Blumenthal Statement on Navy Strategic Readiness Review

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer released the results of the months-long Strategic Readiness Review. The Review examined systemic conditions impacting the Navy over the last 30 years. It found the Navy has repeatedly failed to meet readiness requirements while balancing growing operational demands. The report made over 20 recommendations to address readiness shortfalls. Its four broad, strategic recommendations include: re-establishing readiness as a priority; matching supply and demand; establishing clear command and control relationships; and becoming a true learning organization.

“This review documents and demonstrates severe readiness problems across the fleet,” said Blumenthal. “They contributed significantly to deadly collisions that took the lives of seventeen brave sailors, including two from Connecticut. Such preventable tragedies must never happen again. The Navy must move expeditiously and effectively to implement the essential recommendations made by this review. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will do everything possible to make sure the Navy has the resources and leadership to protect our sailors and the world’s greatest Navy.”