I was concerned about what this would mean in terms of our readiness.

One of the concerns that I have is it delays, for example, production of one Virginia-class submarine.

We are certainly taking on additional risk with this.

General Fraser, was this proposed change developed in full collaboration with the Marine Corps?

General Fraser, what is the strategic rationale for no longer having a MPSRON in the Mediterranean?

I had an amendment in that said even to go to reduced operating status, that the Commandant of the Marine Corps would do an assessment on the impact on readiness.

I think it has been a very effective and not only cost-effective but a very strong way for us to represent our interests in a collaborative way around the world.

In my view, one terrorist reengaging us is one too many.

I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for our troops to reencounter someone we've had already in detention.

But we don't have a designated facility, because we're essentially not taking anyone else in GTMO, as far as I understand it, pursuant to the administration's policy?

I would hope that we would not bring those two individuals to the United States, because I'd have a hard time explaining that to my constituents when we have the availability of the GTMO detention facility.

the Virginia-class submarine provides a critical platform for our special operators, especially in anti-access and area-denial environments?

You specifically cite the threat that Iranian small boats and cruise missiles represent.

would it be accurate to describe the Persian Gulf and the seas adjacent to Iran as an increasingly anti-access and area-denial environment?

How important will the Virginia payload module be in addressing at least a portion of this looming gap in undersea strike capabilities?

Admiral McRaven, looking well into the future, are you concerned about the projected 60 percent reduction in undersea strike volume?

These are choices that we are certainly, we know from even Secretary Panetta's testimony, taking on some risk with.

I can't imagine anyone on this committee would ever stand for hollowing out our force.