To the Editor:

Last week I came across an op-ed by our own Congressman Forbes which outlines the need to keep a strong Navy. The shrinking of our naval forces over the last 30 years is astounding and something I would not have been aware of if it weren’t for the Congressman’s call to action. As the leader of the free world the United States has an obligation to keep sea lanes open for trade and to keep peace for those nations who come under the threat of those who wish to hamper progress. There has been no greater symbol for freedom across the world than that of the United States Navy.

Having been raised in a military family it is my hope that symbol remains and is not threatened by the short sightedness of an Administration willing to accept a less secure nation in exchange for nonsensical cost saving measures.

With Congressman Forbes leading the charge I have hope this will not be the case.

Timothy C. Bradshaw
Franklin, Va.