Heads of DoN Stress Readiness Needs in Senate Hearing
The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on June 22, 2021, to discuss and review the Department of the Navy’s budget for the fiscal year 2022. The committee met with witnesses Thomas Harker, the acting Secretary of the Navy; Adm. Michael Gilday, the Chief Naval Officer; and Gen. David Berger, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Though other topics were discussed, the key point of the meeting was for members of the Senate to understand what the fiscal year 2022 budget is hoping to accomplish and future plans for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Readiness was one of the most important things to all three witnesses, which Harker said is coming at an increased cost. According to him, the cost of maintenance is increasing at a rate of 2.5% above inflation, and the cost of personnel is also above inflation rates. This budget area is a priority, given the amount that is expected to be allocated to the Department of the Navy. One of those prioritized areas was infrastructure, specifically the modernization of shipyards. Harker said there have been unprecedented challenges with the shipyard modernization plan, as well as the Nuclear Strategic Deterrent, while keeping and growing the size of the Navy.
However, Adm. Gilday stated that the Navy’s fleet can control the seas today, but the future is in question given our current naval fleet. Gilday reassured members of the Senate that the Navy could take on China right now if it had to, however, there is a question of the capabilities of the naval fleet moving forward. The admiral stated that “the average age of the Chinese fleet is 11 years. Ours is 21. It’s time to move decisively and field a future Navy.” Gen. Berger stated that there is a pacing threat with China, and when asked if the FY22 budget was deterring those threats, he stated it was not.
Similarly, when assessing modern adversaries both the admiral and commandant are looking for a modern force. Berger stated that on the Marine Corps’ current denial, “Today we have a limited, very limited capability.” Berger said the autonomous long-range vessel would help deter modern threats. Unmanned systems’ numbers may triple at air and sea, while on the surface, hybrid unmanned and manned forces will allow for a large spread of capabilities. Berger stated that currently and looking towards the future, “I would trade size [of the Marine Corps] for quality if we have to.” Gilday said the impact of the MQ-25 unmanned aircraft system is profound. The admiral stated that it changes the dynamic of the carrier airwing.
Likewise, it appears that modernization on all fronts is what the Department of the Navy is hoping for. Gilday said the new recruitment processes attracted 54,000 new Sailors, a figure that met and exceeded expectations even under a pandemic. The admiral hopes to have modernization of air ranges, and that if there is not, then the F-35 combat aircraft’s first use in full capacity will be in combat. According to Gilday there also needs to be a recapitalization of sealift capabilities and it will be required for a joint warfighting effort. In an effort of deterrence, Gilday said that keeping trade routes open using the Navy allows for our allies to trust the United States and deters adversaries.