1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,790 And this morning the committee needs to 2 00:00:03,790 --> 00:00:06,012 consider the nomination of Admiral John 3 00:00:06,012 --> 00:00:08,340 Aquilino to be the next commander of U 4 00:00:08,340 --> 00:00:11,450 S Indo Pacific Command or Indo Pak . Um , 5 00:00:11,940 --> 00:00:14,107 Admiral , we thank you and your family 6 00:00:14,107 --> 00:00:16,051 for your willingness to serve this 7 00:00:16,051 --> 00:00:18,660 important position . We well welcome 8 00:00:18,670 --> 00:00:20,670 your wife , Laura and your daughter 9 00:00:20,670 --> 00:00:22,726 Jessica , along with your colleagues 10 00:00:22,726 --> 00:00:24,920 from the Pacific Athlete . Thank you 11 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:28,380 very much . Uh , you've most recently 12 00:00:28,380 --> 00:00:30,970 served as the commander of the US 13 00:00:30,970 --> 00:00:33,220 Pacific Fleet an experience that will 14 00:00:33,220 --> 00:00:36,650 serve you well . The Indo Pacific has 15 00:00:36,650 --> 00:00:38,872 emerged as the Department of Defense is 16 00:00:38,872 --> 00:00:41,530 priority theater . As Admiral Davidson 17 00:00:41,530 --> 00:00:43,474 highlighted at his posture hearing 18 00:00:43,474 --> 00:00:45,697 earlier this month , the region will be 19 00:00:45,697 --> 00:00:47,586 home to two thirds of the world's 20 00:00:47,586 --> 00:00:49,697 population and generate two thirds of 21 00:00:49,697 --> 00:00:51,697 the global economy . In the next 10 22 00:00:51,697 --> 00:00:54,200 years , maintaining US leadership in 23 00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:56,490 this consequential region will take a 24 00:00:56,500 --> 00:00:58,667 concerted whole of government effort . 25 00:00:59,040 --> 00:01:01,500 But the US military , specifically Indo 26 00:01:01,500 --> 00:01:03,560 Pak com , will play a central role 27 00:01:04,140 --> 00:01:06,090 sector . Austin has appropriately 28 00:01:06,090 --> 00:01:09,030 labelled China as the pacing threat for 29 00:01:09,030 --> 00:01:11,200 the U . S . Military . I agree with 30 00:01:11,210 --> 00:01:13,432 experts who have stated that China is a 31 00:01:13,432 --> 00:01:15,490 long term challenge that must be 32 00:01:15,490 --> 00:01:18,710 managed rather than solved part of 33 00:01:18,710 --> 00:01:20,932 managing our strategic competition with 34 00:01:20,932 --> 00:01:23,900 China and ensuring a free and open Indo 35 00:01:23,900 --> 00:01:25,910 Pacific is the need to maintain a 36 00:01:25,910 --> 00:01:28,070 strong presence in the region and a 37 00:01:28,070 --> 00:01:30,014 credible conventional deterrent to 38 00:01:30,014 --> 00:01:32,710 military aggression this region . In 39 00:01:32,710 --> 00:01:34,321 last year's National Defense 40 00:01:34,321 --> 00:01:36,210 Authorization Act , the committee 41 00:01:36,210 --> 00:01:37,932 created the Pacific Deterrence 42 00:01:37,932 --> 00:01:40,310 Initiative , or PDR . The PD is 43 00:01:40,310 --> 00:01:42,143 intended to better focus Defense 44 00:01:42,143 --> 00:01:44,880 Department resources on key military 45 00:01:44,880 --> 00:01:48,280 capabilities , reassure US allies and 46 00:01:48,280 --> 00:01:50,690 partners , and send a strong signal to 47 00:01:50,690 --> 00:01:52,912 the Chinese Communist Party that we are 48 00:01:52,912 --> 00:01:55,079 committed to defending US interests in 49 00:01:55,079 --> 00:01:57,140 the end of Pacific . Maintaining 50 00:01:57,150 --> 00:01:59,790 momentum behind the PD will be a key 51 00:01:59,790 --> 00:02:01,901 focus of this committee . As we begin 52 00:02:01,901 --> 00:02:03,957 work on this year's National Defense 53 00:02:03,957 --> 00:02:06,420 Authorization Act , Admiral Aquilino , 54 00:02:06,420 --> 00:02:08,531 we look forward to hearing your views 55 00:02:08,531 --> 00:02:10,753 on how the p d I can be used to bolster 56 00:02:10,753 --> 00:02:12,420 U . S . Military presence and 57 00:02:12,420 --> 00:02:14,642 conventional deterrence in the region . 58 00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:17,400 China and the US have a shared goal of 59 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:19,622 avoiding unnecessarily and costly armed 60 00:02:19,622 --> 00:02:22,490 conflict . Last week , U . S China 61 00:02:22,490 --> 00:02:24,810 diplomatic meeting in Alaska was not 62 00:02:24,810 --> 00:02:27,100 without its challenges , but provided 63 00:02:27,100 --> 00:02:29,044 an important opportunity for us to 64 00:02:29,044 --> 00:02:31,770 engage China , express our concern with 65 00:02:31,770 --> 00:02:33,659 China's conduct in the region and 66 00:02:33,659 --> 00:02:36,000 around the world and reiterate our 67 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:38,056 commitment to the region . We should 68 00:02:38,056 --> 00:02:40,222 look to build upon last week's meeting 69 00:02:40,222 --> 00:02:42,990 by establishing more robust means of 70 00:02:42,990 --> 00:02:45,150 military to military communication , 71 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:47,762 particularly to avoid miscalculation in 72 00:02:47,762 --> 00:02:50,070 a crisis . We should also seek greater 73 00:02:50,070 --> 00:02:52,180 cooperation with China when it is in 74 00:02:52,180 --> 00:02:55,160 our interest , including areas like 75 00:02:55,160 --> 00:02:57,370 climate change , the proliferation of 76 00:02:57,370 --> 00:02:59,148 weapons of mass destruction and 77 00:02:59,148 --> 00:03:01,800 counterterrorism . Effectively managing 78 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:03,870 our competition with China also 79 00:03:03,870 --> 00:03:06,037 requires that we continually invest in 80 00:03:06,037 --> 00:03:07,870 our relationship with allies and 81 00:03:07,870 --> 00:03:09,814 partners . The last few weeks have 82 00:03:09,814 --> 00:03:11,814 demonstrated just how central these 83 00:03:11,814 --> 00:03:13,537 relationships are to the Biden 84 00:03:13,537 --> 00:03:15,870 administration's approach to the region . 85 00:03:15,870 --> 00:03:17,648 On March 12th , President Biden 86 00:03:17,648 --> 00:03:19,800 participated in the first ever leader 87 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:22,022 level meeting with other members of the 88 00:03:22,022 --> 00:03:25,630 Quad Japan , Australia and India . Just 89 00:03:25,630 --> 00:03:27,852 last week , Secretary of Defense Austin 90 00:03:27,852 --> 00:03:31,240 and Secretary of State Blinken held in 91 00:03:31,240 --> 00:03:33,462 person meetings with their counterparts 92 00:03:33,462 --> 00:03:35,490 in Japan and South Korea . Admiral 93 00:03:35,490 --> 00:03:37,712 Actually , no . We look forward to your 94 00:03:37,712 --> 00:03:39,601 views and how these alliances and 95 00:03:39,601 --> 00:03:41,657 partnerships can be strengthened and 96 00:03:41,657 --> 00:03:43,823 how we can attract new partners across 97 00:03:43,823 --> 00:03:46,046 the region . Perhaps our most immediate 98 00:03:46,046 --> 00:03:48,046 security challenge in the region is 99 00:03:48,046 --> 00:03:50,046 North Korea . We must approach this 100 00:03:50,046 --> 00:03:52,046 challenge clear eyed in cooperation 101 00:03:52,046 --> 00:03:54,379 with our regional allies , and partners , 102 00:03:54,379 --> 00:03:56,712 most notably Japan and South Korea , or , 103 00:03:56,712 --> 00:03:58,768 most directly threatened by Kim Jong 104 00:03:58,768 --> 00:04:01,210 UN's belligerent behavior . While we 105 00:04:01,210 --> 00:04:03,432 maintain significant sanctions pressure 106 00:04:03,432 --> 00:04:05,640 on North Korea , we must also pursue 107 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:07,807 diplomacy with the goal of achieving a 108 00:04:07,807 --> 00:04:09,990 formal moratorium on nuclear and 109 00:04:09,990 --> 00:04:12,420 missile testing in an air chair . And 110 00:04:12,420 --> 00:04:14,420 Marcolino , I would appreciate your 111 00:04:14,420 --> 00:04:16,531 views on the regional threat posed by 112 00:04:16,531 --> 00:04:18,420 North Korea and the prospects for 113 00:04:18,420 --> 00:04:20,587 greater trilateral cooperation between 114 00:04:20,587 --> 00:04:22,587 the United States , Japan and South 115 00:04:22,587 --> 00:04:24,531 Korea on missile defense and other 116 00:04:24,531 --> 00:04:27,090 issues . Admiral , if confirmed , you 117 00:04:27,090 --> 00:04:28,820 will lead Indo Pak calm at an 118 00:04:28,820 --> 00:04:31,330 incredibly consequential time . And we 119 00:04:31,330 --> 00:04:33,552 thank you again for your willingness to 120 00:04:33,552 --> 00:04:35,608 serve . And now let me recognize the 121 00:04:35,608 --> 00:04:37,719 ranking member center in Well , thank 122 00:04:37,719 --> 00:04:40,890 you , Mr Chairman , I'm , uh , Emma . 123 00:04:40,900 --> 00:04:43,040 Actually , no , we were We're pleased 124 00:04:43,040 --> 00:04:45,690 to have you and moving into a position 125 00:04:45,690 --> 00:04:48,510 where you're certainly the person most 126 00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:52,220 qualified for that position with over 127 00:04:52,230 --> 00:04:55,890 1150 carrier arrested landings in 128 00:04:55,890 --> 00:04:59,280 5000 hours of flying time , I think 129 00:04:59,280 --> 00:05:01,502 that you spend a lot of time on the sea 130 00:05:01,502 --> 00:05:03,724 but also a lot of time in the air and I 131 00:05:03,724 --> 00:05:05,836 have to say that I may have twice the 132 00:05:05,836 --> 00:05:08,058 hours you have , but you have twice the 133 00:05:08,058 --> 00:05:10,180 miles I have . The secretary , Austin 134 00:05:10,180 --> 00:05:12,460 Deputy Secretary Hicks said . China is 135 00:05:12,460 --> 00:05:16,130 the facing threat for our military and 136 00:05:16,130 --> 00:05:18,500 general , Milley said the Pacific is 137 00:05:18,500 --> 00:05:20,611 the number one regional priority that 138 00:05:20,611 --> 00:05:22,550 we all understand this . This 139 00:05:22,550 --> 00:05:24,494 administration is saying the right 140 00:05:24,494 --> 00:05:27,210 things about pushing back on China 141 00:05:27,220 --> 00:05:29,620 Chinese aggression . But the key 142 00:05:29,620 --> 00:05:31,630 indicator of whether or not we're 143 00:05:31,630 --> 00:05:34,090 serious about this is a competition 144 00:05:34,090 --> 00:05:36,257 with China will be what we do with the 145 00:05:36,257 --> 00:05:38,312 defense budget . Top line . The real 146 00:05:38,312 --> 00:05:42,110 growth . The words don't have a real 147 00:05:42,110 --> 00:05:44,320 meaning . The top line of the defense 148 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:46,542 budget in the amount of funding for the 149 00:05:46,542 --> 00:05:48,960 specific deterrence initiative will be 150 00:05:48,970 --> 00:05:51,560 the Biden administration's first and 151 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:53,840 most important message to China . What 152 00:05:53,840 --> 00:05:56,210 we do and don't do to deter China in 153 00:05:56,210 --> 00:05:58,730 the military domain will underwrite and 154 00:05:58,730 --> 00:06:01,000 determine the success or failure of 155 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:03,750 diplomatic , economic and information 156 00:06:03,750 --> 00:06:06,000 efforts as well . Simply put , if you 157 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:09,580 fail to invest in defense as and as a 158 00:06:09,580 --> 00:06:11,691 result failed to deter China's use of 159 00:06:11,691 --> 00:06:14,200 military force in the end of Pacific , 160 00:06:14,210 --> 00:06:16,154 nothing you do in those areas will 161 00:06:16,154 --> 00:06:19,930 really matter , Admiral uh actually 162 00:06:19,930 --> 00:06:23,330 know if confirmed as commander of Indo 163 00:06:23,330 --> 00:06:25,900 Pak com you'd be on the front lines of 164 00:06:25,900 --> 00:06:28,011 the military competition with China . 165 00:06:28,340 --> 00:06:30,229 It must never come a day when the 166 00:06:30,229 --> 00:06:32,396 leaders of the China Chinese Communist 167 00:06:32,396 --> 00:06:35,490 Party decide today is the day they can 168 00:06:35,490 --> 00:06:38,180 achieve their goal by using military 169 00:06:38,180 --> 00:06:40,750 force . At the beginning of March , 170 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:44,120 General McMaster told us that since the 171 00:06:44,120 --> 00:06:46,540 19 hundreds , China has undertaken the 172 00:06:46,540 --> 00:06:48,707 largest peacetime military build up in 173 00:06:48,707 --> 00:06:51,050 history . This ramp up in the past 174 00:06:51,060 --> 00:06:54,280 decade , when China increased real 175 00:06:54,280 --> 00:06:56,660 purchasing power in the defence sector 176 00:06:57,040 --> 00:07:00,460 by $200 billion . Meanwhile , primarily 177 00:07:00,460 --> 00:07:02,380 during the Obama administration , 178 00:07:02,380 --> 00:07:05,130 America cut some 400 billion of 179 00:07:05,130 --> 00:07:07,019 purchasing power from our defense 180 00:07:07,019 --> 00:07:08,970 spending . As China was quietly 181 00:07:08,970 --> 00:07:10,970 increasing investments in defense , 182 00:07:11,340 --> 00:07:14,070 many U . S leaders naively assumed when 183 00:07:14,070 --> 00:07:17,350 China joined the W . T . O in 2000 and 184 00:07:17,350 --> 00:07:19,870 one that it was integrated in the 185 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:22,020 global economy . Somehow this would 186 00:07:22,020 --> 00:07:24,370 make Chinese Communist Party friendlier 187 00:07:24,370 --> 00:07:27,550 and more open to the West . I predicted 188 00:07:27,550 --> 00:07:31,410 it wouldn't and was right . The result 189 00:07:31,420 --> 00:07:34,350 of that bad assumption is American 190 00:07:34,350 --> 00:07:36,740 military advantage and the credibility 191 00:07:36,740 --> 00:07:39,060 of our deterrence has eroded and it 192 00:07:39,060 --> 00:07:41,870 comes to erosion . So we got a problem 193 00:07:41,870 --> 00:07:44,037 out there and you're right and they're 194 00:07:44,037 --> 00:07:46,370 going to be right in the middle of that , 195 00:07:46,370 --> 00:07:49,630 and we are anxious to , uh , 196 00:07:49,640 --> 00:07:51,862 make some really good things happened . 197 00:07:51,862 --> 00:07:53,918 As General McMaster told us , Taiwan 198 00:07:53,918 --> 00:07:55,751 may represent the most dangerous 199 00:07:55,751 --> 00:07:58,530 flashpoint for war . And when Admiral 200 00:07:58,540 --> 00:08:01,450 Davidson was asked what is most likely 201 00:08:01,450 --> 00:08:03,620 target for Chinese of the Chinese 202 00:08:03,620 --> 00:08:05,960 military action would be in the next 5 203 00:08:05,960 --> 00:08:08,410 to 10 years , he said , I would say 204 00:08:08,420 --> 00:08:10,740 Taiwan is the first , so we know where 205 00:08:10,740 --> 00:08:12,851 our problems are . We appreciate your 206 00:08:12,851 --> 00:08:15,129 service and look forward to this tiger . 207 00:08:15,640 --> 00:08:17,751 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Thank you , 208 00:08:17,751 --> 00:08:19,807 Senator North . Now let me recognize 209 00:08:19,807 --> 00:08:22,990 Senator Corona to introduce the Admiral 210 00:08:23,050 --> 00:08:25,210 and Corona . Thank you very much , Mr 211 00:08:25,210 --> 00:08:27,890 Chairman . And I very much appreciate 212 00:08:27,890 --> 00:08:29,668 your remarks and ranking member 213 00:08:29,668 --> 00:08:31,890 Inhofe's remarks in recognizing the 214 00:08:31,890 --> 00:08:34,223 importance of the in the Pacific region . 215 00:08:34,740 --> 00:08:36,407 Our country faces an array of 216 00:08:36,407 --> 00:08:38,480 challenges and opportunities in the 217 00:08:38,480 --> 00:08:40,900 Indo Pacific region , and they are are 218 00:08:40,900 --> 00:08:43,080 stretching from the west coast of the 219 00:08:43,080 --> 00:08:45,560 United States to the western border of 220 00:08:45,570 --> 00:08:48,520 India and from the North Pole to 221 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:52,220 Antarctica , covering about half of the 222 00:08:52,220 --> 00:08:55,440 Earth's surface . At a time when we are 223 00:08:55,440 --> 00:08:57,607 confronting an increasingly aggressive 224 00:08:57,607 --> 00:09:00,180 china and looking to deepen our defense 225 00:09:00,180 --> 00:09:02,800 ties with allies in the in the Pacific . 226 00:09:02,810 --> 00:09:05,180 It is imperative we have an experienced 227 00:09:05,180 --> 00:09:08,260 leader at Indo Pacific Command capable 228 00:09:08,260 --> 00:09:10,880 of meeting the urgency and sensitivity 229 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:13,290 of the moment . With this in mind , I'd 230 00:09:13,290 --> 00:09:16,090 like to introduce and enthusiastically 231 00:09:16,100 --> 00:09:18,433 endorse today's nominee and , of course , 232 00:09:18,433 --> 00:09:21,090 welcome his family Admiral John C . 233 00:09:21,100 --> 00:09:23,250 Aquilino , to serve as the next 234 00:09:23,250 --> 00:09:25,890 commander of the US Indo Pacific 235 00:09:25,890 --> 00:09:28,860 Command . Admiral actually knows 236 00:09:28,860 --> 00:09:32,050 37 years of Navy service 237 00:09:32,060 --> 00:09:34,520 highlighted by command of the U . S . 238 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:36,520 Pacific fleet and the U . S . Naval 239 00:09:36,520 --> 00:09:38,920 Forces Central Command make him well 240 00:09:38,920 --> 00:09:41,380 suited for this new role . Since 241 00:09:41,380 --> 00:09:43,547 assuming command of the Navy's Pacific 242 00:09:43,547 --> 00:09:46,290 Fleet in 2018 , I've seen how the 243 00:09:46,290 --> 00:09:49,200 admiral and his leadership team at Pac 244 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:50,978 Fleet have worked to ensure the 245 00:09:50,978 --> 00:09:53,089 readiness of the fleet to protect the 246 00:09:53,089 --> 00:09:55,170 security of our nation . From his 247 00:09:55,170 --> 00:09:57,430 headquarters at Pearl Harbor , Lung 248 00:09:57,440 --> 00:09:59,650 Aquilino , as he is affectionately 249 00:09:59,650 --> 00:10:02,030 known to those under his command , has 250 00:10:02,030 --> 00:10:04,930 guided the 140,000 sailors and 251 00:10:04,930 --> 00:10:07,520 civilians of the Pacific Fleet to meet 252 00:10:07,520 --> 00:10:10,060 challenges and opportunities presented 253 00:10:11,240 --> 00:10:13,073 after a minute . Lung is such an 254 00:10:13,073 --> 00:10:15,296 unusual nickname , and I had to ask how 255 00:10:15,296 --> 00:10:18,850 he got it . It was coined years ago by 256 00:10:18,850 --> 00:10:20,961 his fighter pilot buddies who thought 257 00:10:20,961 --> 00:10:23,860 his last name son sounded like aqualung . 258 00:10:24,440 --> 00:10:27,460 And with that , the name Lung was born . 259 00:10:28,340 --> 00:10:31,450 Lungs , message of quote , deter , 260 00:10:31,460 --> 00:10:35,410 assure , compete and win end quote is 261 00:10:35,410 --> 00:10:37,540 the right message for indoor pecan 262 00:10:37,540 --> 00:10:39,540 today . I've gotten to work without 263 00:10:39,540 --> 00:10:41,880 Marcolino during his time in Hawaii and 264 00:10:41,880 --> 00:10:44,660 know firsthand he believes in the power 265 00:10:44,670 --> 00:10:47,540 of working together to find whole of 266 00:10:47,540 --> 00:10:49,690 government solutions , the importance 267 00:10:49,690 --> 00:10:52,350 of our alliances and partnerships and 268 00:10:52,350 --> 00:10:55,360 the imperative for well trained and 269 00:10:55,360 --> 00:10:58,410 postured force . I've appreciated the 270 00:10:58,410 --> 00:11:00,810 interactions Admiral Aquilino and I 271 00:11:00,810 --> 00:11:02,810 have had on issues of importance to 272 00:11:02,810 --> 00:11:05,190 Hawaii and the Pacific region , 273 00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:08,380 including the strategically vital Red 274 00:11:08,380 --> 00:11:12,210 Hilb bulk fuel storage facility . In 275 00:11:12,210 --> 00:11:14,321 operating the Red Hill facility , the 276 00:11:14,321 --> 00:11:16,432 Navy has a critical responsibility to 277 00:11:16,432 --> 00:11:19,220 protect Oahu's drinking water and keep 278 00:11:19,230 --> 00:11:21,610 the community updated . The admiral 279 00:11:21,610 --> 00:11:23,832 knows the importance of transparent and 280 00:11:23,832 --> 00:11:27,020 open community engagement . Admiral 281 00:11:27,020 --> 00:11:29,740 Kilian also has a personal appreciation 282 00:11:29,750 --> 00:11:32,050 of the significance of Pearl Harbor 283 00:11:32,050 --> 00:11:34,960 Naval Naval Shipyard to our community . 284 00:11:35,340 --> 00:11:37,860 The shipyard is our largest industrial 285 00:11:37,860 --> 00:11:40,350 employer , with thousands of military 286 00:11:40,350 --> 00:11:42,850 and civilian workers who support our 287 00:11:42,850 --> 00:11:45,910 force forces and broader in the Pacific 288 00:11:45,910 --> 00:11:47,750 region to advance our strategic 289 00:11:47,750 --> 00:11:49,870 interests . Amarilla Kalina 290 00:11:49,870 --> 00:11:51,980 participated in shipyard visits with 291 00:11:51,980 --> 00:11:54,800 Senator Kaine , former Senator Perdue 292 00:11:54,810 --> 00:11:58,180 and me over the past two years as 293 00:11:58,180 --> 00:12:00,013 evidence throughout his years of 294 00:12:00,013 --> 00:12:01,791 service and more , Aquilino has 295 00:12:01,791 --> 00:12:03,847 demonstrated a deep understanding of 296 00:12:03,847 --> 00:12:06,080 Hawaii strategic importance to our 297 00:12:06,080 --> 00:12:08,840 national security , and he advocates 298 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:10,710 for capabilities and nurtures 299 00:12:10,710 --> 00:12:14,290 relationships . Excuse me to help 300 00:12:14,290 --> 00:12:17,100 Hawaii fully realize its role in 301 00:12:17,110 --> 00:12:20,330 America's continued access and 302 00:12:20,330 --> 00:12:23,740 influence in the Indo Pacific . If you 303 00:12:23,740 --> 00:12:26,073 speak to those who serve in his command , 304 00:12:26,073 --> 00:12:28,410 you will find a Moroccan . Aquilino has 305 00:12:28,410 --> 00:12:31,440 deep and abiding care for his sailors , 306 00:12:31,450 --> 00:12:34,220 civilians and their families by working 307 00:12:34,220 --> 00:12:37,470 to instill an environment of dignity 308 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:40,970 and purpose . This care was evident in 309 00:12:40,970 --> 00:12:44,110 America leans actions . After a gunman 310 00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:47,060 took the lives of Robin rolled in 311 00:12:47,070 --> 00:12:50,150 Augustine and Vincent Copyboy Junior 312 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:52,850 and seriously injured another man 313 00:12:52,860 --> 00:12:54,971 during the horrific shooting at Pearl 314 00:12:54,971 --> 00:12:57,510 Harbor Naval Shipyard on December 4th , 315 00:12:57,520 --> 00:13:01,130 2019 . Emerald Aquilino paid 316 00:13:01,130 --> 00:13:03,430 special care to the families of the 317 00:13:03,430 --> 00:13:05,890 victims and the shipyard community 318 00:13:05,890 --> 00:13:09,260 during this intense time of grief . 319 00:13:09,740 --> 00:13:11,930 A few months ago , he organized a 320 00:13:11,930 --> 00:13:14,660 memorial service marking the one year 321 00:13:14,660 --> 00:13:17,500 anniversary of the tragic event and 322 00:13:17,500 --> 00:13:21,320 installed a permanent memorial plaque 323 00:13:21,330 --> 00:13:24,140 to honor the lives and service of Mr 324 00:13:24,150 --> 00:13:27,780 Augustine and Mr Cowboy Junior . I am 325 00:13:27,780 --> 00:13:30,320 confident that after today's hearing , 326 00:13:30,330 --> 00:13:32,450 my colleagues will join me in 327 00:13:32,450 --> 00:13:34,228 supporting and Broccoli knows . 328 00:13:34,228 --> 00:13:38,120 Nomination to lead Indo pay Com . Thank 329 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:40,342 you , Mr Chairman . Thank you , Senator 330 00:13:40,342 --> 00:13:42,398 Hirono . Admiral , you're recognized 331 00:13:42,398 --> 00:13:44,009 for your opening statement . 332 00:13:46,940 --> 00:13:48,996 Thank you very much , Senator Hirono 333 00:13:48,996 --> 00:13:50,607 for that kind introduction . 334 00:13:50,607 --> 00:13:52,773 Congratulations on your selection as a 335 00:13:52,773 --> 00:13:55,120 chair of the Seapower subcommittee . It 336 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:57,231 has been my pleasure to work with you 337 00:13:57,231 --> 00:13:59,342 these past three years . And from all 338 00:13:59,342 --> 00:14:01,509 the sailors in the Pacific Theater and 339 00:14:01,509 --> 00:14:03,676 their families , I'd like to thank you 340 00:14:03,676 --> 00:14:05,787 for your constant support . Thank you 341 00:14:05,787 --> 00:14:07,564 very much , ma'am . Thank you , 342 00:14:07,564 --> 00:14:10,230 Chairman . Read Ranking member in off 343 00:14:10,250 --> 00:14:11,972 and committee members for this 344 00:14:11,972 --> 00:14:14,028 opportunity to appear for you before 345 00:14:14,028 --> 00:14:16,500 you today . I am both honored and 346 00:14:16,500 --> 00:14:18,940 humbled to be here as the nominee to 347 00:14:18,940 --> 00:14:21,780 lead us Indo Pacific Command . It is a 348 00:14:21,780 --> 00:14:25,270 great responsibility . I'm honored to 349 00:14:25,270 --> 00:14:27,381 be President Biden's nominee for this 350 00:14:27,381 --> 00:14:30,880 important position . I'd also like to 351 00:14:30,880 --> 00:14:33,610 thank Secretary Austin General Milley , 352 00:14:33,620 --> 00:14:36,340 acting Secretary Harker and Admiral 353 00:14:36,340 --> 00:14:38,760 guilty for their support and confidence . 354 00:14:39,940 --> 00:14:42,051 I would not be here today without the 355 00:14:42,051 --> 00:14:44,384 love and support of my family . My wife , 356 00:14:44,384 --> 00:14:46,440 Laura , my oldest daughter , Jessica 357 00:14:46,440 --> 00:14:48,218 are here with me today . and my 358 00:14:48,218 --> 00:14:50,384 daughter , Lisa , was unable to attend 359 00:14:50,384 --> 00:14:52,990 from Los Angeles . Like every military 360 00:14:52,990 --> 00:14:54,768 family , they have endured many 361 00:14:54,768 --> 00:14:57,870 sacrifices , and they tire tirelessly 362 00:14:57,870 --> 00:15:00,280 advocate for military members and their 363 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:02,930 families . They set a tremendous 364 00:15:02,930 --> 00:15:05,470 example of service to our nation , and 365 00:15:05,470 --> 00:15:08,920 I'm proud of each of them . Also with 366 00:15:08,920 --> 00:15:11,000 me here today are members of my Navy 367 00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:13,500 family , and they're led by Fleet 368 00:15:13,500 --> 00:15:16,890 Master Chief Jim Honey . He is my right 369 00:15:16,890 --> 00:15:19,610 hand man , and he personally cares for 370 00:15:19,610 --> 00:15:22,830 over 140,000 Navy sailors and their 371 00:15:22,830 --> 00:15:25,360 families in the Pacific Fleet every day . 372 00:15:27,240 --> 00:15:28,962 I would be remiss if I did not 373 00:15:28,962 --> 00:15:31,018 highlight my constant admiration and 374 00:15:31,018 --> 00:15:33,240 respect for the men , women , civilians 375 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:36,040 and families of our joint fourths who 376 00:15:36,040 --> 00:15:38,990 faithfully serve many deployed as we 377 00:15:38,990 --> 00:15:41,990 speak to defend our nation and protect 378 00:15:41,990 --> 00:15:44,590 our way of life . It has been my 379 00:15:44,590 --> 00:15:46,479 greatest privilege to have served 380 00:15:46,479 --> 00:15:48,450 alongside them for 37 years . 381 00:15:50,340 --> 00:15:51,951 The Indo Pacific is the most 382 00:15:51,951 --> 00:15:53,896 consequential reason for America's 383 00:15:53,896 --> 00:15:56,118 future and remains the priority theater 384 00:15:56,118 --> 00:15:58,760 for the United States . Residing Here 385 00:15:58,760 --> 00:16:00,427 are four of the five security 386 00:16:00,427 --> 00:16:02,649 challenges identified in the Department 387 00:16:02,649 --> 00:16:06,160 of Defense China , Russia , North 388 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:08,200 Korea and violent extremist 389 00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:12,060 organizations . The Indo Pacific region 390 00:16:12,540 --> 00:16:14,840 also experiences frequent natural and 391 00:16:14,840 --> 00:16:17,490 man made disasters , the negative 392 00:16:17,490 --> 00:16:19,920 impacts of climate change , rapid 393 00:16:19,920 --> 00:16:22,600 population growth , drug and human 394 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:24,740 trafficking and , of course , disease 395 00:16:24,740 --> 00:16:28,550 and pandemics . Of all the 396 00:16:28,550 --> 00:16:30,970 threats we face , Secretary Austin was 397 00:16:30,970 --> 00:16:34,250 very clear when he stated . China is 398 00:16:34,250 --> 00:16:37,900 our pacing threat to meet this 399 00:16:37,900 --> 00:16:40,060 challenge . It will take all elements 400 00:16:40,060 --> 00:16:42,840 of national power , working together 401 00:16:43,020 --> 00:16:44,687 and with a sense of urgency , 402 00:16:46,540 --> 00:16:48,651 together with our allies and partners 403 00:16:49,250 --> 00:16:51,472 are professionally trained and lethal . 404 00:16:51,472 --> 00:16:54,470 Joint military force postured forward 405 00:16:55,140 --> 00:16:57,196 will provide the deterrence required 406 00:16:57,840 --> 00:17:00,250 while enabling diplomacy from a 407 00:17:00,250 --> 00:17:03,050 position of strength to ensure peace , 408 00:17:03,050 --> 00:17:05,880 stability and prosperity for all in the 409 00:17:05,880 --> 00:17:09,360 region . The Pacific Deterrence 410 00:17:09,360 --> 00:17:11,630 Initiative is a strong example of the 411 00:17:11,630 --> 00:17:14,490 effort required to compete and win . I 412 00:17:14,490 --> 00:17:17,060 thank the Committee for your leadership 413 00:17:17,740 --> 00:17:20,670 and your vision and establishing PD . 414 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:23,960 These efforts are foundational to 415 00:17:23,960 --> 00:17:26,960 ensuring a free and open Indo Pacific . 416 00:17:28,540 --> 00:17:30,373 As the interim national security 417 00:17:30,373 --> 00:17:32,151 strategic guidance points out , 418 00:17:32,840 --> 00:17:35,270 America's fate is intertwined with 419 00:17:35,270 --> 00:17:38,490 events beyond our shores . Global peace 420 00:17:38,490 --> 00:17:41,920 and prosperity depends on our presence 421 00:17:41,930 --> 00:17:45,020 in the Indo Pacific . If confirmed for 422 00:17:45,020 --> 00:17:46,964 this great responsibility , I look 423 00:17:46,964 --> 00:17:49,131 forward to working with this committee 424 00:17:49,131 --> 00:17:51,076 as we advanced our shared national 425 00:17:51,076 --> 00:17:53,520 security objectives while continuing to 426 00:17:53,520 --> 00:17:57,420 serve alongside Indo Pacific's men and 427 00:17:57,420 --> 00:18:00,180 women to accomplish this important 428 00:18:00,180 --> 00:18:03,510 mission before us . Thanks , 429 00:18:03,650 --> 00:18:05,800 Chairman . Read . Thank you , Member 430 00:18:05,800 --> 00:18:07,856 Inhofe and to the committee . I look 431 00:18:07,856 --> 00:18:09,911 forward to your question . Thank you 432 00:18:09,911 --> 00:18:12,290 very much , sir . Let me point out for 433 00:18:12,290 --> 00:18:14,960 the benefit of my colleagues that if we 434 00:18:14,960 --> 00:18:17,680 get a core , um , I will interrupt . We 435 00:18:17,680 --> 00:18:20,050 have thousands of military nominations 436 00:18:20,050 --> 00:18:22,106 we'd like to pass out of committee . 437 00:18:22,106 --> 00:18:25,220 And also , since this is a hybrid 438 00:18:25,220 --> 00:18:28,580 hearing , we will not follow the early 439 00:18:28,580 --> 00:18:31,310 bird rule instead will handle the other 440 00:18:31,310 --> 00:18:33,550 questions by seniority , all turning 441 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:35,393 back and forth . This message is 442 00:18:35,393 --> 00:18:37,282 getting a little old . But let me 443 00:18:37,282 --> 00:18:40,030 reiterated Uh huh . We'll do the 444 00:18:40,030 --> 00:18:42,210 standard five minute rounds . I ask my 445 00:18:42,210 --> 00:18:44,300 colleagues on the computers and at 446 00:18:44,300 --> 00:18:46,467 their desk to observe the five minutes 447 00:18:46,840 --> 00:18:48,840 and then for everyone to be heard . 448 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:50,784 Pleased . Mute your microphones if 449 00:18:50,784 --> 00:18:52,784 you're not speaking . But thank you 450 00:18:52,784 --> 00:18:55,220 very much , uh , for your testimony , 451 00:18:55,220 --> 00:18:57,331 if your distinguished service and the 452 00:18:57,331 --> 00:19:00,400 service or your family , uh , one of 453 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:02,950 the most important aspects in any 454 00:19:02,950 --> 00:19:05,880 theater is joint warfighting 455 00:19:05,890 --> 00:19:09,280 operations . We fight as a team , not 456 00:19:09,280 --> 00:19:11,430 as individual platforms or individual 457 00:19:11,430 --> 00:19:13,910 services , and I know the joint staff 458 00:19:13,910 --> 00:19:16,250 and opaque , um , have been working on 459 00:19:16,260 --> 00:19:19,670 joint operations joint , uh , 460 00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:22,350 techniques and models . 461 00:19:22,740 --> 00:19:26,000 Uh , covid has interrupted that a bit . 462 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:28,410 Can you give us some of , uh , status 463 00:19:28,420 --> 00:19:30,480 from your perspective of how we're 464 00:19:30,480 --> 00:19:32,360 doing integrating our forces ? 465 00:19:34,840 --> 00:19:37,620 Yes , Senator . Thanks . So there's two 466 00:19:37,620 --> 00:19:39,787 initiatives . Emerald Davidson , along 467 00:19:39,787 --> 00:19:42,020 with the joint staff , is working on a 468 00:19:42,020 --> 00:19:45,540 joint warfighting concept . Those focus 469 00:19:45,540 --> 00:19:47,484 areas are designed to specifically 470 00:19:47,484 --> 00:19:49,707 ensure that the Joint Forces integrated 471 00:19:50,540 --> 00:19:52,950 the command and control that's required 472 00:19:52,950 --> 00:19:55,340 exists . And on top of that , from the 473 00:19:55,340 --> 00:19:58,390 Indo Pacific position , it has the 474 00:19:58,390 --> 00:20:00,780 ability to also expand to our allies 475 00:20:00,780 --> 00:20:03,740 and partners . It's extremely important . 476 00:20:03,740 --> 00:20:05,573 And if confirmed , center , I'll 477 00:20:05,573 --> 00:20:07,684 continue those efforts . They're that 478 00:20:07,684 --> 00:20:11,380 important . Can you briefly prioritize ? 479 00:20:11,380 --> 00:20:14,390 What are the key elements ? Uh , mice 480 00:20:14,390 --> 00:20:16,240 notion would be if you can't 481 00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:19,720 communicate effectively , uh , then you 482 00:20:19,720 --> 00:20:23,670 can't do much . Uh , but your sense 483 00:20:24,240 --> 00:20:26,462 of what the priorities are And are they 484 00:20:26,462 --> 00:20:29,730 budgeted in that order , or do we have 485 00:20:29,730 --> 00:20:31,452 to do some work collectively , 486 00:20:33,940 --> 00:20:35,950 Senator , the Pacific Defense 487 00:20:35,950 --> 00:20:39,120 Initiative , I think , is kind of the 488 00:20:39,120 --> 00:20:42,080 poster child for what the capabilities 489 00:20:42,080 --> 00:20:44,660 and things look like in prioritized 490 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:47,018 order . And again , I thank the 491 00:20:47,018 --> 00:20:49,220 Committee for that support those 492 00:20:49,220 --> 00:20:51,930 capabilities as I see them are force 493 00:20:51,930 --> 00:20:55,190 protection . There's the ability to 494 00:20:55,190 --> 00:20:57,410 command , control and communicate and 495 00:20:57,410 --> 00:21:00,480 the mission partner environment . Then 496 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:02,690 there's the ability needed to train 497 00:21:02,700 --> 00:21:04,589 both with the joint force and our 498 00:21:04,589 --> 00:21:07,300 allies and partners . And that linkage 499 00:21:07,300 --> 00:21:09,780 between the ranges from Guam to Hawaii 500 00:21:09,780 --> 00:21:12,680 to Alaska to the West Coast , United 501 00:21:12,680 --> 00:21:14,950 States , Pym Tech is absolutely 502 00:21:14,960 --> 00:21:18,290 required . Additionally , there's s r 503 00:21:18,290 --> 00:21:20,234 capabilities needed . There's long 504 00:21:20,234 --> 00:21:22,068 range , joint integrated fires , 505 00:21:22,068 --> 00:21:25,350 capabilities that are needed , and 506 00:21:26,240 --> 00:21:28,540 underpinning . All of that is the need 507 00:21:28,540 --> 00:21:30,790 to be able to execute logistics across 508 00:21:30,790 --> 00:21:34,050 that great distance . So we have a ways 509 00:21:34,050 --> 00:21:36,161 to go , frankly , to get to the point 510 00:21:36,161 --> 00:21:39,170 where you're satisfied . Is that there , 511 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:42,040 Senator again ? I think PD is 512 00:21:42,040 --> 00:21:44,740 foundational , but it will take a 513 00:21:44,740 --> 00:21:47,760 longer term , sustained investment to 514 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:49,704 be able to generate the deterrence 515 00:21:49,704 --> 00:21:51,649 required and a final point on this 516 00:21:51,649 --> 00:21:55,570 issue Integrating our allies 517 00:21:55,580 --> 00:21:59,260 first of all , integrating mhm Army 518 00:21:59,260 --> 00:22:01,570 Navy Air Force is tough . I would 519 00:22:01,570 --> 00:22:03,681 assume integrating our allies is even 520 00:22:03,681 --> 00:22:05,710 more challenging because of obvious 521 00:22:05,710 --> 00:22:07,599 differences in language and other 522 00:22:07,599 --> 00:22:09,850 equipment . Etcetera . Is that fair ? 523 00:22:10,240 --> 00:22:12,640 That's absolutely fair , sir , but it 524 00:22:12,640 --> 00:22:15,340 is also extremely important . We we 525 00:22:15,340 --> 00:22:17,460 operate with our allies and partners 526 00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:20,640 each and every day . So it is . It is 527 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:22,640 certainly not a hurdle we can't get 528 00:22:22,640 --> 00:22:25,380 over . Uh , it's critically important . 529 00:22:25,390 --> 00:22:27,501 Thank you . You mentioned this has to 530 00:22:27,501 --> 00:22:29,890 be a whole of government effort . Uh , 531 00:22:29,900 --> 00:22:32,760 not just the military effort . And 532 00:22:32,760 --> 00:22:34,927 within our partners , particularly the 533 00:22:34,927 --> 00:22:38,670 quad , Are there issues that 534 00:22:39,040 --> 00:22:42,460 we can rally around issues like , 535 00:22:43,040 --> 00:22:46,460 um uh , mhm 536 00:22:46,940 --> 00:22:48,996 climate change and other issues like 537 00:22:48,996 --> 00:22:51,051 that ? Is that something that's your 538 00:22:51,051 --> 00:22:53,051 State Department and colleagues are 539 00:22:53,051 --> 00:22:56,760 talking about Senator ? There are 540 00:22:56,770 --> 00:23:00,260 many areas where we certainly cooperate 541 00:23:00,260 --> 00:23:02,482 across the whole of government approach 542 00:23:02,482 --> 00:23:05,860 economic , diplomatic , informational , 543 00:23:06,060 --> 00:23:09,600 legal as well as military . All of 544 00:23:09,600 --> 00:23:12,110 those efforts will be required to do 545 00:23:12,120 --> 00:23:15,460 the deterrence needed . Uh , and if 546 00:23:15,460 --> 00:23:18,940 confirmed , I'm certainly interested in 547 00:23:18,940 --> 00:23:20,884 working across the inter agency to 548 00:23:20,884 --> 00:23:23,218 achieve that goal . Thank you very much . 549 00:23:23,218 --> 00:23:25,440 Just the final question here is I think 550 00:23:25,440 --> 00:23:27,960 we've come to realize that we were 551 00:23:27,970 --> 00:23:30,770 overly optimistic about China's role in 552 00:23:30,770 --> 00:23:34,150 the world for several decades when we 553 00:23:34,150 --> 00:23:37,120 saw it as simply an economic power that 554 00:23:37,120 --> 00:23:40,240 would come into the , uh , 555 00:23:40,250 --> 00:23:43,950 world stage with 556 00:23:44,340 --> 00:23:47,450 benign , not malign attitudes . And 557 00:23:47,450 --> 00:23:50,790 that's changed . The danger today might 558 00:23:50,800 --> 00:23:53,950 be overestimating China of not seeing 559 00:23:53,950 --> 00:23:55,870 some of vulnerabilities . Can you 560 00:23:55,870 --> 00:23:59,460 comment upon some of the others 561 00:24:00,140 --> 00:24:02,440 shortcomings you see , or some of the 562 00:24:02,450 --> 00:24:04,750 weaknesses that might be not be 563 00:24:04,750 --> 00:24:08,720 explored ? Mhm . Thanks , Senator . 564 00:24:08,730 --> 00:24:11,710 Uh , certainly we've seen the largest 565 00:24:11,710 --> 00:24:15,170 military build up , uh , by China . 566 00:24:15,740 --> 00:24:17,640 That does bring with it certain 567 00:24:17,640 --> 00:24:19,418 vulnerabilities , whether it be 568 00:24:19,418 --> 00:24:21,362 training , command and control and 569 00:24:21,362 --> 00:24:24,170 operations across a broader scale . Uh , 570 00:24:24,540 --> 00:24:26,707 and again , if confirmed , I will look 571 00:24:26,707 --> 00:24:28,940 through that lens to see where we can 572 00:24:28,940 --> 00:24:31,670 really have some effect to deter . Mhm . 573 00:24:32,540 --> 00:24:35,170 Thank you very much . Before I turn it 574 00:24:35,170 --> 00:24:37,430 over to Senator Inhofe , I'm required 575 00:24:37,430 --> 00:24:41,210 to ask questions of the nominee , and 576 00:24:41,210 --> 00:24:43,432 I've been reminding my staff to do so . 577 00:24:43,432 --> 00:24:46,820 So just like the master chief , 578 00:24:46,830 --> 00:24:50,740 um , I do what I'm told . Have you had 579 00:24:50,740 --> 00:24:52,740 heard tropical laws and regulations 580 00:24:52,740 --> 00:24:54,962 governing conflicts of interest ? Yes , 581 00:24:54,962 --> 00:24:57,018 sir . Have you assumed any duties to 582 00:24:57,018 --> 00:24:59,129 take any actions that would appear to 583 00:24:59,129 --> 00:25:01,351 presume the outcome of the confirmation 584 00:25:01,351 --> 00:25:03,351 process ? No , sir . Exercising our 585 00:25:03,351 --> 00:25:04,796 legislative and oversight 586 00:25:04,796 --> 00:25:06,962 responsibility makes it important that 587 00:25:06,962 --> 00:25:06,940 this committee , its subcommittees and 588 00:25:06,950 --> 00:25:08,728 other appropriate committees of 589 00:25:08,728 --> 00:25:11,061 Congress received testimony , briefings , 590 00:25:11,061 --> 00:25:13,283 reports , records and other information 591 00:25:13,283 --> 00:25:15,283 from the executive branch on timely 592 00:25:15,283 --> 00:25:17,450 basis . Do you agree ? If confirmed to 593 00:25:17,450 --> 00:25:19,172 appear and testify before this 594 00:25:19,172 --> 00:25:21,339 committee when requested . Yes , sir . 595 00:25:21,339 --> 00:25:23,339 Do you agree when asked before this 596 00:25:23,339 --> 00:25:25,506 committee to give you a personal views 597 00:25:25,506 --> 00:25:25,310 even if you have used differ from the 598 00:25:25,310 --> 00:25:27,480 administration ? Yes , sir . Do you 599 00:25:27,480 --> 00:25:29,536 agree to provide records , documents 600 00:25:29,536 --> 00:25:31,480 and electronic communications in a 601 00:25:31,480 --> 00:25:33,536 timely manner when requested by this 602 00:25:33,536 --> 00:25:35,702 committee , its subcommittees or other 603 00:25:35,702 --> 00:25:37,758 appropriate committees of Congress , 604 00:25:37,758 --> 00:25:39,647 and to consult with the requester 605 00:25:39,647 --> 00:25:39,510 regarding the basis or any good faith , 606 00:25:39,510 --> 00:25:41,399 delay or denial in providing such 607 00:25:41,399 --> 00:25:43,510 records ? Yes , sir . Will you ensure 608 00:25:43,510 --> 00:25:45,732 that your staff complies with deadlines 609 00:25:45,732 --> 00:25:47,843 established by this committee for the 610 00:25:47,843 --> 00:25:50,010 production reports ? Records and other 611 00:25:50,010 --> 00:25:49,910 information , including timely 612 00:25:49,910 --> 00:25:52,077 responded to hearing questions for the 613 00:25:52,077 --> 00:25:54,400 record . Yes , sir . Will you cooperate 614 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:56,456 in providing witnesses and briefings 615 00:25:56,456 --> 00:25:58,733 and response to congressional requests ? 616 00:25:58,733 --> 00:26:00,789 Yes , sir . Will those witnesses and 617 00:26:00,789 --> 00:26:02,511 briefings to be protected from 618 00:26:02,511 --> 00:26:04,233 Reprisals for the testimony of 619 00:26:04,233 --> 00:26:06,400 briefings ? Yes , sir . Thank you very 620 00:26:06,400 --> 00:26:06,150 much . Admiral . Senator Inhofe , 621 00:26:06,150 --> 00:26:08,150 please . Thank you . Thank you , Mr 622 00:26:08,150 --> 00:26:10,410 Chairman . Let me draw on your 623 00:26:10,410 --> 00:26:13,950 experiences as a fighter pilot . Um , 624 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:16,496 it's been concerning to me for quite 625 00:26:16,496 --> 00:26:19,690 some time the criticism of our 626 00:26:19,700 --> 00:26:23,580 35 that we hear from a lot of 627 00:26:23,580 --> 00:26:25,913 people I won't even mention the sources . 628 00:26:25,913 --> 00:26:28,430 But it is something that really bothers 629 00:26:28,430 --> 00:26:31,490 me when you stop and think about what 630 00:26:31,490 --> 00:26:33,960 we don't have in terms of fifth 631 00:26:33,960 --> 00:26:37,870 generation fighters . Um , Admiral 632 00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:40,080 Davidson testimony this is way back in 633 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:41,969 March to the House Armed Services 634 00:26:41,969 --> 00:26:44,000 Committee , he said that our 635 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:47,070 adversaries are already developing or 636 00:26:47,070 --> 00:26:49,860 fielding fifth generation fighters . 637 00:26:50,340 --> 00:26:52,340 And we know from our own gaming and 638 00:26:52,340 --> 00:26:54,200 emulations that fifth generation 639 00:26:54,200 --> 00:26:57,710 fighters are a game changer . No , as 640 00:26:57,710 --> 00:27:01,290 a fighter pilot . Kind of explain why 641 00:27:01,300 --> 00:27:05,160 the F 35 as 1/5 generation fighters so 642 00:27:05,640 --> 00:27:08,030 critical to deterring and , if 643 00:27:08,030 --> 00:27:10,086 necessary , defeating China's use of 644 00:27:10,086 --> 00:27:12,610 the military force and , in your 645 00:27:12,610 --> 00:27:15,330 opinion , why it's important to the 646 00:27:15,330 --> 00:27:19,270 ability to fight and win inside the 1st 647 00:27:19,270 --> 00:27:21,560 and 2nd island chains . I can remember 648 00:27:21,560 --> 00:27:23,930 when we had the F 22 and we talked 649 00:27:23,930 --> 00:27:26,041 about the fact that is 1/5 generation 650 00:27:26,041 --> 00:27:28,208 fighter . We started out we were going 651 00:27:28,208 --> 00:27:31,300 to have 700 we ended up getting 200 . I 652 00:27:31,300 --> 00:27:33,078 remember that very well and the 653 00:27:33,078 --> 00:27:35,470 criticism that I had at that time and 654 00:27:35,470 --> 00:27:38,210 we've had the same problems now and yet 655 00:27:38,220 --> 00:27:40,350 now we know it's a different game now 656 00:27:40,360 --> 00:27:43,020 because our competition as fifth 657 00:27:43,030 --> 00:27:45,141 generation generation fighters . What 658 00:27:45,141 --> 00:27:48,290 are your thoughts on that ? Thank you , 659 00:27:48,290 --> 00:27:52,060 Senator . As you know , that the 660 00:27:52,640 --> 00:27:55,060 Chinese Communist Party has generated , 661 00:27:55,070 --> 00:27:59,000 uh , some capabilities in the region 662 00:27:59,010 --> 00:28:02,230 that are designed to keep us out . Some 663 00:28:02,230 --> 00:28:05,360 refer those as a two a d . 664 00:28:05,840 --> 00:28:08,160 And when we talk about and we talk 665 00:28:08,160 --> 00:28:11,060 about operating in contested space , 666 00:28:11,740 --> 00:28:15,460 fifth generation airplanes and beyond 667 00:28:16,440 --> 00:28:19,170 are required to be able to 668 00:28:19,740 --> 00:28:23,230 generate a lethal force and posture it 669 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:25,018 in a place where it's needed to 670 00:28:25,018 --> 00:28:26,907 generate the deterrence that I've 671 00:28:26,907 --> 00:28:30,490 mentioned . Yeah , are your concerns , 672 00:28:30,500 --> 00:28:33,600 um , black mine in terms of the attacks 673 00:28:33,600 --> 00:28:36,690 on the F 35 and what our capacity would 674 00:28:36,690 --> 00:28:40,670 be if we became weak in that area ? 675 00:28:42,440 --> 00:28:44,662 Yes , Senator . I would be concerned if 676 00:28:44,662 --> 00:28:47,730 if we lessened our capacity of fifth 677 00:28:47,730 --> 00:28:50,700 generation airplanes , I think they're 678 00:28:50,700 --> 00:28:54,610 needed to win . Mhm . Okay . As general 679 00:28:54,610 --> 00:28:56,860 McMaster told this committee , and this 680 00:28:56,860 --> 00:28:59,830 is a quote , Taiwan may represent the 681 00:28:59,830 --> 00:29:02,510 most dangerous flashpoint for war . He 682 00:29:02,510 --> 00:29:05,590 went on to say , because of that very 683 00:29:05,590 --> 00:29:08,100 real threat quote , it is immensely 684 00:29:08,100 --> 00:29:10,267 important to keep forward positioned , 685 00:29:10,540 --> 00:29:13,450 capable forces in the Indo Pacific . 686 00:29:14,040 --> 00:29:17,920 So , Admiral is the I've been 687 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:20,270 the co chairman of the Taiwan Caucus 688 00:29:20,270 --> 00:29:22,159 for quite a while , and I've been 689 00:29:22,159 --> 00:29:24,326 concerned that the Chinese invasion of 690 00:29:24,326 --> 00:29:26,548 Taiwan would represent the hardest test 691 00:29:26,548 --> 00:29:29,060 from U . S . Military response times . 692 00:29:29,070 --> 00:29:31,770 Can you talk about why the US forward 693 00:29:31,770 --> 00:29:34,430 positioning forces are so important ? 694 00:29:34,440 --> 00:29:36,218 And what do you mean by forward 695 00:29:36,218 --> 00:29:38,460 positioning ? And where did the forces 696 00:29:38,460 --> 00:29:41,790 need to be ? Thanks , Senator . I agree 697 00:29:41,790 --> 00:29:44,910 with General McMaster's discussion on 698 00:29:44,910 --> 00:29:47,860 the most dangerous concern is that of a 699 00:29:48,440 --> 00:29:52,340 military force against Taiwan , uh , to 700 00:29:52,340 --> 00:29:55,560 combat that the forward posture west of 701 00:29:55,560 --> 00:29:57,504 the international date line is how 702 00:29:57,504 --> 00:29:59,616 Emerald Davidson describes it . And I 703 00:29:59,616 --> 00:30:02,210 concur with that , uh , forces 704 00:30:02,210 --> 00:30:04,390 positioned to be able to respond 705 00:30:04,390 --> 00:30:07,480 quickly and not just our forces . Those 706 00:30:07,480 --> 00:30:09,647 forces combined with the international 707 00:30:09,647 --> 00:30:12,800 community with our allies and partners , 708 00:30:12,800 --> 00:30:15,040 those nations with common values . 709 00:30:15,370 --> 00:30:19,370 Those two things would position 710 00:30:19,370 --> 00:30:21,370 us very strongly for the deterrence 711 00:30:21,370 --> 00:30:24,280 required . Okay , Good . Thank you , Mr 712 00:30:24,280 --> 00:30:26,613 Chairman . Thank you , Senator Randolph . 713 00:30:26,613 --> 00:30:28,891 Now , let me recognize Senator Shaheen . 714 00:30:29,140 --> 00:30:31,140 Thank you , Mr Chairman and Admiral 715 00:30:31,150 --> 00:30:33,700 Aquilino . Congratulations on your 716 00:30:33,700 --> 00:30:35,867 nomination and thank you very much for 717 00:30:35,867 --> 00:30:38,890 your service to this country . Um , I 718 00:30:38,890 --> 00:30:42,710 am a big supporter of the legislation 719 00:30:42,710 --> 00:30:44,877 that was signed into law in 2017 . The 720 00:30:44,877 --> 00:30:46,988 women Peace and Security Act . It was 721 00:30:46,988 --> 00:30:49,043 legislation that I sponsored . And I 722 00:30:49,043 --> 00:30:51,770 think having a government wide strategy 723 00:30:51,770 --> 00:30:54,980 to include women in all aspects of our 724 00:30:54,980 --> 00:30:57,270 security decisions is very important . 725 00:30:58,040 --> 00:31:01,080 Implementation at D . O . D is underway , 726 00:31:01,080 --> 00:31:03,440 and in fact , us and opaque com has 727 00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:05,162 played a really important role 728 00:31:05,162 --> 00:31:07,460 implementing the legislation hosting 729 00:31:07,460 --> 00:31:09,220 the first gender and security 730 00:31:09,220 --> 00:31:11,880 cooperation course in January of 2020 731 00:31:12,390 --> 00:31:15,400 us and opaque um also hosted two 732 00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:17,511 operational gender adviser courses to 733 00:31:17,511 --> 00:31:19,850 train personnel to serve as advisors . 734 00:31:20,040 --> 00:31:22,151 Can you talk about why you think it's 735 00:31:22,151 --> 00:31:23,880 important to have this kind of 736 00:31:23,880 --> 00:31:26,150 legislation and how you would continue 737 00:31:26,160 --> 00:31:28,104 the work that Admiral Davidson has 738 00:31:28,104 --> 00:31:31,570 begun ? Yes , Senator . Thanks again . 739 00:31:31,570 --> 00:31:33,237 This is one of our asymmetric 740 00:31:33,237 --> 00:31:35,459 advantages the Women Peace and Security 741 00:31:35,459 --> 00:31:37,681 Initiative . Uh , Admiral Davidson took 742 00:31:37,681 --> 00:31:39,459 it extremely seriously , and he 743 00:31:39,459 --> 00:31:41,570 implemented his own program , aligned 744 00:31:41,570 --> 00:31:43,626 with the larger program , but really 745 00:31:43,626 --> 00:31:46,870 stepped out , uh , in the form of the 746 00:31:46,880 --> 00:31:48,920 example you mentioned . And those 747 00:31:48,920 --> 00:31:51,160 events are even more broad than that . 748 00:31:51,540 --> 00:31:54,060 Uh , and if if I'm confirmed them , I 749 00:31:54,070 --> 00:31:56,870 would continue those efforts and work 750 00:31:56,870 --> 00:32:00,790 to expand them . Uh , it helps for 751 00:32:00,800 --> 00:32:03,560 other nations to understand and align 752 00:32:03,560 --> 00:32:05,790 with the values that we believe in 753 00:32:05,790 --> 00:32:07,930 human rights , and it's a great 754 00:32:07,930 --> 00:32:09,930 initiative . If confirmed , I would 755 00:32:09,930 --> 00:32:12,097 certainly continue that . Well , thank 756 00:32:12,097 --> 00:32:13,763 you . When you talk about the 757 00:32:13,763 --> 00:32:15,986 asymmetric advantage that it gives us , 758 00:32:15,986 --> 00:32:18,208 can you describe that a little better ? 759 00:32:18,208 --> 00:32:22,130 I would say it's a focus many when we 760 00:32:22,130 --> 00:32:24,180 think of a member of the military 761 00:32:24,180 --> 00:32:26,402 sitting in front of you that , uh , the 762 00:32:26,402 --> 00:32:28,736 entire focus is military , but it's not . 763 00:32:28,736 --> 00:32:30,958 It's there's cultural aspects . They're 764 00:32:30,958 --> 00:32:33,180 sharing of values . There's education , 765 00:32:33,640 --> 00:32:37,560 training , schooling . All those things 766 00:32:37,570 --> 00:32:40,590 are resident in the military lines of 767 00:32:40,590 --> 00:32:42,940 effort . So that's why I view them as a 768 00:32:42,940 --> 00:32:46,110 symmetric . Thanks very much much of 769 00:32:46,120 --> 00:32:49,270 the discussion today and , um , in this 770 00:32:49,270 --> 00:32:51,437 committee when we're talking about the 771 00:32:51,437 --> 00:32:53,560 end opaque com has focused on China . 772 00:32:53,940 --> 00:32:56,940 But in fact , Russia continues to also 773 00:32:56,940 --> 00:32:58,884 engage in malign activities in the 774 00:32:58,884 --> 00:33:01,260 region . And we saw 775 00:33:02,150 --> 00:33:05,850 General Austin when he was in , um 776 00:33:06,240 --> 00:33:10,130 India last week , talking about 777 00:33:10,140 --> 00:33:13,050 India's planned purchase of Russia's as 778 00:33:13,050 --> 00:33:16,430 400 defense system , which is a concern 779 00:33:16,430 --> 00:33:19,010 for us because of the insights that it 780 00:33:19,010 --> 00:33:21,770 gives Russia into our technology . Can 781 00:33:21,770 --> 00:33:25,350 you talk about how we balance , um , 782 00:33:26,040 --> 00:33:28,460 still getting along with our allies and 783 00:33:28,460 --> 00:33:30,627 the efforts that Russia has underway , 784 00:33:30,627 --> 00:33:32,516 and in particular do you have any 785 00:33:32,516 --> 00:33:35,040 thoughts about India and the S 400 ? 786 00:33:35,040 --> 00:33:37,040 And what we can do there to address 787 00:33:37,040 --> 00:33:40,720 that ? Yes , Senator . Uh , 788 00:33:40,730 --> 00:33:42,786 Senator Hirono identified right , So 789 00:33:42,786 --> 00:33:45,430 half the globe encompassed in the Indo 790 00:33:45,430 --> 00:33:48,790 Pacific , 1700 miles of Russian 791 00:33:48,790 --> 00:33:52,340 coastline in that region . So we 792 00:33:52,350 --> 00:33:56,210 watch and we will continue to 793 00:33:56,210 --> 00:33:59,460 compete with Russia in the Pacific . 794 00:34:00,040 --> 00:34:03,060 That said , India is really 795 00:34:03,060 --> 00:34:06,780 a terrific partner . And as we've 796 00:34:06,780 --> 00:34:09,040 seen from the recent quad discussions , 797 00:34:09,040 --> 00:34:11,710 I think the importance of India and the 798 00:34:11,710 --> 00:34:14,710 rest of the nations in the quad will 799 00:34:14,720 --> 00:34:18,150 increase . We were at a balance . 800 00:34:18,150 --> 00:34:20,372 However , India has had a long standing 801 00:34:20,372 --> 00:34:22,317 relationship with the Russians for 802 00:34:22,317 --> 00:34:25,890 security cooperation and for military 803 00:34:25,890 --> 00:34:28,600 equipment . So we'll have to work 804 00:34:28,600 --> 00:34:30,822 through this and one of the ways we can 805 00:34:30,822 --> 00:34:32,989 do that again . If confirmed , I would 806 00:34:32,989 --> 00:34:35,180 work to continue to encourage India to 807 00:34:35,180 --> 00:34:38,760 look at and consider us equipment . 808 00:34:39,340 --> 00:34:43,300 Uh , number one . It's the best Number 809 00:34:43,300 --> 00:34:45,650 two . It generates interoperability and 810 00:34:45,650 --> 00:34:48,320 makes it easier to work together . Uh , 811 00:34:48,320 --> 00:34:50,440 and I think we should encourage India 812 00:34:50,440 --> 00:34:53,030 to do that through all the elements of 813 00:34:53,030 --> 00:34:55,960 national power and see where that goes 814 00:34:56,540 --> 00:34:59,590 and should we sanction India . If they 815 00:34:59,590 --> 00:35:01,550 acquire the S 400 816 00:35:04,040 --> 00:35:06,380 ma'am , I think I would leave that to 817 00:35:06,380 --> 00:35:09,130 the policymakers to determine if that's 818 00:35:09,130 --> 00:35:11,340 a path . I think we certainly should 819 00:35:11,340 --> 00:35:15,200 understand where we are with India and 820 00:35:15,210 --> 00:35:16,890 and I think , potentially the 821 00:35:16,890 --> 00:35:18,820 encouragement angle and providing 822 00:35:18,830 --> 00:35:21,190 alternatives that might be a better 823 00:35:21,190 --> 00:35:24,080 approach . Thank you . And just my I'm 824 00:35:24,080 --> 00:35:26,247 almost out of time , but I just wanted 825 00:35:26,247 --> 00:35:28,469 to raise one other issue with you . And 826 00:35:28,469 --> 00:35:30,870 that is the , um , mysterious brain 827 00:35:30,870 --> 00:35:33,037 injuries that have come to be known as 828 00:35:33,037 --> 00:35:34,870 the Havana Syndrome , which have 829 00:35:34,870 --> 00:35:36,703 affected our diplomats and other 830 00:35:36,703 --> 00:35:38,926 personnel , not just in Cuba , but also 831 00:35:38,926 --> 00:35:42,470 in China . Are you aware of the 832 00:35:42,480 --> 00:35:45,640 challenges around these injuries ? And 833 00:35:45,640 --> 00:35:48,550 can I just urge you to , um , 834 00:35:49,540 --> 00:35:52,640 take the attack seriously and respond 835 00:35:52,650 --> 00:35:54,872 if you have any personnel that you come 836 00:35:54,872 --> 00:35:57,620 in contact with who say that they have 837 00:35:57,620 --> 00:35:59,842 been harmed by these kinds of attacks ? 838 00:36:01,730 --> 00:36:04,780 Yes , Senator , I'm aware I will 839 00:36:04,780 --> 00:36:06,558 certainly treat it seriously if 840 00:36:06,558 --> 00:36:10,360 confirmed . And the care and welfare of 841 00:36:10,370 --> 00:36:13,320 our service members of families to 842 00:36:13,320 --> 00:36:15,750 include the diplomatic corps is 843 00:36:15,750 --> 00:36:18,340 certainly of interest . And I will , uh 844 00:36:18,930 --> 00:36:20,910 I will keep an eye on that . If 845 00:36:20,910 --> 00:36:24,240 confirmed and make recommendations as 846 00:36:24,240 --> 00:36:26,560 we see what the causes might be . Thank 847 00:36:26,560 --> 00:36:28,893 you very much . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 848 00:36:28,893 --> 00:36:31,116 Thank you , Jeanne . Senator . Worker , 849 00:36:31,116 --> 00:36:33,060 please . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 850 00:36:33,060 --> 00:36:35,227 Admiral , let's talk about the size of 851 00:36:35,227 --> 00:36:38,080 our fleet and the capability , and I 852 00:36:38,080 --> 00:36:40,850 want to quote Admiral Davidson earlier 853 00:36:40,850 --> 00:36:43,710 this month before this committee When , 854 00:36:43,720 --> 00:36:47,240 uh , asked about the gap between the 855 00:36:47,240 --> 00:36:50,630 Chinese and U . S . Naval forces . He 856 00:36:50,630 --> 00:36:52,852 said , quote , if we don't make changes 857 00:36:52,852 --> 00:36:55,170 in our posture , posture forward , the 858 00:36:55,170 --> 00:36:58,400 Chinese will have greater capacity than 859 00:36:58,400 --> 00:37:01,060 us . Given what you know about China's 860 00:37:01,060 --> 00:37:03,004 rapid naval build up and projected 861 00:37:03,004 --> 00:37:04,893 growth , Do you believe our naval 862 00:37:04,893 --> 00:37:06,850 forces still present a credible 863 00:37:07,230 --> 00:37:09,590 deterrent to Chinese aggression in the 864 00:37:09,590 --> 00:37:12,960 region today ? And what do you say to 865 00:37:12,960 --> 00:37:15,920 that projected five years from now , 866 00:37:15,920 --> 00:37:19,200 sir ? Thank you , Senator . 867 00:37:19,260 --> 00:37:22,960 Uh , from my current seat , I'd like to 868 00:37:22,970 --> 00:37:25,390 highlight that the United States Navy 869 00:37:25,390 --> 00:37:28,460 is the most powerful greatest navy on 870 00:37:28,460 --> 00:37:30,550 the planet . Still , despite numbers 871 00:37:31,330 --> 00:37:34,460 that said , as you've highlighted , the 872 00:37:34,460 --> 00:37:37,500 Chinese are increasing their capability 873 00:37:37,740 --> 00:37:41,350 and capacity and closing that gap . 874 00:37:41,730 --> 00:37:45,040 So I like to thank cno Gilda for his 875 00:37:45,050 --> 00:37:48,780 efforts in identifying the 30 year 876 00:37:48,780 --> 00:37:50,891 shipbuilding plan that identifies the 877 00:37:50,891 --> 00:37:53,500 need for a larger , more lethal , 878 00:37:53,500 --> 00:37:56,350 networked and ready force to be able to 879 00:37:56,350 --> 00:37:58,670 compete . Uh , today , as you've 880 00:37:58,670 --> 00:38:00,920 highlighted you support that plan 881 00:38:00,930 --> 00:38:03,650 advanced by by Gilda . 882 00:38:05,120 --> 00:38:07,287 Yes , Senator . And you agree with the 883 00:38:07,287 --> 00:38:09,287 statement by Admiral Davidson a few 884 00:38:09,287 --> 00:38:13,040 days ago ? Yes , Senator . Let's ask 885 00:38:13,040 --> 00:38:16,750 then about carriers . Specifically , 886 00:38:16,750 --> 00:38:19,740 what kind of carrier presence is needed 887 00:38:19,740 --> 00:38:21,851 in the Western Pacific ? And does the 888 00:38:21,851 --> 00:38:24,950 Navy have enough carriers to support 889 00:38:24,960 --> 00:38:26,140 those needs ? 890 00:38:28,620 --> 00:38:30,676 Senator , Currently , the Navy is an 891 00:38:30,676 --> 00:38:32,787 alignment with the law of the land of 892 00:38:32,787 --> 00:38:36,490 11 carriers . And , as you know , the 893 00:38:36,500 --> 00:38:39,360 today's carrier strike groups are a 894 00:38:39,360 --> 00:38:43,050 tremendous form of deterrence , and 895 00:38:43,050 --> 00:38:45,820 that is globally against all 896 00:38:45,820 --> 00:38:48,770 competitors . You see that by the 897 00:38:48,770 --> 00:38:51,730 continued requests for additional 898 00:38:51,730 --> 00:38:55,330 carrier deployments , and I believe we 899 00:38:55,330 --> 00:38:59,320 need to have persistent presence by all 900 00:38:59,320 --> 00:39:01,487 of the joint forces to include carrier 901 00:39:01,487 --> 00:39:03,709 strike groups west of the International 902 00:39:03,709 --> 00:39:05,960 Dateline . Well , okay , we've complied 903 00:39:05,960 --> 00:39:08,182 with the law of the land at 11 . But is 904 00:39:08,182 --> 00:39:10,770 that enough , though ? Just tell us we 905 00:39:10,770 --> 00:39:12,881 need to know we can change the law of 906 00:39:12,881 --> 00:39:14,937 the land if we get up enough votes . 907 00:39:15,820 --> 00:39:18,030 Yes , sir . I think currently that the 908 00:39:18,060 --> 00:39:21,480 size of that force is correct . Unless 909 00:39:21,480 --> 00:39:23,840 additional challenges show themselves . 910 00:39:25,320 --> 00:39:28,960 And so tell us about the Ford . There's 911 00:39:28,970 --> 00:39:32,950 certainly been some hiccups and slips . 912 00:39:33,420 --> 00:39:36,720 But where is where is that program now ? 913 00:39:36,720 --> 00:39:38,942 And what do you think about that vessel 914 00:39:38,942 --> 00:39:42,750 going forward , Senator ? I'm 915 00:39:42,750 --> 00:39:44,861 supportive of the Ford . We've took a 916 00:39:44,861 --> 00:39:47,540 lot of great new technologies . 917 00:39:48,120 --> 00:39:51,150 We've put them into that carrier . 918 00:39:51,820 --> 00:39:55,160 It is the first of the class . And if 919 00:39:55,160 --> 00:39:57,327 you go back through history , you will 920 00:39:57,327 --> 00:39:59,382 find we have challenges . When we go 921 00:39:59,382 --> 00:40:02,960 first of a class . I am confident that 922 00:40:02,960 --> 00:40:05,130 the native will overcome all of those 923 00:40:05,510 --> 00:40:08,080 challenges . And I know my counterpart 924 00:40:08,080 --> 00:40:11,010 on the East Coast is working to get 925 00:40:11,010 --> 00:40:13,320 forward deployed as soon as possible . 926 00:40:13,490 --> 00:40:16,210 They pretty much already overcome most 927 00:40:16,210 --> 00:40:18,470 of those challenges or they're still 928 00:40:18,480 --> 00:40:21,630 you say . Well , I might have 929 00:40:22,310 --> 00:40:24,310 expected you to say that we have 930 00:40:24,310 --> 00:40:26,660 overcome those . Yes , Senator , I 931 00:40:26,670 --> 00:40:28,726 would argue almost all of those have 932 00:40:28,726 --> 00:40:30,892 been completed . 11 All but two of the 933 00:40:30,892 --> 00:40:32,892 weapons elevators are repaired as I 934 00:40:32,892 --> 00:40:35,200 understand it . And we are certainly 935 00:40:35,370 --> 00:40:37,148 through all those technological 936 00:40:37,148 --> 00:40:39,314 challenges , the next thing you should 937 00:40:39,314 --> 00:40:42,760 see will be four deployed . And lastly , 938 00:40:42,760 --> 00:40:45,870 I joined Senator Inhofe in 939 00:40:45,870 --> 00:40:49,100 stressing the United States friendship 940 00:40:49,110 --> 00:40:52,240 and support for Taiwan 941 00:40:52,910 --> 00:40:55,190 Would you like to see greater official 942 00:40:55,190 --> 00:40:58,640 coordination between our military 943 00:40:59,010 --> 00:41:01,370 and that of Taiwan ? And if so , what 944 00:41:01,370 --> 00:41:03,860 measures do you think could be taken in 945 00:41:03,860 --> 00:41:05,870 the near future to strengthen this 946 00:41:05,870 --> 00:41:07,148 critical partnership ? 947 00:41:09,510 --> 00:41:13,140 Thanks , Senator . I think our 948 00:41:13,150 --> 00:41:15,560 operations and efforts , through all of 949 00:41:15,560 --> 00:41:19,110 those training exercises are currently 950 00:41:19,110 --> 00:41:21,332 in accordance with the Taiwan Relations 951 00:41:21,332 --> 00:41:23,554 Act , the three communiques and the six 952 00:41:23,554 --> 00:41:25,443 Assurances , which is the current 953 00:41:25,443 --> 00:41:28,170 policies . Should we choose to change 954 00:41:28,170 --> 00:41:30,210 those policies , we could have a 955 00:41:30,210 --> 00:41:33,320 conversation on what might be expanded 956 00:41:33,710 --> 00:41:36,370 as it applies today . But you are 957 00:41:36,370 --> 00:41:38,880 declining to give your opinion as to 958 00:41:38,880 --> 00:41:41,200 whether you would like to see greater 959 00:41:41,200 --> 00:41:43,880 cooperation between our military and 960 00:41:43,880 --> 00:41:47,640 Taiwan . Sir , we we do many things 961 00:41:47,640 --> 00:41:50,270 with Taiwan again . Under those current 962 00:41:50,270 --> 00:41:53,940 policy guidelines , we do exercise for 963 00:41:53,940 --> 00:41:56,990 the Navy . It's called Blue Sea . And 964 00:41:56,990 --> 00:41:59,530 we do have interactions that contribute 965 00:41:59,530 --> 00:42:03,090 to the defense of Taiwan . Thank you , 966 00:42:03,090 --> 00:42:05,110 Mr Chairman . Thank you , Senator . 967 00:42:05,110 --> 00:42:08,070 Worker Now , uh , via WebEx , Senator 968 00:42:08,070 --> 00:42:11,180 Gillibrand . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 969 00:42:11,190 --> 00:42:13,610 Admiral , I want to discuss further , 970 00:42:13,620 --> 00:42:15,830 uh , dopey comes utility with 971 00:42:15,830 --> 00:42:18,052 addressing some of the human rights and 972 00:42:18,052 --> 00:42:20,274 humanitarian challenges in the region . 973 00:42:20,274 --> 00:42:22,386 As we all know , here are competition 974 00:42:22,386 --> 00:42:24,219 with China . will also include a 975 00:42:24,219 --> 00:42:26,330 competition of values . And I believe 976 00:42:26,330 --> 00:42:28,497 this is a great opportunity to connect 977 00:42:28,497 --> 00:42:30,441 with our allies and showcasing our 978 00:42:30,441 --> 00:42:32,552 values , uh , to support human rights 979 00:42:32,552 --> 00:42:34,760 and human security . What changes do 980 00:42:34,760 --> 00:42:37,050 you foresee making to Indo Pak calms 981 00:42:37,050 --> 00:42:39,360 humanitarian role while also ensuring 982 00:42:39,370 --> 00:42:42,080 our work . Coalescence coalesces with 983 00:42:42,090 --> 00:42:44,080 that being done by Australia , New 984 00:42:44,080 --> 00:42:46,500 Zealand and others . And while we have 985 00:42:46,510 --> 00:42:48,677 a number of key allies in the region , 986 00:42:48,677 --> 00:42:50,788 some are more reluctant in this space 987 00:42:50,788 --> 00:42:52,899 and others how we use in dope Occam's 988 00:42:52,899 --> 00:42:54,843 influence in the region to improve 989 00:42:54,843 --> 00:42:57,120 coordination with reluctant allies and 990 00:42:57,120 --> 00:42:59,180 last in the case of countries like 991 00:42:59,180 --> 00:43:01,450 Myanmar , where democratic backsliding 992 00:43:01,450 --> 00:43:03,610 is clearly occurring and where there 993 00:43:03,610 --> 00:43:05,610 are complex security dynamics , how 994 00:43:05,610 --> 00:43:07,499 would you work with our allies to 995 00:43:07,499 --> 00:43:09,721 approach this issue as Indo Pak comes ? 996 00:43:09,721 --> 00:43:13,030 Commander ? Thanks , Senator . I think 997 00:43:13,040 --> 00:43:16,120 you highlighted again the the key 998 00:43:16,500 --> 00:43:18,750 advantage that the United States has in 999 00:43:18,750 --> 00:43:20,250 the region and that is our 1000 00:43:20,250 --> 00:43:22,810 relationships with our allies and 1001 00:43:22,810 --> 00:43:25,160 partners . All of those based on our 1002 00:43:25,160 --> 00:43:28,330 values , uh , like minded 1003 00:43:28,330 --> 00:43:32,000 nations continue to work together and 1004 00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:33,667 as you described humanitarian 1005 00:43:33,667 --> 00:43:35,940 assistance and in response to natural 1006 00:43:35,940 --> 00:43:38,630 disasters , is something that we 1007 00:43:38,640 --> 00:43:42,340 monitor , track , maintain uh every day 1008 00:43:42,340 --> 00:43:44,840 whether they be earthquakes , eruptions , 1009 00:43:44,840 --> 00:43:47,100 tsunamis . Uh , and there are many 1010 00:43:47,100 --> 00:43:50,170 history examples in history of those 1011 00:43:50,170 --> 00:43:52,392 things that we have done , I think back 1012 00:43:52,392 --> 00:43:55,420 to the tsunami in Banda and 1013 00:43:55,750 --> 00:43:58,010 Indonesia in 2000 and four , when the 1014 00:43:58,010 --> 00:44:01,780 USS Lincoln showed up on the scene 1015 00:44:01,790 --> 00:44:05,640 to rescue and administer support two 1016 00:44:05,640 --> 00:44:07,696 thousands of Indonesians . And we're 1017 00:44:07,696 --> 00:44:10,080 prepared to do that every day . As you 1018 00:44:10,080 --> 00:44:12,080 know , the region hosts the Ring of 1019 00:44:12,080 --> 00:44:15,800 Fire , uh , and is prevalent to those 1020 00:44:16,190 --> 00:44:18,320 events . Continued engagement with 1021 00:44:18,320 --> 00:44:21,030 those allies and partners . And as soon 1022 00:44:21,030 --> 00:44:23,200 as they need help , we are prepared to 1023 00:44:23,200 --> 00:44:25,089 respond . And if confirmed , I'll 1024 00:44:25,089 --> 00:44:27,311 continue to ensure that we are ready to 1025 00:44:27,311 --> 00:44:29,478 do that with our allies and partners . 1026 00:44:29,478 --> 00:44:31,644 Thank you , Admiral . As you mentioned 1027 00:44:31,644 --> 00:44:33,922 in your statement prior to the hearing , 1028 00:44:33,922 --> 00:44:36,089 uh , it's a commander's responsibility 1029 00:44:36,089 --> 00:44:38,200 to set a culture that prevents sexual 1030 00:44:38,200 --> 00:44:40,422 harassment and sexual assault , and you 1031 00:44:40,422 --> 00:44:42,311 referenced the array of tools and 1032 00:44:42,311 --> 00:44:44,367 commanders toolkit to carry out this 1033 00:44:44,367 --> 00:44:46,533 duty . Wouldn't you agree that a skill 1034 00:44:46,533 --> 00:44:48,644 for skillful commander should be able 1035 00:44:48,644 --> 00:44:50,589 to accomplish this mission without 1036 00:44:50,589 --> 00:44:52,589 convening authority ? After all , a 1037 00:44:52,589 --> 00:44:54,700 very small percentage , approximately 1038 00:44:54,700 --> 00:44:56,756 3% of commanders ever need to invoke 1039 00:44:56,756 --> 00:44:58,533 convening authority or have the 1040 00:44:58,533 --> 00:45:00,478 responsibility to invoke convening 1041 00:45:00,478 --> 00:45:02,478 authority and are still required to 1042 00:45:02,478 --> 00:45:04,589 create a culture that is inhospitable 1043 00:45:04,589 --> 00:45:06,144 to harassment and assault . 1044 00:45:08,490 --> 00:45:10,800 Senator , we rely on our commanders 1045 00:45:11,290 --> 00:45:14,740 every day to ensure that they take care 1046 00:45:14,740 --> 00:45:18,740 of their personnel . The sanctity 1047 00:45:18,740 --> 00:45:21,210 of the chain of command is critical to 1048 00:45:21,210 --> 00:45:24,210 ensure that military operations 1049 00:45:24,690 --> 00:45:27,700 can be executed . It's also critical to 1050 00:45:27,700 --> 00:45:31,610 ensure that the unit is prepared and 1051 00:45:31,610 --> 00:45:34,810 ready . There is certainly no place in 1052 00:45:34,810 --> 00:45:38,130 our military for sexual 1053 00:45:38,130 --> 00:45:40,074 harassment , discrimination or any 1054 00:45:40,074 --> 00:45:43,720 other form that makes us ineffective . 1055 00:45:44,290 --> 00:45:46,760 I know the secretary of defense is 1056 00:45:46,770 --> 00:45:50,000 executing an independent study . Uh , 1057 00:45:50,890 --> 00:45:53,130 if confirmed , I would certainly like 1058 00:45:53,130 --> 00:45:55,520 to see the results of that study . But 1059 00:45:55,520 --> 00:45:57,640 I am open to any options that it 1060 00:45:57,640 --> 00:45:59,584 identifies that would make us more 1061 00:45:59,584 --> 00:46:02,590 effective in this role . Well , 1062 00:46:02,590 --> 00:46:05,120 obviously , that 90 day commission 1063 00:46:05,120 --> 00:46:07,600 commission will provide some guidance 1064 00:46:07,600 --> 00:46:09,822 on this issue . But with regard to your 1065 00:46:09,822 --> 00:46:13,590 view , given that 97% of commanders 1066 00:46:13,600 --> 00:46:15,600 do not have convening authority for 1067 00:46:15,600 --> 00:46:17,767 general court marshals , do agree it's 1068 00:46:17,767 --> 00:46:19,822 not necessary to maintain good order 1069 00:46:19,822 --> 00:46:23,800 and discipline . Uh , ma'am , I'd have 1070 00:46:23,800 --> 00:46:25,911 to senator , I have to look at that a 1071 00:46:25,911 --> 00:46:27,578 little more deeply , uh , and 1072 00:46:27,578 --> 00:46:29,578 understand the percentages that you 1073 00:46:29,578 --> 00:46:31,633 identified . The convening authority 1074 00:46:31,633 --> 00:46:33,856 still runs through the chain of command 1075 00:46:33,856 --> 00:46:37,620 as I , as I am aware . But like I said , 1076 00:46:37,620 --> 00:46:41,490 I would be certainly open to anything 1077 00:46:41,490 --> 00:46:44,840 that does more and is more effective at 1078 00:46:44,840 --> 00:46:47,007 taking care of our service members and 1079 00:46:47,007 --> 00:46:49,910 their families . Just for clarity . 1080 00:46:49,920 --> 00:46:52,087 Convening authority for general courts 1081 00:46:52,087 --> 00:46:54,198 martial is for , oh , six and above . 1082 00:46:54,198 --> 00:46:56,510 And obviously you have lower ranking 1083 00:46:56,510 --> 00:46:59,660 commanders . Um , more junior 206 and 1084 00:46:59,660 --> 00:47:02,190 above . And they have to maintain good 1085 00:47:02,190 --> 00:47:04,468 order and discipline within their unit . 1086 00:47:04,468 --> 00:47:06,579 Um , for each level of command before 1087 00:47:06,579 --> 00:47:08,801 you get to a colonel and above . Do you 1088 00:47:08,801 --> 00:47:11,400 agree with that ? Yes , Senator . 1089 00:47:12,780 --> 00:47:14,891 Thank you . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 1090 00:47:14,891 --> 00:47:16,558 Thank you very much . Senator 1091 00:47:16,558 --> 00:47:18,391 Gillibrand . And now via WebEx , 1092 00:47:18,391 --> 00:47:21,640 Senator Fisher . Thank you , Mr 1093 00:47:21,640 --> 00:47:23,760 Chairman . And thank you , Admiral . 1094 00:47:23,770 --> 00:47:26,420 It's good to see you again today . One 1095 00:47:26,420 --> 00:47:28,364 of the issues that you and I spoke 1096 00:47:28,364 --> 00:47:30,820 about when we met last week was the 1097 00:47:30,820 --> 00:47:33,050 evolving dynamic between India and 1098 00:47:33,050 --> 00:47:36,770 China . The deadly skirmishes between 1099 00:47:36,780 --> 00:47:38,891 Indian and Chinese troops underscored 1100 00:47:38,891 --> 00:47:40,891 the high level of tension along the 1101 00:47:40,891 --> 00:47:43,530 border , and China has made no secret 1102 00:47:43,540 --> 00:47:45,820 of its ambition to encircle India with 1103 00:47:45,830 --> 00:47:49,750 military and economic influence , as in 1104 00:47:49,750 --> 00:47:52,140 dopey com . Commander , how would you 1105 00:47:52,150 --> 00:47:54,380 approach this dynamic ? And what do you 1106 00:47:54,380 --> 00:47:57,800 see as the future of the US India 1107 00:47:57,800 --> 00:47:59,500 military cooperation ? 1108 00:48:02,170 --> 00:48:05,220 Thank you , Senator . The the work with 1109 00:48:05,220 --> 00:48:07,570 India , the quad and as well as all the 1110 00:48:07,570 --> 00:48:09,459 allies and partners in the region 1111 00:48:09,670 --> 00:48:13,390 continues to be the strength . 1112 00:48:13,870 --> 00:48:17,320 Uh , and it highlights our ability to 1113 00:48:17,320 --> 00:48:19,680 ensure that the entire force , the 1114 00:48:19,680 --> 00:48:22,860 entire region , understands the 1115 00:48:22,860 --> 00:48:25,500 cooperation and the alignment with 1116 00:48:25,920 --> 00:48:27,920 international's norms , standards , 1117 00:48:27,920 --> 00:48:31,820 rules and laws . Ah , the work 1118 00:48:31,830 --> 00:48:34,050 or the effort that India has taken on 1119 00:48:34,050 --> 00:48:36,106 to protect their northern border , I 1120 00:48:36,106 --> 00:48:39,790 think is noteworthy . Uh , the fact 1121 00:48:39,790 --> 00:48:43,090 that the PRC has decided to 1122 00:48:43,470 --> 00:48:47,150 instigate that skirmish on the northern 1123 00:48:47,150 --> 00:48:50,170 border is no worthy to all of us . So 1124 00:48:50,170 --> 00:48:52,500 the strength of multilateral operations 1125 00:48:52,500 --> 00:48:54,667 with India and with all our allies and 1126 00:48:54,667 --> 00:48:56,833 partners is certainly , uh , mechanism 1127 00:48:56,833 --> 00:48:59,111 to add to our deterrence in the region . 1128 00:49:00,170 --> 00:49:03,060 You know , you you spoke about the 1129 00:49:03,060 --> 00:49:06,540 founding of of international laws by 1130 00:49:06,540 --> 00:49:10,430 China along the along the border . 1131 00:49:10,430 --> 00:49:14,080 With that skirmish , we also see their 1132 00:49:14,090 --> 00:49:16,910 island building campaign in the South 1133 00:49:16,910 --> 00:49:20,290 China Sea and their use of the death 1134 00:49:20,290 --> 00:49:24,100 trap diplomacy that they 1135 00:49:24,110 --> 00:49:27,110 that they have elsewhere . What What do 1136 00:49:27,110 --> 00:49:30,090 you believe are China's goals 1137 00:49:31,070 --> 00:49:34,660 with regard with regard to this border 1138 00:49:34,670 --> 00:49:36,200 region in India ? 1139 00:49:39,370 --> 00:49:41,610 Thank you , Senator . Uh , I think the 1140 00:49:41,610 --> 00:49:44,720 goals are to supplant US security 1141 00:49:44,720 --> 00:49:47,390 leadership in the region overall , 1142 00:49:47,390 --> 00:49:49,557 whether they be in the South China Sea 1143 00:49:49,557 --> 00:49:52,830 or on the northern border of India and 1144 00:49:52,840 --> 00:49:55,080 generate a change to the international 1145 00:49:55,080 --> 00:49:58,750 rules . Uh , beyond what the nation's 1146 00:49:58,760 --> 00:50:02,030 all agreed to under the UNCLOS 1147 00:50:02,040 --> 00:50:05,390 1982 unclos treaty . Uh , 1148 00:50:06,060 --> 00:50:08,650 and ultimately , to change those rules 1149 00:50:08,660 --> 00:50:11,920 to the benefit of the 1150 00:50:11,920 --> 00:50:14,690 PRC , ultimately 1151 00:50:15,660 --> 00:50:17,900 it would change the view of the region 1152 00:50:17,900 --> 00:50:20,670 from those who believe in a free and 1153 00:50:20,670 --> 00:50:24,230 open Indo Pacific , Uh , to those that 1154 00:50:24,240 --> 00:50:27,530 might want a more authoritarian might 1155 00:50:27,540 --> 00:50:30,270 equals right closed Indo Pacific . 1156 00:50:31,960 --> 00:50:34,750 If I could ask you more about the 1157 00:50:34,750 --> 00:50:38,100 islands in the South China Sea , the 1158 00:50:38,110 --> 00:50:41,180 president of China in 2015 1159 00:50:41,190 --> 00:50:44,330 stated quote relevant construction 1160 00:50:44,330 --> 00:50:47,090 activity that China is undertaking does 1161 00:50:47,090 --> 00:50:50,310 not target or impact any country . And 1162 00:50:50,310 --> 00:50:53,480 there is no intention to militarize and 1163 00:50:53,480 --> 00:50:57,370 quote , Would you agree that this is a 1164 00:50:57,380 --> 00:50:59,324 false statement ? It's been proven 1165 00:50:59,324 --> 00:51:02,900 false . Yes , Senator , I would , 1166 00:51:02,910 --> 00:51:06,860 uh , it's certainly been evident to 1167 00:51:06,860 --> 00:51:10,730 me that when we listen to the words 1168 00:51:10,740 --> 00:51:14,130 that come from the PRC . We have to 1169 00:51:14,130 --> 00:51:16,186 look at not just words and listen to 1170 00:51:16,186 --> 00:51:18,241 words . We have to look at deeds and 1171 00:51:18,241 --> 00:51:20,186 your example of the islands in the 1172 00:51:20,186 --> 00:51:23,470 South China Sea are probably the best 1173 00:51:23,470 --> 00:51:26,370 examples . All of those islands have 1174 00:51:26,370 --> 00:51:29,990 been militarized , whether it be 1175 00:51:29,990 --> 00:51:33,750 with missiles jammers . But 1176 00:51:33,760 --> 00:51:36,790 it is in exact opposition to what has 1177 00:51:36,790 --> 00:51:40,130 been said . What capabilities 1178 00:51:40,130 --> 00:51:43,240 and projections of power has China 1179 00:51:43,240 --> 00:51:46,340 gained from those facilities that 1180 00:51:46,340 --> 00:51:47,562 they've constructed ? 1181 00:51:50,160 --> 00:51:52,216 It certainly expands the footprint . 1182 00:51:52,760 --> 00:51:54,570 And when he talked before about 1183 00:51:54,570 --> 00:51:58,340 contested space , it makes it easier 1184 00:51:58,340 --> 00:52:00,520 for the PRC to be able to operate 1185 00:52:00,520 --> 00:52:03,600 further from their coast with you . Do 1186 00:52:03,600 --> 00:52:06,110 you think the United States should 1187 00:52:06,110 --> 00:52:08,900 continue that freedom of navigation 1188 00:52:08,900 --> 00:52:11,700 missions in and around these disputed 1189 00:52:11,700 --> 00:52:14,230 territories that they have ? Yes . 1190 00:52:14,240 --> 00:52:17,060 These pictures I built . I'm sorry . 1191 00:52:17,060 --> 00:52:19,060 Did you say yes , You would support 1192 00:52:19,060 --> 00:52:21,540 that ? Yes , Senator . Thank you . 1193 00:52:21,550 --> 00:52:23,910 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Thank you , 1194 00:52:23,910 --> 00:52:26,980 Senator Fisher . Now via WebEx Senator 1195 00:52:26,980 --> 00:52:30,530 Hirono . Because you're good . Thank 1196 00:52:30,530 --> 00:52:33,540 you , Mr Chairman . Mm . Oh , I asked 1197 00:52:33,540 --> 00:52:35,707 the following two initial questions of 1198 00:52:35,707 --> 00:52:37,929 all nominees who come before any of the 1199 00:52:37,929 --> 00:52:40,040 committees on which I serve . So here 1200 00:52:40,040 --> 00:52:42,096 are the questions since you became a 1201 00:52:42,096 --> 00:52:43,929 legal adult . Have you ever made 1202 00:52:43,929 --> 00:52:46,380 unwanted request for sexual favors or 1203 00:52:46,380 --> 00:52:48,600 committed any verbal or physical 1204 00:52:48,610 --> 00:52:50,499 harassment or assault of a sexual 1205 00:52:50,499 --> 00:52:53,960 nature ? No center . Have you ever 1206 00:52:53,960 --> 00:52:56,200 faced discipline or entered into a 1207 00:52:56,200 --> 00:52:58,144 settlement related to this kind of 1208 00:52:58,144 --> 00:53:02,060 conduct ? No , Senator Emily was 1209 00:53:02,060 --> 00:53:04,282 a pleasure and a privilege to introduce 1210 00:53:04,282 --> 00:53:07,570 you today to the committee . Uh , 1211 00:53:07,580 --> 00:53:09,413 President Biden and Secretary is 1212 00:53:09,413 --> 00:53:11,524 Blinken and Austin have taken several 1213 00:53:11,524 --> 00:53:14,150 steps in recent weeks to engage with 1214 00:53:14,150 --> 00:53:16,261 our partners and allies in the in the 1215 00:53:16,261 --> 00:53:18,270 Pacific . In particular , I want to 1216 00:53:18,270 --> 00:53:21,140 highlight the president's call with our 1217 00:53:21,140 --> 00:53:23,850 quads allies Australia , Japan and 1218 00:53:23,860 --> 00:53:26,290 India . It confirmed . What steps will 1219 00:53:26,290 --> 00:53:28,800 you take in your new role to strengthen 1220 00:53:28,810 --> 00:53:31,980 our partnerships with the Quad Nations ? 1221 00:53:33,850 --> 00:53:35,961 Thank you , Senator . And thanks very 1222 00:53:35,961 --> 00:53:38,128 much for the kind introduction again , 1223 00:53:38,128 --> 00:53:41,310 Uh , as you heard me state many times 1224 00:53:41,310 --> 00:53:43,366 the allies and partners that we have 1225 00:53:43,366 --> 00:53:45,532 are clearly in asymmetric advantages , 1226 00:53:45,532 --> 00:53:49,180 as the PRC has . I would argue only one 1227 00:53:49,950 --> 00:53:51,894 ally or partner , and that's North 1228 00:53:51,894 --> 00:53:55,810 Korea . Uh , so we would continue 1229 00:53:55,810 --> 00:53:58,200 to work towards increased multilateral 1230 00:53:58,210 --> 00:54:01,550 operations if I'm confirmed again . The 1231 00:54:01,550 --> 00:54:04,540 quad we talked about only be an example 1232 00:54:04,540 --> 00:54:06,429 of only one of those . We do many 1233 00:54:06,429 --> 00:54:09,160 things with the ASEAN nations . We do 1234 00:54:09,160 --> 00:54:12,300 things with our Japanese counterparts 1235 00:54:12,300 --> 00:54:14,244 and our Korean counterparts in the 1236 00:54:14,244 --> 00:54:16,411 forms of missile defense . And I think 1237 00:54:16,411 --> 00:54:18,189 again , if confirmed , we would 1238 00:54:18,189 --> 00:54:20,500 continue to expand those efforts and 1239 00:54:20,500 --> 00:54:23,390 operations , uh , to work together on a 1240 00:54:23,390 --> 00:54:26,790 broader scale and where I know that we 1241 00:54:26,790 --> 00:54:29,680 have a very important partnership with 1242 00:54:29,680 --> 00:54:31,847 South Korea . But they are not part of 1243 00:54:31,847 --> 00:54:35,630 the quad . Uh , I'm a 1244 00:54:35,640 --> 00:54:38,550 little bit curious and concerned that 1245 00:54:38,550 --> 00:54:41,480 they are not . But can you assure me 1246 00:54:41,480 --> 00:54:45,410 that they are definitely in the , um in 1247 00:54:45,410 --> 00:54:48,010 the mix of the relationships that you 1248 00:54:48,010 --> 00:54:50,232 consider very important in that part of 1249 00:54:50,232 --> 00:54:53,010 the world ? Yes , Senator , Certainly 1250 00:54:53,010 --> 00:54:55,343 one of five treaty allies in the region . 1251 00:54:55,440 --> 00:54:58,730 Our relationship with South Korea , 1252 00:54:58,730 --> 00:55:01,610 they are a linchpin as a part of the 1253 00:55:01,610 --> 00:55:05,470 alliance . Uh , their capabilities , 1254 00:55:05,480 --> 00:55:08,490 uh , their equipment that they have 1255 00:55:08,500 --> 00:55:12,110 were extremely interoperable . Uh , 1256 00:55:12,120 --> 00:55:14,290 there's currently an exercise that's 1257 00:55:14,300 --> 00:55:16,880 going on right now that we continue to 1258 00:55:16,880 --> 00:55:18,824 train and build readiness with the 1259 00:55:18,824 --> 00:55:22,160 South Koreans . Ah , as it applies to 1260 00:55:22,160 --> 00:55:24,271 the quad . Uh , that would have to be 1261 00:55:24,271 --> 00:55:26,470 discussions with the other three 1262 00:55:26,470 --> 00:55:28,960 members to determine , uh , if they 1263 00:55:28,960 --> 00:55:31,760 would like to pull those in ? Uh , if 1264 00:55:31,760 --> 00:55:33,290 not , there are many other 1265 00:55:33,290 --> 00:55:35,346 opportunities to generate additional 1266 00:55:35,346 --> 00:55:37,290 multilateral events with the South 1267 00:55:37,290 --> 00:55:41,270 Koreans . I 1268 00:55:41,270 --> 00:55:43,270 know I know that you are aware that 1269 00:55:43,270 --> 00:55:45,492 many of us are very concerned about the 1270 00:55:45,840 --> 00:55:48,580 the issue of sexual assault and 1271 00:55:48,590 --> 00:55:50,812 harassment in the military , and I just 1272 00:55:50,812 --> 00:55:52,980 want to note that we will continue to 1273 00:55:52,980 --> 00:55:55,410 focus on this . And we are , of course , 1274 00:55:55,410 --> 00:55:57,700 aware of the D . O D Sexual Assault 1275 00:55:57,700 --> 00:56:00,100 Commission . And , uh , I would 1276 00:56:00,100 --> 00:56:02,760 certainly hope that you will pay much 1277 00:56:02,760 --> 00:56:05,260 attention to the recommendations made 1278 00:56:05,260 --> 00:56:07,427 by the commission because the issue of 1279 00:56:07,427 --> 00:56:09,593 sexual harassment assault continues to 1280 00:56:09,593 --> 00:56:12,220 plague our military . And I know that 1281 00:56:12,220 --> 00:56:14,470 Senator Gillibrand also questioned you 1282 00:56:14,470 --> 00:56:17,230 about that regarding the P d . I . M . 1283 00:56:17,230 --> 00:56:19,286 More . Davidson's new P D . I report 1284 00:56:19,286 --> 00:56:21,286 called for significant increases in 1285 00:56:21,286 --> 00:56:23,920 spending across all lines of the PD 1286 00:56:23,930 --> 00:56:26,920 effort . Do you believe the increase in 1287 00:56:26,920 --> 00:56:29,150 spending proposed in the Emerald 1288 00:56:29,150 --> 00:56:31,261 Davidson's P . D . I is sufficient to 1289 00:56:31,261 --> 00:56:33,660 deter our adversaries in the region ? 1290 00:56:35,430 --> 00:56:39,340 Yes , Senator as , uh , as I've 1291 00:56:39,340 --> 00:56:41,670 looked at P . D . I , uh , Emerald 1292 00:56:41,670 --> 00:56:44,200 Davidson's strategic , very thoughtful 1293 00:56:44,200 --> 00:56:46,500 approach aligned with this committee 1294 00:56:46,510 --> 00:56:48,800 has identified the foundational 1295 00:56:48,800 --> 00:56:52,780 capabilities needed to do deterrence , 1296 00:56:52,790 --> 00:56:55,870 and it would have to be sustained to 1297 00:56:55,870 --> 00:56:57,926 ensure that we can execute this on a 1298 00:56:57,926 --> 00:57:01,070 longer term . Yeah . Nice 1299 00:57:02,330 --> 00:57:05,050 Admiral Davidson listed the ages Guam 1300 00:57:05,050 --> 00:57:07,780 Defense system , G D s as his top 1301 00:57:07,780 --> 00:57:10,520 priority in the P . D . I . But similar 1302 00:57:10,520 --> 00:57:13,050 ages assured facilities in Romania and 1303 00:57:13,060 --> 00:57:15,940 Japan have had delays and been over 1304 00:57:15,950 --> 00:57:18,470 budget . With that , do you believe the 1305 00:57:18,480 --> 00:57:20,800 cost and time estimates for deploying 1306 00:57:20,810 --> 00:57:23,720 of G D GPS are 1307 00:57:23,730 --> 00:57:26,780 accurate and will G . D s also be your 1308 00:57:26,780 --> 00:57:29,650 number one priority in this region , 1309 00:57:30,830 --> 00:57:32,941 Senator , It certainly would be a top 1310 00:57:32,941 --> 00:57:36,010 priority . 170,000 US citizens on Guam , 1311 00:57:36,010 --> 00:57:39,160 20 over 20,000 service members . That 1312 00:57:39,160 --> 00:57:41,382 force protection is absolutely required 1313 00:57:41,382 --> 00:57:45,020 for , uh , I am 1314 00:57:45,030 --> 00:57:46,960 not aware of the different cost 1315 00:57:46,960 --> 00:57:48,960 comparisons of the Overrun . But if 1316 00:57:48,960 --> 00:57:51,127 confirmed , I will certainly look into 1317 00:57:51,127 --> 00:57:53,182 that , ma'am and determined it's not 1318 00:57:53,182 --> 00:57:55,404 the first one we've put in . So I would 1319 00:57:55,404 --> 00:57:57,516 hope there would be some learning and 1320 00:57:57,516 --> 00:57:59,293 the ability to stay on cost and 1321 00:57:59,293 --> 00:58:02,870 schedule would be easier . Thank you . 1322 00:58:02,870 --> 00:58:05,037 And I realized I think I'm running out 1323 00:58:05,037 --> 00:58:08,200 of time , but I'm very concerned about 1324 00:58:08,200 --> 00:58:11,230 our missile defense structure . And so 1325 00:58:11,230 --> 00:58:13,452 I will continue to work with you should 1326 00:58:13,452 --> 00:58:15,508 you be confirmed ? Of course . Thank 1327 00:58:15,508 --> 00:58:17,841 you very much , Mr Chairman . Thank you . 1328 00:58:17,841 --> 00:58:20,063 Santa Corona Center . Cotton , please , 1329 00:58:20,063 --> 00:58:22,230 Admiral . Thanks for your appearance . 1330 00:58:22,230 --> 00:58:21,660 Thanks for your service . And 1331 00:58:21,660 --> 00:58:23,827 congratulations on your nomination . I 1332 00:58:23,827 --> 00:58:25,882 want to talk a little bit more about 1333 00:58:25,882 --> 00:58:27,993 Taiwan , and here I want to very much 1334 00:58:27,993 --> 00:58:30,216 get your professional military advice . 1335 00:58:30,216 --> 00:58:32,830 Um , Taiwan is a very vibrant democracy , 1336 00:58:33,220 --> 00:58:36,950 very vibrant democracy . And we respect 1337 00:58:36,950 --> 00:58:39,061 our democratic partners like Taiwan . 1338 00:58:39,061 --> 00:58:42,070 Um , but I want to hear from you about 1339 00:58:42,070 --> 00:58:45,170 why Taiwan is so critical from a 1340 00:58:45,180 --> 00:58:48,350 military and strategic standpoint . Why 1341 00:58:48,350 --> 00:58:51,720 would Beijing so desire to have 1342 00:58:51,730 --> 00:58:54,910 Taiwan annexed to the mainland ? And 1343 00:58:54,910 --> 00:58:58,390 how would it complicate your military 1344 00:58:58,390 --> 00:59:01,690 planning if Beijing did invade in nx 1345 00:59:01,690 --> 00:59:03,970 Taiwan strictly from the military 1346 00:59:03,970 --> 00:59:06,137 strategic standpoint , I don't want to 1347 00:59:06,137 --> 00:59:07,914 talk about protecting Taiwanese 1348 00:59:07,914 --> 00:59:09,970 democracy . I'm committed to that in 1349 00:59:09,970 --> 00:59:12,026 New York as well . From the military 1350 00:59:12,026 --> 00:59:11,870 strategic standpoint , why is it so 1351 00:59:11,870 --> 00:59:14,360 important ? Uh , to Beijing , that they 1352 00:59:14,370 --> 00:59:17,910 annex Taiwan . Thanks , Senator . As 1353 00:59:17,910 --> 00:59:20,132 you know , they view it as their number 1354 00:59:20,132 --> 00:59:23,060 one priority . Uh , the 1355 00:59:23,070 --> 00:59:25,550 rejuvenation of the Chinese Communist 1356 00:59:25,550 --> 00:59:29,540 Party is at stake very critical as they 1357 00:59:29,540 --> 00:59:31,651 look at the problem . From a military 1358 00:59:31,651 --> 00:59:33,818 standpoint , the strategic location of 1359 00:59:33,818 --> 00:59:36,810 where it is as it applies to the 1360 00:59:36,810 --> 00:59:39,460 potential impact of two thirds of the 1361 00:59:39,460 --> 00:59:43,080 world's trade . Uh , certainly a 1362 00:59:43,090 --> 00:59:46,180 critical concern . Additionally , the 1363 00:59:46,180 --> 00:59:48,030 status of the United States as a 1364 00:59:48,420 --> 00:59:50,670 partner with our allies and partners 1365 00:59:50,680 --> 00:59:54,630 also is at stake . Should we have 1366 00:59:54,630 --> 00:59:57,780 a conflict in Taiwan ? So those two 1367 00:59:57,780 --> 01:00:01,490 reasons are really the strategic , uh , 1368 01:00:01,500 --> 01:00:05,000 main concerns that I would see . What 1369 01:00:05,000 --> 01:00:07,630 would it mean for enhancing the fellas 1370 01:00:07,630 --> 01:00:10,300 enhanced capabilities that they were 1371 01:00:10,300 --> 01:00:13,260 able to turn Taiwan essentially into a 1372 01:00:13,260 --> 01:00:15,427 military base ? They were able to base 1373 01:00:15,427 --> 01:00:17,910 aircraft and ships on the island of 1374 01:00:17,920 --> 01:00:19,753 Taiwan , much like you discussed 1375 01:00:19,753 --> 01:00:21,976 earlier with those islands they've done 1376 01:00:21,976 --> 01:00:24,031 in South China Sea . What advantages 1377 01:00:24,031 --> 01:00:26,198 for that gift to them center certainly 1378 01:00:26,198 --> 01:00:28,309 would extend their reach ? They would 1379 01:00:28,309 --> 01:00:30,870 extend the contested environment . It 1380 01:00:30,870 --> 01:00:33,280 would threaten our allies and partners . 1381 01:00:33,280 --> 01:00:36,260 Think the Philippines . Uh , and it 1382 01:00:36,260 --> 01:00:39,330 extends their reached initially from a 1383 01:00:39,340 --> 01:00:42,560 away from their coast and to challenge 1384 01:00:42,560 --> 01:00:45,890 the entire region . Uh huh . All allies 1385 01:00:45,890 --> 01:00:48,930 and partners and friends . You spoke 1386 01:00:48,930 --> 01:00:50,950 earlier about continuing freedom of 1387 01:00:50,950 --> 01:00:53,380 navigation operations in the South 1388 01:00:53,380 --> 01:00:55,491 China Sea , despite those militarized 1389 01:00:55,491 --> 01:00:58,100 manmade islands . Um , if Taiwan were 1390 01:00:58,100 --> 01:01:00,322 annexed to the mainland and the P . L . 1391 01:01:00,322 --> 01:01:02,489 A Navy were based there . Would you be 1392 01:01:02,489 --> 01:01:04,600 able to continue freedom of operation 1393 01:01:04,600 --> 01:01:06,767 navigation in the South China Sea ? Or 1394 01:01:06,767 --> 01:01:08,878 is the fact that Taiwan sits right at 1395 01:01:08,878 --> 01:01:08,470 the top of the South China Sea 1396 01:01:08,470 --> 01:01:10,692 significantly impede those operations ? 1397 01:01:12,670 --> 01:01:14,837 Senator , we would still execute those 1398 01:01:14,837 --> 01:01:16,948 operations . It certainly would be at 1399 01:01:16,948 --> 01:01:19,700 greater risk . And then speaking about 1400 01:01:19,710 --> 01:01:21,766 the point , the point you made about 1401 01:01:21,766 --> 01:01:23,877 our allies . If you're you're sitting 1402 01:01:23,877 --> 01:01:26,099 in a treaty partners capital conducting 1403 01:01:26,099 --> 01:01:29,000 military planning , say , Tokyo or so 1404 01:01:29,010 --> 01:01:31,066 or for that matters , sitting in any 1405 01:01:31,066 --> 01:01:33,500 South East or southern Asian capital 1406 01:01:33,510 --> 01:01:36,110 and thinking the United States might 1407 01:01:36,120 --> 01:01:38,220 support you in the face of Chinese 1408 01:01:38,220 --> 01:01:41,420 aggression . If we stood idly by like 1409 01:01:41,420 --> 01:01:43,900 China invaded Taiwan and an exit to the 1410 01:01:43,900 --> 01:01:47,880 mainland , how would you feel , Senator ? 1411 01:01:47,880 --> 01:01:50,102 That was my second point . It certainly 1412 01:01:50,102 --> 01:01:52,102 would impact the credibility of the 1413 01:01:52,102 --> 01:01:53,991 United States as a partner in the 1414 01:01:53,991 --> 01:01:55,824 region . Thank you . Last week , 1415 01:01:55,824 --> 01:01:58,050 Admiral Davidson testified that he 1416 01:01:58,050 --> 01:02:01,380 thinks the LA may have the capability 1417 01:02:01,380 --> 01:02:04,780 to effectively invade Taiwan and as 1418 01:02:04,780 --> 01:02:07,002 soon as six years , maybe less . Do you 1419 01:02:07,002 --> 01:02:10,770 agree with that view , Senator ? 1420 01:02:10,780 --> 01:02:13,113 There's many numbers out there , I know , 1421 01:02:13,113 --> 01:02:15,224 Admiral Davidson said . Six years you 1422 01:02:15,224 --> 01:02:17,169 have to ask him where he made that 1423 01:02:17,169 --> 01:02:19,391 assessment . There are spans from today 1424 01:02:19,391 --> 01:02:22,210 to 2045 . Uh , my opinion is this 1425 01:02:22,210 --> 01:02:25,500 problem is much closer to us than most 1426 01:02:25,510 --> 01:02:28,330 think . And we have to take this on . 1427 01:02:28,340 --> 01:02:30,507 Put those deterrence capabilities like 1428 01:02:30,507 --> 01:02:33,300 PG I in place in the near term and with 1429 01:02:33,300 --> 01:02:35,467 urgency . Yeah , I I share that view . 1430 01:02:35,467 --> 01:02:38,240 It's not a 2045 2030 problem . I 1431 01:02:38,240 --> 01:02:40,129 suspect it may not even be a 2026 1432 01:02:40,129 --> 01:02:43,690 problem . Um , from a military planning 1433 01:02:43,690 --> 01:02:45,801 point of view , what is the best time 1434 01:02:45,801 --> 01:02:47,801 of year given light weather and sea 1435 01:02:47,801 --> 01:02:49,912 conditions for the l A . To launch an 1436 01:02:49,912 --> 01:02:52,023 invasion of Taiwan ? Is it the middle 1437 01:02:52,023 --> 01:02:54,310 part of spring ? Yes , sir . That is 1438 01:02:54,310 --> 01:02:56,580 certainly a better time . Uh , as it 1439 01:02:56,580 --> 01:02:58,858 applies to see state and environmental . 1440 01:02:59,600 --> 01:03:01,950 Do you recall when the Sochi Winter 1441 01:03:01,950 --> 01:03:03,620 Olympics ended in 2014 ? 1442 01:03:06,100 --> 01:03:08,360 Yes , Senator . February 23rd . Do you 1443 01:03:08,360 --> 01:03:10,360 recall when Russia invaded Crimea ? 1444 01:03:13,500 --> 01:03:15,500 I don't have the date , Senator . I 1445 01:03:15,500 --> 01:03:18,510 apologize . February 27 four days later , 1446 01:03:19,100 --> 01:03:21,433 The Beijing Winter Olympics in February , 1447 01:03:21,433 --> 01:03:22,520 23rd next year . 1448 01:03:27,100 --> 01:03:29,267 Thank you . Senator . Cotton . Senator 1449 01:03:29,267 --> 01:03:31,489 Kaine , please . Thank you , Mr Chair . 1450 01:03:31,489 --> 01:03:33,600 And admire Aquilino . Congratulations 1451 01:03:33,600 --> 01:03:35,489 on the nomination . I enjoyed our 1452 01:03:35,489 --> 01:03:37,600 conversation . I enjoyed visiting you 1453 01:03:37,600 --> 01:03:39,933 in Hawaii last year with Senator Hirono . 1454 01:03:39,933 --> 01:03:42,044 Um uh , Senator Hirono was asking you 1455 01:03:42,044 --> 01:03:44,044 questions about the quad , and I've 1456 01:03:44,044 --> 01:03:46,267 been very interested in this sense . We 1457 01:03:46,267 --> 01:03:48,100 started to hear about it at this 1458 01:03:48,100 --> 01:03:50,322 committee a number of years ago . I was 1459 01:03:50,322 --> 01:03:52,433 intrigued that the first ever head of 1460 01:03:52,433 --> 01:03:54,489 nation meeting of the quad was about 1461 01:03:54,489 --> 01:03:58,080 vaccines . Um , and even though 1462 01:03:58,090 --> 01:04:00,201 most of the discussion about the quad 1463 01:04:00,201 --> 01:04:02,368 has been in the armed services hearing 1464 01:04:02,368 --> 01:04:04,534 this first big issue of what the heads 1465 01:04:04,534 --> 01:04:06,534 of states was about funding vaccine 1466 01:04:06,534 --> 01:04:08,757 development in India that could be used 1467 01:04:08,757 --> 01:04:10,923 to vaccinate the Indian population but 1468 01:04:10,923 --> 01:04:13,090 also could be used to produce vaccines 1469 01:04:13,090 --> 01:04:14,979 that could be used throughout the 1470 01:04:14,979 --> 01:04:17,090 region . And that made me want to get 1471 01:04:17,090 --> 01:04:19,201 your perspective on If we're thinking 1472 01:04:19,201 --> 01:04:21,368 about our national security challenges 1473 01:04:21,368 --> 01:04:23,368 in the end up a com how much of our 1474 01:04:23,368 --> 01:04:25,368 thoughts should be about a whole of 1475 01:04:25,368 --> 01:04:27,590 government approach rather than just an 1476 01:04:27,590 --> 01:04:29,923 armed services approach ? Yes , Senator , 1477 01:04:30,090 --> 01:04:32,520 uh , we need to engage with every 1478 01:04:32,760 --> 01:04:34,927 aspect of national power to be able to 1479 01:04:34,927 --> 01:04:37,920 compete against , uh , the LA 1480 01:04:38,390 --> 01:04:41,680 um So whether it be 1481 01:04:41,740 --> 01:04:45,350 diplomacy , whether it be scientific , 1482 01:04:45,360 --> 01:04:47,720 whether it be informational , every 1483 01:04:47,720 --> 01:04:51,140 aspect has an ability to generate 1484 01:04:51,140 --> 01:04:54,080 deterrence . Uh , extend the 1485 01:04:54,080 --> 01:04:55,858 cooperation with our allies and 1486 01:04:55,858 --> 01:04:58,250 partners . And that's one example from 1487 01:04:58,250 --> 01:05:00,940 the military perspective , this last 1488 01:05:00,940 --> 01:05:04,750 year , the quad or in the 1489 01:05:04,750 --> 01:05:06,694 form of India , Japan , the United 1490 01:05:06,694 --> 01:05:10,440 States and Australia executed operation 1491 01:05:10,450 --> 01:05:14,220 or exercise Malabar . Uh so 1492 01:05:14,240 --> 01:05:18,170 the cooperation of those nations expand 1493 01:05:18,180 --> 01:05:20,270 and or currently has and needs to 1494 01:05:20,270 --> 01:05:23,080 expand across all elements of national 1495 01:05:23,080 --> 01:05:26,030 power . I have always said the 1496 01:05:26,030 --> 01:05:28,141 witnesses here about the quad is that 1497 01:05:28,141 --> 01:05:30,650 if the Big 12 can have 10 teams and the 1498 01:05:30,650 --> 01:05:33,160 Big 10 and a 10 can have 14 teams each , 1499 01:05:33,170 --> 01:05:35,226 there's no reason to quad can't have 1500 01:05:35,226 --> 01:05:37,337 more than four nations and so I would 1501 01:05:37,337 --> 01:05:39,281 encourage us to always broaden our 1502 01:05:39,281 --> 01:05:41,448 reach in that way . Missile attacks on 1503 01:05:41,448 --> 01:05:43,503 US forces in Iraq over the past year 1504 01:05:43,503 --> 01:05:46,290 have shown a level of precision that 1505 01:05:46,290 --> 01:05:48,457 our forces have not experienced during 1506 01:05:48,457 --> 01:05:50,568 much of the early years of the global 1507 01:05:50,568 --> 01:05:52,512 war on terror . And so the attacks 1508 01:05:52,512 --> 01:05:54,734 display both accuracy and devastation , 1509 01:05:54,734 --> 01:05:56,790 Uh , but also the vulnerabilities of 1510 01:05:56,790 --> 01:05:58,846 our systems to defend against them . 1511 01:05:58,846 --> 01:06:00,957 Any conflict in pay com is guaranteed 1512 01:06:00,957 --> 01:06:03,080 to see a widespread use in my view of 1513 01:06:03,080 --> 01:06:05,247 precision guided missiles against both 1514 01:06:05,247 --> 01:06:07,413 bases and ships . Do you think there's 1515 01:06:07,413 --> 01:06:09,358 adequate attention paid in current 1516 01:06:09,358 --> 01:06:11,580 budgeting for medium and long range air 1517 01:06:11,580 --> 01:06:14,990 defense weapons ? A center , I think 1518 01:06:14,990 --> 01:06:17,210 the Pacific Deterrence Initiative as 1519 01:06:17,210 --> 01:06:19,670 identify a need that you just 1520 01:06:19,670 --> 01:06:21,726 articulated to ensure we can protect 1521 01:06:21,726 --> 01:06:24,200 our force ? Uh , it 1522 01:06:25,080 --> 01:06:28,850 combined with just or not just missiles , 1523 01:06:28,860 --> 01:06:31,630 but the ability to integrate and the 1524 01:06:31,630 --> 01:06:33,850 ability to command and control them , 1525 01:06:34,380 --> 01:06:36,440 uh , as well as tie those with our 1526 01:06:36,440 --> 01:06:38,440 allies and partners would give us a 1527 01:06:38,440 --> 01:06:41,310 broad ability to protect and defend all 1528 01:06:41,310 --> 01:06:43,640 of our citizens and sailors , soldiers , 1529 01:06:43,650 --> 01:06:46,590 airmen , Coast Guardsmen and Marines . 1530 01:06:47,280 --> 01:06:49,502 Thank you for that . The Navy is in the 1531 01:06:49,502 --> 01:06:51,500 early stages of replacing the F 18 1532 01:06:51,500 --> 01:06:53,890 Super Hornet with a program called Next 1533 01:06:53,890 --> 01:06:56,057 Generation Air Defense , which I guess 1534 01:06:56,057 --> 01:06:58,180 goes by two acronyms N g a . D or F A 1535 01:06:58,190 --> 01:07:01,470 XX . Where do you see gaps and emerging 1536 01:07:01,470 --> 01:07:03,637 in our current fleet structure of F 18 1537 01:07:03,637 --> 01:07:05,359 and F 30 fives that have to be 1538 01:07:05,359 --> 01:07:07,526 addressed by a new platform like the , 1539 01:07:07,526 --> 01:07:11,460 uh like the n g a . D ? Thank 1540 01:07:11,460 --> 01:07:13,571 you , Senator , that the capabilities 1541 01:07:13,571 --> 01:07:16,710 that are needed against this competitor , 1542 01:07:17,080 --> 01:07:19,320 uh , need to be more technologically 1543 01:07:19,320 --> 01:07:21,653 advanced . To Senator Inhofe's question , 1544 01:07:21,653 --> 01:07:23,820 the need for fifth generation aircraft 1545 01:07:23,820 --> 01:07:25,790 has been identified , uh , and is 1546 01:07:25,790 --> 01:07:27,790 needed to enter and operating those 1547 01:07:27,790 --> 01:07:31,440 contested spaces And , uh , and God or 1548 01:07:31,450 --> 01:07:34,320 F A X X , I think is our next step to 1549 01:07:34,320 --> 01:07:36,542 advance the technology and provide even 1550 01:07:36,542 --> 01:07:38,653 more capability to be able to operate 1551 01:07:38,653 --> 01:07:40,764 in those contested spaces . It's very 1552 01:07:40,764 --> 01:07:42,876 important , and the Navy is currently 1553 01:07:42,876 --> 01:07:45,940 working on the development of the air 1554 01:07:45,940 --> 01:07:48,107 wing of the future . So think of those 1555 01:07:48,107 --> 01:07:50,218 carrier strike groups we talked about 1556 01:07:50,218 --> 01:07:52,940 before being even more lethal , being 1557 01:07:52,950 --> 01:07:55,200 able to enter and operate in those 1558 01:07:55,200 --> 01:07:58,050 contested spaces . It's critical to the 1559 01:07:58,050 --> 01:08:00,272 deterrence needed . Do you have a sense 1560 01:08:00,272 --> 01:08:02,439 of the timeline for when N . J . D may 1561 01:08:02,439 --> 01:08:04,494 come online ? In the end ? Up a calm 1562 01:08:06,070 --> 01:08:08,850 senator , I don't have a sense of that 1563 01:08:08,850 --> 01:08:11,040 exact date . I think they are looking 1564 01:08:11,040 --> 01:08:14,590 at IOC in 2030 or 2031 . 1565 01:08:15,470 --> 01:08:17,414 Thank you . Thank you , Mr Chair . 1566 01:08:17,570 --> 01:08:19,737 Thank you , Senator Kaine . Now let me 1567 01:08:19,737 --> 01:08:22,490 recognize via WebEx senator rounds . 1568 01:08:23,870 --> 01:08:26,680 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Admiral . 1569 01:08:26,690 --> 01:08:28,746 First of all , let me just say thank 1570 01:08:28,746 --> 01:08:31,360 you very much for your service and your 1571 01:08:31,360 --> 01:08:34,900 family's service to our country . I 1572 01:08:34,910 --> 01:08:37,077 appreciated the discussion that we had 1573 01:08:37,077 --> 01:08:39,243 last week and believe that you are the 1574 01:08:39,243 --> 01:08:41,470 right person at this time in this 1575 01:08:41,470 --> 01:08:44,140 critical position . A couple of 1576 01:08:44,140 --> 01:08:46,196 thoughts . Number one . I want to go 1577 01:08:46,196 --> 01:08:48,418 back and visit just a second , Uh , and 1578 01:08:48,418 --> 01:08:51,070 an issue that Senator Hirono brought up 1579 01:08:51,080 --> 01:08:54,990 and that is Guam , and we didn't 1580 01:08:54,990 --> 01:08:57,410 really get into it . But would you talk 1581 01:08:57,410 --> 01:08:59,410 with us a little bit about just how 1582 01:08:59,410 --> 01:09:01,730 critical Guam is in terms of any of our 1583 01:09:01,730 --> 01:09:04,970 strategies with regard , uh , to this a 1584 01:09:04,970 --> 01:09:07,940 r . And right now , part of the 1585 01:09:07,940 --> 01:09:11,700 discussion has been how do you defend 1586 01:09:11,700 --> 01:09:13,922 Guam ? What are the options available ? 1587 01:09:13,922 --> 01:09:15,978 And I know that Admiral Davidson had 1588 01:09:15,978 --> 01:09:18,640 recommended and Congress did not agree 1589 01:09:18,640 --> 01:09:21,430 last year with the funding , Um , for 1590 01:09:21,430 --> 01:09:24,730 the GTs , the the Guam defense system . 1591 01:09:24,880 --> 01:09:26,880 But I'd like your thoughts on it as 1592 01:09:26,880 --> 01:09:28,824 well , because it seems to me that 1593 01:09:28,970 --> 01:09:31,180 without that in place , we leave , as 1594 01:09:31,180 --> 01:09:33,610 you indicated , literally thousands of 1595 01:09:33,610 --> 01:09:36,780 our own military men and women at risk . 1596 01:09:38,670 --> 01:09:41,260 Thank you , Senator . Guam , as we all 1597 01:09:41,260 --> 01:09:43,093 can agree , I think is , uh , an 1598 01:09:43,093 --> 01:09:45,220 incredibly strategic location in the 1599 01:09:45,220 --> 01:09:46,720 end of Pacific west of the 1600 01:09:46,720 --> 01:09:48,670 international date line . Uh , the 1601 01:09:48,670 --> 01:09:52,220 ability to host over 20,000 of our U . 1602 01:09:52,220 --> 01:09:54,660 S . Forces to be able to respond if 1603 01:09:54,660 --> 01:09:57,180 needed . And the force protection for 1604 01:09:57,180 --> 01:10:00,240 those service members , families as 1605 01:10:00,240 --> 01:10:03,370 well as 170,000 US citizens is critical . 1606 01:10:03,960 --> 01:10:06,650 Admiral Davidson highlighted the need 1607 01:10:06,650 --> 01:10:10,650 for 360 degree coverage . Uh , he 1608 01:10:10,650 --> 01:10:12,650 also highlighted the need for those 1609 01:10:12,650 --> 01:10:16,480 systems to be in place by 2025 1610 01:10:16,860 --> 01:10:19,980 goes back to our point of near term and 1611 01:10:19,980 --> 01:10:23,320 with a sense of urgency . So , uh , I 1612 01:10:23,320 --> 01:10:25,130 certainly believe we need that 1613 01:10:25,130 --> 01:10:28,170 capability . Uh , and if confirmed , 1614 01:10:28,170 --> 01:10:30,170 look forward to working with you to 1615 01:10:30,170 --> 01:10:33,350 ensure we can get it in place . Thank 1616 01:10:33,350 --> 01:10:36,160 you . I I agree . And I think think of 1617 01:10:36,160 --> 01:10:38,880 Senator Cotton indicated in his remarks . 1618 01:10:39,260 --> 01:10:41,482 Most certainly time is of the essence , 1619 01:10:41,482 --> 01:10:44,770 and we can't simply sit back and just 1620 01:10:44,770 --> 01:10:46,826 say , this is just something that we 1621 01:10:46,826 --> 01:10:49,710 can put off for another day , an area 1622 01:10:49,710 --> 01:10:51,932 that I think is going to continue to be 1623 01:10:51,932 --> 01:10:55,380 a an item of discussion and 1624 01:10:55,760 --> 01:10:57,704 I think in your a r , just like in 1625 01:10:57,704 --> 01:11:00,190 every any other place in the world . 1626 01:11:00,560 --> 01:11:03,430 The Diodes Cyber Strategy , which was 1627 01:11:03,430 --> 01:11:06,690 published in December of 2018 1628 01:11:07,060 --> 01:11:10,890 charges D o D to defend forward , shape 1629 01:11:10,890 --> 01:11:13,420 the day to day competition and prepare 1630 01:11:13,420 --> 01:11:15,580 for war . We've experienced highly 1631 01:11:15,580 --> 01:11:17,980 sophisticated attacks within the cyber 1632 01:11:17,980 --> 01:11:21,380 domain from the likes of both Russia 1633 01:11:21,390 --> 01:11:23,800 and China in the past , and most 1634 01:11:23,800 --> 01:11:25,689 recently we've seen some of their 1635 01:11:25,689 --> 01:11:27,578 capabilities with the most recent 1636 01:11:27,578 --> 01:11:29,900 attacks on business and some of our our 1637 01:11:29,910 --> 01:11:32,660 governmental entities as well . Can you 1638 01:11:32,660 --> 01:11:35,470 discuss how you view this threat from 1639 01:11:35,470 --> 01:11:37,526 the perspective of the Indo Pak calm 1640 01:11:37,526 --> 01:11:39,637 and how you would approach it through 1641 01:11:39,637 --> 01:11:42,870 the lenses of strategy , operations 1642 01:11:43,260 --> 01:11:46,090 and exercises ? What exercises are you 1643 01:11:46,090 --> 01:11:48,770 doing and how do you feel this enemy ? 1644 01:11:48,780 --> 01:11:52,600 When we talk about the issues of cyber , 1645 01:11:52,610 --> 01:11:54,920 it is the least expensive part of 1646 01:11:54,920 --> 01:11:57,840 defense , and yet it impacts all of the 1647 01:11:57,840 --> 01:11:59,900 other domains . Air , land , sea and 1648 01:11:59,900 --> 01:12:03,630 space . Thanks , Senator . As we've 1649 01:12:03,630 --> 01:12:05,910 seen , many of our competitors are 1650 01:12:05,910 --> 01:12:08,910 operating , uh , at the level short of 1651 01:12:08,910 --> 01:12:11,720 war through the cyberspace domain that 1652 01:12:11,720 --> 01:12:14,810 you identified . It's critically 1653 01:12:14,810 --> 01:12:17,710 important , Uh , in many cases , it's 1654 01:12:17,710 --> 01:12:21,090 an indicator of follow on events that 1655 01:12:21,100 --> 01:12:24,550 we might see , and if confirmed , I 1656 01:12:24,550 --> 01:12:26,661 think our focus needs to be on number 1657 01:12:26,661 --> 01:12:29,770 one , the strongest defense possible to 1658 01:12:29,770 --> 01:12:32,590 ensure that those competitors are 1659 01:12:32,600 --> 01:12:34,930 unable to take advantage of that space . 1660 01:12:35,550 --> 01:12:38,670 And combined with that , it's important 1661 01:12:38,670 --> 01:12:41,000 that we have those same conversations 1662 01:12:41,000 --> 01:12:43,380 with our allies and partners so that 1663 01:12:43,380 --> 01:12:45,630 they are just as defended . And we 1664 01:12:45,630 --> 01:12:49,280 don't provide an alternative path for 1665 01:12:49,290 --> 01:12:52,270 anyone to enter in our cyber domain . 1666 01:12:53,550 --> 01:12:55,930 Thank you . One last item that I just 1667 01:12:55,930 --> 01:12:58,152 wanted to bring up that I think when we 1668 01:12:58,152 --> 01:13:00,250 talk about fifth generation aircraft 1669 01:13:00,250 --> 01:13:02,380 and the need for more of them and 1670 01:13:02,380 --> 01:13:04,436 particularly right now we're talking 1671 01:13:04,436 --> 01:13:06,436 about those that that could be used 1672 01:13:06,436 --> 01:13:08,658 within the the carrier , basically that 1673 01:13:08,658 --> 01:13:11,510 we've got . But we've also got the B 21 1674 01:13:11,510 --> 01:13:13,454 coming online and will probably be 1675 01:13:13,460 --> 01:13:16,650 operational well before the next Gen . 1676 01:13:16,660 --> 01:13:19,080 Uh fighter systems will be available . 1677 01:13:19,650 --> 01:13:22,660 The B 21 which would be based in safe 1678 01:13:22,660 --> 01:13:26,260 basis , South Dakota and Texas , is the 1679 01:13:26,270 --> 01:13:28,380 knock down the door type of a system 1680 01:13:28,380 --> 01:13:31,250 which basically will slow down our 1681 01:13:31,250 --> 01:13:33,361 adversaries , who think that they may 1682 01:13:33,361 --> 01:13:35,528 very well be safe from a carrier based 1683 01:13:35,528 --> 01:13:37,639 operation because of their land based 1684 01:13:37,639 --> 01:13:39,861 defense systems that they have in place 1685 01:13:39,861 --> 01:13:41,917 now , specifically China . Could you 1686 01:13:41,917 --> 01:13:44,083 talk a little bit about the integrated 1687 01:13:44,083 --> 01:13:46,150 need and capabilities that the B 21 1688 01:13:46,150 --> 01:13:48,480 would bring in the Indo Pacific region . 1689 01:13:50,050 --> 01:13:53,240 Yes , Senator . I just want to 1690 01:13:53,240 --> 01:13:55,296 highlight . Before it was a specific 1691 01:13:55,296 --> 01:13:57,296 Navy question that I answered , but 1692 01:13:57,296 --> 01:13:59,351 that said it will obviously take the 1693 01:13:59,351 --> 01:14:01,184 entire joint force to be able to 1694 01:14:01,184 --> 01:14:04,680 compete again . As as it 1695 01:14:04,680 --> 01:14:06,640 applies to where might be the best 1696 01:14:06,640 --> 01:14:10,040 place . I would love to see the results 1697 01:14:10,040 --> 01:14:12,207 of the secretary's posture review that 1698 01:14:12,207 --> 01:14:14,320 Global posture review . Uh , and if 1699 01:14:14,320 --> 01:14:17,120 confirmed to see what does that mean ? 1700 01:14:17,130 --> 01:14:19,950 And how does it impact the Indo Pacific ? 1701 01:14:21,440 --> 01:14:23,551 Thank you . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 1702 01:14:23,840 --> 01:14:25,951 Thank you , Senator . Rounds , let me 1703 01:14:25,951 --> 01:14:28,060 recognize by a WebEx Senator King . 1704 01:14:30,240 --> 01:14:32,240 Thank you , Mr Chairman . I want to 1705 01:14:32,240 --> 01:14:34,462 follow up on senator Rounds questions , 1706 01:14:34,462 --> 01:14:36,780 Admiral , I can guarantee you that at 1707 01:14:36,780 --> 01:14:38,870 this very moment , hundreds , if not 1708 01:14:38,880 --> 01:14:42,280 thousands of very smart software 1709 01:14:42,280 --> 01:14:44,870 engineers and hackers are in China 1710 01:14:45,440 --> 01:14:47,218 attempting to figure out how to 1711 01:14:47,218 --> 01:14:49,162 compromise Our command and control 1712 01:14:49,162 --> 01:14:51,670 systems are IRS systems , 1713 01:14:52,040 --> 01:14:55,960 our force projection software . 1714 01:14:56,540 --> 01:14:59,970 I cannot stress more to you the 1715 01:14:59,980 --> 01:15:03,250 urgency of being prepared for this . 1716 01:15:03,260 --> 01:15:05,760 All of our preparations , all of our 1717 01:15:05,760 --> 01:15:07,871 money , all of our all of our systems 1718 01:15:07,871 --> 01:15:09,871 are useless if we can't communicate 1719 01:15:09,871 --> 01:15:12,230 with them or on the other hand , if 1720 01:15:12,230 --> 01:15:15,980 they are rendered inert by a 1721 01:15:15,980 --> 01:15:18,330 cyber attack . So I hope that you will 1722 01:15:18,330 --> 01:15:20,770 see this as an extremely high priority . 1723 01:15:20,780 --> 01:15:22,891 You should be having people trying to 1724 01:15:22,891 --> 01:15:26,370 hack your own systems to determine how 1725 01:15:26,370 --> 01:15:30,080 safe they really are . Thanks , 1726 01:15:30,080 --> 01:15:32,700 Senator . Uh , it truly is important . 1727 01:15:32,710 --> 01:15:36,680 And , uh , the word urgency , uh , 1728 01:15:36,690 --> 01:15:39,580 I use frequently as it applies to all 1729 01:15:39,580 --> 01:15:41,520 aspects of the missions assigned 1730 01:15:41,530 --> 01:15:44,560 additionally in cyberspace . And 1731 01:15:45,040 --> 01:15:48,410 we actually have cyber aggressor teams 1732 01:15:48,410 --> 01:15:51,620 that execute the role that you just 1733 01:15:51,620 --> 01:15:53,980 described . And I believe it's 1734 01:15:53,990 --> 01:15:57,370 worthwhile to ensure we expand those 1735 01:15:57,940 --> 01:16:00,410 tests , if you will , into all of our 1736 01:16:00,420 --> 01:16:02,710 operations and exercises , sir . And if 1737 01:16:02,710 --> 01:16:06,060 confirmed , I will continue to do that . 1738 01:16:07,530 --> 01:16:09,700 Thank you . One of the things that 1739 01:16:09,700 --> 01:16:12,900 worries me is the Are they 1740 01:16:12,900 --> 01:16:15,340 continuing friction , if you will , in 1741 01:16:15,340 --> 01:16:17,451 the South China Sea and the potential 1742 01:16:17,550 --> 01:16:19,439 for an accident for an accidental 1743 01:16:19,439 --> 01:16:23,060 conflict Do we have a mil to mil 1744 01:16:23,430 --> 01:16:25,810 communications established with the 1745 01:16:25,810 --> 01:16:29,380 Chinese ? A kind of red phone 1746 01:16:29,380 --> 01:16:32,120 where you and your counterpart 1747 01:16:32,130 --> 01:16:35,220 counterpart in China can have direct 1748 01:16:35,220 --> 01:16:37,980 communication If there is , for example , 1749 01:16:37,980 --> 01:16:41,220 a Chinese fighter jet , uh , flies too 1750 01:16:41,220 --> 01:16:43,600 close or actually clips of a destroyer 1751 01:16:43,600 --> 01:16:45,767 in the South China sea on a freedom of 1752 01:16:45,767 --> 01:16:49,630 navigation mission . Thank you , 1753 01:16:49,630 --> 01:16:51,800 Senator . I do not have a direct 1754 01:16:51,800 --> 01:16:54,960 communication with my counterpart . Uh , 1755 01:16:55,430 --> 01:16:58,270 I know Admiral Davidson has advocated 1756 01:16:58,270 --> 01:17:01,460 for that ability at his level , 1757 01:17:01,830 --> 01:17:04,290 and I know the chairman does have a 1758 01:17:04,300 --> 01:17:07,410 connection that he can utilize . If 1759 01:17:07,410 --> 01:17:09,188 confirmed , I would continue to 1760 01:17:09,188 --> 01:17:13,050 advocate for that connection , uh , 1761 01:17:13,060 --> 01:17:15,680 to ensure there is an ability to de 1762 01:17:15,680 --> 01:17:19,550 escalate . Uh , if there were a an 1763 01:17:19,550 --> 01:17:22,930 event and the ability to not let it go 1764 01:17:22,930 --> 01:17:24,597 out of control . I think that 1765 01:17:24,597 --> 01:17:27,670 communication mechanism , uh , could be 1766 01:17:27,670 --> 01:17:31,320 effective if that connection was with 1767 01:17:31,320 --> 01:17:33,098 someone who had decision making 1768 01:17:33,098 --> 01:17:36,750 authority . I appreciate your 1769 01:17:36,760 --> 01:17:38,927 interest in pursuing that . I think it 1770 01:17:38,927 --> 01:17:41,450 could be critically important . Uh , 1771 01:17:42,430 --> 01:17:44,652 law of the sea . You mentioned what the 1772 01:17:44,652 --> 01:17:46,708 Chinese are doing in the South China 1773 01:17:46,708 --> 01:17:48,819 Sea in terms of claims . The Russians 1774 01:17:48,819 --> 01:17:52,080 are doing similar things in the Arctic . 1775 01:17:52,130 --> 01:17:54,130 Do you believe it's in the national 1776 01:17:54,130 --> 01:17:56,352 interest for this country to enter into 1777 01:17:56,352 --> 01:17:59,520 the law of the sea Treaty ? Yes , 1778 01:17:59,520 --> 01:18:03,500 Senator , I do . And I've asked 1779 01:18:03,500 --> 01:18:05,556 every flag officer that has appeared 1780 01:18:05,556 --> 01:18:07,556 before this committee that question 1781 01:18:07,556 --> 01:18:09,870 just pretty much regularly for the last 1782 01:18:09,870 --> 01:18:11,759 eight years , I've never gotten a 1783 01:18:11,759 --> 01:18:13,981 negative answer . Why do you think it's 1784 01:18:13,981 --> 01:18:16,480 important that we be part of this 1785 01:18:16,490 --> 01:18:17,546 treaty structure ? 1786 01:18:20,120 --> 01:18:22,660 Senator , There's really two main 1787 01:18:22,660 --> 01:18:26,360 reasons . Number one as the the 1788 01:18:26,370 --> 01:18:28,790 group gets together . It would be 1789 01:18:28,800 --> 01:18:31,060 certainly beneficial if we had a seat 1790 01:18:31,060 --> 01:18:33,250 at the table when there were 1791 01:18:33,250 --> 01:18:36,010 discussions occurring as it applied to 1792 01:18:36,010 --> 01:18:37,677 potential adjustments and the 1793 01:18:37,677 --> 01:18:41,240 interpretations . Those international 1794 01:18:41,240 --> 01:18:45,000 laws . The second reason it is it 1795 01:18:45,000 --> 01:18:47,620 makes us or put us in an increased 1796 01:18:47,630 --> 01:18:50,110 position of credibility . Uh , we 1797 01:18:50,110 --> 01:18:52,560 adhere to the UNCLOS treaty in our 1798 01:18:52,560 --> 01:18:55,350 operations , uh , and it would make our 1799 01:18:55,350 --> 01:18:57,470 position much stronger if we were 1800 01:18:57,470 --> 01:19:00,420 signatures . I appreciate that , 1801 01:19:00,420 --> 01:19:02,309 Admiral , and hope to persuade my 1802 01:19:02,309 --> 01:19:04,640 colleagues of those arguments . Indeed , 1803 01:19:05,120 --> 01:19:07,176 I mentioned the urgency of the cyber 1804 01:19:07,176 --> 01:19:09,770 threat . I think another urgent concern 1805 01:19:09,780 --> 01:19:13,090 is vulnerability to hyper sonics . Do 1806 01:19:13,090 --> 01:19:16,850 you see that as a as an issue that we 1807 01:19:16,850 --> 01:19:20,150 really need to be accelerating our 1808 01:19:20,160 --> 01:19:23,160 defensive not only our hypersonic 1809 01:19:23,160 --> 01:19:25,710 capacity , but our ability to defend 1810 01:19:25,720 --> 01:19:27,331 against hypersonic attacks , 1811 01:19:27,331 --> 01:19:30,150 particularly since forward deployed 1812 01:19:30,620 --> 01:19:32,731 carrier strike groups , for example , 1813 01:19:32,731 --> 01:19:34,453 are part of the essence of our 1814 01:19:34,453 --> 01:19:37,880 deterrents ? Yes , and her ? Absolutely . 1815 01:19:37,890 --> 01:19:41,600 It's the next step , uh , its 1816 01:19:41,600 --> 01:19:43,890 capabilities that our competitors are 1817 01:19:43,890 --> 01:19:47,650 pursuing . Uh and I see it we need to 1818 01:19:47,650 --> 01:19:50,290 pursue both offensive capability in the 1819 01:19:50,290 --> 01:19:52,710 form of hyper sonics and defensive 1820 01:19:52,710 --> 01:19:55,920 capabilities . Thank you , Admiral . I 1821 01:19:55,920 --> 01:19:58,090 appreciate your answers and look 1822 01:19:58,090 --> 01:20:00,423 forward to voting for your confirmation . 1823 01:20:00,610 --> 01:20:02,721 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Thank you . 1824 01:20:02,721 --> 01:20:04,943 Senator King . Senator Ernst , please . 1825 01:20:04,943 --> 01:20:06,888 Thank you , Mr Chair and Admiral , 1826 01:20:06,888 --> 01:20:08,832 thank you very much for being here 1827 01:20:08,832 --> 01:20:10,721 today and for your willingness to 1828 01:20:10,721 --> 01:20:12,888 continue to serve our great country to 1829 01:20:12,888 --> 01:20:14,999 your wife as well . Laura . Welcome . 1830 01:20:14,999 --> 01:20:14,980 Um it is good to have you here , 1831 01:20:14,980 --> 01:20:17,440 Jessica as well . And to your fleet , 1832 01:20:17,440 --> 01:20:19,773 Master Chief , You always need a battle , 1833 01:20:19,773 --> 01:20:21,996 buddy , when you come to Capitol Hill , 1834 01:20:21,996 --> 01:20:24,051 So thank you all for what you do for 1835 01:20:24,051 --> 01:20:26,107 the men and women that served within 1836 01:20:26,107 --> 01:20:28,107 your fleet and , uh , to those that 1837 01:20:28,107 --> 01:20:30,384 will be serving upon confirmation , uh , 1838 01:20:30,384 --> 01:20:32,720 in the Indo Pacific Command as well . 1839 01:20:32,730 --> 01:20:34,990 So we have talked a number of issues 1840 01:20:34,990 --> 01:20:36,840 today , and my colleagues have 1841 01:20:36,840 --> 01:20:38,896 highlighted a lot of issues . All of 1842 01:20:38,896 --> 01:20:41,190 these are nesting together . Um , quite 1843 01:20:41,190 --> 01:20:43,301 well , I'm gonna dive in a little bit 1844 01:20:43,301 --> 01:20:46,640 more just a bit on China . But last 1845 01:20:46,640 --> 01:20:48,751 week we did discuss some of the major 1846 01:20:48,751 --> 01:20:50,973 influencers in the region , of course , 1847 01:20:50,973 --> 01:20:52,920 China . But then we also see the 1848 01:20:52,920 --> 01:20:55,830 Russian influence . We see the Iranian 1849 01:20:55,830 --> 01:20:59,600 influence and North Korea as well . 1850 01:20:59,610 --> 01:21:03,520 Um , So what are your thoughts on the 1851 01:21:03,530 --> 01:21:06,670 Iranian influence ? First , Within Indo 1852 01:21:06,670 --> 01:21:08,530 Pak com , we're seeing them work 1853 01:21:08,530 --> 01:21:11,500 alongside North Korea in logistical 1854 01:21:11,500 --> 01:21:14,530 areas such as munitions . Um , is this 1855 01:21:14,530 --> 01:21:16,880 alarming to you ? And what other 1856 01:21:16,880 --> 01:21:19,970 threats or concerns might you have with 1857 01:21:19,980 --> 01:21:22,370 the Iranians engaging in the Indo Pak 1858 01:21:22,370 --> 01:21:25,690 com kor . Thanks , Senator . 1859 01:21:25,700 --> 01:21:28,010 Uh , certainly contributions in the 1860 01:21:28,010 --> 01:21:31,970 form of , uh , energy support 1861 01:21:31,980 --> 01:21:35,070 that exceed the UN Security Council 1862 01:21:35,070 --> 01:21:38,040 resolutions is concerning , uh , 1863 01:21:38,410 --> 01:21:42,290 again providing capability that 1864 01:21:42,300 --> 01:21:44,680 that we would be concerned about in the 1865 01:21:44,680 --> 01:21:46,791 form of technology transfer , whether 1866 01:21:46,791 --> 01:21:48,791 it be missile missile . Excuse me ? 1867 01:21:48,791 --> 01:21:50,513 Missile technologies , nuclear 1868 01:21:50,513 --> 01:21:53,080 capabilities , all those would 1869 01:21:53,080 --> 01:21:55,730 negatively impact the region and impact 1870 01:21:55,730 --> 01:21:57,952 negatively impact all of the allies and 1871 01:21:57,952 --> 01:21:59,674 partners . So it is definitely 1872 01:21:59,674 --> 01:22:01,786 something that we need to keep an eye 1873 01:22:01,786 --> 01:22:04,063 on . Correct . Yes , ma'am . Thank you , 1874 01:22:04,063 --> 01:22:06,530 Admiral . And as well we've we have 1875 01:22:06,530 --> 01:22:09,400 talked about China and why it's 1876 01:22:09,400 --> 01:22:11,500 important , then that we have 1877 01:22:11,500 --> 01:22:14,650 interoperability capabilities with our 1878 01:22:14,650 --> 01:22:17,980 regional partners and our allies . Um , 1879 01:22:17,980 --> 01:22:19,924 some of the things we've mentioned 1880 01:22:19,924 --> 01:22:21,869 today uh , Senator Kane brought up 1881 01:22:21,869 --> 01:22:23,924 missile defense . Others have talked 1882 01:22:23,924 --> 01:22:25,970 about humanitarian assistance . Are 1883 01:22:25,970 --> 01:22:28,580 there other capabilities , whether it 1884 01:22:28,580 --> 01:22:31,550 is hard infrastructure or 1885 01:22:31,560 --> 01:22:34,440 munitions , things of that nature or 1886 01:22:34,440 --> 01:22:36,550 other soft capabilities that we can 1887 01:22:36,550 --> 01:22:39,220 work on as well with our partners that 1888 01:22:39,220 --> 01:22:42,090 would enhance our partnership in that 1889 01:22:42,090 --> 01:22:45,400 region . Yes , and , uh , and again , 1890 01:22:45,400 --> 01:22:47,178 the capabilities are across the 1891 01:22:47,178 --> 01:22:49,289 spectrum . It's critical that we have 1892 01:22:49,289 --> 01:22:51,456 allies and partners to support whether 1893 01:22:51,456 --> 01:22:53,733 it be logistics , whether it be access , 1894 01:22:53,733 --> 01:22:56,380 whether it be combined interoperability 1895 01:22:56,380 --> 01:23:00,350 in the form of operations . Uh , every 1896 01:23:00,350 --> 01:23:02,350 aspect of it is important . I don't 1897 01:23:02,350 --> 01:23:04,406 think there's one piece that you can 1898 01:23:04,406 --> 01:23:06,830 leave out and be effective , uh , and 1899 01:23:06,830 --> 01:23:08,774 be able to generate the deterrence 1900 01:23:08,774 --> 01:23:11,180 needed . One of the , uh , one of the 1901 01:23:11,180 --> 01:23:14,110 soft capabilities that China does tend 1902 01:23:14,110 --> 01:23:16,880 to offer or benefits that China offers 1903 01:23:16,880 --> 01:23:19,380 to a number of those countries in that 1904 01:23:19,380 --> 01:23:22,630 region is training capabilities . Um , 1905 01:23:22,630 --> 01:23:24,920 they offered that assistance to many of 1906 01:23:24,930 --> 01:23:27,680 our partners . Can you stress to us how 1907 01:23:27,680 --> 01:23:31,390 important that I met Program is Yes . 1908 01:23:31,390 --> 01:23:33,300 And again , it's one of those 1909 01:23:33,310 --> 01:23:36,670 additional areas beyond operations and 1910 01:23:36,670 --> 01:23:39,260 exercises that allow us to connect and 1911 01:23:39,260 --> 01:23:41,630 get to that access , training and 1912 01:23:41,630 --> 01:23:44,230 improvement of our allies and partners . 1913 01:23:44,600 --> 01:23:48,140 Uh , General , uh , supports all of the 1914 01:23:48,140 --> 01:23:51,190 components currently and in many cases , 1915 01:23:51,200 --> 01:23:54,270 he's the lead effort as it applies to 1916 01:23:54,270 --> 01:23:56,492 being able to get access and get in and 1917 01:23:56,492 --> 01:23:58,714 train our allies and partners . So it's 1918 01:23:58,714 --> 01:24:00,770 extremely important . Uh , we got to 1919 01:24:00,770 --> 01:24:02,770 continue . I met and if confirmed , 1920 01:24:02,770 --> 01:24:04,937 I'll continue to stress that fantastic 1921 01:24:04,937 --> 01:24:06,603 and as part of those training 1922 01:24:06,603 --> 01:24:08,714 opportunities as well and other types 1923 01:24:08,714 --> 01:24:11,320 of capabilities , um , often operating 1924 01:24:11,320 --> 01:24:13,920 in the Gray Zone are special operations 1925 01:24:13,920 --> 01:24:17,210 forces . And can you describe what role 1926 01:24:17,210 --> 01:24:20,240 you would see our soft playing in the 1927 01:24:20,240 --> 01:24:23,010 Indo Pak calm command area of authority 1928 01:24:23,090 --> 01:24:26,370 and what role that they might have in 1929 01:24:26,370 --> 01:24:29,860 pushing back against China The center 1930 01:24:29,860 --> 01:24:31,860 of the soft team plays an important 1931 01:24:31,860 --> 01:24:33,971 role across all aspects in the entire 1932 01:24:33,971 --> 01:24:36,920 spectrum . Uh , currently , uh , 1933 01:24:37,590 --> 01:24:39,790 their leading role in the information 1934 01:24:39,790 --> 01:24:42,690 space as a part of joint task force 1935 01:24:42,700 --> 01:24:44,700 Indo Pacific , currently located in 1936 01:24:44,700 --> 01:24:47,520 Singapore . So , while they touch every 1937 01:24:47,520 --> 01:24:50,250 aspect of the spectrum , their leading 1938 01:24:50,250 --> 01:24:52,510 role in a couple of different places 1939 01:24:52,990 --> 01:24:55,410 Thank you . My time is expiring , so I 1940 01:24:55,410 --> 01:24:57,299 will stop there . But , Admiral , 1941 01:24:57,299 --> 01:24:59,354 thanks once again for stepping up to 1942 01:24:59,354 --> 01:25:01,577 this nomination . And I look forward to 1943 01:25:01,577 --> 01:25:03,743 confirming you . Thank you very much , 1944 01:25:03,743 --> 01:25:05,966 Mr Chair . Thank you , Senator . Aren't 1945 01:25:05,966 --> 01:25:07,910 let me recognize Via WebEx Senator 1946 01:25:07,910 --> 01:25:10,660 Warren . Thank you , Mr Chairman and 1947 01:25:10,670 --> 01:25:13,340 Admiral Admiral Aquilino , Thank you 1948 01:25:13,340 --> 01:25:15,507 for being here today . Congratulations 1949 01:25:15,507 --> 01:25:17,790 on your nomination . So the Indo 1950 01:25:17,790 --> 01:25:19,780 Pacific represents the most 1951 01:25:19,780 --> 01:25:22,140 consequential and challenging region of 1952 01:25:22,140 --> 01:25:24,950 the world for the United States and our 1953 01:25:24,950 --> 01:25:28,250 national security . And as commander of 1954 01:25:28,250 --> 01:25:30,630 U . S Indo Pacific Command , you will 1955 01:25:30,630 --> 01:25:32,760 be responsible for overseeing U . S 1956 01:25:32,760 --> 01:25:35,270 forces in the region . One of your top 1957 01:25:35,270 --> 01:25:37,214 priorities will be contending with 1958 01:25:37,214 --> 01:25:39,270 China and its growing influence both 1959 01:25:39,270 --> 01:25:42,480 regionally and globally . Earlier this 1960 01:25:42,480 --> 01:25:44,647 month , Admiral Phillip Davidson , the 1961 01:25:44,647 --> 01:25:46,810 current commander of Indo Pak um , 1962 01:25:47,190 --> 01:25:49,590 testified that the greatest danger to 1963 01:25:49,590 --> 01:25:51,610 the United States is the erosion of 1964 01:25:51,610 --> 01:25:54,570 conventional deterrence against China . 1965 01:25:54,570 --> 01:25:56,660 He warned that without credible 1966 01:25:56,670 --> 01:25:59,420 conventional deterrence , China may be 1967 01:25:59,420 --> 01:26:01,770 emboldened to take action and supplant 1968 01:26:01,770 --> 01:26:04,400 US interests in the region . Do you 1969 01:26:04,400 --> 01:26:06,640 agree with Admiral Davidson that the 1970 01:26:06,640 --> 01:26:09,530 erosion of conventional deterrence is 1971 01:26:09,530 --> 01:26:11,419 the greatest danger to the United 1972 01:26:11,419 --> 01:26:14,590 States in the region ? Yes , Senator 1973 01:26:15,480 --> 01:26:18,200 So Admiral Davidson also warned that 1974 01:26:18,200 --> 01:26:20,390 China was on course to double their 1975 01:26:20,390 --> 01:26:23,410 nuclear stockpile this decade , and he 1976 01:26:23,410 --> 01:26:25,710 agreed with the claim by one of my 1977 01:26:25,720 --> 01:26:28,740 colleagues that if China quadrupled 1978 01:26:28,740 --> 01:26:31,010 their nuclear stockpile , they could 1979 01:26:31,010 --> 01:26:34,660 quote have nuclear over match against 1980 01:26:34,660 --> 01:26:37,130 the United States , but I want to look 1981 01:26:37,130 --> 01:26:39,680 into the numbers on this . Last year's 1982 01:26:39,680 --> 01:26:43,380 report on China's military power shows 1983 01:26:43,380 --> 01:26:45,450 that their stockpile of operational 1984 01:26:45,450 --> 01:26:48,890 nuclear warheads is only in the low to 1985 01:26:48,890 --> 01:26:51,280 hundreds , far fewer than the 1986 01:26:51,280 --> 01:26:54,960 approximately 3800 in the United 1987 01:26:54,960 --> 01:26:58,040 States . Active stockpile . So , 1988 01:26:58,050 --> 01:27:00,530 Admiral , are you aware of any evidence 1989 01:27:00,530 --> 01:27:03,410 that suggests that China intends to 1990 01:27:03,410 --> 01:27:06,480 quadruple its nuclear stockpile in this 1991 01:27:06,480 --> 01:27:07,210 decade ? 1992 01:27:09,680 --> 01:27:13,500 Senator the I think what I would say is 1993 01:27:13,880 --> 01:27:16,270 there are many opinions on what those 1994 01:27:16,280 --> 01:27:18,391 numbers are . I think the numbers you 1995 01:27:18,391 --> 01:27:20,336 quoted are accurate with regard to 1996 01:27:20,336 --> 01:27:22,830 today . What I would say is we see 1997 01:27:22,830 --> 01:27:26,180 China increasing at a 1998 01:27:26,180 --> 01:27:29,200 rate that is faster than anyone 1999 01:27:29,200 --> 01:27:31,370 previously believed their nuclear 2000 01:27:31,370 --> 01:27:34,310 stockpile . So while I can't 2001 01:27:34,680 --> 01:27:37,300 directly at this point understand their 2002 01:27:37,300 --> 01:27:39,760 intent or what their end target is , 2003 01:27:40,280 --> 01:27:43,620 they are increasing . If you were to 2004 01:27:43,620 --> 01:27:45,676 look at what they've done with their 2005 01:27:45,676 --> 01:27:48,240 conventional force , I would see no 2006 01:27:48,240 --> 01:27:50,510 reason why I would expect anything 2007 01:27:50,510 --> 01:27:52,930 other than to have them continue to 2008 01:27:52,930 --> 01:27:56,360 increase their nuclear capabilities and 2009 01:27:56,360 --> 01:27:59,520 aspirations . So let me just ask that 2010 01:27:59,520 --> 01:28:01,687 then , maybe from a different point of 2011 01:28:01,687 --> 01:28:03,964 view , I understand what you're saying , 2012 01:28:03,964 --> 01:28:06,131 and I appreciate it . But even if they 2013 01:28:06,131 --> 01:28:09,270 did quadruple their stockpile , China 2014 01:28:09,270 --> 01:28:11,410 would still have fewer warheads than 2015 01:28:11,410 --> 01:28:13,577 the U . S . Is currently deployed . Is 2016 01:28:13,577 --> 01:28:17,440 that right ? If it were to 2017 01:28:17,440 --> 01:28:19,400 quadruple today , that would be 2018 01:28:19,400 --> 01:28:21,770 accurate . Yes , ma'am . Okay . So from 2019 01:28:21,770 --> 01:28:24,450 your perspective , as the commander of 2020 01:28:24,450 --> 01:28:27,260 Pacific Fleet and the incoming Indo Pak 2021 01:28:27,260 --> 01:28:30,630 Com commander , would you agree that 2022 01:28:30,640 --> 01:28:34,080 credible conventional deterrence are 2023 01:28:34,080 --> 01:28:36,560 still the best way of protecting US 2024 01:28:36,570 --> 01:28:39,170 interests in the end of Pacific region 2025 01:28:39,170 --> 01:28:41,226 and avoiding a conflict with China ? 2026 01:28:42,670 --> 01:28:45,030 Yes , Senator , that conventional 2027 01:28:45,030 --> 01:28:49,030 deterrence to avoid , uh , crisis 2028 01:28:49,030 --> 01:28:52,900 or conflict is certainly the main 2029 01:28:52,910 --> 01:28:55,290 effort , as I would see it if confirmed . 2030 01:28:55,870 --> 01:28:57,592 Okay . Thank you , Admiral . I 2031 01:28:57,592 --> 01:28:59,537 appreciate your comments on this . 2032 01:28:59,537 --> 01:29:01,092 China presents the greatest 2033 01:29:01,092 --> 01:29:03,148 geopolitical challenge to the United 2034 01:29:03,148 --> 01:29:05,370 States since the end of World War Two . 2035 01:29:05,370 --> 01:29:07,720 And it's critical that we face this 2036 01:29:07,720 --> 01:29:10,900 challenge with clear eyes and 2037 01:29:11,270 --> 01:29:13,830 distorting the threat to justify 2038 01:29:13,830 --> 01:29:16,790 building more nuclear weapons at home 2039 01:29:16,800 --> 01:29:20,260 is not a recipe for success here . So I 2040 01:29:20,260 --> 01:29:22,800 look forward to your confirmation and I 2041 01:29:22,800 --> 01:29:25,190 look forward to working with you to 2042 01:29:25,190 --> 01:29:27,360 advance areas of shared interests . 2043 01:29:27,360 --> 01:29:29,360 Thank you very much . Thank you for 2044 01:29:29,360 --> 01:29:31,416 being with us today . Thank you . Mr 2045 01:29:31,416 --> 01:29:31,070 Chairman .