THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 27, 1994 TAG: 9407270004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Alton D. Quisenberry's strong criticism of the Navy's decision to seek congressional support for funding a new aircraft carrier does not offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation's long-term operational needs (letter, ``CVN-76: unneeded carrier,'' July 10). He cites the expense of construction, manning, operation and maintenance of a new nuclear carrier as justification for killing this project, and proposes that our older oil-fired carriers scheduled for retirement can do the job.
The facts do not support those conclusions. Current defense strategy is based on a 12-carrier fleet needed to keep a single carrier battle group deployed in each of three critical regions. Even this minimum force will result in at least a four-month gap in one of these regions. It should be note that the USS America battle group recently responded to the crisis areas of Iraq, Somalia and Bosnia in a single deployment. We have since added North Korea and Haiti to our menu of potential hot spots.
The suggestion that we could reduce defense expenditures by substituting an existing carrier for CVN-76 is seriously flawed. The effectiveness of modern nuclear carriers has proved to be almost double that of their conventionally powered predecessors. They carry more munitions, fuel, supplies and aircraft. They require fewer replenishments at sea. Their greater safety features have proved their value in saved aircraft, not to mention saved lives of dedicated sailors and air crews.
Should all these advantages be ignored, the overhaul of an older carrier would provide a 10-year replacement at approximately the same cost of constructing CVN-76. However, the newer, more capable carrier will have a service life of at least 45 years.
The charge that construction of CVN-76 is a foolhardy ruse to keep shipyard workers employed does not mention benefits resulting from preserving the nation's shipbuilding industrial base. CVN-76 will promote the shipyard's transition from a Navy-dependent builder to one that gains skills and capabilities for filling a broad diversity of the country's post-Cold War needs.
Construction of CVN-76 will extend the employment of many highly skilled workers and promote the economic health of Hampton Roads. More important, approximately 4,000 suppliers in 43 states will also benefit. CVN-76 is truly a national construction project that will support the growth of our country's economy while providing an invaluable national asset to preserve the freedom of our citizens.
M. E. SEAY
Virginia Beach, July 14, 1994 MEMO: Mr. Seay is a 30-year Navy retiree. by CNB