STUDY OF PROVIDING FORWARD PRESENCE OF NAVAL FORCES DURING PEACETIME.

SEC. 1361. STUDY OF PROVIDING FORWARD PRESENCE OF NAVAL FORCES DURING PEACETIME. (a) Analysis Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an analysis of options for providing forward presence of naval 106 STAT. 2560forces during peacetime. The analysis shall include an evaluation of the following considerations: (1) The requirements of the commanders of the combatant commands for providing naval forces for forward peacetime presence. (2) The capacity of alternative groups of naval forces, including aircraft carriers, large amphibious ships, and large surface combatants, to fulfill the forward presence mission. (3) Potential locations and associated costs for homeporting additional aircraft carriers or other naval forces overseas. (4) Estimated operations cost differentials for supporting forward naval operations. (5) Estimated investment cost differentials for supporting forward naval operations. (6) Potential availability of facilities for supporting forward naval operations. (7) Potential host nation support or other offset contributions. (b) Report.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the analysis required by subsection (a).