Good morning and the before i continue, i need to review the protocols for all members remotely joining the hearing. Members participating must be visible on screen for the purpose of identity verification, establishing and maintaining a quorum, participating in the proceedings and vote. Members must continue to use the Software Platform video function the entire time while in attendance unless they experience connectivity issues or other technical problems that render them unable to participate on camera. Until members experiencing technical difficulties if they should contact at the Committee Staff for assistance. With that, id like to turn to my opening remarks as i mentioned we believe we have 11 and maybe a quarter but well stretch that as far as we can and we appreciate you working with us so. First of all, today id like to welcome mr. Stefany Deputy Assistant secretary of the navy for research, development and acquisition. , Lieutenant General wise, for aviation aviation, and Lieutenant General, commanding general, in Marine Corps Combat Development command and, deputy commandant for combat development and integration. Thank you for being with us today, and i look forward to this discussion. Its important that we acknowledge the context of this years marine corps wonder denied station budget request. Three years ago, its a common commandant of the court in bucktin the significant orientation intended to better align the core with National Security challenges posed by the realities of today and tomorrow. And certainly, anybody whos reading any of the defense news plenty, to be said about that. But over the three years, a congress has found that the marine corps modernization strategy generally relevant stable, affordable and achievable. And accordingly, weve demonstrated our support. However, modernization is not without challenges or risks. There are programs within and outside the jurisdiction of this subcommittee that certainly a continued scrutiny and todays hearing we will specifically focus on rotary aviation and ground systems, which across the marine corps program, appear generally in good shape. Im particularly interested to hear from our witnesses assessments and impacts on the departments equipment and beauticians in support of the conflict in ukraine. We also look forward to hearing their thoughts on modernization management, there use of new acquisition authorities intended to accelerate Research Development and the acquisition process and. Finally, we look forward to hearing updates on specific programs such as the c. H. I. P. Three k, the hiv, the amphibious combat vehicle and tactical network. The long range and the ship fires and air defense. Much to cover, and certainly we like to yield to my partner here on technical air and land from missouri missouri. Im a jersey guy, we said missouri here, thanks for that. Thank you, mister chairman. Id like to first of all thank our witnesses for being here today and for your dedicated service to our country. The marine corps in into a lighter war lethal fighting force, better equipped and more capable to deter and defeat current and future peer adversary threats one. Of the most debatable aspects of the marine corps plant was that the marine corps proposed paying for and resourcing the majority of this change from within. The rain corps continued to deliver on the progress to transition from other platforms to newer, more capable systems in a stable, affordable and achievable way. The majority bring corporate grams have remained on time, on track, and on budget. And this is not been lost on congress. I look forward to robust conversation with our witnesses about the current status of the marine corps 2013 force to find of the sum of element and implementation and the critical defense programs necessary to yield the marines with the capable of the capabilities think positive for success. As for congress and specifically this committee has demonstrated our support for this program and the strategy that the commandant has placed in front of us. I commend the marine corps leadership for their dedication and their hard work to continuously reassess modernization Investment Priorities and reallocate over delimited resources to fund the development and procurement of the essential requirements and capabilities nest to necessary to do build a defense voice as. We do gus the modernization of the ground and ready to programs, i would like the witnesses to identify what risks the marine corps is accepting in the short term in order to keep a planned Modernization Programs affordable and on course to meet the mid to long term defense requirements of creating a more lethal, resilient and agile for, able to compete, deter, and against future threats from both peer competitors and rogue actors. Im also interested in the marine corps assessment of how a flat top line and the resulting imposition of cuts and decreases to lower Priority Programs and investment accounts affect the health and stability of your modernization strategy and, as well as the Industrial Base that supports it. Lastly, the fy 23 Defense Budget request did not factor in russias invasion of ukraine or the ongoing response by the u. S. And our allies to provide vehicles, munitions, missiles and other military equipment to Ukrainian Forces in support of their fight against russia. Today, i hope that our witnesses can inform us on how these missile and equipment transfers have affected u. S. Stockpiles and whether you are getting what you need through the various supplemental appropriations to fund these operations replace a vehicle and equipment transfers and replenish depleted munitions stockpiles. If there are additional funding or authorizations we can provide in fy 23 nda and budget, to get after replenishing some of these replenishments now and avoid the the to continue funding supplemental through 2020 through to world sport or your depleted capabilities, we need to be having this critical despised discussion now so. I thank the chairman for organizing this important and timely hearing and i yield back. Thank you. And again, i just want to mention that when you have been doing with the limited funds and redirection of of the items that are highest priority is not lost on this committee on what youre doing and its much appreciated and not to suggest that there are things that there are of concern but i think we are heading in a very good direction and i think youll hear that speaking for myself i generally we certainly believe this so, mr. Stefany quit, to have you back here and. Your statement, please. You sir, thank you for that comment. Chairman north, Ranking Member harshly, distinguished members of the subcommittee on behalf of myself, new janet general heckl and Lieutenant General, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to speak to the department fy 23 budget request for merck marine corps modernization. During this hearing you will hear that the marine corps has undertaken and aggressive modernization of his war fighting programs of the last five years. Sorry, three years. The Lieutenant General heckl and white are going to explain why this modernization was required, while emphasizing that the fundamental mission of the marine corps to be the most ready when the nation is least ready has not changed. The marine corps will continue to serve as a force in readiness, prepared to answer the nations call whenever and wherever that may be around the globe. As we watch the events unfold in ukraine, it is clear that warfare is changing. Small, distributed formations, with powerful and precision lethality, using advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, loitering munitions and antiarmor fires, have proven to be very effective in combat operations. It is evidence we cannot stand still. The marine corps Design Initiative recognizes this new reality, focusing on more capable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, and smaller systems for our ground formations. Additionally, the marine corps is investing in the research and development of its future loitering munition, which we call organic precision fires. We are using military acquisition authorities for this program and author of fourth design programs that will allow us to rapidly develop visible prototypes and demonstrate new capabilities. Speeding the delivery of those capabilities to the marines. The marine corpss top priority remains the Navy Marine Corps expeditionary ship interdiction system or nemesis, a ground based anti ship Missile System. We have successfully conducted two tests of most recently in the august nemesis two 2021, and are currently conducting developmental and operational assessment for that system. I believe nemesis will have an immediate effect on the operational environment when it is deployed in 2023. And the fbi gave 23 budget request continues a pattern of investing in successful programs that will make a difference in the future conflicts this includes the air ground air task oriented radar, which is currently supported neighbor nato operations, the amphibious compact vehicle, which is just met its benchmark for mobility, protection, and safety, and will deploy with green platoons later this year, and the joint like tactical vehicle the, modern grant vehicles that will replace legacy humvees of the next several years. The marine corps of foreign posture is reliant on ground, aviation, and service mobility. Right wing platforms such as this e h 53 k and the h one play critical providing low saudi maneuverability targeting and flexibility and persistent statement. We have completed Operational Testing of the ch53k heavy lift helicopter and last month declared an International International capability or ioc of that aircraft. Dick 22 budget includes a block by authority for 23 and 24 aircraft production, with a projected savings of 100 and 50 million over purchasing the aircraft one year at the time. We have also reached for ioc the vh92a president ial Helicopter Program even next year and are starting White House Acquisition efforts. And the success of the Navy Marine Corps team to be ready to answer the nations call is rooted in being Forward Deployed. This readiness provides options and decisions space for our Senior Leaders such as yourself the. Navy marine corps for president s for and president s also prevent incidents from becoming a crisis or a crisis becoming a conflict. We are confident that the programs in our marine corps portfolio are achievable, or affordable, and will make memories more successful. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today, and for your strong support of marine corps one organization. We look forward to your questions. Thank you thank you, Lieutenant General wise, you are now recognized. So that was one statement for all three of us. Sorry about that. So repeat the same, right . Yes, sir. Im all in. Im all in. Well, thank you for your statement. We had with them, and certainly, this gives us more time for questions, which is certainly on top of that. You started with one of your statements talking about ukraine and what weve been witnessing and the impact particularly of the javelins and the two a lesser extent in this area. Given the performance and thats a tough word to suggest in the russians vehicles in ukraine, the assessment of what you are witnessing, both the lack of protection in some ways of the armor of russian and the ability for ukraine to use the missiles, particularly the javelin, to literally decimate russian armor, marine corps assessment that what impact it might have on our existing fleet vehicles and future . So, Lieutenant General heckl and wise, could you comment on that . Yes, so. Thank you for the question. I dont want to just echo, real quick, so, mr. Stephanies comment about continued support from this committee and all the subcommittee. Its been just tremendous. So from the committee and, thank you. So, i think first of all we exercise caution to draw conclusions too early with what were seeing in ukraine, clearly, but we are very, very cautiously and closely monitoring events, and certainly as it would apply to the marine corps team. I think one of the things to consider about, just as an overarching, to kind of frame that discussion, the russian tactics taking some procedures, teepees, theyve employed some, its like theyre not there, right so . So we use combined arms. So theres an inherent amount of protection and safety in the way we employ our forces as a combined arms mag death, brynn orban task force. So obviously i believe our nation makes some of the i dont think it i, know it, and we proved itself timing timing in all the way from from the mujahideen throwing the service out of afghanistan and you know they said there was no change in ideology there, changing tactics. That was a singer. So thats a case from history. And i think were burying it out again. I think that the ram armor issue of it standing in front of us. I think were saying were putting a, self wrapping yourself in a bunch of farmers that requires a lot of fuel and a lot of sustainment isnt necessarily going to be too safe and we are effective on the battlefield. So i think also what i would add is the distributed nature of how the ukrainians are operating in the benefits that ive seen from operating in that man manner is very insightful and instructed around the direction the marine corps is going to kind of value date is always the approaches that weve taken there from the aviator side wise if you talk much like the commentators is it makes sense and how that allows you to be more effective in the battle space, i think we are seeing some of that from those operations as well which flows directly and the arm around the javelin and do that targeted activity upfront. Many protections. I would say theres couple of we just need to learn the right license in other words but counter effect of the russians using or not out there so that we make sure that we put Resilient Systems out there that can survive in any battle space. Sir. Thank you. I want to state just for a moment and what we are learning from ukraine and we are shipping a tremendous amount of systems and weapons in addition to the humanitarian aid over to ukraine and the marines have been part of that draw down. So i want to ask is from your perspective is that assessment of risk of what we are sending versus what we have available to us, but from an operational capabilities, but also in terms of what we are shipping, what do we need to have available to us, other words the resupply in particular, because of the change in your operating concept . What was the last number . 5500 javelins, and thats a rough number, have been provided. Didnt split up where they are coming from. But whats the impact is on the marine corps . Yes, so. I think much of those weapons would be in general heckls area, so general. So sir, weve, the marine corps is supplied first to comment about when, this budget request, as you alluded to, was not constructed with the ukrainians in mind. So that is an issue, youre exactly right. Second, and then third, we have, we have provided approximately 8000 javelin missiles systems and approximately 1000 stinger Missile Systems to ukraine. And they are absolutely critical to be resupplied for us. And i would like to mr. If stefany theres any industrial concert. Yes, sir. So the other question you had to the opening was supplemental. And that first, very small supplemental, i think 3. 4 billion, not enough, obviously not enough to resupply, so we look forward to both your committee and the larger congress on the larger effort, funding effort for the supplemental. But we do have a little bit of money and we are starting to reach our stat line right now, sir. Thank you. Obviously, your waiting eagerly for the latest to pass through the other house and get that moving. But certainly, there is nothing unique to the marines javelins and stingers that isnt facing the other services. I just want to shift over a little bit to the ch53ks, which are moving along, and talk about the brown out issue. And Lieutenant General wise, weve read a lot about, it weve heard a lot about it, and theres been some medication changes made along the lines. Can you tell us where you are no and going forward, the risk that were looking at in the present configuration . Sir, i do for, the question, on the 53 k. Okay, i think the lights just a little, sorry about that. Sir, for the 53 k, the initial assessment was very early in the test process. And so, i would answer it in two ways. Because we address it from multiple different angles. The 53 k, when we start the test events, we start at the very heart of the envelope and we work out. And so, the initial test events are very limited. So things like, you know, time limitations within a certain environment. And then we know that the envelope will go beyond that but we tested in trenches out from there to validate the fact that we got the envelope right. So some of the limitations were based on those initial envelope limitations. What weve found since then is a couple of things on the equipment side. One is the diagnostic capability of tariffs air frame is spectacular, meaning the pilot can actually get a realtime Engine Performance capability readout to make realtime decisions on how the engine is performing regardless of the environment that includes a brown out conditions. So thats part of it. Its actually been expanding the envelope much wider than those initial assessments indicated. The other side, too, is the automation on the air frame. Because the automation is designed to allow a pilot to get that air frame into even the worst brown out conditions and on the ground safely, and minimize its time in that particulate matter, which also really negates the issues we have with potential issues you might have with the burnout conditions. So far, since then, we have actually demonstrated in the worst brown out conditions that that aircraft has performed for 21 minutes in the west granite conditions with zero degradation of the engines. So it kind of points back to initial test parameters can be taken in the wrong way we. Purposelylimited until we prove ourselves correct as we go out. But its been performing brilliantly but. There are multiple systems on board that make that airplane the safest one out there. Thank you. Let me shift over for mr. Stephanie. When you talk about acquisition, quite often, what are we doing right, what are we doing wrong . But in this one, you have asked for the block by authority rather than a multiyear. Can you explain to us why the plug by forces a multiyear at this point . Yes, so. So the water is still in our plan. Right off the right off the bat is the criteria to. Not more probably not more authority but we may be more Industry Based money to get them up to a higher enough production level they can restock as sometimes and so thats an effort we are working with. The army and we will certainly come back to this committee and we do two years of a couple, and get the supply chain is one of. So when we do the multi five year theyre up to speed. Incredibly important, particularly coming off the pandemic. With, that i turn to Ranking Member misses. Thank you, to build on the conversation we already had, back to the depleted stocks and the supplemental those that have been through. If the Senate Approves a bill that was passed in the, has is that going to be adequate or are you going to need more in the fy 23 and dna . I am, for what we know right now and what we project, that would be adequate. Again, the work continues on and there are more requests for drawdown material a, could obviously, change overtime. Right now, we believe that is sufficient for what we can project going forward. Okay, well, please keep us posted on that. As it relates to the Industrial Base, the situation in the ukraine and ensuing global allied mobilization provide support by way of equipment and ammunitions, has shown a light on some serious issues existing with our Industrial Base and supply chain. So, how are you working with partners in the military Industrial Base on supply chain to fix and mitigate these issues . Yes, maam, a Close Partnership of stinger and javelin they are made with the army and air force. Theyre working together with industry, recognizing something light javelin its a little more modern. That production line is able to scale easier. Well probably have to go more authority but more Industrial Base money to get them back to a high enough production level to restart in. Time thats an effort where we are working with the army and we will certainly come back to this committee once we get those results. When do you anticipate that to be . I dont have a day, ill get the record to get that. You we need this answer yesterday, so we can produce the stingers again or shift to a another munition that maybe another country has perfected with the same capability. Are there any changes that need to be made in our current Acquisition Strategies to get over these parties of long wait times, parts and work shortfalls and material obsolescence . Think between the authorities we already have, as well potentially production act top of a large i think we have the authorities we need. We now need to finish this as well where the biggest risk and then start moving out and addressing those. Okay. Yeah. As soon as possible, obviously, would be. Yes maam. And then as far as the ch53k, im really glad to hear about the problem that i mean, the solution, it seems like, with the proud concerns, 21 minutes, without any degradation at all, thats encouraging but this year ch53k from, start, we has had presented contractors. So i want to ask about that and because its currently caused as much if not more per aircraft and per unit costs with joint strike fire, so you can you explain why this is . Maam, thank you for the question. For the 53 k, we realized the cost reductions in the acquisition launch, the last two or the lows too so far in the came down a level each. In those, the cost for the most recent 53 cases, if you look at it the same measurements, the measures we use for the f35, its actually lower. How much is it now . The last plot was negotiated at 93 point 7 million per copy. If you use the same metric for the 35, depending on which variant its approximately 117 to 107, depending on the period. So how are you working with them to bring down costs . Yes maam. We actually are working it multiple angles. Part of it is the Program Office to drive down costs in the actual process, as well as the vendor at sikorsky and laclede martin. But there are other things that are helping us. One is congress, their generosity for the addition of two Additional Air frames, and the last two lots per lot. That was for Additional Air frames. It helps drives down the cost through quantity by. Recently, on the international side, the israelis committed to purchase 12 aircraft with an option for six more, it looks very good that they will go down that road. There are additional opportunities starting to show up for the 53 k. I know it will be part of the berlin airshow this year. So looking at more opportunities to drive down costs through quantity by as well. So approaching it from multiple angles, not just manufacturing, by allowing their learning to come up and produce in a more effective manner. We will switch to another platform, the n. E. M. E. S. I. S. , you mentioned in your Opening Statement it does sound like a very exciting platform. Can you provide us more information on what the system is, and what advanced capabilities it brings to the fight . Im on now. Here we go. Yes maam. Glad to, thanks for the question. The n. E. M. E. S. I. S. Is another one of the programs alluded to by yourself and the chairman, as far as things going right for us. The n. E. M. E. S. I. S. Is our number one modernization priority. It can it consists of two Navy Strike Missiles, which we work in partnership with our navy brothers and sisters, and its fired from the joint light tactical vehicle chassis. Weve had a lot of success. As the as mr. Stefany alluded to, its a been employed numerous times, as recently at the end of april, doing envelope expansion, weve had successful shots over three days. So the system continues to perform, and quite frankly, from august of 21, during largescale exercises, we actually fired two Navy Strike Missiles against a maritime target, both at very successful launch flight impacts. So we are very pleased with that, and at this level, this classification level, the range is we are pleased with the range as well. So going forward, we are looking forward to fielding a system, getting out to the fleet as soon as we possibly can. When do you anticipate that fielding . It sounds like a great end of fy 53. I dont know the exact number, i will have to take that for the record, i will get back to you on the specific number. I have more if you have a second round, but i yield back. You are now recognized thank, you mister chairman. First, id like to just compliment the army and marine corps on resourcing initiatives to improve the form, fit, and function for the mail soldiers and marines in their ppe here, thats been a long time concern of mine, and i mister stefany, we just heard from general heckl, the battlefield is changing rapidly. In a recent hearing with the commandant, general berger said he wanted to give the enemy multiple problems on the battlefield to solve. The new forced design for the marine corps is to acquire and field indirect fire systems with increased range, accuracy, longrange Precision Service both maritime and ground targets. One, if, any cannon artillery platforms as the marine corps looking at to meet this need . And have to defer that one to general heckl on the platform. Yes maam. Thanks for the question, what was it about cannon artillery . So as you know, maam, the commandant has said from the start as we experiment and within our campaign of learning, which informs the analytical rigor that underpins every decision we make, we will make changes, the commandant made a change. We were initially going to draw down to five batteries of triple 7155 artillery, we will go down to seven, but we are increasing those batteries from six tubes to eight, will have four on the west, three in the. Does that answer the question . That answers the question of what you are looking at now, because surely the bulkier missile batteries, with long occupation times and a large geographic signature, well put the morale at risk, so im wondering, if the marines of explore adding some of the under research and development as a way long range fires without sacrificing survive ability amiability. You bet, maam. You are absolutely right. Its very susceptible, absolutely. We are, as you may or may not know, we have high mars currently, within our inventory. And we are working closely with the army. The marine corps that big enough to pursue programs on our own, so we always seek out Sister Services to work with, it makes it more affordable. So we are doing that with army. We are going down the route, as you know, or may not, no high mars will turn into the mrls multiple rocket which will include killers, attack homes, and eventually prism missiles, which will be a phenomenal capability, which will do both land and surface targets. Did that get at it, maam . Thank you. And stepping away a bit from the need to service targets. Id like to talk about how the mrl will sustain south with platforms being bulking presenting significant challenges for commanders hoping to maintain a basic load of ammunition for their formations in a contested environment. Does the marine corps have a solution for conducting ship to shore resupply of the bulky missile platforms, and when it comes to combat logistics, i know every bit of space on a truck, ship, aircraft matters, especially when delivering all classes of supply to regiments. Do you feel the marines will face a challenge in resupplying the flow of Missile Systems throughout the theater . Maam, you are just firing one great question obviously, right, now logistics in a contested environment is our pacing effort right now. It is absolutely outpacing effort. We are laser focused on it, and getting after it done at my command, particularly within the marine corps so we are all over it. Its logistics, anyone who tells you otherwise, logistics is always a challenge. It can never be emphasized enough in preparation. I will simply tell you the strength of the marine corps, the man calf, the regiment is simply a form of a it is [inaudible] we have the organic lift we have, within the its one of our greatest strengths. So for instance the n. E. M. E. S. I. Instance the n. E. M. E. S. I. S. Is fully transferable in the 53 k. Or rather within a kc103j with 16 aircraft going to hawaii specifically to provide additional organic live within the indopacific. So that brings me to the line amphibious warship. It will be absolutely critical to keep it short, the important aspect of a law or landing ship medium really is its appropriate name, is the fact that it is a short to shore connector. When you are seeing play out in ukraine, big signatures of any type whether its logistics or anywhere in the electromagnetic spectrum, trails of fuel trucks to refuel armor, those are signatures. Their targetable and they become vulnerabilities so the shortage of the law is critical. We dont require ports. We dont require 12,000 foot runways. We do things from an austere perspective. Didnt answer it, maam . Thank. You yes, thank you, general. My time is expired, but i will say, maybe for my oversight responsibilities, i should come test some of those 53 cases for you guys so maybe one of these days. Thanks i yield back. Thank you. Mr. Wittman, you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you so much for joining us. General heckl, let me ask about the commandants guidance. He talks about lightning the force, when it comes to combat and transportation. He talks about it being theater agnostic, to make sure we can also have the ability to cross over into the european theater, wherever were needed, the update 2022 refines the testing what you have done to really get that concept down to where it needs to be. Can you give us a little bit more insight about that whole concept of lightning at the force. Where you are with the testing of this, with marines in the field, figuring this out, and where you are today. I know youve made a number of adjustments with the size of battalions, the number of mv22sx can you tell us about how you have that in the planning guide and how you achieve a National Defense strategy. Sir, great question. You and i have talked before, sir. Lightning any force simply dynamic component of that we are seeing that play out in realtime in ukraine. We have seen light, well equipped, precision, lethal munitions, and the ability to move. Let me give you we have demonstrated multiple times how we can load n. E. M. E. S. I. S. On the kc103 which can line it gets back in the aircraft and is gone before the impacts thats the kind of dynamic im talking about its going to make that easier to do. And i will also say that with the ubiquity of the sensors right now, particularly in the indopacific, if you can be seen and you are aware the target, meaning the cost, physician, im going to expend an expensive weapons system, you can be hit. And that is we are getting after signature management and always. And its kind of back to the future a little bit. We are doing camo netting, we now have companies that we were on contract with that have nothing that goes over vehicles, as well as people who reduce ir signatures, eliminate visual, its its advance as well. The wider, the better the lighter means less sustainment, which means and reducing the signature. Did they get after, it sir . Thats a big question i can go on all day. Thats spot on. Let me ask to look at todays situation, and that is how you are looking at late cleaning the force. One of the with munitions that are going out the door, both javelin and sting rays, weve heard it. We understand what needs to be done with the Industrial Base to resupply those sorts of things. But i think the more important than immediate question is what is the marine corps doing in the meantime as a mitigation . So as these weapons stores are going down, what happens if something occurs between now and the time that we resupply . And what can congress do to help you in that Mitigation Strategy . Sir, i think maybe mr. Stefany will have something to say, im not super familiar in how the industrial basis posture, and whats capability like in world war ii, rolling 16 b17ss off the line a day, like boeing did. There are ways to mitigate risk. A big part of that is good to continue deterrence for just reference in we want to avoid actual kinetic operations. The threshold of violence may be breached every now and then as we compete, and we deter. But the point is to deter, to avoid getting into a situation where the levels of our stores are a concern, right . So it for a marine, it means being forward. Moving forward, being present, with our allies and partners. Nothing, quite frankly theres a lot of strength in our allies and partners who utilize similar Weapons Systems, and i think we need to play to that advantage. I dont know if you have any comments about this. I would just add that the rank or has not reached a place where they cant support the we havent got there. And we will certainly comment and talk to you before we get that place. Its on that we will lay all of our we still have plenty of them for the Forward Deployed marines. As you know, we track very carefully and closely the training status of our units. Those same Weapons Systems have to be used. Our marines have to fire them on a periodic basis to maintain their readiness and proficiency. Thats right, thanks. I think is incredibly important for us to know well ahead of time, because as you know, the ability to resupply right now is atrophied, and thats a risk in and of itself. Thank you, mister chairman. I yield back. Mr. Thank you for being here, for your leadership. I want to ask you about longrange strike capabilities. I know the marines are investing in it, so as the army. What we are challenging you have basing concerns, and my question would be, how do you envision this working in the Pacific Theater . I say that because the air force has the b 21, they have stand up weapons. The navy will have, shipped born capabilities. Is this a real viable and basing issues, how do we deal with it . Thank you. Great question. As you know, n. E. M. E. S. I. S. Is one of our systems. The other one is longrange precision fire, which is a tomahawk. We share that with the navy. An incredibly long range weapon. We have demonstrated that weapons system firing off of one of our platforms, ground based. And we are very happy with it. We have yet to determine going forward, it is a larger Missile System than the naval Strike Missile and the n. E. M. E. S. I. S. , so again, from my concert as a requirements guy for the marine corps, i get concerned when i see something that are big and heavy, read signature, difficult to resupply, signature, the ground based tomahawk and by the way, its launched out of a vertical launch system, which is similar, looks similar, to other ones, so theres opportunities there as we go forward. Leave at that. So yes sir, we have that capability. Its very viable. Your concern about access, with allies and, partners absolutely. One of the things, the marine regiment and the Multi Domain Task force that the army is fielding, the multi they are complimentary in nature. Mlr is a little smaller, nimble further punch. It will be up to allies and partners to tolman but they will allow in. From my perspective, we have living inside here they in and they out, and we depend on what they allow in. But to your point, big Missile Systems might not be something it might be a little bit concerned. I worry about the access. I would think that those capabilities between the air force, navy, army, and mariness bus, but if you dont have the basic abilities, thats the concern i have. Maybe in europe, in the middle east, theres other opportunities. Is there a primary weapon that we need to have republished for the marines . Whats your number one or number two things that the marines need replenished . Sir, i will tell you right now, the comments on one issue is not pretending to this, is amphibious ships, to be forwarded deployed. Bidens system wise, its the n. E. M. E. S. I. S. For dealing with ukraine, was there certain weapons of the marines had to send over that we need to be focused on for replenishment . The javelin stingers. We touched on that a little bit. That would be your priority. Yes, sir. Okay. One of the things i felt like we could have done quicker in this ukraine fight is the capabilities of tanks, 20, 30, 40 miles behind the line, we are starting to see that. We see other countries that have some really good capabilities that ukraine is using right now. What would be your advice here on how we could be, i guess, our capabilities, our remote pilot aircraft, for example, i feel like we are hindered by our rules set. Other countries are filling their capabilities. Do you see the same issue . Thats a good question. I hope that follows. Sir, i think, and i dont know as you mentioned, uavs i did a couple of years with nato as a brandnew one star striker of nato spent a good amount of time when the, doing exercises. From our perspective, i think whatever we do, i think we can contribute more. I dont disagree with you. You always wish you could move faster in hindsight. I dont know if gentlemen, we do have restrictions on uavs, uass, as you know. That slows us down. On the surface, i think we can have a conversation of unmanned surface type things we are doing in a different form that are not as slow as those are going on. This is the area the other countries are with the much faster, and i feel like we are losing an opportunity to provide our great weapons in that case. But im running out of time, so i yield back. I thank you for your time. Thank, you dr. Jackson you are now recognized for five minutes. Thank, you mister chairman. Thank you Ranking Member, hartzler. They to our distinguished guests. I know that this is Modernization Program such as robbery aberrations and i briefly want to touch on the importance of modernization of as an aside here. As we constantly [inaudible] looking towards making cuts on the medical side to support the needs of the line side, most recently, we saw the medical officer of the marine corps position get cut, which is a decision that i wholeheartedly disagree with. A mistake like cutting the pmo sets us further back in our modern nation efforts and could cause irreparable damage to our medical readiness. I understand that having the latest aircraft and weapon systems is extremely important, but it doesnt matter if we forget to care about our people. If we are forced to compete and we end up in the pacific without appropriate leadership its going to be paramount for success, as we modernize our military, out encourage the department of the Navy Leadership to reconsider the decision and reinstate the t mo. That said, i want to shift gears now and talk about some of the modernization efforts included in this years budget requests. On wednesday, the full Committee Heard testimony from general burger that i was impressed with on the modernization efforts of being undertaken adapt to the needs of the indoPacific Theater. One thing mentioned was the need for funding for the v 20 to nestle improvement. Telling the committee if you hear that you share the same feelings that we have and the need to make sure that we ensure our fleet and increase of platforms overall readiness. In the unfunded priorities less committed to congress, nearly 75 million was requested for an improvement. These documents also show a commitment from the marines to continue this Vital Program in future years. Modernizing our b 22 is not something that we can wait on. Its something we need to get started on now. As you know, the workforce in amarillo, where i represent, has risen to the occasion of completing the air forces improvement process ahead of schedule. There is no doubt in my mind that this would be the case for the end between two Improvement Program as well. In the written submission to the committee, when asked the you know of any factors that have the potential to hinder execution of additional funds for this item in fy 23, the answer was clearly stated as no. All of this leads me to wonder if the amount requested on the unfunded priority list is enough, thats the question, or if Congress Needs to consider even larger amounts to ensure that we can dominate any future conflict. My question, if additional work can be accommodated by the workforce conducting this improvement, general wise wise, would the marines be able to accelerate this further if additional funds are appropriate over the unfunded priorities list . Great question. And as we mentioned before, we are very laser focused on making sure theres no break in that line, and that we continue that to sell improvement. Weve already laid in money through fiscal year 23 for the long lead to ensure that it starts right at the back side of the air force upgrades to keep that going. As far as accelerating, i believe the line does have the capacity to accelerate. We would also have to balance that with aircraft off the line to make sure we had an optimum sequencing, so as the rest of the readiness of the fleet to deploy is balanced. So that part i would have to take for the record as far as how we could accelerate it further in order to make sure we still have adequate capacity for deployments and still maximize the line. But certainly, we are very interested in the program because it does offer so many readiness perks for us, of course. Yes sir, i agree with that. Ive had the opportunity to go out to bail and look at these things when they tear them apart. Some of them look fairly good, some of them look like they really need a lot of work. So id like to see us do that as soon as possible. On a bipartisan basis, many members of the committee have agreed that the president s budget request is not giving us the resources that we need. I do anticipate that we will need to provide additional funding to account for the inadequate budget that we received. One more question, i would like to ask you, general, related to the mv22s. As we look at the need to compete and win in the indopacific in the next few years, what are the gaps that we are facing for did not have adequate any other platforms i would be able to accomplish this mission instead . So the v22 is extraordinarily capable, just because of the speed, the battlefield tempo develops. Theres still nothing else that can do it that way. Can we lift folks, assault support with 53s, with other platforms . Can you do those missions . You cannot at the speed, and speed is very important. So it does feel a unique area, and thats something we need to make sure that we maximize readiness to have those assets for when we need them. Thank you sir. My time is up now, but i wanted to also say, i had a third questionable summit for the record. Its related to the armies future vertical if and where the marines are looking if they are looking at with the army is doing, because i hope that we go down that path that the me thank you, sir. Thank you. Just a note, they have called votes, theres at least question that we have. Do you have another . Okay, so i will let vicky jump in here. Lets talk about the humvees. Obviously, we are moving towards the jail tv, but its no surprise that anybody in this room, many of the accents and the mitigation that has been going on, you are well aware of that. He had there is nothing in this years request in terms of mitigating that. Can you explain to us why you have elected not to include any of the state of the upgrades . Absolutely, sir. So the marine corps is all in on jltv, and we are not returning the humvee. So we will get out of the humvee business, period. So the faster we can do that, the better. The jltv has proven itself to be a really solid weapons system, it is more safe, more capable, more survival from every perspective, it has a lot of safety features that are inherent. And by the, way some of the overlay you cant even upgrade. We have very carefully identified the best of breed, and the worst of breed. We are getting rid of the worst as soon as possible. The older vehicles that are in worse shape, but the jltv, and you lock brakes, steering control, all the things that contribute to a lower mishap rate all the way around, things such as roll overs. So again, we have we feel that approximately 2500 of them, and our ao is 12,500. And we are just moving out as quickly as we can. As you, know i think theres 413 in this requests, and theres some unfounded priorities list of the faster we go with them, the faster we can replace humvees. We agree with you with the jltv, its a great vehicle. But at todays estimate, we are talking about 2031 before we get rid of those. Mitigation, getting rid of those, it can be retrofitted, obviously. Thats a long time. And this is a serious issue that we know how to fix at a relatively low cost. It is something that we believe is extremely important and nobody likes to throw good money after bad, but 2031 is a long time off and i will just defer to just a quick followup. It was my impression that in this budget, the jltv is on the unfunded priority list, there is not. You just said these 413 requested . Im pretty sure we have 430 vehicles in this budget requests, yes maam. Thank you. Mr. . Wittman general wise, we talked a lot about the platforms, but the most important part of that platform is the pilot. I wanted to get your thoughts on rotary ruing pilot retention and recruitment into the future. It looks to me, at the company level, between third and eight year, those pilots become more and more of a challenge to keep. Give us your perspective on what the marine corps is doing in to make sure we retain those piles, which we will need in the years to come . Yes sir, thank you for the question. So obviously, we track very closely all of our pilot retention issues. Theres some areas that are very complex and challenging right now, as we know. And we attack those from multiple different directions. So some of it is making sure that the concession piece is adequate, but the big thing, which i think really gets more towards the question is, there were tension side of the house. So some of that is looking at bonuses. We have a range of bonuses depending on the platform in order to provide some enticement. I would tell you, from a very personal perspective, when i was being looked at for retention in the early years, and though enticing and nice, it was not the sole thing that kept me because when it really comes into play, i think most would agree, is that right command climate, selecting the right people to provide that hemisphere that people want to come to work every day, they want to be part of Something Like that, so we are very focused there as well. The other good piece of it is being very tied in closely with my counterparts in the Naval Aviation enterprise. Specifically, sinatra, the chief of Naval Aviation training, and watching those pipelines to make sure, as they go through, that we are meeting our requirements for those pilots. For instance we if you short this year. But of course, the year is only about a half over. So it will fluctuate a little bit 20 and. But we watch them so closely because we dont want to get behind him. Most communities, we are actually considered healthy, which is 85 or above. In the rotary wing community, i would not say thats true across the board. There are plenty of challenges to go around. But that one we stay very glued to. We are relatively healthy now in that regard. Mr. , youre now recognized. Mister chairman, thank you very much. General weiss, i wanted to ask you a question. Now that each service is orienting its a modernization strategy and priorities on some variation of multi domain operations, how does the v 20 to fit into this in any future till rotor platforms . Sir, thank you for the question. Im looking at really distributed operations widely distributed operations particularly as we look at the pacific the v22 is for us very uniquely cable, not just because of the fact that it can deliver a statement to anywhere or people but its the speed at which it can do that. Its demonstrated over and over since it started combat deployments in 2007 that it is uniquely capable to do things that no other platform can do so. The top quarter side i think is demonstrated across all the services as weve seen it taken the navy and air force a special operations and everyone is seeing the value of the platform. The japanese have come on board as well. So, as far as future of tilt rotor and other opportunities and there was a question earlier having to do with future vertical lift and how the marine corps is really expanding its view of some of the capabilities that have been developed through that program that would suggest that some of the tilt rotor and potentially unmanned capabilities to further expand our ability and capacity to sustain forces and widely distributed environments. Theres huge potential in that area, moving forward. So we are working very closely with all the vendors, at the army, the air force, and the navy, through what we are now calling a family of systems within the future vertical lift to address those specific additional capacity requirements. What about the tilt rotor . What about the tilt rotor Industrial Base, and how theyre rotary bring Aviation IndustryIndustrial Base. This is kind of like your overall assessment of that right now . For the Industrial Base, id probably that mr. Stephanie talk to that one. Yes, please, please, thank you. Yeah i think its, were kind of in a, certain lines coming to an end, and armys first. But for future vertical lift is the future, and we have this kind of gap in the middle, right . Thats why the nestle program was potentially a very good way of filling that void to keep the workforce hot as forcefully armies in the navy and make a selection for future vertical lift. We are looking. A future aircraft suppliers, and just play, is that a group, to try and make sure were doing it smartly with our air force and army counterparts. When you think of the Biggest Challenges as you look at that base, what do you think are some of the Biggest Challenges that were going to have to be able to overcome to keep moving forward . Yes, so i think as we go just the skilled workers, right . Being able to get the right skilled mechanics in the right area, its maybe not as appealing a career field as maybe it was ten or 20 years ago. And so getting the right skills or the right workforce, not losing them in places like amarillo, but other parts of the country, making sure we are, we as a nation are keeping those skills active and a choice career for our younger folks. Yeah. No, you absolutely. Yeah, were definitely seeing a lot of that in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Thank you very much. I appreciate your answers. And i will turn it back over to the chair. Thank you. And to our witnesses, very much appreciated. Votes have been called so this is Perfect Timing and very much appreciate the testimony and certainly answering those questions. We are adjourned. [inaudible] next, a look at the president s 2023 budget request for nasa. Including bill nelson. What he the was asked about several topics, including russias involvement with the space station. Unplanned moon landing expedition in 2025. And they