Military experts familiar with Mr. Panetta’s thinking said that Mr. Obama had opposed reducing the American carrier fleet to 10 from 11 because of what he sees as the need to have enough force in the Pacific Ocean to act as a counterweight to China. ...
As part of the new reality, Mr. Panetta is expected to propose cuts in coming weeks to next-generation weapons, including delays in purchases of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet, one of the most expensive weapons programs in history. Delaying the F-35 would leave its factories open, giving the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, a chance to work out continuing problems in developing the plane while freeing up money that otherwise would be devoted to buying the warplane in the next year or two.
One, I don't think emphasizing our big carriers as we prepare for fleet-on-fleet engagements with the Chinese is a good idea.
Two, delaying the F-35 just risks the Marine Corps version of the plane, which is critical to having more survivable naval aviation available. (I have a tiny amount of Lockheed Martin stock, I'll note again.)
This is just going to get worse since I don't think Washington has any plans to slow down spending--other than in the Defense Department.
God forbid PBS should have to fork over more tote bags for private donations or any of the other non-core federal spending priorities should be downgraded to provide for our common defense.
