Press Releases

Wittman Advocates for a Bigger Navy

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), released the following statement today after chairing the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing titled, 355 Ship Navy: Delivering the Right Capabilities:

“Today, the Navy has finally acknowledged that not only will they seek to obtain a 355-ship Fleet, but they will achieve that by the early 2030s. I applaud the Navy for their commitment to embrace our national policy of 355 ships, originally introduced in my SHIPS Act legislation. Today they also committed to extending the life of the U.S.S. Comfort, hospital ship homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to the construction of an aircraft carrier, they are also looking to expand the submarine construction program. These are all good signs and indicate a serious commitment to rebuilding our Navy.

“The 355-ship Navy is more than just a slogan – it is a requirement that was carefully considered by the Navy, enacted by Congress and signed into law by the Commander in Chief. We need both quality and quantity to be successful in dissuading potential aggressors.

“I am thankful to the witnesses for their testimony today and for their leadership. Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for the resources our Navy requires to build the ships the Fleet needs to meet the challenges of today and prepare for the threats of tomorrow.”

Congressman Wittman sponsored the “Securing the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas (SHIPS) Act,” which made it the official policy of the United States to achieve the Navy’s requirement of 355 ships. President Trump signed the bill into law last year. Today’s witnesses included the Honorable James Geurts, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development & Acquisition; Vice Admiral William R. Merz, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems; and Vice Admiral Thomas Moore, Commander of Naval Sea System Command.

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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

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