WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- Several members of Congress are moving to roll back secrecy surrounding reports that find fault in the maintenance of U.S. Navy ships, analysts say.
Reports issued by the Navy's Bureau of Inspection and Survey, known as InSurv, currently are classified, but U.S. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., a former Navy secretary, and others say that policy needs to be closely examined, the (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Tuesday.
InSurv reportedly found six ships unfit for their missions last year, and Webb has said he may seek "additional reporting requirements … when ships are inspected and found to have major readiness deficiencies or other significant material problems."
Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin, D- Mich., during confirmation hearings this week for Navy Secretary-designate Ray Mabus, urged him to ensure that uncomplimentary reports are not withheld "to shield the Navy from some unflattering press articles," the newspaper reported.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., and other members of Congress reportedly say in a draft letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates that publicity about ship maintenance problems is needed to help solve the problems.
