Senator Collins told Admiral Gilday that “Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has one of the best apprenticeship programs that I've ever seen” and encouraged him to look to PNSY as a model.įinally, Senator Collins pointed out that the Navy’s budget assumed a fuel price of $140/barrel, yet when the budget was rolled out, the actual cost was $169/barrel. Admiral Gilday assured Senator Collins that the Navy is addressing this problem with a three-pronged approach: 1) eliminating manufacturing surprises 2) acquiring materials in advance and 3) developing an experienced workforce. Senator Collins also raised concerns that nearly twice as many submarines as planned were not deployable in recent months because of maintenance or other issues. Admiral Gilday shared that goal, noting, “The bigger fleet, the better.” Senator Collins believes the Naval fleet should be larger to counter global threats, particularly from China. Senator Collins had a separate hour-long meeting with them yesterday in her office to discuss their priorities.Īt the hearing, Senator Collins requested an update from Admiral Gilday on his fleet size requirements, which will give the Appropriations Committee a target as it works to provide additional funding for shipbuilding. Department of the Navy’s fiscal year 2024 budget request.

David Berger testified at the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to justify the U.S. Michael Gilday and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro Chief of Naval Operations Adm.

By contrast, China’s fleet is projected to grow to 440 ships by 2030. Under the Administration’s proposal, the size of the Navy would actually shrink to 291 ships over the next five years. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned top Navy and Marine leaders about their shipbuilding plans for the next fiscal year. 03.28.23 Senator Collins Underscores Importance of Larger Naval Fleet to Deter ChinaĬlick HERE to watch and HERE to read Senator Collins’ opening statement.

Size of naval armada