The Navy’s top officer has announced that the fleet this year will shrink by a net of at least 10 warships, bringing the total below 280. The fleet hasn’t been that small since the 1930s, when the US was a regional power and the Navy did not have global duties. Adm. Michael G. Mullen, the Chief of Naval Operations, noted that the Navy will take delivery of three new destroyers, three bew amphibious transport docks, and one new attack submarine, but those additions are offset by retirements.
The Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. David W. Allvin as the next Air Force Vice Chief of Staff on Sept. 30, while also approving his promotion to four-star general. Allvin will replace current VCSAF Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, who became the second-highest officer in July 2016 and is the longest-serving vice…