Senate Shipbuilding Caucus News

Lousiana Senator Mary Landrieu introduced legislation last week aimed to increase the number of naval ships. The Landrieu bill makes it the policy of the United States to return to a Navy of a least 375 ships, the amount recommended by the Chief of Naval Operations. In addition to increasing port security this bill would help protect important jobs at shipyards throughout the country. "With a current force structure well below Department of Defense requirements, our current policy is unsustainable," said Senator Mary Landrieu, a member of the Senate Shipbuilding Caucus. "Our Naval forces play a vital role in securing our ports and contribute to our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

MR/EN had the opportunity to speak with Admiral Robert Natter, Commander, Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Forces Command, who is not only responsible for one of the largest fleet of Navy ships in the world, but directs the effort to design the Navy of the future, including development of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The U.S. Atlantic Fleet is a naval force comprised of approximately 183 ships, 1,200 aircraft and 112,000 sailors. Admiral Robert Natter, Commander, Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Forces Command, is the man at the top responsible for ensuring these forces are ready to successfully carry out the mission as dictated by the President. As if that is not enough, Adm.