Admiral's clout could pay off for shipyards.

• Author: Erwin, Sandra I.
• Position: Washington Pulse

Another budget-related topic that has roused debate is a Pentagon recommendation--included in its Quadrennial Defense Review--that the Navy increase its submarine production to two vessels per year, despite repeated warnings by Navy leaders that the service only can afford to build one per year, at least for the foreseeable future.

Insiders note that it would be highly unusual for the Pentagon to rake such a strong stance in favor of a ship program, except that one of the senior officials in charge of the QDR, Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman...