Forces: March 19, 2000

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Admirals of the US Navy have told Congress that the present force of 12 carriers, 12 amphibious readiness groups, and 50 nuclear attack submarines is not adequate to meet the needs of the regional commanders, and must be increased to 15 carriers, 14 amphibious groups, and 60 nuclear attack submarines. The admirals noted that 300 ships (the Clinton Administration's target force) are not adequate (350 are needed), the current ship construction program will produce a force of only 267 ships.--Stephen V Cole