| − | In 2007 top Navy officials told Congress it has underway an unprecedented modernization program across the full spectrum of its weapons platforms in both the Navy and Marine Corps. In seeking a $139.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2008, a $12 billion increase, SECNAV [[Donald C. Winter]] said the transformation of the sea services underway includes a new generation of ships, submarines, and aircraft—with programs in development, production, or already in operation with the fleet. CNO Adm. Mike Mullen said, "Through the Fleet Response Plan, we continue to meet the demands of the Combatant Commanders for trained, flexible and sustainable forces, with six [[Carrier Strike Group]]s available on 30 days notice and an additional Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ready to surge within 90 days." The budget allots $14.7 billion for shipbuilding, an increase of about $3.2 billion over 2007. The FY08 ship construction and aviation procurement plan includes the first CVN-21 aircraft carrier, a Virginia-class submarine, one amphibious assault ship, one logistics ship and three Littoral Combat Ships. It also calls for 18 EA-18Gs; 24 F/A-18E/Fs; 21 MV-22 Ospreys, unmanned aerial vehicles, mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAP vehicles) and the continued development and procurement of F-35 joint strike fighters.<ref>See [http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28095 Navy News Service, "DoN Budget Request for FY08 Addresses Near and Long-term Needs," March 1, 2007]</ref> | + | In 2007 top Navy officials told Congress it has underway an unprecedented modernization program across the full spectrum of its weapons platforms in both the Navy and Marine Corps. In seeking a $139.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2008, a $12 billion increase, SECNAV [[Donald C. Winter]] said the transformation of the sea services underway includes a new generation of ships, submarines, and aircraft—with programs in development, production, or already in operation with the fleet. CNO Adm. Mike Mullen said, "Through the Fleet Response Plan, we continue to meet the demands of the Combatant Commanders for trained, flexible and sustainable forces, with six [[Carrier Strike Group]]s available on 30 days notice and an additional Carrier Strike Group (CSG) ready to surge within 90 days." The budget allots $14.7 billion for shipbuilding, an increase of about $3.2 billion over 2007. The FY08 ship construction and aviation procurement plan includes the first CVN-21 aircraft carrier, a [[Virginia-class submarine]], one amphibious assault ship, one logistics ship and three Littoral Combat Ships. It also calls for 18 EA-18Gs; 24 F/A-18E/Fs; 21 MV-22 Ospreys, unmanned aerial vehicles, mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAP vehicles) and the continued development and procurement of F-35 joint strike fighters.<ref>See [http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=28095 Navy News Service, "DoN Budget Request for FY08 Addresses Near and Long-term Needs," March 1, 2007]</ref> |