U.S. Army Modernization Table Citations

General Sources

• U.S. Department of Defense, “Department of Defense Comprehensive Selected Acquisition Reports for the Annual 2019 Reporting Requirement as Updated by the President’s Fiscal Year 2021 Budget,” https://media.defense.gov/2020/Nov/19/2002538295/-1/-1/0/SAR-SUMMARY-TABLES-DEC-2019-UPDATED.PDF (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Army, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Army, Justification Book Volume 1 of 1, Aircraft Procurement, Army, March 2023, https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2024/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Aircraft%20Procurement%20Army.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Army, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Army, Justification Book Volume 1 of 3, Other Procurement, Army, Other Procurement Army, Tactical and Support Vehicles, Budget Activity 1, March 2023, https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2024/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Other%20Procurement%20-%20BA%201%20-%20Tactical%20&%20Support%20Vehicles.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Army, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Army, Justification Book Volume 1 of 1, Procurement of W&TCV, Army, March 2023, https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2024/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Procurement%20of%20Weapons%20and%20Tracked%20Combat%20Vehicles.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer, United States Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request: Defense Budget Overview, March 2023, https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2024/FY2024_Budget_Request_Overview_Book.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

Program Sources

M1A1/2 Abrams:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “Abrams Main Battle Tank,” updated 2022, https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/gcs-m1-abrams-main-battle-tank/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

M2 Bradley:

• Andrew Feickert, “The Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R45519, updated December 28, 2021, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/R45519.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Military.com, “M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle,” https://www.military.com/equipment/m2-m3-bradley-fighting-vehicle (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Jen Judson, “Competition to Replace Bradley Vehicles Enters Design, Prototype Phase,” Defense News, July 1, 2022, https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/07/01/competition-to-replace-bradley-vehicles-enters-design-prototype-phase/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

Stryker:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “Stryker Family of Vehicles,” https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/gcs-stryker-family-of-vehicles/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

HMMWV:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV),” https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/cs-css-high-mobility-multipurpose-wheeled-vehicle-hmmwv/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

AH-64D Apache:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “Apache Attack Helicopter AH-64D/E,” updated 2022, https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/apache-attack-helicopter-ah-64d-e/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Miguel Alejandro Laborde, “What’s the Future of the Apache?” RealClearDefense, March 26, 2022, https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2022/03/26/whats_the_future_of_the_apache_823885.html (accessed September 15, 2023).

AH-64E:

• Master Sgt. Adam Raynor, “South Carolina Guard Receives New AH-64E Apache Helicopters,” U.S. Army, March 28, 2022, https://www.army.mil/article/255120/south_carolina_guard_receives_new_ah_64e_apache_helicopters (accessed September 15, 2023).

UH-60A:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “Black Hawk Utility Helicopter—UH/HH-60,” https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/black-hawk-uhhh-60/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Military.com, “UH-60A/L Black Hawk Helicopter,” https://www.military.com/equipment/uh-60a-l-black-hawk (accessed September 15, 2023).

UH-60M:

• Program Executive Office Aviation, “Utility Helicopter UH-60M,” U.S. Army, September 25, 2020, https://www.army.mil/article/239415/utility_helicopter_uh_60m (accessed September 15, 2023).

CH-47D Chinook:

• Military.com, “CH-47D Chinook,” https://www.military.com/equipment/ch-47d-chinook (accessed September 15, 2023).

CH-47F Chinook:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “CH-47F Chinook,” updated 2022, https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/aviation_ch47f-chinook/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

MQ-1C Gray Eagle:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS),” Asc.army.mil, 2022, https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/endurance-unmanned-aircraft-systems-euas-mq-1c-gray-eagle-er/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

DPL:

• Congressional Budget Office, “Projected Acquisition Costs for the Army’s Ground Combat Vehicles,” April 2021, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2021-03/57085-ground-combat-vehicles.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle:

• Andrew Feickert, “The Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Program: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R45519, updated December 28, 2021, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/R45519.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• David Vergun, “Next Generation Combat Vehicles to Replace Bradley Starting Fiscal Year 2026,” U.S. Army, November 3, 2018, https://www.army.mil/article/212190/next_generation_combat_vehicles_to_replace_bradley_starting_fiscal_year_2026 (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Jen Judson, “Army Drops Request for Proposals to Build Next-Gen Combat Vehicle Prototypes,” March 29, 2019, https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/03/29/armys-request-for-proposals-to-build-next-gen-combat-vehicle-prototypes-drops/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Andrew Feickert, “The Army’s XM-30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle (Formerly Known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle [OMFV]),” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. 12094, updated June 27, 2023, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons /IF12094.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Army Public Affairs, “Army Announces Contract Awards for OMFV,” June 26, 2023, https://www.army.mil/article/267920/army_announces_contract_awards_for_omfv (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Aja Melville, “XM30 Bradley IFV Replacement Detailed,” Forecast International, Defense & Security Monitor Blog, July 3, 2023, https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/wordpress/2023/07/03/xm30-bradley-ifv-replacement-detailed/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

AMPV:

• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle,” updated 2022, https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/gcs-ampv/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Andrew Feickert, “The Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV),” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11741, updated March 15, 2023, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/IF11741.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

JLTV:

• Andrew Feickert, “Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. RS22942, updated July 13, 2020, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RS22942.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Andrew Feickert, “Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV),” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11729, updated March 13, 2023, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11729/8 (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Army, Acquisition Support Center, “Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV),” updated 2022, https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/cs-css-joint-light-tactical-vehicle/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Army, Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support, “Army Approves JLTV Full-Rate Production,” September 18, 2019, https://www.army.mil/article/223482/army_approves_jltv_full_rate_production (accessed September 15, 2023).

U.S. Navy Modernization Table Citations

General Sources

• Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, “Naval Vessel Register,” https://www.nvr.navy.mil/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Military Balance 2023, “North America.”
• U.S. Department of the Navy, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Navy, Justification Book Volume 1 of 3, Aircraft Procurement, Navy, Budget Activities 01–04, March 2023, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Documents/24pres/APN_BA1-4_Book.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Navy, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Navy, Justification Book Volume 1 of 1, Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy, March 2023, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Documents/24pres/SCN_Book.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• U.S. Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities–OPNAV N9, Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2024, March 2023, https://www.govexec.com/media/navy_2024_shipbuilding_plan.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).

Program Sources

Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier (CVN 68)

• U.S. Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities–OPNAV N9, Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2024, March 2023, p. 17, https://www.govexec.com/media/navy_2024_shipbuilding_plan.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Sam LaGrone, “Navy to Decommission 2 Carriers in a Row, 2 LCS Set for Foreign Sales, Says Long Range Shipbuilding Plan,” U.S. Naval Institute News, updated April 19, 2023, https://news.usni.org/2023/04/18/navy-to-decommission-2-carriers-in-a-row-2-lcs-set-for-foreign-sales-says-long-range-shipbuilding-plan (accessed September 16, 2023).

Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier

• U.S. Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities–OPNAV N9, Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2024, March 2023, p. 17, https://www.govexec.com/media/navy_2024_shipbuilding_plan.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Press release, “USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Completes First Full Ship Shock Trial Event,” America’s Navy, June 18, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2663444/uss-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-completes-first-full-ship-shock-trial-event/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Newport News Shipbuilding, “Building the Next 100 Years of Aircraft Carriers: The Ford-Class,” https://www.thefordclass.com/cvn-78/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “New Navy Long Range Shipbuilding Plan Calls for Decommissioning More Cruisers, Littoral Combat Ships,” U.S. Naval Institute News, April 19, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/04/19/new-navy-long-range-shipbuilding-plan-calls-for-decommissioning-more-cruisers-littoral-combat-ships (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Wraps Up Maintenance Availability,” U.S. Naval Institute News, March 1, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/03/01/carrier-uss-gerald-r-ford-wraps-up-maintenance-availability (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. RS20643, updated August 16, 2023, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/RS20643.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• News Story, “Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Deploys,” Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs, May 4, 2023, https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3384385/gerald-r-ford-carrier-strike-group-deploys/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “Ford Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy to Deliver a Year Later,” U.S. Naval Institute News, March 23, 2023, https://news.usni.org/2023/03/23/ford-aircraft-carrier-john-f-kennedy-to-deliver-a-year-late (accessed September 16, 2023).

Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser (CG-47)

• U.S. Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities–OPNAV N9, Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal Year 2024, March 2023, p. 17, https://www.govexec.com/media/navy_2024_shipbuilding_plan.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “New Navy Long Range Shipbuilding Plan Calls for Decommissioning More Cruisers, Littoral Combat Ships,” U.S. Naval Institute News, April 19, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/04/19/new-navy-long-range-shipbuilding-plan-calls-for-decommissioning-more-cruisers-littoral-combat-ships (accessed September 16, 2023).

Zumwalt-Class Destroyer (DDG-1000)

• Fact File, “Destroyers (DDG 1000),” last updated January 5, 2023, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2391800/destroyers-ddg-1000/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Sam LaGrone, “Last Zumwalt-Class Destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson Leaves Bath Iron Works Bound for Mississippi,” U.S. Naval Institute News, January 13, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/01/13/last-zumwalt-class-destroyer-lyndon-b-johnson-leaves-bath-iron-works-bound-for-mississippi (accessed September 16, 2023).

Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer (DDG-51)

• Fact File, “Destroyers (DDG 51),” America’s Navy, last updated December 13, 2022, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “New Navy Long Range Shipbuilding Plan Calls for Decommissioning More Cruisers, Littoral Combat Ships,” U.S. Naval Institute News, April 19, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/04/19/new-navy-long-range-shipbuilding-plan-calls-for-decommissioning-more-cruisers-littoral-combat-ships (accessed September 16, 2023).
• John M. Donnelly, “House Armed Services Panel Backs Biden’s Navy Shipbuilding Plan,” Roll Call, June 7, 2022, https://rollcall.com/2022/06/07/house-armed-services-panel-backs-bidens-navy-shipbuilding-plan/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy DDG-51 and DDG-100 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. RL32109, updated August 8, 2023, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL32109.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Geoff Ziezulewicz, “Navy Will Extend Service Life of Destroyer Arleigh Burke,” Navy Times, March 16, 2023, https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/03/16/navy-will-extend-service-life-of-destroyer-arleigh-burke/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)

• Fact File, “Littoral Combat Ship Class–LCS,” America’s Navy, last updated July 20, 2023, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2171607/littoral-combat-ship-class-lcs/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Sam LaGrone, “Six Littoral Combat Ships to Deploy by Year’s End as Navy Continues to Refine Operations,” U.S. Naval Institute News, June 28, 2021, https://news.usni.org/2021/06/28/six-littoral-combat-ships-to-deploy-by-years-end-as-navy-continues-to-refine-operations (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Andrew Dyer, “After 15 Years, the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships Are Still in Search of a Mission,” The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 15, 2021, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2021-05-15/littoral-combat-ship-mission (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “Navy Could Transfer Decommissioned Littoral Combat Ships to Allies, Says CNO,” U.S. Naval Institute News, May 26, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/05/26/navy-could-transfer-decommissioned-littoral-combat-ships-to-allies-says-cno (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mallory Shelbourne, “New Navy Long Range Shipbuilding Plan Calls for Decommissioning More Cruisers, Littoral Combat Ships,” U.S. Naval Institute News, April 19, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/04/19/new-navy-long-range-shipbuilding-plan-calls-for-decommissioning-more-cruisers-littoral-combat-ships (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Sam LaGrone, “All Freedom Littoral Combat Ships in Commission Tapped for Early Disposal,” U.S. Naval Institute News, March 29, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/03/29/all-freedom-littoral-combat-ships-in-commission-tapped-for-early-disposal (accessed September 16, 2023).
• “U.S. Navy Plans to Retire Nine More Freedom-Class LCS Hulls,” The Maritime Executive, March 28, 2022, https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-navy-plans-to-retire-the-rest-of-its-freedom-class-lcs-hulls (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Megan Eckstein, “Why the US Navy Wants to Retire Eight Ships Early,” Defense News, March 13, 2023, https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/03/13/why-the-us-navy-wants-to-retire-eight-ships-early/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

Constellation-class Frigate (FFG-62)

• John Keller, “The Navy’s New FFG(X) Frigate Warship Will Be Right-Sized and -Armed for the Crucial Open-Ocean Escort Role,” Military & Aerospace Electronics, June 2, 2020, https://www.militaryaerospace.com/blogs/article/14176965/frigate-armament-electronics (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Joe Saballa, “Lockheed Martin Designing Combat System for New US Navy Frigates,” The Defense Post, July 1, 2021, https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/07/01/lockheed-designing-combat-system-frigates/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Megan Eckstein, “Fincantieri Wins $795M Contract for Navy Frigate Program,” U.S. Naval Institute News, April 30, 2020, https://news.usni.org/2020/04/30/fincantieri-wins-795m-contract-for-navy-frigate-program (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy Constellation (FFG-62) Class Frigate Program: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R44972, updated March 27, 2023, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/R44972.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).

Avenger-Class Mine Countermeasure Ship (MCM-1)

• Fact File, “Mine Countermeasures Ships–MCM,” last updated August 21, 2020, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2171622/mine-countermeasures-ships-mcm/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

Ohio-Class Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN-726)

• Fact File, “Guided Missile Submarines–SSGN,” last updated November 25, 2020, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169613/guided-missile-submarines-ssgn/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Megan Eckstein, “Navy May Extend Life of Ohio SSBNs to Provide Cushion for Introduction of Columbia-Class,” U.S. Naval Institute News, updated December 24, 2020, https://news.usni.org/2020/11/16/navy-may-extend-life-of-ohio-ssbns-to-provide-cushion-for-introduction-of-columbia-class (accessed September 16, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Navy, Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Estimates, Navy, Justification Book Volume 1 of 1, Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy, April 2022, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Documents/23pres/SCN_Book.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Joseph Trevithick, “Prized Ohio Guided Missile Submarines Will Be Gone from Navy by 2028,” The War Zone, April 19, 2023, https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/prized-ohio-guided-missile-submarine-will-be-gone-from-navy-by-2028 (accessed September 16, 2023).

Seawolf-Class Fast Attack Submarine (SSN-21)

• Fact File, “Attack Submarines–SSN,” America’s Navy, last updated March 13, 2023, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

Los Angeles-Class Fast Attack Submarine (SSN-688)

• Fact File, “Attack Submarines–SSN,” America’s Navy, last updated March 13, 2023, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• David Axe, “To Keep Up Its Undersea Strength, the U.S. Navy Aims to Keep Old Submarines Longer,” Forbes, November 22, 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2021/11/22/to-keep-up-its-undersea-strength-the-us-navy-aims-to-keep-old-submarines-longer/?sh=5273858e3a45 (accessed September 16, 2023).

Virginia-Class (SSN-774)

• Fact File, “Attack Submarines–SSN,” America’s Navy, last updated March 13, 2023, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• “Report on Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Program,” U.S. Naval Institute News, June 24, 2021, https://news.usni.org/2021/06/24/report-on-virginia-class-attack-submarine-program-3 (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy Virginia (SSN-774) Class Attack Submarine Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. RL32418, June 24, 2021, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32418/208 (accessed September 16, 2023).]
• David Axe, “To Keep Up Its Undersea Strength, the U.S. Navy Aims to Keep Old Submarines Longer,” Forbes, November 22, 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2021/11/22/to-keep-up-its-undersea-strength-the-us-navy-aims-to-keep-old-submarines-longer/?sh=4f29240c3a45 (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Justin Katz, “Block V Virginia-Class Attack Subs Delayed 2 Years Due to Staffing Problems: GAO,” Breaking Defense, June 8, 2023, https://breakingdefense.com/2023/06/block-v-virginia-class-attack-subs-delayed-2-years-due-to-staffing-problems-gao/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• U.S. Government Accountability Office, Weapon Systems Annual Assessment: Programs Are Not Consistently Implementing Practices That Can Help Accelerate Acquisitions, GAO-23-106059, June 2023, https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106059.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).

Ohio-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN-726)

• Fact File, “Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines–SSBN,” America’s Navy, last updated May 25, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169580/fleet-ballistic-missile-submarines-ssbn/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R41129, updated September 5, 2023, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/R41129.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Megan Eckstein, “Navy May Extend Life of Ohio SSBNs to Provide Cushion for Introduction of Columbia-class,” U.S. Naval Institute News, updated December 24, 2020, https://news.usni.org/2020/11/16/navy-may-extend-life-of-ohio-ssbns-to-provide-cushion-for-introduction-of-columbia-class (accessed September 16, 2023).

Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine

• Franz-Stefan Gady, “US Navy’s Deadly New Nuclear Sub Finally Has a Name,” The Diplomat, December 16, 2016, https://thediplomat.com/2016/12/us-navys-deadly-new-nuclear-sub-finally-has-a-name/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R41129, updated September 5, 2023, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/R41129.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Sam LaGrone, “First Columbia Ballistic Missile Submarine Begins to Take Shape,” U.S. Naval Institute News, March 8, 2022, https://news.usni.org/2022/03/08/first-columbia-ballistic-missile-submarine-begins-to-take-shape (accessed September 16, 2023).

Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD-1)

• Fact File, “Amphibious Assault Ships–LHD/LHA(R),” last updated April 15, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169814/amphibious-assault-ships-lhdlhar/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

America-Class Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA-6)

• Fact File, “Amphibious Assault Ships–LHD/LHA(R),” last updated April 15, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169814/amphibious-assault-ships-lhdlhar/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Naval News Staff, “Fabrication Begins on Future USS Fallujah (LHA9),” Naval News, December 21, 2022, https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/12/fabrication-begins-on-future-uss-fallujah-lha-9/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD-17)

• Fact File, “Amphibious Transport Dock–LPD,” America’s Navy, last updated January 21, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2222713/amphibious-transport-dock-lpd/ (accessed June 9, 2023).
• Ronald O’Rourke, “Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R43543, updated August 23, 2023, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/R43543.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).

Whidbey Island-Class Dock Landing Ship (LSD-41)

• Fact File, “Dock Landing Ship–LSD,” America’s Navy, last updated July 19, 2019, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169901/dock-landing-ship-lsd/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Richard R. Burgess, “Navy Plans to Retire 48 Ships During 2022–2026,” Seapower, December 11, 2020, https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-plans-to-retire-48-ships-during-2022-2026/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Megan Eckstein, “Why the US Navy Wants to Retire Eight Ships Early,” Defense News, March 13, 2023, https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2023/03/13/why-the-us-navy-wants-to-retire-eight-ships-early/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

Harpers Ferry-Class Dock Landing Ships (LSD-49)

• Fact File, “Dock Landing Ship–LSD,” America’s Navy, last updated July 19, 2019, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169901/dock-landing-ship-lsd/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Richard R. Burgess, “Navy Plans to Retire 48 Ships During 2022–2026,” Seapower, December 11, 2020, https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-plans-to-retire-48-ships-during-2022-2026/ (accessed September 16, 2023).

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

• Fact File, “E-2 Hawkeye Airborne Command and Control Aircraft,” America’s Navy, updated September 17, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2382134/e-2-hawkeye-airborne-command-and-control-aircraft/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Defense Industry Daily Staff, “E-2D Hawkeye: The Navy’s New AWACS,” Defense Industry Daily, September 14, 2023, https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/e-2d-hawkeye-the-navys-new-awacs-03443/ (accessed September 16, 2023). Subscription required.

EA-18G Growler

• Fact File, “EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft,” America’s Navy, last updated September 17, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2166036/ea-18g-growler-airborne-electronic-attack-aircraft/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• H.R. 7776, James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, Public Law 117-263, 117th Congress, December 23, 2022, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ263/PLAW-117publ263.pdf (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Joseph Trevithick and Tyler Rogoway, “Navy’s Peculiar Plan to Retire EA-18 Growlers Is up in the Air,” The War Zone, June 17, 2022, https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/navys-peculiar-plan-to-retire-ea-18-growlers-is-up-in-the-air (accessed September 16, 2023).

F/A-18 Super Hornet

• Fact File, “F/A-18A-D Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Strike Fighter,” America’s Navy, last updated February 4, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2383479/fa-18a-d-hornet-and-fa-18ef-super-hornet-strike-fighter/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• David Axe, “Bringing the Sting: The U.S. Navy Is Getting New F/A-18E/F Super Hornets,” The National Interest, The Buzz Blog, March 22, 2019, https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/bringing-sting-us-navy-getting-new-fa-18ef-super-hornets-48562 (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Eric Tegler, “U.S. Navy Just Got Its First New F/A-18 Super Hornets—Here Are the Key Upgrades,” Forbes, June 22, 2020,
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2020/06/22/us-navy-just-got-its-first-new-fa-18-super-hornets---here-are-the-key-upgrades/?sh=39ac03f73d38 (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Vicky Hartzler, “Hartzler: President Biden’s Budget Fails St. Louis and Our F-18 Fleet. Here’s How,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 29, 2021, https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/columnists/hartzler-president-biden-s-budget-fails-st-louis-and-our-f-18-fleet-here-s/article_d93a2acf-912f-59d9-bc3c-b473d887b885.html (accessed September 16, 2023). Subscription required.

F-35C Joint Strike Fighter

• Fact File, “F-35C Lightning II,” America’s Navy, last updated September 28, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2166244/f-35c-lightning-ii/ (accessed September 16, 2023).
• Mark Episkopos, “This F-35C Stealth Fighter Will Be the Star of the Navy’s Sea Strategy,” The National Interest, The Buzz Blog, June 29, 2021, https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/f-35c-stealth-fighter-will-be-star-navy%E2%80%99s-sea-strategy-188828 (accessed September 16, 2023).

U.S. Air Force Modernization Table Citations

General Sources

• U.S. Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Air Force, Justification Book Volume 1 of 2, Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, March 2023, https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY24/Procurement/FY24%20Air%20Force%20Aircraft%20Procurement%20Vol%20I.pdf?ver=NMExUp6ZOJkMDUTjzBwtbA%3d%3d (accessed September 14, 2023).

Program Sources

B-21:

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• John Venable, “Acquiring the Air Force We Need,” The Mitchell Forum, No. 31 (June 2020), https://a2dd917a-65ab-41f1-ab11-5f1897e16299.usrfiles.com/ugd/a2dd91_681c25bfb72c46769d2004894ed1ea3a.pdf (accessed September 14, 2023).
• Jeremiah Gertler, “Air Force B-21 Raider Long-Range Strike Bomber,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R44463, updated September 22, 2021, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/R44463.pdf (accessed September 14, 2023).
• Brent M. Eastwood, “Stealth Surprises: The U.S. Has Big Plans for the B-21 Raider,” 1945, May 10, 2022, https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/05/b-21-stealth-bomber-production/ (accessed September 14, 2023).
• John A. Tirpak, “B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, May 20, 2022, https://www.airforcemag.com/b-21-raider-first-flight-now-postponed-to-2023 (accessed September 14, 2023).

F-35A

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Stephen Losey, “One-Third of F-35s Could Be Delivered Before Operational Testing Is Complete,” Defense News, April 25, 2022, https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/04/25/one-third-of-f-35s-could-be-delivered-before-operational-testing-complete/ (accessed September 14, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget Estimates, Air Force, Justification Book Volume 1 of 2, Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, Vol 1, May 2022, https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY23/PROCUREMENT_/FY23%20Air%20Force%20Aircraft%20Procurement%20Vol%20I.pdf?ver=G7mDgA6gGUT-vbPL4Xs1jA%3d%3d (accessed September 14, 2023).

F-15EX Strike Eagle

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget Estimates, Air Force, Justification Book Volume 1 of 2, Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, Vol 1,April 2022, https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY23/PROCUREMENT_/FY23%20Air%20Force%20Aircraft%20Procurement%20Vol%20I.pdf?ver=G7mDgA6gGUT-vbPL4Xs1jA%3d%3d (accessed September 15, 2023).

KC-46 Pegasus

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget Estimates, Air Force, Justification Book Volume 1 of 2, Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, Vol 1, April 2022, https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY23/PROCUREMENT_/FY23%20Air%20Force%20Aircraft%20Procurement%20Vol%20I.pdf?ver=G7mDgA6gGUT-vbPL4Xs1jA%3d%3d (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Marcus Weisgerber, “KC-46 Tankers Expand Mission Workload, Start Refueling F-35s,” Defense One, July 7, 2021, https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/07/kc-46-tankers-expand-mission-workload-start-refueling-f-35s/183155/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Jan Tegler, “Air Force Seeks to Bridge Aerial Refueling Gap,” National Defense Magazine, March 14, 2022, https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/3/14/air-force-seeks-to-bridge-aerial-refueling-gap (accessed September 15, 2023).

C-130J

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• William McCormick, “Lockheed Martin Receives 3rd Installment of $3B Multiyear Award from U.S. Government to Deliver 50 C-130Js; Rod McLean Quoted,” ExecutiveGov, January 13, 2020, https://executivegov.com/2020/01/lockheed-martin-receives-3rd-installment-of-3b-multiyear-award-from-us-government-to-to-deliver-50-c-130js-rod-mclean-quoted/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

MQ-9 Reaper

B-52 Stratofortress

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Valerie Insinna, “Congress Resurrects MQ-9 Reaper Program, Adding 16 Drones for the Air Force,” Defense News, December 22, 2020, https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/12/22/congress-resurrected-the-mq-9-reaper-program-adding-16-drones-for-the-air-force/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

B-1B Lancer

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Brian W. Everstine, “B-1B Fleet Finishes Integrated Battle Station Upgrade,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, September 24, 2020, https://www.airforcemag.com/b-1b-fleet-finishes-integrated-battle-station-upgrade/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Boeing, “B-1B Lancer,” https://www.boeing.com/defense/b-1b-bomber/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

B-2 Spirit

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

A-10 Thunderbolt II

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Kyle Mizokami, “The Air Force Really Wants to Kill the A-10 Warthog,” Popular Mechanics, December 8, 2020, https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a34907462/air-force-wants-to-retire-a-10-thunderbolt-warthog-congress-opposition/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Stephen Losey, “US Air Force Wants to Retire All A-10s by 2029,” Defense News, March 9, 2023, https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/03/09/us-air-force-wants-to-retire-all-a-10s-by-2029/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Thomas Novelly, “A-10s Were Saved from Retirement for Years. Congress May Not Swoop to the Rescue This Time,” Military.com, June 20, 2023, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/06/20/10s-were-saved-retirement-years-congress-may-not-swoop-rescue-time.html (accessed September 15, 2023).

F-16 Fighting Falcon

F-35 A Lightning

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• News release, “U.S. Air Force Authorizes Extended Service Life for F-16” Lockheed Martin, April 12, 2017, https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2017-04-12-U-S-Air-Force-Authorizes-Extended-Service-Life-for-F-16 (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

F-15C/D Eagle

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Stephen Losey, “US Air Force Pursues Major Aircraft Retirements in 2024,” Defense News, March 13, 2023, https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/03/13/us-air-force-pursues-major-aircraft-retirements-in-2024/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

F-15E Strike Eagle

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

F-22 Raptor

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Shaun Waterman, “F-22’s Agile Developers to Deliver First Link 16 Capability Next Year,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, November 1, 2019, https://www.airforcemag.com/f-22s-agile-developers-to-deliver-first-link-16-capability-next-year/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

KC-10 Extender

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Rossi Pedroza-Bertrand, “End of the 10,” U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, January 30, 2023, https://www.dvidshub.net/news/437483/end-10 (accessed September 15, 2023).

KC-135 Stratotanker

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

KC-46 Pegasus

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

C-5M Galaxy

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

C-17 Globemaster III

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

C-130J Super Hercules

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

RQ-4 Global Hawk

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

MQ-9 A/B Reaper

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

RC-135 Rivet Joint

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

U-2 Dragon Lady

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

E-3 Sentry

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

E-8 JSTARS

• Table, “Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 66, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

U.S. Marine Corps Modernization Table Citations

General Sources

• U.S. Department of the Navy, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Navy, Justification Book Volume 1 of 3, Aircraft Procurement, Navy, Budget Activities 01–04, March 2023, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Documents/24pres/APN_BA1-4_Book.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of the Navy, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Navy, Justification Book Volume 1 of 1, Procurement, Marine Corps, March 2023, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Documents/24pres/PMC_Book.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

Program Sources

AV-8B:

• Military.com, “AV-8B Harrier II,” https://www.military.com/equipment/av-8b-harrier-ii (accessed September 15, 2023).

JLTV:

• Megan Eckstein, “Marine Corps Fields First JLTV This Week; IOC Planned for July,” U.S. Naval Institute News, February 27, 2019, https://news.usni.org/2019/02/27/marine-corps-fields-first-jltv-week-ioc-declaration-planned-july (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Todd South, “These Marine Units Are the First to Field the Newest Ground Combat Vehicle, the JLTV,” Marine Corps Times, February 28, 2019, https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/02/28/these-marine-units-are-the-first-to-field-the-newest-ground-combat-vehicle-the-jltv/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Andrew Feickert, “Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV),” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11729, updated March 13, 2023 https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11729 (accessed September 15, 2023).

AAV:

• Sam LaGrone, “BREAKING: Marines Keeping AAVs Out of the Water Permanently,” U.S. Naval Institute News, December 15, 2021, https://news.usni.org/2021/12/15/breaking-marines-keeping-aavs-out-of-the-water-permanently (accessed September 15, 2023).

ACV:

• Andrew Feickert, “The Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV),” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11755, updated March 13, 2023, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11755 (accessed September 15, 2023).
• News release, “U.S. Marine Corps Awards $184 Million Contract for Full-Rate Production of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle Following IOC Declaration,” BAE Systems, December 10, 2020, https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/u-s-marine-corps-awards--184-million-contract-for-full-rate-production-of-the-amphibious-combat-vehicle-following-ioc-declaration (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Military.com, “Amphibious Combat Vehicle,” https://www.military.com/equipment/equipment/military-vehicles/amphibious-combat-vehicle (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gidget Fuentes, “First Crews Graduate from New, Tougher ACV Training; Marines Still Working on Surf Operations,” U.S. Naval Institute News, July 29, 2023, https://news.usni.org/2023/07/29/first-crews-graduate-from-new-tougher-acv-training-marines-still-working-on-surf-operations (accessed September 15, 2023).

AH-1Z Viper:

• Military.com, “AH-1Z Viper,” https://www.military.com/equipment/ah-1z-viper (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gina Harkins, “After More than 3 Decades, the Corps' AH-1W Super Cobra Makes Its Final Flight,” Military.com, October 20, 2020, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/10/20/after-more-3-decades-corps-ah-1w-super-cobra-makes-its-final-flight.html (accessed September 15, 2023).

F/A-18 (A-D):

• Fact File, “F/A-18A-D Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Strike Fighter,” America’s Navy, last updated February 4, 2021, https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2383479/fa-18a-d-hornet-and-fa-18ef-super-hornet-strike-fighter/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

F-35B:

• Military.com, “F-35B Lightning II,” https://www.military.com/equipment/f-35b-lightning-ii (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Marine Corps, 2022 United States Marine Corps Aviation Plan, https://www.aviation.marines.mil/Portals/11/Documents/Aviation%20Plan/2022%20Marine%20Aviation%20Plan%20FINAL%20April%202022.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

F-35C:

• Harm Venhuizen, “Marine Corps’ First F-35C Squadron Ready to Deploy on Carriers,” Marine Corps Times, December 6, 2020, https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2020/12/06/the-marine-corps-first-f-35c-squadron-is-ready-to-deploy-on-carriers/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

HMMWV:

• Military.com, “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle,” https://www.military.com/equipment/high-mobility-multipurpose-wheeled-vehicle-hmmwv (accessed September 15, 2023).

MV-22B Osprey:

• U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Aviation, “V-22 Osprey,” https://www.aviation.marines.mil/About/Aircraft/Tilt-Rotor/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Marine Corps, 2022 United States Marine Corps Aviation Plan, https://www.aviation.marines.mil/Portals/11/Documents/Aviation%20Plan/2022%20Marine%20Aviation%20Plan%20FINAL%20April%202022.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Konstantin Toropin and Thomas Novelly, “Military Quietly Stops Buying Ospreys as Aircraft faces an Uncertain Future,” Military.com, March 24, 2023, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/24/military-quietly-stops-buying-ospreys-aircraft-faces-uncertain-future.html (accessed September 15, 2023).

CH-53E Super Stallion:

• Military.com, “CH-53E Super Stallion,” https://www.military.com/equipment/ch-53e-super-stallion (accessed September 15, 2023).

CH53K King Stallion:

• News release, “CH-53K Approved for Full Rate Production,” Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), December 23, 2022, https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/CH-53K-approved-full-rate-production/Wed-12212022-1227 (accessed September 1, 2023).
• Maj. Jorge Hernandez, “Marine Corps Declares IOC for CH-53K King Stallion,” U.S. Marine Corps, April 29, 2022, https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3010851/marine-corps-declares-ioc-for-ch-53k-king-stallion/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

KC-130J:

• Military.com, “KC-130J Hercules,” https://www.military.com/equipment/kc-130j-hercules (accessed September 15, 2023).

LAV-25:

• Military.com, “LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle,” https://www.military.com/equipment/lav-25-light-armored-vehicle (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Jon Guttman, “LAV-25,” HistoryNet, Weapons & Gear Manual, June 6, 2019, https://www.historynet.com/lav-25/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

U.S. Space Force Modernization Table Citations

General Sources

• U.S. Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Budget Estimates, Air Force, Justification Book Volume 1 of 1, Procurement, Space Force, March 2023, https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY24/Procurement/FY24%20Space%20Force%20Procurement.pdf?ver=ewSd5VeJkGwWEzaSq_cd_Q%3d%3d (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Greg Hadley, “Navy Unit Transfers into Space Force, Becomes 10th Space Operations Squadron,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, June14, 2022, https://www.airforcemag.com/navy-unit-transfers-into-space-force-becomes-10th-space-operations-squadron/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

Program Sources

GPS

• GPS.gov, “Space Segment: Current and Future Satellite Generations,” page last modified June 28, 2022, https://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/space/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center, “GPS Constellation Status for Tue Sep 12 2023,” https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gps-constellation (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Nathan Strout, “Space Force Launches Fifth GPS III Satellite for More Secure Positioning,” C4ISRNET, June 18, 2021, https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/06/18/space-force-launches-fifth-gps-iii-satellite/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%206.21&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Tracy Cozzens, “With SV08, 3 GPS III Satellites Ready for Launch,” GPS World, August 26, 2021, https://www.gpsworld.com/with-sv08-3-gps-iii-satellites-ready-for-launch/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

SBIRS

• Gunter’s Space Page, “Trumpet 4, 5 / SBIRS HEO-1, 2,” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/trumpet-fo.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• GlobalSecurity.org, “SBIRS HEO–High Earth Orbit,” page last modified August 26, 2018, https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/sbirs-heo.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “Trumpet 6, 7 / SBIRS HEO-3, 4,” Gunter’s Space Page, last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/trumpet-fo-2.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• William Harwood, “Space Force Launches Billion-Dollar Satellite to Warn of Missile Launches,” CBS News, May 18, 2021, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/space-force-launches-missile-early-warning-satellite/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Space Systems Command Public Affairs, “SBIRS GEO-6 Space Vehicle Completes Production,” United States Space Force, Space Systems Command, September 29, 2021, https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2793014/sbirs-geo-6-space-vehicle-completes-production (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Space Launch Schedule, “SBIRS GEO-6,” https://www.spacelaunchschedule.com/launch/atlas-v-421-sbirs-geo-6/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Sandra Erwin, “The End of SBIRS: Air Force Says It’s Time to Move on,” SpaceNews, February 19, 2018, https://spacenews.com/the-end-of-sbirs-air-force-says-its-time-to-move-on/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

DSP

• Gunter’s Space Page, “DSP 1,2,3,4 (Phase 1),” last update January 14, 2023,
• https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dsp-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “DSP 5, 6, 7 (Phase 2),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dsp-2.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “DSP 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 (Phase 3),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dsp-3.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Table, “Satellites in Service Over Time (As of Sept. 30, 2022),” in “Air Force & Space Forces Almanac 2023,” Air & Space Forces Magazine, Vol. 106, No. 6 and 7 (June/July 2023), p. 69, https://www.airandspaceforces.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Almanac2023_Fullissue_REV2.pdf (accessed September 15, 2023).

SBSS

• Fact Sheet, “Space Based Space Surveillance,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command, current as of July 2019, https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/ Fact-Sheets/Article/249017/space-based-space-surveillance-sbss/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “MSX,” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/msx.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “SBSS 1,” last update September 11, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sbss-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

STPSat-6

• STP-3 Mission, Northrop Grumman, https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/stp-3-mission/ (accessed June 12, 2023).

LPDE

• Gunter’s Space Page, “LDPE 1, 2, 3A (ROOSTER 1, 2, 3A),” last update January 23, 2022, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ldpe-1.htm (accessed June 13, 2023).

STSS-ATR

• Center for Strategic and International Studies, Missile Defense Project, “Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS),” Missile Threat, last updated July 19, 2021, https://missilethreat.csis.org/defsys/stss/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “STSS-ATRR,” last update January 14, 2032, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/stss-atrr.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• News release, “Missile Defense Agency Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction Satellite Transfers to Air Force Space Command,” U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency, February 26, 2011, https://www.mda.mil/news/11news0004.html (accessed September 15, 2023).

GSSAP

• Gunter’s Space Page, “GSSAP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (Hornet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8),” last update August 16, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gssap-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Spaceflight101.com, “GSSAP Satellite Overview,” https://spaceflight101.com/spacecraft/gssap/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Fact Sheet, “Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command (Archived), current as of September 2019, https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/730802/geosynchronous-space-situational-awareness-program-gssap/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

DMSP

• Fact Sheet, “Defense Meteorological Satellite Program,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command (Archived), current as of July 2019, https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/249019/defense-meteorological-satellite-program/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• William McCormick, “DOD Plans to Replace DMSP Weather Satellites Within Five Years; Gen. David Thompson Quoted,” ExecutiveGov, May 24, 2021, https://www.executivegov.com/2021/05/dod-plans-to-replace-dmsp-weather-satellites-within-five-years-gen-david-thompson-quoted/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

WSF-M

• Gunter’s Space Page, “WSF-M 1, 2” last update June 28, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/wsf-m.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Debra Werner, “Are Small Satellites the Solution for Space Weather Monitoring?” SpaceNews, March 6, 2019, https://spacenews.com/are-small-satellites-the-solution-for-space-weather-monitoring/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

Milstar

• Fact Sheet, “Milstar Satellite Communications System,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command (Archived), current as of July 2019, https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1012622/milstar-satellite-communications-system/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “Milstar-2 1, 2, 3, 4 (Milstar 3, 4, 5, 6),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/milstar-2.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

AEHF

• Airman 1st Class Jonathan Whitely, “AEHF-6 Satellite Completes Protected Satellite Constellation,” United States Space Force, March 27, 2020, https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2129221/aehf-6-satellite-completes-protected-satellite-constellation/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Fact Sheet, “Advanced Extremely High Frequency System,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command (Archived), current as of July 2019, https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/249024/advanced-extremely-high-frequency-system/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “AEHF 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/aehf-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

DSCS

• Fact Sheet, “Defense Satellite Communications System,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command (Archived), current as of July 2019, https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1012656/defense-satellite-communications-system/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “DSCS-3,” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dscs-3.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

WGS

• Gunter’s Space Page, “WGS 1, 2, 3 (WGS Block 1),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/wgs-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

FLTSATCOM

• GlobalSecurity.org, “FLTSATCOM Fleet Satellite Communications System,” page last modified July 21, 2021, https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/fltsat.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “FLTSATCOM 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (Block 1),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fltsatcom-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “FLTSATCOM 6, 7, 8 (Block 2),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fltsatcom-2.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

UFO

• Gunter’s Space Page, “UFO 1, 2, 3 (UHF-FO Block 1),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ufo-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Gunter’s Space Page, “UFO 11 (UHF-FO Block 4),” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ufo-11.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

MUOS

• Gunter’s Space Page, “MUOS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” last update January 14, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/muos-1.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

CBAS

• Gunter’s Space Page, “CBAS 1, 2,” last update January 26, 2023, https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cbas.htm (accessed September 15, 2023).

PWSA

• News release, “Space Development Agency Successfully Launches Tranche 0 Satellites,” U.S. Department of Defense, Space Development Agency, April 2, 2023, https://www.sda.mil/space-development-agency-successfully-launches-tranche-0-satellites/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• News release, “Space Development Agency Makes Awards for 28 Satellites to Build Tranche 1 Tracking Layer,” U.S. Department of Defense, July 18, 2022, https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3096294/space-development-agency-makes-awards-for-28-satellites-to-build-tranche-1-trac/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• News release, “SDA Awards Contracts for the First Generation of the Tracking Layer,” U.S. Department of Defense, Space Development Agency, October 5, 2020, https://www.sda.mil/sda-awards-contracts-for-the-first-generation-of-the-tracking-layer/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

Ascent

• Joanne Perkins, “AFRL’s Ascent Satellite Marks End of Mission Objectives,” U.S. Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, October 18, 2022, https://afresearchlab.com/news/afrls-ascent-satellite-marks-end-of-mission-objectives/ (accessed September 15, 2023).

Tetra-1

• Jeff Foust, “Space Force Developing “Freight Train to Space” for Smallsats,” SpaceNews, August 9, 2021, https://spacenews.com/space-force-developing-freight-train-to-space-for-smallsats/ (accessed September 15, 2023).
• Lisa Sodders, “Successful USSF-44 Launch ‘Sign of What’s to Come,’” United States Space Force, Space Systems Command, December 6, 2022, https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article/3238008/successful-ussf-44-launch-sign-of-whats-to-come (accessed September 15, 2023).