NAVAL SURFACE FIRE SUPPORT ASSESSMENT.

SEC. 211. NAVAL SURFACE FIRE SUPPORT ASSESSMENT. (a) Assessment Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out an assessment of the requirements for naval surface fire support of ground forces operating in the littoral environment, including the role of an advanced fire support missile system for Navy combatant vessels. The matters assessed shall include the Secretary of the Navy’s program plan, schedule, and funding for meeting such requirements. (b) Report.—Not later than March 31, 2002, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of the assessment required by subsection (a).