WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today commended the U.S. Navy’s decision to accelerate its plan to reach 355 ships by extending the service lives of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

“This announcement is a game changer,” Wicker said. “I am extremely grateful that the Navy has taken this important step to get our fleet to 355 ships at least 15 years sooner than previous estimates. As Chairman of the Senate Seapower Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Navy leadership to accelerate the fleet buildup and help our men and women get the 355-ship fleet they need.” 

In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Assistant Secretary of the Navy James Geurts stated that the Navy would extend the service lives of Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) Flight I Destroyers. This decision would enable the Navy to reach the 355-ship requirement in the 2030s. It represents a remarkable improvement from the Navy’s estimated timeline of the 2050s contained in the 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan.

Senator Wicker has been a champion for helping the Navy meet its stated requirement of 355 ships. He is the author of the SHIPS Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in December.