USS Rentz (FFG-46) in 2009. US Navy Photo
THE PENTAGON — If recommissioned, seven retired Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates would serve as basic surface platforms, stay close to U.S. shores, assist drug interdiction efforts or patrol the Arctic without an extensive upgrade to its combat systems, the Secretary of the Navy said on Wednesday.
A sailor standing watch aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) observes boat traffic while transiting the Straits of Malacca in 2009. US Navy Photo
Following this year’s pair of deadly collisions between U.S. guided missile destroyers and merchant ships, the Navy is now considering whether it’s surface fleet is often too stealthy. Read More
Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer testifying before the Senate Armed Service Committee on Sept. 19. US Navy Photo
CAPITOL HILL – Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer’s strategic study in the wake of two deadly collisions at sea this year intends to question everything the Navy does – how missions are tasked to ships, whether the service still needs its five numbered fleets, the relationship between the East Coast and West Coast fleets, and more – the secretary told USNI News today after testifying to the Senate Armed Services Committee. Read More
Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer. US Navy photo.
Richard V. Spencer isn’t afraid to question popular wisdom in search of a better answer.
For months before the new Secretary of the Navy’s confirmation hearing, Capitol Hill had been abuzz with talk of the Navy growing to 355 ships – a number that, if not set in stone, was at least put in pending legislation.
Yet during his July Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, in his first opportunity to publicly weigh in on the future of the Navy, Spencer told the panel he questioned that fundamental tenet of the Navy’s plan to expand. Read More
