MILITARY/NAVY: “The readiness of the U.S. Navy has declined significantly in recent decades as the demand for naval operations increased but the number of ships and other resources dwindled, according to a report issued in the wake of a string of deadly accidents this year.
The report, commissioned by the Navy’s top civilian leader and released Thursday [12-14-17], examined factors across the Navy that it said have left the service ill-prepared to meet key challenges as so-called peer competitors like Russia and China raise the security stakes around the globe.
‘A smaller fleet with fewer sailors is straining to meet the operational demands placed upon it,’ according to the review, known as a Strategic Readiness Review, requested by Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer. ‘This strategic review examines the long degradation of readiness and recognizes that improvements in readiness will not happen overnight—they will require sustained focus, commitment and funding.’
The report makes a series of recommendations, from changes to personnel structure to enhancing training and more resources. The review also said Navy officials must manage the expectations of the U.S. Congress and of military leaders about what the Navy can and can’t do.”
-Gordon Lubold, “U.S. Navy: ‘Smaller Fleet With Fewer Sailors Is Straining to Meet’ Demands,” The Wall Street Journal online, Dec. 15, 2017 02:15am