Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background for Congress

The Navys FY2011 budget proposes canceling the CGX cruiser program as unaffordable and instead building an improved version of the Arleigh Burke DDG-51 class Aegis destroyer called the Flight III version. This report provides background information on the CGX program as it existed prior to its proposed cancellation. For further discussion of the proposal to build Flight III DDG-51s in lieu of CGXs, see CRS Report RL32109, Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs Background and Issues for Congress. The report is divided into the following sections Background CGX Cruiser Program Prior to Proposed Cancellation, including Announcement of the Program, Replacement for CG-47s, Planned Procurement Schedule, Mission Orientation, Potential Design Features, and Analysis of Alternatives AOA and FY2011 Proposal to Cancel the CGX Program. Appendixes are as follows Legislative Activity in 2009, FY2008 Defense Authorization Act Bill and Report Language, CGX Analysis of Alternatives AOA, and Earlier Oversight Issues for the CGX. The oversight issues included Prospects for Eight-Ship Program with One Ship Every Three Years, Nuclear Power, Technical Risk, Hull Design, Unit Affordability vs. Unit Capability, BMD Impact on CGX Numbers and Schedule, Industrial-Base Implications, and Visibility of CGX Research and Development Costs.