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Summary:
The Navy is currently developing technologies and studying design options for a planned new cruiser called the CG(X). Navy plans call for procuring the first CG(X) in FY2011, at an estimated cost of about $3.2 billion, and 18 more CG(X)s in FY2013 and subsequent years. The 19 planned CG(X)s are intended to replace the Navy's 22 existing Ticonderoga (CG-47) class Aegis cruisers. The Navy wants the CG(X) to be a highly capable multi-mission ship with an emphasis on air defense and ballistic missile defense (BMD). The context for the CG(X) program includes concerns about the affordability of the Navy's shipbuilding program, the emergence of the Navy's new ballistic missile defense (BMD) mission, interest among some in Congress in having the CG(X) be nuclear-powered, and concerns for the surface combatant industrial base. The Navy's proposed FY2009 budget requests $370 million for research and development work on the CG(X). The Navy's proposed FY2009 budget does not request any advance procurement funding for the first CG(X). Under normal budgeting procedures, a nuclear-powered CG(X) procured in FY2011 would be funded with several hundred million dollars in FY2009 advance procurement funding for purchasing long-lead time components, including nuclear propulsion components. The Navy in the past has expressed interest in basing the CG(X) design on the hull design of the Navy's new Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer. Two DDG1000s have been procured, and the Navy wants to procure a third in FY2009. At a March 6, 2008, hearing before the House Armed Services Committee on the Department of the Navy's FY2009 budget, certain committee members indicated that they are considering the option of not procuring additional DDG-1000s and instead procuring additional Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class Aegis destroyers. These DDG51s, it was stated at the hearing, could act as a bridge to a CG(X) design based on an enlarged version of the DDG-51 hull and powered by one-half of the reactor plant that has been designed for the Navy's new Ford (CVN-78) class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The CG(X) program raises several potential oversight issues for Congress. Congress has several options relating to the program. This report will be updated as events warrant.
