U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, delivered the following opening statement at a hearing on Air Force projection forces aviation programs and capabilities related to the President's FY25 budget request.
Rep. Kelly's remarks as prepared for delivery:
More than ever projection forces play an important part in the growing threats around the world. I know saying that has become somewhat of a cliché, but I have never seen a threat as great as it is today. In the last year I have literally been around the world and I'm more concerned than ever.
This subcommittee has two legs of the nuclear triad and the air portion with our bombers and tankers has been and will continue to be in an unprecedented era of modernization. I'd like to hear from the witnesses how we are going to balance the retirements of the B-1 and B-2 with the extensive modernization of the B-52 and procurement of the B-21.
Also, as you know the recent Mobility Guardian Exercise identified the lack of secure communication links with the Air Forces Airlift and Air Refueling fleet. I know we always ask commanders to tell us what they need and in this case, AMC took a lot of equipment to Mobility Guardian and identified what worked and what didn't and what would get at the problem set the fastest. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the lessons learned from that exercise.
Finally, I'd like to hear your thoughts on increasing air refueling capacity. Admiral Paparo in his nomination hearing last month said quote "I do have concerns about the ability of the Joint Force to refuel what will be a dynamic force operating within the AOR from bases on land."
