Events Detail

Don't Give up the Ships:

A Look at a 200-Ship Navy

Friday, May 22, 2009

10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Electric Boat Corporation

1201 M St, SE

Suite 100

Washington, DC 20003-3708

     Congressman Joe Sestak

             Sec. John Lehman

                Seth Cropsey

The U.S. Navy today possesses approximately 280 ships, less than half the number achieved during the Cold War. Between likely budget cuts, the increased cost of shipbuilding, and continued de-commissionings, the long-term outlook is that the fleet will continue its decrease in size, perhaps reaching as few ships as 200. What does it mean for the United States? What will be required to turn the situation around? And, what are the long-term consequences for the United States, its allies, and international security if U.S. naval strength erodes substantially?

To answer these and other questions, Hudson Institute gathered many distinguished analysts and experts of this issue.

10:00 – 10:15 AM

Introduction

Allan Tessler, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Hudson Institute

10:15 – 11:15 AM

The Navy's Role in America's Security in the 21^st Century

Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA)

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

The Long-Term Outlook for the U.S. Fleet

Eric Labs, principal Naval analyst, Congressional Budget Office

Click here to view Dr. Labs' presentation

12:15 – 2:00 PM

Luncheon Address

What the Navy Should Look Like

John Lehman, former Secretary of the Navy

2:00- 3:30 PM

Panel discussion

The Strategic Consequences of a Much-Diminished U.S. Fleet

Aaron Friedberg, Princeton University

James Clad, National Defense University

Seth Cropsey, Hudson Institute

S. Enders Wimbush, Hudson Institute (moderator)