Navy admiral: Epic Fury could force tough cuts, personnel problems by July [View all]
Source: The Hill
05/14/26 1:56 PM ET
Naval Operations Chief Adm. Daryl Caudle said Thursday that without supplemental funding for the U.S. war in Iran, he will have to implement cuts in training, routine operations and personnel by July. “The [fiscal 2026] budget didn’t bake in [Operation] Epic Fury,” Caudle said during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. “You see a large Navy force in the Middle East. So we’re burning bright … but it does come at cost, and it comes at operational costs.”
To have the funds necessary to continue the war effort — which is quickly racking up fuel costs, operating hours, maintenance dollars and munitions — “I do fear that I’ll have to start making decisions in the July time frame,” Caudle said.
He added that manpower accounts will take a hit without additional funding, with the Navy having to put a hold on between 12,000 and 15,000 new sailors he’s trying to give a permanent change of station (PCS). “My record recruiting is going to be thwarted without additional funding to PCS to those individuals from boot camp and to pay enlistment and reenlistment bonuses,” according to Caudle.
The cost of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran continues to balloon since it began on Feb. 28. As of Tuesday, the Pentagon has assessed its price tag at nearly $29 billion, up from $25 billion two weeks ago.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5878503-navy-cuts-funding-iran/
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