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SecNav: Changing world needs stable fleet

China’s test of an anti-satellite space weapon in January and North Korea’s detonation of a nuclear device in October are precursors to an unpredictable future that behoove the U.S. to keep a sharp-edged fleet, according to Navy Secretary Donald Winter, speaking today in Washington.

“We must be prepared for a world that does not always follow our preferences. Of course we hope China will choose a peaceful path,” he said. “But ‘hope’ is not a strategy, so we must be prepared.”

Winter spoke at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank on Capitol Hill.

In an address aimed at industry and Congress, Winter made the case for stability in production of the future fleet, despite unpredictability in world events following Sept. 11, 2001.

On Monday, the Navy released its 2008 budget request, asking Congress to approve $159.8 billion in spending; the sum includes $20 billion in war costs but also $14.7 billion for seven new ships.

Winter said that while the Navy has to be prepared for open ocean operations and nearshore and inland missions, building a fleet takes decades, no matter what happens in the world.

He identified “increasing demand” for a potent shallow water naval force for operations off the Horn of Africa, in the Philippine Islands, in “strategic chokepoints” and near various oil-producing areas.

“Keep in mind the dramatic mismatch between the pace of change and the long lifespan of Navy ships, from design and commissioning to the twilight cruise 30 to 50 years later,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Navy’s answer to the future recently hit a snag.

The Littoral Combat Ship, meant to address the need for a flexible, lethal and fast ship that can fight in shallow water, will be the subject of its own congressional hearing Wednesday after cost estimates nearly doubled from $220 million per hull, the program manager was fired and a 90-day stop-work order was issued on the third ship under construction.

Winter — a former defense industry executive — said LCS has changed the way ships are built, but at a cost.

“In the short term, the Navy must expect hiccups and setbacks as an inevitable part of complex changes,” he said. “But the long-term results are new capabilities and better ways of doing business.”