U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at a hearing on the state of U.S. Transportation Command and options to provide sealift, airlift and ground distribution in times of conflict.
Rep. Kelly's remarks as prepared for delivery:
Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership in leading this morning's posture hearing. Today we will hear from two leaders who are experts in their fields. I thank you both for your service to the nation.
TRANSCOM's charter is to project and sustain combat power whenever and wherever our Nation chooses. As I think of that problem set and the multiple adversaries we face, it is a daunting challenge and deserving of Congressional support.
Conflicts are won or lost primarily because of logistics. We need to look no further than Russia's recent logistical blunders to prove that point. Notably, TRANSCOM's accomplishments supporting the Ukraine War and the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, have been amazing and done in addition to their day job.
TRANSCOM has also assumed the role as the Department of Defense's single manager for Global Bulk Fuel Management and Delivery. This mission represents a different approach to managing bulk fuel and I look forward to hearing how it is going.
I remain concerned with our aging sea lift and air refueling fleet. This year's budget includes money to purchase two additional sealift assets, but the fleet remains on average too old. This is especially critical because, as Mr. Waltz mentioned, recent exercises with these reserve fleets were concerning.
MARAD is also an organization punching above its weight. We are happy with the success of the Tanker Security Program and would like to hear your thoughts on increasing capacity. Inter and intra theater mobility will be key to sustainment in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, and the 10 ships in the program are just the tip of the iceberg. We need to be prioritizing this capability today.
Finally, I'm concerned with Merchant Mariner readiness and how we can increase the pool of credentialed mariners, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts about recruitment and retention.
The FY24 budget request for TRANSCOM and MARAD show us the problem is not getting easier.
I want to thank our witnesses in advance for their time today. I look forward to continuing to work with you during the 118th Congress to ensure we are appropriately postured to meet and defeat the threats posed by our adversaries.
