U.S. Navy Aims To Meet Growing Demand For Special Forces

July 18, 2012

The war against terrorism and concerns over ballistic missile attacks are being linked to strains on U.S. Navy ships and resources, and growing concern that the service may be unable to meet operational needs.
Missions requiring Special Forces work or construction needs are stressing Navy resources, but of particular consideration, some defense analysts say, is the increasing need for ships to handle ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations.
“Our Seals, our Seabees, they’re under a lot of demand,” says Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations (CNO). “Ballistic missile ships are under demand.”
Speaking during a recent Pentagon briefing with reporters, Greenert said, “We track each and we got to keep an eye on it.”
The Navy’s BMD program is anchored by its fleet of destroyers and cruisers equipped with the Aegis combat system, and it is carried out jointly with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Under the Obama administration’s European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) for European missile defense, BMD-capable Aegis ships have begun operating in European waters to defend the continent from potential ballistic missile attacks from countries such as Iran.

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