Ship Shape?

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) has sent Navy Secretary Ray Mabus a letter seeking answers about the service's 30-year shipbuilding plan. The April 26 letter questions the likelihood the Navy will be able to achieve its plan "given the steep drop in defense spending to include the current law impacting funding levels, known as sequestration."

McCain presses Mabus to answer six questions about the shipbuilding plan by May 3. Among other things, McCain wants to know when the Navy will get around to sending lawmakers the complete plan as opposed to a handful of chart excerpted from the plan. The senator's questions also touch on planned ship retirements, funding level assumptions for shipbuilding, construction costs and the potential for a "back-up plan" prepared in light of fiscal uncertainty.

"I have serious concerns with our shipbuilding plan and look forward to your timely response," writes McCain.