 Welcome to All Hands Update, I'm Petty Officer Ian Cotter. The Department of the Navy released its $161 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, February 2nd at the Pentagon. The budget request was guided by Navy and Marine Corps senior leadership's implementation of strategic guidance, fighting terrorism, and providing a stabilized presence across the globe. This is part of the $534.3 billion defense budget submitted to Congress by President Barack Obama. This year's submission will cover nine proposed new ships in 2016, sustaining the fleet that is projected to reach 304 ships by 2020. Additionally, this proposal will assist operations and maintenance, research and development, and fund USS George Washington's mid-life refueling. The 2016 budget balance is sustaining our forces today and for the future. For more information and to view the budget proposal, visit the Navy Live blog.