Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Navy Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter Jr., commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, watch flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 21, 2012. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Pittman
U.S. Won't Cut Carrier Fleet To Fix Budget, Panetta Says -- Chicago Tribune/Reuters
ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE (Reuters) - The United States will not cut America's fleet of 11 aircraft carriers to help trim the budget deficit, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Saturday, citing tensions with Iran as an example of why the massive ships are so critical to national security.
Panetta was addressing about 1,700 sailors headed to the Gulf this spring aboard the USS Enterprise, which after a half-century of service is about to embark on its final tour before being taken offline in November.
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More News On Maintaining America's Aircraft Carrier Fleet
U.S. to keep 11 aircraft carriers -- CBS/AP
Despite cuts, US to maintain 11 carriers: Panetta -- Economic Times/AFP
Panetta Touts Carrier’s Agility in Visit to Enterprise -- US Department of Defense
U.S. shipbuilder welcomes Navy decision on carriers -- Reuters
What About the USS George Washington? -- Tom Roberson, American Thinker
My Comment: I am skeptical of this promise. The real decisions on funding the US Navy that US Secretary of Defense Panetta wants is going to happen years from now .... long after he is gone from public service. The budget crisis is real .... adjustments will have to be made. My prediction .... get ready for the 8 aircraft carrier fleet (if we are lucky).