[20040804]RS20535_海军舰艇采购率和海军计划规模：国会背景和议题.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20535Updated August 4, 2004Navy Ship Procurement Rate and the PlannedSize of the Navy: Background and Issues forCongressRonald ORourkeSpecialist in National DefenseForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryThere is currently no officially approved, consensus plan for the future size andstructure of the Navy. The absence of such a plan could complicate Congress abilityto conduct oversight of the Navys budget and individual Navy ship-acquisitionprograms. DOD is proposing to procure new Navy ships during most of its amendedFY2004-FY2009 Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP) at an average rate less than whatwould be required, over the long run, to maintain a Navy of 310 or more ships over thelong run. This report will be updated as events warrant.BackgroundHistorical and Current Size of the Navy. The Navy reached a late-Cold Warpeak of 568 battle force ships in FY1987 and has since been declining in size. The Navyfell below 300 battle force ships in August 2003 and included 297 battle force ships as ofAugust 2, 2004. The Department of Defenses (DODs) amended FY2004-