Submarine Force is undermanned and underboated

Since 02-25-04

We all know that the Submarine Force is undermanned and underboated. We can't build enough to keep the force levels where they should be to deploy where the President, SecDef, JCS, UN, NATO and CNO wants us to be and fulfill training and maintenance programs.

Didn't we hear that 6 months was maximum deployment. Wasn't that put out by SecNav some time ago?

In any event, we should feel sorry for the following. They deserve our maximum respect and admiration.

• USS Cheyenne spent nearly 9 months at sea
• USS Louisville spent about 8 months on station
• USS Newport News was out 202 days
• USS Toledo came in for a 12-18 month overhaul after being at sea 6 months. But even before the missiles were off-loaded she was sent out. She was in the Med and got word to take on a 60 day food supply and she was staying out longer.