AUSN Testifies Before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense

June 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Alexandria, VA (AUSN) June 22, 2011: During testimony today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense,the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN)’s Executive Director,RADM Casey W. Coane USN (Ret), said that equipment is vital to the war effort, military training, readiness, and directly support the thousands of Navy (and other services) men and women serving worldwide.
Admiral Coane ask the committee to support the Navy's 30 year shipbuilding plan & to support the Tactical Aviation plan with increased funding in order to reach the Navy's goal and ensure a successful the National Maritime Strategy. In written testimony, Coane asked for a moratorium on Navy end-strength cuts that appear to be budget driven.

Regarding the Navy Reserve, Coane explained to the Committee that the transition from a Strategic Reserve to an Operational Reserve with predictable and periodic mobilization increases the need for these Reserve Components to be properly resourced for equipment.

Discussing one aspect of the Naval Aviation Plan 2030, Coane also testified that some current C-9 aircraft and C-20G aircraft have "turned the maintenance expense curve to the extent that prudent business practices dictate replacement now." He added that some of those aircraft are scheduled to be decommissioned in FY 2012-2014 because of extensive use, and that the Navy needs 5-6 more C-40s to finish the program and it needs some of them this year. He urged the Committee to properly fund equipment in line with the Naval Aviation Plan.

The testimony called for defense spending to be 5% of GDP in times of war to ensure the force is not hollowed out due to budgetary pressures.

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Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) is a non-profit, professional military association representing nearly 20,000 members. AUSN represents active duty, reserve and retired Navy members and their families.

Since 1954, AUSN has been the leading voice for America’s Sailors and the premier advocate for a strong Navy, AUSN represents Navy people on Capitol Hill. The Association also provides career and professional development guidance, information on benefits and pay, college scholarships for dependents, publishes a monthly magazine, and maintains a website.