Mike McIntyre: “I continue to question how putting these ships into long-term layup status improves our national defense.”

To maintain American dominance of the oceans we must invest in a Navy that is of the right size and capability.

We know that our submarines are clearly at the forefront and clearly have the most mobility to do what needs to be done quickly, accurately and responsibly.

I worry that, absent a calculated adjustment by the Department of Defense, this modernization effort could undermine the military balance and call into question our alliance commitments.

In the end, future defense reductions will be paid for in the lives of our service members.