Opening Statements

Today, Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, during the Subcommittee's joint hearing with the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces on sealift and mobility requirements:

"Thank you, Chairman Courtney. I truly appreciate the collaboration that you and Mr. Wittman continue to show on these issues that are critical to both of our subcommittees. The saying 'Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics,' is credited to the former Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert H. Barrow. An examination of the issues before us reveals the wisdom of this assertion. Our witnesses today are at the very heart of projecting and sustaining the Joint Force.

"General Lyons, I really appreciate your recent visit and the opportunity to discuss the major issues facing USTRANSCOM. As you highlighted in your opening statement, the world is changing, and we need TRANSCOM to focus on great power competition. I am particularly concerned about the cyber threats posed to our distribution networks by Russia and China and their ongoing efforts to erode access to the U.S. and our allies. We must assume that logistics support for future operations will take place in highly contested environments

"Given how central the two issues dominating today's hearing are to our overall military readiness, I want to add my concerns to those of my colleagues. With 85% of the Joint Force based in the United States, our military readiness is borderline irrelevant without the capability and capacity to project those forces to the fight. During the turbo activation exercise in September 2019, only 60% of the Organic Surge Fleet was considered ready and only 40% of those were able to get underway in the time allotted. As General Lyons stated in his written statement, 'By the mid-2030s, over half of the sealift fleet will be unusable.' Congress has provided the Navy with authority to begin recapitalization through a combination of buying used vessels and some new ship construction, but to date we have seen very little action. The fiscal year 2021 budget would provide funding to purchase two.

"The KC-46 program is yet another example where poor contractor performance is severely degrading warfighter capability and requiring the government to underwrite the cost of retaining legacy aircraft longer than planned. Given the unsafe conditions created by the biggest Category 1 deficiency on the KC-46, the Remote Vision System, it would be irresponsible for us to allow the Air Force to proceed with its planned tanker retirements. According to the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Goldfein, we are close to a way ahead with Boeing on the KC-46, but it will take three to four years to implement. I am not one who is calling to cancel this program, but if we don't see progress this year, the Department may need to consider recompeting the program based on non-performance.

"Finally, I am encouraged by the progress that TRANSCOM has made regarding the Defense Personal Property Program. The Business Case Analysis for the Global Household Goods contract was delivered on time to the Committee and it appears to demonstrate a significant increase in performance and accountability. My understanding is that GAO will complete its review of the BCA shortly and I want to commend TRANSCOM's efforts to address industry concerns.

"Thank you to our witnesses for your testimony today and for the important work you do for our nation.

"I yield back."