More than $7 million to support continued research and development into two critical aircraft carrier initiatives being done at Navy Lakehurst have been added to the Fiscal Year 2004 Defense Authorization bill through a provision offered by Congressman Chris Smith (R-Hamilton).  The bill is expected to pass the House late today or early tomorrow.

    “After a great deal of work at the 11th hour, I was able to get the funds included into the bill during floor consideration,” Smith said.  “I would especially like to thank Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter who, after seeing the significant merits both projects bring to our nation’s security, worked directly to include the money in his manager’s amendment after the bill was reported out of committee.  His support, and that of New Jersey’s Congressman Jim Saxton, is critical to efforts to keep Lakehurst strong.”

    Added were $6.25 million to complete the research and development phase of the Aviation-Shipboard Information Technology Initiative (AS/ITI) project.  The money complements $3.75 million already invested by the government into this project, which will redevelop and enhance systems used to launch fighter aircraft from carriers.

    An additional $1.4 million was included to complete the R&D phase of the AutoREAD project, which will provide for a safer and more efficient system of inspecting carrier arresting gear, which catches and recovers landing fighter craft.

    “This additional money, which comes on the heels of nearly $23 million in military construction projects already included in HR 1588, will enable us to enhance our military’s ability to do its job and also keep Navy Lakehurst strong for decades to come,” Smith said.

    “The AS/ITI technology will enhance our aircraft carriers, enabling them to launch and recover aircraft safer, faster, and more effectively.  This will boost sortie rates and firepower without adding more aircraft.  It will also save about $2 million a year per carrier, and about $25 million a year Navy-wide,” Smith said.

    “The AutoREAD system has already proven to be immensely successful aboard the USS Harry Truman.  It provides for an automated system to inspect the gear responsible for catching landing aircraft.  AutoREAD will provide for more thorough inspections of this vital equipment and reduce chances of human error,” he added.

    “As we move forward, I will work hard to ensure this funding for Lakehurst is included in the Senate version of the bill as we work to ensure the base is strong and well-positioned to stave off any attempts by the 2005 base closure commission to shut it down,” Smith said.