Navy working to expedite resources toward comprehensive review objectives

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Bill Moran is working to expedite resources targeted in the future years defense program that are designated to help the Navy achieve objectives laid out by a comprehensive review of last year's warship collisions, according to a four-star admiral.

Moran gave guidance in a recent Navy meeting to get some of the investments that are further down the road in the FYDP moved up, U.S. Fleet Forces commander Adm. Philip Davidson told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.

"He's having meetings this month to see what we might be able to produce and achieve sooner investment to get these things done," Davidson said.

The answer was prompted by a question from Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) who asked whether Davidson was satisfied with the resources being provided to the Navy to reform the surface fleet. Davidson led a comprehensive review following the deaths of 17 sailors in U.S. 7th Fleet after two major collisions involving Navy destroyers and commercial vessels.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the Navy's efforts to implement the review's proposed changes, Davidson said yes.

Davidson, who is nominated to lead U.S. Pacific Command, was testifying today during a confirmation hearing. Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, who was tapped to be U.S. Northern Command chief, was testifying alongside Davidson.

PACOM chief Adm. Harry Harris was nominated in February to become the U.S. ambassador to Australia.