Mary Landrieu on Foreign Policy

Support for a Larger Navy

In April of 2003, Senator Landrieu issued a statement noting her support for increasing the size of the Navy from 301 ships to 375 ships. She stated that with the current force structure well below Department of Defense requirements, our current policy is unsustainable.

Landrieu Supports Larger Navy
Senator: Navy Ships Protect our Ports, Secure our Jobs
April 11, 2003

WASHINGTON — With our Naval fleet at its lowest levels since 1917, United States Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) introduced legislation today designed to increase the number of naval ships and alleviate the strains on its services. Demands on naval forces are on the rise as the Navy continues its mission in Iraq as well as helping defend ports in Louisiana and nationwide. The Landrieu bill makes it the policy of the United States to return to a Navy of a least 375 ships, the amount recommended by the Chief of Naval Operations. In addition to increasing port security this bill would help protect important jobs at shipyards through the country and in Louisiana.

"With a current force structure well below Department of Defense requirements, our current policy is unsustainable," said Senator Mary Landrieu, a member of the Senate Shipbuilding Caucus. "Our Naval forces play a vital role in securing our ports and contribute to our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. These bases at sea project rapid and decisive power anywhere in the world."

The Navy currently has 301 ships in the fleet, nearly half the number of ships we had in 1987 and far below 375 ships asked for by the Chief of Naval Operations. Like all branches of the service, the Navy's mission has expanded since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. While not always at the forefront, more than 60 ships participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and more that 70 ships are fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, Navy ships patrol the coasts and ports of the United States to protect against possible terrorist threats.

 

 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

This representative has not been identified as sponsoring or cosponsoring significant legislation related to this title.

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