Military Readiness for FY27

About this video

• Video Title: Military Readiness for FY27
• Channel: U.S. House Armed Services Committee
• Speakers: Representative Scott, Representative Garamendi, General LaNeve, Admiral Kilby, General Lamontagne, General Gering, General Bratton, Ms. Strickland, Ms. Elfreth, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Smith, Mr. Deluzio, Mr. Case, Mr. Davis, Mr. Bergman
• Duration: 02:15:00

Overview

This hearing of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee focuses on military readiness for Fiscal Year 2027. The committee examines the current state of readiness across various branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force, and discusses the budgetary needs and strategic priorities required to address existing challenges and prepare for future conflicts. Key themes include equipment maintenance, personnel retention, modernization strategies, and the impact of global operations on readiness.

Key takeaways

• Declining Readiness is Unacceptable: The hearing emphasizes that current military readiness trends are unacceptable, with instances of aircraft cannibalization and grounded vehicles cited as examples.
• Sustainment Over Procurement: A primary focus is the need to prioritize the sustainment of existing military assets over the constant pursuit of new "shiny objects."
• KC-46 Program Deficiencies: Concerns are raised about ongoing delays and technical deficiencies with the KC-46 program, with a call for resolution before further acquisition.
• Amphibious Ship Readiness: The material condition of amphibious ships is highlighted as a serious concern, with a leadership problem identified as the root cause for ships being unavailable for tasking.
• Right to Repair: The importance of the "right to repair" is stressed, with calls for access to technical data and the ability for service members to maintain their own equipment.
• Personnel and Quality of Life: Investments in improving soldiers' quality of life, including housing, nutrition, and fitness, are seen as crucial for readiness and retention.
• Space Force Growth: The Space Force's need to double in size and infrastructure to meet growing operational requirements is discussed, with a request for increased funding.
• Industrial Base Challenges: The hearing touches upon the need for a robust industrial base to produce and sustain military equipment at scale.
• Impact of Global Operations: The sustained operational tempo and deployments across multiple theaters are noted as placing strain on personnel and equipment, impacting long-term readiness.
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: The committee considers the proposed FY27 budget, with specific attention to how it addresses readiness, modernization, and personnel needs across the services.

Here are the questions posed to Admiral Kilby and General Bratton by committee members, along with their replies:

Admiral Kilby:

• Rep. Case: "Admiral, in your testimony, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding repair throughout and beyond traditional coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Case: "Okay, very good. I'll yield back. Admiral, what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Case: "Yeah. And let me ask as a continuation, how can Congress help um when we talk about accelerating shipbuilding, um that pipeline? I have tremendous interest, especially um when we look at the capacity in Virginia, and we have about uh 1,100 or so North Carolinians who are relying upon work and going to the shipyard."

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, there's a couple things we're trying to do to to make our maintenance. The biggest thing for us is to get our ships out of maintenance on time and not have days of maintenance away. So, a couple ways to do that, shrink the package size and then it makes it more digestible and more likely that we can complete it on time. Uh I also think so, helping those workers that that work you know, come from North Carolina and work in the Hampton Roads area in our private shipyards that maintain our ships in Hampton Roads, that's part of that. Another part is being able to build modules outside."

• Rep. Case: "Um Admiral, what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?" (This question was asked again, and Admiral Kilby's response was similar to his earlier one, focusing on counter-UAS capabilities.)

• Rep. Case: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Case: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Case: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral Kilby, uh, we talk a lot about the munition stockpile challenges, but I'm also concerned with the potential uh, Spy-6 radar fielding delay. What are we doing now to keep the fleet uh, from taking a readiness hit as it relies longer on the Spy-1?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Your uh, Crane Indian is super helpful for us here. Uh, we are underway to establish a depot as well as engaging industry to help uh, redouble their efforts here. Uh, I'm not satisfied with the amount of no part no bid parts that are returned on the Spy radar, so we're in heavy engagement and Crane is helping us there, but I just think we need to really look forward to 2060. What's it going to take to maintain this radar until 2060? And and notwithstanding all the work that's happened in the last uh, I would say 2 years uh, in the Red Sea in the in the Gulf of Oman in the Eastern Med where our ships have performed and that Spy radar, as you know, is critical to close the fire control loop whether I'm countering a ballistic missile or an anti-ship cruise missile. It is it is the the reason that ship exists. So, we have to we have to look at this from a fullsome perspective. And I also think we should look at it clearly from a battlefield spare perspective. If we have a ship and I God forbid we take damage, we've got some spare arrays in a warehouse that we can bring that ship back to line quickly because we can't generate that um, out of the organic system now."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay, do you have the uh, do your depots have the capacity the parts, the technical data, the right to keep those radars combat credible?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "I I think we need to work on that. We need to do more in all those areas, sir."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay, Uh, tacking on to the ranking member and and Rep Harrigan's comments, um, do your depots such as Crane in my district have the technical data and the right uh, repair rights that that they need to do that work efficiently?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Again, I think it falls across the board that we can do better there. So, I I look forward to right to repair and and I made the comment about ability to repair."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we're all about and I think we welcome them as long as they can meet the standard and deliver it and it and cut down on our delays to build and deliver our ships."

• Rep. Bergman: "Okay. Any consideration of places like the Ohio River Valley for?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. Absolutely."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, um what are the most critical gaps we face, in your opinion, with respect to naval weapon systems and how do those interface with Marine Corps land-sea hybrid vehicle operations?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Well, a significant gap we have we've seen in the last 2 years is the ability to counter UAS aircraft cheaply and effectively. So, 2 years ago we were using very expensive missiles to do that in the Red Sea. And and now we've come back with weapons like APKWS and other things. So, we've got to really have a rechargeable magazine, a laser, directed energy, high-power microwave, something that could attrite that threat. So, I think that's a gap for us. We need to backfill that as quickly as possible so we can reserve our most capable munitions for our most capable threats."

• Rep. Bergman: "Admiral, in your testimony, uh, you described the maritime rejuvenation as a whole of government and a whole of the nation effort from a fleet readiness perspective. What does that mean for expanding uh, repair throughout and beyond traditional uh, coastal yard base?"

  • Admiral Kilby's Reply: "Yes, sir. I think um, we want our whole maritime industrial base that is part of the Golden Fleet Initiative, not just new ships and existing ships, but the industrial base that supports them. So, having other non-traditional vendors that can create modules or other parts for ships, we

Here are the questions asked of General Gering by committee members, along with his replies:

• Rep. Garamendi: "Amphibious ships, General Gerring, the Marine Corps has advocated for a 3.0 amphibious readiness group worldwide presence. In your best provision professional military judgment, do you think the existing amphibious fleet is sufficient to meet this 3.0 goal? And if it is not, can you provide us with the number of ships that we should pursue to realize this goal?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh Chairman, I thank you for the question. Um, recently the Secretary of the Navy has directed that we establish the amphibious force readiness board that I co-chair with Admiral Kilby. Um and one of the objectives of that board is to determine ultimately what would be the right number of amphibious ships. And it's really a three-different phased approach. Uh one is uh selective service life extension. Uh the other is optimizing our maintenance and how we force generate. And the third is uh procuring new ships. Uh I think the VCNO and I are in agreement that that number is north of 31. Uh this board owes more detailed analysis to the Secretary of the Navy. Uh initial indicator that is probably somewhere in the vicinity of 40, but there's more work to be done there. So, thank you for the question, Chairman."

• Rep. Garamendi: "Admiral Kilby, I particularly support the Navy's goal to obtain an 80% surge ready uh force posture. What steps is Navy taking to arrest the continued amphibious force structure decline and deliver on the CNO's goal to make the amphibious forces 80% surge ready?"

  • (Note: This question was directed to Admiral Kilby, not General Gering.)

• Rep. Elfreth: "General Gering, thank you for taking the time yesterday to come by the office. I really appreciate that conversation. Admiral Kilby, I want to commend you both for the the amphibious force readiness board that you put together. I think it's a long overdue. I hope we can we can acknowledge that, but responsible response to an acute frankly failure for too many years, but to have it elevated to the vice level and have regular monthly meetings and deliverables, I think it's really healthy. But I I'd like to ask you both, you know, choose your own adventure. When you're back in front of the subcommittee this time next year, what progress would you like to report on, and what standard uh should we be holding you to this time next year?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Well, let me let me start, and I'll turn it over to my partner. Uh I'd like to be in a much better position on maintenance. I'd like to tell you that we're going to do this $15 million incentive because it works and it's worked for the last six ships. I'd like to tell you that the second port engineer has resulted in the following improvement process for us. I'd like to tell you that we're going to expand our OEM contracts to certain gear because it's proved so successful for boilers, cranes, and uh and and diesel engines. So, to me, we've got to run that uh a little bit to achieve what we're think we're going to achieve, but I do believe we'll be able to say that next year."

• Rep. Elfreth: "General Gering, I'm going to start with you. How might a report of the growing threat of CCP influence improve Marine Corps readiness for future conflict?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh Congressman, I'm going to take that for the record. Okay. I appreciate that."

• Rep. Elfreth: "Thank you. I'll ask if your fellow generals, anyone have any or and the admirals will any input on how a report of CCP's influence would help prepare your agency for readiness?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Hey, sir. Uh the the thing that comes to mind, and I'm sure there's many ways that that would be helpful to us, but the thing that comes to mind is really as we work through these new acquisition programs and understanding where influence is happening in the industrial base, where where we might be assuming some risk, I think would be one area. There I'm sure there's there's many others, uh increased activity from the Space Force in particular, but I'm sure for all the services in the acquisition fields and working with the defense industrial base. And so, understanding what the landscape looks like there would be helpful."

• Rep. Elfreth: "General Gering, I'm going to start with you. How might a report of the growing threat of CCP influence improve Marine Corps readiness for future conflict?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh Congressman, I'm going to take that for the record. Okay. I appreciate that."

• Rep. Elfreth: "Thank you. I'll ask if your fellow generals, anyone have any or and the admirals will any input on how a report of CCP's influence would help prepare your agency for readiness?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Hey, sir. Uh the the thing that comes to mind, and I'm sure there's many ways that that would be helpful to us, but the thing that comes to mind is really as we work through these new acquisition programs and understanding where influence is happening in the industrial base, where where we might be assuming some risk, I think would be one area. There I'm sure there's there's many others, uh increased activity from the Space Force in particular, but I'm sure for all the services in the acquisition fields and working with the defense industrial base. And so, understanding what the landscape looks like there would be helpful."

• Rep. Davis: "General Gering, part of your testimony is that the Marine Corps at its core remains a naval expeditionary force. And as we contemplate a potential conflict with China in a far-off contested environment where access to contractors may be limited and rapid organic maintenance is critical to mission success, can you tell me how consequential not having right to repair will be to your service?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congresswoman, thanks for the question. I mean, our ability to sustain ourselves in a contested environment will literally uh drive the pace at which we can operate. That will be the limiting factor. So, the ability to maintain and fix our equipment at the leading edge, uh I think is essential cuz that will really drive our tempo."

• Rep. Davis: "Okay. What policy actions would best support the readiness of the Marine JLTV JLTV fleet?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh, Congressman, as a joint program, this is something that I need to continue to investigate with our joint partners uh, that are part of that program. If there are any uh, policy uh, issues in the future that will help that along, we'll come back to you."

• Rep. Davis: "Okay. Uh, should the Army still house the program manager office for the JLTVs or would would the Marines be a better landing spot for that?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, currently the Marine Corps is not outfitted from a personnel perspective, manpower, engineering, contracting to manage a joint program, so we're currently not structured for it, sir."

• Rep. Case: "General Gerling, I'd like to discuss the JLTV readiness issue. Uh, how many JLTVs are expected to be part of the Marine fleet? And can you highlight the importance of this vehicle uh, to the Marine's ground mobility strategy?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, thanks for the question. The Marine Corps remains fully committed to the JLTV program. It's not only provides maneuver, but it also provides tactical level C2 and fires. So, we remain committed to an AAO of 12,500 vehicles and 4,000 trailers. Uh, we currently need to put under contract about another 5,000 vehicles and 2,000 trailers to meet that AAO. Uh, and going forward uh, based on program stability as a joint program, uh, areas we're interested in understanding is impacts on unit cost, life cycle sustainment, and program management, but we remain fully committed to the JLTV."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. What policy actions would best support the readiness of the Marine JLTV JLTV fleet?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh, Congressman, as a joint program, this is something that I need to continue to investigate with our joint partners uh, that are part of that program. If there are any uh, policy uh, issues in the future that will help that along, we'll come back to you."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. Uh, should the Army still house the program manager office for the JLTVs or would would the Marines be a better landing spot for that?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, currently the Marine Corps is not outfitted from a personnel perspective, manpower, engineering, contracting to manage a joint program, so we're currently not structured for it, sir."

• Rep. Case: "General Gerling, I'd like to discuss the JLTV readiness issue. Uh, how many JLTVs are expected to be part of the Marine fleet? And can you highlight the importance of this vehicle uh, to the Marine's ground mobility strategy?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, thanks for the question. The Marine Corps remains fully committed to the JLTV program. It's not only provides maneuver, but it also provides tactical level C2 and fires. So, we remain committed to an AAO of 12,500 vehicles and 4,000 trailers. Uh, we currently need to put under contract about another 5,000 vehicles and 2,000 trailers to meet that AAO. Uh, and going forward uh, based on program stability as a joint program, uh, areas we're interested in understanding is impacts on unit cost, life cycle sustainment, and program management, but we remain fully committed to the JLTV."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. What policy actions would best support the readiness of the Marine JLTV JLTV fleet?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh, Congressman, as a joint program, this is something that I need to continue to investigate with our joint partners uh, that are part of that program. If there are any uh, policy uh, issues in the future that will help that along, we'll come back to you."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. Uh, should the Army still house the program manager office for the JLTVs or would would the Marines be a better landing spot for that?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, currently the Marine Corps is not outfitted from a personnel perspective, manpower, engineering, contracting to manage a joint program, so we're currently not structured for it, sir."

• Rep. Case: "General Gerling, I'd like to discuss the JLTV readiness issue. Uh, how many JLTVs are expected to be part of the Marine fleet? And can you highlight the importance of this vehicle uh, to the Marine's ground mobility strategy?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, thanks for the question. The Marine Corps remains fully committed to the JLTV program. It's not only provides maneuver, but it also provides tactical level C2 and fires. So, we remain committed to an AAO of 12,500 vehicles and 4,000 trailers. Uh, we currently need to put under contract about another 5,000 vehicles and 2,000 trailers to meet that AAO. Uh, and going forward uh, based on program stability as a joint program, uh, areas we're interested in understanding is impacts on unit cost, life cycle sustainment, and program management, but we remain fully committed to the JLTV."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. What policy actions would best support the readiness of the Marine JLTV JLTV fleet?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh, Congressman, as a joint program, this is something that I need to continue to investigate with our joint partners uh, that are part of that program. If there are any uh, policy uh, issues in the future that will help that along, we'll come back to you."

• Rep. Case: "Okay. Uh, should the Army still house the program manager office for the JLTVs or would would the Marines be a better landing spot for that?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, currently the Marine Corps is not outfitted from a personnel perspective, manpower, engineering, contracting to manage a joint program, so we're currently not structured for it, sir."

• Rep. Davis: "General Gering, I'd like to discuss the JLTV readiness issue. Uh, how many JLTVs are expected to be part of the Marine fleet? And can you highlight the importance of this vehicle uh, to the Marine's ground mobility strategy?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, thanks for the question. The Marine Corps remains fully committed to the JLTV program. It's not only provides maneuver, but it also provides tactical level C2 and fires. So, we remain committed to an AAO of 12,500 vehicles and 4,000 trailers. Uh, we currently need to put under contract about another 5,000 vehicles and 2,000 trailers to meet that AAO. Uh, and going forward uh, based on program stability as a joint program, uh, areas we're interested in understanding is impacts on unit cost, life cycle sustainment, and program management, but we remain fully committed to the JLTV."

• Rep. Davis: "Okay. What policy actions would best support the readiness of the Marine JLTV JLTV fleet?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh, Congressman, as a joint program, this is something that I need to continue to investigate with our joint partners uh, that are part of that program. If there are any uh, policy uh, issues in the future that will help that along, we'll come back to you."

• Rep. Davis: "Okay. Uh, should the Army still house the program manager office for the JLTVs or would would the Marines be a better landing spot for that?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, currently the Marine Corps is not outfitted from a personnel perspective, manpower, engineering, contracting to manage a joint program, so we're currently not structured for it, sir."

• Rep. Davis: "General Gerling, I'd like to discuss the JLTV readiness issue. Uh, how many JLTVs are expected to be part of the Marine fleet? And can you highlight the importance of this vehicle uh, to the Marine's ground mobility strategy?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, thanks for the question. The Marine Corps remains fully committed to the JLTV program. It's not only provides maneuver, but it also provides tactical level C2 and fires. So, we remain committed to an AAO of 12,500 vehicles and 4,000 trailers. Uh, we currently need to put under contract about another 5,000 vehicles and 2,000 trailers to meet that AAO. Uh, and going forward uh, based on program stability as a joint program, uh, areas we're interested in understanding is impacts on unit cost, life cycle sustainment, and program management, but we remain fully committed to the JLTV."

• Rep. Davis: "Okay. What policy actions would best support the readiness of the Marine JLTV JLTV fleet?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Uh, Congressman, as a joint program, this is something that I need to continue to investigate with our joint partners uh, that are part of that program. If there are any uh, policy uh, issues in the future that will help that along, we'll come back to you."

• Rep. Davis: "Okay. Uh, should the Army still house the program manager office for the JLTVs or would would the Marines be a better landing spot for that?"

  • General Gering's Reply: "Congressman, currently the Marine Corps is not outfitted from a personnel perspective, manpower, engineering, contracting to manage a joint program, so we're currently not structured for it, sir."