The new rating and designator will predominantly be assigned to shore billets such as staff positions and leadership positions, and instructor billets.
Sen. Dan Sullivan accused the Navy of blowing off last year's law requiring a fleet of at least 31 amphibious warships, amid plans to retire three early.
“We currently are paying for a great capability, but we’re currently only getting a good capability fielded,” subcommittee chairman Rep. Rob Wittman said.
Reloading a vertical launching system is a challenging maneuver, given the crane must hold missile canisters vertically, while slowly lowering explosives.
The Coast Guard wants to accelerate its aircraft improvement and life extension projects, and build up its Fast Response Cutter fleet, if given more money.
Navy Lt. Amanda Lee, the No. 3 left wing pilot for the Blue Angels, is the first woman to fly fighter jets with the renowned flight demonstration team.
