Transcripts For CSPAN2 Navy And Marine Corps Leaders Grilled

The acting labor secretary, Naval Operations chief and commandant of the marine corps were on capitol hill this morning to brief members of the Senate Armed Service committee addressing concerns about readiness and modernization. The hearing runs about two and half hours. The fiscal year 2018. I want to thank each of our witnesses for their distinguished service to the nation, as well as the sailors, marines and surveillance they lead were serving around the world today and recent months our nations senior civilian military leaders have testified to this committee about the severe threats we face around the world. The report shortfalls in readiness that our military has advantage over our potential adversaries is eroding and the dire need for new modern capabilities. Yet, as secretary matus testified here on tuesday, the greatest immediate threat that our military bases is right here in washington, fiscal uncertainty, continuing resolutions, arbitrary and inadequate caps on defense spending, four more years of the budget control act and the threat to see frustration, we desperately need a new approach. Unfortunately, the administrations fiscal 2018 budget request is insufficient to meet the challenges we face, rebuild the military, readiness and capacity of our force and regain our military technological advantage. Its no wonder, then, that the department of navy submitted over 8 million in unfunded priorities. Our navy is been too small for more than a decade, despite a 300 ships since 2006 the fleet has remained between 2270 and 290 ships. These capacity shortfalls are largely driven by president readiness challenge, tenmonth deployments are becoming a norn what used to be, Carrier Strike group gaps in key regions are annual occurrences, more than half of navy f18s are not ready for combat and there is backlog of more than 14 billion in float in a short readiness. A lady of 355 ships with the right capabilities is inappropriate goal but this budget request makes no progress toward it. However, steps can be taken this year to grow the fleet and this committee will center all options. Similarly, this budget request only supports the marine corps of 185,000 marines in 31 amphibious ships despite a requirement for 194,000 marines and 38 amphibious ships. Meanwhile, marine corps aviation is in a crisis, fewer than half of marines are ready for combat. As a result, not deployed Marine Aviation squads are short of the number of aircraft used to tra train, and respond in a crisis. The budget request will help the navy and marine corps to but we can and must do better than that. We need to expand and modernize our Maritime Forces because our adversary are not standing still. Indeed, as chairman testified on tuesday the competitive advantage that the United States militarily has long enjoyed is eroding. In just a few years, if we do not change trajectory, we lose our qualitative and quantitative advantage. Our navy and marine corps must be sufficiently sized and capable of projecting greater power over greater distance from the air, sea and many set. We needed new concepts of operation, new programs that enable, particularly, the navy needs a carrier air wing with greater range and striking power, especially through unmanned platforms. I continue to urge the department of navy to examine how smaller aircraft carriers could improve current plans for super carriers in amphibious ships and provide a more capable, credible maritime force. At the same time, as we advocate for increased defense spending, all of us must remain equally committed to exercising rigorous oversight of acquisition programs to ensure the best use of military untrained limited taxpayer dollars. I assure you, this committee will. The initial cost overruns more than double the cost of each combat ship, Development Cost of the ships and their modules now proceed 6 billion and they keep rising. Meanwhile, were capabilities of the lcs including anti summary warfare have fallen years, i repeat, years behind schedule. They remain unproven. Because of longrunning cost, schedule and performance issues with this program, i support the departments proposal to pursue as quickly as possible. Petition and selecting a new frigate with new legality and survivability. The navy should occur the minimum number of lcs necessary to keep the workforce viable to pete for new frigates. Secretary stockley has testified that would be one lcs in fiscal year 18, not more. I want to emphasize secretary stockley testified that would be one lcs in fiscal year 18, not more. On the aircraft carrier, its encouraging to see the ship finally delivered to the navy, the request for the. [inaudible] escape exceeds the cost to buy 20 million. In addition, the navy wants to award the contract the construction contract for the third ship, the enterprise, receive 80 and march 2018 at a cost of 13 billion which is 1. 6 billion more than the previous ship. This is unacceptable for ship certified to be a repeat design that will deliver just three years later. Secretary stockley and admiral richardson, id like an explanation. The marine corps must learn to lessen the past failures, such as the expeditionary fighting vehicle and deliver these needed capabilities on time at cost and up to expectations. Some of the greatest challenges will be in the maritime domain and so it important that we have our committee and theyre ready for todays fight and developing the capabilities for tomorrows fights. This budget request is a start but im afraid it is not enough. We should not ask our military to choose between readiness and modernization, between present needs and future needs, we owe our sailors and marines and all of our men and women in uniform, more than that, a lot more. They serve, fight, sacrifice for us every single day, let us do no less for them. Senator reid. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. I want to join senator mccain and welcomes xray stockley. We are grateful for the quality of your service and particularly gave birth to the many women you lead and please express our consideration of things to them. I especially want to think secretary stockley for his many years of service to the country both in the navy and on this committee. This may be your last appearance as secretary. Thank you for a job well done. Im sure this is a sad moment for secretary stockley. He was very upbeat. I thank you again. Witnesses we need to modernize and keep our technical edge so critical to military success. The problem the navy faces serious readiness problems, caused by deferred maintenance, reduce canceled training and appointments. They continued emphasis on readiness in this years budget will address some of the navys most serious readiness problems and im interested in hearing the witnesses views on this matter. Im also interested in understanding, what if anything, what they are doing to the overhaul of the attack submarine is operating because there certifications have expired. Thats one exploit blatant example of challenges they face. The current plan would fail to get this vote recertified until sometime in 2019. All areas of our naval forces of maintaining high operational tempo and highlevel operations, tempo contributed in part to the conclusion of Naval Operations calling for increases in the goals of the navy fleet from 308 ships to a level of 355 ships. The demand is overwhelming for attack summaries, air and Missile Defense crews, destroyers, and strike fighting inventory. In addition, the navy is now in its fifth year of operating with fewer than the required 11 aircraft carriers. For the next decade, the First Priority is to buy a new class of Strategic Missile submarines to replace the class submarines. Im interested in hearing how the navy is managing encouraging demands and how it plans to manage computer modernization particularly how its used in the National Sea Based Deterrence fund as we begin procurement funding now of the columbias class program, as we begin at this year. Theyve stated that the recapitalization of Armed Forces Central to our future readiness with investment in ground contact vehicles, aviation, commandandcontrol, and digitally in operable networks. The marine corps continues to make modernization of ground vehicles a priority by developing amphibious combat vehicles to replace the aged amphibious eggs assault vehicles as well as partly with the light tactical beetles. I would welcome an update from our witness on the status of these programs and if they believe there will be significant delays in failing to do acquisition program. The department of the navy budget and its usual significant program, some of which have problems with execution, as chairman pointed out in detail. Last year i raised the issue that the budget would leave the navy in default. It was a problem that was solved for you in fy 17 dod appropriations act provided three additional aircraft. This year the navy is asking for approval of the sevenyear multi contract with the program and id like to hear why we should depart from the fiveyear multi regimen that established entitled time in the United States code and why we should counter the navy to pay more attention to the terms and that was the case last year. The Defense Department strategic guidance issue in generate data followed by the 2014 announced a new strategy for us military orientation on the asiapacific, consistent with that strategy, the Defense Department is working to realign Us Military Forces in south korea and okinawa and plant position bring, singapore, and possibly elsewhere in the region. Im interested in hearing how their implementing these strategic decisions. In this request, the demonstration asks for an increase of roughly 54 billion above the total budget years fiscal year 2018 prescribed in the budget control act. That total of the navy budget constitute a rookies and probably dollars. However, i must point out, Less Congress can achieve a broad and bipartisan agreement appeal any approval of the increase will create a frustration of a similar amount. President budget addresses the issue of making cuts roughly 54 billion non defense discretionary way of balancing the increased defense which, from my perspective, is an untenable position but it wont accomplish what were trying to modify because you will forfeit what youre given. And its confusing and disorienting in its own way. We must find another way. I think the witnesses and i look forward to their testimony. Thank you, welcome to the witnesses. Secretary stackley, will begin with you. Distinguished members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I want to comment on the department of the navys 2018 budget request. Were extremely grateful for your committees strong support for navy and marine corps and we look forward to working closely with you on this budget request. As the nations global force, your navy and marine corps stand ready to respond ready to any crisis from the north atlantic, training, straits of malacca and the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean and on the ground in 41 countries around the world, 110,000 sailors and marines one third of our fleet are deployed today conducting combat operations, international exercise, maintaining maritime security, providing security deterrence is in responding to humanitarian crisis and disaster. The value of our presence is sea based operations is the surest deterrent. Maintain this skill of these operations replies on a main high state of operational readiness. We been increasingly challenged to do so i the growing imbalance to the size of the force, operational to operate and sustain the force. Years of combat and high operational tempo have asked accelerated the aging of our ships and aircraft and replace our maintenance requirement, supplied ports and have impacted training. Budget constraints, budget uncertainty, continuing resolutions have exacerbated these issues and the net impact of being a decline in the material conditions of our ships and aircraft. Accordingly, our priority in this budget is been placed on funding maintenance, spares, training and munitions to increase flying hours. Combat ships and one of which is to follow the amended Budget Proposal imagery insolvent and rescue ships it is critical to the top shipbuilding Priority Bank committed to the cost of a Carrier Program for the future the beef with a Health Care Cost over the past six years have made significant reductions were committed to further improvements for this years budget. To yield substantial savings in looking at the combat ship to increase survivability for the small service, but programs and with those additional ships we are requesting the Sheraton Hotel the gap and to ensure a healthy Industrial Base of in 2020 of budget request and the gatt 91 manned or Unmanned Aircraft to richer production for most of the aviation programs and of particular note it includes aircraft to help to arrest the decline in our inventory balky being on target for those six squadrons through the 2024 timeframe and also congressional approval to have the most affordable that bid to procure the final 65 aircraft of the program. And then to have sustained operations including procurement of of combat vehicle and replacing onethird of the of the feet and then to the Amphibious Assault vehicle no quantity of nextgeneration will happen without skilled talented sailors and marines to provide that naval forces with the advantage. Despite this extended deployments todays bourse is the most talented and high performing in history and in return it is our responsibility to provide those responsibilities that remains a top priority for the department. To rebuild the of readiness in terms of numbers of ships and to support these objectives we will be to make sure that we are the best towards possible. Also with those increased out why no the president s budget request by the budget control act the militarys ability to provide for the Nations Defense will decline by every dimension we choose to mention i look forward to an answering your questions. Other distinguished members of this subcommittee in drinking members figure for the privilege to Navy Civilians and their families to those that are hoping and praying in the heather victims of yesterdays brutal attack we admire their strength and toughness and present our best rushes for a . Recovery so to briefly allied with an abc yesterday the sailors in harms way around the world their talented and dedicated and focus on the mission and those of we have imposed and i hope to convey a sense of urgency and i agree with the chairman must increase the naval power today to pick up the pace and we need to have solid growth for balance. Beginning with the fiscal years 17 budget with their readiness decline and we have hundreds crowded determinants backlogs the pilots cannot find enough and not to have required spare parts at the maintain the levels and then to submerging given under way so many of your focused on adding more ships to flee to i am focused on battle so but if i can repair ship that is already bogged paid for to go juicy but that is one less ship today and as i mentioned the 17 budget was a great help to restore readiness. Is to capitalize on that investment to grow moving forward. And we need that Firm Foundation and as high as articulated we need a larger and more capable fleet the budget request preserves the growth to invest in emerging technologies for the future with a balanced approach the stars that acceleration of naval power and as i talk to the sailors protecting american from attack they are is bogus as ever on the mission and i know that there is a growing sense with the need that back here in washington we just dont get it. It seems that we live in a parallel universe. The were already hearing the budget menottis tapped in time resulting in a ninth of insinuating resolution. What is harder to explain to sailors and families and those who want to join in with the support that they need and record your questions. I am happy to answer your questions and be here today and will fully endorse the comments of both secretary stackley and my shipmate richardson of our Current Situation of the navy and marine corps pilot also had the best wishes to all marines and those are injured yesterday in which a speedy recovery the American People have High Expectations for their marines expected them to gauge with their partners in response to a crisis and when we fight expect us to win in do expect a lot out of a sandy should. Mantoman train and equip them prioritize the resources received from congress. Then to prioritize the of readiness may immediately respond to crisis and are projecting a the embassies around the world and our training and advising iraqi afghan armys in the pacific west of the International Date line after 15 years of for it is a compound of cost and then to show the readiness of expansion and over the past eight years with the legislative reality of occasions to disrupt our ability to program on director of these and sustain these improvements and to maintain a force that your marine corps requires fiscal stability and added resources. And then to redesign the force must adapted of capability and the thought process because the adversaries have continued to advance the capabilities and capacities the future depends on modernization. So as to look for the priorities remain with readiness recovery in the acceleration of a the modernization we dont want our marines not to have a fair fight we are a leaf already forced the potential adversaries the with your support to address the future challenges we are better postured to win the battles a look forward to your questions. Thank you very much the implications of day budget control act fiscal year 18 . Were trying to restore readiness to provide a Naval Operations<\/a> chief and commandant of the marine corps were on capitol hill this morning to brief members of the Senate Armed Service<\/a> committee addressing concerns about readiness and modernization. The hearing runs about two and half hours. The fiscal year 2018. I want to thank each of our witnesses for their distinguished service to the nation, as well as the sailors, marines and surveillance they lead were serving around the world today and recent months our nations senior civilian military leaders have testified to this committee about the severe threats we face around the world. The report shortfalls in readiness that our military has advantage over our potential adversaries is eroding and the dire need for new modern capabilities. Yet, as secretary matus testified here on tuesday, the greatest immediate threat that our military bases is right here in washington, fiscal uncertainty, continuing resolutions, arbitrary and inadequate caps on defense spending, four more years of the budget control act and the threat to see frustration, we desperately need a new approach. Unfortunately, the administrations fiscal 2018 budget request is insufficient to meet the challenges we face, rebuild the military, readiness and capacity of our force and regain our military technological advantage. Its no wonder, then, that the department of navy submitted over 8 million in unfunded priorities. Our navy is been too small for more than a decade, despite a 300 ships since 2006 the fleet has remained between 2270 and 290 ships. These capacity shortfalls are largely driven by president readiness challenge, tenmonth deployments are becoming a norn what used to be, Carrier Strike<\/a> group gaps in key regions are annual occurrences, more than half of navy f18s are not ready for combat and there is backlog of more than 14 billion in float in a short readiness. A lady of 355 ships with the right capabilities is inappropriate goal but this budget request makes no progress toward it. However, steps can be taken this year to grow the fleet and this committee will center all options. Similarly, this budget request only supports the marine corps of 185,000 marines in 31 amphibious ships despite a requirement for 194,000 marines and 38 amphibious ships. Meanwhile, marine corps aviation is in a crisis, fewer than half of marines are ready for combat. As a result, not deployed Marine Aviation<\/a> squads are short of the number of aircraft used to tra train, and respond in a crisis. The budget request will help the navy and marine corps to but we can and must do better than that. We need to expand and modernize our Maritime Forces<\/a> because our adversary are not standing still. Indeed, as chairman testified on tuesday the competitive advantage that the United States<\/a> militarily has long enjoyed is eroding. In just a few years, if we do not change trajectory, we lose our qualitative and quantitative advantage. Our navy and marine corps must be sufficiently sized and capable of projecting greater power over greater distance from the air, sea and many set. We needed new concepts of operation, new programs that enable, particularly, the navy needs a carrier air wing with greater range and striking power, especially through unmanned platforms. I continue to urge the department of navy to examine how smaller aircraft carriers could improve current plans for super carriers in amphibious ships and provide a more capable, credible maritime force. At the same time, as we advocate for increased defense spending, all of us must remain equally committed to exercising rigorous oversight of acquisition programs to ensure the best use of military untrained limited taxpayer dollars. I assure you, this committee will. The initial cost overruns more than double the cost of each combat ship, Development Cost<\/a> of the ships and their modules now proceed 6 billion and they keep rising. Meanwhile, were capabilities of the lcs including anti summary warfare have fallen years, i repeat, years behind schedule. They remain unproven. Because of longrunning cost, schedule and performance issues with this program, i support the departments proposal to pursue as quickly as possible. Petition and selecting a new frigate with new legality and survivability. The navy should occur the minimum number of lcs necessary to keep the workforce viable to pete for new frigates. Secretary stockley has testified that would be one lcs in fiscal year 18, not more. I want to emphasize secretary stockley testified that would be one lcs in fiscal year 18, not more. On the aircraft carrier, its encouraging to see the ship finally delivered to the navy, the request for the. [inaudible] escape exceeds the cost to buy 20 million. In addition, the navy wants to award the contract the construction contract for the third ship, the enterprise, receive 80 and march 2018 at a cost of 13 billion which is 1. 6 billion more than the previous ship. This is unacceptable for ship certified to be a repeat design that will deliver just three years later. Secretary stockley and admiral richardson, id like an explanation. The marine corps must learn to lessen the past failures, such as the expeditionary fighting vehicle and deliver these needed capabilities on time at cost and up to expectations. Some of the greatest challenges will be in the maritime domain and so it important that we have our committee and theyre ready for todays fight and developing the capabilities for tomorrows fights. This budget request is a start but im afraid it is not enough. We should not ask our military to choose between readiness and modernization, between present needs and future needs, we owe our sailors and marines and all of our men and women in uniform, more than that, a lot more. They serve, fight, sacrifice for us every single day, let us do no less for them. Senator reid. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. I want to join senator mccain and welcomes xray stockley. We are grateful for the quality of your service and particularly gave birth to the many women you lead and please express our consideration of things to them. I especially want to think secretary stockley for his many years of service to the country both in the navy and on this committee. This may be your last appearance as secretary. Thank you for a job well done. Im sure this is a sad moment for secretary stockley. He was very upbeat. I thank you again. Witnesses we need to modernize and keep our technical edge so critical to military success. The problem the navy faces serious readiness problems, caused by deferred maintenance, reduce canceled training and appointments. They continued emphasis on readiness in this years budget will address some of the navys most serious readiness problems and im interested in hearing the witnesses views on this matter. Im also interested in understanding, what if anything, what they are doing to the overhaul of the attack submarine is operating because there certifications have expired. Thats one exploit blatant example of challenges they face. The current plan would fail to get this vote recertified until sometime in 2019. All areas of our naval forces of maintaining high operational tempo and highlevel operations, tempo contributed in part to the conclusion of Naval Operations<\/a> calling for increases in the goals of the navy fleet from 308 ships to a level of 355 ships. The demand is overwhelming for attack summaries, air and Missile Defense<\/a> crews, destroyers, and strike fighting inventory. In addition, the navy is now in its fifth year of operating with fewer than the required 11 aircraft carriers. For the next decade, the First Priority<\/a> is to buy a new class of Strategic Missile<\/a> submarines to replace the class submarines. Im interested in hearing how the navy is managing encouraging demands and how it plans to manage computer modernization particularly how its used in the National Sea Based Deterrence<\/a> fund as we begin procurement funding now of the columbias class program, as we begin at this year. Theyve stated that the recapitalization of Armed Forces Central<\/a> to our future readiness with investment in ground contact vehicles, aviation, commandandcontrol, and digitally in operable networks. The marine corps continues to make modernization of ground vehicles a priority by developing amphibious combat vehicles to replace the aged amphibious eggs assault vehicles as well as partly with the light tactical beetles. I would welcome an update from our witness on the status of these programs and if they believe there will be significant delays in failing to do acquisition program. The department of the navy budget and its usual significant program, some of which have problems with execution, as chairman pointed out in detail. Last year i raised the issue that the budget would leave the navy in default. It was a problem that was solved for you in fy 17 dod appropriations act provided three additional aircraft. This year the navy is asking for approval of the sevenyear multi contract with the program and id like to hear why we should depart from the fiveyear multi regimen that established entitled time in the United States<\/a> code and why we should counter the navy to pay more attention to the terms and that was the case last year. The Defense Department<\/a> strategic guidance issue in generate data followed by the 2014 announced a new strategy for us military orientation on the asiapacific, consistent with that strategy, the Defense Department<\/a> is working to realign Us Military Forces<\/a> in south korea and okinawa and plant position bring, singapore, and possibly elsewhere in the region. Im interested in hearing how their implementing these strategic decisions. In this request, the demonstration asks for an increase of roughly 54 billion above the total budget years fiscal year 2018 prescribed in the budget control act. That total of the navy budget constitute a rookies and probably dollars. However, i must point out, Less Congress<\/a> can achieve a broad and bipartisan agreement appeal any approval of the increase will create a frustration of a similar amount. President budget addresses the issue of making cuts roughly 54 billion non defense discretionary way of balancing the increased defense which, from my perspective, is an untenable position but it wont accomplish what were trying to modify because you will forfeit what youre given. And its confusing and disorienting in its own way. We must find another way. I think the witnesses and i look forward to their testimony. Thank you, welcome to the witnesses. Secretary stackley, will begin with you. Distinguished members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I want to comment on the department of the navys 2018 budget request. Were extremely grateful for your committees strong support for navy and marine corps and we look forward to working closely with you on this budget request. As the nations global force, your navy and marine corps stand ready to respond ready to any crisis from the north atlantic, training, straits of malacca and the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean<\/a> and on the ground in 41 countries around the world, 110,000 sailors and marines one third of our fleet are deployed today conducting combat operations, international exercise, maintaining maritime security, providing security deterrence is in responding to humanitarian crisis and disaster. The value of our presence is sea based operations is the surest deterrent. Maintain this skill of these operations replies on a main high state of operational readiness. We been increasingly challenged to do so i the growing imbalance to the size of the force, operational to operate and sustain the force. Years of combat and high operational tempo have asked accelerated the aging of our ships and aircraft and replace our maintenance requirement, supplied ports and have impacted training. Budget constraints, budget uncertainty, continuing resolutions have exacerbated these issues and the net impact of being a decline in the material conditions of our ships and aircraft. Accordingly, our priority in this budget is been placed on funding maintenance, spares, training and munitions to increase flying hours. Combat ships and one of which is to follow the amended Budget Proposal<\/a> imagery insolvent and rescue ships it is critical to the top shipbuilding Priority Bank<\/a> committed to the cost of a Carrier Program<\/a> for the future the beef with a Health Care Cost<\/a> over the past six years have made significant reductions were committed to further improvements for this years budget. To yield substantial savings in looking at the combat ship to increase survivability for the small service, but programs and with those additional ships we are requesting the Sheraton Hotel<\/a> the gap and to ensure a healthy Industrial Base<\/a> of in 2020 of budget request and the gatt 91 manned or Unmanned Aircraft<\/a> to richer production for most of the aviation programs and of particular note it includes aircraft to help to arrest the decline in our inventory balky being on target for those six squadrons through the 2024 timeframe and also congressional approval to have the most affordable that bid to procure the final 65 aircraft of the program. And then to have sustained operations including procurement of of combat vehicle and replacing onethird of the of the feet and then to the Amphibious Assault<\/a> vehicle no quantity of nextgeneration will happen without skilled talented sailors and marines to provide that naval forces with the advantage. Despite this extended deployments todays bourse is the most talented and high performing in history and in return it is our responsibility to provide those responsibilities that remains a top priority for the department. To rebuild the of readiness in terms of numbers of ships and to support these objectives we will be to make sure that we are the best towards possible. Also with those increased out why no the president s budget request by the budget control act the militarys ability to provide for the Nations Defense<\/a> will decline by every dimension we choose to mention i look forward to an answering your questions. Other distinguished members of this subcommittee in drinking members figure for the privilege to Navy Civilians<\/a> and their families to those that are hoping and praying in the heather victims of yesterdays brutal attack we admire their strength and toughness and present our best rushes for a . Recovery so to briefly allied with an abc yesterday the sailors in harms way around the world their talented and dedicated and focus on the mission and those of we have imposed and i hope to convey a sense of urgency and i agree with the chairman must increase the naval power today to pick up the pace and we need to have solid growth for balance. Beginning with the fiscal years 17 budget with their readiness decline and we have hundreds crowded determinants backlogs the pilots cannot find enough and not to have required spare parts at the maintain the levels and then to submerging given under way so many of your focused on adding more ships to flee to i am focused on battle so but if i can repair ship that is already bogged paid for to go juicy but that is one less ship today and as i mentioned the 17 budget was a great help to restore readiness. Is to capitalize on that investment to grow moving forward. And we need that Firm Foundation<\/a> and as high as articulated we need a larger and more capable fleet the budget request preserves the growth to invest in emerging technologies for the future with a balanced approach the stars that acceleration of naval power and as i talk to the sailors protecting american from attack they are is bogus as ever on the mission and i know that there is a growing sense with the need that back here in washington we just dont get it. It seems that we live in a parallel universe. The were already hearing the budget menottis tapped in time resulting in a ninth of insinuating resolution. What is harder to explain to sailors and families and those who want to join in with the support that they need and record your questions. I am happy to answer your questions and be here today and will fully endorse the comments of both secretary stackley and my shipmate richardson of our Current Situation<\/a> of the navy and marine corps pilot also had the best wishes to all marines and those are injured yesterday in which a speedy recovery the American People<\/a> have High Expectations<\/a> for their marines expected them to gauge with their partners in response to a crisis and when we fight expect us to win in do expect a lot out of a sandy should. Mantoman train and equip them prioritize the resources received from congress. Then to prioritize the of readiness may immediately respond to crisis and are projecting a the embassies around the world and our training and advising iraqi afghan armys in the pacific west of the International Date<\/a> line after 15 years of for it is a compound of cost and then to show the readiness of expansion and over the past eight years with the legislative reality of occasions to disrupt our ability to program on director of these and sustain these improvements and to maintain a force that your marine corps requires fiscal stability and added resources. And then to redesign the force must adapted of capability and the thought process because the adversaries have continued to advance the capabilities and capacities the future depends on modernization. So as to look for the priorities remain with readiness recovery in the acceleration of a the modernization we dont want our marines not to have a fair fight we are a leaf already forced the potential adversaries the with your support to address the future challenges we are better postured to win the battles a look forward to your questions. Thank you very much the implications of day budget control act fiscal year 18 . Were trying to restore readiness to provide a Firm Foundation<\/a>. 3 real growth . Were ready to defend this budget but it is more that we need of the budget control act. Looking at a 5 growth with those projections. And for the navy that was the early 20 20 s. It will be about the same time chairman full spectrum in the future fight with the longrange munitions of those capabilities for aliquippa not adequate for the future. And according to various studies and those that showed those potential adversaries the potential gaps that exist between our capabilities and debtors and theres. Yes it is. One of the great disasters agassi in recently is the elsie us lcs but has been delayed cumulative six years and counting the and so even with that package and with that capability. So we are committed to making lcs. You mean held accountable . So in other words, to be held responsible but also who has been held accountable . Is there a change your lifestyle since we had those lcs modules a labor 26 years . We have taken several measures to make that lcs board capable and working to rationalize the program and looking to the survivability. So now all this suddenly need three . How did that happen . And were looking at more survivable program and then leading that contract in 2020. But most of the year 364 days you only needed one and now you need three . How does that process transpire . We react as we get confirmation. So most of your your given one set in now youre given Additional Information<\/a> that called for two additional lcs . Is that how the system works . We learned realtime. I would be interested for the record how we jump from one lcs up at three literally days after only been told we would need one. So with Great Respect<\/a> so what about that cost cap. Right now we try to hold that within that 12 billion number stablish several years ago we have included a 20 million request pending the determination. Were continuing to evaluate than doing everything that we can and to Keep Congress<\/a> informed as we complete the assessment. But we have not been informed. The you have not done either one including notify yes. Sova regarding those repairs are required for the generator and we acknowledge the of risk associated with those repairs however were trying not to incur those cost by other means were now ready to trip the cost cap. He there not allowable or it is for you take a certain course of action then youre required to notify congress. If we need to incur this cost it is allowable youre trying to avoid that. I agreed that we were supposed to be that if notified. You are in violation of merc dirty or the requirement and you have done neither. Serve we have not bust the cost gap and we will notify congress with those terms that you have established. I will get that to you in writing is still you have not answer the question. With a 20 million cost overrun but maybe you can give a more satisfactory explanation quite as and what has changed of the strategy . The threats has changed it is more challenging the way we operate has changed we want that to be relative it isnt in a concept so the combination of those to of the changes of the fiscal of fire it changes as to change those requirements. Does that frustrate you and all that for a new forget in 2020 . No sir were honker down want to get that new transition as soon as possible. By the time we refer those requirements of flooded is technological what they call schedule and the risk negative 2020 is an aggressive target. If we could go faster we will. Why is it there is one of these every six months . And it is a pretty complicated technology but somehow it doesnt take two 1 2 years to lay down selective we had one then when we first see the first results . Yes, sir, the timeline right now to complete the requirements the next up is to share their requirements with industry and put a request the proposals out and then get the award in 2020 with industry to complete the details and will take a yearandahalf while they order material so we would expect that frigatte to be in the water in the 20 20 four time frame seven years. Is that satisfactory to you . Given that were just now getting that target but what we dont want to do is encourage show risk or take on that risk from the lcs Program Within<\/a> on realistic schedule with the design was not richard. To think were completely united with working with industry to go as fast as we can and but moving into destruction before a the design is a recipe for overruns and delays since were working with industry to move this faster. I have well exceeded my time. The request was for weeks and the aircraft was starting production several weeks later so tell me what has changed at girl spread the process has changed quite a bit. But we are seven years verses a few weeks . The sophistication of the technology is such that it takes seven years to start developing aircraft as opposed to four weeks over back in the other days it wasnt so sophisticated it was a couple weeks there is something wrong with the acquisition process and we try to put you in a charge to get the process to move forward to why should it take to not years for a manufacturer to come up with the technology to build an aircraft or a ship . These are very vexing problems. Mr. Chairman thank you you, it secretary stackley last year with the authorization act we expanded these authorities including continuous production to the department of columbia so can you estimate how much this has saved the taxpayer . Across the board with the fund and specifics regarding specific production the mobile using numbers of 1. 2 billion dollars of future savings. Do you need any Additional Authority<\/a> . To accelerate these future savings . In the 2018 budget request, and no but were beginning to explore opportunities have frankly that will be significant because we have the Ship Construction<\/a> program and to the extent that we want to pull work to the left as best as possible to drive costs down and have stability that we need for that program. Today we spend a lot of time with the shipbuilders but those issues next year on the Industrial Base<\/a> where the Ship Builders<\/a> dont have that stability or the certainty that we need to provide so that cost of materials that they will be providing to the builders. That is part of the Supplier Base<\/a> to metcalf the cost comes through the Supplier Base<\/a> to the extent we can reduce their cost then we have the compound did benefit. This year you were asking a multiyear contract and the u. S. Code is five years so why do we need to additional years . Were coming to the end of production. And the procurer rates frankly have been stretched over a seven year period typically aviation programs will seek increased at the end of production so at the end of production we avoid that tail up inside of the multiyear to procurer and overall drive the cost of the program so it is more about affordability than any other factor in with the 65 aircraft and other potentials years trying to look to have as much stability as possible to drive across town. One primary vantage is the determination suggests reaching the inventory at the end of the seven year period. The chairman has gone to great detail about this vessel and right now it is not capable of its mission it is not capable of the submarine mission what is it capable of performing . Antisurface warfare for for negative module has been delivered in deployed and the counter mission that capability is on track through the early 2020 because as you know, were since setting back current capability to maintain a continuous capability. There has been some comment the lcs is difficult to keep up with the speed your moving as fast as it can to avoid detection or engagement. Is there any validity to that . I will take the question and say it is not designed as a ship to operate like that so moving across vast distances is using the ship in a different way. I am certainly not an expert on Naval Operations<\/a> but as we encounter rising adversaries it is more likely to be engaged in these type of operations . That is fair that is why we have those plans to deploy in singapore providing that were getting the street level maritime operation. And the chairman went into detail about of program i just want to understand and the issue with a catapult system and the ability to launch aircraft apparently it can launch a there are no fuel tanks so is this issue different than what was addressed with those overall capability and cost overruns . Cry would not describe it that way but what were going through right now is a bulletin for launching and recovery. And so we have a landbased system that starts slowed to build up in terms of launching and recovering the aircraft and in the process of the vibration and was detected to go to the software to remove that vibration so to Dave Dave Reid<\/a> do that testing to do the launch recovery operations so i will call this systems turning taking place right now. So that launching system compromise is the launching and recovery of those aircraft. And these problems will be anticipated with these new ships will be solved . Absolutely. How much is the cost of that experiment . I have to get you the respect specifics. 100 million for the total system. We have heard repeatedly from all the services of the Global Threats<\/a> of the environment that were in with lack of adequate, the director highlighted the threat between the Terror Networks<\/a> and as bad as the global threat is it doesnt seem likely to be better in the future. The navy plays a central role in the response of these threats so it seems like with my observation we have heard less from the navy about the threats as we have the other services of a bite to get on record now with that inadequacy of the response . I completely agree to be clear and consistent on the record the threats are rising and we need to move faster. We believe we have not been assassinated but we have been consistent on closing the gap between potential adversaries and ourselves. That is scary. When you say maybe more animated you need to be because at this time we dont have that credibility that you have been uniform to let the American People<\/a> know what that threat is so i would encourage you. I hear you and i would say that with our marine operational concept looking to be is appear adversary in the year 2025. The first operation squadron that declared the initial operating capabilities in 2015 through earlier this year they relocated to become the First Permanent<\/a> deployed squadron that participated in the joint exercises and we got lots of good reports so can you elaborate how well they did . 121 did operations on the Crimean Peninsula<\/a> digest recently went to alaska and to that was a red flag i have not got the classified report but i perceive their ability to operate or take advantage of fifth generation capabilities that they can maintain a high ratio of kill to loss over the adversary that is pretty consistent at all want to get into the specifics but for readiness, one thing the appropriations said is we have underfunded not just for ground equipment but aviation equipment. Radiation the readiness was a bubble we expected and we have run into some problems there are things we did not know about getting parts and spares and we are working through that there is better readiness in alaska because of the ability to get access to parts they are doing better means wise but everything we expected to. For a couple of things on the record we get the reports 63 of the f15s are broken or not working properly and 47 percent of all aircraft is having problems. The debt levels are critical so i understand to sustain the aging force in read do have one like we never have before the to be encouraged by the operations to see first hand how they are extending service to the planes that we never thought we would have to be using at this age and then all while saving 2. 4 billion but does a gao report in june a couple weeks ago released a readiness recovery for the navy based on those made in schedules and critical that the navy has completing maintenance on time due to criticism. We have pulled every lever we can that is part of the challenges were dealing with were bringing a particular case of aircraft flying over their fly rates from 6,000 hours designed at 9,000 or greater and what that adds up to is a lot of unknowns the results in the extended period of time to take care of those necessary repairs. And we become far more productive predicted to of a better understanding of up posture. Gentleman i am sure you are aware there is a passing reference to the statement of the atrocious level of readiness coming to this super hornet scurvy in the navy and marine corps. And 74 of the marine at 18 are not fit to fly and grounded his readiness rate puts strain on the aircraft as they pick up the slack i was heartened when i learned there are discussed 24 more of these on existing production lines and equally disheartened when that number arrived at our office with the number of 14. This is the number one spot on the unfunded party list for the third year in a row so how did that 24 number get at 14 in what those 10 fighter jets and what that was used to pay for . So i will start we dont look at just the fyi 18 but looking at what we need to add to the inventory to address the challenges when this superordinate goes to the same Extension Program<\/a> at the legacy of the f18 and that number may go up so to me with the fiveyear program in the year 2018 looking at that Industrial Base<\/a> consideration me also factor military sales overworking hard that i think your will familiar with of the significant quantity of aircraft to give us the front and stability and with the fiveyear defense plan that we believe we need a solid 80 as the threshold to be associated and the future and fiscal year 18 shows the Budget Constraints<\/a> in to bring in Foreign Military<\/a> sales and aircraft for the Industrial Base<\/a> that is the crux of it in one minor correction their readiness issues that you cited for the strike fighters is the legacy f18 suffering those numbers right now the Super Hornets<\/a> are doing well they have not entered that stage of their service life where we see the challenge that we see today in the legacy and we want to get out in front of that. I agree with everything the secretary has said it will help to maintain inventory as a super hornet enters that life cycle we are working closely with industry to learn the lessons of of legacy or net that we will need 80 aircraft. So the number arrived at was production in light of production constraints as opposed to using those to pay for another system. We have to figure out to buy that within our constraints. The staff has been briefed in j river those are sweat representatives responsible for providing briefings to move forward as intended with no measurable negative impact on readiness so with that briefing in january id like to repeat that question when i asked if you supported the measure for women to register for the Selective Service<\/a> you said that you did i just want to double check that you still believe that is an important step forward to require all americans to register not just one gender yes. Thank you for your testimony so i will reiterate today the budget control act must we repealed that is not the Constitution Congress<\/a> has made it clear we cannot abide by those caps so why dont we repeal the to do our constitutional duty since every senator did not even vote. General neller i attended a funeral yesterday of one of your marines private first class roberts died in november 1943 as a sniper he along with several others could not be identified but now to the pow remains we will spare no expense or bear a burden to bring them home to put them arrester they deserve so your response to a question that you are not organized to face a clear adversary in 2025 could you explain why it is the case . Since 9 11 we have organized training for the Counter Insurgency<\/a> for that training as a junior officer to fight against the peter, of course, was not required so we did what we needed to do as he started to lose the capability in the more traditional since slid to take that current operating environment and anticipate the future environment and the longrange precision of weapons with Unmanned Aircraft<\/a>, our adversaries have taken the time while we were focused on the insurgency to develop these capabilities. Although we still retain the edge it has closed so we need to look at our capabilities that we have so the intent with the and strength of 185,000 in the appropriations to start the process to increase the number of marines to do Electronic Warfare<\/a> of commandandcontrol the do cyber, information, air defense, and those capabilities that our important in that type of environment and we will continue to add to that capability and modernize the legacy force. To achieve a decisive victory. It sounds like you stress the skill set and training rather than the absolute number that you need. Then you get into the question of capacity and capability so right now the focus is on the capabilities that little to respect to my own tribe of the infantrys i can make it capable infantry marines and about six or nine months but the sailors and airmen and the soldiers this will be expensive and take time to grow and build we have to train them and then we have to keep them. So right now were focused on capacity or capability eventually we have to get to a capacity. Introducing a member of Talent Management<\/a> programs so could you give us an update . Especially as it relates to the pilots . I agree completely with the commandant how to achieve that balance you have to be there with credible options to provide decisionmaking that the team is responsible for delivering we have the sailor 2025 initiative that is a bundle of 40 different initiatives and with respect your specific question on pilots the very most urgent they is get the aircraft ready to fly dave joined in the of highperformance aircraft that is why they came and went to stay so it is our First Priority<\/a>. Thanks for your extraordinary service. Admiral richard send you know of my longstanding support for the undersea warfare superiority and i was very gratified to see you he did my calls and others to read another submarine fiscal year 21 where previously there is only one. This signals the navy is confident the Industrial Base<\/a> has that capability and i see that the budget allows for the accelerated on fyi 21 but it does deviate from fyi 22 but that has no additional money so can you explain that . Were continuing to work very closely with the industrial bite Industrial Base<\/a> to maximizing and maintain our undersea superiority because you are so deeply involved you know, many parts have been weaned out by the minimum production rate that we have got that is part of that Industrial Base<\/a> with only one customer and one provider sold looking at what is that capacity that is a signal of confidence from the government to increase the rates further still. What i think you are saying is you have doubts about the capability to produce that additional submarine in fy 22 . No doubt. I just want to make sure were understanding the theoretical limits to see how far we can go. I want to make sure you understand the practical limits that we meet and exceed those to produce that additional submarine in fy 22. We will take every submarine weekend getting we can get right now i dont know how to put more bluntly but i will do whatever i can we have the funding and the capability for training and skill and education in connecticut it which is where we produce submarines submarines, to make sure we meet that schedule because i consider that vital to our national security. I agree. With the Defense Strategy<\/a> leading into the 2019 budget request were taking a very hard look at this the domination undersea domain is clear today to ensure we do not lose that grip in to see the future fleets highlight for additional attack submarines but that being said were just now producing to virginia class per year we will at columbia to that getting a set three but then three virginias per year commensurate with the columbia class is another element of risk and we need to look at what needs to be done we have not done that yet and we will do that with full cooperation with congress because we all have to be in this together to identify the risks and the steps that need to be taken we will work closely with you to determine what is possible and how to get there. I look forward to working with you on that issue. General you noted that the only maritime heavy lift helicopters supporting the future war fighting concept i take that statement as a strong endorsement of this program so can you explain why you consider this aircraft so important and why the funding should be authorized for the additional helicopters . We need ships that are not effected by corrosion and we have to lift all parts ashore that was more than any other helicopter in the world the one we have now built in 1981. So the capability of this airplane is a composite body , more powerful and it will be incredibly more reliable to drive costs down. We could put money back into it but we decided several years ago that was not costeffective sabir resetting those airplanes because the readiness was more dramatically bad dandy f18 said the aircraft is on schedule and were watching the price very closely because there are some price concerns i think were in a good place but we ask for the support to continue to procure this airplane i will do my best to monitor their progress to make sure it is on time and on schedule and within cost. I agree strongly that it should be replaced in not extended i hope the committee will join in that you lung views. Thanks for your service to our country obliged to talk readiness and spare parts and maintenance and general neller the question you were pushing pretty hard to talk about the need for spare parts and to repair the equipment but you have got a right to give you an opportunity just as serious the situation is right now and the need to continue for all aspects of the operations you are responsible for. As i have learned as we have gone through these 17 and 18 budget with aviation and ground equipment we have not funded at the requisite level you would think it was funded at 100 percent but it was way below that in some cases 75 71 readiness sap parts where spares at seven 5 as the budget can expect to have wanted to present a readiness to have to pay for the parts and spares and that cost money so with f18 now that we require of 75 basic freddie aircraft on the line. It goes back to what the see a no says and then we are the top dog and will give you the parts to fix the stuff. My aircrew want to fly in the retainer shouldnt have to work twice. We would ask for your support, the proposed budget preteen and youll see some of that in the supplemental is focused on continuing what restarted now was the beginning move toward improved readiness. There is slight improvement in the aircraft we have on the line is almost 90 more than we had a year ago. Still not where it needs to be a no one is declaring victory. If we get continued support for highlevel support will continue. I have the same question, what comes to not just spare parts but also munitions, do you have the munitions in the spare parts you need to do your job . With respect to aviation it is one team, the Naval Aviation<\/a> we talk about in the problems that is highlighted is a Naval Aviation<\/a> situation. We share that. I would say we bowsher also the shortfall munitions. So the budget request before the congressman includes almost record level funding for parts funded to the maximum executed value to restore those parts and then also it includes money for more munitions. Which munitions are you short today . We would say the preferred munitions. The precision munitions which are most use a most useful in the fight. Undersea weapons, torpedoes as well. Senator and half also talked about depot and people activity. Just curious, you do depots, particularly for aviation and you operate them. You have challenges now because you have a lot of f18 set have to undergo a lot of work because of their age. It seems to me the air force would be challenged in the same way, they have aircraft theyre putting hours on as well. Is there a formal avenue for air force and navy depots to share information concerning best practices . There is an avenue. Will have to check on the formality of that. We are collaborating on learning lessons back and forth and just about everything that regards aviation. Is a formalized process to look at best practices in a depot . In terms where the navy or the air force is working to lead the best ways to do it and sharing systems analysis between the two . There is. Sir, that is clearly an opportunity where we can do better. Its an informal process, close dialogue going on between the systems command, navy marine kit core and air force they are very different. We are informally its an opportunity we need to take advantage of. Thank you, my time is expired. Thank you mr. Chairman. Thank you all for your service. I appreciate the commitment you have made to improve the Mental Health<\/a> and resiliency of our Service Members<\/a> and families. I brought this up to every service and to secretary mattis earlier this week. As you may know, Congress Passed<\/a> an act as part of the and why 15 andy why why ive been told in the past that the requirements will be fully implemented in the navy and marine corps by the date of october 2017. Admiral, can you tell me if you are still on target question. Sir, were still on target. General, can you confirm your target. Yes, sir to the best my knowledge. Thank you. General, i would also like to invite you if you have the time, we have Naval Service<\/a> in indiana and they do a lot of work for the core and they do terrific work for the court. If you can figure a way to get there, we would be happy to have you. Yes, sir i will do that. The parents of this young man live in the boys and i need to go back and see him anyway. I will go with you over the there. One of the many areas of cranes work that we have discussed is the contribution to the netted baby mission. Can you tell us more about the current plans of that what we can do to support the vision . We would provide a complete level of connectivity between our navy and other joint service sensors including maybe then privatesector sensors and connect those are our platforms and command centers. Key to that will be making sure we have the confidence in all of our systems, down to the chip level that these things are free of tampering, that they are integral and cannot be hacked into her to not have any kind of software. This is the type of work that crane does for us. Getting down to the microscopic level to make sure that were getting what we pay for. General, what is your biggest concern right now as commander of the court . The biggest challenge you face . I think the overall readiness for the force, and that is more than just the material readiness, the airplanes, the helicopters, the tanks, the weaponry i believe that is fixable. My concern is the temple we are operating under and we are going to get young men and women who want to join a were still recruiting. But, for the first time im seeing that our career force, particular air senior listed are starting to show the effects of 15 and 16 years of war. We need them to stay because they are the ones i keep this thing going and they teach the Young Marines<\/a> who come in what rank looks like. So, i have concerns about that. Part of that concern they have is they want to see there is commitment from leadership and commitment from the nation to not just recognize what they have done the last 15 years, but make sure they have the newer equipment to new gear and capabilities they need to be successful, if and when they need to go back and fight. Im all, what is your biggest concern right now . Very similar. The current base of operations and the relative pace of improvement in the gap between a challenge and the stable level of support any. That has manifested itself in the major discussion weve had today in terms of readiness. It will continue to manifest itself in terms of the future and modernization. That will come back and start to affect our most valuable asset which is our people. We have been focused like a laser to make sure that we bring in and take care of the people. Once that happens, that is very difficult to recover. Takes a long time to build a sergeant or chief petty officer, that is a difficult thing. If they leave thats hard to recover. The last question is just like in the last few days you have flashed a laser on the marine helicopter, have you worked out a scenario to make sure men and women are protected . That we take appropriate steps in that we have this figured out in advance us what were going to do . Yes, sir. All of those commanders and theater have the equipment, rules of engagement and authority seining to make sure than their teams are protected. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you for joining us today. We appreciate your dedication and service. We have heard a number of points made about acquisition and the fact that we need to do this in a more efficient manner. Secretary, i would like to start with you, i was pleased to hear that the navy has increased their outreach to Small Businesses<\/a> as a way to speed up the failures that we have seen in the acquisition process. Small businesses can provide the department with muchneeded product. We have a very Small Company<\/a> in iowa that provides a pump that is on every single navy ship. What additional authorities can we provide to the department in order to speed up the acquisition process . How do we increase the outreach we have to the Small Businesses<\/a> . Let me start with the authorities. I believe we have tremendous authority already and what we have to do is become better practitioners in terms of using those. I would press on our acquisition team. Go use every authority that you have got. Use the great weight of the government behind you to tackle these issues and not let the bureaucracy become the problem. Think we have authorities that we need. We are not hesitant to come to it is not more authority we need, unlock some of the burdens we have got so we can speed up. We are trying to push the boundaries. We want to be told to slow down and not the alternative. With regards to Small Business<\/a>, this takes a lot of work. I can tell you that yesterday i walked into the office of the acting assistant secretary of the navy we were sitting down to talk with one Small Business<\/a> on one matter that this Small Business<\/a> had driving to do this was not going to win foxhole by foxhole in the Small Business<\/a> arena. I have to train every acquisition manager professional that Small Business<\/a> is your best friend. We have a phrase that we use that Small Businesses<\/a> big business for the navy. They bring a very frank the cost structure but theyre not at debt that dealing with a large government. We have got to tailor our processes for them engage with them, make them a part of the team and not have them intimidated or blocked from entry. I think were wellequipped with authorities and will not be hesitant to request additional authorities and with regards to Small Business<\/a>, we look for opportunity and what i have to get his every Program Manager<\/a> to recognize it does not have to boeing or General Dynamics<\/a> later dealing with, you have to deal with the Small Businesses<\/a>. I appreciate that. The take away for the committee is you have the authorities unique, uni perhaps less of the regulation and roles. Less burdensome oversight, is that correct . Yes, what is happened over the decades his language has been added telling us how to do her business and what we are recognizing is all of these interlocking requirements are in fact slowing us down. We need good order and discipline, but if we have too much prescriptive language it will slow us down. We have got to tailor where we can and work with you to identify where we have what i call dead language that require us to have no value. Peeling back the regulations will be important. General miller, the question to wise the marine corps just now beginning to look at the m3 20 grenade launcher for the infantry when the army has been using this for the past eight years . I might think that is a waste of money if the army has successfully your sit. I saw that article today. We talk about weapons and we talk about ammo and 27 different types of weapons were looking at and trying to create as much commonality with the army because they can buy on economy of scale. Nobody has ever said that ours is not getting things done that we need a new grenade launcher. I will have to get back to you on that. Clearly if it is a better, more effective and efficient way to deliver that particular munition that we are over it. Im out of my lane a Small Business<\/a> but i will tell you we talked a lot about stability of the budget. Every one of those contractors out there is really made up of a bunch of Small Businesses<\/a>. The big guy can survive if theres inconsistency in the funding, the Small Business<\/a> cant. They have to buy product and put on workers. If theres a cr you cant go, thats what kills us. Thats where our parts and spares come from in many places. Thats why its so important that we get budget stability. Thank you if i could talk about the acquisition piece. We are talking with industry. Those industries that do business in the private sector and government i mentioned in my written statement its almost like two worlds in terms of achieving quality and predictability. So just for your point they estimate that overhead cost 20 that 20 impedance is often too high for Small Business<\/a> to get over. We help the navy, the government, the taxpayer and Small Business<\/a> by cutting through the. Thank you very much. Thank you to all the witnesses for your testimony. I have one longterm question i like you to address. We are grappling with the proposal to grow the navy from 308 ships to 355. Im on the Budget Committee<\/a> we have folks of the Budget Committee<\/a> and folks who are appropriators. If youre growing the navy to that level theres other changes youll be contemplating as well depending on the mixture of ships. What might that mean for naval and Marine Aviation<\/a>. Many have units connected to them, what might that mean for the marines that i know youre probably early into the thinking of this, but lets look down the road. If we get over the concerns about sequester and start to budget based on priorities instead of trimming our priorities to deal with budget uncertainty, as we grow what should we expect from you to us around additional changes like aviation, personnel and et cetera. You hit the nail on the head. The idea the concept is wholeness. I would advocate that as we grow the navy we have to grow it in balance. Certainly there is a fundamental role for capacity, more ships and as we do that we will need to make sure to the point very clearly made today we buy the infrastructure to support those ships. The space and the power thats needed. The cruise to man them the maintenance programs, if theres an aviation component to that that we need to buy the aircraft so its maintaining the balance as we grow. Otherwise will have a large and potentially hollow navy. I think they captured it well. I can describe the cbo has put out a report that describes the cost and i think they have captured some of this cost so we can go into this with eyes wide open. Building that maybe you describe going to a 355 ship navy. Were not there yet. We dont get to 308 ships until 2022. Were building up the manpower and infrastructure. What we need to be doing is planning on those additional elements that go as we continue to grow the size of the force. It will be the marine corps elements and when you take the 355 and say whats different, the biggest elements are attack submarines, destroyers or crews a replacement. One carrier than getting up to the full complement. Need to start to look at the specific elements of what we need to grow that capability. It will take a while to get there. How about the marines and not just platforms but the personnel that might be involved. As a secretary said, the majority of the growth if we get to 38 and were doing things with Marine Forces<\/a> now on land that we would prefer to be doing from the sea. At our structure now we could support the manning. We would take people from doing things theyre doing now and take advantage of the ships. There are other things, every ship i have to put marine on their but i also have to have surface connectors and you look in the budget, that something in the supplemental thats a program not a lot of money but those connectors allow us to do the job and go to put that force ashore and exchange forces at sea bass so the connectors are something that would have to be grown and certainly we would not get there if we do not for the current program. Thank you. Gentlemen, thank you for your service and testimony. Last year we had done essentially what the joint chiefs had requested of the congress. Our Appropriations Committee<\/a> moved to the defense appropriations bill out of committee that was bipartisan. Only one descendent teen senator on the floor. Last summer we moved to vote on it and it was filibuster. We went through the usual playbook of a cr, omnibus number of us want to try to do that again, not filibustered but get a no kidding budget on the floor vote on, would that be your preferred course for the men and women the military that we do that . Yes, sir. By far the preferred course using normal procedures. Yes, sir. Mr. Secretary, i would say silly acceptable courser. We will try and do that and hopefully there will not be another filibuster and continuing resolution. It is good to hear that thats what you want and the other courses of action are not helpful to our troops is that correct . You are all nodding. I think that would reinforce what this you know said, it would restore confidence in the rankandfile of all men and women in the armed forces that they understand what is happening in the city that we get it. And they are watching. The trip saw that filibuster. Youd be amazed at how insightful and tuned in your sailors and marines, and soldiers are. There are watching closely. We get out of round the world to talk with deployed forces a junior sailor will stand up and asked these questions. This is the sense we dont get thats rising. I fully support that. I want to mention a number of us have been working with the Service Chiefs<\/a> and duty on the importance of the specifically down of our forces, and as the chairman said we need to get this right and make this strategic not tactical. If we dont get it right will be paying for it for the next 50 years. Ive talked to secretary mattis about this. I want to mention that we look forward to working with you. I believe it needs to be military, executive branch on this committee and congress to make sure we get this right. I look forward to working with you and the other Service Chiefs<\/a> on this important initiatives to get this laydown correct. A lot of us do not think its optimized right now. It has been static for decades. We want to work with you on that. I want to talk little bit about the arctic, the department of defense in january came out with a new Arctic Strategy<\/a> that was directed by this committee. Talking about lines of communication, karmas, transportation, protecting the sovereignty of the arctic resources particularly as countries continue to build the forces and capabilities in the region. I read the 2014 roadmap put out by the navy. The navys arctic roadmap. As we pursue a fleet of 350 ships, and the strategy talked about the importance of looking at ice hardening some of the ships. What ships would we need to look at ice hardening. To believe this Arctic Strategy<\/a> needs to be updated now that the secretary of defense has put out a much more robust strategy directed by this committee . I think the answer is precisely the effort were undertaking the summer as we refresh our strategy in light of the national Defense Strategy<\/a> are doing. Are you going to update that . We will. In terms of ice are need ships we have a 355 ship a fleet we are looking at, what kind of ships would you believe we need to ice hard so we can conduct with what the current strategy lays out but we dont have the capability to do it. Thats true. I only of those answers as an output of the strategic review. I dont want to give you a guess right now. It be the types of ships that would have decisive impacts. During her confirmation hearing you mention the importance of working with the coast guard to cut through the red tape and work on upgrading and building out an icebreaker fleet. Right now we have two icebreakers. One is broken and the russians have 40 in our building 14 more, but general mattis called it strategic terrain of the arctic have you made progress on that. We have, we formalize our arrangements and set up an office to get set on that. Were bringing our shipbuilding expertise to make sure that we support the coast guard and execute the mission. Thank you mr. Chairman. Should an icebreaker cost a billion dollars . It does not seem that way but were working to review that. Can it take ten years to make . Certainly. Thank you mr. Chairman. Welcome all of you and thank you for your extraordinary service. General miller, can you give us an update on the progress you have made with the marines united misconduct . Since i last appeared in front of this committee we had a number of issues we have taken. We formed a task force with a number of marines to give us more insight into this. And cis has gone through thousands of pictures looking for individuals they can identify. Weve had people come forward and there are a benchley 65 subjects, 59 were sent for disposition. Many there is not sufficient evidence to for them today there are 33 investigation of the rest are looking at different options and theres one pending in the courtmartial. We will not start. We have required every marine to sign an administrative acknowledgment that they understand what the responsibilities are on social media. And that actions that would integrate, defame, beat derogatory to another marine or institution make them potentially subject to the code of military justice. The congress has worked on certain legislation about the use of someone elses picture on social media without their permission. I have gone personally is all my leaders have gone and spoken with tens of thousands of bearings to help them understand what their responsibilities are. The social media thing that we have seen was indicative of a problem within our culture that we did not properly respect the value of the contributions of women in our core and thats what we need to face. So under the 65 courtmartials not have been courtmartial . One has been pending. Their process of getting article 32 and if it will end up going to courtmartial. Were any of those 65 subjects commanders . Not to my knowledge. I would have to take that for the record and get back to. Im concerned that for those who are found being held responsible that you chose and jps why did that happen . And going to this process, it became apparent to me in the leadership that there is some perception that there is not certain actions a commander could take, you know that i cannot prescribe an action to be taken by a commander because that would be considered on to command influence. We had made it clear and given commanders a guidebook that these are your options these are what you can do based on your investigation. The one thing you cant do is nothing. You have to investigate this and come to a conclusion. This is not over. They will not end. We are not to the point and we tried to set this up where this education process, the change in our culture the human Talent Management<\/a> things were doing for diversity in the force are going to go forward as we tried to change the culture. As far as specific actions against specific people, i have to be careful and i allowed commanders to take their responsibilities as command. We follow through on these and make sure therell be some adjudication. Just like i can tell you any allegation of Sexual Assault<\/a> i can tell you exactly how they ended up in where they were adjudicated. Im concerned because our percentage of cases going to courtmartial are going down. Arc percentages of convictions are going down. A very concerned about the judgment of the commanders when they make these judgments that theyre not taking these crimes seriously enough. A very troubled that they chose to do and jp its not an example of having no evidence. You know which photos are posted in what they came from, i would not say its likely that these are cases where they could improve the case. It sounds the wrong message. If youre not taking the crimes seriously i fear it is not going to change behavior. Senator, i understand your concern. On the courtmartial i would tell you the marine corps has the highest number of cases or percentage taken to courtmartial and convictions. This particular social media we are still in the process. Its not over. Well see what happens. I understand your concern and i will get back to as we further progress in this process. If i can add one, i have been separately reviewing these sidebyside with the cnl and the commandants. One thing that we have come to agreement on is that we need to strengthen our regulations to give commanders greater regulation. We put out a change that would give them Greater Authority<\/a> to prosecute these cases going forward. At the same Time Congress<\/a> is looking at an act that was truck strengthen our case. I did ask that the general counsel and jake work with both members of the senate and house side to make sure it has the teeth that were looking for so we can prosecute these individuals. Teacher are witnesses today, thank you for your service and testimony today. The lcs continues to meet stated in Navy Requirements<\/a> and operational demands from both combat commanders and helps us achieve a goal of Global Presence<\/a> and helps us ensure peace navigation and commerce. Continuation of the lcs program also enhance the navies were fighting posture. These are reasons i have often look to to continue to support the lcs program was pleased to hear the administration has requested a second lcs in the fy 18 budget request. Could you describe the requirement for Small Surface<\/a> combatants and whether the request for two allows the navy to meet that requirement . Were committed to make in the lcs program is good as possible. We have a stated requirement for 52 Small Surface<\/a> combatants that lcs contributes to that requirement. Secretary, you have previously testified about the importance of maintaining active shipyards and uniquely Skilled Workforce<\/a> including to avoid the effect of hiring and firing at shipyards. The navy wants to ensure continued production of the lcs, can you explain what that means and is one ship through yard every other year enough . Is concerned. Right now we are establishing a competition for the frigate in 2020. We want to ensure they are a healthy competitor maintained that viability in the interim. You describe one ship every other year per shipbuilder, when we submitted the budget on the hell it reflects one ship in 2018, congress added one ship in 2017 source strategy at the time was we take the three ships in 2017 combined one and 18 to make sure each builder has a shipment 17 and 18 while we continue to look at 2019 and what unfolds in the Industrial Base<\/a> in the intron. Thats being revisited in regards to minimum sustaining rate which is one per year and what we refer to as the optimum rate which is three ships every two years per builder. We are straddling those numbers and the decision was to add another ship in 2018. The amended budget pending. I would like to talk to about the future of warfare in the next ten years and how it will change dramatically. I recently met with leadership from the Army Capabilities<\/a> integration center. We discussed that the future battlefield will look like in the pros and cons of a soundness vehicles, artificial intelligence, all of these cuttingedge technologies that will create opportunities and also have tremendous challenges. My question is a broad question, how do you envision a robotics and with amphibious warfare in general, we read recently about a Technology Demonstration<\/a> at Camp Pendleton<\/a> that shut off some futuristic applications including joan, unmanned underwater aircraft, unmanned boats that can swarm, pretty interesting things you are working within the in court. Can you elaborate please and admiral richardson, followup. I think there is huge opportunity here with robotics and artificial intelligence. At the same time, there is some risk. I know there we could have an autonomously driven vehicle, but if i have that vehicle in a convoy, who is going to operate the Weapon System<\/a> on the . If that vehicle breaks down and has a flat tire who will fix it . I have no driver. I cannot autonomously fix a flat tire. Same thing with any vehicle. You start to take a vantage of technology and reduce the number of crew, then 70 has to fight the fire on the ship, somebody has to pull security while you repair the vehicle. Something has to man the Weapon System<\/a> will somebody sleeps. So there are these traits. Thats what were struggling with. A lot of people have a lot of ideas that took certain things that we thought had promise. Therefore five that we will continue to work with and see if we can turn into programs and not get caught up in the acquisition matrix that slows us down. I think theres a lot there whether it be Unmanned Aircraft<\/a>, one of my highest priorities is to create a group Unmanned Aircraft<\/a> that can take off and land from the deck of the ship and use that to replace attack helicopters. That is something that should happen we dont want to be tied to a long runway. All of those things, if you pick an area undersea land, or air theres opportunity we continue to work with marines and sailors to take advantage. Not only unmanned but autonomous. Theres a number that we are pursuing with aggression unmanned undersea and Unmanned Aircraft<\/a>. In addition to unmanned is the idea of Information Warfare<\/a>. In the role of information whether cyber, space or whatever. That will be a decisive difference. We have stood up to unite our efforts across the navy to give us a coherent approach to Information Warfare<\/a> child warfare. Thank you. Thank you mr. Chairman mentor witnesses for being here. I her senator earlier mention the problem of Sexual Harassment<\/a> online. And the problem with a loophole in the law. Senator sullivan and i have an amendment to close that and i want to say thank you for supporting that. I think we can make an important difference here. What task about the importance of our nonmilitary agencies and programs to the navy mission. Admiral, what a significant reduction in funding to the state department and other nondefense security agencies and programs make the navies jobs easier or harder to do . Harder to be blunt. I will take plan. The lack of diplomacy on the sorts of other elements of national power, thousand out there makes admission harder. Thank you. Ive gotten pretty much the same answer over and over. I think its really important. Admiral richardson, we spent time talking about how many ships you need. Last year we conducted its own assessment and determine the number is 355. As he recently reminded us in your paper, the future navy not all ships are created equal. Some have Better Technology<\/a> and upgraded tech capabilities. In fact, you set a 355 ship navy using Current Technologies<\/a> and fisinsufficient. Can you say what that means, technology the fleet is lacking . It was not just our assessments, but a family of assessments that talk about the size of the navy. And theyll converge around three hundreds so we feel like were on solid ground there. If we build the navy today that will be insufficient to meet her nations need in the future. So we need to increase capacity in the capability of those platforms has to be increased. As we talk about networking them together the combine technology through a network has to be pursued. That make sense that we need to be building with the night was the technologies of the future and what will give us a competitive advantage. In the same paper you talk about a modular approach where the whole of the ship is built to last for decades. The centers and systems on board can be swapped down. That makes sense because we keep it still works and upgrade the parts that dont. But that is not how we are building ships today. Secretary, given your prior acquisition experience changes to think we would need to make to our acquisition system to achieve admiral richardsons vision . We are on that path. The fundamental first thing we have to do is move across the board to open systems architecture. So that we are not tied to a design that is owned by whoever the original equipment manufacturer was in tied to that organization to upgrade our ships. In an open Systems Design<\/a> we bring all industry to bear to tackle the capabilities needs and that design would foster modernization approach that is timely and affordable. Step one is open systems architecture. Step two is that we have to have access to the faulty intellectual property but need to know what were going to do without so we can upgrade along the way. A critical part that is not so much about acquisition is a tighter link between her Intel Community<\/a> Center Technical<\/a> communities. So were looking far enough ahead to see where the threat is going. We want to move at the speed of technology that the speed of administration. The question we need task is, when will technology allow us to get there and then drive in that direction. I not let the process control our speed. The last, which is in line with the authorization act from 2017 is, greater access to commercial. Youve given us the ability to use alternate approach acquisition, we cannot carry the Development Bill<\/a> on our backs. We have to look at where commercial technology is going and design our ships in this open system approach so we can leverage that on the commercial side to help our war fighting programs. I will try to stay close to our time limit since my questions for the record about the progress youre making. Also about the budget on research. I will put those in the record. Thank you mr. Chairman. Secretary, we asked earlier about the catapult issue and you indicated the navy is fixing the problem. Can you confirm that the first class carrier will be ready, or operations in 2020 . Obvious through thats unusual. What happened there . It was a lot of it was a we have their assurances. Ive seen the letters that are coming over to the hill today to meet your timelines. So, there will be letters coming over today for a preliminary assessment . Yes, sir. Thats excellent news. Thank you very much. Did not know that until now you described two time types of manned, underwater vehicles, a large and extra large. Will they count as shifts toward the 355 ship goal . Why or why not is an intelligence assessment the limit torn the capabilities of these proposed systems and how far away are we from having these types of capabilities . Let me first describe that we are not planning on counting these in our 3 thats not inside the 355 assessment. I think hes also been clear in his future fleet plan to describe how we have to leverage capabilities because its going to take us decades to get to 355 ships about these capabilities are within our reach today and do a great job in terms of filling gap wes have today with our smaller size navy, and can do missions we cannot do with our submarines and surface ships. So they do not add to the 355 in terms of level of maturity. Was just out on the west coast looking at an example of an xuv. Extremely impressive capable, fairly maturity technology. Now he wave to explore how to employ such vehicle in our concept of operations and what that means in terms of installing capabilities onboard. Right now it is a platform without specific capabilities. Have to decide what mission and then the installation of those. Do you anticipate capabilities beyond intelligence assessment . Yes, sir. Think were already working i are already work on concept of operations. I the cno could respond. Delivering payloads to different areas that access that underwater vessel gives and underwater payload. How soon . How soon for . Might we have that. Were pushing as hard as we can. Looking for something in the next few years. Less than a decade . Far less than a decade. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. Following up on this last point about the multiyear. Im totally in favor of multiyear contracts. Would stabilize the Industrial Base<\/a>, saves the taxpayers money. Very sensible way to go. But admiral richardson, you testified a few minutes ago, moving into construction before you have a mature design ace recipe for disaster and thats been my judgment from all these hearings we have had, whatever the weapons system in. My only concern about the multiyear on the destroys is who we have a mature design. A stable design is having one ship built and the design doesnt require any substantial change during the contract. So, that is what worries me about the multiyear on the new flight 3 destroyer and you dont admiral richardson, if you have any thoughts on that. I just want to by careful. Not a question of doing it. Its a question of when we do it in terms of the maturity of the design. Yes, sir. We track. Ill start and secretary sackley can finish it. Its a very mature design of its modification to an existing design, not a cleansheet design of were at a very mature point in terms of the design aspects of that flight 3 destroyer. If i could add, we measure various metrics and the first thing you look for it that you complete a Critical Design<\/a> review before you go into the contracting phase, and in fact the Critical Design<\/a> review for the flight 3 was completed in november. The next thing is level completion of design, and today the flight 3 design is about 86 complete, and everything is on track for it to be 100 complaint prior to start of construction. 100 complete friar bidding or prior to start of construction. Prior to start of construction. Those who are different things. Its hard to bid on something that is not fully designed. I tell you we have never been in a position where we bid on a new ship program of any sort where its totally completely designed. Design is different phases. The phase of design necessary for the ship boat towards complete their bid will be done. The next phase are the Details Associated<\/a> with taking the design and breaking it down to the design product that the mechanic on the factory floor needs. You say the letters are coming over today. When would you assume going through the steps that bids would be submitted . For the multiyear . Correct. I expect probably within six months. Within six months out now. By the end of the year. Yes, sir. And by that time youre presuming there would be we would be beyond even the 86 . Yes, sir. Now, i would describe that i have used some other shipbuilding programs as examples. The columbia program, that is our number one priority were totally focused on, working on the design for ten years prior to contract award. Her target is 83 complete design at start of construction. Because she is a new ship design. So thats the start of construction. Were looking at 100 at start of construction and greater than 83 when they submit the bids and the most recent new ship program that was competed was the coast guard offshore preschool craft, and the point in time when the industry submitted competitive bidded for a were plus billion Dollar Program<\/a> they were maybe 50 complete. I would say we dont know the outcome of that yet. That ship has not been built. Yes, sir. So we dont know whether thats going. Let me change the subject. First, secretary stackley, i want to compliment you on the tim testimony about Small Businesses<\/a>. We had some appalling testimony from representatives of the saying that the smaller Silicon Valley<\/a> wont bid. Dont want to get involved with the pentagon because its too complicate. So anything you can do to clear the way for smaller many of these small, innovative in terms of regs layings, forms, paperwork, i comment we have assigned every deputy Program Manager<\/a> as he Small Business<\/a> advocate for all programs. Gone a emother email from a Small Business<\/a> would described we can save 40 million on the Carrier Program<\/a>, and the trouble matching the government. So i put his notion in shied by side with a deputy for ship building and breaking the log jam. It does require that level of effort but the savings, the opportunities are huge. I appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, could i ask one followup question . A lot of the testimony today, i think, has rightfully focused on not only the 355 ship navy, but the deployability, if you will, of the navy we have, and i would appreciate it for the record thats may exist in various documents but nice to see it in one document what is the percentage of reddiness of all of the equipment . For example, general neller, you mentioned 47 out of 70f18s that lack parted. Id like to know the figure for destroyers, amphibians, submarines. Doesnt matter what the nominal navy is. The real question is what ship does we have that are ready to fight id like to see an analysis god forbid there was a twofront attack if is occurred tomorrow, how much of the fleet and the personnel are trained and equipped, all of those things so we can compare, as i say, the nominal navy with the ready to fight navy. You get what ill walk you through that. I appreciate mat. I think thats important, and then i just think we need to fully understand that, and commend you for focusing in this budget on these issues of getting a hire level of maintenance and repair higher level of maintenance and repair. Admiral neller, one final question. You have 85,000 but thats a 12 dwell to deployment. Seems to be a high stress level on your people. Would talk to me about the deploymentdwell ratio. Senator, at 185,000, in the aggregate its one to two. There are some communities that are below that, harder than that. Some that are better. When i came in the marine corps and in the 80s we were a onetothree force and thats the longterm sustainable and not just for the maintenance of our gear and the training off our force but also for our families. So, we have been at one to two. We can continue to sustain it, but i think now were seeing both the effects on retention of senior career marines and on the wear and tear on the gear. Youre turning stuff a third faster youll put more miles and hours on a stuff. Thats goes down that cost the taxpayers if you cant retain your experienced middle management and you have to do more maintenance on gear that is already older, you start to get in the spiral and now we find ourselves where we and are we are starting to digs ofs out but going to take time and resources and stability in the budget. Thank you very much, gentlemen. You can watch the rest of the hearing online at cspan2. Org. Type navy budget in the search bar. Transportation secretary oelaine chao took questions on a Trump Administration<\/a> proposal privatize air traffic controllerred that would move them from the government a nonprofit corporation. That hearing is next on cspan2. Then secretary of state Rex Tillerson<\/a> testifies about proposed cuts to the state department budget. 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