WEBVTT 00:00.250 --> 00:02.417 All right , the committee will come to 00:02.417 --> 00:04.639 order . I want to welcome our witnesses 00:04.639 --> 00:06.861 and thank them for their service to our 00:06.861 --> 00:09.083 nation . Uh , today we'll hear from the 00:09.083 --> 00:11.250 Department of the Navy regarding FY 27 00:11.250 --> 00:13.689 budget request . As a maritime nation , 00:13.850 --> 00:16.510 our national security requires strong 00:16.510 --> 00:18.809 and ready naval force with sufficient 00:18.809 --> 00:21.010 vessels and capabilities to deter our 00:21.010 --> 00:24.049 enemies . That's especially true now as 00:24.049 --> 00:26.569 the navy is instrumental to the mission 00:26.569 --> 00:28.680 of combating narco trafficking in the 00:28.680 --> 00:30.625 Western Hemisphere , ensuring Iran 00:30.625 --> 00:33.409 never obtains a nuclear weapon , and 00:33.409 --> 00:35.353 safeguarding freedom of navigation 00:35.353 --> 00:37.465 around the globe . And of course , we 00:37.465 --> 00:39.576 have to remain vigilant to the threat 00:39.576 --> 00:41.659 from China . Whose maritime strength 00:41.659 --> 00:44.159 continues to grow . So it's critical 00:44.159 --> 00:47.330 that American priorities growing , uh , 00:47.400 --> 00:49.622 America prioritizes growing our fleet . 00:50.169 --> 00:52.409 Uh , and doing that requires rebuilding 00:52.409 --> 00:54.959 our shipbuilding industry . Years of 00:54.959 --> 00:56.959 uncertainty and inconsistent demand 00:56.959 --> 00:59.126 from the government and the commercial 00:59.126 --> 01:01.292 sector have significantly weakened our 01:01.292 --> 01:04.180 maritime industrial base . That atrophy 01:04.180 --> 01:06.269 is apparent in both military and 01:06.269 --> 01:08.339 commercial shipbuilding , and the 01:08.339 --> 01:11.330 statistics are grim . China builds 01:11.330 --> 01:14.209 47% of the world's ships . The US 01:14.209 --> 01:18.139 builds 0.1%. This decline in our 01:18.139 --> 01:19.917 maritime industrial base is not 01:19.917 --> 01:22.083 surprising given how long we have been 01:22.083 --> 01:24.139 underfunding our national security . 01:25.550 --> 01:27.106 Defense spending has shrunk 01:27.106 --> 01:29.161 dramatically both as a percentage of 01:29.161 --> 01:31.106 GDP and as a percentage of federal 01:31.106 --> 01:33.328 outlays . That res that's resulted in a 01:33.328 --> 01:35.606 reduction in our shipbuilding capacity , 01:35.606 --> 01:37.717 our ability to scale our production , 01:37.717 --> 01:39.828 and our fleet readiness . To maintain 01:39.828 --> 01:41.550 deterrence and ensure maritime 01:41.550 --> 01:43.559 dominance , uh , we need a robust 01:43.559 --> 01:46.199 constellation of shipyards with modern 01:46.199 --> 01:48.800 infrastructure . It also demands a 01:48.800 --> 01:52.279 large , skilled workforce capable of 01:52.279 --> 01:54.112 meeting the increased demand for 01:54.112 --> 01:57.529 shipbuilding and repairing ships . The 01:57.529 --> 02:00.209 president's FY 27 budget request of 1.5 02:00.209 --> 02:02.569 trillion is crucial in reversing that 02:02.569 --> 02:05.199 decline . The Navy's top line of 02:05.199 --> 02:09.039 377.5 billion provides the 02:09.039 --> 02:11.000 resources necessary to restore our 02:11.000 --> 02:13.539 shipbuilding capacity and reestablish 02:13.699 --> 02:17.270 our maritime deterrence . We began the 02:17.270 --> 02:19.159 work of revitalizing the shipyard 02:19.159 --> 02:21.110 shipbuilding , uh , last year via 02:21.139 --> 02:24.110 reconciliation . That legislation 02:24.110 --> 02:26.460 invested $34 billion in shipbuilding 02:26.460 --> 02:29.130 and maritime industrial base to expand 02:29.130 --> 02:32.110 the size and enhance the capability of 02:32.110 --> 02:35.179 our naval fleet . We're starting to see 02:35.179 --> 02:37.339 the results of that funding and we'll 02:37.339 --> 02:39.506 be paying close attention to how the , 02:39.506 --> 02:41.660 that investment is handled and how 02:41.660 --> 02:44.699 efficiently it's being spent . Last 02:44.699 --> 02:46.921 year , we also made critical reforms to 02:46.921 --> 02:49.143 make the Pentagon a better customer for 02:49.143 --> 02:51.100 the defense industrial base . We 02:51.100 --> 02:53.500 created new accelerated requirements 02:53.500 --> 02:56.500 processes that rapidly seek innovative 02:56.500 --> 02:58.899 private sector solutions . We cut red 02:58.899 --> 03:00.740 tape and enhanced contracting 03:00.740 --> 03:03.559 flexibility , and we streamlined 03:03.559 --> 03:05.337 decision making by centralizing 03:05.337 --> 03:07.226 acquisition programs under single 03:07.226 --> 03:10.270 portfolio acquisition executives . I'm 03:10.270 --> 03:12.492 pleased to see the progress the Navy is 03:12.492 --> 03:14.659 making on implementing these reforms . 03:14.659 --> 03:16.770 However , I remain concerned with the 03:16.770 --> 03:18.937 overall readiness of our naval fleet . 03:18.937 --> 03:21.103 If we are to strengthen our deterrence 03:21.103 --> 03:23.330 and protect our maritime interest , we 03:23.330 --> 03:26.050 need to prioritize the 80% surge ready 03:26.050 --> 03:29.029 vision for the entire fleet , including 03:29.029 --> 03:32.000 our amphibious forces . Nearly half of 03:32.000 --> 03:33.720 the amphibious fleet is in 03:33.720 --> 03:37.119 unsatisfactory condition . As a result , 03:37.199 --> 03:39.255 we can no longer support heel to toe 03:39.255 --> 03:41.477 deployments of our marine expeditionary 03:41.477 --> 03:43.750 forces . I'm a strong supporter of a 03:43.750 --> 03:47.710 continuous 3.0 mu , uh , presence . Our 03:47.710 --> 03:51.070 amphibious forces are the bedrock of 03:51.070 --> 03:53.690 our rapid response force and essential , 03:53.750 --> 03:55.861 uh , for the projection power that we 03:55.861 --> 03:57.972 need . I look forward to hearing from 03:57.972 --> 03:59.806 our witnesses on how we can work 03:59.806 --> 04:02.083 together to make sure these goals , uh , 04:02.083 --> 04:04.250 reach reality and give our sailors and 04:04.250 --> 04:06.194 marines the resources they need to 04:06.194 --> 04:08.417 defend our nation . With that , I yield 04:08.417 --> 04:10.639 to my friend , the ranking member , for 04:10.639 --> 04:10.350 his opening statement . Uh , thank you , 04:10.429 --> 04:12.318 Mr . Chairman . I appreciate it . 04:12.318 --> 04:14.485 Thanks to our witnesses for being here 04:14.485 --> 04:16.707 today . I look forward to a very , very 04:16.707 --> 04:16.420 important discussion . I think . The 04:16.420 --> 04:18.587 chairman did a very good job of laying 04:18.587 --> 04:20.809 out the challenges that we face . Those 04:20.809 --> 04:23.179 challenges are not just with the Navy 04:23.179 --> 04:25.235 and the Marine Corps and meeting our 04:25.235 --> 04:27.401 shipbuilding , but it is a pretty good 04:27.401 --> 04:29.457 example of the size and scope of the 04:29.457 --> 04:31.346 challenges we face in meeting our 04:31.346 --> 04:33.346 national security needs and dealing 04:33.346 --> 04:35.401 with the economic challenges that we 04:35.401 --> 04:37.290 face as a country . Certainly the 04:37.290 --> 04:39.346 shipbuilding story that the chairman 04:39.346 --> 04:41.457 laid out is absolutely true . We have 04:41.457 --> 04:43.679 fallen way behind the rest of the world 04:43.679 --> 04:45.846 and really struggled to figure out how 04:45.846 --> 04:48.068 to build the ships we need to build for 04:48.068 --> 04:50.123 our defense needs . We also have the 04:50.123 --> 04:52.290 modernization challenges . We all know 04:52.290 --> 04:54.290 warfare has fundamentally changed . 04:54.290 --> 04:56.512 Autonomous systems , AI are going to be 04:56.512 --> 04:58.512 crucial to meeting our war fighting 04:58.512 --> 05:00.790 needs , as is our ability to build the 05:00.790 --> 05:02.957 munitions and equipment that we need . 05:03.220 --> 05:05.589 At a far greater scale , at a far more 05:05.589 --> 05:07.422 affordable pace , and , and some 05:07.422 --> 05:09.645 progress has been made . I particularly 05:09.645 --> 05:11.867 want to thank the Marine Corps . Um , I 05:11.867 --> 05:13.756 know Commandant Berger , who came 05:13.756 --> 05:15.978 before , uh , Commandant Smith , really 05:15.978 --> 05:18.089 took the lead in recognizing this and 05:18.089 --> 05:20.311 took a hell of a lot of heat for saying 05:20.311 --> 05:22.422 no , we have to change . He , he made 05:22.422 --> 05:21.910 the changes . I think the Marine Corps 05:21.910 --> 05:23.670 has adapted to what the modern 05:23.670 --> 05:26.190 battlefield looks like and also you 05:26.190 --> 05:29.029 passed your audit . Which makes 05:29.029 --> 05:31.140 everybody around you , yeah , 3 times 05:31.470 --> 05:33.470 everyone around you jealous , but I 05:33.470 --> 05:35.192 think it should also make them 05:35.192 --> 05:37.470 aspirational , um , to do that as well . 05:37.470 --> 05:39.692 I also think on the Navy side I've been 05:39.692 --> 05:41.470 particularly impressed with the 05:41.470 --> 05:43.692 workforce development . I've been up to 05:43.692 --> 05:45.692 Bath and I was just down at Newport 05:45.692 --> 05:47.692 News a few days ago , you know , 34 05:47.692 --> 05:49.914 years ago , it really looked like , you 05:49.914 --> 05:49.329 know , we're just not gonna be able to 05:49.329 --> 05:51.496 find the workforce and we still have a 05:51.496 --> 05:53.773 long way to go . We do not have enough , 05:53.773 --> 05:55.551 enough people , but emphasizing 05:55.551 --> 05:57.329 training , bringing people into 05:57.329 --> 05:59.385 shipbuilding has made a difference , 05:59.385 --> 06:01.440 and we have a much younger workforce 06:01.440 --> 06:03.385 now in the shipbuilding , and that 06:03.385 --> 06:05.551 certainly helps . Move move us forward 06:05.551 --> 06:07.607 and also as the chairman mentioned , 06:07.607 --> 06:09.662 our passage last year of acquisition 06:09.662 --> 06:11.829 reform to try to help the Pentagon get 06:11.829 --> 06:13.829 to the point where you can innovate 06:13.829 --> 06:16.107 faster at scale is making a difference . 06:16.107 --> 06:18.385 We have a long way to go there as well . 06:18.385 --> 06:20.273 I will point out , however , I do 06:20.273 --> 06:22.607 disagree with the chairman at one point . 06:22.607 --> 06:22.375 Yes , we are way behind on shipbuilding , 06:22.695 --> 06:24.806 but it's not because we haven't spent 06:24.806 --> 06:26.973 enough money on defense . Where we are 06:26.973 --> 06:29.139 behind is on commercial shipbuilding . 06:29.139 --> 06:31.139 Because we , well , we're behind on 06:31.139 --> 06:31.130 both , to be honest , but commercial 06:31.130 --> 06:33.600 shipbuilding is the main area because 06:33.609 --> 06:35.720 we were no longer competitive in that 06:35.720 --> 06:39.209 space . The economy changed . We cannot 06:39.209 --> 06:41.609 spend our way out of this problem , and 06:41.609 --> 06:43.831 that is my single biggest concern about 06:43.831 --> 06:46.053 the way we approach this . We are still 06:46.053 --> 06:47.929 trying to imagine that we can do 06:47.929 --> 06:49.873 everything if we just spend enough 06:49.873 --> 06:51.707 money . That I think is a very . 06:51.972 --> 06:54.372 strategy we have a debt pushing up 06:54.372 --> 06:57.893 close to $40 trillion . We continue to 06:57.893 --> 06:59.837 not be able to support any sort of 06:59.837 --> 07:02.060 revenue increases to pay for it . We're 07:02.060 --> 07:04.115 gonna have to get smarter , and I've 07:04.115 --> 07:06.115 used this quote in this room many , 07:06.115 --> 07:07.893 many times , so I apologize for 07:07.893 --> 07:10.004 repeating myself , but I think we are 07:10.004 --> 07:11.893 at that Winston Churchill point , 07:11.893 --> 07:14.004 gentlemen , we're out of money now we 07:14.004 --> 07:16.004 have to think . The good news is we 07:16.004 --> 07:18.496 have . Really good options . We have 07:18.496 --> 07:20.440 very , very smart people . We have 07:20.440 --> 07:22.607 modern technology that can show us how 07:22.607 --> 07:24.496 to build the systems we need in a 07:24.496 --> 07:26.607 cheaper , more affordable way and put 07:26.607 --> 07:28.895 out a platform that enables us to 07:28.895 --> 07:31.415 achieve our objectives by taking 07:31.415 --> 07:34.096 advantage of having asymmetric 07:34.096 --> 07:35.929 advantages and figuring out what 07:35.929 --> 07:37.985 weapons systems we can have that can 07:37.985 --> 07:40.207 meet our needs . That's the way we need 07:40.207 --> 07:42.263 to be thinking . And we've discussed 07:42.263 --> 07:44.485 this , but all of what I've just said , 07:44.485 --> 07:46.596 the personification of the problem is 07:46.596 --> 07:46.459 the decision to go out and try to build 07:46.459 --> 07:49.420 a $22 billion battleship . I doubt 07:49.420 --> 07:51.531 seriously whether or not we can build 07:51.531 --> 07:53.476 that . I doubt even more seriously 07:53.476 --> 07:55.531 whether or not it is what we need at 07:55.531 --> 07:57.698 this point when we need to be focusing 07:57.698 --> 08:00.279 on autonomous systems on how we can do 08:00.279 --> 08:02.450 affordable solutions to what we face . 08:02.679 --> 08:04.846 If we continue to spend ourselves into 08:04.846 --> 08:06.957 oblivion , we will not accomplish the 08:06.957 --> 08:09.012 national security objectives that we 08:09.012 --> 08:10.790 desperately need . We also have 08:10.790 --> 08:12.901 partners and allies that we can use , 08:12.901 --> 08:14.679 and here I know all of you have 08:14.679 --> 08:16.846 discussed , you agree with that , uh , 08:16.846 --> 08:19.068 but let's look at that as a way to grow 08:19.068 --> 08:21.012 our . Ability , um , South Korea , 08:21.012 --> 08:22.901 Japan , Norway , they are capable 08:22.901 --> 08:24.735 shipbuilders who , at least this 08:24.735 --> 08:26.901 morning , uh , were still our allies , 08:26.901 --> 08:28.846 um , so we need to build on that , 08:28.846 --> 08:30.957 build the partners and allies that we 08:30.957 --> 08:33.012 can have to meet our needs . I still 08:33.012 --> 08:35.235 see a budget that I've been seeing here 08:35.235 --> 08:37.235 for 25 years , which is we have all 08:37.235 --> 08:39.401 these disastrous problems . Let's just 08:39.401 --> 08:41.401 imagine that we'll have an infinite 08:41.401 --> 08:43.623 amount of resources going forward , and 08:43.623 --> 08:45.512 that's going to be our solution . 08:45.512 --> 08:47.735 That's not gonna get us there . Um , we 08:47.735 --> 08:49.846 need to make cost effective decisions 08:49.846 --> 08:51.901 to get us to the point where we need 08:51.901 --> 08:54.012 within a realistic budget framework . 08:54.012 --> 08:53.950 Uh , with that , I look forward to the 08:53.950 --> 08:56.479 discussion and I yield back . I thank 08:56.479 --> 08:58.701 the ranking member . Now I'll introduce 08:58.701 --> 09:00.923 our witnesses . Uh , the Honorable Hung 09:00.923 --> 09:02.923 Cowe is the acting Secretary of the 09:02.923 --> 09:04.923 Navy . Admiral Darryl Caudle is the 09:04.923 --> 09:07.146 Chief of Naval Operations , and General 09:07.146 --> 09:09.146 Eric Smith is the commandant of the 09:09.146 --> 09:11.312 Marine Corps . Welcome our witnesses . 09:11.312 --> 09:10.679 Secretary Cowell , we'll start with you . 09:10.760 --> 09:14.190 You're recognized . Thank you , 09:14.219 --> 09:16.330 Chairman Rogers , uh , Ranking Member 09:16.659 --> 09:18.492 Smith , distinguished ladies and 09:18.492 --> 09:20.548 gentlemen of the House Armed Service 09:20.548 --> 09:22.659 Committee . Thank you for allowing me 09:22.659 --> 09:24.881 to testify to you , uh , this morning . 09:24.881 --> 09:26.715 American sailors and marines are 09:26.715 --> 09:28.937 currently on the front lines of freedom 09:28.937 --> 09:31.159 in operations to protect our republic . 09:31.159 --> 09:33.437 Lincoln and Bush , I , I , I think you , 09:33.437 --> 09:33.419 your microphone's not on or you need to 09:33.419 --> 09:35.752 pull it closer . All right , let me try . 09:35.752 --> 09:38.030 Can , can we reset the time then , sir ? 09:38.030 --> 09:40.141 No . We're good , sir . Uh , American 09:40.141 --> 09:42.197 sailors and Marines are currently on 09:42.197 --> 09:43.863 the front lines of freedom in 09:43.863 --> 09:45.919 operations to protect our republic . 09:45.919 --> 09:48.086 Lincoln and Bush carrier strike groups 09:48.086 --> 09:50.141 and Tripoli amphibious Ry Group with 09:50.141 --> 09:52.308 the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are 09:52.308 --> 09:54.475 in the Arabian Sea protecting merchant 09:54.475 --> 09:56.641 ships and stopping illicit shipping by 09:56.641 --> 09:58.697 a terrorist regime . Destroyers Arle 09:58.697 --> 10:00.697 Burke , Bulley , Oscar Austin , and 10:00.697 --> 10:02.808 Gonzalez are protecting our allies in 10:02.808 --> 10:04.641 the Mediterranean against cruise 10:04.641 --> 10:06.586 missile attacks from Iran . In the 10:06.586 --> 10:08.752 Caribbean , Iwo Jima Argmu is stopping 10:08.752 --> 10:10.752 narco-terrorists from poisoning our 10:10.752 --> 10:12.863 Americans with illegal drugs . In the 10:12.863 --> 10:14.863 Pacific , Boxer Argmu and Destroyer 10:14.863 --> 10:17.140 Squadron 7 are enforcing the freedom of 10:17.140 --> 10:19.979 navigation in the South China Sea . At 10:19.979 --> 10:22.312 home , we're preparing Macon Island RMU , 10:22.580 --> 10:24.247 USS Dwight D . Eisenhower , a 10:24.247 --> 10:27.340 49-year-old nuclear-powered aircraft 10:27.340 --> 10:29.299 carrier for deployment . On our 10:29.299 --> 10:31.188 southern border , our sailors and 10:31.188 --> 10:33.243 marines stand watch tonight saying , 10:33.243 --> 10:35.577 nothing will hurt you , not on my watch . 10:35.577 --> 10:38.580 3 weeks and about 17 hours ago I was 10:38.580 --> 10:40.940 tasked by President Trump to lead the 10:40.940 --> 10:42.829 United States Navy and the United 10:42.829 --> 10:44.940 States Marine Corps . My 3 priorities 10:44.940 --> 10:46.829 are to take care of our sailors , 10:46.829 --> 10:49.051 marines , build ships , and protect our 10:49.051 --> 10:51.107 homeland . 120 years ago , the Great 10:51.107 --> 10:53.179 White Fleet extended America's reach 10:53.179 --> 10:55.290 across the globe . We're currently at 10:55.290 --> 10:57.457 the forefront of history with a budget 10:57.457 --> 10:59.457 that will create the Golden Fleet , 10:59.457 --> 11:01.623 which renews that maritime dominance . 11:02.049 --> 11:03.993 We have the obligation to give our 11:03.993 --> 11:05.882 sailors and marines the very best 11:05.882 --> 11:07.882 equipment to do their jobs . In our 11:07.882 --> 11:10.979 historic budget of $377.5 billion we're 11:10.979 --> 11:13.869 adding 34 new ships varying from small 11:13.969 --> 11:17.650 to large combatants , 123 new aircrafts 11:17.650 --> 11:20.289 along with 5 unmanned ships . In 5 11:20.289 --> 11:23.960 years , we will add 122 manned and 63 11:23.960 --> 11:26.739 unmanned ships . We are funding our 11:26.739 --> 11:30.260 readiness of our fleet to 95% . We're 11:30.260 --> 11:32.489 procuring exquisite munitions that will 11:32.489 --> 11:34.489 keep our forces outside the weapons 11:34.489 --> 11:36.570 engagement zone while investing in 11:36.570 --> 11:38.737 research and development for the fight 11:38.737 --> 11:40.681 of the future . More importantly , 11:40.950 --> 11:42.950 we're increasing our service member 11:42.950 --> 11:44.672 pays , investing in family and 11:44.672 --> 11:46.339 unaccompanied housing , child 11:46.339 --> 11:48.561 development centers so that our sailors 11:48.561 --> 11:50.561 and marines have safe , clean , and 11:50.561 --> 11:52.783 comfortable places to live and not have 11:52.783 --> 11:54.728 to worry about their families when 11:54.728 --> 11:56.728 they're deployed in harm's way . We 11:56.728 --> 11:58.783 have greatly exceeded recruiting and 11:58.783 --> 12:00.672 retention goals , and that is due 12:00.672 --> 12:02.561 solely to the sheer leadership of 12:02.561 --> 12:04.783 President Trump and Secretary Hegseth . 12:04.783 --> 12:07.117 Last week , I was on board USS Gerald R . 12:07.117 --> 12:09.349 Ford , USS Winston Churchill , and USS 12:09.349 --> 12:11.710 Bainbridge as a return from an 11-month 12:11.710 --> 12:14.599 combat deployment in two theaters . Do 12:14.599 --> 12:16.710 not believe the fake news that claims 12:16.710 --> 12:18.766 food shortages , backed up toilets , 12:18.766 --> 12:21.679 and low morale . What I witnessed were 12:21.679 --> 12:23.512 motivated and professional young 12:23.512 --> 12:25.799 sailors pushing the boundaries of 12:25.799 --> 12:28.549 performance for their country . It is 12:28.549 --> 12:30.660 imperative that we pass this budget . 12:30.789 --> 12:32.845 Ship construction and readiness were 12:32.845 --> 12:34.900 built pairs for Iraq and Afghanistan 12:34.900 --> 12:36.960 for 20 years . While our industrial 12:36.960 --> 12:39.299 base atrophied , peer competitors grew 12:39.299 --> 12:41.632 stronger and threatened our sovereignty . 12:41.989 --> 12:44.309 Their 100 year plan had one goal , 12:44.710 --> 12:47.909 total global domination . But only one 12:47.909 --> 12:50.076 thing stands in their way , the United 12:50.076 --> 12:53.090 States of America . The Navy and Marine 12:53.090 --> 12:56.320 Corps . Our America's 911 force , 12:56.539 --> 12:58.706 capable of being anywhere as a carrier 12:58.706 --> 13:00.928 strike group or marineground task force 13:00.928 --> 13:03.359 with overwhelming firepower , as we saw 13:03.859 --> 13:07.479 in absolute resolve and epic fury . A 13:07.479 --> 13:09.090 year ago , I testified in my 13:09.090 --> 13:10.979 confirmation hearing that I would 13:10.979 --> 13:12.923 create the most lethal Navy Marine 13:12.923 --> 13:15.090 Corps team the world has ever seen . I 13:15.090 --> 13:17.146 will keep that promise , having worn 13:17.146 --> 13:19.312 the cloth of our nation for 32 years , 13:19.312 --> 13:21.535 most of which was in combat . I do this 13:21.535 --> 13:23.757 also because I will not allow my oldest 13:23.757 --> 13:25.868 son , who will be commissioned a week 13:25.868 --> 13:27.923 from tomorrow as a 2nd lieutenant in 13:27.923 --> 13:30.090 the United States Marine Corps , to go 13:30.090 --> 13:29.929 to war the way I did without the 13:29.929 --> 13:32.289 equipment that we needed . I will not 13:32.289 --> 13:34.511 allow this for any of America's sons or 13:34.511 --> 13:36.890 daughters . They signed a blank check 13:36.890 --> 13:38.834 to this nation up to and including 13:38.834 --> 13:41.001 their lives . And we owe it to them to 13:41.001 --> 13:42.890 do our due diligence to fund this 13:42.890 --> 13:45.112 historic budget that will care for them 13:45.112 --> 13:47.168 and their families while giving them 13:47.168 --> 13:49.168 the tools to answer the call . I've 13:49.168 --> 13:51.057 seen firsthand what communism and 13:51.057 --> 13:53.239 authoritarian regimes have done to 13:53.239 --> 13:55.690 thriving nations . Members of my family 13:55.690 --> 13:58.789 were murdered by communists . In 1975 , 13:58.849 --> 14:01.739 we had no place to go . We had no flag 14:01.739 --> 14:03.961 flag to stand under or a country called 14:03.961 --> 14:05.961 our own . But this place called the 14:05.961 --> 14:08.072 United States gave us hope and a home 14:08.072 --> 14:10.295 and a future . I've dedicated my entire 14:10.295 --> 14:12.461 adult life to defend this nation under 14:12.461 --> 14:14.572 God , so that this would never happen 14:14.572 --> 14:16.795 to my children , your children , or our 14:16.795 --> 14:19.489 grandchildren . Thank you again for 14:19.489 --> 14:21.767 this opportunity to testify before you . 14:21.849 --> 14:24.182 Before I end though , uh , this is , uh , 14:24.182 --> 14:26.182 Admiral Miguez , my , uh , chief of 14:26.182 --> 14:28.071 legislative affairs , last , uh , 14:28.071 --> 14:30.127 hearing before you , and I wanted to 14:30.127 --> 14:32.182 thank him for his service and , uh , 14:32.182 --> 14:34.238 thank you for your time , Chairman . 14:34.238 --> 14:36.071 Again , I know your time is very 14:36.071 --> 14:35.789 important . If you wanna cut this down 14:36.130 --> 14:38.297 to less than 5 hours , we're , I think 14:38.297 --> 14:40.352 we're , we're ready to support you . 14:40.352 --> 14:42.408 Thank you so much . Thank you . Uh , 14:42.408 --> 14:44.408 and I'm , I'm proud that you have a 14:44.408 --> 14:46.408 very strong voice , and I apologize 14:46.408 --> 14:48.519 that we're having audio problems with 14:48.519 --> 14:50.574 your microphone . Uh , we're , we're 14:50.574 --> 14:52.797 working on that . Uh , Admiral Caudle , 14:52.797 --> 14:54.908 you're recognized . Chairman Rogers , 14:54.908 --> 14:56.408 Ranking Member Smith , and 14:56.408 --> 14:58.686 distinguished members of the committee , 14:58.686 --> 14:58.599 good morning and thank you for the 14:58.599 --> 15:01.039 opportunity to testify on the posture 15:01.039 --> 15:03.440 of the United States Navy . I'm honored 15:03.440 --> 15:05.662 to be joined by Acting Secretary of the 15:05.662 --> 15:07.880 Navy CAAL and my good friend General 15:07.880 --> 15:09.880 Eric Smith . We appreciate the 15:09.880 --> 15:11.991 committee's steadfast support for our 15:11.991 --> 15:14.047 sailors , our marines , our civilian 15:14.047 --> 15:16.260 workforce , and their families as well 15:16.400 --> 15:18.679 for the resources you provide to defend 15:18.679 --> 15:21.409 our nation . This past year , our navy 15:21.409 --> 15:24.650 celebrated 250 years of American sea 15:24.650 --> 15:27.090 power . Today our founding fathers 15:27.090 --> 15:29.609 would scarcely recognize the modern 15:29.609 --> 15:31.739 fleet , ballistic missile submarines 15:31.739 --> 15:34.090 deterring strategic attack , nuclear 15:34.090 --> 15:36.609 powered aircraft carriers projecting 15:36.609 --> 15:38.409 power across the globe , and an 15:38.409 --> 15:40.849 all-domain naval force delivering 15:40.849 --> 15:43.989 precision lethality at scale . And 15:43.989 --> 15:46.156 while the platforms have changed , one 15:46.156 --> 15:48.710 truth has not the sailor remains our 15:48.710 --> 15:51.030 most and greatest competitive advantage 15:51.150 --> 15:53.830 and the heartbeat of our fleet . This 15:53.830 --> 15:56.789 July , on our nation's 250th birthday , 15:56.859 --> 15:58.989 our sailors will carry that legacy 15:58.989 --> 16:01.789 forward wherever our nation requires 16:01.789 --> 16:04.880 presence , power , and resolve . Since 16:04.880 --> 16:06.880 assuming the duties of the Chief of 16:06.880 --> 16:09.047 Naval Operations , I have been focused 16:09.047 --> 16:11.320 on one central objective ensuring the 16:11.320 --> 16:13.669 Navy never loses its differentiated 16:13.669 --> 16:16.710 value . In February , we released the 16:16.719 --> 16:18.719 States Navy fighting instructions , 16:18.719 --> 16:20.960 which is designed to operationalize my 16:20.960 --> 16:23.270 priorities of foundry , fleet , and the 16:23.270 --> 16:25.780 way we fight and provide clear guidance 16:25.780 --> 16:28.119 on we will build , generate , and 16:28.119 --> 16:30.159 employ Navy combat power for the 16:30.159 --> 16:32.840 conflicts we must be prepared to win . 16:33.409 --> 16:35.409 These instructions reflect a simple 16:35.409 --> 16:37.599 reality . The Navy's value lies in our 16:37.599 --> 16:40.010 ability to generate decisive combat 16:40.010 --> 16:42.530 power from the sea with tailorable 16:42.530 --> 16:45.289 formations , sustain them forward , and 16:45.289 --> 16:47.450 deliver lethal effects across every 16:47.450 --> 16:49.450 domain at the time and place of our 16:49.450 --> 16:52.520 choosing globally . Operation Epic Fury 16:52.520 --> 16:55.080 is providing in real time what the Navy 16:55.080 --> 16:57.840 delivers forward , persistent combat 16:57.840 --> 17:01.099 power from the sea , sovereign options , 17:01.119 --> 17:03.520 independent of basing , survivable and 17:03.520 --> 17:05.760 resilient under pressure , and able to 17:05.760 --> 17:07.839 strike decisively . That is our 17:07.839 --> 17:10.439 differentiated value on full display . 17:11.038 --> 17:12.982 To preserve that advantage , we're 17:12.982 --> 17:15.208 executing a hedge strategy to ensure 17:15.208 --> 17:17.430 the fleet will build today . It's ready 17:17.430 --> 17:19.652 for the fight we face now and adaptable 17:19.652 --> 17:21.769 and scalable to the one we will face 17:21.769 --> 17:24.288 tomorrow . That strategy is realized 17:24.288 --> 17:26.510 through the Golden Fleet Initiative , a 17:26.510 --> 17:29.088 fleet design that blends high and lower 17:29.088 --> 17:31.639 end combatants , integrates robotic and 17:31.639 --> 17:33.688 autonomous systems , and enables 17:33.688 --> 17:36.729 scalable formations to outpace emerging 17:36.729 --> 17:39.020 threats . This approach increases our 17:39.020 --> 17:41.050 ability to scale combat mass , 17:41.140 --> 17:42.979 distribute risk , and maintain 17:42.979 --> 17:45.410 escalation dominance against the 17:45.410 --> 17:47.466 operational challenges our combatant 17:47.466 --> 17:49.739 commanders face globally . It also 17:49.739 --> 17:51.906 requires integrating technologies like 17:51.906 --> 17:53.850 artificial intelligence , advanced 17:53.850 --> 17:55.939 advanced manufacturing , directed 17:55.939 --> 17:58.760 energy , and containerized systems as 17:58.760 --> 18:00.816 operational capabilities that expand 18:00.816 --> 18:03.260 our reach , persistence , and lethality 18:03.260 --> 18:06.040 across our kill chains and kills . Our 18:06.040 --> 18:08.979 FY 27 budget request is strategy driven . 18:09.319 --> 18:11.430 It's aligned to the Department of the 18:11.430 --> 18:13.652 Navy's priorities and the objectives of 18:13.652 --> 18:15.430 the National Defense strategy , 18:15.430 --> 18:17.652 leveraging the concepts outlined in the 18:17.652 --> 18:19.208 United States Navy fighting 18:19.208 --> 18:21.375 instructions to ensure our investments 18:21.375 --> 18:23.486 directly strengthen the foundry , the 18:23.486 --> 18:25.375 fleet , and the way we fight . It 18:25.375 --> 18:27.541 reflects disciplined choices to ensure 18:27.541 --> 18:29.640 we first always build a credible and 18:29.640 --> 18:31.696 highly effective sea-based strategic 18:31.696 --> 18:33.810 deterrent . And second , we invest in 18:33.810 --> 18:35.866 the right capabilities that preserve 18:35.866 --> 18:38.199 our war fighting advantage . To do that , 18:38.199 --> 18:40.310 we focus on four priorities . First , 18:40.689 --> 18:43.010 sailors first . Quality of service is 18:43.010 --> 18:45.066 not a luxury . It underwrites combat 18:45.066 --> 18:47.232 readiness and must always be our first 18:47.232 --> 18:49.530 priority . Second , the foundry . The 18:49.530 --> 18:51.863 founder is where combat power is forged , 18:51.863 --> 18:54.141 and we must not use it as a bill payer . 18:54.141 --> 18:56.141 A hollow foundry results . A hollow 18:56.141 --> 18:59.050 navy . Third , the fleet . Our fleet is 18:59.050 --> 19:01.489 the most decisive and flexible military 19:01.489 --> 19:03.410 instrument of national power . 19:03.770 --> 19:05.937 Therefore , we must fill the right mix 19:05.937 --> 19:08.159 of forces to realize the Golden Fleet's 19:08.159 --> 19:09.881 full potential through a smart 19:09.881 --> 19:11.992 application of the HED strategy . And 19:11.992 --> 19:14.103 4th , the fight . Winning will depend 19:14.103 --> 19:16.326 on the strength and adaptability of our 19:16.326 --> 19:18.548 kill chains and kill webs , from robust 19:18.548 --> 19:20.548 counter-targeting to leveraging new 19:20.548 --> 19:22.770 stealth technologies to an abundance of 19:22.770 --> 19:24.714 longer range munitions to enhanced 19:24.714 --> 19:26.937 mission command . We must integrate and 19:26.937 --> 19:29.159 synchronize our capabilities seamlessly 19:29.219 --> 19:31.275 with our joint force teammates , our 19:31.275 --> 19:33.579 partners , and our allies . It is truly 19:33.579 --> 19:35.690 the honor of my life to serve as your 19:35.690 --> 19:37.801 Chief of naval Operations . With your 19:37.801 --> 19:39.968 continued partnership , we will ensure 19:39.968 --> 19:42.190 the United States Navy remains the most 19:42.190 --> 19:44.357 capable , most ready , and most lethal 19:44.357 --> 19:46.357 maritime force in the world , and I 19:46.357 --> 19:48.523 look forward to your questions . Thank 19:48.523 --> 19:50.523 you . Thank you , Admiral . General 19:50.523 --> 19:53.349 Smith , you're recognized . Well , good 19:53.349 --> 19:55.660 morning , Chairman Rogers , Ranking 19:55.660 --> 19:57.771 Member Smith , ladies and gentlemen , 19:57.989 --> 20:00.156 I'm honored to appear before you today 20:00.156 --> 20:02.100 alongside Acting Secretary Cow and 20:02.100 --> 20:04.322 Admiral Caudle to represent your Marine 20:04.322 --> 20:05.933 Corps . I'd like to start by 20:05.933 --> 20:07.989 recognizing the significance of this 20:07.989 --> 20:09.989 year's president's budget . It is a 20:10.000 --> 20:12.111 generational investment that supports 20:12.111 --> 20:14.389 the Marine Corps' top four focus areas . 20:14.459 --> 20:17.609 One , restoring a 3.0 amphibious Ready 20:17.609 --> 20:19.387 Group Marine Expeditionary Unit 20:19.387 --> 20:21.553 presence . One RM off the east coast , 20:21.553 --> 20:23.665 one off the west coast , and the 31st 20:23.665 --> 20:25.831 Marine Expeditionary Unit episodically 20:25.831 --> 20:28.053 deployed out of Okinawa , Japan . Two , 20:28.053 --> 20:29.720 setting the theater . Three , 20:29.720 --> 20:31.442 accelerating modernization and 20:31.442 --> 20:33.442 lethality . And four , building and 20:33.442 --> 20:35.665 sustaining a lethal force . Restoring a 20:35.665 --> 20:37.553 3.0 amphibious Ready Group Marine 20:37.553 --> 20:39.498 Expeditionary Unit presence is the 20:39.498 --> 20:41.609 Marine Corps North Star . It consists 20:41.609 --> 20:43.442 of three continuously 4 deployed 20:43.442 --> 20:45.109 amphibious Ready Group Marine 20:45.109 --> 20:47.339 Expeditionary Unit teams . Again , one 20:47.339 --> 20:49.561 source from the East Coast , 1 from the 20:49.561 --> 20:51.450 West Coast , and one episodically 20:51.450 --> 20:53.617 deployed out of Okinawa , Japan , each 20:53.617 --> 20:55.728 embarked on 3 amphibious warships , 1 20:55.728 --> 20:57.506 big deck and 2 small boys . The 20:57.506 --> 20:59.672 amphibious Ready Group or ARG with the 20:59.672 --> 21:01.783 Marine Expeditionary Unit is the most 21:01.783 --> 21:03.728 agile , versatile , and responsive 21:03.728 --> 21:05.783 formation of the joint force , hands 21:05.783 --> 21:07.895 down . It is how our nation's leaders 21:07.895 --> 21:09.672 sustain forward posture , deter 21:09.672 --> 21:12.099 aggression , and respond to crisis or 21:12.099 --> 21:14.319 conflict across the entire globe . 21:14.930 --> 21:17.209 Today we have 3.0 amphibious Ready 21:17.209 --> 21:18.987 Group Marine Expeditionary unit 21:18.987 --> 21:21.042 presence . It is a strategic value , 21:21.042 --> 21:23.265 and that strategic value is clear . The 21:23.265 --> 21:25.979 22nd MU is combating narcoterrorism in 21:25.979 --> 21:28.090 the Caribbean , while the 31st Marine 21:28.090 --> 21:30.257 Expeditionary Unit and the 11th Marine 21:30.257 --> 21:32.090 Expeditionary Unit are providing 21:32.090 --> 21:34.090 operational flexibility to maintain 21:34.090 --> 21:36.146 security and stability in the Middle 21:36.146 --> 21:38.368 East and the Indo-Pacific , but this is 21:38.368 --> 21:40.535 not something we can sustain . We need 21:40.535 --> 21:42.423 to enhance our amphibious warship 21:42.423 --> 21:42.420 readiness and increase the size of our 21:42.420 --> 21:44.979 amphibious force . I want to extend my 21:44.979 --> 21:47.090 sincere appreciation to the Secretary 21:47.090 --> 21:49.146 of War , the Acting Secretary of the 21:49.146 --> 21:51.201 Navy , and my shipmate Darryl Caudle 21:51.201 --> 21:53.257 for their unwavering support towards 21:53.257 --> 21:55.201 our shared goal of restoring a 3.0 21:55.201 --> 21:55.099 amphibious Ready Group Marine 21:55.099 --> 21:57.219 Expeditionary Unit presence . Our 21:57.219 --> 21:59.052 second focus area is setting the 21:59.052 --> 22:01.449 theater . We're committed to protecting 22:01.449 --> 22:03.671 our interests , deterring adversaries , 22:03.969 --> 22:06.191 reassuring allies , and creating a more 22:06.191 --> 22:08.689 agile and resilient global sustainment 22:08.689 --> 22:10.569 network , one that seamlessly 22:10.569 --> 22:13.199 integrates with the joint force . To 22:13.199 --> 22:15.032 achieve this , we're ensuring an 22:15.032 --> 22:17.410 optimized force posture while also 22:17.410 --> 22:19.243 investing in littoral mobility , 22:19.329 --> 22:21.496 prepositioned equipment and supplies , 22:21.569 --> 22:24.069 digital manufacturing , and enhanced 22:24.069 --> 22:26.229 installation resilience . We're 22:26.229 --> 22:28.285 refining our approach to logistics , 22:28.380 --> 22:31.150 prioritizing resilience , speed , and 22:31.150 --> 22:33.349 adaptability to generate and sustain 22:33.349 --> 22:36.089 our forces . Our third area of focus is 22:36.089 --> 22:37.811 accelerating modernization and 22:37.811 --> 22:40.489 lethality . Force design underpins 22:40.489 --> 22:42.378 everything that we do . We remain 22:42.378 --> 22:44.378 committed to modernizing everything 22:44.378 --> 22:46.545 from our marine expeditionary units to 22:46.545 --> 22:48.433 our marine expeditionary forces , 22:48.433 --> 22:50.322 focusing on precision fires , air 22:50.322 --> 22:52.890 defense , unmanned systems , resilient 22:52.890 --> 22:54.334 command and control , and 22:54.334 --> 22:56.869 electromagnetic warfare . We're gaining 22:56.869 --> 22:59.091 momentum , but we have to accelerate to 22:59.091 --> 23:01.425 ensure that our Marines are most lethal , 23:01.425 --> 23:03.369 survivable , and resilient the day 23:03.369 --> 23:05.670 before a conflict starts . And finally , 23:05.989 --> 23:08.156 we're building and sustaining a lethal 23:08.156 --> 23:10.322 force . The quality of life of Marines 23:10.322 --> 23:12.322 and their families directly impacts 23:12.322 --> 23:14.545 readiness , retention , and lethality . 23:14.989 --> 23:16.822 We are deliberately investing in 23:16.822 --> 23:18.933 Marines and their families to improve 23:18.933 --> 23:20.989 living conditions , institutionalize 23:20.989 --> 23:23.211 Marine Corps total fitness , and ensure 23:23.211 --> 23:25.800 support for family resources . Before I 23:25.800 --> 23:27.744 close , I want to take a moment to 23:27.744 --> 23:29.967 recognize the members of this committee 23:29.967 --> 23:29.920 and other committees with jurisdiction 23:29.920 --> 23:32.031 over the National Defense who will be 23:32.031 --> 23:34.142 retiring . On behalf of all Marines , 23:34.270 --> 23:36.214 thank you for your service to this 23:36.214 --> 23:38.437 nation . We know it , it comes at great 23:38.437 --> 23:40.381 personal cost . Thank you for your 23:40.381 --> 23:42.492 leadership , but most of all for your 23:42.492 --> 23:44.270 partnership . Your constant and 23:44.270 --> 23:46.159 steadfast support has ensured the 23:46.159 --> 23:48.349 readiness of your Marine Corps . We 23:48.349 --> 23:50.460 wish you the best in the next chapter 23:50.540 --> 23:52.484 of your service . As we say , fair 23:52.484 --> 23:54.651 winds and following seas . I'd like to 23:54.651 --> 23:56.818 close by stating that your marines are 23:56.818 --> 23:59.099 ready . The Marine Corps is a globally 23:59.099 --> 24:01.660 responsive , lethal combined arms naval 24:01.660 --> 24:03.827 expeditionary force that is capable of 24:03.827 --> 24:06.140 projecting power from sea to land and 24:06.140 --> 24:09.140 from land to sea and to maneuver across 24:09.140 --> 24:10.807 multiple domains in contested 24:10.807 --> 24:13.089 environments to deter , deny , and 24:13.089 --> 24:15.300 defeat our adversaries . Thank you 24:15.300 --> 24:17.467 again for your trust and support , and 24:17.467 --> 24:19.411 I look forward to your questions . 24:19.411 --> 24:21.300 Thank you , General . I recognize 24:21.300 --> 24:23.467 myself for questions . First , uh , we 24:23.467 --> 24:25.356 all know that a continuous strong 24:25.356 --> 24:27.411 demand signal is critical to getting 24:27.411 --> 24:29.633 our shipbuilding , uh , industrial base 24:29.633 --> 24:31.467 back on a healthy footing . Mr . 24:31.467 --> 24:33.633 Secretary , can you tell us how you're 24:33.633 --> 24:35.856 ensuring that fleet , uh , requirements 24:35.856 --> 24:37.967 and fleet , uh , and the acceleration 24:37.967 --> 24:40.189 of production rates is happening in the 24:40.189 --> 24:42.739 shipbuilding industry ? Mr . Chairman , 24:42.930 --> 24:44.930 we have , we have many levers we're 24:44.930 --> 24:46.930 pulling . Obviously the CIA program 24:46.930 --> 24:49.369 allows us to invest into our industrial 24:49.369 --> 24:51.530 base . Uh , we , we have , for , for 24:51.530 --> 24:53.752 example , for submarine building , uh , 24:53.752 --> 24:55.752 a very talented officer , uh , Vice 24:55.752 --> 24:57.808 Admiral Rob Goucher , who I've known 24:57.808 --> 24:59.974 for 30 . Six years who was leading and 24:59.974 --> 25:01.697 basically moving the submarine 25:01.697 --> 25:03.964 construction to the left but again we 25:03.974 --> 25:06.525 we need to explore every single avenue 25:06.525 --> 25:08.795 of ship construction in this country 25:09.224 --> 25:11.824 it's not just about warships right now 25:11.824 --> 25:14.869 there's only 180 . Flagged US merchant 25:14.869 --> 25:17.660 ships and 105 military seal of command 25:17.790 --> 25:20.390 ships , whereas the Chinese have 11,000 25:20.390 --> 25:23.479 ships . We are a . Maritime nation 25:23.479 --> 25:25.535 bordering both the Pacific and the , 25:25.535 --> 25:27.757 the Atlantic , we depend on that , that 25:27.757 --> 25:30.199 maritime dominance to , to for trade 25:30.199 --> 25:32.477 and for the good of our nation as well . 25:32.477 --> 25:34.810 And so this , if we pull all the levers , 25:34.810 --> 25:37.910 we're looking at 540,000 jobs in the 25:37.910 --> 25:40.077 United States for shipbuilding alone , 25:40.077 --> 25:42.299 and that's for every single one of your 25:42.299 --> 25:44.632 districts . This is why we need to , to , 25:44.632 --> 25:46.854 to fund this bill , sir , so we can get 25:46.854 --> 25:49.021 shipbuilding going and get this nation 25:49.021 --> 25:51.243 going . Um , Admiral Caudle , um , what 25:51.243 --> 25:53.299 operational impacts will you feel if 25:53.299 --> 25:55.243 Congress doesn't pass supplemental 25:55.243 --> 25:57.410 funding , and when do you think you'll 25:57.410 --> 26:00.339 start feeling those impacts ? Sir , um , 26:00.579 --> 26:02.819 as you know , the FY 26 budget didn't 26:02.819 --> 26:05.380 bake in epic fury , and , uh , and 26:05.380 --> 26:07.436 we're , you know , the Navy , if you 26:07.436 --> 26:09.491 see any news channel and you look at 26:09.491 --> 26:11.491 the graphic there , you see a large 26:11.491 --> 26:13.436 navy force in the Middle East . So 26:13.436 --> 26:15.324 we're burning bright , and , uh , 26:15.324 --> 26:17.269 that's what navies do , and , uh , 26:17.269 --> 26:19.491 we're built that way , but it does come 26:19.491 --> 26:21.491 at cost and it comes at operational 26:21.491 --> 26:23.324 costs . Things like fuel costs , 26:23.324 --> 26:25.547 operating hours , air , you know , uh , 26:25.547 --> 26:27.719 uh , training airframes , uh , And all 26:27.719 --> 26:29.608 the sorts of incremental things , 26:29.608 --> 26:31.552 munitions that you actually expend 26:31.552 --> 26:33.719 during wartime . And so , uh , without 26:33.719 --> 26:35.830 supplemental funding , I do fear that 26:35.830 --> 26:37.997 I'll have to start making decisions in 26:37.997 --> 26:40.108 the July time frame on how I do force 26:40.108 --> 26:42.219 generation . I could make differences 26:42.219 --> 26:44.441 between how I do , uh , exercises , how 26:44.441 --> 26:47.079 I do routine operations in order to 26:47.079 --> 26:49.135 make sure that I do not , you know , 26:49.239 --> 26:51.295 have the funds necessary to continue 26:51.295 --> 26:53.660 the war effort for epic fury . A bigger 26:53.660 --> 26:55.882 piece too that I would tell you is , is 26:55.882 --> 26:57.604 in people . You know , I , I'm 26:57.604 --> 26:59.493 incurring additional costs in the 26:59.493 --> 27:01.827 manpower accounts as well . And so , uh , 27:01.920 --> 27:04.087 without additional funding , I'm going 27:04.087 --> 27:06.198 to end up having to hold on station a 27:06.198 --> 27:08.142 number between 12 , and 15,000 new 27:08.142 --> 27:09.976 sessions that I'm trying to push 27:09.976 --> 27:12.031 through . So my record recruiting is 27:12.031 --> 27:14.253 going to be thwarted without additional 27:14.253 --> 27:16.364 funding to PCS those individuals from 27:16.364 --> 27:18.476 boot camp . And to pay enlistment and 27:18.476 --> 27:20.500 re-enlistment bonuses . So those 27:20.500 --> 27:22.667 efforts could be challenged if I don't 27:22.667 --> 27:24.778 get additional supplemental funding , 27:24.778 --> 27:27.000 sir . On another point , Admiral , uh , 27:27.000 --> 27:26.979 what steps have you taken , uh , 27:27.339 --> 27:29.450 fleetwide to improve your maintenance 27:29.450 --> 27:31.780 outcomes and improve your readiness 27:31.780 --> 27:34.099 rates ? Well , I think the Secretary 27:34.099 --> 27:36.321 landed most of it . You know , this has 27:36.321 --> 27:38.377 been a , a full-core press effort to 27:38.377 --> 27:40.599 expand our maritime industrial base and 27:40.599 --> 27:42.932 certainly the submarine industrial base . 27:42.932 --> 27:44.821 I think the acquisition reform is 27:44.821 --> 27:46.877 putting with the DURPA and other PAE 27:46.877 --> 27:48.839 structural changes to put more 27:48.839 --> 27:51.061 accountability , accountability and our 27:51.061 --> 27:53.283 supervisors of shipbuildings to be more 27:53.283 --> 27:54.839 intrusive , oversight while 27:54.839 --> 27:57.006 construction is going on . The idea of 27:57.006 --> 27:59.117 developing , no kidding , getting the 27:59.117 --> 28:01.283 US to no kidding , build ships through 28:01.283 --> 28:03.339 a modular distributed type of , uh , 28:03.339 --> 28:05.395 framework , we're doing that to some 28:05.395 --> 28:07.395 extent with Virginia Class and Arle 28:07.395 --> 28:09.829 Burke , but we need to expand that . We 28:09.829 --> 28:11.940 need better integration of artificial 28:11.940 --> 28:13.607 intelligence . We need better 28:13.607 --> 28:15.719 integration of robotics to do more 28:15.719 --> 28:18.420 welds robotically for higher output and 28:18.420 --> 28:21.349 reproducing higher quality . We've got 28:21.349 --> 28:23.939 workforce talent management going on 28:23.939 --> 28:26.161 across the country , but , uh , we need 28:26.161 --> 28:28.217 more of that as well to make sure we 28:28.217 --> 28:30.050 recruit and retain and lower the 28:30.050 --> 28:32.106 attrition of our key workforce . And 28:32.106 --> 28:34.161 that's not just , you know , kind of 28:34.161 --> 28:36.161 wage grade and vocational . This is 28:36.161 --> 28:38.161 Middle-level engineer management is 28:38.161 --> 28:40.328 coming out of engineering STEM schools 28:40.328 --> 28:42.328 that I desperately need for pro for 28:42.328 --> 28:44.550 doing the planning and oversight of the 28:44.550 --> 28:46.772 work and then , uh , I'd say that's a , 28:46.772 --> 28:48.939 uh , I'd say most of the things we got 28:48.939 --> 28:50.883 going on , sir . Great with that I 28:50.883 --> 28:53.106 yield to the ranking member . Thank you 28:53.106 --> 28:55.217 very much . Building off the theme of 28:55.217 --> 28:57.439 the opening statement in terms of , you 28:57.439 --> 28:57.410 know , how can we get to more cost 28:57.410 --> 28:59.466 effective solutions , I've been very 28:59.466 --> 29:01.410 impressed by the fact that when it 29:01.410 --> 29:03.466 comes to like shooting down drones , 29:03.466 --> 29:05.521 we've invented some new systems . We 29:05.521 --> 29:07.577 were shooting them down with 2 to $3 29:07.577 --> 29:09.466 million dollar missiles . Um , L3 29:09.466 --> 29:11.466 Harris has come up with the vampire 29:11.466 --> 29:13.688 system that's 30,000 . dollars are shot 29:13.688 --> 29:13.650 very effective . Another private 29:13.650 --> 29:16.130 company came up with MirOps . By the 29:16.130 --> 29:18.297 way , I think vampire is a much better 29:18.297 --> 29:20.519 name than MirOps if you're gonna name a 29:20.519 --> 29:22.686 system just for those paying attention 29:22.686 --> 29:24.852 to those things . $15,000 a shot , and 29:24.852 --> 29:27.074 it was all about figuring out , OK , we 29:27.074 --> 29:27.050 have our needs . How do we meet them in 29:27.050 --> 29:29.969 a very cost effective way . What is the 29:29.969 --> 29:32.191 equivalent in the Navy and Marine Corps 29:32.191 --> 29:34.302 in terms of how you're thinking about 29:34.302 --> 29:36.302 meeting your needs , um , in a more 29:36.302 --> 29:38.469 cost effective way , and that's one of 29:38.469 --> 29:40.636 the many things that troubles me again 29:40.636 --> 29:42.747 about the battleship . We look at new 29:42.747 --> 29:42.569 technology , new ways to deal things , 29:42.650 --> 29:44.372 all these demands , asymmetric 29:44.372 --> 29:46.539 advantages , and we come up with say , 29:46.539 --> 29:48.650 you know what , we're gonna go with a 29:48.650 --> 29:50.872 massive $22 billion solution that seems 29:50.872 --> 29:52.930 to be the exact opposite of taking 29:52.930 --> 29:55.449 advantage of modern technology to meet 29:55.449 --> 29:57.782 your needs in a more cost effective way . 29:57.890 --> 30:00.160 So how are you all thinking about 30:00.160 --> 30:02.319 options equivalent to instead of 2 30:02.319 --> 30:04.208 million we're gonna do 30,000 and 30:04.208 --> 30:06.263 achieve the same objective and using 30:06.263 --> 30:08.449 new technology to get there . Ranking 30:08.449 --> 30:10.727 member , you're absolutely right , sir . 30:10.727 --> 30:12.838 I mean , we're , when we're launching 30:12.838 --> 30:14.671 an SM-2 missile that costs $2.25 30:14.671 --> 30:16.782 million per shot to take down a $1000 30:16.782 --> 30:16.729 drone , it , it's ridiculous . And 30:16.729 --> 30:18.890 that's why electronic warfare is so 30:18.890 --> 30:21.010 important . I mean , we need to cover 30:21.010 --> 30:22.899 everything from 30 megahertz to 8 30:22.899 --> 30:24.732 gigahertz with no band breaks in 30:24.732 --> 30:26.954 between , but also we need static radar 30:26.954 --> 30:28.788 to look at it . But also gimbals 30:28.788 --> 30:30.954 because a lot of their cross section , 30:30.954 --> 30:30.494 the . Radar cross sections of these 30:30.625 --> 30:32.403 drones look very similar to our 30:32.403 --> 30:34.994 aircrafts as well , so there's many 30:35.354 --> 30:37.243 options out there , and you , you 30:37.243 --> 30:39.298 mentioned like a large ship . Well , 30:39.298 --> 30:41.521 there's , as far as I was in the Navy , 30:41.521 --> 30:43.576 even all the way back to 2011 when I 30:43.576 --> 30:45.521 worked in ABNAav N96 , the surface 30:45.521 --> 30:47.895 warfare division , we had a requirement 30:47.895 --> 30:50.117 for a large combatant . It's called CGX 30:50.117 --> 30:52.030 at the time . We've got a lot of 30:52.030 --> 30:54.170 requirements , Mr . Secretary . 11 of 30:54.170 --> 30:56.226 the things that I would suggest that 30:56.226 --> 30:58.281 we're gonna need to do is get out of 30:58.281 --> 31:00.420 the requirements-based approach . I 31:00.420 --> 31:02.364 mean , so much that goes on at the 31:02.364 --> 31:04.364 Pentagon , and I think the chairman 31:04.364 --> 31:06.531 agree is we all sit around and come up 31:06.531 --> 31:08.698 with requirements . OK , and there's , 31:08.698 --> 31:10.809 gosh , 10s of thousands , hundreds of 31:10.809 --> 31:12.753 thousands of pages of them . Let's 31:12.920 --> 31:15.579 focus on what actually needs to be done 31:15.579 --> 31:17.690 and say , well , we got a requirement 31:17.690 --> 31:19.912 for it . Um , we gotta think through it 31:19.912 --> 31:22.079 a little bit more than that . Sorry to 31:22.079 --> 31:21.400 interrupt . Just had to make that point . 31:21.520 --> 31:24.839 Go , go ahead . Thank you for that , uh , 31:25.500 --> 31:27.444 ranking member , again , there's , 31:27.444 --> 31:29.667 again , I , I , I , I pay bills at home 31:29.667 --> 31:31.833 and there's , you know , the kids need 31:31.833 --> 31:31.819 braces . They need everything , and 31:31.819 --> 31:33.819 that's we have to balance all those 31:33.819 --> 31:35.819 things . But again , with the , the 31:35.819 --> 31:38.041 battleship , the problem is that your , 31:38.041 --> 31:40.339 your DDGs are so decked out right now . 31:40.459 --> 31:42.626 The Pinckney , USS Pinkney is the only 31:42.626 --> 31:44.737 ship in our fleet that has a slick 32 31:44.737 --> 31:47.180 Victor 7 for electronic warfare and , 31:47.219 --> 31:49.552 and . I mean , I , I told you yesterday , 31:49.552 --> 31:51.663 I mean , it looks like a big chipmunk 31:51.663 --> 31:53.552 with a mouthful of nuts right now 31:53.552 --> 31:55.663 because it's , it's so overburdened , 31:55.663 --> 31:57.386 and that's why we need a large 31:57.386 --> 31:59.275 combatant that has all electronic 31:59.275 --> 32:01.108 warfare as well as 200 VLS cells 32:01.189 --> 32:03.356 including conventional prompt strike . 32:03.356 --> 32:05.578 Imagine a missile that can go from here 32:05.578 --> 32:07.633 to the , the , uh , West Coast in 16 32:07.633 --> 32:09.633 minutes , uh , that the enemy can't 32:09.633 --> 32:11.856 stop , and this is what's gonna . Deter 32:11.856 --> 32:14.078 the enemy . Uh , meanwhile , we need to 32:14.078 --> 32:13.869 also invest into our , our shipyards . 32:13.939 --> 32:16.050 We need to invest into our electronic 32:16.050 --> 32:18.217 warfare and as well as our sailors and 32:18.217 --> 32:20.383 marines as well . And this is why it , 32:20.383 --> 32:22.495 the , the job of balancing the budget 32:22.495 --> 32:24.772 is so difficult . And , uh , again , I , 32:24.772 --> 32:24.400 I wanna read , I'm sorry , sir , go 32:24.400 --> 32:26.400 ahead . Yeah , 11 other question on 32:26.400 --> 32:28.630 that , um , there are a lot of 32:28.630 --> 32:30.352 different companies now making 32:30.352 --> 32:32.519 autonomous ships . They're really in , 32:32.519 --> 32:34.741 in . And yes , the autonomous aspect is 32:34.741 --> 32:36.963 important , but they're also looking at 32:36.963 --> 32:39.241 new ways to do shipbuilding in general . 32:39.241 --> 32:41.574 Um , how can we do it more rapidly , uh , 32:41.574 --> 32:43.630 more cost effectively ? They seem to 32:43.630 --> 32:45.797 have made a lot of progress . What are 32:45.797 --> 32:45.689 the principal lessons that have been 32:45.689 --> 32:47.856 learned from that , that regardless of 32:47.856 --> 32:49.911 what we're building , whether it's a 32:49.911 --> 32:52.022 battleship , an aircraft carrier , or 32:52.022 --> 32:54.245 something smaller , that we could do it 32:54.245 --> 32:56.522 more quickly and more cost effectively ? 32:56.522 --> 32:58.689 Do you , and I , both Admiral and Mr . 32:58.689 --> 32:58.670 Secretary , if you can . Well , again , 32:58.750 --> 33:00.806 uh , I'll , I'll turn , uh , Admiral 33:00.806 --> 33:02.750 Caldro in a second , but it's just 33:02.750 --> 33:04.917 about , uh , using AI so we can , uh , 33:04.917 --> 33:06.917 streamline our processes as well as 33:06.917 --> 33:09.028 adding for manufacturing . But , uh , 33:09.028 --> 33:11.028 Admiral Caudle . You know , sir , I 33:11.028 --> 33:13.250 would say when we were upside down , as 33:13.250 --> 33:15.361 the secretary's talking about on , on 33:15.361 --> 33:17.528 kills , you know , calls for kill with 33:17.528 --> 33:19.472 SM2 , SM6 , we filled it and , and 33:19.472 --> 33:21.472 rallied very quickly during Red Sea 33:21.472 --> 33:23.528 Operations Rough Rider . To actually 33:23.528 --> 33:25.619 get on board our strike groups Road 33:25.619 --> 33:28.040 Runner , Coyote , and Hellfire 33:28.040 --> 33:30.151 instantiations of that to really turn 33:30.151 --> 33:31.818 that very quickly , that took 33:31.818 --> 33:33.984 collaboration from our surface Warfare 33:33.984 --> 33:36.207 and Mine Development Center , from Surf 33:36.207 --> 33:38.318 L , from Dahlgren , and of course Nav 33:38.318 --> 33:40.484 War to get those TTPs , bake that in , 33:40.484 --> 33:42.839 get it certified . And every striker 33:42.839 --> 33:45.119 has deployed with that . It's much more 33:45.119 --> 33:47.286 effective , and that learning happened 33:47.286 --> 33:49.286 very quickly . Directed energy , of 33:49.286 --> 33:51.286 course , is part of that electronic 33:51.286 --> 33:51.119 warfare . Some of the things that , you 33:51.119 --> 33:53.119 know , in the , in the , I'm out of 33:53.119 --> 33:55.063 time . I apologize for that . So I 33:55.063 --> 33:57.230 think I don't , I don't want to take , 33:57.230 --> 33:56.880 take too much time , but those are 33:56.880 --> 33:58.880 exactly the types of answers that I 33:58.880 --> 34:01.047 think we need more of . I yield back . 34:01.047 --> 34:03.269 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Thank you , 34:03.269 --> 34:05.602 Mr . Turner's recognized . Thank you Mr . 34:05.602 --> 34:05.079 Chairman . Uh , Mr . Secretary , I am 34:05.079 --> 34:07.790 the co-chair of , of your , I am the , 34:08.360 --> 34:10.527 I am the co-chair of the Congressional 34:10.527 --> 34:12.471 Military Sexual Assault Prevention 34:12.471 --> 34:14.527 Caucus . Several of us have received 34:14.527 --> 34:16.527 information of a change in the Navy 34:16.527 --> 34:18.708 policy concerning . How investigations 34:18.708 --> 34:20.764 and reports of sexual harassment are 34:20.764 --> 34:22.968 handled , um , I'm going to submit to 34:22.968 --> 34:25.358 you , uh , a letter requesting , uh , 34:25.368 --> 34:28.279 written answers to concerns about , uh , 34:28.329 --> 34:30.551 those changes . I ask unanimous consent 34:30.551 --> 34:32.607 to , uh , submit this for the record 34:32.607 --> 34:34.607 and then thank you and then ask for 34:34.607 --> 34:36.829 your , uh , written , uh , responses to 34:36.829 --> 34:39.250 those . Um , Mr . Secretary , uh , 34:39.340 --> 34:41.451 Wright Patterson Air Force Base is in 34:41.451 --> 34:43.340 my district and it is home to the 34:43.340 --> 34:46.260 7-11th Human Performance Wing . It is 34:46.260 --> 34:49.260 also home to the Naval Medical Research 34:49.260 --> 34:52.320 Unit Dayton . Uh , it is the site 34:53.310 --> 34:55.745 where those two come together as . A 34:55.745 --> 34:57.715 joint center of excellence for 34:57.715 --> 34:59.715 aerospace Medical research that was 34:59.715 --> 35:02.084 established in 2005 . It's a place 35:02.425 --> 35:05.135 where the Air Force and the Navy are 35:05.135 --> 35:06.968 supposed to come together , uh , 35:06.968 --> 35:09.145 conducting aerospace medicine research 35:09.145 --> 35:11.925 for the purposes of advancing human 35:11.925 --> 35:13.485 performance in aerospace . 35:13.864 --> 35:15.753 Unfortunately , the Naval Medical 35:15.753 --> 35:17.586 Research Unit in Dayton has been 35:17.586 --> 35:20.784 neglected . In 2022 . A study for the 35:20.784 --> 35:22.965 US Army Corps of Engineers identified 35:22.965 --> 35:25.129 that this medical unit . I was in 35:25.129 --> 35:27.649 desperate need of just basic 35:27.649 --> 35:30.250 maintenance , um , and , uh , it 35:30.250 --> 35:32.530 continues to struggle for funding and 35:32.530 --> 35:34.969 basic infrastructure improvements . As 35:34.969 --> 35:37.370 a result of that , I put a request in 35:37.370 --> 35:40.229 the , in last year's NDAA uh for the 35:40.229 --> 35:43.050 Navy to respond to how is the Navy 35:43.050 --> 35:46.530 going to respond to this report from 22 35:46.530 --> 35:49.129 that has yet to be answered . 35:50.479 --> 35:53.510 That report in the NDAA had a deadline 35:53.510 --> 35:56.969 of of this year of March 31st . Which 35:56.969 --> 35:59.770 was missed this year . Uh , so the Navy 35:59.770 --> 36:02.570 hasn't even responded to the request to 36:02.570 --> 36:04.689 respond to the lack of responding to 36:04.689 --> 36:06.856 the Army Corps of Engineers response , 36:06.959 --> 36:10.729 which was 2022 . Um , we're missing 36:10.729 --> 36:13.729 the opportunity for the , uh , Navy and 36:13.729 --> 36:15.618 the Air Force to work together in 36:15.618 --> 36:17.840 aerospace medicine research which again 36:17.840 --> 36:19.570 is supposed to advance human 36:19.570 --> 36:21.348 performance in , in aerospace . 36:21.370 --> 36:23.592 Secretary , I'd ask you , are you aware 36:23.592 --> 36:25.703 of this missed opportunity and , um , 36:25.760 --> 36:27.850 you know , can we remedy this , this 36:27.850 --> 36:29.906 opportunity so that we can advance , 36:29.906 --> 36:31.739 obviously this , this incredible 36:31.739 --> 36:33.350 opportunity to advance human 36:33.350 --> 36:35.689 performance in aerospace . Congressman , 36:35.739 --> 36:37.850 I , I apologize . I , I was not aware 36:37.850 --> 36:39.795 of this , but you know this is the 36:39.795 --> 36:41.906 problem when we have a lot of these , 36:41.906 --> 36:44.017 uh , you know , units attached to Air 36:44.017 --> 36:45.961 Force bases . I had the problem in 36:45.961 --> 36:45.580 Tinker Air Force Base too , where we 36:45.580 --> 36:47.636 had a large number of suicides , and 36:47.636 --> 36:49.913 that I've , I've gone there personally , 36:49.913 --> 36:51.969 and I've , I've , uh , made a lot of 36:51.969 --> 36:54.024 headway in order to , to curtail the 36:54.024 --> 36:56.302 suicide rates at Tinker Air Force Base . 36:56.302 --> 36:58.247 But for , for Wright Patterson Air 36:58.247 --> 36:59.969 Force Base , human force is so 36:59.969 --> 37:02.302 important . We have to treat every , uh , 37:02.302 --> 37:04.636 sailor and marine like a weapon systems . 37:04.636 --> 37:06.858 We need to take . Care of them . That's 37:06.858 --> 37:09.024 whether it's through human performance 37:09.024 --> 37:11.191 or or medical treatment or even mental 37:11.191 --> 37:11.034 health . We will do that . So you have 37:11.034 --> 37:13.235 my word that I will , uh , not only 37:13.235 --> 37:15.402 look into this , respond quickly , but 37:15.402 --> 37:17.568 also come , come visit you , sir . And 37:17.568 --> 37:19.791 in response to your , the , uh , sexual 37:19.791 --> 37:21.957 assault , um , and sexual harassment , 37:21.957 --> 37:24.068 we , we're , we are gonna investigate 37:24.068 --> 37:26.179 every single issue with , with , uh , 37:26.179 --> 37:28.179 license and , and or trained , uh , 37:28.314 --> 37:30.481 investigators , and we will respond to 37:30.481 --> 37:32.895 that , that res request as well and , 37:32.905 --> 37:35.699 uh . Again , I , I have 5 children , 3 37:35.699 --> 37:37.755 daughters . I will not allow this to 37:37.755 --> 37:39.532 happen . I look forward to your 37:39.532 --> 37:42.760 response to both . Thank you . Uh , 37:42.959 --> 37:45.070 gentleman from California , Mr . Gary 37:45.070 --> 37:47.889 Mindi . Uh , thank you , Mr . Chairman . 37:48.469 --> 37:50.747 Uh , Mr . Chairman , uh , you and , uh , 37:50.747 --> 37:52.858 Ranking Member Smith , as well as the 37:52.858 --> 37:55.129 Secretary , spoke to the issue of the 37:55.129 --> 37:58.280 commercial , uh , fleet that America 37:58.280 --> 38:00.409 does not have . Uh , draw to your 38:00.409 --> 38:02.187 attention , there is a piece of 38:02.187 --> 38:04.298 legislation called the SHIPS Act that 38:04.298 --> 38:06.520 deals directly with that . Uh , I bring 38:06.520 --> 38:08.687 that to the attention of the committee 38:08.687 --> 38:10.798 and perhaps that could be an integral 38:10.798 --> 38:13.131 part of our work as we form up the NDAA . 38:13.520 --> 38:16.280 Uh , rather important in meeting all of 38:16.280 --> 38:18.502 the requirements that we have , so I'll 38:18.502 --> 38:20.391 let it go at that . Thank you for 38:20.391 --> 38:22.558 bringing the issue up , and I'll drive 38:22.558 --> 38:24.919 it forward . Um , I have two questions 38:24.919 --> 38:28.199 here . Uh , Ed M Caudle , the West 38:28.199 --> 38:30.669 Coast of the United States , I believe , 38:30.679 --> 38:33.239 borders on the Pacific . The Pacific is 38:33.239 --> 38:35.128 going to be , has been , and will 38:35.128 --> 38:37.439 continue to be a major theater with 38:37.439 --> 38:41.360 enormous , um , challenges . Do we have 38:41.360 --> 38:44.000 sufficient facilities on the west coast 38:44.000 --> 38:46.167 of the United States to meet the needs 38:46.167 --> 38:48.790 of the Navy as it looks to its larger 38:48.790 --> 38:50.760 fleet and to the challenges of the 38:50.760 --> 38:54.719 Pacific ? Congressman , uh , 38:54.919 --> 38:57.199 we do not have sufficient facilities in 38:57.199 --> 38:59.439 general , and I would argue that we do 38:59.439 --> 39:02.159 sufficient on the West Coast as our 39:02.159 --> 39:04.530 theater of importance and our priority 39:04.530 --> 39:06.752 of how we've split the , the Navy . Our 39:06.752 --> 39:09.719 60/40 split predicates that to prevent 39:09.719 --> 39:11.775 transits through the Panama Canal or 39:11.775 --> 39:13.886 other ways we would get around to the 39:13.886 --> 39:16.108 East Coast , the more options I have as 39:16.108 --> 39:18.108 the CNO prepare ships without those 39:18.108 --> 39:20.219 transits to East Coast public yards , 39:20.219 --> 39:22.275 the way I can . You know , I have to 39:22.275 --> 39:24.386 share those yards and keep them level 39:24.386 --> 39:26.386 loaded improves quality of life for 39:26.386 --> 39:28.441 people if they can stay on the coast 39:28.441 --> 39:30.663 and not such large , uh , PCS moves and 39:30.663 --> 39:32.886 just improves combat and damage control 39:32.886 --> 39:34.941 that I can do and I actually need to 39:34.941 --> 39:36.941 repair in that capacity . So we are 39:36.941 --> 39:39.052 tasked in this budget to go look hard 39:39.052 --> 39:41.449 at a 5th shipyard , and that that study 39:41.449 --> 39:43.560 is , you know , we will take a lot of 39:43.560 --> 39:45.671 time and understand that very clearly 39:45.671 --> 39:47.893 where to lay down that capacity , but I 39:47.893 --> 39:50.227 would , to answer your question bluntly , 39:50.227 --> 39:52.505 no , I do not have sufficient capacity . 39:52.505 --> 39:54.616 I look forward to working with you on 39:54.616 --> 39:56.838 uh developing opportunities on the West 39:56.838 --> 39:58.949 Coast for the uh need of the Navy for 39:58.949 --> 40:01.199 its ship repair and perhaps also for 40:01.199 --> 40:04.219 the uh . A development of additional 40:04.560 --> 40:07.689 fleets . Uh , I wanna go to General 40:07.689 --> 40:10.310 Smith . Uh , you spoke in your , um , 40:11.350 --> 40:15.320 Opening testimony about the Amphibious 40:15.320 --> 40:17.959 ready groups and the MEUs . 40:20.080 --> 40:22.413 What do you need to carry out your plan ? 40:22.413 --> 40:24.580 Do you have sufficient ships , AMIBs , 40:24.580 --> 40:27.360 large and not so large , uh , and what 40:27.360 --> 40:30.139 is the plan to develop ? What is your 40:30.139 --> 40:32.250 plan and what is your need to develop 40:32.250 --> 40:35.399 the necessary fleet for the Marine 40:35.399 --> 40:38.570 Corps ? Well , sir , thanks for that 40:38.570 --> 40:40.770 question . So our requirement is a 3.0 40:40.770 --> 40:42.826 RMU again , one off the east coast , 40:42.826 --> 40:44.659 one off the west coast , and one 40:44.659 --> 40:46.826 episodically deployed out of Okinawa , 40:46.826 --> 40:48.826 Japan . We're currently required to 40:48.826 --> 40:51.048 have a minimum of 31 amphibious warfare 40:51.048 --> 40:53.214 ships , but that was predicated on 80% 40:53.214 --> 40:55.159 readiness , and we're , we're well 40:55.159 --> 40:57.270 short of 80% readiness , uh , in , in 40:57.270 --> 40:59.492 the AMIB fleet . We're closer to , uh , 40:59.492 --> 41:01.548 to 50% . So we're going to need more 41:01.548 --> 41:03.770 ships . Um , I , I defer to my shipmate 41:03.770 --> 41:05.937 Darryl Caudle on , on exactly how many 41:05.937 --> 41:07.826 ships are going to be required to 41:07.826 --> 41:09.992 maintain that 3.0 RM presence , but my 41:09.992 --> 41:11.826 requirement is a 3.0 RM presence 41:11.826 --> 41:13.992 regardless of the number of ships that 41:13.992 --> 41:16.103 are available . So those would be the 41:16.103 --> 41:18.381 large amphibs and the medium . Yes sir , 41:18.381 --> 41:20.949 LHAs , LHDs , and then LP LPDs . 41:22.439 --> 41:26.219 Uh , are they presently in the planning . 41:27.239 --> 41:30.739 That the navy is putting forth . Again , 41:30.790 --> 41:32.957 I will , I will defer to , uh , to the 41:32.957 --> 41:35.234 secretary and to the CNO on that , sir . 41:35.234 --> 41:37.234 Let's move to the secretary . Yes , 41:37.234 --> 41:36.949 well , sir , I just can tell you we 41:36.949 --> 41:40.020 have an LHN LPD , and , and LSMs in the 41:40.020 --> 41:43.699 budget . So both of 41:43.699 --> 41:46.100 the all three of those ships are in the 41:46.100 --> 41:48.379 budget , have sufficient number to meet 41:48.379 --> 41:50.530 the needs of the Marine Corps . Yes , 41:50.810 --> 41:53.820 Congress . Very good , um . 41:55.010 --> 41:57.177 With that , I will , uh , yield back . 41:57.177 --> 41:59.288 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Gentleman 41:59.288 --> 41:59.060 yields back . Chair , and I recognize 41:59.060 --> 42:01.004 the gentleman from Virginia , Mr . 42:01.004 --> 42:03.116 Whitman . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . 42:03.116 --> 42:02.449 I'd like to thank our witnesses for 42:02.449 --> 42:04.393 joining us today . Secretary Cow , 42:04.393 --> 42:06.616 Admiral Caudle , General Smith , thanks 42:06.616 --> 42:08.838 so much for the incredible job that you 42:08.838 --> 42:08.540 do . Secretary Cow , I wanna start with 42:08.540 --> 42:11.360 you . Uh , yesterday at the 42:11.969 --> 42:14.580 House . Subcommittee on Appropriations 42:14.580 --> 42:17.020 for Defense , you talked about nuclear 42:17.020 --> 42:19.242 power generation , specifically onshore 42:19.242 --> 42:21.409 nuclear power generation . We all know 42:21.409 --> 42:23.576 our nuclear navy is , is the best ever 42:23.576 --> 42:25.742 in the history of humankind and how it 42:25.742 --> 42:27.798 utilizes nuclear energy to power our 42:27.798 --> 42:29.964 ships . That's 70 years of record with 42:29.964 --> 42:32.330 naval reactors is beyond , uh , beyond 42:32.330 --> 42:35.580 reproach . What I wanna look at is how 42:35.580 --> 42:38.850 are we taking that technology and then 42:38.850 --> 42:41.959 applying it in different ways and . I 42:41.959 --> 42:44.015 got language in last year's National 42:44.015 --> 42:46.237 Defense Authorization Act that directed 42:46.237 --> 42:48.015 pilot projects on Navy bases to 42:48.015 --> 42:49.903 actually do onshore nuclear power 42:49.903 --> 42:52.070 generation with small modular reactors 42:52.070 --> 42:54.126 and to do that in a way where we can 42:54.126 --> 42:56.292 pair that with data centers . Listen , 42:56.292 --> 42:58.292 the , the future of what we need to 42:58.292 --> 43:00.292 make sure we win the race and AI is 43:00.292 --> 43:02.348 gonna center around data . You wanna 43:02.348 --> 43:04.292 have your power generation sources 43:04.292 --> 43:06.459 close to where your data centers are , 43:06.459 --> 43:06.310 the power demand . There's a need for 43:06.310 --> 43:08.679 the military for for that power 43:08.679 --> 43:10.901 generation to have organic capabilities 43:10.901 --> 43:12.901 on a base to make sure we're not at 43:12.901 --> 43:14.901 peril with the , the larger grid if 43:14.901 --> 43:17.068 somebody tries to take it out and then 43:17.068 --> 43:19.068 making sure we have our own organic 43:19.068 --> 43:21.179 capability with the data that we need 43:21.179 --> 43:23.457 for that . All those things make sense . 43:23.457 --> 43:23.270 They're also in line with what's 43:23.270 --> 43:25.689 happening . externally with other 43:25.689 --> 43:29.080 efforts to generate more power to 43:29.689 --> 43:31.633 respond to this nation's increased 43:31.633 --> 43:33.856 energy needs and making sure that we're 43:33.856 --> 43:36.078 doing data center development in a very 43:36.078 --> 43:37.967 responsible way , and I argue the 43:37.967 --> 43:40.209 nation and the navy and the military 43:40.209 --> 43:42.098 benefits from that . Give me your 43:42.098 --> 43:44.098 perspective on how you think we can 43:44.098 --> 43:46.265 aggressively pursue this as quickly as 43:46.265 --> 43:49.679 we can . Get these SMRs permitted and 43:49.679 --> 43:51.846 under construction on Navy bases , how 43:51.846 --> 43:54.050 we can look for partners in the data , 43:54.320 --> 43:56.487 uh , data center realm to put those on 43:56.487 --> 43:59.120 military bases or on Navy bases and how 43:59.120 --> 44:01.064 you would look at executing that . 44:01.719 --> 44:03.830 Thank you Congressman . This summer , 44:03.969 --> 44:05.969 uh , Norfolk Naval Base is gonna be 44:05.969 --> 44:07.929 powered from an aircraft carrier . 44:08.010 --> 44:10.177 We're gonna export the energy from the 44:10.177 --> 44:13.010 air aircraft carrier to the base , but 44:13.010 --> 44:15.370 imagine having this , this power 44:15.370 --> 44:17.592 generation from within the base that we 44:17.592 --> 44:19.481 can even export the energy to the 44:19.481 --> 44:21.703 surrounding area and work , use that as 44:21.703 --> 44:23.703 a working capital fund . And to now 44:23.703 --> 44:25.814 actually fix our bases and the energy 44:25.814 --> 44:28.037 that's produced from these we can power 44:28.037 --> 44:30.203 also or , or , you know , use it for a 44:30.203 --> 44:32.370 4-stage distiller making water , fresh 44:32.370 --> 44:34.314 pot of water . I mean on a carrier 44:34.314 --> 44:36.481 we're pumping millions of gallons over 44:36.481 --> 44:38.481 the side every day of fresh potable 44:38.481 --> 44:40.703 water that tests at pH 7 . Right , that 44:40.703 --> 44:43.050 that we can now export in places like 44:43.050 --> 44:45.161 California where you have a drought , 44:45.161 --> 44:47.272 you can actually export the energy of 44:47.272 --> 44:49.439 that water to , to , uh , to put it in 44:49.439 --> 44:51.709 the , um , the , the surrounding area . 44:51.850 --> 44:54.810 Now the president has named the army , 44:54.889 --> 44:57.056 which breaks my heart as the executive 44:57.056 --> 44:59.278 agent for shore-based thing . This is , 44:59.278 --> 45:01.610 as a matter of honor , we are the 45:01.610 --> 45:03.721 nuclear navy . So I , I do wanna turn 45:03.721 --> 45:05.721 over to Admiral Caudle who , who is 45:05.721 --> 45:07.721 more , uh , in tune of , of nuclear 45:07.721 --> 45:09.999 power than I can ever be . Congressman , 45:09.999 --> 45:11.832 you know , 11 thing we need is a 45:11.832 --> 45:13.943 champion . OK ? You're , you're doing 45:13.943 --> 45:16.110 that over here , but we've got to have 45:16.110 --> 45:16.104 an overall programmatic champion for 45:16.104 --> 45:18.455 the SMR program . So I think we're 45:18.455 --> 45:20.511 dithering a bit there and not really 45:20.511 --> 45:22.511 kind of landing on , you know , the 45:22.511 --> 45:24.511 pilot and laying out the program of 45:24.511 --> 45:26.733 record . So , uh , you know , while the 45:26.733 --> 45:26.425 Army may be , you know , tapped to be 45:26.425 --> 45:28.369 the overall lead for it , I see no 45:28.369 --> 45:30.592 world in which the Navy is not going to 45:30.592 --> 45:32.647 be part of that discussion and bring 45:32.647 --> 45:32.465 our expertise through our long 45:32.465 --> 45:34.945 established naval reactors , a deep 45:34.945 --> 45:37.001 understanding of reactor physics and 45:37.001 --> 45:39.112 understanding safe operation . But we 45:39.112 --> 45:41.223 need to get a pilot established and a 45:41.223 --> 45:43.389 target date and get one going . Yeah , 45:43.389 --> 45:45.556 Admi McCulle , thank you , and we , we 45:45.556 --> 45:45.330 will be laser focused on that again 45:45.330 --> 45:47.219 this year in the National Defense 45:47.219 --> 45:49.274 Authorization Act . I wanted to , to 45:49.274 --> 45:51.386 follow on with that on a shipbuilding 45:51.386 --> 45:54.129 issue . Um , there's $1.85 billion in 45:54.129 --> 45:56.240 this year's president's budget in the 45:56.240 --> 45:58.129 request for advanced shipbuilding 45:58.129 --> 45:59.907 industrial base and future ship 45:59.907 --> 46:02.129 experimental , essentially looking at . 46:02.159 --> 46:04.639 The proposal of taking foreign designs 46:04.639 --> 46:07.840 and then putting those in place for our 46:07.840 --> 46:10.840 shipbuilding , uh , I just have a 46:10.840 --> 46:12.562 question about that . I have a 46:12.562 --> 46:14.729 hesitation about that because we tried 46:14.729 --> 46:16.840 that with Frem with an Italian design 46:16.840 --> 46:18.896 and we took an Italian design and we 46:18.896 --> 46:20.896 said , OK , it's 85% complete , and 46:20.896 --> 46:23.062 then made adjustments to it and all of 46:23.062 --> 46:25.284 a sudden it only became 15% complete on 46:25.284 --> 46:25.159 design and today we have two 46:25.159 --> 46:27.381 Constellation class ships and that will 46:27.381 --> 46:29.548 be it . We will cancel the rest of the 46:29.548 --> 46:31.659 program . So I guess my question is , 46:31.659 --> 46:33.715 is how do you see this going forward 46:33.715 --> 46:36.270 and , and how are we going to , uh , 46:36.280 --> 46:39.040 reconcile the effort to say let's grow 46:39.040 --> 46:40.873 the industrial base , let's grow 46:40.873 --> 46:43.096 shipbuilding in the United States , and 46:43.096 --> 46:45.262 on the other hand say that we're going 46:45.262 --> 46:47.840 to now look at foreign ship designs and 46:47.840 --> 46:51.120 how we're going to build and sustain a 46:51.120 --> 46:53.342 US shipbuilding industrial base for our 46:53.342 --> 46:56.790 US Navy . Well , you know , uh , there 46:56.790 --> 46:58.846 are a lot of lessons we learned from 46:58.846 --> 47:01.123 constellation . This can be done right . 47:01.123 --> 47:03.179 I think the icebreaker program is an 47:03.179 --> 47:05.123 example of where , you know , this 47:05.123 --> 47:04.659 gentleman's time's expired . Chairman , 47:04.750 --> 47:06.750 I recognizes the gentleman from New 47:06.750 --> 47:08.806 Jersey , Mr . Norcross . Thank you , 47:08.806 --> 47:08.739 Chairman . I'd like to thank the 47:08.739 --> 47:11.290 witnesses for being here today . Uh , 47:11.550 --> 47:13.161 we're focusing on our ship , 47:13.161 --> 47:15.383 shipbuilding capacity for good reason . 47:15.820 --> 47:18.270 Uh , it's not working . It's getting 47:18.270 --> 47:20.550 better . Back when Pearl Harbor 47:20.550 --> 47:23.790 happened in 1941 , our shipbuilding 47:23.790 --> 47:27.310 capacity was in shambles . Within 2 47:27.310 --> 47:29.850 years . President Roosevelt brought 47:29.850 --> 47:32.449 those leaders of the great industrial 47:32.449 --> 47:34.770 companies in this America , and within 47:34.770 --> 47:37.370 2 years we're pumping out 1 ship a week 47:37.370 --> 47:40.510 plus . We got behind it . We know we 47:40.510 --> 47:42.889 got into this problem by disinvesting 47:42.889 --> 47:46.199 in our own industrial base . That's why 47:46.659 --> 47:50.149 back in 21 we put a buy American Act to 47:50.149 --> 47:53.149 step up the percentage of American made 47:53.149 --> 47:55.429 products in our shipbuilding . Back in 47:55.429 --> 47:58.610 24 , the Mines Act expanded on that 47:59.590 --> 48:02.340 to say you're going to from 65 to 75% 48:02.340 --> 48:05.449 and eventually 85% . Well , 48:07.020 --> 48:09.780 We put that in . It's law . We have not 48:09.780 --> 48:12.820 received one report from the repository 48:12.820 --> 48:15.300 we created to say how much of our 48:15.300 --> 48:17.979 industrial base starts and is made here 48:17.979 --> 48:20.739 in the United States , repeating the 48:20.739 --> 48:22.795 problems that's got us into it . Yet 48:23.179 --> 48:26.159 this year's shipbuilding plan . States 48:26.159 --> 48:28.320 that strategy for growing the 48:28.320 --> 48:30.520 industrial base , the expansion of the 48:30.520 --> 48:33.239 industrial base through direct foreign 48:33.239 --> 48:36.870 investment . That the plan's contents 48:36.870 --> 48:39.610 of the table contains an entire section 48:39.610 --> 48:42.489 dedicated to foreign investment and 48:42.489 --> 48:45.399 support . This is contrary to those 48:45.399 --> 48:48.479 last two pieces we put in the NDA and 48:48.479 --> 48:50.701 time after time people in your position 48:50.701 --> 48:52.757 says we have to build our industrial 48:52.757 --> 48:55.879 base , yet we haven't goes on at the 48:55.879 --> 48:58.101 same time , the acting secretary of the 48:58.101 --> 49:00.439 Navy , the entire plan was about 49:00.439 --> 49:03.280 restoring maritime industrial strength . 49:03.600 --> 49:06.080 Secretary , you stated it five minutes 49:06.080 --> 49:09.320 ago . So here we are , we know the plan 49:09.620 --> 49:12.699 that we need to do is to invest in 49:12.699 --> 49:14.921 ourselves like we've done once before , 49:15.219 --> 49:17.659 yet the shipbuilding plant goes the 49:17.659 --> 49:19.939 exact opposite direction and says , how 49:19.939 --> 49:22.429 do we get foreign investment ? This is 49:22.429 --> 49:24.651 what got us here . Do you need a little 49:24.651 --> 49:26.919 boost in the beginning ? Potentially . 49:27.179 --> 49:29.346 We're not saying that's not the way to 49:29.346 --> 49:31.123 do it , but the idea of foreign 49:31.123 --> 49:34.340 investment . Got us into this problem , 49:34.510 --> 49:36.732 the offshoring of our industrial base . 49:36.909 --> 49:39.350 So Mr . Secretary , how do you square 49:39.350 --> 49:42.169 these circles ? Congressman , thank you 49:42.169 --> 49:45.090 for that question . We're not investing 49:45.090 --> 49:47.146 in foreign shipbuilding . What we're 49:47.146 --> 49:49.129 doing is seeing what these , these 49:49.129 --> 49:51.296 models work , whether they work in our 49:51.296 --> 49:53.407 fleet , and then they will bring that 49:53.407 --> 49:55.462 to the United States . Some of these 49:55.462 --> 49:57.573 foreign shipbuilders are cranking out 49:57.573 --> 49:59.907 destroyers at a rate of 1 every 2 years , 49:59.989 --> 50:01.878 whereas it's taken 6 to 8 years . 50:01.878 --> 50:04.045 Please just give me a moment , page 17 50:04.045 --> 50:05.979 of that plan . Potentially from 50:05.979 --> 50:08.459 overseas shipyards along with the fuel 50:08.459 --> 50:11.179 tankers and that acknowledgement this 50:11.179 --> 50:13.419 work may be performed from the outside 50:13.419 --> 50:15.308 of the United States . So if what 50:15.308 --> 50:17.308 you're saying is true , you have to 50:17.308 --> 50:19.530 change that , saying we're not going to 50:19.530 --> 50:21.586 get these made outside of the United 50:21.586 --> 50:23.475 States again , we're , we're also 50:23.475 --> 50:25.419 bringing our workers over there to 50:25.419 --> 50:27.697 learn their tactics , techniques , sir , 50:27.697 --> 50:29.752 because we're just not doing it fast 50:29.752 --> 50:31.919 enough over here . We're , it's one of 50:31.919 --> 50:33.975 those things . Things where you know 50:33.975 --> 50:36.197 they , they , they use a lot of AI to , 50:36.197 --> 50:37.975 to , uh , map out their , their 50:37.975 --> 50:40.030 workload every day so that we're not 50:40.030 --> 50:42.141 wasting time on , on just paperwork . 50:42.141 --> 50:44.308 40% of our , our time at the , uh , at 50:44.308 --> 50:46.252 our shipyards are spent doing just 50:46.252 --> 50:48.308 paperwork , uh , on , on literally a 50:48.308 --> 50:50.252 clipboard and an Excel spreadsheet 50:50.252 --> 50:52.419 instead of doing it . So invest in the 50:52.419 --> 50:54.641 United States so we don't do this . The 50:54.641 --> 50:54.020 idea that you've opened up the door 50:54.020 --> 50:56.219 here , contrary to what we've been 50:56.219 --> 50:59.219 saying . For foreign investment on 50:59.219 --> 51:01.719 their side of the water completely 51:01.860 --> 51:04.219 different than what we talked about in 51:04.219 --> 51:06.386 this committee what you talked about , 51:06.386 --> 51:08.497 I have no problem sending people over 51:08.497 --> 51:10.608 to learn it better , no problem , but 51:10.608 --> 51:13.129 the idea that somehow . It's because we 51:13.129 --> 51:15.351 didn't learn how to do it better . No , 51:15.351 --> 51:17.296 we didn't make the investment . So 51:17.296 --> 51:19.351 please , I want to hear from Admiral 51:19.351 --> 51:21.462 and from you that you're not going to 51:21.462 --> 51:23.462 build these ships overseas . You're 51:23.462 --> 51:23.409 going to build it here in the United 51:23.409 --> 51:26.129 States where our industrial base needs 51:26.129 --> 51:29.649 to grow . We , we have to push every 51:29.649 --> 51:31.871 lever , Congressman , to , to make this 51:31.871 --> 51:33.760 work . I mean , it's like going , 51:33.760 --> 51:35.871 honestly , it's like going to a candy 51:35.871 --> 51:38.149 machine . Your Snickers bars get stuck , 51:38.149 --> 51:37.929 you know . You can do two things . You 51:37.929 --> 51:39.929 can call that 800 number , no one's 51:39.929 --> 51:42.151 gonna respond . You're not getting your 51:42.151 --> 51:44.429 money back . You can put more money in , 51:44.429 --> 51:43.889 but that's not gonna work . You can 51:43.889 --> 51:46.111 shake the machine . It's just not gonna 51:46.111 --> 51:48.222 get , or you can go , you know , next 51:48.222 --> 51:50.222 door to the , the , the other candy 51:50.222 --> 51:52.389 machine and get it . That's what we're 51:52.389 --> 51:52.010 trying to do , sir . We're trying to . 51:52.094 --> 51:54.655 Make sure that we , we , we are 51:54.985 --> 51:56.652 invigorating the , the , uh , 51:56.695 --> 51:58.917 industrial base and energizing them . I 51:58.917 --> 52:00.917 causing competition . Thank you . I 52:00.917 --> 52:02.973 appreciate your speaking directly to 52:02.973 --> 52:05.028 this , but the fact of the matter is 52:05.028 --> 52:07.195 we're not investing here in America to 52:07.195 --> 52:09.362 the point that we need . Thank you . I 52:09.362 --> 52:11.695 yield back , gentlemen . Time's expired , 52:11.695 --> 52:11.534 Chair , and I recognize the gentleman 52:11.534 --> 52:13.590 from Tennessee , Doctor DesJarlais . 52:13.655 --> 52:15.599 Thank you , Chairman , I thank our 52:15.599 --> 52:17.711 witnesses for being here today . Uh , 52:17.711 --> 52:19.877 Mr . Whitman started the subject and , 52:19.877 --> 52:22.099 and Mr . Norcross , uh , continued it . 52:22.099 --> 52:24.322 I had , uh , a question for Secretary , 52:24.739 --> 52:26.795 uh , Cow in your opening statement . 52:26.795 --> 52:28.850 You mentioned how the department has 52:28.850 --> 52:31.183 been focusing on expanded , distributed , 52:31.183 --> 52:34.120 uh . Distributed shipbuilding efforts . 52:34.669 --> 52:36.836 Can you expand what those efforts will 52:36.836 --> 52:39.002 look like in a practical sense and how 52:39.002 --> 52:40.891 foreign shipbuilding efforts will 52:40.891 --> 52:43.002 impact domestic shipyard production ? 52:43.002 --> 52:45.169 And just as an aside , yesterday I met 52:45.169 --> 52:47.391 with South Korean Ambassador Kang in my 52:47.391 --> 52:49.989 office who was offering shipbuilding 52:51.149 --> 52:53.489 capabilities in South Korea and what 52:53.489 --> 52:55.929 other allies of ours around the world 52:55.929 --> 52:57.985 can help us fill the gap while we're 52:57.985 --> 52:59.596 trying to rebuild Americans' 52:59.969 --> 53:03.050 shipbuilding capacity . Thank you 53:03.050 --> 53:05.217 Congressman . We're trying to , like I 53:05.217 --> 53:07.217 said , energize our industrial base 53:07.217 --> 53:09.383 here . I think some of our primes have 53:09.383 --> 53:11.606 gotten very comfortable , uh , with the 53:11.606 --> 53:13.661 way they're , they're doing things , 53:13.661 --> 53:15.828 cranking out ships at 6 to 8 years . I 53:15.828 --> 53:17.939 mean , we're better than this . We're 53:17.939 --> 53:20.161 Americans . We can do a lot better than 53:20.161 --> 53:19.689 this , and sometimes it just takes a 53:19.689 --> 53:21.889 little competition to , to , to get us 53:21.889 --> 53:24.129 going , and this is what we're , we're 53:24.129 --> 53:26.489 bringing in . Foreign foreign 53:26.489 --> 53:28.600 shipbuilders to say , you know what , 53:28.600 --> 53:30.767 let's bring our , our American workers 53:30.767 --> 53:30.560 over there , see how they build things , 53:30.570 --> 53:33.169 and bring it back over in , uh , and , 53:33.250 --> 53:35.600 and industrialize our , our really our , 53:35.719 --> 53:37.969 our capacity and along , along with 53:37.969 --> 53:40.489 that we are looking in a few weeks . 53:40.810 --> 53:42.699 I'm , I'm hoping we'll be able to 53:42.699 --> 53:44.921 announce to you guys some of the things 53:44.921 --> 53:47.143 we're gonna build in America . That's , 53:47.143 --> 53:49.199 uh , you know , it's being worked on 53:49.199 --> 53:51.477 right now as we speak by , by the , uh , 53:51.477 --> 53:53.754 Deputy Secretary of War . And so I , I , 53:53.754 --> 53:55.921 I'd love to come in basically 24 hours 53:55.921 --> 53:55.699 before we announce these things to 53:55.699 --> 53:57.755 inform you how we're gonna do that . 53:57.755 --> 53:59.921 But let me turn over to Admiral Caudle 53:59.921 --> 54:02.088 and , and so he can talk about the SAA 54:02.088 --> 54:04.255 program that his , his , uh , officers 54:04.255 --> 54:06.143 are working on . Well , I've been 54:06.143 --> 54:08.199 tackling this for the last 6 years , 54:08.199 --> 54:10.255 from subforce commander to the fleet 54:10.255 --> 54:12.477 forces commander to CNO . And , uh , to 54:12.477 --> 54:14.532 some extent , the secretary's got it 54:14.532 --> 54:16.532 right . It's been pushing a rope on 54:16.532 --> 54:16.489 getting the improvements we need to see . 54:16.860 --> 54:18.971 I live in a real threat-based world , 54:19.179 --> 54:21.379 and threat-based analysis means I 54:21.379 --> 54:23.323 actually have to have no kidding , 54:23.323 --> 54:25.699 ships . And while I love everything to 54:25.699 --> 54:27.810 be built in the United States , we do 54:27.810 --> 54:29.755 have to expand the aperture . This 54:29.755 --> 54:31.866 budget to be executed , we'll have to 54:31.866 --> 54:34.088 expand the industrial base and actually 54:34.088 --> 54:36.439 go in a smart way , in an optimized way , 54:36.689 --> 54:39.830 lay down that ship demand signal across 54:39.830 --> 54:41.941 the different yards that can actually 54:41.941 --> 54:44.052 go produce this in an effective way . 54:44.052 --> 54:46.108 In my worldview , that will actually 54:46.108 --> 54:47.997 require some foreign shipyards to 54:47.997 --> 54:50.163 actually help me do that , to actually 54:50.163 --> 54:52.219 deliver the actual ships I need in a 54:52.219 --> 54:54.386 time frame when that's important . And 54:54.386 --> 54:56.552 so , uh , I think it's an all hands on 54:56.552 --> 54:58.719 deck and to execute this budget at the 54:58.719 --> 55:00.719 size and scale , it's going to take 55:00.719 --> 55:02.552 that approach , OK . And Admiral 55:02.552 --> 55:02.520 McConnell staying with you . Let's go 55:02.520 --> 55:04.530 underwater . The Navy had a plan to 55:04.530 --> 55:06.752 potentially extend the service lives of 55:06.752 --> 55:08.919 several Ohio-class submarines known as 55:09.090 --> 55:11.250 PIRA to ensure sea-based deterrence 55:11.250 --> 55:13.417 requirements continue to be met during 55:13.417 --> 55:15.583 the transition from Ohio to Columbia . 55:15.850 --> 55:18.072 My understanding is this plan continues 55:18.072 --> 55:20.294 to evolve . And the Navy is now looking 55:20.294 --> 55:22.461 at smaller life extensions for greater 55:22.461 --> 55:24.833 numbers of Ohio class submarines . Can 55:24.833 --> 55:26.944 you update us on the current approach 55:26.944 --> 55:29.055 and the importance of ensuring at sea 55:29.055 --> 55:31.222 deterrence requirements continue to be 55:31.222 --> 55:33.333 as we transition from the Ohio to the 55:33.333 --> 55:35.389 Columbia ? Sir , there will be no in 55:35.389 --> 55:37.555 the armor of delivering , delivering a 55:37.555 --> 55:39.333 credible , safe , and effective 55:39.333 --> 55:41.389 sea-based deterrent . It underwrites 55:41.389 --> 55:43.055 every single thing we do from 55:43.055 --> 55:42.992 continuity of government to continuity 55:42.992 --> 55:45.159 of decision . Making the continuity of 55:45.159 --> 55:47.381 operations , we will actually fill that 55:47.381 --> 55:49.603 in accordance with US Strategic Command 55:49.603 --> 55:51.603 requirements . So to make sure that 55:51.603 --> 55:53.548 happens , I am making sure that as 55:53.548 --> 55:55.548 Colombia comes online that I have a 55:55.548 --> 55:57.659 what I would call a make before break 55:57.659 --> 55:59.548 transition between Colombia as we 55:59.548 --> 56:01.714 sunset the Ohio class which has served 56:01.714 --> 56:03.825 so well . To do that , we will extend 56:03.825 --> 56:05.815 some Ohio class to give us the 56:05.815 --> 56:07.704 breathing room necessary for that 56:07.704 --> 56:09.979 transition . And so that's our plan of 56:09.979 --> 56:12.090 record for that . The total number of 56:12.090 --> 56:14.201 that is still being refined , but you 56:14.201 --> 56:16.257 can look at a number between 4 and 5 56:16.257 --> 56:18.090 Ohio class to actually make that 56:18.090 --> 56:20.035 transition effective , and we will 56:20.035 --> 56:21.646 extend them through the pyro 56:21.669 --> 56:23.590 availabilities of you as you have 56:23.590 --> 56:25.629 described . OK , thank you . And 56:25.629 --> 56:27.550 Secretary Cow , we've only got 47 56:27.550 --> 56:29.606 seconds , but we know we've had some 56:29.606 --> 56:31.494 setbacks in both the conventional 56:31.494 --> 56:33.272 prompt strike programs , Army's 56:33.272 --> 56:35.217 land-based , long range hypersonic 56:35.217 --> 56:37.161 weapons . And due to previous test 56:37.161 --> 56:39.272 failures involving Army launchers and 56:39.272 --> 56:42.629 all up around , both CPS and LRHW have 56:42.629 --> 56:44.909 undergone a replan . Can you speak to 56:44.909 --> 56:46.853 the progress of the replan and how 56:46.853 --> 56:48.687 Congress can work to support the 56:48.687 --> 56:50.798 advancement of the hypersonic mission 56:50.798 --> 56:53.110 in 20 seconds ? Uh , Congressman , uh , 56:53.229 --> 56:55.350 I , I worked on moving the 56:55.350 --> 56:57.683 confrontational prompt strike from AT&L . 56:57.683 --> 57:00.389 It was the AT&L to Navy in 2016 , and 57:00.389 --> 57:02.556 we were supposed to deliver it , and , 57:02.556 --> 57:04.445 and , and we're , we're running , 57:04.445 --> 57:06.556 running out of time . So we're . We , 57:06.556 --> 57:08.889 we are accelerating as fast as possible , 57:08.889 --> 57:08.370 but slick amend is also another 57:08.370 --> 57:10.426 deterrent that will really be a game 57:10.426 --> 57:12.314 changer , sir . Thank you . Yield 57:13.510 --> 57:15.454 gentleman yields back here , and I 57:15.454 --> 57:17.677 recognize this as Mr . Courtney . Thank 57:17.677 --> 57:19.732 you , uh , Mr . Chair . Um , Admiral 57:19.732 --> 57:21.843 Cado , uh , a few weeks ago , Indoeca 57:21.843 --> 57:23.621 Commander , uh , Admiral Poparo 57:23.621 --> 57:25.454 testified that the ACCA security 57:25.454 --> 57:27.621 agreement is essential and that Pillar 57:27.621 --> 57:29.566 One of the ACCAS optimal pathway , 57:29.566 --> 57:31.677 quote , is on track in every regard . 57:31.677 --> 57:33.732 Uh , as you know , Congress has made 57:33.732 --> 57:35.677 direct investment in the submarine 57:35.677 --> 57:37.677 industrial base , $10 billion since 57:37.677 --> 57:39.739 starting in 2018 , uh , and we're 57:39.739 --> 57:42.120 seeing some , um , positive , uh , 57:42.129 --> 57:44.296 results in 2025 in New England . There 57:44.296 --> 57:46.959 was a 13% increase in submarine tonnage . 57:47.550 --> 57:49.606 Uh , we had the commissioning of the 57:49.606 --> 57:51.606 25th and 26th , uh , Virginia class 57:51.606 --> 57:53.828 submarine , uh , just a few weeks ago . 57:53.828 --> 57:55.994 The acting secretary was there for the 57:55.994 --> 57:58.100 Idaho , the number 26 , and the 27th 57:58.100 --> 58:00.433 and the 28th are pressure hull complete . 58:00.830 --> 58:02.830 And they're in the process of going 58:02.830 --> 58:04.886 through sea trials , knock on wood , 58:04.886 --> 58:06.886 delivery and commissioning sometime 58:06.886 --> 58:09.163 within the next 12 months , uh , or so . 58:09.163 --> 58:11.386 So my question to you is , do you agree 58:11.386 --> 58:13.386 with the findings of the Aus review 58:13.386 --> 58:15.663 last December that endorsed continuing , 58:15.663 --> 58:17.719 uh , our commitment to that security 58:17.719 --> 58:19.830 agreement as well as Admiral Paparo's 58:19.830 --> 58:22.052 testimony ? Congressman Courtney , uh , 58:22.052 --> 58:24.219 I wholeheartedly agree with it . I was 58:24.219 --> 58:26.052 part of it . I was , uh , in bed 58:26.052 --> 58:28.219 creating it . Uh , I made a lot of the 58:28.219 --> 58:29.997 recommendations in it that were 58:29.997 --> 58:31.941 actually adopted and fully support 58:31.941 --> 58:33.997 Aucus Pillar One , fully support Sam 58:33.997 --> 58:36.163 Paparo's , uh , statement . And I look 58:36.163 --> 58:37.941 forward to sending up Submarine 58:37.941 --> 58:40.052 Squadron 3 later this year and making 58:40.052 --> 58:42.108 sure that submarine rotational force 58:42.108 --> 58:44.052 West becomes alive and getting the 58:44.052 --> 58:45.886 first Virginia class transfer to 58:45.886 --> 58:47.997 Australia next year as we continue to 58:47.997 --> 58:50.163 build out where they eventually buy US 58:50.163 --> 58:52.360 submarines . So fully support , sir . 58:52.899 --> 58:55.020 Thank you . Um , you know , another 58:55.020 --> 58:57.260 aspect of this is , uh , having surge 58:57.260 --> 58:59.427 readiness , uh , in place , and I know 58:59.427 --> 59:01.649 when Admiral Houston took over at Naval 59:01.649 --> 59:03.816 Reactors , uh , it was hovering around 59:03.816 --> 59:06.550 60% . Uh , in terms of submarine 59:06.550 --> 59:08.661 availability , it's sort of gone up a 59:08.661 --> 59:10.772 little , a little bit down a little , 59:10.772 --> 59:12.994 and , um , but can you talk about again 59:12.994 --> 59:15.106 how something that doesn't get talked 59:15.106 --> 59:17.050 about a lot , but if you're really 59:17.050 --> 59:18.994 talking about making sure that our 59:18.994 --> 59:21.272 undersea fleet , um , is gonna be , um , 59:21.272 --> 59:22.939 in a position to complete the 59:22.939 --> 59:25.106 commitments that ACCAS calls for , but 59:25.106 --> 59:27.217 also make sure that all our combatant 59:27.217 --> 59:29.328 commanders like Admiral Poparo , um , 59:29.328 --> 59:31.606 you know , have the , um , access , uh , 59:31.606 --> 59:33.772 to , to the undersea fleet at the same 59:33.772 --> 59:36.050 time . Well , and this is really about , 59:36.050 --> 59:38.161 you know , posture , you know , where 59:38.161 --> 59:40.383 do we put our submarines and , and home 59:40.383 --> 59:42.550 port them in a way that we can sustain 59:42.550 --> 59:44.772 them and operate them . That's why Guam 59:44.772 --> 59:46.550 is so important , the submarine 59:46.550 --> 59:48.606 squadron 15 there . That's why , you 59:48.606 --> 59:50.717 know , Hawaii and , and of course San 59:50.717 --> 59:52.883 Diego become very important . And then 59:52.883 --> 59:52.370 what we've done is , and I think in a 59:52.370 --> 59:54.820 very thoughtful way is , uh , for once 59:54.820 --> 59:57.699 in a lifetime shared technology with a 59:57.699 --> 01:00:00.159 close . In Australia to give them a no 01:00:00.159 --> 01:00:02.340 kidding submarine force that will add 01:00:02.340 --> 01:00:04.560 an entirely new dimension to the 01:00:04.560 --> 01:00:06.671 threats we face in the Indo-Pacific . 01:00:06.671 --> 01:00:08.449 And so that under the submarine 01:00:08.449 --> 01:00:10.504 squadron and the way we will command 01:00:10.504 --> 01:00:12.393 and control that working with the 01:00:12.393 --> 01:00:14.171 Australian Navy , who are great 01:00:14.171 --> 01:00:16.227 partners and have been for decades , 01:00:16.227 --> 01:00:18.171 will give Admiral Paparo access to 01:00:18.171 --> 01:00:18.120 those submarines as well . Thank you . 01:00:18.239 --> 01:00:20.461 So General Smith along the same lines , 01:00:20.500 --> 01:00:22.719 I mean , making sure that Uh , the 01:00:22.719 --> 01:00:25.169 amphibious ship industrial base both in 01:00:25.169 --> 01:00:27.280 terms of production and , uh , repair 01:00:27.280 --> 01:00:29.336 and maintenance , uh , I mean that's 01:00:29.336 --> 01:00:31.502 pretty key to making sure that we have 01:00:31.502 --> 01:00:34.340 the mu . Uh , levels that , that , um , 01:00:34.479 --> 01:00:36.701 you have again testified over the years 01:00:36.701 --> 01:00:38.923 about . Can you sort of give us sort of 01:00:38.923 --> 01:00:41.201 your perspective about where that , um , 01:00:41.201 --> 01:00:43.257 those efforts that , that enterprise 01:00:43.257 --> 01:00:47.070 stands ? Sir , I can . The , the , 01:00:47.209 --> 01:00:49.879 the 3 , what I base it on is a 3.0 ARMU 01:00:49.879 --> 01:00:53.199 presence . Uh , our , the , the 31 , uh , 01:00:53.209 --> 01:00:55.098 amphibious warfare ships that are 01:00:55.098 --> 01:00:56.969 required by law are based on 80% 01:00:56.969 --> 01:00:59.080 readiness . And again , we're , we're 01:00:59.080 --> 01:01:01.330 well below 80% readiness . So my 01:01:01.330 --> 01:01:03.386 requirement is a 3.0 AGMU presence , 01:01:03.386 --> 01:01:05.729 and I'm agnostic as to how we improve 01:01:05.729 --> 01:01:07.951 the amphibious readiness . Uh , there's 01:01:07.951 --> 01:01:10.118 multiple ways you can do it . Uh , you 01:01:10.118 --> 01:01:12.285 can do optimized maintenance and force 01:01:12.285 --> 01:01:14.118 generation . You can do targeted 01:01:14.118 --> 01:01:16.229 service life extensions , and you can 01:01:16.229 --> 01:01:16.010 do new ship procurement or a 01:01:16.010 --> 01:01:18.010 combination of the three . And so I 01:01:18.010 --> 01:01:20.232 defer to , to my shipmate Darryl Caudle 01:01:20.232 --> 01:01:22.343 on how to meet that requirement , but 01:01:22.343 --> 01:01:24.399 both services agree that 31 ships is 01:01:24.399 --> 01:01:26.177 simply not enough for a 3.0 RMB 01:01:26.177 --> 01:01:28.530 presence . Um , achieving this requires 01:01:28.530 --> 01:01:30.641 increased investment . And again , PB 01:01:30.641 --> 01:01:32.641 27 is a significant down payment on 01:01:32.641 --> 01:01:34.697 this . Great . Thank you . So , uh , 01:01:34.697 --> 01:01:37.030 I've only got a little bit of time left . 01:01:37.030 --> 01:01:38.752 Next week , um , the Sea Power 01:01:38.752 --> 01:01:40.808 subcommittee is gonna be holding its 01:01:40.808 --> 01:01:42.974 own sort of posture budget , um , uh , 01:01:42.974 --> 01:01:44.808 perspective . There will be many 01:01:44.808 --> 01:01:47.086 questions about the battleship program . 01:01:47.086 --> 01:01:48.919 Um , you know , we're going from 01:01:48.919 --> 01:01:51.141 basically a poster board in December to 01:01:51.141 --> 01:01:53.363 a billion dollars requested this year , 01:01:53.363 --> 01:01:55.474 $17 billion the following year . Um , 01:01:55.474 --> 01:01:57.641 you know , the one lesson certainly in 01:01:57.641 --> 01:01:59.863 my time here is that . Before you start 01:01:59.863 --> 01:02:01.863 cutting steel , you gotta make sure 01:02:01.863 --> 01:02:03.863 your design piece is done or pretty 01:02:03.863 --> 01:02:06.197 close to done . Um , we have , you know , 01:02:06.209 --> 01:02:09.239 whether Zumwalt or LCS , I mean , the , 01:02:09.639 --> 01:02:11.919 the stories still haunt , I think , uh , 01:02:11.929 --> 01:02:13.985 a lot of us hear about the fact when 01:02:13.985 --> 01:02:15.985 that , you know , discipline is not 01:02:15.985 --> 01:02:18.040 sort of adhered to , but again , I'm 01:02:18.040 --> 01:02:20.096 running out of time , but I at least 01:02:20.096 --> 01:02:22.373 flag that for you and your team . That , 01:02:22.373 --> 01:02:24.596 you know , we've got lots of issues and 01:02:24.596 --> 01:02:23.929 questions we want to explore on that . 01:02:23.959 --> 01:02:25.903 With that I yield back . Gentleman 01:02:25.903 --> 01:02:27.848 yields back here and I recognize a 01:02:27.848 --> 01:02:29.903 gentleman from Mississippi , General 01:02:29.903 --> 01:02:32.181 Kelly . Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Uh , 01:02:32.181 --> 01:02:34.292 I want to start by just saying that , 01:02:34.292 --> 01:02:37.260 uh , we need every shipyard in America 01:02:37.260 --> 01:02:39.340 at full capacity . We need every dry 01:02:39.340 --> 01:02:41.500 dock repairing some ship that we have 01:02:41.500 --> 01:02:43.611 somewhere . That is critical . I just 01:02:43.611 --> 01:02:45.833 visited the Philly shipyard , uh , this 01:02:45.833 --> 01:02:47.944 last weekend . We don't , they , they 01:02:47.944 --> 01:02:50.111 can be complementary . We need to make 01:02:50.111 --> 01:02:51.944 sure all these shipyards at full 01:02:51.944 --> 01:02:53.889 capacity , that they have a steady 01:02:53.889 --> 01:02:56.111 demand signal . And that we continue to 01:02:56.111 --> 01:02:57.919 produce warships , but not only 01:02:57.919 --> 01:03:00.610 warships , but logistical ships that 01:03:00.610 --> 01:03:02.899 support both our , uh , time mariners 01:03:02.899 --> 01:03:05.540 and our navy . And so whatever it does , 01:03:05.689 --> 01:03:07.745 some of those skills and like . So I 01:03:07.745 --> 01:03:09.967 wanna begin by thanking President Trump 01:03:09.967 --> 01:03:11.967 for his leadership in restoring our 01:03:11.967 --> 01:03:13.633 military , including historic 01:03:13.633 --> 01:03:15.633 investments in our shipbuilding and 01:03:15.633 --> 01:03:17.689 strengthening the defense industrial 01:03:17.689 --> 01:03:19.522 base . The budget builds on that 01:03:19.522 --> 01:03:21.578 progress and reinforces the national 01:03:21.578 --> 01:03:23.411 defense remains a top priority . 01:03:23.411 --> 01:03:25.522 Secretary Cowell , congratulations on 01:03:25.522 --> 01:03:28.360 your appointment and thank you for 01:03:28.360 --> 01:03:30.582 releasing a 30-year shipbuilding plan . 01:03:30.610 --> 01:03:32.610 I have been on this committee for 9 01:03:32.610 --> 01:03:34.554 years and I have been asking for 9 01:03:34.554 --> 01:03:36.777 years for a 30-year shipbuilding plan , 01:03:36.777 --> 01:03:38.888 and we finally have one . While I may 01:03:38.888 --> 01:03:40.943 not agree with the contents of every 01:03:40.943 --> 01:03:43.054 one of it or exactly how it goes , at 01:03:43.054 --> 01:03:45.370 least we have a basis to now determine 01:03:45.370 --> 01:03:48.500 what type of ships to build . Secretary 01:03:48.500 --> 01:03:51.939 Cowell , um , what can this committee 01:03:51.939 --> 01:03:55.040 be doing to help incentivize a quicker 01:03:55.040 --> 01:03:56.639 AMIB production rate ? 01:03:59.179 --> 01:04:01.290 Thank you Congressman for that , uh , 01:04:01.379 --> 01:04:03.546 for again , uh , for your comments and 01:04:03.546 --> 01:04:05.601 as well as , uh , you know , getting 01:04:05.601 --> 01:04:07.657 out the shipbuilding plan was hard , 01:04:07.657 --> 01:04:09.823 but the way I see it , the Congress of 01:04:09.823 --> 01:04:11.990 the United States is like the board of 01:04:11.990 --> 01:04:11.979 trustees , and I need to answer your , 01:04:12.020 --> 01:04:14.219 your answers your questions , and you 01:04:14.219 --> 01:04:16.386 know it may not be perfect 30 years on 01:04:16.386 --> 01:04:18.608 because we , we had no idea what , what 01:04:18.608 --> 01:04:20.775 the world looked like 30 years ago . I 01:04:20.775 --> 01:04:22.552 mean , uh , we . We didn't know 01:04:22.552 --> 01:04:24.775 anything about autonomous vehicles . We 01:04:24.775 --> 01:04:26.997 didn't know about , uh , that China was 01:04:26.997 --> 01:04:28.941 a threat . We didn't even know who 01:04:28.941 --> 01:04:30.775 Osama bin Laden was . So I wanna 01:04:30.775 --> 01:04:32.941 concentrate definitely on the 5 , 1015 01:04:32.941 --> 01:04:32.270 years , and that includes the , the 01:04:32.270 --> 01:04:34.530 amphibious ships as well . And , and 01:04:34.550 --> 01:04:36.661 like you said , we need to pull every 01:04:36.661 --> 01:04:38.772 single lever there is in order to get 01:04:38.772 --> 01:04:40.828 shipbuilding going , and it may very 01:04:40.828 --> 01:04:42.828 well be something simple like , you 01:04:42.828 --> 01:04:44.994 know , these young people that we lied 01:04:44.994 --> 01:04:44.429 to say , hey , you have to have a 01:04:44.429 --> 01:04:46.373 degree to , to make a living . And 01:04:46.373 --> 01:04:48.596 they're , they're , they're not working 01:04:48.596 --> 01:04:50.596 right now . What can we do to maybe 01:04:50.596 --> 01:04:52.929 even freeze their , their loans , right ? 01:04:52.929 --> 01:04:55.151 And then when they work at a shipyard , 01:04:55.151 --> 01:04:57.318 they , we , we pay off every year , we 01:04:57.318 --> 01:04:59.318 pay off a , a , a year of that loan 01:04:59.318 --> 01:05:01.429 just so they can have the , the , the 01:05:01.429 --> 01:05:03.651 honor of a working for a living as well 01:05:03.651 --> 01:05:05.707 as , as paying off their bills . But 01:05:05.707 --> 01:05:05.389 there , there's a lot of things we need 01:05:05.389 --> 01:05:07.667 to do , sir . But the main thing is we , 01:05:07.667 --> 01:05:09.667 we need this budget to be passed so 01:05:09.667 --> 01:05:11.790 that we can . You know , energize and 01:05:11.790 --> 01:05:14.012 invigorate shipbuilding , sir . Admiral 01:05:14.012 --> 01:05:15.957 Caudle , I , I'm just gonna make a 01:05:15.957 --> 01:05:17.957 comment because I really don't have 01:05:17.957 --> 01:05:20.068 time , but the Navy has to get better 01:05:20.068 --> 01:05:21.957 about not procrastinating on MMIB 01:05:21.957 --> 01:05:23.957 readiness . We need to either build 01:05:23.957 --> 01:05:26.123 more MMIBs , and we need to keep those 01:05:26.123 --> 01:05:28.123 ships ready , uh , and , and I know 01:05:28.123 --> 01:05:30.234 that we're improving , but we need to 01:05:30.234 --> 01:05:32.234 improve much faster because we need 01:05:32.234 --> 01:05:34.346 those . That's the Swiss knife of our 01:05:34.346 --> 01:05:37.189 navy . And ground forces and air power . 01:05:37.429 --> 01:05:39.669 And so those AMIBs are so important for 01:05:39.669 --> 01:05:41.669 both hard and soft power around the 01:05:41.669 --> 01:05:43.780 globe . And so whatever it takes , we 01:05:43.780 --> 01:05:46.510 need to commit to getting 3.0 AGMU . Uh , 01:05:46.620 --> 01:05:48.787 with that , I wanna talk just a little 01:05:48.787 --> 01:05:52.699 bit about the E2Ds and the , uh , 01:05:52.750 --> 01:05:54.917 it continues to prove itself as one of 01:05:54.917 --> 01:05:56.750 the Navy's most important battle 01:05:56.750 --> 01:05:58.694 management and command and control 01:05:58.694 --> 01:06:02.290 platforms . Uh , tell me , uh , What , 01:06:02.370 --> 01:06:04.259 what do you think about the block 01:06:04.259 --> 01:06:06.314 buying ? Is it the right numbers and 01:06:06.314 --> 01:06:08.481 how important are these E2 E2Ds to the 01:06:08.481 --> 01:06:11.709 force ? Well , sir , thank you . Let me 01:06:11.709 --> 01:06:13.876 just say just real quick , there is no 01:06:13.876 --> 01:06:15.987 daylight between this table on amphib 01:06:15.987 --> 01:06:18.042 readiness . We're all behind 3-0 and 01:06:18.042 --> 01:06:19.931 we're working . I look forward to 01:06:19.931 --> 01:06:19.550 talking to you about the improvements 01:06:19.870 --> 01:06:21.981 on E2 . You got it exactly right . It 01:06:21.981 --> 01:06:24.037 is a special sauce of the air wing . 01:06:24.037 --> 01:06:26.203 Obviously it's recognized not only for 01:06:26.203 --> 01:06:28.314 its ability to support carrier strike 01:06:28.314 --> 01:06:30.370 group , but we dirt deb them as well 01:06:30.370 --> 01:06:32.426 and support the joint force . And so 01:06:32.426 --> 01:06:34.537 it's a need for that joint capability 01:06:34.537 --> 01:06:36.709 is crucial . Block by is essential for 01:06:36.709 --> 01:06:38.709 a lot of reasons . One , it gives a 01:06:38.709 --> 01:06:40.820 clear demand signal to the investor . 01:06:40.955 --> 01:06:42.955 who build this and actually who are 01:06:42.955 --> 01:06:45.066 going to produce it . It allows me to 01:06:45.066 --> 01:06:46.955 actually factor in through a more 01:06:46.955 --> 01:06:48.955 structured way , how we modernize . 01:06:48.955 --> 01:06:51.122 It's how we actually keep that , the , 01:06:51.122 --> 01:06:53.066 the line open in a more productive 01:06:53.066 --> 01:06:55.066 manner . So I'm behind the block by 01:06:55.066 --> 01:06:57.066 methodology and I think it's really 01:06:57.066 --> 01:06:56.524 important to do it in that factor . 01:06:56.764 --> 01:06:58.986 Thank you . And General Smith , I don't 01:06:58.986 --> 01:07:00.764 want to leave you out , but the 01:07:00.764 --> 01:07:02.931 KC-130J's , it's really important that 01:07:02.931 --> 01:07:04.931 we keep the , the , the procurement 01:07:04.931 --> 01:07:07.153 strategy that is not delayed , and that 01:07:07.153 --> 01:07:09.320 capacity is so important to the Marine 01:07:09.320 --> 01:07:11.208 Corps mission . Is that correct , 01:07:11.208 --> 01:07:13.375 General Smith ? Sir , KC 130 is , is , 01:07:13.375 --> 01:07:15.320 if I had to pick a platform that I 01:07:15.320 --> 01:07:17.431 would keep and divest of all others , 01:07:17.431 --> 01:07:19.653 I'd pick the KC-130J . And don't forget 01:07:19.653 --> 01:07:21.931 about my PAs , OK ? And with that , Mr . 01:07:21.931 --> 01:07:23.931 Chairman , I yield back . Gentleman 01:07:23.931 --> 01:07:26.097 yields back here , and I recognize the 01:07:26.097 --> 01:07:25.540 gentleman from Massachusetts , Mr . 01:07:25.649 --> 01:07:27.705 Moulton . Thank you very much , Mr . 01:07:27.705 --> 01:07:29.927 Chairman . Uh , Mr . Acting Secretary , 01:07:29.927 --> 01:07:32.093 uh , thank you for your service to our 01:07:32.093 --> 01:07:34.260 country . You said that the navy would 01:07:34.260 --> 01:07:36.371 have 5 unmanned naval vessels by 2027 01:07:36.371 --> 01:07:39.060 and 63 by 2031 . Now I agree that 01:07:39.060 --> 01:07:41.282 unmanned systems are a huge part of the 01:07:41.282 --> 01:07:43.227 future of naval warfare , but what 01:07:43.227 --> 01:07:45.338 about the small autonomous sea drones 01:07:45.338 --> 01:07:47.338 that are actually doing the work in 01:07:47.338 --> 01:07:49.504 Ukraine ? Because Ukraine is producing 01:07:49.504 --> 01:07:51.671 hundreds of sea drones a month . We're 01:07:51.671 --> 01:07:53.560 nowhere near that level . Now , I 01:07:53.560 --> 01:07:55.727 thought Secretary Hegseth was proud of 01:07:55.727 --> 01:07:57.838 leaning up very far forward on drones 01:07:57.838 --> 01:07:59.838 and autonomous systems . It doesn't 01:07:59.838 --> 01:08:01.782 feel like that's your department's 01:08:01.782 --> 01:08:04.320 priority . Actually , Congressman , uh , 01:08:05.060 --> 01:08:07.116 that's , that's far from the truth , 01:08:07.116 --> 01:08:09.449 sir . We are very invested in , in , uh , 01:08:09.449 --> 01:08:11.560 drones . In fact , we have the , uh , 01:08:11.560 --> 01:08:13.969 RAS , um , PAE that , that's who her 01:08:13.969 --> 01:08:16.680 whole job is to look at , uh , drones 01:08:16.680 --> 01:08:18.910 and OK , so , so Ukraine's , you say 01:08:18.910 --> 01:08:20.743 you're very invested in drones . 01:08:20.743 --> 01:08:22.688 Ukraine's standard sea drones cost 01:08:22.688 --> 01:08:25.021 about $250,000 apiece , and using those , 01:08:25.021 --> 01:08:27.188 they've pretty much destroyed Russia's 01:08:27.188 --> 01:08:28.966 entire Black Sea fleet . I mean 01:08:28.966 --> 01:08:31.077 billions of dollars in , in damages . 01:08:31.077 --> 01:08:32.799 Do you think that that kind of 01:08:32.799 --> 01:08:34.966 capability might help us in the Strait 01:08:34.966 --> 01:08:37.021 of Hormuz today ? Absolutely , sir . 01:08:37.021 --> 01:08:39.188 And again , uh , when I say the five , 01:08:39.188 --> 01:08:38.950 we're talking large ones and , and we , 01:08:39.029 --> 01:08:41.196 we are investing in a lot of the small 01:08:41.196 --> 01:08:43.307 ones , and I will turn that over to . 01:08:43.307 --> 01:08:45.473 Admiral Cottle , who can tell you more 01:08:45.473 --> 01:08:45.319 about the requirements for small 01:08:45.319 --> 01:08:47.597 unmanned , I'm just wondering , I mean , 01:08:47.597 --> 01:08:49.375 you're $17 billion for a single 01:08:49.375 --> 01:08:48.939 battleship that won't be delivered 01:08:48.939 --> 01:08:49.939 until 01:08:54.209 --> 01:08:56.810 2036 . Do you know how many 250,000 01:08:56.810 --> 01:08:59.143 drones you could buy for that one ? Yes , 01:08:59.143 --> 01:09:01.689 but those drones carry the conventional 01:09:01.689 --> 01:09:04.359 strike , just to put this in 01:09:04.359 --> 01:09:07.089 perspective , it's 68,000 drones . I 01:09:07.089 --> 01:09:10.759 think 68,000 drones . When Ukraine is 01:09:10.759 --> 01:09:13.359 producing 50 to 100 , actually sorry , 01:09:13.520 --> 01:09:16.160 several 100 a month , might help us 01:09:16.160 --> 01:09:19.639 today in the Strait of Hormuz . I , I 01:09:19.639 --> 01:09:21.695 just don't , doesn't not feel like a 01:09:21.695 --> 01:09:23.806 good investment . Again , sir , the , 01:09:23.806 --> 01:09:25.472 the drones can't get there by 01:09:25.472 --> 01:09:27.361 themselves . It's like the little 01:09:27.361 --> 01:09:27.108 turtle that sits on your fence post , 01:09:27.188 --> 01:09:29.299 you know , someone's got to put , you 01:09:29.299 --> 01:09:28.749 know , it's funny , the , the 01:09:28.749 --> 01:09:30.916 Ukrainians managed to get them there . 01:09:30.916 --> 01:09:33.082 They barely even have a navy . We have 01:09:33.082 --> 01:09:35.249 55 times the coastline of Ukraine . So 01:09:35.249 --> 01:09:37.082 if they can figure it out , Mr . 01:09:37.082 --> 01:09:39.249 Secretary , I'd like to think American 01:09:39.249 --> 01:09:38.878 could figure it out too . Now , Mr . 01:09:39.269 --> 01:09:41.436 Acting Secretary , you told a powerful 01:09:41.436 --> 01:09:43.789 and very American story of how your 01:09:43.789 --> 01:09:45.845 family immigrated from Vietnam a few 01:09:45.845 --> 01:09:47.900 years after the war . I'm proud that 01:09:47.900 --> 01:09:49.845 our country supported you and your 01:09:49.845 --> 01:09:52.011 family . Do you think we should do the 01:09:52.011 --> 01:09:53.956 same for our Afghan allies who are 01:09:53.956 --> 01:09:56.122 being hunted down by the Taliban right 01:09:56.122 --> 01:09:59.220 now as we speak ? Sir , uh , before I , 01:09:59.270 --> 01:10:01.790 I , uh , I came to this job , uh , 01:10:01.879 --> 01:10:03.712 actually right after the fall of 01:10:03.712 --> 01:10:05.823 Afghanistan , I mean , which broke my 01:10:05.823 --> 01:10:07.935 heart . I mean , the watching mothers 01:10:07.935 --> 01:10:07.750 hand babies to Marines just reminded me 01:10:07.750 --> 01:10:09.528 of what happened in Vietnam . I 01:10:09.528 --> 01:10:11.694 understand , and I was there too . I , 01:10:11.694 --> 01:10:13.639 I felt the same way , but I'm just 01:10:13.639 --> 01:10:15.694 asking , do you think we should give 01:10:15.694 --> 01:10:15.470 the same privileges and opportunities 01:10:15.470 --> 01:10:17.581 to our Afghan allies that our country 01:10:17.581 --> 01:10:19.637 gave to you and your family and your 01:10:19.637 --> 01:10:21.759 friends ? Sir , I mean , I , anybody 01:10:21.759 --> 01:10:23.926 who comes here legally should , should 01:10:23.926 --> 01:10:26.092 be given the , uh , the opportunity to 01:10:26.092 --> 01:10:28.259 come here and , and , well , I'll tell 01:10:28.259 --> 01:10:27.470 you what , you and I will disagree on a 01:10:27.470 --> 01:10:29.414 lot of things . You might even say 01:10:29.414 --> 01:10:31.526 we're political adversaries , but I'm 01:10:31.526 --> 01:10:33.359 very proud that President Ford , 01:10:33.399 --> 01:10:35.959 President Carter , President Reagan did 01:10:35.959 --> 01:10:38.759 not deport you or your family while you 01:10:38.759 --> 01:10:41.229 were working on becoming citizens . Now 01:10:41.330 --> 01:10:43.219 Mrs . Arctic Secretary , you have 01:10:43.219 --> 01:10:45.386 publicly supported Secretary Hegseth's 01:10:45.386 --> 01:10:47.441 proposal to ban active duty military 01:10:47.441 --> 01:10:47.410 members from attending Harvard . Both 01:10:47.410 --> 01:10:49.577 your official bio and your bio for the 01:10:49.577 --> 01:10:51.466 Senate campaign proudly list your 01:10:51.466 --> 01:10:53.410 Harvard affiliation . As a Harvard 01:10:53.410 --> 01:10:55.466 fellow yourself , do you believe the 01:10:55.466 --> 01:10:57.410 education and credentials that you 01:10:57.410 --> 01:10:59.466 received compromised your ability to 01:10:59.466 --> 01:11:01.810 serve or lead effectively ? Sir , we 01:11:01.810 --> 01:11:03.532 are looking at the best , uh , 01:11:03.720 --> 01:11:05.887 education for our military members . I 01:11:05.887 --> 01:11:07.998 mean , we , that , that's why naval , 01:11:07.998 --> 01:11:10.220 but did Harvard make you too woke ? Did 01:11:10.220 --> 01:11:12.220 Harvard make you too woke to be the 01:11:12.220 --> 01:11:14.387 secretary of the Navy ? No , sir , but 01:11:14.387 --> 01:11:16.553 the naval postgraduate school , so you 01:11:16.553 --> 01:11:16.279 don't allow me to have you survived 01:11:16.279 --> 01:11:18.501 Harvard without becoming woke , but you 01:11:18.501 --> 01:11:21.459 don't trust . Your officers who get in 01:11:21.459 --> 01:11:23.403 there , who want to go there , who 01:11:23.403 --> 01:11:25.348 apply there to be able to go there 01:11:25.348 --> 01:11:27.919 themselves and not be indoctrinated . 01:11:29.279 --> 01:11:31.335 Congressman , we , we need to invest 01:11:31.335 --> 01:11:33.501 into where , where they would best fit 01:11:33.501 --> 01:11:35.612 for the Navy . Again , going to naval 01:11:35.612 --> 01:11:35.319 postgraduate school . I , I actually 01:11:35.319 --> 01:11:37.263 got it . So you think it was a big 01:11:37.263 --> 01:11:39.208 mistake for you , for you to go to 01:11:39.208 --> 01:11:41.430 Harvard because you talk about it a lot 01:11:41.430 --> 01:11:43.597 in your bio . Actually I had mentioned 01:11:43.597 --> 01:11:43.140 it once , sir . Uh , I mean , it's just 01:11:43.140 --> 01:11:45.362 that you think it was a mistake , sir . 01:11:45.362 --> 01:11:47.473 I , I , I would , I would love my , I 01:11:47.473 --> 01:11:49.696 love my education in naval postgraduate 01:11:49.696 --> 01:11:51.918 school because it allowed me to learn . 01:11:51.918 --> 01:11:51.379 Yeah , but I'm asking you about Harvard . 01:11:51.779 --> 01:11:54.057 If you can't answer the question , sir , 01:11:54.057 --> 01:11:55.890 I mean don't take the job , Mr . 01:11:55.890 --> 01:11:57.835 Secretary . Let me ask you another 01:11:57.835 --> 01:11:59.946 question . You're the final authority 01:11:59.946 --> 01:12:02.168 for naming US Navy ships . Do you think 01:12:02.168 --> 01:12:04.112 President Clinton , who dodged the 01:12:04.112 --> 01:12:06.279 draft , never served in the military , 01:12:06.279 --> 01:12:08.446 and was impeached , should have CVN 82 01:12:08.446 --> 01:12:10.529 named after him ? Sir , the , the 01:12:10.529 --> 01:12:12.640 convention for naming , uh , naming , 01:12:12.640 --> 01:12:14.862 um , yes or no , Mr . Secretary , sir , 01:12:14.862 --> 01:12:17.085 I mean that's , that's , do you think , 01:12:17.085 --> 01:12:19.196 do you think the , the ship should be 01:12:19.196 --> 01:12:19.160 named after it should be President 01:12:19.160 --> 01:12:21.049 Clinton , President of the United 01:12:21.049 --> 01:12:23.271 States , sir . So you support naming it 01:12:23.271 --> 01:12:25.493 after President Clinton . I , I have to 01:12:25.493 --> 01:12:27.327 review all the , uh , the naming 01:12:27.327 --> 01:12:27.009 conventions , sir . I , I've not 01:12:27.009 --> 01:12:29.176 reviewed . Well , I hope that you do . 01:12:29.176 --> 01:12:31.398 Thank you , Mr . Chairman . Chair , and 01:12:31.398 --> 01:12:33.453 I recognize a gentleman from Texas , 01:12:33.453 --> 01:12:35.342 Doctor Jackson . Thank you , Mr . 01:12:35.342 --> 01:12:37.565 Chairman . Uh , thank you for convening 01:12:37.565 --> 01:12:36.779 the hearing . Uh , Secretary Cowe , 01:12:37.009 --> 01:12:39.342 Admiral Caudle , and General Smith . Uh , 01:12:39.342 --> 01:12:41.509 thank you for your service . Thank you 01:12:41.509 --> 01:12:43.620 for being here today . Uh , Secretary 01:12:43.620 --> 01:12:43.049 Cowe , uh , really glad to see you 01:12:43.049 --> 01:12:46.180 sitting in that seat . Uh , as the PRC 01:12:46.180 --> 01:12:48.291 continues to modernize its fleet at a 01:12:48.291 --> 01:12:50.347 historic pace , the need for a ready 01:12:50.347 --> 01:12:52.402 and capable American naval force has 01:12:52.402 --> 01:12:54.569 never been greater . The Department of 01:12:54.569 --> 01:12:56.402 the Navy fiscal year 2027 budget 01:12:56.402 --> 01:12:58.180 request is a defining moment to 01:12:58.180 --> 01:13:00.069 reassert the United States as the 01:13:00.069 --> 01:13:02.124 world's greatest maritime power , to 01:13:02.124 --> 01:13:04.347 rebuild our industrial base and deliver 01:13:04.347 --> 01:13:06.569 a larger , more capable golden fleet to 01:13:06.569 --> 01:13:08.347 our sailors and marines . Under 01:13:08.347 --> 01:13:10.347 President Trump's leadership . This 01:13:10.347 --> 01:13:12.569 budget proposes a historic 46% increase 01:13:12.569 --> 01:13:14.736 in shipbuilding funding , representing 01:13:14.736 --> 01:13:16.847 the highest level of naval investment 01:13:16.847 --> 01:13:19.013 since 1962 and a clear transition to a 01:13:19.013 --> 01:13:20.458 permanent wartime footing 01:13:20.458 --> 01:13:22.513 simultaneously accelerates US Marine 01:13:22.513 --> 01:13:24.513 Corps modernization by 4 years . We 01:13:24.513 --> 01:13:26.291 must deliver these generational 01:13:26.291 --> 01:13:28.402 investments and we must do it without 01:13:28.402 --> 01:13:30.458 delay . The Marine Corps' ability to 01:13:30.458 --> 01:13:32.680 sustain a credible 3.0 amphibious Ready 01:13:32.680 --> 01:13:34.791 Group Marine Expeditionary Unit AGMMU 01:13:34.791 --> 01:13:36.569 presence is foundational to the 01:13:36.569 --> 01:13:38.624 nation's forward crisis response and 01:13:38.624 --> 01:13:40.680 deterrence posture , particularly as 01:13:40.680 --> 01:13:42.736 demand for naval expeditionary Force 01:13:42.736 --> 01:13:44.700 grows across theaters . However , 01:13:44.859 --> 01:13:46.859 General Smith , you have emphasized 01:13:46.859 --> 01:13:48.720 that simply hitting a ship count 01:13:49.129 --> 01:13:51.351 requirement is a meaning is meaningless 01:13:51.351 --> 01:13:53.351 if those ships aren't operationally 01:13:53.351 --> 01:13:55.240 ready to sustain a persistent AMU 01:13:55.240 --> 01:13:57.462 presence . I know we've talked a little 01:13:57.462 --> 01:13:59.518 bit about this subject already , but 01:13:59.518 --> 01:14:01.685 while I fully support the investing in 01:14:01.685 --> 01:14:03.796 the procurement of new ships , are we 01:14:03.796 --> 01:14:05.907 also making sufficient investments in 01:14:05.907 --> 01:14:08.185 the amphibious readiness , maintenance , 01:14:08.185 --> 01:14:10.018 and industrial based capacity to 01:14:10.018 --> 01:14:12.339 sustain the Marine Corps 3.0 RMU 01:14:12.339 --> 01:14:14.450 requirement in the long term ? And if 01:14:14.450 --> 01:14:16.561 not , what should we be doing here as 01:14:16.561 --> 01:14:18.672 members of Congress to make sure that 01:14:18.672 --> 01:14:20.895 that happens and that ball does not get 01:14:20.895 --> 01:14:23.006 dropped , General . Well , sir , I'll 01:14:23.006 --> 01:14:25.189 defer to the CNO on , on the specifics 01:14:25.189 --> 01:14:26.911 of , of the amphibious warship 01:14:26.911 --> 01:14:29.022 maintenance project . What I can tell 01:14:29.022 --> 01:14:31.133 you is they do require funding . They 01:14:31.133 --> 01:14:33.189 require the funding to get after the 01:14:33.189 --> 01:14:35.356 spare parts . They require the funding 01:14:35.356 --> 01:14:37.522 to get after the time that it takes to 01:14:37.522 --> 01:14:39.578 produce the , the maintenance in the 01:14:39.578 --> 01:14:41.745 yards . And so again , I will defer to 01:14:41.745 --> 01:14:43.856 Admiral Caudle on , on the actual how 01:14:43.856 --> 01:14:46.022 that happens , but those ships have to 01:14:46.022 --> 01:14:48.189 go into and come out of maintenance on 01:14:48.189 --> 01:14:50.022 time . I was taught by , uh , my 01:14:50.022 --> 01:14:52.189 assistant meth commander , a guy named 01:14:52.189 --> 01:14:54.300 Chris McPhiillips , call sign McFly . 01:14:54.300 --> 01:14:56.411 That most of the maintenance we do is 01:14:56.411 --> 01:14:58.633 because of the maintenance we do on our 01:14:58.633 --> 01:15:00.800 aircraft anyway . You go in to open up 01:15:00.800 --> 01:15:03.022 a wing and you pop a couple of rivets , 01:15:03.022 --> 01:15:02.359 and the next thing you know , what was 01:15:02.359 --> 01:15:05.160 going to be a , a light on a wing , uh , 01:15:05.279 --> 01:15:07.335 you , you've , you've accelerated or 01:15:07.335 --> 01:15:09.390 you've extended , pardon me , you've 01:15:09.390 --> 01:15:11.335 extended the time that a , that an 01:15:11.335 --> 01:15:13.557 aircraft or a ship is in the yards . It 01:15:13.557 --> 01:15:15.223 has to go into , stick to the 01:15:15.223 --> 01:15:17.446 maintenance schedule and come out of on 01:15:17.446 --> 01:15:19.557 time . Sir , we're doing a whole host 01:15:19.557 --> 01:15:21.668 of things . One , you know , we had , 01:15:21.668 --> 01:15:23.850 we had to get better at planning . And 01:15:23.850 --> 01:15:25.739 so we've started what we call our 01:15:25.739 --> 01:15:27.906 signature availabilities where instead 01:15:27.906 --> 01:15:29.961 of like , you know , really starting 01:15:29.961 --> 01:15:32.017 the planning in earnest , you know , 01:15:32.017 --> 01:15:34.128 the kind of the 120 days prior to the 01:15:34.128 --> 01:15:36.239 avail starting , it's starting a full 01:15:36.239 --> 01:15:38.350 contractual out one year now . That's 01:15:38.350 --> 01:15:40.683 important . Two port engineers are over . 01:15:40.683 --> 01:15:42.739 Seeing that critical path has always 01:15:42.739 --> 01:15:44.850 been a bit on diesel overhaul . We're 01:15:44.850 --> 01:15:46.683 pulling that out of the avail to 01:15:46.683 --> 01:15:48.683 actually go actually repair diesels 01:15:48.683 --> 01:15:50.906 during a time that's more opportune for 01:15:50.906 --> 01:15:52.906 us instead of putting that into the 01:15:52.906 --> 01:15:55.128 critical path . Long lead time material 01:15:55.128 --> 01:15:57.294 for these designs , boilers , and some 01:15:57.294 --> 01:15:59.072 of this stuff is very old . I'm 01:15:59.072 --> 01:15:58.910 actually improving the long lead time 01:15:58.910 --> 01:16:00.930 material ordering . Uh , planning 01:16:00.930 --> 01:16:02.874 improvements and probably the most 01:16:02.874 --> 01:16:04.874 important thing we've done is put a 01:16:04.874 --> 01:16:06.874 4-star oversight board . The , uh , 01:16:06.874 --> 01:16:08.819 Assistant commandant of the Marine 01:16:08.819 --> 01:16:10.708 Corps and the vice Chief of Naval 01:16:10.708 --> 01:16:12.819 Operations runs a quarterly meeting . 01:16:12.819 --> 01:16:12.569 It puts heat and light on AMIM 01:16:12.569 --> 01:16:14.680 maintenance . It briefs the secretary 01:16:14.680 --> 01:16:16.919 out every quarter on this so that we 01:16:16.919 --> 01:16:19.270 ensure we have eyes wide open 01:16:19.770 --> 01:16:21.992 understanding of any barriers that need 01:16:21.992 --> 01:16:23.826 to be knocked down . Thank you , 01:16:23.826 --> 01:16:23.330 Admiral . I appreciate that , and I 01:16:23.330 --> 01:16:25.552 want to do as much as we possibly can , 01:16:25.552 --> 01:16:27.608 uh , as the political winds change , 01:16:27.608 --> 01:16:29.830 which they . Often do up here . I wanna 01:16:29.830 --> 01:16:29.073 make sure that we're doing everything 01:16:29.073 --> 01:16:30.962 we can to finish this job that we 01:16:30.962 --> 01:16:33.184 started that's critical to the national 01:16:33.184 --> 01:16:35.184 security of this country . One more 01:16:35.184 --> 01:16:35.073 question for you , uh , Admiral , uh , 01:16:35.192 --> 01:16:37.473 the V-22 Osprey produced is produced at 01:16:37.473 --> 01:16:39.640 Bell Helicopter , as you may know , in 01:16:39.640 --> 01:16:41.806 Amarillo , Texas , where I live , uh , 01:16:41.806 --> 01:16:43.973 remains indispensable for Marine Corps 01:16:43.973 --> 01:16:46.029 assault , Navy Fleet logistics , and 01:16:46.029 --> 01:16:45.953 special warfare operations . As part of 01:16:45.953 --> 01:16:47.897 the one big beautiful bill , I was 01:16:47.897 --> 01:16:49.953 proud to secure $160 million for the 01:16:49.953 --> 01:16:52.286 Navy CMV 22 Nacelle Improvement Program , 01:16:52.286 --> 01:16:54.342 and I'm encouraged to see the Marine 01:16:54.342 --> 01:16:54.272 Corps is now planning to fully . 01:16:54.375 --> 01:16:56.542 Implement these improvements as well , 01:16:56.542 --> 01:16:58.764 a priority that is clearly reflected in 01:16:58.764 --> 01:17:01.695 the FY 27 request . Admiral , how is 01:17:01.695 --> 01:17:03.473 the Nacelle Improvement Program 01:17:03.473 --> 01:17:05.362 delivering improved readiness and 01:17:05.362 --> 01:17:07.195 reliability for the V-22 fleet , 01:17:07.195 --> 01:17:09.251 especially given the findings of the 01:17:09.251 --> 01:17:11.362 recent NAA review as the Marine Corps 01:17:11.362 --> 01:17:13.473 moves toward full implementation with 01:17:13.473 --> 01:17:15.695 their MV-22 fleet , can you commit that 01:17:15.695 --> 01:17:17.695 the Navy will also continue to fund 01:17:17.695 --> 01:17:19.751 these improvements across the entire 01:17:19.751 --> 01:17:21.751 CMV-22 fleet in the future years as 01:17:21.751 --> 01:17:23.751 soon as possible ? Yes sir , I know 01:17:23.751 --> 01:17:25.917 we're short on time . You have my full 01:17:25.917 --> 01:17:27.917 commitment on that . Nothing's more 01:17:27.917 --> 01:17:27.419 important . It's part of our air wing . 01:17:27.470 --> 01:17:30.740 We're not going back in the CMV 22 is 01:17:30.740 --> 01:17:32.907 extremely important . You have my full 01:17:32.907 --> 01:17:35.073 commitment on it . Thank you , sir . I 01:17:35.073 --> 01:17:33.799 appreciate that . You're back , 01:17:34.580 --> 01:17:36.802 gentlemen , yields back , chair , and I 01:17:36.802 --> 01:17:38.469 recognize as a gentleman from 01:17:38.469 --> 01:17:40.747 California , Mr . Carvajal . Thank you , 01:17:40.747 --> 01:17:42.802 Mr . Chairman , and thank you to the 01:17:42.802 --> 01:17:45.024 witnesses for being here . Uh , General 01:17:45.024 --> 01:17:47.358 Smith , it's good to see you again . Uh , 01:17:47.358 --> 01:17:49.358 the Marines are the only service to 01:17:49.358 --> 01:17:51.890 have passed a clean audit . As a Marine 01:17:51.890 --> 01:17:54.060 myself , I'm very proud to say that 01:17:54.529 --> 01:17:56.418 this is something we need for the 01:17:56.418 --> 01:17:58.585 entire Department of Defense and every 01:17:58.585 --> 01:18:01.129 service branch to accomplish . For 01:18:01.129 --> 01:18:03.729 decades , the DOD has failed to achieve 01:18:03.729 --> 01:18:06.350 this . Frankly , I think it's shameful 01:18:06.729 --> 01:18:09.189 and an insult to the American taxpayers . 01:18:09.770 --> 01:18:11.826 General Smith , what lessons did the 01:18:11.826 --> 01:18:13.910 Marines learn ? During your audit 01:18:14.450 --> 01:18:16.394 process that can be applied to the 01:18:16.394 --> 01:18:19.470 other services to help them also pass 01:18:19.770 --> 01:18:22.770 their long , long overdue decades 01:18:22.770 --> 01:18:25.529 overdue audits . Well , sir , thanks 01:18:25.529 --> 01:18:27.751 for calling out the Marines for passing 01:18:27.751 --> 01:18:29.751 3 consecutive audits . Um , we're , 01:18:29.751 --> 01:18:31.973 we're , we're very proud of that . Um , 01:18:31.973 --> 01:18:33.973 we're , uh , again , we're the only 01:18:33.973 --> 01:18:36.196 service to do so , and it's not because 01:18:36.196 --> 01:18:35.850 we have the smallest budget . You know , 01:18:35.919 --> 01:18:38.141 if we were a Fortune 500 company , we'd 01:18:38.141 --> 01:18:39.975 be in the top 100 of Fortune 500 01:18:39.975 --> 01:18:42.197 companies . Uh , we do it just based on 01:18:42.197 --> 01:18:44.252 simple accountability , and I always 01:18:44.252 --> 01:18:46.197 use this analogy , although I date 01:18:46.197 --> 01:18:48.252 myself , when a marine checks into a 01:18:48.252 --> 01:18:50.141 battalion , you , you check out a 01:18:50.141 --> 01:18:52.252 shelter half . Uh , 5 tent pins and 3 01:18:52.252 --> 01:18:54.363 tent poles . And when you check out , 01:18:54.529 --> 01:18:56.649 you turn in a shelter half , 3 tent 01:18:56.649 --> 01:18:58.729 poles , and 5 tent pins , or you get 01:18:58.729 --> 01:19:00.785 your butt down to Saigon Sam's , you 01:19:00.785 --> 01:19:03.290 buy them , uh , because you're signed 01:19:03.290 --> 01:19:05.568 for them , you're accountable for them . 01:19:05.568 --> 01:19:07.512 We hold commanders accountable for 01:19:07.512 --> 01:19:09.734 every $1 that they spend , for every $1 01:19:09.734 --> 01:19:11.790 that has to be spent for the purpose 01:19:11.790 --> 01:19:13.957 for which it was appropriated . We run 01:19:13.957 --> 01:19:16.068 a very , very tight ship . Um , we're 01:19:16.068 --> 01:19:18.290 very , we're a very efficient service , 01:19:18.290 --> 01:19:20.346 and we hold commanders accountable . 01:19:20.346 --> 01:19:22.623 When you fail to meet your obligations , 01:19:22.623 --> 01:19:24.790 we relieve you . Thank you . Clearly , 01:19:24.790 --> 01:19:26.790 you could , uh , teach the other uh 01:19:26.790 --> 01:19:28.957 branches what the hell they need to be 01:19:28.957 --> 01:19:32.209 doing . Uh , so much for the doge , uh , 01:19:32.220 --> 01:19:34.410 trying to find fraud ways , and 01:19:34.410 --> 01:19:38.060 efficiency . Um , with that , I would 01:19:38.060 --> 01:19:40.060 like to , uh , yield the rest of my 01:19:40.060 --> 01:19:42.282 time to my good friend , Representative 01:19:42.282 --> 01:19:44.504 Tran . Representative Carberhal , thank 01:19:44.504 --> 01:19:46.727 you so much . Gentlemen , thank you for 01:19:46.727 --> 01:19:48.393 being here . Mr . Secretary , 01:19:48.393 --> 01:19:50.504 congratulations on your appointment . 01:19:50.504 --> 01:19:52.870 Today is a historic day . For the first 01:19:52.870 --> 01:19:55.140 time , a Vietnamese-American defense 01:19:55.140 --> 01:19:56.529 official stands before a 01:19:56.529 --> 01:19:58.807 Vietnamese-American member of Congress . 01:19:58.830 --> 01:20:01.299 This moment belongs to our parents and 01:20:01.299 --> 01:20:03.629 every soul who traded everything for a 01:20:03.629 --> 01:20:06.160 chance at liberty . You and I carry the 01:20:06.160 --> 01:20:08.410 weight of a diaspora that has never 01:20:08.410 --> 01:20:10.770 forgotten the sting of oppression . We 01:20:10.770 --> 01:20:13.410 are the living voice for those silenced 01:20:13.410 --> 01:20:15.688 by the communist Vietnamese government . 01:20:15.850 --> 01:20:17.906 We have a moral mandate to hold that 01:20:17.906 --> 01:20:20.017 regime accountable for its relentless 01:20:20.017 --> 01:20:22.129 human rights violations . I pray you 01:20:22.129 --> 01:20:24.560 will stand with me in that fight . We 01:20:24.560 --> 01:20:26.729 must also ensure the freedom we found 01:20:26.729 --> 01:20:29.330 here reaches across the Pacific . We 01:20:29.330 --> 01:20:31.608 must maintain a presence so formidable , 01:20:31.608 --> 01:20:33.830 the Chinese Communist Party understands 01:20:33.830 --> 01:20:35.552 the Indo-Pacific will never be 01:20:35.552 --> 01:20:38.359 surrendered to autocracy . This is our 01:20:38.359 --> 01:20:40.248 moment to lead , not just for our 01:20:40.248 --> 01:20:42.680 country , but for the legacy and the 01:20:42.680 --> 01:20:45.810 freedom we were chosen to protect . Mr . 01:20:45.819 --> 01:20:47.930 Secretary , as you know , I represent 01:20:47.930 --> 01:20:49.859 the largest Vietnamese community 01:20:49.859 --> 01:20:52.379 outside of Vietnam . Our community 01:20:52.379 --> 01:20:54.419 remains deeply concerned about the 01:20:54.419 --> 01:20:55.975 communist , uh , Vietnamese 01:20:55.975 --> 01:20:57.808 government's unlawful jailing of 01:20:57.808 --> 01:21:00.240 political prisoners . Will you commit 01:21:00.740 --> 01:21:03.180 to joining me in calling for Vietnam to 01:21:03.180 --> 01:21:05.347 free political prisoners and prisoners 01:21:05.347 --> 01:21:08.680 of conscience ? Congressman , thank you 01:21:08.680 --> 01:21:10.958 so much for your kind words , sir . Uh , 01:21:10.958 --> 01:21:12.680 again , I , I owe this country 01:21:12.680 --> 01:21:14.569 everything and I've bled for this 01:21:14.569 --> 01:21:16.458 country , and I will die for this 01:21:16.458 --> 01:21:18.569 country , for , for everything that's 01:21:18.569 --> 01:21:20.791 given me , um , and , and again , a lot 01:21:20.791 --> 01:21:22.847 of my family members were imprisoned 01:21:22.847 --> 01:21:24.791 wrongfully , and we need to always 01:21:24.791 --> 01:21:26.902 stand , stand up against oppression , 01:21:26.902 --> 01:21:28.958 and that's what our , our job is the 01:21:28.958 --> 01:21:31.180 United States . We , we don't , we , we 01:21:31.180 --> 01:21:31.000 didn't ask for this . We didn't ask to 01:21:31.000 --> 01:21:33.000 be the , the , the policemen of the 01:21:33.000 --> 01:21:35.111 world . We didn't ask to defend , but 01:21:35.111 --> 01:21:37.222 that's . That's how it is , sir , and 01:21:37.222 --> 01:21:39.389 we will always fight injustice in , in 01:21:39.389 --> 01:21:39.234 this country . And , sir , thank you . 01:21:39.395 --> 01:21:41.451 I appreciate you standing with me on 01:21:41.451 --> 01:21:43.617 this . And General Smith , uh , let me 01:21:43.617 --> 01:21:45.673 shift over to you real quick . We've 01:21:45.673 --> 01:21:47.562 also seen that 2500 Marines and 3 01:21:47.562 --> 01:21:49.228 warships transferred from the 01:21:49.228 --> 01:21:51.173 Indo-Pacific to the Middle East to 01:21:51.173 --> 01:21:53.395 support operations in Vietnam , um , in 01:21:53.395 --> 01:21:55.506 Iran , excuse me . Uh , what gaps has 01:21:55.506 --> 01:21:57.395 this created in the Marine Corps' 01:21:57.395 --> 01:21:59.617 ability to deter our adversaries in the 01:21:59.617 --> 01:22:01.673 Indo-Pacific and how are you filling 01:22:01.673 --> 01:22:03.895 the gaps ? Well , frankly , the , the , 01:22:03.895 --> 01:22:05.951 the gap is , is unfilled . Uh , when 01:22:05.951 --> 01:22:07.895 you move an expeditionary unit , a 01:22:07.895 --> 01:22:10.228 marine expeditionary unit in NAMU . You , 01:22:10.228 --> 01:22:12.479 you simply don't replace it . Um , when 01:22:12.479 --> 01:22:14.839 you move one force from one combatant 01:22:14.839 --> 01:22:17.006 command theater to another , you don't 01:22:17.006 --> 01:22:19.172 replace it . But the beauty of the RMU 01:22:19.172 --> 01:22:21.339 is that it is returnable . It can sail 01:22:21.339 --> 01:22:23.450 under its own power and it can return 01:22:23.450 --> 01:22:23.200 from the Middle East back into the 01:22:23.200 --> 01:22:25.256 Indo-Pacific , and that is the , the 01:22:25.256 --> 01:22:27.200 value of the RMU is it is globally 01:22:27.200 --> 01:22:29.422 deployable , much like a carrier strike 01:22:29.422 --> 01:22:31.589 group . It is globally deployable . It 01:22:31.589 --> 01:22:33.422 can be passed from one combatant 01:22:33.422 --> 01:22:35.422 commander to another . I appreciate 01:22:35.422 --> 01:22:35.399 that . My time is about up , so 01:22:35.399 --> 01:22:37.799 Chairman , I you about . Mr . Joel , 01:22:37.970 --> 01:22:41.709 you're recognized for 5 minutes . Thank 01:22:41.709 --> 01:22:45.680 you Mr . Chairman . Mr . Secretary , 01:22:45.990 --> 01:22:48.046 congratulations . Welcome to the hot 01:22:48.046 --> 01:22:50.212 seat , Admiral and General , thank you 01:22:50.212 --> 01:22:52.046 for your service and everyone in 01:22:52.046 --> 01:22:54.157 uniform in the audience today . Thank 01:22:54.157 --> 01:22:53.779 you for your service to this , this 01:22:53.779 --> 01:22:56.339 amazing country . Admiral and Mr . 01:22:56.350 --> 01:22:58.517 Secretary and Admiral , you both spoke 01:22:58.517 --> 01:23:00.879 on , um , overseas shipbuilding and 01:23:00.979 --> 01:23:03.419 using the utilizing the yards in 01:23:03.419 --> 01:23:05.363 foreign countries to build out our 01:23:05.363 --> 01:23:08.830 boats . Where is the steel ? Coming 01:23:08.830 --> 01:23:10.997 from that we're gonna utilize on these 01:23:10.997 --> 01:23:14.919 subs and ships . Um , I 01:23:14.919 --> 01:23:17.030 think there are multiple sources that 01:23:17.030 --> 01:23:19.252 could come from global , uh , or any of 01:23:19.252 --> 01:23:20.975 those in the United States . I 01:23:20.975 --> 01:23:23.197 guarantee you that the majority of it , 01:23:23.197 --> 01:23:25.197 at least for submarines , is coming 01:23:25.197 --> 01:23:27.197 from the United States of America . 01:23:27.197 --> 01:23:29.308 Have you ever heard hurt the metals ? 01:23:29.520 --> 01:23:32.089 No , sir . Mr . Secretary . No , sir , 01:23:32.169 --> 01:23:34.391 I have not . OK , you mentioned in your 01:23:34.391 --> 01:23:36.558 opening statement that everything that 01:23:36.558 --> 01:23:38.780 goes into the Department of War and the 01:23:38.780 --> 01:23:40.780 build out of our ships and is gonna 01:23:40.780 --> 01:23:43.058 touch each one of our districts . Well , 01:23:43.058 --> 01:23:42.759 Hurt the Metals happens to be in my 01:23:42.759 --> 01:23:46.629 district . And they produced a cheaper , 01:23:46.750 --> 01:23:49.330 more viable steel than anyone else , 01:23:49.839 --> 01:23:53.160 period . And they are in the process of 01:23:53.160 --> 01:23:55.439 kind of sitting on G waiting on O and 01:23:55.439 --> 01:23:57.661 Mr . Secretary , you mentioned that the 01:23:57.661 --> 01:23:59.661 deputy secretary's got some sort of 01:23:59.661 --> 01:24:01.883 announcement that he's gonna make . And 01:24:01.883 --> 01:24:03.772 my concern is , and we had a very 01:24:03.772 --> 01:24:03.490 interesting , uh , hearing yesterday 01:24:03.490 --> 01:24:05.490 about with the five families if you 01:24:05.490 --> 01:24:07.157 will , and the concern is the 01:24:07.157 --> 01:24:09.157 Department of War has a tendency to 01:24:09.157 --> 01:24:11.379 take everyone up to a specific spot and 01:24:11.379 --> 01:24:13.268 they kind of go on pause . Well , 01:24:13.268 --> 01:24:15.490 Hearth and Metals is that small refined 01:24:15.490 --> 01:24:17.768 company that is , that is very capable , 01:24:17.768 --> 01:24:19.879 but if the Department of War does not 01:24:19.879 --> 01:24:21.990 activate , they're gonna be in a very 01:24:21.990 --> 01:24:25.229 bad spot . And I'm not gonna hold you 01:24:25.229 --> 01:24:27.229 to you're gonna give me this answer 01:24:27.229 --> 01:24:29.118 tonight or I'm excuse me today or 01:24:29.118 --> 01:24:31.700 tomorrow , but I do not . My concern is 01:24:31.700 --> 01:24:33.922 that that company that's worked so hard 01:24:33.922 --> 01:24:35.978 to produce something that would just 01:24:35.978 --> 01:24:38.144 benefit the United States will be lost 01:24:38.144 --> 01:24:40.256 because of the inactivity or inaction 01:24:40.256 --> 01:24:42.919 of . The secretaries And the Department 01:24:42.919 --> 01:24:46.120 of War , Understood . Yes , Congressman . 01:24:46.310 --> 01:24:50.189 OK . Mr . Secretary , a few weeks , 01:24:50.240 --> 01:24:52.184 maybe months ago , you and I had a 01:24:52.184 --> 01:24:54.351 conversation in my office , and one of 01:24:54.351 --> 01:24:54.319 your primary concerns was the health 01:24:54.319 --> 01:24:56.319 and well-being specifically focused 01:24:56.319 --> 01:24:59.649 around suicide in our service . I'm 01:24:59.649 --> 01:25:03.290 going to allow you . To speak on that 01:25:03.290 --> 01:25:05.457 in front of this committee in front of 01:25:05.457 --> 01:25:07.457 the world that's watching on your . 01:25:08.120 --> 01:25:10.799 Pathway or this or the lane that you 01:25:10.799 --> 01:25:14.450 plan on walking to decrease . That 01:25:14.450 --> 01:25:16.672 problem not only that we have inside of 01:25:16.672 --> 01:25:18.783 our service but most certainly in our 01:25:18.783 --> 01:25:21.640 in our veteran community . Congressman , 01:25:21.680 --> 01:25:23.958 thank you so much for this opportunity . 01:25:23.958 --> 01:25:26.069 This is so dear , near and dear to my 01:25:26.069 --> 01:25:28.180 heart . I come from a community , the 01:25:28.180 --> 01:25:30.236 EUD community , which has one of the 01:25:30.236 --> 01:25:32.458 largest suicide rates in our veterans , 01:25:32.458 --> 01:25:34.736 uh , and it's , it's unacceptable . Uh , 01:25:34.736 --> 01:25:36.847 we , we , we've done what our country 01:25:36.847 --> 01:25:38.847 asked us to do . And you know , now 01:25:38.847 --> 01:25:38.839 we're paying the prices of that , and I 01:25:38.839 --> 01:25:40.728 think it's the first thing is for 01:25:40.728 --> 01:25:42.783 leaders to be very vulnerable . This 01:25:42.783 --> 01:25:45.006 morning I released a , a , a message to 01:25:45.006 --> 01:25:47.006 the fleet about my , my issues that 01:25:47.006 --> 01:25:49.006 I've suffered from , uh , traumatic 01:25:49.006 --> 01:25:51.228 brain injury from being , you know , in 01:25:51.228 --> 01:25:53.117 explosions , as well as PTSD from 01:25:53.117 --> 01:25:55.006 having to recover bodies from the 01:25:55.006 --> 01:25:57.339 bottom of the ocean and as well as , uh , 01:25:57.339 --> 01:25:59.672 recovering pieces and parts from , from , 01:25:59.672 --> 01:26:01.728 uh , from other bodies that , that I 01:26:01.728 --> 01:26:03.895 recovered on the battlefield as well . 01:26:03.895 --> 01:26:06.117 We need to do everything from uh . Uh , 01:26:06.117 --> 01:26:08.283 you know , explore every single avenue 01:26:08.283 --> 01:26:10.617 like we discussed in your office to for , 01:26:10.617 --> 01:26:12.339 for PTSD , for TBI , including 01:26:12.339 --> 01:26:14.283 hyperbaric oxygen therapy . You're 01:26:14.283 --> 01:26:16.450 talking about a lot of the , the other 01:26:16.450 --> 01:26:18.783 medicinal , uh , psychedelics . Yes sir , 01:26:18.886 --> 01:26:20.830 uh , we , we need to explore every 01:26:20.830 --> 01:26:23.053 single thing for our military members , 01:26:23.053 --> 01:26:25.386 but also what I've , I've asked my , uh , 01:26:25.386 --> 01:26:27.442 uh , service chiefs to do is look at 01:26:27.442 --> 01:26:29.608 crisis intervention . We need to train 01:26:29.608 --> 01:26:31.553 this at every level from the petty 01:26:31.553 --> 01:26:33.775 officer to the NCO level all the way up 01:26:33.775 --> 01:26:35.942 to command leader . Leadership because 01:26:35.942 --> 01:26:37.942 everybody is a first responder when 01:26:37.942 --> 01:26:37.682 you're , you're with your sailors and 01:26:37.682 --> 01:26:39.849 marines , you know when you're working 01:26:39.849 --> 01:26:41.904 with them in , in that squad in that 01:26:41.904 --> 01:26:44.182 platoon , uh , in that , that division , 01:26:44.182 --> 01:26:46.238 you know , you know when they're not 01:26:46.238 --> 01:26:48.460 right . And so we need for every single 01:26:48.460 --> 01:26:50.404 sailor and marine to be that first 01:26:50.404 --> 01:26:50.271 responder says , come along with me . 01:26:50.521 --> 01:26:52.521 Let's , let's , let's take a walk . 01:26:52.521 --> 01:26:54.632 Let's talk about what you're , what's 01:26:54.632 --> 01:26:54.591 going on . And these are things we're 01:26:54.591 --> 01:26:56.591 pushing forward , sir , and we're , 01:26:56.591 --> 01:26:58.647 we're leaning very heavily into it . 01:26:58.647 --> 01:26:58.631 Thank you , Mr . Secretary . And I , I , 01:26:58.762 --> 01:27:00.929 I , I have two more things . One , I , 01:27:00.929 --> 01:27:02.939 I , I would hate to see . The steel 01:27:03.399 --> 01:27:05.399 that we use on our on our ships and 01:27:05.399 --> 01:27:07.455 subs come from another country if we 01:27:07.455 --> 01:27:09.343 have the capability inside of the 01:27:09.343 --> 01:27:11.455 United States and I will , and , uh , 01:27:11.455 --> 01:27:13.788 general , you're not gonna , I'm , yeah , 01:27:13.788 --> 01:27:15.899 OK , two things this is gonna be very 01:27:15.899 --> 01:27:18.177 hard as a navy man talking to a marine . 01:27:18.580 --> 01:27:20.858 But the way that I understand it , sir , 01:27:20.858 --> 01:27:22.919 is you are the very first Texas A&M 01:27:22.939 --> 01:27:24.939 commandant of the Marine Corps . Is 01:27:24.939 --> 01:27:27.161 that true ? I believe that is correct , 01:27:27.161 --> 01:27:30.069 sir . OK , so I have to , uh , there's 01:27:30.069 --> 01:27:32.125 my Aggie right there waiting . I was 01:27:32.125 --> 01:27:34.236 waiting for him to chime in as a navy 01:27:34.236 --> 01:27:36.180 guy giving a marine a compliment . 01:27:36.180 --> 01:27:38.013 Congratulations , sir , and as a 01:27:38.013 --> 01:27:40.236 Longhorn giving an Aggie a compliment . 01:27:40.709 --> 01:27:42.879 Job well done . It's a great way to 01:27:42.879 --> 01:27:44.939 have Chairman . My daughter's a 01:27:44.939 --> 01:27:46.772 Longhorn , Mr . Keating , you're 01:27:46.772 --> 01:27:49.220 recognized . Well thank you very much . 01:27:49.319 --> 01:27:51.240 Uh , I'd like to thank , uh , our 01:27:51.240 --> 01:27:53.279 witnesses for their service and for 01:27:53.279 --> 01:27:56.240 being here today . Um , at this stage 01:27:56.240 --> 01:27:58.351 of the hearing I'm gonna get a little 01:27:58.351 --> 01:28:00.296 granular , uh , on , on issues and 01:28:00.296 --> 01:28:02.462 maybe a little provincial , but , uh , 01:28:02.779 --> 01:28:06.359 uh , the whole idea of the procurement 01:28:06.359 --> 01:28:08.879 process that goes forward , there's a 01:28:08.879 --> 01:28:10.823 couple of things that , uh , we've 01:28:10.823 --> 01:28:12.990 worked , I think as a committee to try 01:28:12.990 --> 01:28:15.310 and promote . Uh , one of them , uh , 01:28:15.589 --> 01:28:17.720 myself in particular , is the 01:28:17.720 --> 01:28:20.569 encouragement of universities and , and 01:28:20.569 --> 01:28:22.513 our , uh , schools of learning , a 01:28:22.513 --> 01:28:24.625 great resource in this country , uh , 01:28:24.625 --> 01:28:27.109 being part of , uh , the process of 01:28:27.109 --> 01:28:29.053 procurement and , and dealing with 01:28:29.053 --> 01:28:31.165 issues , and , uh , I've had a , uh , 01:28:31.560 --> 01:28:33.779 program since fiscal year 19 funded , 01:28:34.089 --> 01:28:36.560 uh , it's zero funded now , uh , out of 01:28:36.560 --> 01:28:38.782 the University of Massachusetts , but , 01:28:38.799 --> 01:28:40.890 uh , it , it , it's been a win-win 01:28:40.890 --> 01:28:42.890 situation . Uh , they work with the 01:28:42.890 --> 01:28:46.609 undersea . Uh , Navy College to , uh , 01:28:46.620 --> 01:28:48.898 bring students over , they're learning . 01:28:49.319 --> 01:28:51.430 They're part of it . Many of them are 01:28:51.430 --> 01:28:53.541 going on to help our defense industry 01:28:53.541 --> 01:28:56.140 going forward and undersea technology , 01:28:56.600 --> 01:29:00.350 uh , and , uh . The research helps 01:29:00.479 --> 01:29:03.290 as well as uh getting uh young people 01:29:03.290 --> 01:29:06.169 involved that are gonna go into uh into 01:29:06.169 --> 01:29:08.540 uh service of our country in these 01:29:08.540 --> 01:29:11.250 regards . So , uh , is there still a 01:29:11.250 --> 01:29:14.430 role for this uh university component 01:29:14.700 --> 01:29:16.700 uh as the Navy's looking at some of 01:29:16.700 --> 01:29:18.867 these contracts and agreements because 01:29:18.867 --> 01:29:20.978 I think it's important to emphasize , 01:29:20.978 --> 01:29:23.033 and I , uh , I'm obviously concerned 01:29:23.033 --> 01:29:25.144 about this one that was zero funded , 01:29:25.144 --> 01:29:27.367 but I'm concerned generally too because 01:29:27.367 --> 01:29:29.367 the universities come in and , uh , 01:29:29.367 --> 01:29:31.200 they're not a bottom line . Uh , 01:29:31.200 --> 01:29:33.422 company or corporation that has to just 01:29:33.422 --> 01:29:35.644 first , uh , look at their shareholders 01:29:35.644 --> 01:29:37.867 first for profits , uh , they're coming 01:29:37.867 --> 01:29:40.033 in , I think , with open eyes and they 01:29:40.033 --> 01:29:42.200 give a different look to things . So , 01:29:42.200 --> 01:29:44.256 uh , is that something that , uh . I 01:29:44.256 --> 01:29:46.478 think could continue or should continue 01:29:46.478 --> 01:29:48.200 going forward in the process . 01:29:48.370 --> 01:29:50.426 Congressman , I , I think we need to 01:29:50.426 --> 01:29:52.592 look at every single aspect . I mean , 01:29:52.592 --> 01:29:54.592 uh , MIT , Lincoln Labs , all these 01:29:54.592 --> 01:29:56.537 other industry , uh , other , uh , 01:29:56.537 --> 01:29:59.759 centers of , of . Uh , learning are so 01:29:59.759 --> 01:30:01.870 important to , to look at things in a 01:30:01.870 --> 01:30:03.981 different way . I mean , as much as I 01:30:03.981 --> 01:30:03.669 love the Naval Academy , I can't have 01:30:03.669 --> 01:30:05.613 every single officer come from the 01:30:05.613 --> 01:30:07.669 Naval Academy . And , and again , we 01:30:07.669 --> 01:30:09.780 need people in the Merchant Marine as 01:30:09.780 --> 01:30:11.836 well . So US Merchant Marine Academy 01:30:11.836 --> 01:30:13.669 produces amazing , uh , merchant 01:30:13.669 --> 01:30:15.891 mariners , but also . Massachusetts and 01:30:15.891 --> 01:30:18.113 Maine Maritime Academies uh as well for 01:30:18.113 --> 01:30:20.113 for our uh civilian , uh , merchant 01:30:20.113 --> 01:30:22.169 marines as well so we need , we need 01:30:22.169 --> 01:30:24.113 the whole country to roll up their 01:30:24.113 --> 01:30:26.002 sleeves and and leaning into this 01:30:26.002 --> 01:30:27.836 whether it's , uh , research and 01:30:27.836 --> 01:30:27.729 development technology , uh , 01:30:27.790 --> 01:30:30.709 innovation , and , uh , you know , as 01:30:30.709 --> 01:30:32.653 well as , uh , filling our officer 01:30:32.653 --> 01:30:34.820 ranks and our merchant marine ranks as 01:30:34.820 --> 01:30:35.470 well , sir , and I'll , I'll turn over .