LIMITATION ON DECOMMISSIONING OR INACTIVATING A BATTLE FORCE SHIP BEFORE THE END OF EXPECTED SERVICE LIFE.

SEC. 1014. LIMITATION ON DECOMMISSIONING OR INACTIVATING A BATTLE FORCE SHIP BEFORE THE END OF EXPECTED SERVICE LIFE.(a) In General.—Chapter 863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8678 the following new section:135 STAT. 1894 “§ 8678a. Limitation on decommissioning or inactivating a battle force ship before the end of expected service life“(a) Limitation.—The Secretary of the Navy may not decommission or inactivate a battle force ship before the end of the expected service life of the ship. “(b) Waiver.—The Secretary of the Navy may waive the limitation under subsection (a) with respect to a battle force ship if—“(1) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the certification described in subsection (c) with respect to such ship; and “(2) a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date on which such certification was submitted. “(c) Certification Described.—A certification described in this subsection is a certification that—“(1)(A) maintaining the battle force ship in a reduced operating status is not feasible; “(B) maintaining the ship with reduced capability is not feasible; “(C) maintaining the ship as a Navy Reserve unit is not feasible; “(D) transferring the ship to the Coast Guard is not feasible; and “(E) maintaining the ship is not required to support the most recent national defense strategy required by section 113(g) of this title; and “(2) includes an explanation of—“(A) the options assessed and the rationale for the determinations under subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (1); and “(B) the rationale for the determination under subparagraph (E) of such paragraph. “(d) Form.—A certification submitted under subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. “(e) Definitions.—In this section:“(1) The term ‘battle force ship’ means the following:“(A) A commissioned United States Ship warship capable of contributing to combat operations. “(B) A United States Naval Ship that contributes directly to Navy warfighting or support missions. “(2) The term ‘expected service life’ means the number of years a naval vessel is expected to be in service.” . (b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 863 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8678 the following new item: “8678a. Limitation on decommissioning or inactivating a battle force ship before the end of expected service life.”.