[sukhoi-30mki]

One of the reasons why the USN seems opposed to buying SSKs is the fear that lawmakers could significantly cut nuke numbers.A predominantly expeditionary force like the USN has reasons to value SSNs.

[CT]

Here is the BIG PICTURE for Freepers: The Anglosphere, meaning the US and UK, are losing the grasp of protecting the Seven Seas. Our allies, the Aussies, are stepping up to increase their military spending. They are even trying to recruit UK sailors for their Navy. It's 1920-something, Churchill is in Australia, and we have Obama (no comparison can be made).

As the guy in Braveheart said, "I'm OK, but you're FUKKEED."

[Jeff Head]

The US needs both. No cuts in nukes so they can do the fast attack thing all over the world’s oceans...but a force of litoral ssks to handle the shallow waters.

The Virginia Class are simply too value to risk in the litorals IMHO, but are unbeatable in any major ocean, sea, or deep water straits or passages.