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Lawmakers: InSurv reports should be public

Top Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee say they’re “concerned” the Navy has classified its regular inspection reports detailing the condition of ships in the fleet, and that this year’s Pentagon budget process hasn’t been more transparent.

The lawmakers described their worries in a letter written by Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., and signed by 10 other ranking members of the armed services subcommittees. Dated Tuesday and sent to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the letter describes the usefulness of making public the reports of the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.

“It is sometimes only through the media and public awareness, as was the case with the inspections of the [destroyer] Stout and [cruiser] Chosin, that we learn of the urgent need to address some of the shortfalls the military has, including the $417 million shortfall in ship depot maintenance for this year alone,” Forbes wrote. “If these reports are classified, we are unable to communicate these needs to the public.”

A total of five ships and one submarine were deemed “unfit” by InSurv in 2008, according to a report obtained by Navy Times.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, head of Fleet Forces Command, ordered all InSurvs after Dec. 1 to be classified after they had long been available under the Freedom of Information Act. Top Navy officials have said the reports could help potential adversaries exploit weaknesses in U.S. warships. Officlas said secrecy was not an effort to shield the service from embarrassment.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead on April 25 told Navy Times that he agreed with the decision to classify the reports, but that the Navy would still release redacted versions to account for admirals’ worries about operational security.

“I do not shy away from bad news. Bad news is a good thing to know. So if anyone thinks I am trying to hide bad news, that’s not me. That’s not me,” Roughead said.

Forbes’ letter also criticized the Obama administration for requiring Pentagon officials to sign a non-disclosure agreement barring them from talking about details of this year’s budget before it was submitted.

Message to Gates

The 11 Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee who signed the letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates:

• Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, Md.

• Rep. Joe Wilson, S.C.

• Rep. Randy Forbes, Va.

• Rep. Todd Akin, Mo.

• Rep. Michael Turner, Ohio

• Rep. Jeff Miller, Fla.

• Rep. Rob Wittman, Va.

• Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, Calif.

• Rep. John Fleming, La.

• Rep. Trent Franks, Ariz.

• Rep. Frank LoBiondo, N.J.