So, let me ask a question about the expansion of research and the modernization funding in OSD.

I would commit to you that we will look at that, but I would like to look at it in the context of some of the other programs that we are doing as well.

So, the Navy has been very supportive of replicator.

Maybe sluggish is even too kind of a word but if you have to really critically assess where we are in and how we're improving the acquisition process.

We need to keep leaning in and it's going to take all of us.

Thank you for your leadership.

We talk a lot about the various aircraft, the equipment, but I think we know that as good as that may be if we fail to invest adequately in our soldiers, that is where we fail, that is where we have the vulnerabilities.

I think many of us in this committee, in this Congress are very concerned about where we are with our naval fleet.

The United States is an Arctic nation, and of course, this is a strategically important region to us.

Count me amongst those that are worried about our shipbuilding capacity and our infrastructure

I think would be a strategic critical error.

Seems to me that if you're a real Marine, by God that's where you want to go train.

I feel it is important to always underscore that we never take our eye off of North Korea.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I need to know and I'd like your commitment, Admiral, that the Navy as the contract agent for this effort is proactively supporting the Coast Guard and their acquisition of additional icebreakers.

So, you think it's a good idea, but we're not quite there yet in terms of making sure that we are implementing to scale?

In its 2021 Arctic Strategy 'Regaining Arctic Dominance', the Army asserts that a Multi-Domain Task Force in Alaska is the first step in setting the conditions for success in the Arctic.

if we don't take care of our people, if we don't give them predictability, those decades of experience that they have, that will take decades to replace, they are going to vote with their feet, and they are going to do something else.