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.  

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