Navy reviewing base requirements

WASHINGTON, April 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy is reviewing its long-term needs for bases around the world, a Navy spokesman says.

Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, has ordered the internal assessment of the department's basing requirements and strategies, including personnel, ships and aircraft, the Navy Times reported Monday.

Cmdr. Jeff Davis, a spokesman for the department, told the newspaper the review will help top Navy commanders prepare for U.S. defense needs in the coming decades. It's not expected the "internal working document" will be made public, Davis said.

The admiral disclosed the review during questioning before a House panel last month when Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., inquired whether the Navy had too many ships in too few ports, which he said "brings back memories of Pearl Harbor," the Times reported. Roughead told the congressman he had already ordered the review.