In December, the Sixth Fleet supported military operations against Iraq, providing assets to Fifth Fleet and positioning forces to assist from the Mediterranean. With only a handful of ships remaining in the Mediterranean, we were stretched very thin. Our remaining air power will then consist of two maritime patrol aircraft squadrons, which are fully committed to surveillance operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. In short, we have our hands full. We also continue to operate with our friends and allies in a robust exercise and engagement program.
Exercises strengthen our ties and influence, reinforcing the value of forward-deployed forces.
Yet, we are finding it increasingly difficult to meet our scheduled exercise commitments with the numbers of assigned ships and aircraft. Such a high tempo of operations does exact a price in wear and tear on people and ships. The drawdown toward the QDR force structure during this decade is clearly taxing our ability to do what is asked of us. People Personnel turnovers and manning shortfalls are adversely affecting individual unit readiness. It is essential to have the right mix of people to safely accomplish the mission.