WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today on the Secretary of the Navy’s announcement of the 2016 Force Structure Assessment:
“The Force Structure Assessment released today confirms what I, and many of my colleagues in Congress, have known for a while: our Navy's current size and structure doesn't fully meet America's national security needs.
“In an increased threat environment where China and Russia are rapidly expanding their naval capabilities, increasing the size of the Navy's fleet must be the top priority. The FSA clearly defines the need for 18 more Virginia-class attack submarines and 12 aircraft carriers to provide increased U.S. global presence.
“This vision is a critical first step, but there's a long road ahead. It's time for us to rebuild our Navy to ensure dominance of the seas deep into the 21st Century. I am committed to working with the incoming administration and my colleagues in Congress next year to shape the size and scope of the Navy to meet future threats, grow our industrial base and advance U.S. national security.”
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.
