Top Admiral Differs on Missile-Shield Plans

The Navy’s top officer is challenging Pentagon plans to rely solely on land-based interceptors to shield the United States against missile attack, urging that ship-launched interceptors also be used.

In a confidential memo to Defense Secretary William S. Cohen, Adm. Jay Johnson argued that ships would make the proposed antimissile system more effective.

The appeal marked the first time a Navy leader formally has pushed for a role in missile defense, although Navy leaders have argued privately that ships would provide a cost-effective substitute--or at least adjunct--to land basing.