WEBVTT 00:01.490 --> 00:05.496 - I wanna thank all of the witnesses for joining us today, 00:05.496 --> 00:08.088 thank you for the members joining us 00:08.088 --> 00:09.833 for an early morning start. 00:09.833 --> 00:11.606 So, today the subcommittee convenes 00:11.606 --> 00:14.941 to receive testimony on the fiscal year 2018 00:14.941 --> 00:17.401 Air Force budget request regarding bomber, 00:17.401 --> 00:21.053 tanker, and airlift acquisition programs. 00:21.053 --> 00:22.862 The distinguished panel of Air Force leaders 00:22.862 --> 00:24.992 testifying before us today are: 00:24.992 --> 00:27.228 Lieutenant General Arnold W. Bunch, Junior, 00:27.228 --> 00:28.989 United States Air Force Military Deputy, 00:28.989 --> 00:30.811 Office of the Assistant Secretary 00:30.811 --> 00:33.070 of the Air Force for Acquisition; 00:33.070 --> 00:35.219 Lieutenant General Jerry D. Harris, 00:35.219 --> 00:37.404 United States Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff 00:37.404 --> 00:39.502 for Strategic Plans and Requirements; 00:39.502 --> 00:42.143 and Major General Scott A. Vander Hamm, 00:42.143 --> 00:43.885 United States Air Force Assistant 00:43.885 --> 00:46.968 Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. 00:47.090 --> 00:50.092 Gentlemen, thank you for being with us today. 00:50.092 --> 00:52.559 The fiscal year 2018 budget request for 00:52.559 --> 00:54.904 projection forces continues to modernize 00:54.904 --> 00:59.018 and recapitalize critical Air Force weapon systems. 00:59.018 --> 01:01.187 I am pleased to see significantly increased 01:01.187 --> 01:05.110 investment in the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber, 01:05.110 --> 01:09.277 and steady investment in procuring KC-46A tankers. 01:09.560 --> 01:12.320 The budget also continues to take solid steps 01:12.320 --> 01:15.232 to modernize the legacy Guard and Reserve 01:15.232 --> 01:19.065 C-130H tactical airlift fleet and recapitalize 01:20.487 --> 01:23.982 the high-visibility Presidential Aircraft. 01:23.982 --> 01:26.022 That said, I continue to be concerned about 01:26.022 --> 01:28.847 the ability of our military to properly provide 01:28.847 --> 01:31.747 for our nation's defense given the damage that 01:31.747 --> 01:34.838 sequestration may have on our fiscal year 01:34.838 --> 01:37.171 2018 budget deliberations. 01:37.334 --> 01:41.501 Throughout the past year in testimony to Congress, 01:43.212 --> 01:45.600 Air Force senior leadership indicated 01:45.600 --> 01:48.144 "the Air Force is one of the busiest, smallest, 01:48.144 --> 01:52.061 "oldest and least ready fleets in our history." 01:52.281 --> 01:54.563 It is my firm conviction, in light of 01:54.563 --> 01:56.978 the higher-end threats posed by China, 01:56.978 --> 01:59.478 Russia, Iran, and North Korea, 01:59.490 --> 02:01.980 that we provide the Air Force the resources 02:01.980 --> 02:06.147 it needs to fully support, and if possible accelerate, 02:06.419 --> 02:09.040 critical recapitalization programs. 02:09.040 --> 02:12.031 With regard to bombers, I fully support the 02:12.031 --> 02:14.423 critical B-21 bomber program, 02:14.423 --> 02:16.344 and am pleased to see that we are 02:16.344 --> 02:18.595 moving forward on this new platform, 02:18.595 --> 02:20.777 which is needed for projecting power 02:20.777 --> 02:24.715 over long distances and into denied environments. 02:24.715 --> 02:27.307 I look forward to assessing in better detail 02:27.307 --> 02:29.752 the classified portion of the B-21 program 02:29.752 --> 02:33.252 to ensure progress on design and to assess 02:33.884 --> 02:36.619 proposed risk mitigation strategies. 02:36.619 --> 02:39.691 With regard to tankers, I am concerned that 02:39.691 --> 02:43.524 the KC-46A program continues to suffer delays 02:43.790 --> 02:46.629 even after overcoming initial setbacks 02:46.629 --> 02:49.472 and is now facing a highly compressed 02:49.472 --> 02:51.800 test and certification schedule 02:51.800 --> 02:54.383 that has little room for error. 02:55.398 --> 02:56.724 I look forward to hearing your thoughts 02:56.724 --> 02:58.408 on this program and whether or not 02:58.408 --> 03:02.325 the first 18 aircraft will be delivered in time 03:02.798 --> 03:06.965 to meet the adjusted October 2018 contract deadline. 03:07.320 --> 03:10.426 With regard to recapitalizing the Presidential Aircraft, 03:10.426 --> 03:13.493 I want to ensure that the President has the capability 03:13.493 --> 03:15.892 to carry out the requirements of the office 03:15.892 --> 03:18.747 and that the American people whose taxes 03:18.747 --> 03:21.216 fund these aircraft do not have to 03:21.216 --> 03:23.966 pay one dime more than necessary. 03:24.588 --> 03:26.914 Lastly, I am concerned that this budget 03:26.914 --> 03:30.247 fails to provide the necessary resources 03:30.375 --> 03:33.303 to procure needed avionics upgrades. 03:33.303 --> 03:37.299 These upgrades will ensure that the entire fleet of tankers, 03:37.299 --> 03:41.466 air lifters, and bombers are able to operate safely 03:41.751 --> 03:45.139 in compliance with the FAA mandated NEXT GEN 03:45.139 --> 03:49.306 air traffic management standards by January 1, 2020. 03:50.070 --> 03:51.968 The civilian aviation sector is 03:51.968 --> 03:54.030 rapidly moving toward compliance, 03:54.030 --> 03:57.121 and I am concerned that our military aircraft 03:57.121 --> 03:58.983 could be shut out of the air space 03:58.983 --> 04:01.699 they need for transit and training. 04:01.699 --> 04:03.471 While I am pleased that the Air Force's 04:03.471 --> 04:05.626 fiscal year 2018 budget request 04:05.626 --> 04:08.319 makes up some lost ground over last year, 04:08.319 --> 04:11.138 I am concerned that the proposed budget 04:11.138 --> 04:14.444 directs the Air Force to make false choices 04:14.444 --> 04:17.861 between capability, capacity, and safety, 04:18.292 --> 04:20.650 when the undeniable reality is that 04:20.650 --> 04:23.400 our military needs all the above. 04:23.578 --> 04:26.184 I firmly believe that what this subcommittee 04:26.184 --> 04:28.478 and the rest of Congress does about national 04:28.478 --> 04:32.645 defense and military readiness will be a defining issue. 04:34.758 --> 04:37.366 We need a strong Air Force equipped with 04:37.366 --> 04:39.254 the most capable aircraft that 04:39.254 --> 04:41.011 enable our men and women to carry out 04:41.011 --> 04:44.178 their missions effectively and safely. 04:44.454 --> 04:48.577 To do this, we need leadership in national security. 04:48.577 --> 04:52.116 We need an unambiguous declaration that our 04:52.116 --> 04:56.283 national security is our preeminent responsibility. 04:56.474 --> 04:58.454 Once again, I want to thank our witnesses 04:58.454 --> 05:00.780 for participating in our hearing this afternoon, 05:00.780 --> 05:04.295 and I look forward to discussing these important topics. 05:04.295 --> 05:07.173 Obviously, my clock is different than yours. 05:07.173 --> 05:08.973 The hearing is this morning. 05:08.973 --> 05:11.451 With that, I turn to my good friend and colleague, 05:11.451 --> 05:14.050 and ranking member of the subcommittee, Joe Courtney. 05:14.050 --> 05:15.123 - Thank you, Mister Chairman, 05:15.123 --> 05:16.381 and thank you for holding this hearing 05:16.381 --> 05:18.694 on the 2018 Air Force Budget Request 05:18.694 --> 05:22.193 for the projection forces programs within our jurisdiction. 05:22.193 --> 05:24.039 And thank you to all the witnesses, 05:24.039 --> 05:26.372 again, for being here today. 05:26.556 --> 05:28.347 The tankers, bombers, and airlift programs 05:28.347 --> 05:30.169 that fall under the Projections Forces side 05:30.169 --> 05:31.065 of our panel's oversight, 05:31.065 --> 05:32.862 serve as the backbone of our nation's ability 05:32.862 --> 05:34.292 to bring and sustain the power that 05:34.292 --> 05:36.999 preserves our nation's interest around the world. 05:36.999 --> 05:38.644 As we know all too well, however, 05:38.644 --> 05:42.811 these important aircraft share the common enemy of age. 05:42.859 --> 05:44.443 The tankers and bombers in service today 05:44.443 --> 05:46.776 are largely legacy aircraft. 05:46.963 --> 05:48.317 These aircraft in most cases are 05:48.317 --> 05:49.499 much older than the airmen and women 05:49.499 --> 05:51.380 who fly and service them. 05:51.380 --> 05:52.866 That is why it'll be critical that 05:52.866 --> 05:54.740 we ensure that the 2018 budget properly 05:54.740 --> 05:58.007 invests in the refueling, mobility, maritime patrol, 05:58.007 --> 06:01.169 and long range strike programs under our purview. 06:01.169 --> 06:03.270 Among other things, the budget continues to reflect 06:03.270 --> 06:04.996 the high strategic priority placed 06:04.996 --> 06:07.243 on two critical recapitalization programs, 06:07.243 --> 06:09.326 the KC-6A Pegasus tanker, 06:09.792 --> 06:12.474 and the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber. 06:12.474 --> 06:13.930 Both of these programs are vital 06:13.930 --> 06:15.235 to ensuring that our nation can 06:15.235 --> 06:16.613 continue to support operations 06:16.613 --> 06:19.131 around the world and respond when needed. 06:19.131 --> 06:20.948 Another continued area of concern for me 06:20.948 --> 06:22.761 and the subcommittee is the modernization 06:22.761 --> 06:24.428 of our C-130H fleet. 06:24.678 --> 06:26.754 Back home, in Connecticut, the Flying Yankees 06:26.754 --> 06:28.137 of the 103rd Airlift Wing 06:28.137 --> 06:30.313 have largely completed their transition 06:30.313 --> 06:32.730 to the new C-130H flying mission. 06:32.730 --> 06:34.139 Half of their aircraft recently 06:34.139 --> 06:36.550 deployed overseas on their first combat mission 06:36.550 --> 06:38.327 which was a capstone the years of effort 06:38.327 --> 06:42.157 to stand the unit up, stemming from the 2005 BRAC. 06:42.157 --> 06:44.684 As we all well know, the C-130H fleet 06:44.684 --> 06:46.995 is an aging one, in need of modernization. 06:46.995 --> 06:49.793 This panel lead the efforts in the 2015 NDAA 06:49.793 --> 06:52.465 to unlock the Avionics Modernization Program 06:52.465 --> 06:53.990 needed to upgrade these aircraft 06:53.990 --> 06:55.318 with the assistance, again, of some of 06:55.318 --> 06:56.937 the witnesses here this morning 06:56.937 --> 07:00.450 to meet international airspace restrictions by 2020. 07:00.450 --> 07:02.166 A second phase of the program is focused 07:02.166 --> 07:05.069 on additional cockpit and technology upgrades. 07:05.069 --> 07:06.278 We have heard testimony about 07:06.278 --> 07:08.217 progress made on both of these increments 07:08.217 --> 07:10.075 of the avionics modernization program 07:10.075 --> 07:11.459 and would appreciate any updates 07:11.459 --> 07:15.292 on how the 2018 budget supports these efforts. 07:15.667 --> 07:17.822 Along these lines, Congress has invested 07:17.822 --> 07:19.386 substantial resources into other 07:19.386 --> 07:22.053 C-130H modernization initiatives 07:22.116 --> 07:24.438 such as upgraded engines and propellers. 07:24.438 --> 07:25.904 It is my understanding that funding 07:25.904 --> 07:29.642 provided in 2016 and 2017 is currently on hold 07:29.642 --> 07:31.733 pending the results of operational testing 07:31.733 --> 07:33.435 being conducted right now. 07:33.435 --> 07:35.408 Given the strong interest that we have in ensuring 07:35.408 --> 07:38.404 that the C-130H remains relevant into the future, 07:38.404 --> 07:39.671 I would appreciate an update 07:39.671 --> 07:41.782 on this testing in the way ahead. 07:41.782 --> 07:43.071 Finally, over the last year, 07:43.071 --> 07:45.560 Congress has made meaningful and bipartisan progress 07:45.560 --> 07:47.558 in limiting the impact of sequestration 07:47.558 --> 07:49.889 and Budget Control Act, while mitigating 07:49.889 --> 07:52.768 the across the board cuts in 2016 and 2017 07:52.768 --> 07:54.945 with a two year budget deal was important, 07:54.945 --> 07:56.490 the fact remains that our Air Force, 07:56.490 --> 07:58.511 like the military at large, remains handcuffed 07:58.511 --> 08:01.428 by sequestration in 2018 and beyond 08:01.713 --> 08:04.185 because of that two year deal, obviously, is expired. 08:04.185 --> 08:06.618 World events will continue to further 08:06.618 --> 08:08.465 demonstrate just how important it is 08:08.465 --> 08:10.418 for all of us on this committee 08:10.418 --> 08:12.097 and colleagues on both sides of our isle 08:12.097 --> 08:14.038 to come together to make the compromises needed 08:14.038 --> 08:15.700 to protect our security and support 08:15.700 --> 08:16.743 the needs of our nation. 08:16.743 --> 08:18.646 I look forward to hearing from our witnesses 08:18.646 --> 08:20.285 and our colleagues on the subcommittee, 08:20.285 --> 08:22.285 Mister Chairman, and I yield back. 08:22.285 --> 08:23.636 - Thank you, Mister Courtney. 08:23.636 --> 08:26.172 Major General Vander Hamm, Lieutenant General Bunch, 08:26.172 --> 08:27.725 Lieutenant General Harris, I understand that 08:27.725 --> 08:31.133 you all are gonna be providing a single combined statement. 08:31.133 --> 08:33.022 So, I will turn it over to you 08:33.022 --> 08:35.939 for presentation of that statement. 08:36.636 --> 08:38.745 - Thank you, Chairman Wittman, ranking member Courtney, 08:38.745 --> 08:39.855 and other distinguished members 08:39.855 --> 08:41.244 of the subcommittee for the opportunity 08:41.244 --> 08:42.686 to appear before you today. 08:42.686 --> 08:44.845 We appreciate your service and the support 08:44.845 --> 08:47.617 this subcommittee provides the United States Air Force, 08:47.617 --> 08:49.777 our airmen, and their families. 08:49.777 --> 08:51.443 You've already introduced who we're at here. 08:51.443 --> 08:53.553 My colleagues and I previous to this 08:53.553 --> 08:56.627 jointly prepared and submitted a written statement, 08:56.627 --> 08:59.339 and I ask that that be entered into the record, sir. 08:59.339 --> 09:00.172 - [Mr. Wittman] So moved. 09:00.172 --> 09:01.809 - We will not go through that statement, 09:01.809 --> 09:03.204 however, I will provide the brief 09:03.204 --> 09:05.562 opening remarks on behalf of the group. 09:05.562 --> 09:07.598 For the past 70 years from the evolution 09:07.598 --> 09:09.368 of the jet aircraft from the advent of the 09:09.368 --> 09:12.496 ICBM satellite guided bombs, remotely piloted aircraft 09:12.496 --> 09:14.732 and many other accomplishments, 09:14.732 --> 09:16.603 your Air Force has been breaking barriers 09:16.603 --> 09:18.058 as a member of the finest joint 09:18.058 --> 09:20.343 or fighting team on the planet. 09:20.343 --> 09:22.330 For the last 27 of those 70 years 09:22.330 --> 09:24.705 we have been in continuous combat. 09:24.705 --> 09:25.995 During this period we employed 09:25.995 --> 09:28.028 air power in ways never envisioned 09:28.028 --> 09:29.810 and delivered unparalleled support 09:29.810 --> 09:31.964 to combatant commanders, sister services, 09:31.964 --> 09:34.135 allies, and coalition partners. 09:34.135 --> 09:35.478 While providing this unmatched 09:35.478 --> 09:38.704 operational capability, budget realities have taken a toll 09:38.704 --> 09:42.192 on our ability to provide for the future joint force. 09:42.192 --> 09:44.435 These many years of combat have taught us much, 09:44.435 --> 09:47.125 most importantly that the demand for airpower 09:47.125 --> 09:50.421 has grown in every mission, in every domain, 09:50.421 --> 09:52.254 and in every location. 09:52.371 --> 09:54.969 The world has watched your Air Force operate, 09:54.969 --> 09:57.136 and the world has adapted. 09:57.362 --> 09:58.767 Our adversaries have adapted their 09:58.767 --> 10:00.668 capabilities to strike at areas 10:00.668 --> 10:02.755 we depend on to execute our missions, 10:02.755 --> 10:04.633 adapted their defenses to reduce 10:04.633 --> 10:07.045 our ability to employ our forces, 10:07.045 --> 10:10.150 and adopted many of our tactics and techniques, 10:10.150 --> 10:13.911 all of which reduce our ability to employ forces. 10:13.911 --> 10:17.453 Today, we face a world of ever improving adversaries, 10:17.453 --> 10:19.650 increasing threats, and a persistent war 10:19.650 --> 10:21.565 against violent extremism. 10:21.565 --> 10:23.948 This changing environment of increasing demands 10:23.948 --> 10:26.233 and commitments, along with a limited pool 10:26.233 --> 10:28.571 of resources to address issues, 10:28.571 --> 10:31.938 and the threat of budget control act and sequestration 10:31.938 --> 10:33.392 makes our mission of providing 10:33.392 --> 10:35.463 unmatched global vigilance, global reach, 10:35.463 --> 10:38.240 and global power every more challenging. 10:38.240 --> 10:39.702 The result of these changes is 10:39.702 --> 10:41.378 a marked decrease in our technological 10:41.378 --> 10:44.063 advantage on the battlefield, where I once, 10:44.063 --> 10:46.212 as a research laboratory commander, would have said 10:46.212 --> 10:48.893 we had a decided advantage across all fronts, 10:48.893 --> 10:51.810 today if asked, I will refrain that 10:53.739 --> 10:56.342 we retain our lead in some technological areas, 10:56.342 --> 10:58.202 however, in other areas, potential adversaries 10:58.202 --> 10:59.385 are nipping at our heals or 10:59.385 --> 11:01.596 are shoulder to shoulder with us. 11:01.596 --> 11:03.618 To address the shrinking technology gap, 11:03.618 --> 11:05.706 we must continue to invest in S&T 11:05.706 --> 11:07.746 and modernize our forces to ensure 11:07.746 --> 11:11.792 our most valued treasure, America's sons and daughters, 11:11.792 --> 11:15.201 have a decisive advantage when we send them into harms way. 11:15.201 --> 11:18.284 We do not want to fight a fair fight. 11:18.316 --> 11:20.077 The FY18 Budget we submitted is 11:20.077 --> 11:21.571 the best balance of our readiness 11:21.571 --> 11:23.110 and modernization we could achieve 11:23.110 --> 11:26.443 within the physical constraints we face. 11:26.676 --> 11:28.714 We take this balanced approach seriously, 11:28.714 --> 11:30.529 as we must be ready for today while 11:30.529 --> 11:33.434 simultaneously preparing for tomorrows challenges. 11:33.434 --> 11:36.031 The budget request you receive continues 11:36.031 --> 11:37.808 our emphasis on recovering readiness, 11:37.808 --> 11:40.453 filling critical gaps, and improving lethality. 11:40.453 --> 11:42.366 The budget invests heavily in our airmen, 11:42.366 --> 11:44.120 our most valuable resource. 11:44.120 --> 11:46.093 Readiness, nuclear deterrents, 11:46.093 --> 11:48.615 operation space, and cyber capabilities, 11:48.615 --> 11:50.878 combat Air Forces, and infrastructure. 11:50.878 --> 11:53.283 It supports the end strength growth we need 11:53.283 --> 11:56.130 to start to address combatant commanders requirements, 11:56.130 --> 11:58.988 while also focusing on pilot production. 11:58.988 --> 12:00.876 We continue to maintain and modernize 12:00.876 --> 12:02.754 the nuclear enterprise while also 12:02.754 --> 12:05.458 prioritizing the resiliency, future capabilities, 12:05.458 --> 12:07.635 and modernization of space capabilities 12:07.635 --> 12:11.385 to operate in increasingly contested domains. 12:12.319 --> 12:13.772 The budget also supports research 12:13.772 --> 12:16.792 development and fielding of game changing technologies. 12:16.792 --> 12:19.003 As a department, we had to make tough choices 12:19.003 --> 12:20.417 in balancing capability, capacity, 12:20.417 --> 12:24.101 and readiness, while focusing on modernizing weapon systems. 12:24.101 --> 12:27.490 These decisions were not made easily or taken lightly, 12:27.490 --> 12:30.419 highlighting that unfulfilled requirements still remain. 12:30.419 --> 12:32.156 As you are aware, the budgetary needs 12:32.156 --> 12:33.954 of the Air Force exceed projected 12:33.954 --> 12:36.133 top line funding as demand for our Air Force 12:36.133 --> 12:39.966 capabilities currently far exceeds our supply. 12:40.158 --> 12:42.071 Uncertainty looms over the department 12:42.071 --> 12:43.874 as sequestration and Budget Control Act 12:43.874 --> 12:46.620 caps return with this next years budget. 12:46.620 --> 12:48.657 Budget stability remains vital, 12:48.657 --> 12:51.119 and relief of BCA limits is necessary 12:51.119 --> 12:54.367 for the Air Force to realize its longterm strategy 12:54.367 --> 12:57.227 and meet today's and tomorrow's demands. 12:57.227 --> 13:00.894 If the law does not change or we get relief, 13:02.331 --> 13:04.519 it would lead to a repeat of the negative 13:04.519 --> 13:07.911 consequences of sequestration seen in FY13. 13:07.911 --> 13:10.273 We request your engagement and assistance 13:10.273 --> 13:12.833 to ensure that we do not go down that path. 13:12.833 --> 13:14.533 General Harris, General Vander Hamm, 13:14.533 --> 13:16.412 and I look forward to answering questions 13:16.412 --> 13:17.897 from the committee this morning. 13:17.897 --> 13:19.443 Again, thank you for your continued 13:19.443 --> 13:22.688 support of the greatest Air Force on the planet. 13:22.688 --> 13:23.707 - Lieutenant General Bunch, 13:23.707 --> 13:25.208 thank you for your opening statement. 13:25.208 --> 13:27.211 And we'll now go to Mister Courtney. 13:27.211 --> 13:29.117 - Mister Chairmen, I'll yield to 13:29.117 --> 13:30.425 my members at my side who were 13:30.425 --> 13:32.552 earlier than I was at the hearing, 13:32.552 --> 13:34.124 so they deserve it. 13:34.124 --> 13:34.957 - [Mr. Wittman] No problem, 13:34.957 --> 13:37.957 then we will go to Mister Garamendi. 13:40.098 --> 13:42.294 (members chatting) 13:42.294 --> 13:44.252 (laughing) 13:44.252 --> 13:47.426 The gentleman yields to the lady from Guam, 13:47.426 --> 13:49.673 Miss Bordallo. (laughs) 13:49.673 --> 13:53.103 - I thank my colleague for beings such a gentleman. 13:53.103 --> 13:54.297 And thank you, Mister Chairman, 13:54.297 --> 13:56.592 and thank you to our witnesses 13:56.592 --> 13:58.008 for being here today. 13:58.008 --> 13:59.727 As you know, I am a strong supporter 13:59.727 --> 14:01.873 of modernizing our bomber force, 14:01.873 --> 14:04.086 which is a key component to both deterrents 14:04.086 --> 14:06.318 and engaging in current conflicts. 14:06.318 --> 14:08.258 And I am committed to ensuring that 14:08.258 --> 14:10.306 funding for the new long range strike, 14:10.306 --> 14:12.889 the B-21 Raider, stays on track 14:13.089 --> 14:15.277 and that we continue to make critical investments 14:15.277 --> 14:18.277 in our high demand low volume fleet. 14:18.433 --> 14:20.726 Long Range Strike is a key component 14:20.726 --> 14:23.854 of national strategy, and B-21 will ensure 14:23.854 --> 14:27.104 that capability is present in the future. 14:27.104 --> 14:29.922 Last Sunday, gentlemen, we saw North Korea 14:29.922 --> 14:32.607 launch its second missile test in a week. 14:32.607 --> 14:34.918 It is clear that our deterrent capabilities 14:34.918 --> 14:37.291 are as important as ever as we continue 14:37.291 --> 14:40.558 to see threats proliferate across the globe. 14:40.558 --> 14:42.458 We also saw the importance of that 14:42.458 --> 14:44.581 deterrent capability last year 14:44.581 --> 14:46.537 when all three bomber variants 14:46.537 --> 14:50.186 were deployed to Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, 14:50.186 --> 14:51.862 the first time they had been 14:51.862 --> 14:54.612 deployed together in the Pacific. 14:54.791 --> 14:58.050 I have a question for General Vander Hamm. 14:58.050 --> 15:01.467 As best you can in a unclassified setting 15:01.765 --> 15:04.892 could you comment on how a system like the B-21 15:04.892 --> 15:07.924 will improve the deterrent posture of our forces, 15:07.924 --> 15:12.091 particularly as it relates to the Pacific Theater? 15:13.416 --> 15:15.440 Ma'am, thank you for the opportunity 15:15.440 --> 15:17.314 to be here and testify. 15:17.314 --> 15:18.543 And first, I'd like to say thank you 15:18.543 --> 15:19.700 to each of you for the support that 15:19.700 --> 15:21.949 you give to our airmen, total force, 15:21.949 --> 15:25.046 and their civilians that live in your districts, 15:25.046 --> 15:26.915 those that are serving downrange. 15:26.915 --> 15:28.906 It goes a long way to know that 15:28.906 --> 15:30.338 their families are being taken care of, 15:30.338 --> 15:31.802 so thanks for your support. 15:31.802 --> 15:33.748 Now, to your question on the B-21 15:33.748 --> 15:35.710 and its relevance to deterrents in the future, 15:35.710 --> 15:37.885 having myself flown all three bombers 15:37.885 --> 15:41.718 and had a chance to command all three bombers, 15:41.844 --> 15:44.296 the deterrent capability of Long Range Strike 15:44.296 --> 15:46.715 which gives the most flexible arm 15:46.715 --> 15:48.127 of our deterrent triad. 15:48.127 --> 15:50.454 You know the subs for survivability, 15:50.454 --> 15:52.202 for responsiveness in the ICBMs, 15:52.202 --> 15:55.049 but that flexibility you get in the bomber force 15:55.049 --> 15:59.123 allows you to lift and shift capabilities around the world. 15:59.123 --> 16:00.520 Currently, you have a continuous 16:00.520 --> 16:03.371 bomber presence in the Pacific AOR, 16:03.371 --> 16:06.454 and on the island that you represent. 16:08.376 --> 16:10.876 That presence sends a message, 16:10.979 --> 16:12.159 not only a deterrent message, 16:12.159 --> 16:13.837 but it sends a assurance message 16:13.837 --> 16:17.551 that our umbrella extends to our partners in the region. 16:17.551 --> 16:20.337 The commitment to the B-21 is a commitment 16:20.337 --> 16:24.254 to the long range viability of that capability, 16:25.394 --> 16:27.214 for now into the future. 16:27.214 --> 16:28.930 And as Air Force Global Strike Command 16:28.930 --> 16:31.607 works on its roadmap of the bomber force 16:31.607 --> 16:35.774 into the future, the B-21 is the big part of that, 16:35.866 --> 16:39.796 which is why we say we're looking for at least 100. 16:39.796 --> 16:42.104 So, as they work through the exact number 16:42.104 --> 16:44.884 of bombers that we need, the lion's share 16:44.884 --> 16:47.267 of that will be the B-21 Raider. 16:47.267 --> 16:50.600 And its ability to message not only conventionally, 16:50.600 --> 16:53.017 but with a nuclear deterrent, 16:53.070 --> 16:54.879 sends a message into the mind of 16:54.879 --> 16:57.094 our adversary that today may not 16:57.094 --> 17:00.733 be the day that I wanna mess with the United States. 17:00.733 --> 17:02.096 - Thank you, thank you, General. 17:02.096 --> 17:05.536 I guess this question would go to you too. 17:05.536 --> 17:08.073 Now the Air Force leadership has indicated 17:08.073 --> 17:12.240 the intent to keep the B-52 in the inventory beyond 2050. 17:13.752 --> 17:15.724 It has also acknowledged that new engines 17:15.724 --> 17:19.891 would provide a 95% reduction in engine maintenance, 17:20.758 --> 17:23.082 virtually eliminating engine overhauls 17:23.082 --> 17:26.464 and reducing fuel consumption by 30%. 17:26.464 --> 17:29.321 Does the Air Force have a plan to re engine 17:29.321 --> 17:31.874 the B-52 to take advantage of benefits 17:31.874 --> 17:34.778 that would afford, in terms of future cost 17:34.778 --> 17:37.441 avoidance and operational benefits? 17:37.441 --> 17:40.600 - So, ma'am, I will take that one, if you don't mind. 17:40.600 --> 17:43.737 So, we do realize that the engines we have 17:43.737 --> 17:45.069 on the B-52 are not gonna last 17:45.069 --> 17:46.485 through the life of the program. 17:46.485 --> 17:47.318 We're either gonna have to do 17:47.318 --> 17:48.459 a service life extension program, 17:48.459 --> 17:50.837 or we'll have to procure new engines. 17:50.837 --> 17:53.011 We're looking at all of those options right now. 17:53.011 --> 17:55.928 We have some money in the 18 budget 17:56.099 --> 17:58.017 to do some of those initial analysis 17:58.017 --> 18:00.026 and look at all those alternatives. 18:00.026 --> 18:01.402 And you are correct, ma'am, it's not 18:01.402 --> 18:03.638 just fuel savings, it's tanker savings, 18:03.638 --> 18:05.243 it's operational implications, 18:05.243 --> 18:06.998 it's manpower savings by not having 18:06.998 --> 18:09.337 to use as many maintainers on the flight line 18:09.337 --> 18:11.587 to be able to maintain those older engines, 18:11.587 --> 18:14.254 as well as what you talked about 18:14.394 --> 18:16.570 with the time it stays on the wing 18:16.570 --> 18:18.403 and the operational viability. 18:18.403 --> 18:20.526 Another factor that we will weigh into this 18:20.526 --> 18:22.852 are the diminishing manufacturing sources 18:22.852 --> 18:24.623 and the obsolescence that we face on 18:24.623 --> 18:27.461 many of the components that reside on the B-52 engine, 18:27.461 --> 18:30.429 such as constant speed drives and generators, 18:30.429 --> 18:32.210 and that we need to access all of those 18:32.210 --> 18:34.395 to ensure that we have the growth potential 18:34.395 --> 18:36.227 for any power demands, 18:36.227 --> 18:38.751 and we can maintain the mission capability rate. 18:38.751 --> 18:40.778 The Air Force is actively engaged in that. 18:40.778 --> 18:42.496 I got an update on it just last week 18:42.496 --> 18:44.380 on where we're at on the progress, 18:44.380 --> 18:46.382 and we are discussing with all the appropriate, 18:46.382 --> 18:47.645 and looking at all the alternatives 18:47.645 --> 18:50.447 for how we could or would fund that. 18:50.447 --> 18:51.672 - Thank you very much, General, 18:51.672 --> 18:53.891 and Mister Chairman, I yield back. 18:53.891 --> 18:55.569 - Thank you so much, Miss Bordallo. 18:55.569 --> 18:58.319 We will no go to Misses Hartzler. 18:58.875 --> 18:59.907 - Thank you, Mister Chairman. 18:59.907 --> 19:01.634 It's good to see you, all of you. 19:01.634 --> 19:04.055 I appreciate all that you do for our Air Force, 19:04.055 --> 19:06.800 and especially, good to see General Vander Hamm 19:06.800 --> 19:08.898 who was commander of Whiteman Air Force Base 19:08.898 --> 19:10.565 when I was first elected. 19:10.565 --> 19:13.779 So, I appreciate your long support for the Air Force, 19:13.779 --> 19:16.362 and appreciate that my co chair 19:17.893 --> 19:20.206 of the Long Range Strike Caucus, 19:20.206 --> 19:24.206 Madeleine Bordallo and her questions about B-21, 19:24.505 --> 19:27.855 I kinda wanna follow up on that very important program. 19:27.855 --> 19:30.522 As your witness testimony states 19:30.646 --> 19:32.237 the Air Force remains committed to 19:32.237 --> 19:34.404 a fleet size of 100 B-21s, 19:35.529 --> 19:37.700 but I have heard different numbers 19:37.700 --> 19:40.516 from other people feeling like we need even more. 19:40.516 --> 19:44.683 And certainly, even some are advocation for up to 150. 19:46.309 --> 19:47.953 And as we have seen what happened, 19:47.953 --> 19:50.337 certainly, with the B-2 years ago, 19:50.337 --> 19:52.837 I have concerns that we're not 19:54.090 --> 19:57.048 going to end up with the amount that we truly need. 19:57.048 --> 19:59.965 So, given the significant shortfall 20:01.507 --> 20:04.142 that we have in the bomber inventory, 20:04.142 --> 20:07.142 do you believe that 100 is adequate, 20:07.171 --> 20:09.893 and should we be shooting for 150, 20:09.893 --> 20:13.476 or what is your perspective on that number? 20:13.606 --> 20:15.558 - So, ma'am, what we have briefed 20:15.558 --> 20:18.308 thus far is we need at least 100. 20:18.353 --> 20:19.805 So we are not ruling out the fact 20:19.805 --> 20:22.314 that as we do more analysis, we may need more. 20:22.314 --> 20:23.601 What we have looked at so far 20:23.601 --> 20:25.891 based on our extensive analysis, 20:25.891 --> 20:27.912 looking at the campaign plans, 20:27.912 --> 20:30.201 and looking at all the plans that are out there, 20:30.201 --> 20:31.431 we need at least 100 to be able 20:31.431 --> 20:33.198 to meet all those demands, as well as meet 20:33.198 --> 20:35.147 the training requirements that we have. 20:35.147 --> 20:36.848 Those are all items that we will continue 20:36.848 --> 20:39.471 as we move forward, ma'am, to look at. 20:39.471 --> 20:42.488 - Okay, I will be watching that very closely, 20:42.488 --> 20:44.429 and happy to work with you to try to 20:44.429 --> 20:46.960 keep that number as high as we need. 20:46.960 --> 20:49.543 We need to provide what we need 20:49.544 --> 20:52.062 and not just what we can afford. 20:52.062 --> 20:55.062 Along with that, if we fund the B-21 20:56.276 --> 20:58.625 at less than two billion dollars 20:58.625 --> 21:00.844 in fiscal year 2018, how would 21:00.844 --> 21:03.677 the development phase be impacted, 21:03.873 --> 21:05.589 and would there be significant delays 21:05.589 --> 21:07.506 to the overall program? 21:07.529 --> 21:09.928 - So, ma'am, we remain fully committed tot he program. 21:09.928 --> 21:11.592 It is one of our top three priorities. 21:11.592 --> 21:13.470 And we have fully funded it in accordance 21:13.470 --> 21:17.302 with the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act 21:17.302 --> 21:21.469 passed by the Congress to the service cost position 21:21.517 --> 21:24.504 that was established by the independent cost estimates. 21:24.504 --> 21:25.968 So, we remain, and we're committed 21:25.968 --> 21:27.433 to putting the money in we need 21:27.433 --> 21:28.579 to execute the program. 21:28.579 --> 21:31.187 We need all the dollars that we have asked for 21:31.187 --> 21:33.482 to go into the program to stay on track 21:33.482 --> 21:36.002 so that we can deliver this vital capability 21:36.002 --> 21:38.762 that our nation needs and continue to execute 21:38.762 --> 21:41.431 the program on the schedule that we're on. 21:41.431 --> 21:42.625 - Right, we look forward to that 21:42.625 --> 21:44.238 being filled in mid 2020s. 21:44.238 --> 21:46.041 So, that'll be here before we know it, 21:46.041 --> 21:48.238 and we've got to keep moving. 21:48.238 --> 21:50.738 Wanted to switch to the C-130. 21:50.786 --> 21:52.524 I think ranking member Courtney 21:52.524 --> 21:53.708 mentioned that as well. 21:53.708 --> 21:55.832 Of course, Missouri has Rosecrans, 21:55.832 --> 21:58.332 and we also have C-130s there. 21:58.813 --> 22:00.548 And they visited with me a couple 22:00.548 --> 22:02.631 times about the avionics, 22:02.974 --> 22:05.105 and I know you're planning to upgrade 22:05.105 --> 22:07.669 the cockpit avionics and displays 22:07.669 --> 22:10.688 of the older Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve 22:10.688 --> 22:12.021 C-130H aircraft, 22:12.665 --> 22:15.010 but there is concern among commercial vendors 22:15.010 --> 22:17.113 that the Air Force will overly rely on 22:17.113 --> 22:20.278 solutions that favor military specifications 22:20.278 --> 22:22.475 at the expense of commercial off-the-shelf 22:22.475 --> 22:25.571 solutions that are already proven successful 22:25.571 --> 22:27.531 in the civilian world of aviation. 22:27.531 --> 22:30.305 So, how would you address this concern 22:30.305 --> 22:31.568 while ensuring that the Air Force 22:31.568 --> 22:33.179 is running a process that encourages 22:33.179 --> 22:35.762 and does not limit competition? 22:36.161 --> 22:38.010 - So, ma'am, I'll answer it in two phases. 22:38.010 --> 22:41.084 So, I think everyone understands that our focus 22:41.084 --> 22:43.190 for the C-130 fleet is making sure 22:43.190 --> 22:46.383 we're focused on safety, and then compliance, 22:46.383 --> 22:47.677 and then modernization. 22:47.677 --> 22:48.903 Those are the the three main, and then 22:48.903 --> 22:51.239 a limited recapitalization in certain areas. 22:51.239 --> 22:53.102 Those are really our four pronged approach 22:53.102 --> 22:55.557 to how we're gonna address this. 22:55.557 --> 22:58.307 The compliance is the AMP Inc. 1, 22:59.408 --> 23:01.032 that's to meet the FAA mandates. 23:01.032 --> 23:02.830 We have fully funded that. 23:02.830 --> 23:04.485 We've recently awarded a contract 23:04.485 --> 23:06.104 to get that program started, 23:06.104 --> 23:08.054 and we're committed to getting all that done 23:08.054 --> 23:12.221 on the 130H fleet so that we might meet the 2020 mandates. 23:12.455 --> 23:14.514 That's in our budget, that's what we're driving to, 23:14.514 --> 23:15.904 and we're committed to that. 23:15.904 --> 23:17.894 We are using and looking at using 23:17.894 --> 23:19.969 commercial solutions in that as well. 23:19.969 --> 23:21.471 That was part of the market research 23:21.471 --> 23:23.359 we did before we went on contract 23:23.359 --> 23:25.659 to make sure that we were not overly 23:25.659 --> 23:27.773 driving a solution that drilled military things 23:27.773 --> 23:30.775 and capitalized on what commerciality we can. 23:30.775 --> 23:34.942 We are continuing to go through the work on AMP Inc. 2. 23:36.008 --> 23:39.425 We have delayed some of the initial steps 23:39.635 --> 23:42.577 as we get the acquiring started, but we did that 23:42.577 --> 23:45.442 because we had a robust dialogue with industry 23:45.442 --> 23:47.665 so that we can understand what commerciality 23:47.665 --> 23:51.832 we could apply to the program and not change the end date. 23:52.078 --> 23:55.321 So, our goal was save money, drive to commerciality, 23:55.321 --> 23:57.068 and still meet the end date that 23:57.068 --> 23:58.622 we've committed to you and is in 23:58.622 --> 24:00.347 our budget that we're gonna do. 24:00.347 --> 24:02.706 So, we're very focused on driving the solution. 24:02.706 --> 24:04.531 There will be areas that we have 24:04.531 --> 24:06.070 already researched where the military 24:06.070 --> 24:10.237 specifications can be met by commercial applications. 24:10.371 --> 24:12.703 There may be areas that we won't be able to do that, 24:12.703 --> 24:14.344 but we are actively researching that 24:14.344 --> 24:16.684 to ensure that we're taking as much 24:16.684 --> 24:19.500 of the benefit from commerciality as we can. 24:19.500 --> 24:20.333 - That's great. 24:20.333 --> 24:21.340 Thank you very much. 24:21.340 --> 24:22.358 - Thank you Misses Hartzler. 24:22.358 --> 24:25.275 We will not go to Mister Garamendi. 24:26.618 --> 24:28.118 - Mister Chairman. 24:29.059 --> 24:31.167 Generals, thank you so much for your service, 24:31.167 --> 24:33.626 and as you probably know, I represent 24:33.626 --> 24:35.459 both Travis and Beale. 24:35.730 --> 24:38.250 Those Air Force bases have almost 24:38.250 --> 24:41.083 all that you do except the C-130s. 24:41.199 --> 24:43.411 They also have some other platforms. 24:43.411 --> 24:44.744 Thank you for the support that 24:44.744 --> 24:46.994 you've given to both bases. 24:47.225 --> 24:51.308 The Beale now has the KC-135s unit will be there. 24:52.494 --> 24:55.687 Of the many investments that you've been making, 24:55.687 --> 24:59.604 the C-5M recently traveled from Travis to Japan 25:01.998 --> 25:05.328 without stopping in Alaska, saving some 14 hours, 25:05.328 --> 25:07.502 and a whole lot of fuel and time. 25:07.502 --> 25:09.117 Well done, gentlemen. 25:09.117 --> 25:11.165 I suspect that the continued upgrade 25:11.165 --> 25:13.441 and the availability of the C-5Ms 25:13.441 --> 25:17.608 will play out all across the world in similar fashion. 25:18.332 --> 25:21.288 There are, however, some ongoing questions out there, 25:21.288 --> 25:22.413 so let's get to them. 25:22.413 --> 25:24.707 The KC-46, I don't think we've had 25:24.707 --> 25:26.222 an updated status report, although, 25:26.222 --> 25:28.820 I know it's on all of our minds. 25:28.820 --> 25:29.710 General Bunch. 25:29.710 --> 25:31.613 - So, sir, that's a great question, 25:31.613 --> 25:33.563 and I thank you for the opportunity to talk about it. 25:33.563 --> 25:36.866 We are still remained committed to the KC-46 program. 25:36.866 --> 25:39.427 We got all of the money, and we've got everything lined in. 25:39.427 --> 25:41.623 We continue to team with Boeing. 25:41.623 --> 25:43.290 We are making steady but slower 25:43.290 --> 25:45.389 progress than we had anticipated. 25:45.389 --> 25:48.472 We are running into areas where we're 25:49.705 --> 25:52.748 being delayed through our air worthiness 25:52.748 --> 25:54.748 certification through the FAA process 25:54.748 --> 25:56.935 and delays in our test program. 25:56.935 --> 25:58.897 We are, at this time, going through 25:58.897 --> 26:03.064 a schedule risk assessment with Boeing as a joint effort. 26:03.461 --> 26:06.972 Miss Costello and I will get an update on that next week, 26:06.972 --> 26:08.762 and then we will be coming forward 26:08.762 --> 26:11.407 to let everyone know exactly where that's at. 26:11.407 --> 26:13.382 Right now, Boeing remains committed 26:13.382 --> 26:17.122 to the RAA date that we set last year that we were going to. 26:17.122 --> 26:19.047 Our assessment right now shows that 26:19.047 --> 26:21.297 we are a little bit behind that schedule 26:21.297 --> 26:23.896 and that we continue to work with Boeing 26:23.896 --> 26:25.161 to try to pull that back. 26:25.161 --> 26:27.994 Boeing remains a very good partner 26:28.681 --> 26:30.538 in that they are applying resources 26:30.538 --> 26:33.086 and trying to do what they can to make that schedule. 26:33.086 --> 26:34.987 We continue to support their efforts 26:34.987 --> 26:36.539 by making sure we provide all the 26:36.539 --> 26:39.113 resources we need to execute that program. 26:39.113 --> 26:42.824 But right now, there have been delays in testing, 26:42.824 --> 26:44.439 and we are monitoring that, and as soon as 26:44.439 --> 26:46.142 we get through the schedule risk assessment, 26:46.142 --> 26:48.786 we will come back and give everyone an update 26:48.786 --> 26:50.678 on where we're at on the program. 26:50.678 --> 26:52.405 - If appropriate, can you describe 26:52.405 --> 26:54.822 what the specific delays are? 26:55.147 --> 26:57.010 - So, sir, we're not executing a test program 26:57.010 --> 26:59.371 at the pace that we had anticipated. 26:59.371 --> 27:02.204 And as we modify one of the things 27:03.023 --> 27:05.544 for getting FAA certification as components 27:05.544 --> 27:07.262 are modified, they have to be reviewed 27:07.262 --> 27:10.539 and approved by that process through the FAA. 27:10.539 --> 27:13.357 That has not gone at the pace that we would expect. 27:13.357 --> 27:14.835 And if you don't get that done, then some of 27:14.835 --> 27:17.931 your testing that you would wanna do are blocked. 27:17.931 --> 27:20.004 Test points that you would wanna do are blocked. 27:20.004 --> 27:21.462 So, those are all aspects of what we're 27:21.462 --> 27:23.063 balancing out right now to try to get the 27:23.063 --> 27:23.945 program on track. - Some of us 27:23.945 --> 27:26.645 on this committee also are on the 27:26.645 --> 27:28.943 Transportation Infrastructure Subcommittee, 27:28.943 --> 27:31.408 and the FAA is a problem there. 27:31.408 --> 27:33.778 Is the FAA part of this problem? 27:33.778 --> 27:35.874 - We are partnering with the FAA, sir, 27:35.874 --> 27:37.529 and we've been partnering with the FAA 27:37.529 --> 27:40.223 on this program for an extensive period of time. 27:40.223 --> 27:42.586 We continue our dialogue and communication with them. 27:42.586 --> 27:43.939 I am not in position that I would 27:43.939 --> 27:46.439 say that the FAA is a problem. 27:47.680 --> 27:49.219 - I know the look on your 27:49.219 --> 27:50.802 colleagues faces. - No, sir. 27:50.802 --> 27:52.969 - We'll let it go at that. 27:55.225 --> 27:56.058 All right. 27:59.055 --> 28:00.848 The buy back of the C-5As, 28:00.848 --> 28:02.108 I understand that there will be 28:02.108 --> 28:03.937 a couple of, or maybe more than 28:03.937 --> 28:06.061 a couple of the C-5As that are off the line 28:06.061 --> 28:07.716 that will be bought back in this budget. 28:07.716 --> 28:09.049 Is that correct? 28:10.357 --> 28:12.728 - Yes, sir, if I may address that. 28:12.728 --> 28:14.820 When we look at what the C-5 is capable of, 28:14.820 --> 28:16.903 we have 12 C-5Ms and BAI. 28:17.228 --> 28:20.811 We put eight of them there in the 15 budget 28:21.156 --> 28:23.700 that we were hoping to bring back. 28:23.700 --> 28:24.733 Basically, these are airplanes 28:24.733 --> 28:26.432 that had been flying, they're just not manned 28:26.432 --> 28:27.872 appropriately in the units ops end 28:27.872 --> 28:28.857 maintenance to take care of them. 28:28.857 --> 28:31.687 So, we're going to buy back two a year for four years 28:31.687 --> 28:34.093 if we're able to have a predictable budget 28:34.093 --> 28:37.494 to get the fleet back to a higher quality. 28:37.494 --> 28:39.189 - And just a final quick question, 28:39.189 --> 28:43.356 the Large Aircraft Countermeasure Program, is it online? 28:44.858 --> 28:46.722 The troops in my area always wanna make sure 28:46.722 --> 28:49.072 that they have the best protection possible. 28:49.072 --> 28:50.638 - Okay, sir, you're asking about LAIRCM, 28:50.638 --> 28:54.805 I apologize, I had to do it, but I'll use the acronym. 28:55.049 --> 28:56.971 But my understanding is the programs 28:56.971 --> 28:58.896 that we're working on with LAIRCM program, 28:58.896 --> 29:00.157 I've not got any updates that we're 29:00.157 --> 29:01.528 running behind any of the schedules 29:01.528 --> 29:03.799 we've committed to the (mumbles). 29:03.799 --> 29:06.114 - [Mr. Garamendi] Thank you, yield back. 29:06.114 --> 29:07.000 - Thank you, Mister Garamendi. 29:07.000 --> 29:09.417 We'll now go to Mister Byrne. 29:10.297 --> 29:11.319 - Thank you, Mister Chairman. 29:11.319 --> 29:12.854 Gentlemen, I want to go back to 29:12.854 --> 29:15.714 the KC-46A, 'cause I still have some questions. 29:15.714 --> 29:18.214 I didn't hear a date specific, 29:18.760 --> 29:20.965 and it may be that you don't have a date specific. 29:20.965 --> 29:23.627 Could you tell us if you do have a date specific, 29:23.627 --> 29:25.460 and if so, what is it? 29:27.147 --> 29:28.523 - Sir, I would not wanna give you a date 29:28.523 --> 29:30.346 until I get through the schedule risk assessment 29:30.346 --> 29:31.443 that we're working with Boeing, 29:31.443 --> 29:32.545 and we have that dialogue. 29:32.545 --> 29:34.211 But, then again, in light of how 29:34.211 --> 29:36.750 we've done all of our communication on on the KC-46. 29:36.750 --> 29:38.062 I think we've been very transparent 29:38.062 --> 29:40.070 with all the committees on that program. 29:40.070 --> 29:41.629 As soon as we get that worked out, 29:41.629 --> 29:42.875 we will come forward and we'll brief 29:42.875 --> 29:44.261 everyone on where we're at. 29:44.261 --> 29:46.023 - I expected that that was gonna be your answer, 29:46.023 --> 29:47.338 that you're just not in a position to 29:47.338 --> 29:48.171 give it us yet. - Yes, sir. 29:48.171 --> 29:49.875 - But I wanna make sure we confirm that today. 29:49.875 --> 29:51.837 And you're gonna give that to us next week? 29:51.837 --> 29:53.819 - Sir, I wouldn't say I'm gonna give it to you next week. 29:53.819 --> 29:56.556 What I would say, I said next week, 29:56.556 --> 29:59.661 Miss Costello and I will get an update 29:59.661 --> 30:01.892 the first full week of June, 30:01.892 --> 30:03.078 and then once we get that update 30:03.078 --> 30:04.371 and we route it up to make sure 30:04.371 --> 30:05.722 that our senior leaders know what we're doing, 30:05.722 --> 30:06.874 we'll make sure we'll come over 30:06.874 --> 30:09.296 and explain to everyone where we're at. 30:09.296 --> 30:11.999 - As I recall, the award of this contract 30:11.999 --> 30:14.999 for Boeing, there was a competition, 30:15.209 --> 30:18.876 and it was originally awarded to Airbus USA, 30:19.824 --> 30:22.270 and then there was a challenge to that, 30:22.270 --> 30:24.937 and there was a rebidding of it, 30:25.304 --> 30:27.773 and Boeing came in with basically, 30:27.773 --> 30:31.606 this is a new design, this plane didn't exist. 30:34.169 --> 30:36.683 - Sir, I would say it's a variant 30:36.683 --> 30:39.095 off of their 767 line that they 30:39.095 --> 30:42.063 all ready had up and running is how I would couch it. 30:42.063 --> 30:44.719 It is a tanker, but a lot of the components 30:44.719 --> 30:45.877 are similar to what they were doing 30:45.877 --> 30:48.105 on their commercial 767 line. 30:48.105 --> 30:50.327 - Do we have US aircraft that are being 30:50.327 --> 30:52.590 refueled by some of our NATO allies 30:52.590 --> 30:54.590 using the Airbus tanker? 31:00.191 --> 31:02.638 - Probably, if you look at the Australians, 31:02.638 --> 31:05.805 the Australians have an Airbus tanker. 31:05.908 --> 31:08.632 - So, sir, I will take that for the record 31:08.632 --> 31:10.480 to make sure that I give you an accurate answer. 31:10.480 --> 31:12.090 I know that there are other aircraft 31:12.090 --> 31:14.491 that we have gone through some certifications with, 31:14.491 --> 31:16.404 and we have partnered as a US government 31:16.404 --> 31:19.049 because of our expertise in the area of air refueling, 31:19.049 --> 31:21.694 we've actually utilized some of our test personnel 31:21.694 --> 31:23.229 with expertise in those areas to 31:23.229 --> 31:24.891 go help countries get certified 31:24.891 --> 31:27.658 to do missions to support our efforts around the world. 31:27.658 --> 31:30.575 But I do not have a specific answer 31:30.984 --> 31:32.515 that I would feel comfortable giving you 31:32.515 --> 31:33.807 until I go do some research. 31:33.807 --> 31:35.094 But we will take that for the record 31:35.094 --> 31:35.927 to get you an accurate answer. 31:35.927 --> 31:36.780 - Thank you. 31:36.780 --> 31:37.986 I didn't expect you to be able to 31:37.986 --> 31:39.154 give me a direct answer on that 31:39.154 --> 31:40.521 if you didn't have the actual information, 31:40.521 --> 31:41.473 but I'd love to know that. 31:41.473 --> 31:43.894 - We will give you that information, sir. 31:43.894 --> 31:46.561 - That's all I have, yield back. 31:47.229 --> 31:48.062 - Thank you, Mister Byrne. 31:48.062 --> 31:50.562 We'll now go to Miss Hanabusa. 31:51.979 --> 31:53.449 - Thank you, Mister Chairman. 31:53.449 --> 31:55.699 Good morning to all of you. 31:56.873 --> 32:00.213 I wish that we could take these subjects in isolation 32:00.213 --> 32:03.030 and other branches of our service in isolation, 32:03.030 --> 32:03.952 but we can't. 32:03.952 --> 32:06.952 Those of us who are strategic forces 32:07.252 --> 32:08.809 at 10 o'clock this morning will 32:08.809 --> 32:11.559 begin fiscal year 2018 priorities 32:11.596 --> 32:15.616 of the nuclear forces and atomic energy defense activities. 32:15.616 --> 32:18.783 Which is, according to your testimony, 32:19.857 --> 32:24.022 Air Force, basically, operates two thirds of the triad. 32:24.022 --> 32:25.347 And of course, this all relates back 32:25.347 --> 32:28.151 to that wonderful thing called the triad. 32:28.151 --> 32:30.901 So, I guess, my question is this. 32:30.988 --> 32:34.171 If you're gonna assist us in understanding 32:34.171 --> 32:36.379 your relevance, and your importance, 32:36.379 --> 32:39.629 and your continued need for the support 32:39.851 --> 32:42.684 in the fiscal year 2018 to operate 32:42.711 --> 32:45.147 two thirds of the triad, and as you know, 32:45.147 --> 32:46.899 there's always been a discussion as to 32:46.899 --> 32:50.316 whether or not the triad is very relevant 32:50.349 --> 32:53.313 in the upcoming challenges that we have. 32:53.313 --> 32:56.646 Some have said that when you have China, 32:57.742 --> 33:01.409 Russia, and North Korea as our major threats 33:03.741 --> 33:05.782 in the area of nuclear, that each one 33:05.782 --> 33:09.949 of those components does not necessarily fit the triad. 33:10.154 --> 33:13.821 The triad is an, I guess, agreed to reaction 33:13.902 --> 33:17.935 to the Cold War, and it was the answer to Russia. 33:17.935 --> 33:21.768 So, having said that, and you are in Seapower, 33:22.114 --> 33:23.913 that's the committee we're in, 33:23.913 --> 33:26.807 and of course, you have the issue of 33:26.807 --> 33:30.904 the nuclear submarines that we are dealing with as well. 33:30.904 --> 33:33.059 Explain to me as best as you can 33:33.059 --> 33:36.976 why the priority should be, as you have stated, 33:37.247 --> 33:40.525 which is as you represent two thirds of the triad, 33:40.525 --> 33:44.275 that we should be 100% behind supporting 33:46.602 --> 33:49.019 100 B-21 bombers versus maybe 33:50.972 --> 33:53.639 another two Columbia-class subs. 33:53.684 --> 33:55.723 And it's because we don't have 33:55.723 --> 33:58.140 an unlimited supply of money. 33:58.283 --> 34:01.520 We're the ones who are gonna end up balancing this. 34:01.520 --> 34:04.437 And my problem is if we talk to you 34:04.451 --> 34:07.912 all in isolation, you all make great argument. 34:07.912 --> 34:10.437 However, that's not the way the world exists. 34:10.437 --> 34:14.604 So, explain to me why we should support what you want 34:15.280 --> 34:18.197 even at the cost of over platforms. 34:19.321 --> 34:20.344 Who wants to take that? 34:20.344 --> 34:23.761 - Ma'am, I'd be happy to start with that, 34:24.062 --> 34:25.767 because it is a long journey that 34:25.767 --> 34:28.242 you've asked for us to go down this road. 34:28.242 --> 34:30.246 I think all of the services support 34:30.246 --> 34:31.998 all three legs of the triad. 34:31.998 --> 34:33.489 Each one brings a different piece. 34:33.489 --> 34:35.175 As we talked about the subs that you support 34:35.175 --> 34:37.744 thought the Seapower are that force 34:37.744 --> 34:41.066 that's hard to get to while the oceans are still opaque. 34:41.066 --> 34:43.720 Our bomber force brings to us a flexibility 34:43.720 --> 34:45.482 and our ability to message. 34:45.482 --> 34:48.287 And that is very important in a deterrent role, 34:48.287 --> 34:50.148 but as you know, we also use those bombers 34:50.148 --> 34:51.770 in our conventional effort. 34:51.770 --> 34:54.171 So, that's one of the few legs 34:54.171 --> 34:56.455 that's gets multiple use on regular basis 34:56.455 --> 34:59.603 that lives in both camps or is dual role. 34:59.603 --> 35:03.603 Then the big fire power is our land based ICBMs, 35:05.170 --> 35:07.705 so that will be our GBSD effort. 35:07.705 --> 35:10.276 That's our least expensive, although 35:10.276 --> 35:13.002 it seems to get the worst press when it comes to 35:13.002 --> 35:14.579 if we go to a dyad, wouldn't it 35:14.579 --> 35:17.162 just be bombers and submarines. 35:17.200 --> 35:18.696 And I would think that would be an awful 35:18.696 --> 35:20.754 choice for us to make as a nation. 35:20.754 --> 35:21.973 We need each one of these because, 35:21.973 --> 35:23.552 as you said, the threat is different 35:23.552 --> 35:25.827 from China to North Korea than Russia, 35:25.827 --> 35:27.766 and each one of these has a strength 35:27.766 --> 35:29.242 against those different threats. 35:29.242 --> 35:30.987 We do need all three. 35:30.987 --> 35:32.159 - I understand that. 35:32.159 --> 35:35.009 My question though is we have a limited amount of money. 35:35.009 --> 35:36.671 We have to make that decision. 35:36.671 --> 35:38.448 So, what's your best pitch that 35:38.448 --> 35:41.865 if we're down to whatever moneys we have, 35:42.333 --> 35:44.584 and we're not gonna do everything, 35:44.584 --> 35:47.834 why is it that the Air Force component, 35:48.609 --> 35:51.859 primarily the big ticket item is B-21s? 35:51.928 --> 35:55.011 Why is that the best way for us to go 35:55.786 --> 35:58.369 if we have to choose among two? 35:58.773 --> 36:00.017 - So, ma'am, I'll jump in. 36:00.017 --> 36:02.134 And I wanna remind everybody we're going 36:02.134 --> 36:03.717 through a nuclear posture review, 36:03.717 --> 36:05.884 so I don't wanna get in front of our Secretary of Defense. 36:05.884 --> 36:08.031 I need to allow him the flexibility 36:08.031 --> 36:10.209 to listen to all aspects and go review this 36:10.209 --> 36:11.954 to make sure we come back. 36:11.954 --> 36:14.300 So, what I will tell you about the B-21 36:14.300 --> 36:18.076 that makes it a value to us as United States Air Force, 36:18.076 --> 36:19.394 and I would actually say we provide 36:19.394 --> 36:22.289 more than two thirds of the triad when you consider 36:22.289 --> 36:25.738 the National Command Control Communication Network 36:25.738 --> 36:29.626 that we control about 75% of for the United States. 36:29.626 --> 36:30.836 So, I would actually say we carry 36:30.836 --> 36:35.003 more weight than the two thirds, but who's counting. 36:35.217 --> 36:39.384 But on the B-21, it provides and unmatched flexibility 36:40.859 --> 36:43.295 to be able to reach out and touch anyone in a message. 36:43.295 --> 36:45.207 You can recall the bombers, 36:45.207 --> 36:47.295 you can send a message with a deterrent, 36:47.295 --> 36:49.645 so there is an unbelievable amount of messaging 36:49.645 --> 36:51.234 that can be done with that platform. 36:51.234 --> 36:52.496 It can do both the conventional 36:52.496 --> 36:54.941 and the nuclear mission once we get it certified 36:54.941 --> 36:56.177 for the nuke mission which will occur 36:56.177 --> 36:57.844 two years after IOC. 36:59.255 --> 37:01.225 So, that's the reason for the B-21, 37:01.225 --> 37:03.149 that flexibility, the ability to recall, 37:03.149 --> 37:05.666 the ability to reach out and touch anyone. 37:05.666 --> 37:08.416 That's what that platform brings. 37:08.606 --> 37:11.297 - Thank you, I yield back, Mister Chairman. 37:11.297 --> 37:12.286 - Thank you, Miss Hanabusa. 37:12.286 --> 37:15.009 We'll now go to Mister Gallagher. 37:15.009 --> 37:15.933 - Thank you, Mister Chairman. 37:15.933 --> 37:18.760 Thank you all for being with us here today. 37:18.760 --> 37:20.213 Budget time is always a good time 37:20.213 --> 37:23.005 to review the kind of force we wanna buy. 37:23.005 --> 37:24.412 I'd like to follow up on that 37:24.412 --> 37:25.700 as well as a line of question that 37:25.700 --> 37:28.289 Miss Hartzler posed earlier about the B-21. 37:28.289 --> 37:29.672 Which I think is especially important 37:29.672 --> 37:31.702 given our experience in buying the B2, 37:31.702 --> 37:33.638 where we kept cutting plan procurement numbers 37:33.638 --> 37:34.864 until we ended up with what I believe 37:34.864 --> 37:36.869 to be a widely insufficient number 37:36.869 --> 37:38.737 of exorbitantly priced aircraft. 37:38.737 --> 37:42.568 And in recent years I've seen highly varying accounts 37:42.568 --> 37:46.031 of how many B-21s we actually need to buy, 37:46.031 --> 37:47.379 with at one point the Air Force listing 37:47.379 --> 37:49.129 a range of 80 to 100. 37:49.512 --> 37:51.254 That's a variance of 20% 37:51.254 --> 37:52.940 which seems rather large given the bombers 37:52.940 --> 37:54.552 importance to the force in the future. 37:54.552 --> 37:57.297 And as I understand it, as you've said today, 37:57.297 --> 37:59.733 we've settled on this 100 number. 37:59.733 --> 38:00.566 Correct? 38:00.945 --> 38:01.879 - At least 100. 38:01.879 --> 38:03.252 - At least 100, okay. 38:03.252 --> 38:05.264 - Make sure I'm real clear there, at least 100. 38:05.264 --> 38:08.764 - Well to that point, can you just give us 38:10.118 --> 38:12.161 the strategic logic that allowed you 38:12.161 --> 38:16.161 to arrive at the 100 or the at least 100 number? 38:17.121 --> 38:19.714 - So, we base at least 100 on the analysis 38:19.714 --> 38:21.627 that we've done of all the ops plans, 38:21.627 --> 38:24.627 and we looked at all of what we want 38:25.851 --> 38:29.601 the aircraft to do as well as the mission set 38:29.992 --> 38:31.747 that we would need for the training. 38:31.747 --> 38:33.996 So, it's not just 100 to go do missions. 38:33.996 --> 38:37.009 It's at least 100 to do all the training, 38:37.009 --> 38:38.486 to do the depot maintenance. 38:38.486 --> 38:39.995 So, it's not just a number that we 38:39.995 --> 38:40.974 would immediately employ. 38:40.974 --> 38:43.086 So, there are a lot of components that lead into that. 38:43.086 --> 38:45.640 But we base that off looking at our ops plans, 38:45.640 --> 38:48.473 doing analysis, running scenarios, 38:48.601 --> 38:50.966 and coming up with a number that we believe. 38:50.966 --> 38:52.960 So, we believe it's been scrutinized by 38:52.960 --> 38:55.026 a lot of the department, and we are 38:55.026 --> 38:56.524 comfortable that that's a minimum 38:56.524 --> 38:58.243 number that we need to be able to execute 38:58.243 --> 39:00.796 the nation's missions that it has given us. 39:00.796 --> 39:02.490 - so, short of a change in those missions, 39:02.490 --> 39:04.911 we should consider 100 the floor for the-- 39:04.911 --> 39:06.548 - That is what we believe, sir. 39:06.548 --> 39:07.947 - But then you have these alternative studies 39:07.947 --> 39:10.127 like the AFA study lead by retired 39:10.127 --> 39:11.869 Lieutenant General Mike Muller 39:11.869 --> 39:13.100 which conclude that the Air Force 39:13.100 --> 39:15.611 needed substantially more than 100. 39:15.611 --> 39:17.763 And his analysis was driven by 39:17.763 --> 39:21.096 a historical examination of past air campaigns 39:21.096 --> 39:24.576 and scenarios involving North Korea, Iran, and Russia. 39:24.576 --> 39:27.021 And in an unclassified report, 39:27.021 --> 39:28.166 he found that we would need roughly 39:28.166 --> 39:30.476 60 bombers for a North Korea scenario 39:30.476 --> 39:32.320 and 103 bombers for an Iran scenario. 39:32.320 --> 39:34.507 More over, he found a conflict with Russia 39:34.507 --> 39:37.352 could call for as many as 258 bombers 39:37.352 --> 39:38.503 if I'm getting that correct. 39:38.503 --> 39:40.799 And given that a two war standard 39:40.799 --> 39:42.392 has traditionally been a critical measurement 39:42.392 --> 39:44.261 of our status as a superpower, 39:44.261 --> 39:46.014 it seems to me that the right number of bombers 39:46.014 --> 39:48.151 should be north of 160 in order 39:48.151 --> 39:51.618 to factor in Korea and Iran contingencies, 39:51.618 --> 39:52.936 and certainly, Lieutenant General Muller 39:52.936 --> 39:55.926 agrees and calls for as many as 200 B-21s. 39:55.926 --> 39:57.882 So, how would you respond to those 39:57.882 --> 39:59.974 outside analysis that sort of 39:59.974 --> 40:02.641 project far above the 100 floor? 40:03.233 --> 40:04.559 - Well, thank you, if I may add onto 40:04.559 --> 40:06.787 General Bunch's question then. 40:06.787 --> 40:08.883 Sir, those numbers aren't incorrect. 40:08.883 --> 40:10.733 When we look at some of these efforts 40:10.733 --> 40:13.384 that are put out there, we do agree that 40:13.384 --> 40:16.740 probably 165 bombers is what we need to have. 40:16.740 --> 40:18.586 So, there are numbers that support that 40:18.586 --> 40:19.856 depending on the scenarios. 40:19.856 --> 40:21.942 But addition to the NPR that's ongoing, 40:21.942 --> 40:24.144 we also have a national military strategy. 40:24.144 --> 40:26.658 It is an internal look that the OSD 40:26.658 --> 40:28.259 is doing through the Secretary of Defense, 40:28.259 --> 40:29.636 and we don't wanna get in front of that. 40:29.636 --> 40:32.866 So, our approach to it is, it's an early decision, 40:32.866 --> 40:34.992 we know we're gonna need at least 100, 40:34.992 --> 40:36.859 we will possible need more than that, 40:36.859 --> 40:38.331 but as was brought up earlier, 40:38.331 --> 40:40.394 these aren't inexpensive weapons systems 40:40.394 --> 40:42.561 across this entire effort. 40:42.915 --> 40:44.562 We don't want to throw down a number 40:44.562 --> 40:46.152 that may change in several months. 40:46.152 --> 40:49.072 So, we would rather sit back say 100 men at this point, 40:49.072 --> 40:51.520 and then move on until we get guidance 40:51.520 --> 40:52.472 from the Secretary of Defense. 40:52.472 --> 40:54.177 - So, your next decision point is 40:54.177 --> 40:56.051 you're gonna wait for the national military strategy, 40:56.051 --> 40:59.121 analyze that, and come up with an updated requirement. 40:59.121 --> 41:00.197 - [Lt. Gen. Harris] Yes sir. 41:00.197 --> 41:01.030 - Okay. 41:01.530 --> 41:04.881 And sort of to take a turn in a different direction. 41:04.881 --> 41:06.452 I've never been on Air Force One, 41:06.452 --> 41:10.199 and so this question's probably closest I'll ever get. 41:10.199 --> 41:12.116 (laughs) 41:12.116 --> 41:15.405 Particularly if you follow my Twitter feed in recent days. 41:15.405 --> 41:18.758 The Air Force One plans on recapitalizing with, 41:18.758 --> 41:20.207 and the Chairman mentioned this, 41:20.207 --> 41:22.957 two 747-200 presidential aircraft 41:23.634 --> 41:24.790 which will be over 30 years old 41:24.790 --> 41:27.199 by the time they're replaced in the mid 2020s, 41:27.199 --> 41:30.153 and we're moving towards the two 747-800 aircraft. 41:30.153 --> 41:33.447 An estimated cost, I believe, is 3.5 billion dollars. 41:33.447 --> 41:34.779 So, just kind of following up 41:34.779 --> 41:36.357 on what the Chairman mentioned, 41:36.357 --> 41:39.381 how can we assure the American people, 41:39.381 --> 41:40.462 at a time when there's a lot of 41:40.462 --> 41:43.024 scrutiny around the President's travel, 41:43.024 --> 41:46.268 that these tax dollars are being properly used 41:46.268 --> 41:48.672 to provide what the office of the president 41:48.672 --> 41:49.896 what is required, but at the lowest 41:49.896 --> 41:52.396 possible cost to the taxpayer? 41:52.970 --> 41:55.601 - So, sir, I'll answer that one. 41:55.601 --> 41:57.185 So, it is important that we need to 41:57.185 --> 42:00.366 make sure that we can provide a platform 42:00.366 --> 42:03.982 that the president can execute the duties of his office, 42:03.982 --> 42:07.698 regardless of the situation that we find our nation in. 42:07.698 --> 42:09.039 That's one that we need to remember 42:09.039 --> 42:11.399 as we look at what that platform is gonna provide 42:11.399 --> 42:13.423 and what that platform is gonna do. 42:13.423 --> 42:17.006 We do understand the need to control costs. 42:17.020 --> 42:19.051 We understand that that's an undertaking 42:19.051 --> 42:20.634 we are going after. 42:21.039 --> 42:23.706 Right now we have a $172 million 42:24.297 --> 42:27.119 contract with Boeing on risk reduction. 42:27.119 --> 42:28.202 Part of that risk reduction is looking 42:28.202 --> 42:30.040 at the cost capability and analysis 42:30.040 --> 42:33.083 and doing trades with what we can and can't do, 42:33.083 --> 42:35.483 and letting us be smart buyers. 42:35.483 --> 42:36.850 The other thing that we have done is 42:36.850 --> 42:38.051 we've worked with the White House 42:38.051 --> 42:39.468 Military Office and the Air Force, 42:39.468 --> 42:41.641 and we've now agreed on a set of requirements 42:41.641 --> 42:43.206 that we plan to hold firm, 42:43.206 --> 42:44.535 which is one of the reason's we've been able 42:44.535 --> 42:48.285 to keep the costs under control on the KC-46. 42:48.937 --> 42:50.888 So, we will continue to hold firm 42:50.888 --> 42:52.462 with those requirements that we have 42:52.462 --> 42:54.196 now agreed to and established as 42:54.196 --> 42:57.176 the men needed to execute that mission. 42:57.176 --> 42:59.745 We have two other contract actions we're doing right now. 42:59.745 --> 43:03.912 One of those will be the procurement of the two aircraft. 43:04.581 --> 43:05.860 The next one we would do to get to 43:05.860 --> 43:08.893 preliminary design review as quickly as possible. 43:08.893 --> 43:11.751 And then what we will do is use all of 43:11.751 --> 43:14.444 our acquisition authorities to get the max, 43:14.444 --> 43:16.615 and I would ask for max flexibility with 43:16.615 --> 43:19.248 as we use those acquisition authorities, 43:19.248 --> 43:20.752 so that we can go get a contract 43:20.752 --> 43:22.926 to go get this done and meet the IOC. 43:22.926 --> 43:25.477 We plan on being substantive participants 43:25.477 --> 43:28.742 in some of the source selections that Boeing will do. 43:28.742 --> 43:29.846 They will be the prime, 43:29.846 --> 43:31.174 they'll do some of the subcomponents, 43:31.174 --> 43:33.413 they'll be doing the competition for those, 43:33.413 --> 43:35.997 but we will be substantive participants in that. 43:35.997 --> 43:37.858 And we realize we have to efficiently 43:37.858 --> 43:40.941 and effectively acquire these systems 43:41.412 --> 43:43.909 because it is American taxpayer dollars 43:43.909 --> 43:45.047 that we're worried about. 43:45.047 --> 43:45.880 - Thank you, gentlemen. 43:45.880 --> 43:46.915 I appreciate you being with us here today. 43:46.915 --> 43:49.089 Thank you, Mister Chairman, I yield. 43:49.089 --> 43:49.922 - Thank you, Mister Gallagher. 43:49.922 --> 43:51.052 We'll now go to Mister Courtney. 43:51.052 --> 43:52.692 - Thank you, Mister Chairman, 43:52.692 --> 43:54.775 to the tardy member here. 43:55.607 --> 43:58.022 Again, thank you for the great testimony 43:58.022 --> 44:00.456 and great questions from my colleagues 44:00.456 --> 44:03.512 on the panel, particularly Miss Hartzler 44:03.512 --> 44:06.179 covered the C-130 issues nicely, 44:06.974 --> 44:08.820 which I did tend to focus on. 44:08.820 --> 44:10.185 So, I really only have one question 44:10.185 --> 44:12.776 which is on the B-52 modernization. 44:12.776 --> 44:14.976 Again, obviously, this is a big piece 44:14.976 --> 44:17.559 of your planning in the future, 44:18.805 --> 44:20.777 and it's been a multiyear process 44:20.777 --> 44:23.194 that you've been involved in. 44:23.454 --> 44:25.821 And that's why, when the budget came over 44:25.821 --> 44:28.605 it actually reduced by, roughly, $60 million 44:28.605 --> 44:30.328 the modernization efforts that have been 44:30.328 --> 44:32.204 built into the prior administration's, 44:32.204 --> 44:36.167 the Obama administration's funding for B-52 modernization. 44:36.167 --> 44:40.029 I was just wondering if you could explain that alteration. 44:40.029 --> 44:42.862 - So, sir, I do not have any of my 44:42.974 --> 44:45.077 program managers on the acquisition side 44:45.077 --> 44:46.383 coming to me right now and telling me 44:46.383 --> 44:47.898 that they can't execute the programs 44:47.898 --> 44:49.915 that we've got laid in for the bombers. 44:49.915 --> 44:52.248 So, without knowing exactly, 44:53.057 --> 44:55.137 I mean, if you look at what we're doing, 44:55.137 --> 44:58.276 we're doing the 1760 weapons bay upgrade, 44:58.276 --> 45:00.960 we're finishing up the connect program 45:00.960 --> 45:03.337 to give it modern displays, and to be able 45:03.337 --> 45:05.693 to connect and have it be online of sight. 45:05.693 --> 45:07.806 We're starting the radar modernization effort, 45:07.806 --> 45:10.875 we're doing our investigations into the re-engining. 45:10.875 --> 45:13.113 We've got a whole lot of programs 45:13.113 --> 45:15.372 that are going on right now to modernize 45:15.372 --> 45:17.425 and keep that platform viable, and flyable, 45:17.425 --> 45:20.680 and able to meet the demands of tomorrow. 45:20.680 --> 45:22.108 My take on that would be that all 45:22.108 --> 45:24.913 we have done is change it for the fact of life 45:24.913 --> 45:26.333 that we're at in the programs. 45:26.333 --> 45:27.780 I am not aware of any program 45:27.780 --> 45:29.221 that we have stopped or any program 45:29.221 --> 45:30.800 that I have hindered by the ability 45:30.800 --> 45:33.550 that we've put in for the budget. 45:33.570 --> 45:37.545 - So, again, that number, the new number is adequate? 45:37.545 --> 45:39.628 - That is my belief, sir. 45:39.720 --> 45:41.334 And I will go back and do an investigation. 45:41.334 --> 45:42.492 If it's different then that, 45:42.492 --> 45:43.807 I will personally get back to you 45:43.807 --> 45:45.591 and your staff and let you know that. 45:45.591 --> 45:46.976 - Great, thank you, yield back. 45:46.976 --> 45:49.393 - Thank you, Mister Courtney. 45:51.062 --> 45:52.364 Lieutenant General Harris and Bunch, 45:52.364 --> 45:54.081 I wanted to talk a little more 45:54.081 --> 45:56.667 about the Presidential Aircraft program. 45:56.667 --> 45:59.917 The president's budget request for FY18 46:01.078 --> 46:05.245 has a dollar amount of $434 million that are requested. 46:08.194 --> 46:12.194 The request reported last year was $625 million. 46:12.443 --> 46:15.248 There's a $191 million dollar reduction. 46:15.248 --> 46:16.505 First of all, is that something that 46:16.505 --> 46:19.422 the Air Force is in agreement with? 46:20.057 --> 46:21.773 Is it something the Air Force requested? 46:21.773 --> 46:24.021 And can you tell me where that 46:24.021 --> 46:27.854 30% reduction leaves us in, first of all, 46:28.058 --> 46:30.146 making sure we deliver those aircraft on time, 46:30.146 --> 46:32.818 and making sure too that we are on track 46:32.818 --> 46:36.147 with cost reductions on construction of the aircraft? 46:36.147 --> 46:39.153 So, any delays, obviously, that happen there, 46:39.153 --> 46:42.955 especially with Boeing, can have financial impacts. 46:42.955 --> 46:44.344 I wanna kinda get your perspective 46:44.344 --> 46:46.111 on where we are with that. 46:46.111 --> 46:46.944 - Yes, sir. 46:46.944 --> 46:48.854 Thank you for that question. 46:48.854 --> 46:51.837 We are fine with the budget that is put in. 46:51.837 --> 46:53.859 Its rephase dollars align with 46:53.859 --> 46:56.546 our acquisition strategy that we're going for, 46:56.546 --> 46:59.796 and we are not anticipating any changes 47:01.575 --> 47:03.238 to the dates that we've predicted 47:03.238 --> 47:05.405 for when we would deliver. 47:06.074 --> 47:07.801 - Very good, and you're still continued 47:07.801 --> 47:11.393 on track with cost projections on the aircraft. 47:11.393 --> 47:12.759 I know we've had some discussions 47:12.759 --> 47:16.426 about mechanisms to use to make sure that we 47:17.754 --> 47:19.438 get the best price possible, 47:19.438 --> 47:20.904 but also provide the Air Force 47:20.904 --> 47:23.640 some flexibility for the Air Force 47:23.640 --> 47:26.077 also to be able to get the best price possible. 47:26.077 --> 47:27.517 - So, sir, we understand the critical 47:27.517 --> 47:29.069 nature of making sure that we control 47:29.069 --> 47:30.646 the cost on this program. 47:30.646 --> 47:31.801 We are very focused on that. 47:31.801 --> 47:33.847 I think you can see the level of attention 47:33.847 --> 47:35.976 the Air Force put on that by designating 47:35.976 --> 47:38.726 one of our most experienced PEOs, 47:40.125 --> 47:41.838 Major General Duke Richardson, 47:41.838 --> 47:43.501 putting him solely in charge of that 47:43.501 --> 47:45.990 after his great run of executing 47:45.990 --> 47:49.679 the KC-46 program and keeping that program on track. 47:49.679 --> 47:51.729 So, I believe that shows to the committee, 47:51.729 --> 47:53.565 and to everyone, our commitment to 47:53.565 --> 47:57.482 making sure that programs is executed properly. 47:58.925 --> 48:01.209 What we would ask is that we are 48:01.209 --> 48:03.248 allowed to work with you if we decide 48:03.248 --> 48:04.828 on language we want to try to put 48:04.828 --> 48:06.988 for how we would wanna structure 48:06.988 --> 48:09.560 what we're limiting ourselves to 48:09.560 --> 48:11.212 from a contracting perspective, 48:11.212 --> 48:13.188 or a cost perspective, so that we all 48:13.188 --> 48:16.021 understand the ramifications of those things 48:16.021 --> 48:18.230 and we're doing it in a collaboration, 48:18.230 --> 48:19.722 because we need flexibility to use 48:19.722 --> 48:21.945 all the acquisition authorities that we have 48:21.945 --> 48:23.274 while still understanding that this 48:23.274 --> 48:25.855 is a critical program to the committee 48:25.855 --> 48:27.210 and to the American public that we need 48:27.210 --> 48:30.130 to make sure we're executing properly. 48:30.130 --> 48:31.365 - We're actually committed tot hat. 48:31.365 --> 48:32.386 Had a great meeting the other day 48:32.386 --> 48:33.974 with Lieutenant General Richardson 48:33.974 --> 48:36.724 and his efforts to make sure that 48:37.082 --> 48:39.617 cost controls are placed on that program 48:39.617 --> 48:41.581 and that we have all the different 48:41.581 --> 48:44.038 viewpoints necessary, both with Boeing, 48:44.038 --> 48:47.283 the Air Force, Congress, and the administration 48:47.283 --> 48:48.933 to make sure we get the best price possible 48:48.933 --> 48:51.333 for the taxpayers as I spoke about. 48:51.333 --> 48:54.115 Lieutenant General Bunch, I wanted to also 48:54.115 --> 48:56.487 try to develop a little bit better understanding 48:56.487 --> 48:59.070 of the Air Force's efforts with 49:00.724 --> 49:02.178 a compass call mission equipment. 49:02.178 --> 49:05.105 As you know, you all have appointed L3, 49:05.105 --> 49:07.448 as the lead systems integrator, 49:07.448 --> 49:10.365 and empowered them to make aircraft 49:10.555 --> 49:12.556 procurement decisions in order to rehost 49:12.556 --> 49:15.473 the compass call mission equipment. 49:16.820 --> 49:18.246 And I wanted to get your perspective 49:18.246 --> 49:21.563 on why the Air Force is moving in this direction 49:21.563 --> 49:24.230 for critical mission components, 49:24.606 --> 49:26.410 and if you could give me an example 49:26.410 --> 49:28.708 about how you've used this mechanism 49:28.708 --> 49:31.541 using private entities in the past 49:32.271 --> 49:34.806 versus it being done within the Air Force, 49:34.806 --> 49:38.139 or at least within a governmental entity 49:38.177 --> 49:40.853 within the Air Force Secretaries Office. 49:40.853 --> 49:42.371 Give me your perspective on how 49:42.371 --> 49:44.061 the decision making took place there 49:44.061 --> 49:46.319 and why you believe that L3 is gonna 49:46.319 --> 49:48.438 be able to perform and make the critical 49:48.438 --> 49:52.188 decisions necessary on this critical program. 49:52.455 --> 49:54.162 - So, Chairman, that's a great question, 49:54.162 --> 49:56.231 and I will let everybody know 49:56.231 --> 49:57.537 that's in the media this morning 49:57.537 --> 49:59.909 that Boeing did file a protest last week. 49:59.909 --> 50:01.167 That's now playing out. 50:01.167 --> 50:02.682 We'll let the GAO work that. 50:02.682 --> 50:05.153 We, the Air Force, remain committed 50:05.153 --> 50:07.277 to the acquisition strategy that 50:07.277 --> 50:10.421 we brought forward to address this critical need. 50:10.421 --> 50:13.838 So, I won't go into devil in the details, 50:15.235 --> 50:17.435 I won't go into a ton of that. 50:17.435 --> 50:19.283 But I will give you an overarching 50:19.283 --> 50:21.011 what we were trying to do. 50:21.011 --> 50:23.432 And last year, in the 16 congressional language 50:23.432 --> 50:26.165 we were told to go do analysis of alternatives, 50:26.165 --> 50:27.728 look at a variety of different options 50:27.728 --> 50:30.004 for what we would do for the C-130H fleet. 50:30.004 --> 50:33.122 After looking at all those, the most cost effective, 50:33.122 --> 50:35.828 and the most efficient, and the most timely, 50:35.828 --> 50:37.024 timely being one of the critical 50:37.024 --> 50:39.233 components of what we're trying to do, 50:39.233 --> 50:40.850 came back with the approach 50:40.850 --> 50:43.321 of designating a systems integrator. 50:43.321 --> 50:45.222 We do not use the lead part of that. 50:45.222 --> 50:47.295 There are specific acquisition things 50:47.295 --> 50:49.099 that are tied to being a lead system integrator. 50:49.099 --> 50:51.148 This is a system integrator server 50:51.148 --> 50:52.835 just to make sure that I'm clear 50:52.835 --> 50:55.625 on the words that I'm trying to use. 50:55.625 --> 50:57.792 And we picked that because 50:58.458 --> 51:02.190 the L3 has played that role as the systems integrator 51:02.190 --> 51:04.237 as we have modernized these aircraft 51:04.237 --> 51:06.070 for the last 15 years, 51:06.167 --> 51:07.660 they are the ones that are very familiar 51:07.660 --> 51:09.766 with the mission equipment that is on there. 51:09.766 --> 51:12.201 That mission equipment is highly classified 51:12.201 --> 51:13.973 to be able to execute the electronic 51:13.973 --> 51:17.973 warfare mission that we ask that platform to do. 51:18.510 --> 51:19.820 They have all the tooling, 51:19.820 --> 51:21.802 they have all the existing knowledge, 51:21.802 --> 51:23.099 and they have the modeling and all 51:23.099 --> 51:25.766 the information to do that work. 51:26.972 --> 51:30.091 This is a, for the preponderance of this, 51:30.091 --> 51:32.122 a non-developmental effort, 51:32.122 --> 51:34.105 meaning that we have had a robust 51:34.105 --> 51:37.105 and extensive program of modernizing 51:37.707 --> 51:39.121 the mission equipment to be able to 51:39.121 --> 51:43.288 meet the demands of the EC-130H mission over the years. 51:45.868 --> 51:49.701 Most of that will be simply cross decked over. 51:50.208 --> 51:53.028 So, they have the knowledge, having done that work, 51:53.028 --> 51:55.297 having installed that mission equipment. 51:55.297 --> 51:58.070 And then, the last item that would be there 51:58.070 --> 51:59.903 is the short timeline. 52:00.222 --> 52:02.163 Our analysis showed that we could do it through 52:02.163 --> 52:05.779 this means and do it quicker than we could any other way, 52:05.779 --> 52:07.397 getting a critical need to address 52:07.397 --> 52:09.730 something out in the future. 52:09.825 --> 52:11.693 A threat that is evolving that if we 52:11.693 --> 52:13.480 need more details, we can go to a 52:13.480 --> 52:14.833 different classification level, 52:14.833 --> 52:16.858 and we'd be happy to brief anybody on that. 52:16.858 --> 52:17.858 - Very good. 52:18.226 --> 52:22.226 I wanna get to the decision making element here. 52:22.694 --> 52:24.105 It seems like what you're saying is 52:24.105 --> 52:26.137 that there is some advantage then 52:26.137 --> 52:29.470 gained by using a private entity like L3 52:30.119 --> 52:33.202 based on their experience in outcomes 52:33.768 --> 52:35.443 as it relates to decision making 52:35.443 --> 52:38.110 within this critical realm as to 52:38.517 --> 52:42.684 integrating systems on the application of compass call. 52:44.820 --> 52:46.153 Is that correct? 52:46.532 --> 52:47.780 - There are advantages to that, 52:47.780 --> 52:48.935 and what I wanna make sure, sir, 52:48.935 --> 52:50.684 and I apologize, I left this part out. 52:50.684 --> 52:53.267 We are not stepping out of this 52:53.439 --> 52:56.016 and just watching the process play out. 52:56.016 --> 52:58.361 What we are doing is we will thoroughly 52:58.361 --> 53:00.665 review their aircraft selection and decision 53:00.665 --> 53:02.381 to insure that it was comprehensive, 53:02.381 --> 53:04.231 impartial, and compliant with all 53:04.231 --> 53:06.702 the applicable statutes and regulation. 53:06.702 --> 53:10.032 So, we are not, as I said earlier on the PAR, 53:10.032 --> 53:11.730 we're gonna be substanding partners. 53:11.730 --> 53:14.647 We will allow the system integrator 53:14.663 --> 53:15.970 to come in and give us report of 53:15.970 --> 53:17.024 what they've done, and we will 53:17.024 --> 53:19.266 analyze and scrutinize that and ask what questions 53:19.266 --> 53:23.433 we need to make sure that it was fair and was equitable, 53:24.877 --> 53:26.380 and we've made that decision. 53:26.380 --> 53:28.175 The other piece that we will do on this is 53:28.175 --> 53:30.921 all of the routine things that we do 53:30.921 --> 53:34.338 in acquisition where we ensure that it is 53:34.348 --> 53:37.395 cost compliant, fair and reasonable with DCMA, 53:37.395 --> 53:41.340 DCAA, all those things will be done in this program as well. 53:41.340 --> 53:42.173 - Okay. 53:42.760 --> 53:46.843 You had spoken about L3 being systems integrator, 53:47.224 --> 53:48.524 not lead systems integrator. 53:48.524 --> 53:50.047 I just wanna make sure, there seems to be 53:50.047 --> 53:53.797 some disagreement there within the Air Force. 53:53.876 --> 53:56.543 On January the 31st of this year 53:57.588 --> 54:00.130 Lisa Disbrow who's the acting secretary, 54:00.130 --> 54:01.984 wrote a letter to Senator Murray, 54:01.984 --> 54:05.304 and she stated "Extensive analysis to determined 54:05.304 --> 54:07.703 "this lead systems integrator approach 54:07.703 --> 54:09.968 "is the most efficient, expedient, and cost effective 54:09.968 --> 54:12.397 "means to rehost the compass call capability 54:12.397 --> 54:15.757 "into non-developmental, commercial, derivative aircraft." 54:15.757 --> 54:18.840 So, it seems that the secretary there 54:19.012 --> 54:21.379 is denoting this as a lead systems integrator. 54:21.379 --> 54:22.848 So, I just wanna make sure that we are 54:22.848 --> 54:25.496 straight in how you determine and say that L3 54:25.496 --> 54:27.681 would not be the lead systems integrator. 54:27.681 --> 54:28.621 - So, sir, I'll go back. 54:28.621 --> 54:30.307 I think I have submitted a subsequent letter 54:30.307 --> 54:32.029 that said it would be a systems integrator. 54:32.029 --> 54:33.705 I may not have that exactly right. 54:33.705 --> 54:35.509 But what I will do is go back, 54:35.509 --> 54:37.678 and we will work through that to 54:37.678 --> 54:39.533 make sure that the position we're taking 54:39.533 --> 54:42.121 is clear to the committee and what we're trying to do. 54:42.121 --> 54:43.678 - Gotcha, very good. 54:43.678 --> 54:47.011 Yeah, I'm just looking at your letter of 54:47.817 --> 54:50.509 1st of February, you also referred to 54:50.509 --> 54:52.538 L3 as a lead systems integrator. 54:52.538 --> 54:53.969 - And I misspoke, sir, and I'll go back 54:53.969 --> 54:55.152 and clarify what we're doing. 54:55.152 --> 54:56.839 But it is a systems integrator role, 54:56.839 --> 54:58.809 that's what we're asking L3 to do. 54:58.809 --> 55:00.531 And I apologize for any confusion. 55:00.531 --> 55:02.177 - And I don't mean to be picking on this, 55:02.177 --> 55:03.723 but I do think it's critical as far as 55:03.723 --> 55:05.629 the role that the government and 55:05.629 --> 55:08.393 the Air Force is gonna take in decision making here. 55:08.393 --> 55:09.846 And if you're looking at there's 55:09.846 --> 55:13.243 an advantage to L3 as a systems integrator 55:13.243 --> 55:14.952 versus a lead systems integrator, 55:14.952 --> 55:17.626 and where the decision making is going to take place, 55:17.626 --> 55:19.561 and what role the Air Force will play, 55:19.561 --> 55:21.498 or what it won't play, I think is really 55:21.498 --> 55:23.343 something important for us to understand, 55:23.343 --> 55:25.582 because this is a very, very, critical system 55:25.582 --> 55:29.737 that we want to make sure gets integrated properly, 55:29.737 --> 55:31.914 and to make sure that we clearly define 55:31.914 --> 55:35.413 Air Forces role and L3's role, I believe is critical. 55:35.413 --> 55:37.525 And so, there does seem to be some dichotomy there, 55:37.525 --> 55:38.750 so I just wanna make sure that 55:38.750 --> 55:40.110 we're all clear on this. 55:40.110 --> 55:42.673 - Sir, we'll continue to dialogue on that. 55:42.673 --> 55:44.153 The thought process through that 55:44.153 --> 55:46.225 with L3 having been the system integrator 55:46.225 --> 55:48.256 for the last 15 years, they are the ones 55:48.256 --> 55:50.199 who know what the cross deck requirements 55:50.199 --> 55:51.512 would be better than anyone else. 55:51.512 --> 55:54.406 That was the driver, that and the other factors, 55:54.406 --> 55:56.450 the time, and all the other factors, 55:56.450 --> 56:00.573 sensitivity of the mission equipment and the mission. 56:00.573 --> 56:02.257 Those were the drivers that lead to 56:02.257 --> 56:05.207 the selection of them as the systems integrator. 56:05.207 --> 56:06.745 - That's good 'cause that was behind 56:06.745 --> 56:09.450 my question of what advantage you gain. 56:09.450 --> 56:11.687 You talk about them having base knowledge, 56:11.687 --> 56:14.647 you talk about them having dealt with these systems before. 56:14.647 --> 56:17.969 The key is where is the definitional role 56:17.969 --> 56:19.703 between the Air Force and the L3 56:19.703 --> 56:20.643 to make sure that we get it right, 56:20.643 --> 56:24.218 so we stay on time, we stay on performance, 56:24.218 --> 56:26.043 we make sure that the integration 56:26.043 --> 56:27.967 of these systems gets done properly. 56:27.967 --> 56:28.800 - Yes, sir. 56:28.800 --> 56:30.009 We're committed to making sure that is, 56:30.009 --> 56:31.634 and as I said, we're gonna be actively 56:31.634 --> 56:32.893 involved in watching that. 56:32.893 --> 56:34.528 We'll get reports analyzed, all those things, 56:34.528 --> 56:35.839 to make sure it works. 56:35.839 --> 56:38.426 And one of the big drivers, as I said sir, 56:38.426 --> 56:39.736 and I apologize for going over again, 56:39.736 --> 56:41.361 the timing of this is really critical 56:41.361 --> 56:43.545 to make sure we see we're ready for the evolving 56:43.545 --> 56:45.283 threat to make sure we can execute the mission. 56:45.283 --> 56:46.116 - I couldn't agree more. 56:46.116 --> 56:47.791 I think timeliness here is critical 56:47.791 --> 56:48.788 to make sure there's no hiccups 56:48.788 --> 56:50.921 about who's gonna perform certain roles, 56:50.921 --> 56:52.917 because when there is, we know that also 56:52.917 --> 56:56.345 elongates timeframes and can complicate things. 56:56.345 --> 56:58.241 So, that would be great if you would follow up 56:58.241 --> 57:01.330 with us to redefine what you have stated to us today, 57:01.330 --> 57:03.597 I think that would be very helpful to us. 57:03.597 --> 57:04.430 - [Lt. Gen. Bunch] Yes, sir. 57:04.430 --> 57:05.430 - Very good. 57:05.802 --> 57:07.143 Are there any other questions from 57:07.143 --> 57:10.143 committee members for our panelists? 57:10.788 --> 57:13.815 If not, gentlemen, thank you so much for your leadership. 57:13.815 --> 57:15.332 Thank you for coming for us today 57:15.332 --> 57:17.514 and shining some light on these critical issues 57:17.514 --> 57:19.135 for the Air Force, and we continue 57:19.135 --> 57:20.874 to look forward to working with you 57:20.874 --> 57:23.034 as we go down these roles and making sure 57:23.034 --> 57:27.201 that these assets get delivered on time and on budget. 57:27.862 --> 57:30.529 And with that, we are adjourned.