Haley Stevens: “it is true that the budget did not request any funds to buy more F-18C's for the Navy. The Armed Services bill included…”

“it is true that the budget did not request any funds to buy more F-18C's for the Navy. The Armed Services bill included six F-18C's for the Navy. This is authorized. The committee, our subcommittee, added and the Appropriations Committee approved $234 million to buy six single-seat F-18C's for the Navy. Before his untimely death, we asked Admiral Boorda to list the 10 highest priorities for the Navy this year, and Admiral Boorda listed as the sixth priority, as the CNO, buying six more F-18C's. These replace the less capable F-18A's that are still in the active inventory. The C model has substantial upgrades over the A model. It has better radar and carries more sophisticated weapons. It can fly at night and in adverse weather. The Navy really needs at least 30 more F-18C's to upgrade its force and accomplish its war-fighting mission. The F-18C procurement was ended because of financial considerations in the past. We still have financial considerations, but these F-18C's we buy now in fiscal year 1997 will be in the inventory of the Navy through at least the year 2018. I say to my friend from Arkansas, as a pilot, these C models give Navy pilots the ability to fly at night, in adverse weather, with more sophisticated weapons and the best radar in the world. I think it is a needed addition to our Navy.”