USN

2 x LHA = $8B
10 x DDG-51 = $20B

the remaining $7B into developing long-range variants of the X-47 UCASB.

Information Dissemination
Given Huntington’s advice, the Navy’s existing plan, the operational considerations, the Maritime Strategy, and $35 billion over 5 years… what would be your shipbuilding plan, and why? The FY09-1FY13 plan the Navy released in this budget year can be found here for comparison. Remember, we are talking about 5 years from FY10 - FY14 here, but it should be part of a larger strategy.

That was quick. Can anyone say “Sea Wolf”?

Cost and design bugs could sink new destroyer program | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

But limiting the DDG 1000 series to two ships also may raise questions about the Navy’s fiscal management.

Retired Vice Adm. Tim LaFleur, who served as the Navy’s top surface warfare officer from 2001 to 2005, said the DDG 1000’s distinctive design and operating systems will require the service to maintain special supply lines and training programs for sailors for decades. Such expenses routinely are spread across a long line of ships but are harder to justify when just two are involved, he said.

Because of those costs, the Navy probably would offer few objections if Congress decided to cancel the DDG 1000 program completely, Work said.

This might be a good subject for a nimble book. Anyone “want to write one?