Hagel on Subs

Former Sen. Hagel (R-NE) today stopped short of committing to acquiring 12 new nuclear ballistic missile submarines to replace the Navy's aging Ohio-class boomers. Asked at his confirmation hearing whether he would prefer 12 or 10 new boomers, Hagel said he would want to talk with the chief of naval operations before taking a position on the issue.

Hagel also steered clear of a question on whether the next block buy for the Virginia-class attack sub program should include 10 or nine subs. Hagel acknowledged the importance of both boomers and attack subs and said he is committed to modernizing the Navy.