Transcripts For CSPAN2 Confirmation Hearing For Navy Secretary Air Force Chief Of Staff Deputy... 20240713

General Charles Brown currently the Pacific Forces commander has been nominated as air force chief of staff and James Anderson is the nominee for Deputy Defense undersecretary for policy. The hearing will come to order. The Committee Meets today consider the nominations to be secretary of navy and us chief of Staff Air Force and deputy undersecretary of defense for policy thank you for being here. We appreciate all the contributions you have a made me appreciate the fact you are coming back again. Some of these are necessary we have to ask you the required question i would like to have an audible yes or no on each question please. Have you adhere to the ethical laws regulations . Yes or. Yes sir. Yes sir. Do you ensure you will request communication deadlines for the record it hearings . Yes sir. Yes or, yes sir. Will you cooperate. Yes sir. Yes sir. With those witnesses be protected from reprisal of testimony . Yes sir. Yes or. We agree to testify before the committee. Yes sir. Yes or. You agree to provide documents t including electronic forms of communication in a timely manner if requested by a committee or to consult with the Committee Regarding of delay or denial of documents . Yes or. Yes or. Have you assumed any duties or undertaken actions that would to presume the outcome of the confirmation of the process . No sir. Noir sir speak up to tell you you are taking these positions i believe in the most threatened times of our lives and so far this committee has done our best to ensure dod has the authorities and resources it needs with the National Defense strategy and working for more than a year to privatize a housing crisis that has directly impacted and originally it came to service and i was assuming this was the problem it is all of the bases. So we have done a good job to pursue that and all three of you are somewhat related to the problems that are out there and that you will go out of your way to keep the progress successful. Senior leaders of the department of defense for which we haveas s been nominated to play key roles of Great Power Competition to take care of our people. One thing i would like to say is we are realme believers in this of the National Defense strategy. And before i turn it over to senator reid that we all have families i know they cant be here but they will be watching so you can still introduce them. Thank you mr. Chairman thank you to the members for your service and also the nominees continuing to serve theer nation. And also thank you to your families watching today you would not be here without your families. Ambassador braithwaite you have been since february 2018 serving 27 years in the navy as rear admiral also a successful Business Career in the healthcare and Communications Agency general brown you are triple had as commander of the Pacific Air Force as a Component Commander and as the executive director specific air combat staff at pearl harbor command pilot with more than 29000 flying hours including 130,000 combat hours and the senior positions at department of defense including second one second secretary of defense since august 2018 and began your career as a marine corps Intelligence Officer realizing many accomplishments of both government and private sectors thank you. This is the unusual nomination considering a military nominee normally we would not do this but these are unusual circumstances i appreciate everyone accommodating this unique hearing also to servicemembers and families as well as civilians and contractorsth. We are saddened by the loss of life my the rising, 19 infections uss roosevelt serves as a reminder of the perils Service Minder on servicemembers have daily it also should have been a wakeup call with respect to covid19 ambassador braithwaite of confirmed you will face a number of Critical Issues first to address the ongoing pandemic want to hear about your vision of n the future and what you have learned from your present predecessors missed handling of ussed roosevelt also to demonstrate how quickly deployments can be stressed interested to hear what you say this tells you the navy and marine corps dealing with the high strains of deployment while it is important if confirmed you must confront other challenges including the size of the navy fleet congress is still waiting for the assessment from Naval Operations supposed to be shared with the Committee Last year he was also modernize the fleet to improve operation of concepts to ensure success in the future. Ambassador braithwaite i look forward to hearing your on these issues. Mr. Anderson deputy undersecretary for policy if confirmed as the assistant secretary of defense for strategy Planning Capabilities during your tenure you perform more senior duties at the leadership positions as they became vacant valuable experience im concerned you will continue to be hamstrung by the numerous seniorlevel vacancies in the office. The deputy undersecretary of defense plays a key role to have a National Defense strategy budgetary priorities and capabilities with that strategy as the department contends with russia and china global ambitions that has strategic guidance this includes care clear policies like iran and north korea a path forward in afghanistan to prevent the reemergence of isis and syria and expanded areas of competition including space cyberand irregular warfare. Furthermore the coronavirus pandemic has starkly highlighted the needs of longterm planning and the consequences of failing to do so i welcome you on these issues and how we can address these challenges. General brown you have been nominated to be chief of staff of the air force as the Pacific Air Force you are familiar with the challenge facing the air force today in the pacific and how the air force should implement the National Defense strategy. General brown if confirmed your face challenges of readiness and to modernize the structure and in order to achieve the stated goals of the squadron the air force will have to increase sustain modernization efforts over a number of years and simultaneously recapitalize all of the landbased missile fleet these are daunting challenges youll be tasked with recruiting and retaining no small task as they contend with the coronavirus pandemic to maintain operational readiness also ensure there is a necessary structure response for contingencies i think the nominees in my colleagues for the second hearing the this week under these unusual circumstances thank you for your leadership. Thank you senator reid. We will now begin with Opening Statements. Try to keep your statements brief and there will be plenty of time. So we try to get your questions within five minutes. Ambassador braithwaite we talk about the size of the navy. Look at the fiscal year budget it looks like and just real briefly, thats fine, sorry. Lets start with Opening Statements. You are recognized. Thank you mr. Chairman and Ranking Member and distinguish members of the committee its a very big day perhaps my most professional life and to share with you to help you learn and inform you of who i am july 8th 1980 for the Us Naval Academy in annapolis to stand with over 1000 of my classmates that began like many of you a career of service to our nation. First in uniform that took me around the world into combat as with the late Arlen Specter and most recently as Us Ambassador ive dedicated my life to the motto of our navy, honor, courage, commitment. Those are not words or slogan but the guide star how i have lived my life. June 6, 1994, 14 years later the 50th anniversary of the landings that the day i stood on normandy with mymy aging father. He was a young 18 yearold private in the firstn wav wave, actually the very third Landing Craft to touch the sand that morning 1944. My father didnt talk much about that day, but as we stood there he recounted how he had come ashore watching his friends drop left and right. Among all the chaos and death how he was able to go on and simply replied it was my duty. Weeks later to be severely wounded and shot inim the head and that self abrogation my head and my soul honor, courage and commitment and finally last summer on the s anniversar anniversary, i want to get was able to stand on the sacred beach at normandy but this time without my father who passed away in 2006. Instead serving as the link to my 12 yearold son harrison who never met his grandfather. Only a few of those that were there that morning left but we endeavored to shake each of their hands recalling theirirre sacrifices so we can live in freedom just like my dad before me honor and courage and commitment three simple but empower one powerful words guided by my actions. I am humbled to appear before you today to be considered as the 77th secretary of the United Statess navy. To uphold the sacred honor of those who have gone before me petty officer pearl harbor or jason dunham in iraq, think the president for his trusted confidence in me. As a child in the midwest i was taught to be frank and diplomatic as required as an admiral and ambassador, and saddens me to say the department of the navy is in rough waters due to many factors but primarily the failure of leadership the collisions in 2017 and judicial missteps with a crisis aboard uss roosevelt they are all indicative of a breakdown in the trust of those leading the service. Sadly i have witnessed this type of crisis before in 1989 i was aboard the Aircraft Carrier uss america along battleship iowa with the explosion killed 47le sailors followed shortly thereafter by the scandal at tail hook this was dark days for the navy but it taught me two things. Number one the department is resilient and it all starts with culture. I learned this repeatedly in my career successful organizations have a strong culture which always starts with leadership because i witnessed the events of the 19 nineties a proud heritage of service and pride which the department emphasizedme for inspiration and affirmation and if confirmed will again. To recognize the challenges for all theyen are, i am ready for military service as an executive in the private sector congressional staffer and as a diplomat i have been preparing my entire life at this moment alwaysen guided by honor and courage and commitment i have many people to think like my mentor all mentors admiral but i will not be here if not for my mother sylvia who is 87 and watching me this morning who taught me to work hard you can accomplish anything in america. Finally the continued love and support of my beautiful and your wife melissa and my children who have sacrificed so much for me to serve. But also to sacrificels for our nation. God bless me by bringing them into my life. Thank you mr. Chairman and Ranking Member and members of the committee i look forward to answering yourn, questions. A beautiful statement. General brown your recognize. Distinguish members of the committee i am grateful and deeply humbled by the opportunity to be with you in my fellow nominees this morning. With the efficacy of the United States air force of children andor families and to acknowledge my family doing to those cannot be with us today watching online its not only committed to the family but to specifically focus on quality educationn. Im proud of our two sons who lives in tampa and washington dc and instrumental to my success or to be there without love and support and the number one fan my mother in the most influential officer in myth career my father charles vietnam veteran who retired after being a kernel i appreciate the support of my sister 71 stephanie and for me and my family before his passing and for their confidence in support to the be the next air force chief of staff i cannot thank them enough as they complete 37 years of service to our nation and we wish them the very best is a start the next chapter but the national 18 National Defense strategy clear actionable but to deter and win. With the past 11 years over seven different assignments in leadership positions focus on prior challengesns north korea and iran that are all outlined in the National Defense strategy. If confirmed to have with that National Defense strategy and integrated and more lethal to enforce and then to work with the secretary to take the appropriate steps to ensure the success of the United States space force. Currently i am looking at the concept and development and if confirmed to look forward to working with the chairman and vice chairman in the joint chiefs and then to an advising the joint force and allies and to communicate the efforts across all domains. And then to determine when to opgenerate combat power faster than adversaries. If confirmed an advocate for early quad collaboration for acquisition professionals and partners for that the war fighter has access to the most capable and stateoftheart assets sooner thann later. There will be tough decisions regarding legacy programs and if confirmed i will carefully consider risk assessments with the Combatant Commander climates and those capabilities for and those complex and challenges. I will remain committed quality of life all to reach fullro potential it is truly and not honor to be nominated and i look forward to working with this committee in congress and then to a structure the security of national interest. Thank you for this opportunity i look forward to your question. Nebula hear from doctor anderson you are recognize. Chairman, Ranking Member and distinguish members it is an honor to be here today thank you to the confidence the president and secretary has placed in me. I would not be here today without support a Family Friends and mentors my parents instilled the value of hard work and honesty and respect for others or then to provide much love and support james and olivia inspire me every day to watch them grow and my wife whos is watching from our home in northern virginia. She knows a sacrifices in the positions demand and the after dusk returns to make what everything worthwhile. And then to prepare me for this opportunitylp since my confirmation as assistant secretary of defense since august of 2018 i have work to implement our National Defense strategy. And i will continue these efforts and with the secretary of defense in 2001 through 2009 working mostly middle east issues. My professional experience has taught me the value of asking hard questions and the importance to Seek Solutions and Teaching National security topics that military educations with the Marshall Center for European Studies inn germany overseas with this institution to reinforce the importance of working with allies earlier in my career serve three years on actived duty in the late eighties and experience imprinted on me the importance of teamwork the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals in defense of the great country inspires me then as it does noww the current covid19 crisis has brought challenges to the department the policy of the pentagon working with partners has risen to the occasion and continues to provide secretary of defense topquality advice and support our privilege to be a part of the team the department of defense issued the National Defense strategy january 2018 it is our northstar the document clearly outlines priorities to ensure the nations competitive advantage with exacting demands of longterm strategic competition. If confirmed i will help implement the strategy in an costeffective and timely manner those in the department deserve no less from their leaders i look forward to your questions. Now we will start off where we ended senator reid and i feel since we will limit questions to five minutes we will have a second round if thats okay with witnesses. So to start off with ambassador braithwaite is been controversial very briefly when you think about the fact the budget was submitted to support 300 ship navy most agree it needs to be bigger than that so very briefly what size should we have . Minimally 355 ships hopefully we build be on that so thats a good brief answer i appreciate that. [laughter] i agree with you or i would ask why. General brown you brought this up i appreciate you talk about the plan we have been following since it came out three years ago the general was committed to that i would like you to make a further comment even though you already made one with your commitment that this is your. Atterntm actually chairman im very committed to the National Defense strategy as the Pacific Air Force commander with those of the National Defense Data Strategy in the region. Talking about this before something i have been concerned about all those years and africom is the forgotten continent and now we can see whats happening there or have already happened we are looking right now with china and russia on that continent its the first time china has started a majorla installation other than their own city limits. So we know whats happening there i would like you to say in this remaining time your thoughts about the role of africom and your intentions concerning that continent. Thank you senator africom was established a few years ago i believe over a decade ago with an Important Role of the National Defense strategy and it is complicated of the intrusion of the prc and to the extent the Russian Federation of the content and those moves by the chinese take different forms to include military base the First Overseas Military base in djibouti and we are watching a very closely as well as elsewhere on the continent to include the predatory economic things they are doing to insert workers there to exploit local economies and make them dependent upon them. We are watching closely what the competitors are doing on the continent russia is involved in the libyan conflict and its very unfortunate situation there. In terms of department of defense working closely at all combatant commands including africom to make sure we have the right mix of forces, the right posture and under secretary espers leadership we are doing exactly that and this is the right time for forces they are there have been some questions we are abandoning africa those are flatly false we are looking hard at rightsizing to make those decisions one that secretary esper has made is to allocate the brigade to africom which we think is a good example to get the right forcesr. Into theater. You are right there has to be an examination of placement of troops around the world we were in africa when there were rumors decision was made by these administration to reduce and obviously that was not accurate in fact the secretary said thats a place where we cannot do that. So the question to you is do you agree with the secretary on the continent of africa . Yes. I agree was secretary esper. Another part of the effort working closely with allies and partners we encourage european allies to assume a greater role on the african continent with an interest there as well. Thank you mr. Chairman you made ityo very clear in the Opening Statement the chain of command is in disarray nothing illustrates that more than the rooseveltti situation when the acting secretary is calling directly the commander to work out problems something is wrong and when that the immediate superior was down the hall something is wrong. It goes to trust and the culture of the navy and the chain of command of getting advice and supporting them but also in your position keeping your eyes focused on the threat and the fleet at sea and not being distracted by some of the things that happened in washington but what specific steps will you take to correct the situation . Without a functioning chain of command or culture of trust and confidence the platforms are irrelevant. Senator i agree and thank you for the question. As i learned over the course of my career in the public and private sector, culture trumps everything. Culture eats strategy for breakfast thats the one thing to create for an organization a sense of belonging and order and discipline my number one priority to restore the appropriate culture in the United States navy. Culture exist. I will say its broken. I think it is tarnished the events over the last several years have helped to see that occur and if confirmed i will make sure i get out that predicated on good order and discipline for people to understand their responsibilities t as you and i both talked about yesterday as well as setting the tone from the very highest level is contingent upon leadership to establish that to hold those throughout the chain for the same. Thank you mr. Ambassador this dialogue will continue for many months forward. General brown, one of the big issues is sustainment cost with very expensive platforms sometimes those pale in comparison to sustaining the equipment do you have a sense of what you will do to tackle the problem and is this a n. Serious issue . I do recognize it as a serious issue and if confirmed we should work very closely wither Industry Partners how we bring down those cost and then to address those processes to ensure we can manage the cost we cant just modernize and not sustain we have to do both for the National Defense strategy. Doctor anderson signing an agreement on february 29th on afghanistan the situation has changed dramatically can you comment first how these changes might have affected the eventual departure of us forces and reconciliation . And also comment on the fact that his continued support of Afghan Security forces of billions of dollars per year. So your comments briefly . Since the 20th the february we have seen mixed results in terms of tele band compliance we have retained refrain from attacking Coalition Troops in Major Urban Centers but they have been attacking robustly at the unprecedented level the afghan partners and this is greatly concerning to us. And we will continue to proceed the level of 8600 which is made july but the department has made very clear beyond that production is condition based so we will look very closely as the situation unfolds. In this context assuming conditions allow for further drawdown we remain committed to our afghan partners they have paid a heavy price the Security Forces have been doing most of the fighting since 2015 we have been supporting them and so it is my view that Going Forward in afghanistan we absolutely need to continue to maintain a level of commitment in terms of assistance to them so they can continue to help defend theirr country. Senator fisher. Thank you mr. Chairman, general brown here forces responsible for two of the three legs of the Nuclear Triad carrying out a number of programs vital to modernization the be 21, the longrange weapons as well as Nuclear Command and control and architecture. Do you believe these programs and the overall modernizationon of Nuclear Deterrent is necessary . Most definitely. We hear calls of disarmament and several of the last. Com commanders to testify there is no margin left in our schedule for recapitalization is it your understanding further delay is not an option and they must proceed on schedule if we continue with the effective deterrent . I understand the air force is considering awarding the contract early i know the lack of margin in that program is particularly concerning and congress has push the department to find ways to accelerate to ease the burden onon the schedule if the air force determines that it is a viable option i want to express my support for that. Yesterday we had a good conversation about the future of the air force and the need and of the growing challenges posed by our adversaries. Given those threat do you believe the air force is large enough to accomplish the missions required by the National Defensehe strategy . To an extent. In the mediumterm but we still have to have the 386 anything less encourages risk. The capability to fights that faster are important aspects. We talked about that. Being able to balance the capability with the capacity needed. When you look at the new platforms and technologies that are here now and coming and how critical those platforms are for us to meet that challenge can you elaborate of how we establish a balance between manned and unmanned . Working towards 386 but we could be more capable its also the manned and unmanned teams. And those with that capability to increase our range and awareness and those are the things we are working on. Also working with our allies as well its very important work how do you feel about working with our allies . Most of my time as a general officer have a pretty good band of relationships with those that we share interest and values with. How do you see yourself working, within the system to platformsany new are incorporated in a wise manner but also in a manner that doesntse take forever . Thats what im focused on. And in the past number of year years, how do we speed up that process . So then to get something into the hands of the fighters 18 years down the road. Thank you to the other two gentlemen as well. Congratulations gentleman. Thank you for your willingness to consider serving at this challenging time of history. General brown i want to begin with you, i have the opportunity to speak with the general earlier this week as you are aware the 157 air refueling wing at the National Guard base in New Hampshire is the first National Guard to receive the new tanker i had the opportunity to be there when the first tanker arrived. So i followed this issue very closely. General seemed optimistic the agreement was reached with boeing would provide a path forward with the vision system and other problems with the tinker but clearly we are still several years away from having tinkers that can do the refueling we want them to do. Can you tell us of how confirmed you keep that program on track to make sure its ready to go for the air refueling mission . One of the key roles i have working with acquisition professionals but also to partner with boeing there is a new ceo having talk to the general that ceo is pretty serious about that capability. So we can have s frank dialogue to keep it on track as quickly as possible. I was pleased to hear the new ceo is more committed to fixing it than previously. Ambassador braithwaite, our nations shipyards handle Aircraft Carriers and submarines are the backbone of the naval power. We need to modernize and increase drydock capacity. I am in favor of the plan release 2008 have you had the opportunity to review the plan and can you share your thoughts of the importance of the infrastructure shipyard . Yes i have spent some time m by thed impressed patriotism and commit that employees exhibit everye day. It is somewhat the navy was focused f on and then to build new ships and airplanes much like any other situation where deferredtu maintenance is what you get to later. The Philadelphia Shipyard was very up close and personal was a double edge sword. Because of those resources required but also to have the eactual shipyard. I have looked at it and agree with it over a 20 year period and make that a priority because as i shared in the vessel or ship that is tied to a peer its not doing its job and a waste of the taxpayers. We have an obligation to make sure they are doing their jobs. We hope you come back and then to take ownership of that shipyard. Senator king isnt the only one following this issue. [laughter] clearly their effectiveness is the reason and that shipyard is the most productive in the country. Ive had an opportunity about their concerns with the covid19 pandemic and there are a number of people there who have tested positive. We lost one Shipyard Worker and they are concerned about having the right ppe when working in the yard and if that cant be provided can hazard pay be considered for those working in those dangerous circumstances . Can you commit those who are working on the submarines have protective equipment they need to do their jobs . Absolutely. One of the impressive things the assistant secretary explain the patriotism they have displayed each and every day going into the situation that they get the equipmentntur and the safety gear they need to do that job. Thank you mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thank you for your service to our country. General brown i enjoyed our phoneay call yesterday that if you are confirmed to Ellsworth Air force base following up on our discussion and to share with the committee and the perspectives that you share first can you explain the importance of not allowing a capability gap with the legacy fleet while we wait for the be 21 to come online and can you give us your perspective on what we need to do to ensure for the situation we had years ago when we dramatically reduced the f22 fighters . You were the first on the beach and was delivered on time i dont want to get to the point where we have to make a tough call so we dont have any gaps that is an important aspect too me. As was mentioned earlier was sustainment cost. To be met with the contractors to bring the cost down that makes it more affordable that we intend to have them provide that capability from the air force. I was surprised i was not aware the air force budget contains a significant limit where funding is passed to the dod agencies that are executed. The air force exercises no control or receive no benefit the fy 20 budget we are executing right now the department of nagy navy budget 206,000,000,177,000,000,000 however what you do the pass through the true toplinene budget is 166 billion. Three. 2 percent of the army 1 percent of the navy budget. I would like your perspective on this practice. I am aware of the pass through i am very transparent so its nice to be reflective of the budgets with confirmed i am happy to look into that aspect of the budget. Ambassador braithwaite is d oking back we had a good conversation and i appreciate that similar to what you would hear from senator king even though i dont have any of those in my state but to talk about the ability to handle a 355 ship navy but my concern is that while we have seen improvements in fact i congratulate the navy they brought that up to an 80 percent capability rate but talk about the nuclear attackk submarines those that are waiting for drydock perhaps seven or eight years three more behind it waiting as well i would like your perspective and to accelerating to that piece of property the taxpayers paid for in a more timelyas fashion. I did enjoy the conversation not only is that unfortunate but very unacceptable i understand the department has took a turn and looking how they look at private yards to assist but i believe as we discussed yesterday look at all the priorities just like the Kitchen Table with our families and the requirements you have to balance shipbuilding maintenance Education Training everything across the board. I look forward to the opportunity if confirmed to look into this maintenance has always been something that has been deferred that i have experienced in my navy career as a pilot many times aircraft were not available and then to be on the flight schedule then removed i did get some good news the rates for the surface platforms we are at 20 percent Completion Rate two years ago and 40 percent on its way at 70 percent this year before covid19. And what he has put in place and to move in the right direction to ensure i remain vigilant where we dont have the ships in the queue with the tip of the spear. And those service to your country, admiral braithwaite you are absolutely correct for the focus on culture and i welcome yourth commitment to change the culture to eliminate any part on the sailors the culture of retaliation of those instances of judgment or infection on any ships of a covid19 and we said that very forthright that yesterday and your commitment to reaffirm that now that we ought to be constructing two submarines per year to that required level that we maintain with that predominance in that domain. Yes sir. The naval aviator spending a lot of time hunting soviet submarines i worked closely with the subsurface force and that is beyond reproach and we should work toward the 66 votes and i would be a big advocate for that. Su because it is on the unfunded priorities. I welcome your commitment to make sure that is filled. And also the sensitivity you dhave demonstrated to the workforce as vital as men and women in uniform with that ability that men and women dont have a fair fight with that undersea warfare and in that connection that maintenance the uss john warner is available of the stability of the workforce. Thegr Industrial Base of National Security with the Navy Shipyard in philadelphia and without that and to be as capable so to get the ships out. That situation with many manufacturing of site spaces can be parentless. One of those that feel threatened of an adequate ppe and with the need for better staging and that is difficult to do with that level of precision and is so demanding. And then to encourage that electric boat to meet the standards and then to encourage osha and other agencies responsible in those standards to protect workers. This comes back at the core of any relationship that trust is so important. To reestablish that trust. And also the trust with the private yards and so then if confirmed the leadership of the electric boat and all private contractors to establish that trust. I welcome your commitment yesterday to follow the recommendations of the t Ongoing Investigation. Consider all the facts and make the right decision. I learned that in Flight School as a youngng naval aviator. The most important thing to do is to sit on your hands for two seconds, and the ongoing instructor made sure i did that because then you can assess the problem correctly before shutting down the wrong system. Thank you very much. I look forward to supporting your nomination. Thank you, senator. Senator ernst. Thank you, gentlemen, for being with us today. We appreciate your time and commitment, and i want to give a special shout out to your families as well. We wish they could be here with you. I know they are with you in spirit. Ambassador braithwaite, thank you. We had a great conversation yesterday and given maybe another day, we could have solved world problems. I appreciate your time and attention to a number of very important issues and regions. Part of the discussion that i found fascinating was your perspective not only as a naval officer but also as an ambassador now. Serving in norway and the close proximity to russia, youve been ale to see up close russias intentions in that regio the red they went on to describe the posturing of russia as well as we talked about a calm with china and comparing what they are doing compared with china and where they would like to see themselves positioned globally. If you could share that discussion using your perspective as a naval officer and ambassador and where you think we need to be positioning as a navy in regards to russia and then in regards to china. Thank you for the question, senator. And especially for your time yesterday. I appreciate our conversations as well. Ive spent a lot of time in the arctic both as a u. S. Ambassador as well as a naval officer and appreciate that part of the world as it emerges and its becoming more important to everybody. Most people in america dont realize because we dont see that here within the continental United States although senator sullivan sees it a little bit up in alaska. But the chinese and the russians are everywhere especially the chinese. They would be alarmedrm at the amount of chinese activity off the coast of norway in the high north and we need to be vigilant and understand why. My old boss i had the Great Fortune to work for him to join force command when i was a young navy captain, he and i spoke just a couple of years ago about this. Their hope is to be relevant again on the world stage where we all believe our come to understand they want to be dominant on the same world stage and they have pressed hard upon norway to be part of the calculus. If you look at the northern sea route between the most northern of norway coming across russia it can reduce the amount by half. China has launched a campaign to try to win norway over after in 2010 forcing them to withdraw the Nobel Peace Prize to the chinese dissident. The norwegians people stood up against and suffered for not economically. China recognizes importance in securing the route and they are up there and try and do win over the people of northern norway at the vanguard of the come if provides the only capabilities to be able to power projection in that part of the world. We are there and we currently have three destroyers sailing along with the United Kingdom navy as well as the Royal Norwegian Navy to ensure that production exists and deterrence as a parthedeterrence is a parte calculus for those of us in nato. And i think we need to continue to do that. We need to continue to be vigilant and present and that requires to be there. General brown very briefly as i only have about a minute remaining, the air force does provide a very powerful supportg to the Ground Forces. Those of us do appreciate your cover up Ground Force Commanders are fully integrated to provide precision. The focus is developing the fifth generation platforms and fighting out the contest of environment rather than the uncontested environment that they are used to right now. What would that training look like for the next generation of pilots and crew and how are you going to work with our Ground Forces to incorporate as you are doing that . Part of the word is to understand the concept and how we Work Together. One of the key aspects they are able to do i this provide commad and control aspects to support coming up with that how we are able to connect to the censorship, so the key part for me is to understand the sister services. What is the highest priority so we can Work Together on that versus going our own way and to me that is the most important thing i can do is understand what they need, what relationships they have and how im able to support and vice versa. And commander general clark is very appreciative of the work that youve been able to do with general goldstein and the transition of some of the platforms. We hope that great relationship continues. Thank you very much. Senator. Thank you mr. Chair. First, any confusion this may have been shown by the comments of my colleagues from New Hampshire, the Portsmouth Naval shipyard is the main. I just want to clear that up. Ambassador braithwaite, you and i talked about the ddt being the workhorse of the navy, an important shift of mature design. We are in the middle of a multiyear right now in 2018, 2022. I hope that you will give serious consideration to the second starting in 2023. For two reasons. One, it is a significant taxpayer savings when we buy in bulk and more so it helps to ensure the stability of the base. Will you commit to giving consideration to the possibility . Stanek absolutely, senator. We discussed a greyhound of the fleet it truly is the backbone into something that they have relied upon at the department for the power projection the platform provides. Asrm a former Group Purchasing executive, i couldnt agree more in that approach. Its great for the people of america. And being good stewards of taxpayer center. I appreciate that. As they are in the midst of this crisis, the navy has deemed public and private shipyards essential continuing their work. On the other hand, two different points. One is necessarily thereve been delays and contract delays because of the introduction that were caused by the illness. I hope that they will work with the secretary and secretary lord on the flexibility of contracts and indeed perhaps additional funding in order to compensate for working, around this conversation. We have all learned a lot inr this crisis and have a lot to learn. I will work very closely with the secretary to ensure that we have the resources placed appropriately if we were to encounter anything like this again. And flexibility in terms of deadlines. The impact hasnt been as great as i was originally concerned. I understand we are at about 80 and we will build back from that. The other piece of that is because the navy has deemed these facilities essential its meant i hope that you will work with both the public guard officials and the companies and make sure they have the capability to keep the workers save under these circumstances and the flexibility in terms of production schedules and such to facilitate safe workplaces for these patrioticc americans are going to work everyday to keep the country safe. I think if we have learned anything in this, senator, weve learned the fact that there are patriots in every sector of the country, as a Healthcare Executive seeing of healthcare people have done and how theye stepped up and put their lives at risk to serve others, and it is the same with the Shipyard Workers have done the same. Many of us are able to corrine team ourselves. If they havent been added theyve continued to be out there on the front lines and have demonstrated like the men and women in uniform do every day of their patriotism and commitment to National Security. That is something that i hold very sacred and if im confirmed whether it is a public yard in portsmouth or the private yard as you and i discussed, i will look to support those efforts, senator. Thank you. I appreciate that. Thats important to the men and women that work at those yard. General brown, quickly one thing we dont want to lose focus on is the contract. As you know, we have had a rocky road in the recent decades with major procurement contracts. This one seems to be on track and i think that its worked very well by the air force and contractor. I hope that he will commit to paying close attention to the progress so that we dont have to come back here and talk about massive overruns and delays or any overruns. That is exactly my goal is confirmed to make sure that it stays on track. Finally coming you and i talked about this and i think attention needsit to be paid to the potential gap in the tanker capacity. If we could have all the airplanes in the world but they cannot be refueled the ticket to the mission, we have a failure of the ability toit project pow. As you know, these projected a gap if you will in terms of the tanker capacity over the next five to ten years. I hope that also will be a focus of your attention. I consider that an urgent matter. Yes, senator, it will be. Senator cramer. Thank you mr. Chairman and gentlemen for your service and for being here today. My best to your families as well. We look forward to seeing and meeting all of them. Thank you for the conversation yesterday and id appreciate the consistency of the answers and especially thepr commitment to senator fisher relating to the Nuclear Fleet keeping modernization particularly and also senator rounds repeating to the bombers. As you know, we have both of those. The priority is as per the National Defense strategy is. One of the things i was pleased about is your answer to senator rounds relating to the past and i would like you to know that im working with theg Committee Staff on separating 39 billion or so. As to the importance of transparency that we have as a government not only to the policymakers but to the public with the details of the budget i hope that we can get that done. One of the things you talked about that impressed me coming from you in that was used that initiated the plaintif point abe relationship of academia community as well as the air force and grand forks, we have a wonderful relationship with the university of north dakota, Flight School as well as the uhf program as well as space and would love to get you up there as soon as possible when the time is right and we can do it in a safe manner i would love to get your commitment to that asas soon as practical. I would also like to get your input on something somebody else brought up earlier related to r the Northern Tier and when we think of the arctic we think about somebody with all due respect to the most important adversaries into the Northern Tierrn basis. I would love your input on how you might see an Arctic Mission that involves the Northern Tier basis. I watch it day to day in the activities they do against the russians in at the same time i also look at the antarctic for the key aspect for me is how do we use and have a good understanding of whats going on in the arctic to compete and ideally when its required. Thank you, mr. Chair and do the nominees this is a strong panel of nominees for the positions we have before us and i would like to support overview. I appreciated our conversation the other day and i want to ask you a question. It strikes me as unusual. You talked in your Opening Statement about the choppy waters from the leadership standpoint and it strikes me as unusual. The secretary of the navy, secretary spencer, somebody i had a high regard for what is essentially relieved in the middle of a personnel battle. Military discipline was being carried out against the navy seal based upon other sailors coming forward with allegations which is extremely difficult to do. The president decided to intervene in the military justice process. The secretary of the navy then trying to maintain harmony in the ranks started to work with the white house t to work that out. He was eventually relieved of the position. Ti but he was involved in a person no matter in one that was very important. The acting secretary of the navy wasre recently released for involving itself in an individual personnel matter. The captain was doing what he thought he needed to do to keep folks on the roosevelt saved. There was an Ongoing Investigation into the situation at the acting secretary predetermined the investigation had made the decision on his own apparently without they agreement to terminate the captain from his leadership of roosevelt. These incidents back and back made me sort of rethink the whole question of what is this responsibility, what should it be with respect to Personnel Matters but civilian secretary would have policy responsibilities where its obvious to take that role seriously. But they are being involved in the individual personnel decisions in ways that i found a little bit unusual. Ive only been on the committee for seven years and perhaps its been more common but should you in confirmed what do you think your responsibilities are with respect to Personnel Matters because if i were in the ranks as a sailor, the notion of the politicall appointee seems directly engaged in individual personnel actions where peoplee sort of bar down the chain of command. I would be concerned about that. How would you approach this issue should you be confirmed . Senator, as you and i discussed yesterday, i had the great good fortune to have served under some great secretaries of the navy, john lehman comes to mind. He is a mentor to me. I spoke just the other night with senator warner who was also from your state and had two conversations with him in the last couple of days. Good order and discipline starts with the chain of command. Not just sacrosanct to military forces since the beginning of time. And if i am confirmed, i will ensure that that is understood. From the secretarys office all the way to the smallest vessel in the United States navy and the United States marine corps. I believe that our commanders, the ceos and the command is invested with a responsibility to be accountable as well as to lead those that serve under their leadership. And i believe they should be in thy power towe do such. Again, ive lived my entire life be leaving in the chain of command, the weaving in and ensuring that the chain of command is informed of those up and down and making sure people have trust and confidence in that chain othechain of command. Can i ask you, ambassador braithwaite, in the chain of command, do you see your self as secretary sort of intervening in personal decisions that are fairly distant . I believe that men and women in uniform of all ranks should have the opportunity and should establish with the ability to ensure they are making the decisions to lead their men and women appropriately. Thank you very much mr. Chairman. Both recognize senator hawley. Thank you to each of you for being. Congratulations on the nomination. Let me see if i can cover a fair amount of ground here. I enjoyed speaking with you the other day andth i cant remember the days run together recently. Let me ask you this for National Defense strategy has said the indo pacific is the theater and the secretary said the Indo Pacific Defense that this is the priority here. Do you agree with those assessments . Yes, senator, i do. Can you give us a sense of why . In the context of reviewing the strategy which came out in 2018, we looked at changing circumstances over the last decade plus, while we were very focused onnd treating violent extremism and during that time to consider competitors took full advantage of the focus elsewhere and theyve done a variety ofd this to with respect to theaters to strengthen the position and put the position at greater risk. So, looking about how those trends based upon that assessment is how we came to prioritized the National Defense strategy. Lets talk about some of the difficult strategic choices that have to be made to prioritized the indo pacific particularly as it relates to centcom. Do you think that we have an effective strategy currently against iran and how can we improve that the talk of sending more forces to the region . I think that we have reestablished the deterrence at least in the conventional sense against iran. I am very concerned about their continued backing of the shiad militia groups and of those that have acted on the difficulties in terms of attributing. But we do all of the responsible and we are hopeful that they will get the message Going Forward that we are committed to our allies and partners in the middle east and we will protect our forces and we are going to do all of the things that we said we have done. Can we do that without sending more forces to the region . I believe we can. Whabut they ask about another point. In afghanistan if the deal collapses, when do you think we should withdraw the remaining troops in the region . Im kind of leery talking to the hypotheticals. As i mentioned earlier, we can reassess all of the conditions Going Forward. We hope that the deal with not collapse. They have shown a commitment of at least part of it so far and hopefully they will honor the remaining portions. If they dont then we will reassess and do what they need to do. S im driving at, what they discussed and i appreciate the conversation, it is this tension between our commitment in centcom into the theater. These are difficult and there is no easy answer. This is going to be your job finding and recommending answers answers, and i want to underscore that it seems to me to be vital into this time amidt this crisis as it relates to the direct relationship with china as the whole world is seeing the aligned intent of the communist party of the geostrategic danger to me it is more imperative than ever that we find ways to focus on the pacing theater and the threat and to make hard choices in orderer to do so because we cannot do it all. We will not spend too much weight on defense. We simply cannot do it all. We have to make hard choices and that is good to be part of your job and we are counting on you to do that. Weve talked about this for the specific Deterrence Initiative that would address the requirements set out in the 12th 53 report. The European Defense has seen Great Success and i would like to see us do something similar if they are our priority theater then why wouldnt they embrace a similar Deterrence Initiative there as we have into com . The assessment has been delivered to congress and we will be briefing you both in the joint staff. They are prepared to do that and i agree. The case to be made for the similar arrangement in the indo pacific theater. And if confirmed, i certainly pledged to commit to taking a look at that. Thank you very much. General dont want you to feel left out. I have some questions for the record. General brown, i want to start with saying i wasas encouraged o see the force select the air force base in new mexico as the preferred location for basing the Training Squadron that has been temporarily stationed at installations in shelby foote. We look forward to addressing pilot shortfall and suggest they continue to look to new mexico to solve its most pressing testing and technological challenges. Obviously that isnt the question. Its a statement. But i think you understand and with regards to my first question for you, i had in todays hearing asked which capabilities to offset as many people have said. And youve listed artificial intelligence. Should you be confirmed, how exactly would you press the air force to more rapidlye develop tests, and most importantly feel that these critical capabilities . When i searched the internet and watch how i look at something and it shows up there is that capability out there and its not always in the department of defense. I so its how to work with the industry and those are some of the things the air force is already giving i just think we need tod do more of it to take advantage of what we have in the nation. I have to ask you a little bit as well about the Space Rapid Capabilities of the suggest you know is charged with developing lowcost Rapid Reaction payloads to maintain a United States critical advantage. Last march before the committee, general goldstein agreed emphatically that its something working and should continue to act as an independent agency just as it was designed to do when congress established that office in 2018. Do you agree that they should remain an independent agency . In some aspects it is under the space force but they also have the rapid Capability Office. So, the good part about the ropid Capability Office is it is somewhat separated from the democracy of the bigger machine and can be able to move a bit faster, quiteui a bit faster actually. And if that is the point is that innovation is in large part dependent on that. Youve been responsible for delivering air space and cyberspace capabilities to counterparts in the indo pacific. What are your general takeaways of the chinese capabilities and developments with respect to hypersonic and directed energy . The daytoday open source information. Are you confident that we are developing and testing our capabilities fast enough to meet that threat . We can go faster and weve got to put our foot forward on some of these. We are going to fail on some of these. I look forward to that. Thank you, senator. Let me start with general brown. You are a graduate, or youre not . Thats correct. Congratulations. Some air force graduates had less stellar careers than yours but im glad to see you reach the chief of staff of the air force. What did you think of your Pilot Training . I didnt see that in the bio. We train pilots in mississippi also. We dont need to have any fewer training bases. No, senator. Good to have you and let me move on to ambassador braithwaite. Thank you for what you said about 355 ships and i think you said it is the minimum. We want to take this requirement that comes from the generals and the admirals and rely on the folks out there that tell us what the requirement is. There is word that there is another requirement may be on the tables in the pentagon that havent been published or supplied to us and that the number would be substantially more than 355. What do you know about that, ambassador . I understand they are looking into the comprehensive plan. I havent had any insight into that but if confirmed, i look to the role as being the chief advocate to build a fleet of greater than 355 ships. We need to be build a fleet that the top military brass and the admirals and generals that are tasked with keeping the country safe so us is needed, the minimum requirement is needed, and i think that is what we have done and they have great leadership on the committee as the chair and Ranking Member who feel the same. Ihi say this about shipbuilding and about aircraft manufacturing. We have a little bit of the fifth coming from the omd and a lot of it is the function of the government they had to agree with to cut the two year deal. The way that i calculated it also talking with the secretary of defense, an extra 20 billion would restore and get us about where we need to be in the combined aircraft manufacturing. I would say to my colleagues and anyone else listening, our economy has been in the tank and weve done some things in this congress that were necessary to get us over and we found a wayat to appropriate the money and borrow the money and to say we need to do it. In terms of the 3 trillion weve spent on our economy, it strikes me as a relative bargain to try to come up with 20 billion to get us where we need to be. I think the collective leadership in the town and in the building of to help us come up with that. There is also getting more out of your money and i asked the secretary about a strategy to acquire more in the most Cost Effective manner. Do you agree with the secretary when he says they are a great strategy and continue to support the procurement as secretary of ambassador braithwaite . Yes, sir, i do. We discussed the same thing. Group purchasing that Healthcare Executives. Its a good deal. Thank you very much. There is a mighty pressing panel. Hello to general brown who currently serves as the commander for the Pacific Air Force. I ask the following questions of every nominee that comes before the committees invited like the responses starting from the ambassador. Since he became an adult have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature . No, senator i have not. Though, senator. Have you ever faced discipline or entered into the settlement related to this kind of conduct . No, senator. Testing facility in hawaiita isa asset consistingit of 20 underground storage tanks each holding 12. 5 million gallons of fuel and this is an order of the hoover dam. It is positioned above a large aquifer that supplies Drinking Water to many into the leak that occurred threatened the local Drinking Water supply and resulted in an administrative order consent between the navy, the Environmental Protection agency and the department of health. Although the navy has the upgrades and increased the monitoring, concerns in the community remain. Can i get your commitment that if confirmed, you will work with ll to make sure that the safety is a priority so that the local communities Drinking Water is protected and military may thaty may continue to use this resource . Senator, i lived near here and ive been passed the facility many times. I understand the importance to the people of hawaii and to you and i pledge my commitment to work with you to mitigate this and to correct it. Thank you very much. Youve been asked a number of questions from a number of my colleagues, specifically senator shaheen and king about the importance of the Shipyard Modernization and of course one of the Public Shipyards is in hawaii. And also thank you for your commitment to make sure that the health and safety ofom the works many of whom are civilians or protect it during this pandemic. Now picture and shipyard is inefficient and must be updated. Pearl harbor is slated for a new Production Facility in the next several years. This Critical Program funding would require a significant portion of the navys budget. Does the fiscal year 2021 budget contained for continued funding for the shipyard of modernization plan so that it would be implemented on time . From what i understand, he signed psyop shipyard and its important geographically, so i look forward to work with the department and the navy if confirmed as we can prioritize those requirements. S. I assume thereve already been some setting aside ofve funding that are supposed to go to the driedup Production Facility to make the shipyard which more efficient and thats already been set aside in anticipation of the new Production Facility that is close so that it makes more sense so i would want to continue to work with you. While i would like to work with you because i havent started yet. For doctor anderson, congress has directed the department urgently deploy the Homeland Defense radar. This administrations own Missile Defense review releasedd in 2019 as well as its budget request for fiscal year 2017 to 2020, the commander and Missile Defense expert and Missile Defense agency have all previously stated that its critical for the defense against north korea advancing longrange missile capabilities. Doctor anderson, if confirmed would you continue to support the Missile Defense agency is to build the Homeland Defense radar consistent with the 2019 or your going to have a second round and recognize r senator sullivan thk you, mr. Chairman. And gentlemen, i want to thank you for your meetings in the last couple of days and also your exceptional service, decades of service to the nation for all three of you. I appreciate that if i want to thank your families even though they couldnt be. I want to begin with my opening question and i ask all nominees will you commit to coming to the great state of alaska with me to see what Billy Mitchell godfather of the u. S. Air force called the most strategic place in the world, can i get a commitment from each of you to do this even though i know youve all been there before. Tm this is a new commitment as a part of your job. Yes, senator. Thank you. This committee mandated a few years back the National Defense Commission Report cochaired by eric edelman and one of the findings and recommendations of the report was that it was important to reverse what they called an unhealthy trend whereby civilians within the pentagon and importantly here in the congress were defenseless involved in Critical Military decisions like the allocating of the forces across the theaters. For that reason the committee has weighed in on a number of important decisions such o as te basing decision at the 46 and general brown, i want to talk at length with you about that as we did in my office the other day. In 2017 and 2018, this committee and the congress put forward the kind of characteristics they believe are important when looking at the basing decision in favor was mandated in congress with secretary wilson and goldstein, i would like to see if your views line up with tears. One of the things mandated by the congress not just one but several if possible. The characteristics mandated by Congress Near outstanding especiallycilities for the fighters. The third area is being near the facilities that have large airspace for training and storaglargerunways and painters, maintenance and fuel, storage and distribution capabilities. The former chief of staff for cr the current chief of staff in thent air force said that was important. And then in the hearing we have twice now, i asked the secretary of defense particularly given the National Defense strategy with regard to our russia, china, north koreas challenges if you go located kc 46 46 co. Located in alaska which is what they will have in the next year, what kind of message would that send to the adversaries . China, russia, north korea, iran. The secretary of defense is twice now stated the message that would be sent to do what is the message to potential adversaries that the United States has extreme strategic reach. I do, senator. Senator king mentioned an issue that just came out and i hearing just a couple of months ago mentioned in his statement that its the number one readiness concern and continues to underpin the joint force ability to deploy the immediate force across all areas, and that is critical. Based on senator kings mention of this being an urgent manner and with the general said recently, do you agree that it makes sense that the decision thinkers are limited in the resource in the location that allows them to be responsible for the multiple threads and multiple combatant command . Does that allow for the most flexibility . That is one of the areas that we look at and it gives the most each. Can they continue to find the clustering, i see my time is up. Let me just ask one final one. You are in charge. I guess i can don this. Does it make sense on the flipside to have the kc 46 in the location thats focused only on one combat and command and will be vulnerable in the longrange precision weapons from the adversaries in the peacock region. It increases the risk. Thank you. Senator jones, i believe that you are next. Secretary anderson, i know that you have had an interest in Missile Defense. Obviously thats importan imporo the state of alabama it rests on the arsenals so im likely to follow up with you on a number of topics that way. One of the things ive done thin this Committee Also is pay particular attention to the men and women in uniform and not just the increase in the Nuclear Triad or modernizing the nuclear capabilities. General brown, i will say it is an honor to be part of your confirmation hearing as the first africanamerican chief of any branch. The special interest and support of the rotc to encourage the minorities and women. We are committed to work on. Ambassador braithwaite, they had a great talk a couple of days ago. Thank you for that. I very much appreciated that. The first thing that i would like to mention, and i am compelled it is im disappointed in many fees position to on the next generation contract which i believe the navy overlooks and really obvious choices and that is down in mobile alabama. They have consistently top of the highly capable ships that came in on budget and on time and we look forward to getting more information. I must say having spent a couple of years in the city, one can become quite cynical as we approached and it is based on what happened in huntsville last year when the Space Command was reopened after it was one of the finalists that we now have that contract go into a state that is clearly a a battleground state for the upcoming election. Im not making allegations that as a lawyer it raises my sensitivity when i see that happen and overlooking a company theiras done so well with contract. But the other thing i want to mention, and you and i talked about this and this will be for both you and general. We have seen a number of shootings in the military bases. Fort hood, 14 dead. They were killed in a terrorist attack at the naval station and they put the officer on deck that morning and is one of the first people to shoot and although he was shot five times he managed to make his way up to give an accurate description of the shooter. He died of his wounds in the hospital and i know senator scott and purdue also lost young men from their home states in that awful instance. I know that the number of killings on the military bases doesnt seem a lot considering the number of shootings that we have across the country in theth last decade or 20 years or so and especially the number of deaths in thiss pandemic but tht the menth and women that have volunteered to serve and put their lives on the line they shouldnt have to die needless needlessly. I met with calebs father and brother and made a commitment to work with them. It could have saved his life and perhaps others. The gao issued a report concerning recommendations on a military bases and i am not quite sure that any of that has been followed at this point. We havent seen any followup. So my simple question i would like to case two a little bit more to the bottom of this are you committed to looking at those reports and recommendations to try to see if there are things we can feasibly do to prevent the needless killing of men and women in service not only of the military but also the potential civilians around the bases as well as looking at that report to try to implement those things and work with our office to try to see what they can do to better protect. Absolutely, senator as you and i discussed we were stationed and that incident came because closer to me one of my shipmates in the navy, his son was training and just minutes before the shooting. Anybody that goes aboard any military installation has to show an id card and it gives you a sense of security when you do that whether you come to this building or the pentagon or any of our military facilities around the world so i pledge to you that id look into this. I understand some parts of the report are classified in the followup to the discussion the other day. If i am confirmed i look forward to looking at those reports and ensuring that we have a process in place to protect the men and women in uniform and out. I would like to recommend to the committee we possiblyis conduct a hearing on this at some point to look into the safety ofo the military men and women so that these tragedies dont happen again. The nations first commander in chief observed the soul of the army as a commander i learned a good order for the northstar ensures we fight with honor. Its how the military became the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen and rejecting the conduct and the violence that is harmful to the mission. Good order and discipline is the soul of the United Statesio military and its now threatened by the commanderinchief that betrays American Allies and celebrates war criminals. Generals, admirals, Business Executives have proven incapable who normalizes war crime with the Honorable Service members such as president of trump, and i quote, we train them to be killing machines that prosecute them when they killed. By their inaction, the leaders have enabled this commanderinchief with plans to transform the armed forces into a brutal force to support one man unaccountable to the chain of command and dismissive of the laws ofe the war in the constitutional principle. This is a danger to the professionalism of the great military. Its one thing to take the fight to the enemy and to rain down destruction upon them but its dangerous and beneath the standards of our military to conduct itself as it is a personal force they one of the despot. Thereve been glimmers of leadership in the administration. Former secretary Richard Spencer used one of his last official acts to inform president trump, and i quote, i cannot in good conscience obey an order tha ini think violates the oath i took in the presence of my family, my flag and my states t state to sd defend the constitution of the united dates. She demonstrated leadership and did not only sacrificed his position of power, the defense of good order and discipline but equally important, confidently speaking the truth to power to inform the American People of the dangers posed by the current commander in chief. Mr. Ambassador did you believe our men and women in uniform arm just killing chain, do you believe something more is required of them and that there are good reasons for that requirement . I had an opportunity to talk about the good order discipline a little while ago and like you shared that experience and i understand the importance of it. I believe the men and women that serve in the uniform are patriots first and foremost. They demonstrate a vet every day and go into harms way as you and i both did and we have a sacred commitment to ensure they have the resources they need and that we protect our interests. Do you believe that it is fundamental, the wall of war is fundamental to good order discipline going back to the days of cadets when we learned about the law of war and professionalism, do you think that that isdo fundamental to te good order and discipline in the military . Guess. To you affirm the importance of the enemy of the law of the war tax yes. Do you think taking a photo with the corpse of a fighter and texting the image difference is respectful . No sir i do not. If confirmed how will you react to those that violate with dishonorable behavior such as dot . Anybody exhibiting this behavior would be held accountable if i am confirmed. How . Scenic ensuring good order and discipline in the chain of command is followed and that we uphold that those sacred truths that you just explained to us. Think you. Do you believe the statements made on social media by activeduty Service Members can negativelyne impact the good orr andav discipline . I have strong feelings about the social media. It can influence anything at any time and people need to be mindful of that no matter what they comment or when. If you look i dont participate a lot and social media for that very reason. When i served in the navy i advised many Senior Officers to do the same. There was the medium to be able to communicate through that but also able to misuse. Recognizing certain behavior could have a very real impact on good order and discipline, do you think those members that violate the standards of conduct ould be held accountable for their actions . Yes i do. How would you react and activeduty Service Member publicly call to the leadership of his or her service with other dimmanders, and i quote, a bunch of morons as Eddie Gallagher did on cable news last year . If they were still in the uniform of the nation and they were responsible for the actions under the uc mj, they would be held accountable appropriately. I would hold first and foremost by their officers again following discipline that you and i both served under. Be willing to resign your position in order to violate the sacred oath you took. Ive repeatedly been asked this question to uphold the constitution of the United States i will continue to follow the lawful orders as you and i did when we wereid in uniform. Im over time i have a question for doctor anderson to submit for the record into the Nation Security in the future. Without y objection. Are you ready to go . Senator mc sally. I have been watching from my office it is good to see you all. Congratulations on the nomination. You may be aware of with previous requirements we need the airmen to have air superiority that made it look easy. You need the ferrari and the pickup truck to protect men. Nd women on the grounded it is good to see it in your testimony to keep them into the future. We put some requirements because the previous concerns they are needed to be a fly twoff and the full operation of the f 35 all happening in series before any planning could happen before retiring one more a tenor you are aware of the requirements in the past related to this . Ive been made aware of a little more detail. I was concerned this phased without any regard to those requirements you cannot plan to retire one more a ten and they have not happened. We are in ongoing discussions with your leadership should you be concerned one confirmed we will engage you. What are your views where the a10 stands and how long with the upgrade how long will it be in inventory to protect men and women on the ground where we already have airai superiority . The challenge that we run to you saw with the the one to maintainin that fleet we have to take some that are not as doing as well we have to maintain those in the next 15 or 20 years at the same time to modernize. So with the modernization into the 20 forties still operating at some number . I cannot say specifically 2040 bed ten or 15 years at least. You will not make a big investment if you dont keep it. Previous efforts all of them would be in the boneyard so we have to stop that from happening there is broad agreement we need the capability now its a discussion of capacity now there is 281 and nine operational squadrons and we have followon conversations about the rightt capacity and mix to keep this capability but also combat search and rescue that they run with americans that need to n be rescued. I look forward to continue the conversation and with those efforts to draw down and this is an ongoing conversation to be confirmed. Ambassador i would like to ask you if you see china taking advantage of covid19 with their aggression of the South China Sea and specifically in the presence of our carrier and what is your observation what china is doing in that region it seems they are taking advantage with those aggressions because of coronavirus. Thank youve senator. I agree they have try to flex their muscle to see what they can achieve. Currently the United States navy has over 90 ships deployed at sea, covid free also in place to meet requirements for Carrier Strike group combat commander needs on the other side of the covid curve. If anyone underestimates the intent over National Security including the peoples republic ofi china they will grossly underestimate our capability. Of overpr time. Senator reid. Thank you. I will direct the same question to doctor anderson. In response to providing all pertinent information upon request you said yes you word and in your written prehearing questions of the qualifications i want it clear the yes is unequivocal when he will respond to every Committee Risk wet one request is that them accurate . Yes or. Yes or. On behalf of the chairma chairman, senator kane. First, i want to emphasize the importance of the arctic as a strategic region the opening of the arctic region is a world historical event equivalent of discovering the mediterranean sea. A new water body unavailable for human useen except for the Indigenous Peoples for all of human history. An enormous strategic importance of the northern route and trade to europe and it has not been a serious focus of the United States government for the chinese to declare themselves in your arctic nation is like to say its the near caribbean state in maine. [laughter] that indicates their attention so i commend to all of you the attention that must be paid to the very important strategic region. From your work in, norway how russia and china of course russia has a huge border both expressing great interest. We have had many discussions about this over the years and you share my concerns over the arctic and as you articulate what the important theater it is the great news the United States navy has been up there for many years you may not see them but they are out there. As it begins to become more navigable on the surface we need to make sure our presence is noted. We have not done that across all policies so i know in my current role as ambassador to norway working under the leadership of secretary pompeo who put an emphasis on this as well as the Us Navy Arctic presence into the future it will be a priority of mine. A comment for ambassador h braithwaite we have talked to both of you about readiness how many airplanes and ships. I would appreciate it if for the record, you can supply a goal, a target, 68 percent or 73 percent or 87 percent whatever it is im a great believer of the adage if you dont have a destination you will never get there. I look to both of you to give us a specific destination in terms of overall readiness and specific platforms. If you to do that, i appreciate it. Mr. Anderson, i dont want to leave you out. One of my concerns is all Strategic Thinking if this is commonplace to fight the last war but then the next war could be cyber. I would like to have your thoughts on the importance of preparation of cyberdeterrence and resilience as a general question because this is where north korea or iran doesnt have the military capability could still strike at the heart of our country. So with that cyberdomain we take very seriously all the reasons you mentioned it is the domain of importance where we have been devoting bipartisan support and Additional Resources our general is leading cybercommand and with that leadership we have issued cyberstrategies and defending forward an important new approach we are no longer on our heels with cyberactivity by our competitors and adversaries. I would say defending forward with persistent engagement with the authorities we have in those resources we are on a good trajectory but also not at all complacent. Your leadership has been very helpful to help make that esoteric topic more digestible to the public at large and project solarium and those with policy could participate. There were invaluable contributions. There are a number of recommendations is confirmed looking at those to see what needs to be done. Thank you i appreciate it. I will finish up with a few more questions. General brown, with regard to the kc 46 i have outlined a lot of what others said secretary wilson, this committee, congress you may know there other senior military members who made comments in private meetings and publicly to say its a nobrainer with this decision this is an important matter for me but one final question for you, if general mitchell were still alive making the decision on where to base the kc 46 where what heo base it. Before or after the courtmartial . [laughter] he was reinstated that was a senator mccain question. [laughter] he would say alaska. He is the father of the air force. A very strategic thinker. Correct. I do want to switch topics with regard to the arctic i appreciate my good friend andd others and i think i have mentioned to all of you there certainly has been an awakening of the strategic importance of the arctic our adversaries are not waiting. Russia and china and others the great competition we know is upon us is taking place in that part of the world we have strategic interest, and arctic nation butut unfortunately the pentagon has really been the last agency in town to realize this. And this committee has stepped up in a bipartisan way over the last several years whether mandating that strategy the building of icebreakers we have two right now one is broken change even at the pentagon. I would say general brown, certainly secretary barrett, general goldstein our understanding these issues. Spencer was a real advocate and understood this. Can i get the commitment of each of you to work with this committee on these important, strategic arctic issues, which, again, the pentagon has been slow to, but we think are important . Can i get a yes from each of you . Yes, senator. Yes, senator. Yes, senator. Ambassador, we talked specifically about the strategic importance of an arctic port. The nearest seaport with regard to our interest in the arctic, the Bering Strait where all this increased shipping traffic is happening is the port of anchorage. Alaska is a big state. That is 1500 miles away from the arctic circle. We have nothing else that can handle a destroyer, an icebreaker. Secretary spencer was a vocal advocate for the need of a strategic arctic port. If confirmed, can i get your commitment to also be a strong advocate for a need for strategic arctic port that can handle a destroyer or icebreaker . Yes, sir. Dr. Anderson, how about you . This is an important issue. As you know, it has been an issue again where the pentagon seems to be the last one to recognize the importance of this. Can i get your commitment if a strong to be advocate within the building the problem is the top level the generals, the secretaries get it. We get it, and yet, somehow, in building, of that big it stops these initiatives, which are important to protect our nations strategic interests. Can i get your commitment on that issue . Yes, sir. As you know, we testified before the subcommittee in march about those requirements. Im going to take a very hard look at this study that is coming out that we owe you me, and i commit to working with you on this issue. You owe us in my view, not a maybe, not a blowoff like the last time the pentagon looked at this. You owe us a commitment, and im expecting that. You have my commitment. By the way, general shaughnessy is another strong advocate. Numerous what has are called Regional Centers. You are probably aware of these. These are centers for strategic studies. We have one in germany that studies nato and our National Security interests there. Thatve one in hawaii studies the asia pacific. We have the William Perry center that is hemispheric. Latin america, north and south america here in d. C. The African Center that is also here, the Near East Center that is also here. These are dod Regional Centers. There is not one for the arctic, i think, to show the pentagons commitment there should be one. Im going to have language with senator makowski under bill that we have introduced along with senator king to have one. Can i get your commitment to work with this committee, which again has been leaving on the , leading on the arctic, to finally have a Regional Center, which we will be advocating for . A big fan ofm Regional Centers, having worked at the Marshall Center. I know the value added that they provide. If confirmed, you have my commitment to working with you on this issue. Do you believe we need a Regional Center on the arctic, given there is a Regional Center on literally every other part of the world with the exception of the arctic . Sender, i need to kind of iview the options senator, need to kind of review the options. I would have to assess is what we have is enough or not enough. Its not enough. I think theres a good case to be made for considering an Arctic Center in alaska. Dr. Anderson, i want to emphasize with you, to me, this is going to be a demonstration of if the pentagon finally gets it. Ive been in this job for five and a half years. It started with the obama arctic strategy, which i held up in a hearing with the secretary of defense and i called it what it was a joke. It was a joke. It was 13 pages, six of which were pictures. Russia was mentioned once in a footnote. It was a joke. Since that time, week, this committee, have been leading. We need the pentagon to lead and help us. I will be reviewing this at the pentagon supports this Regional Center or not, as to if you are finally getting serious about this. Can i get your commitment to take a very hard look at this and be on the front foot, not the back foot, the way in which the pentagon has been in these arctic issues since ive been here . Yes, sir. You have my commitment. One final question. As you and i talked about, theres training up in nebraska. ,irspace larger than florida maneuver space larger than delaware and see operating space larger than virginia. Myt one Training Range in space. The former commandant general was much more aggressive about training with the marine corps, and i have talked about much more air to air training and red flagged at j park. Can i get your commitment to take a hard look and i have talked about this with general berger, of course for a much more significant presence by the u. S. Navy, u. S. Marines in terms of training, possible deployments up to alaska, and then can deploy on ships to different parts of the arctic and asiapacific . You and i discussed last night in great detail, yes, i will. Great. Thank you, gentlemen. This has been a very important hearing. Consider putting that Arctic Center in maine. Im worried all the suggestions you make today, alaska may sink into the arctic coast. Maybe it should be two offices, one in alaska and one in maine. We will look hard at both. I do want to echo what so many other senators democrats and republicans stated today, you are all very wellqualified. This is a very distinguished panel of distinguished public servants. We appreciate that, and we look forward to your continued service for our nation, and we want to thank you again for your decades of service that you have already provided to the United States of america. This hearing is adjourned. [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2020] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] members failed to override the iran war powers resolution 49 447 republicans joining all democrats. Senator spoke on several topics including the coronavirus pandemic