The Virginian-Pilot
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President Barack Obama's proposed budget, rolled out on Tuesday, could have major long-term effects on the warships that call Norfolk home - and the shipyards that build and maintain them. The Navy today has 283 warships, about 60 of them homeported here.
As the military shrinks after a decade of war and faces mandatory cutbacks under sequestration, the budget proposal signals which ships the Pentagon considers most vital. Here's a guide to some of the basic takeaways:
LITTORAL COMBAT SHIPS
The budget proposal calls for $1.4 billion to buy three of these ships. But because of concerns about their protection and firepower, it calls for ending the program after 32 ships, instead of 52.
Function Fast and adaptable, littoral combat ships are designed for coastal waters and a minimal crew. Capabilities include mine sweeping and anti-submarine warfare.
Size One version is 388 feet long. The other is 419 feet.
Crew About 50.
Drawbacks Unlikely to survive high-intensity combat.
Where they're built Marinette, Wis., and Mobile, Ala.
Cost $360 million-$700 million.
How many Three, with none based in Norfolk. One more has been delivered to the Navy. A dozen others are in preproduction or are under construction.
FRIGATES
The budget proposes decommissioning 10 frigates, including seven used by the Navy Reserve.
Function Frigates escort and protect other vessels - including warships and replenishment and merchant ships - against air and submarine attack.
Size 445 feet long with a crew of about 200.
Drawbacks They lack the capability to withstand high-tech weapons and have limited capacity for modernization.
Where they're built No longer under construction.
How many 17, with three based in Norfolk.
DESTROYERS
The budget proposal calls for spending $2.8 billion for two additional destroyers.
Function Destroyers are guided missile warships with a variety of missions, including supporting carrier strike groups and surface strike groups. They're also tapped to provide ballistic missile defense in the Mediterranean.
Size 510 feet long with a crew of 276.
Drawbacks They are often tasked with missions that could be better accomplished by smaller ships.
Where they're built Mississippi and Maine.
How many 62 with 23 in Norfolk; four under construction; two more have money appropriated.
CRUISERS
Half of the Navy's 22 guided missile cruisers would be temporarily decommissioned to save $4 billion, with the savings used to modernize the ships over time and bring them back to service.
Function Similar to destroyers, cruisers are equipped with guided missiles and are primarily used to protect aircraft carrier strike groups from air attacks. They're also used in ballistic missile defense.
Size 567 feet long with a crew of about 330.
Drawbacks Only half of the Navy's aging fleet has received upgrades needed to reach the ship's projected 35-year service life.
Where they're built No longer under construction.
How many 22, with six in Norfolk.
SUBMARINES
As part of a multiyear program, the Navy would purchase two Virginia class submarines in 2015. The subs are a joint project between Newport News Shipbuilding and Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.
Function Attack submarines, loaded with Tomahawk cruise missiles, are designed to find and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships. They also gather intelligence and engage in mine warfare.
Los Angeles class
Size 360 feet long with a crew of about 140.
Drawbacks 14 were retired halfway through their expected service life instead of being refueled.
Where they're built No longer under construction.
Cost approximately $900 million.
How many 40, with seven based in Norfolk.
Virginia class
Size 377 feet with a crew of about 130.
Drawbacks Cost.
Where they're built Newport News and Groton, Conn.
Cost $2.7 billion.
How many 10, with none based in Norfolk. The Navy plans to buy at least 31.
AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
The budget keeps intact an 11-carrier fleet in 2015. It includes $123 million for continued work on the carrier Gerald R. Ford at Newport News Shipbuilding. It calls for spending $1.3 billion for the design and construction of the John F. Kennedy. It defers a decision on the planned 2016 refueling of the George Washington - seen above in 2003 - which could be decommissioned instead.
Function Aircraft carriers support and operate planes that can attack targets in the air, at sea and ashore. They allow U.S. forces to project power in distant places, for sustained periods.
Nimitz class
Size 1,092 feet.
Drawbacks Cost.
Where they're built Newport News.
Cost The Bush cost $6.2 billion.
How many 10, with five based in Norfolk.
Ford class
Size 1,092 feet.
Drawbacks Cost.
Where they're built The first ship, the Gerald Ford, is under construction in Newport News. It is expected to be finished in 2016.
Cost Estimated at $12 billion.
How many Plans are under way for a second, the John F. Kennedy.
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Compiled by Corinne Reilly, Mike Hixenbaugh and Kate Wiltrout.
Sources U.S. Navy fact file; Navy FY2015 budget