An SM-3 is launched from the Aegis cruiser USS Lake Erie as part of the Missile Defense Agency's latest Ballistic Missile Defense System test to defeat a medium-range ballistic missile threat. The missile, part of the Aegis Weapon System, intercepted a target launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the Hawaiian island of Kauai Dec. 11. This was the fourth successful intercept for Aegis BMD and SM-3. The test included evaluation of the long-range surveillance and tracking capabilities of two Navy ships as well as effective communications between the ships and command and control units. Navy photo. In Case You Missed It -- Information Dissemination
If you didn't read it, Secretary Gates NY Times Op-Ed was somewhat important. The public debate isn't really about the technical nature of the decision, but it is important to get the Secretary's opinion when he offers it.
Last week, President Obama — on my recommendation and with the advice of his national-security team and the unanimous support of our senior military leadership — decided to discard that plan in favor of a vastly more suitable approach. In the first phase, to be completed by 2011, we will deploy proven, sea-based SM-3 interceptor missiles — weapons that are growing in capability — in the areas where we see the greatest threat to Europe.
Read more ....
My Comment: The key paragraph in the above post is the following:
My only concern is one nobody in the debate is talking about, and that is how does the Navy afford this. So far the Navy is reducing aircraft carriers, building fewer Littoral Combat Ships in future shipbuilding, and taking on a greater role in BMD. In other words, so far it is about fewer ships and more obligations. It will be interesting how this balances out.
Exactly .... where is the paperwork that shows how this change in policy will be implemented and paid for. So far ... I have seen nothing and my betting is that they are doing the paperwork and catchup right now.
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