CNO Greenert Warns Congress of Fighter Shortfall

WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (Nov. 21, 2014) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly-off. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Everett Allen/Released)
WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (Nov. 21, 2014) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly-off. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Everett Allen/Released)
Posted March 19, 2015 at 8:58am

The Chief of Naval Operations recently warned Congress about an upcoming Navy fighter shortfall, the U.S. Naval Institute  reported. He explained that while the Navy is working to extend the life of its legacy Hornets, the process is taking longer than anticipated and Super Hornets are accumulating more flight hours faster than planned. At the same time, Super Hornets have been further stressed with the high operational tempo in the Middle East. While the Navy is weighing options to address the problem, Greenert says the fighter shortfall could reach three squadrons, or 36 jets.  

The U.S. Naval Institute reports that the Navy needs to act quickly to address the problem as Boeing faces a decision about the future of the F/A-18 line without additional orders.  

Congress has the opportunity to support the Navy’s tactical aviation challenges and ensure they have future options by adding aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget.  

To read the full article, click here .