MABUS SAYS NAVY STRENGTH INCREASING

THE SECRETARY OF THE U.S. NAVY SAYS HE IS INCREASING OUR FLEET TO LEVELS TO THOSE AROUND 9/11.

RAY MABUS SAYS AMERICA'S SHIP BUILDING PROGRAMS WERE A MESS WHEN HE TOOK OFFICE THREE YEARS AGO. HE SAYS THEY ARE NOW STABILIZED BY USING FIXED PRICED CONTRACTS AND BETTER COMPETITION FROM BIDDERS.

MABUS SAYS IN THE 8 YEARS SINCE 9/11, THE NAVAL FLEET SHRANK TO 283 SHIPS FROM 316, AND MANPOWER DROPPED BY NEARLY 49-THOUSAND SAILORS.

MABUS SAYS THE NEW SHIP CONSTRUCTION WILL ALSO PROVIDE FOR HUNDREDS OF JOBS HERE IN AMERICA.

THE U.S.S. SIOUX CITY WILL BE ONE OF THOSE NEW SHIPS WHEN IT JOINS THE FLEET IN 2016.

MABUS MADE HIS COMMENTS IN A NAMING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW SHIP AT CITY HALL ON SATURDAY.