Aircraft Carriers On the Way Out?

Still studying the Navy's new expansion plan, I came across this comment by the Navy Chief ( thanks to Phelps Hobart of the SeaPower group):

Mullen said he may have to reduce spending on new Navy aircraft in the future to find the extra money for ships, which he described as the biggest challenge he faces as his service's uniformed leader.

This is a profound statement from a Navy guy! Such talk even a few years ago would've gotten him the boot, I think. As recently as the late 1997 the intruiging new Arsenal Ship concept was cancelled for fear it would compete with new aircraft carrier production.