Senators press Gates to buy more Super Hornets

[unhappycamper]

Senators press Gates to buy more Super Hornets
By John T. Bennett - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 12, 2009 18:01:18 EST

A dozen U.S. senators, including eight members of the powerful Armed Services and Appropriations committees, are pushing Defense Secretary Robert Gates to buy more Boeing-made F/A-18E/F aircraft.

In a Dec. 11, 2008, letter to Gates, Senate heavyweights Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn.; Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; John Kerry, D-Mass.; and eight others raised concerns about “a significant shortfall in the number of strike fighter aircraft” capable of operating from aircraft carriers.

“If left unaddressed,” the perceived fighter shortfall “could render hollow a major portion of our aircraft carrier fleet,” according to the letter. “The role played by our aircraft carriers in protecting and promoting America’s interests around the world is too important to permit this to occur.”

Navy Times obtained a copy of the letter.

Senior Navy officials for months have warned about a looming “fighter gap” that could leave the service in need of about 70 more strike fighters by 2017. Other estimates have predicted the services could need up to 200 more fighter aircraft than they are planning to buy under current budget plans.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/01/defense_f18_senators_011209/%2e



uhc comment: I'm sure Boeing appreciates the warmongers's efforts to keep Boeing profitable.