The US Navy is facing a "retirement spike" in 2010-2015 and is unsure of how to handle it. The current shipbuilding schedule (through 2007) will maintain the existing 305-ship fleet (which many feel is inadequate and being worn out by constant deployments). However, the large number of ships that entered service in the Reagan defense buildup will start reaching their 30-35-year retirement ages in 2010 and will require a considerable increase in ship construction just to maintain 305 ships.--Stephen V Cole