Galrahn

Got this link from Rick, but it is worth a discussion.

If you look at the new shipbuilding plan you will notice several changes, particularly in the long years regarding the DDG(X). Apparently the Navy is thinking the next generation DDG(X) is going to be cheaper than the current DDG(X), because there are no budget changes to account for the extra hulls.

Also note the SSBN(X) is now included, again, without budget changes. Hmm..

There is no question this shipbuilding plan will never happen, but what is interesting is that when given an opportunity to make changes to the plan the Navy simply added ships without adding funds.

However, I think this article 4 days prior is very interesting. Notice the Democrats have a different idea of what is important. First, submarines would go to two a year starting with this years vote. This makes a lot of sense because this might be a political deal to insure both yards do well, since both yards are now heavily represented by Democrats. Nothing says "vote for me" like job security.

Also, it would appear the Navy would get more DDG-51s.

Let me state out front I don't think either article represents real changes have happened, it won't be until next month that Congress gets most of its best testimony, and even then it won't be until April that we get to discuss it further, but there is a wind of change on Capital Hill today and navy shipbuilding specifically.

I do think the Democrats see the DD(X) as a way to fund new ships, and I think there is a major storm brewing that is going to center on the DD(X). The Center for American Progress strategic wing has had the DD(X) in its cross hairs for years, and has seen the class as a way to get more hulls out of the shipbuilding budget. While 2 will probably get built, of two different classes, the LCS problems combined with the shipbuilding shortage is increasing the likelyhood the DD(X) gets turned into a pot of money for other projects, specifically submarines, LPDs, and more DDGs all of which can be built across all 4 of the states that made major switches to Democrats for votes this past election.

HKDan

That is an interesting point about the sub builders having gained politically.

It will be really interesting to see if the democrats make a positive impact on shipbuilding. I was a bit surprised to see that more Burkes were a possibility. I thought that Navy didnt want more than 62.

Defcon 6

special interests groups suck.

but as for the plan alteration, I thought it was evident when I read the last shipbuilding plan.