I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

Admiral Willard, Northern Edge is a critical exercise to prepare forces for contingencies in the PACOM AOR.

Secretary Panetta and General Dempsey, the Sea-Based X-Band (SBX) radar is critical to GMD system performance and warfighter confidence in the system.

This kind of agreement in the future of the Arctic is going to be another piece of the equation to our military positioning.

The decisions we make here at the markup have long-term impacts to the military deployment of services.

I firmly believe Alaskan Command is and will remain an integral component of enabling PACOM to carry out its mission.

Thank you very much.

The costs of a potential BRAC round will not be known until after DOD has developed its recommendations.

Secretary Panetta and General Dempsey, why not utilize U.S. locations, like Alaska, as we shift our focus to the Asia-Pacific region to simultaneously promote economic development and readiness?

I think what you're doing in alternative and renewable energy... it is critical for our long-term national and economic security.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), do you support it?

I was just in Afghanistan... that's powerful. That gives us tactical advantage, at least from my perspective.

Secretary Panetta, please provide more details regarding DOD's intent to seek authority for BRAC.

the formal BRAC Commission process is the most objective, thorough, and non-partisan route to pursue with respect to real property management.

Why is DOD not pursuing a more aggressive effort to identify sites overseas for closure and realignment?

I'm expecting an answer because we have to make these decisions, and it's very difficult.

The request for BRAC appears to be preemptive and driven by budget constraints, not by national security needs.

I believe that I probably occupy--80 to 85 percent of the ALCOM commander's time.

shouldn't we ensure the military's global footprint is aligned with our strategy?

Everything we do here...creates long-term implications.

Why I ask this is because it's critical on the civilian piece, because under BRAC there are special requirements when you start touching civilian employees and the quantity, under the law.

We should have further discussion on the need for a U.S.-controlled deepwater port in the Arctic.

Your gap analysis, will that also then be utilized as you move forward in your long-term budget planning?

Admiral Willard, would you please provide manpower summaries (military, contractor, and civilian billets) for Alaskan Command for fiscal year 2012?

Secretary Panetta, BRAC 2005 cost DOD $35 billion to implement.