The Navy has opted not to conduct service life extensions of its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, according to recent congressional testimony. In a March 4 joint statement submitted to the Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee, Navy acquisition chief Hondo Geurts, Vice Adm. James Kilby and Lt. Gen. Eric Smith detail the service’s rationale for canceling the service life extensions. “The FY-2021 President’s Budget includes funding for the modernization of three destroyers to sustain combat effectiveness, ensure mission relevancy, and achieve the...
