"So what is the answer?"
"The prime contractor of the EFV very vigorously disagrees with the decision of DOD."
"We must maintain our capability to project power--and that includes projecting power in the face of armed opposition."
"If it turns out it was a $15 million vehicle instead of $12 million vehicle, it becomes a dicier choice, doesn't it?"
"Is the amphibious assault mission still relevant for the future, and what about the point I made about 10 miles versus 25?"
"The ability to conduct an amphibious assault against a defended shoreline is the core competency that distinguishes our Marine Corps from other ground combat forces."
"not effective, suitable and not survivable in combat"
"That makes sense. Let me ask in conclusion about the industrial base."
"We'd like to help you on that."
"we are decommissioning amphibious ships too early in their lives and at a rate that cannot be sustained"
"I know our esteemed witnesses as well as the tens of thousands of dedicated naval shipyard workers throughout our country share a joint commitment to providing our sailors and marines with the finest ..."
"Secretary Stackley, were those service life extensions through planned SLEPs or through an ad-hoc process?"
"Does CBO approach it with three windows of 10 years each also? If so, are they closer in the first 10 years?"
"What, if anything, is the Navy doing, or will it do, to support the shipbuilding industrial base?"
"Secretary Stackley, how many of those ships had their service lives extended beyond what was intended when they were built?"
"if the San Antonio-class of ships had remained on schedule for delivery would we be experiencing this amphibious ship gap that raises so many concerns today?"
"I'm sure I speak for all subcommittee members when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with all our deployed sailors at sea and ashore."
"Let me just observe that the chairman, with neither an Annapolis education or a fine Reserve Officers' Training Corps education, seems to have been able to drill down on some very good points here."
