YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 3, 2010) The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) transits Tokyo Bay on the way to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, marking the first time in the history of the U.S. 7th Fleet that a Virginia-class submarine visited the region. This is Hawaii's first scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Lara Bollinger)

Amid US Plans For Continued Asia Presence, A Shrinking Submarine Fleet -- Stars and Stripes

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The U.S. Navy bills its submarine fleet as the world’s most advanced, a boast that few in the Asia-Pacific region would argue.

Submariners can collect intelligence, protect surface ships and launch Navy SEAL teams in a region brimming with international tensions — all with minimal chance of detection.

However, the one thing that the U.S. fleet hasn’t been able to do is escape the realities of both age and cost.

The U.S. Navy’s attack submarine fleet is slated to drop steadily from 55 currently active to 41 by 2028, according to the service’s most recent shipbuilding plan.

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Update: Aging, Shrinking Force Could Force U.S. to Surrender to China -- Washington Free Beacon

My Comment: Even with these cutbacks the U.S. Navy's message to our allies is the same .... do not worry.