naval mastery, and confusing chains of command have contributed to a decline in our naval power. My legislation — based on the Navy’s own recommendations — is specifically designed to address these and other challenges. Although I have confidence in the Navy’s leadership, I believe Congress needs to play an active role in helping them to succeed in this endeavor.”
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Source: Lee Hudson | Inside Defense