John McCain

However, significant concerns remain about the overall stresses on the Aegis fleet as the missile defense mission continues to grow.

The Navy's budget request shows funding for ship maintenance declining from 100 percent of projected requirements in 2010 to 97 percent in the 2011 request

Implementation of the Air-Sea Battle Concept, a limited operational concept that focuses the development of integrated air and naval forces on addressing the evolving anti-access/area denial environment, will help us preserve our access…

Despite the anticipated delay, I understand that MDA does not intend to procure any additional SM-3 Blk IA.

What is the basis for the Navy's decision of 16 tubes?

Is a strategic national asset that should not necessarily be funded in the shipbuilding account.

Admiral Roughead, is the Navy's 2012 budget request consistent with its goals of improving surface ship readiness?

Admiral Roughead, the Navy is now required to have aircraft carriers in Middle Eastern waters for 9 months out of every year, a heavier constant commitment beyond the temporary surging of carrier battle groups in the region over the past…

I understand that an outside study being done for the Navy on the health of the Navy shipbuilding industrial base is just about finished.

Is the planned number of ships enough to keep those six shipyards in business?

The requirement of 313 ships remains the floor and the Navy is committed to building to that floor.

I am privileged to witness this exemplary level of care firsthand when I visit our wounded warriors and their families.

Do you see the need for statutory changes that would enhance the ability to mobilize and use Navy Reserve Forces?

Secretary Mabus, your staff recently notified this committee of DOD's intent to use the Federal Government's authority to seize a deed to private property through eminent domain in order to establish an outlying landing field at Goliad, TX.

Part of our agreement with the Government of Japan to realign forces on the Island of Okinawa was to relocate the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) at Futenma up north to Camp Schwab.

Secretary Mabus, will that plan meet the Marine Corps' requirements?

How could the marines now standing off shore in the Mediterranean be used to help out should events in North Africa deteriorate?

The extra engine has even less support here in the Senate and probably would not survive a vote here.

If this trend toward program reductions and deferrals continues, what is going to happen over the long run to the Marine Corps' ability to put troops ashore and then properly support them there in combat operations?

The Navy sets high standards of conduct for its commanding officers, and will continue to hold them fully accountable.

The emphasis is on the personal character, integrity, and accountability we expect of our commanders.

I believe we're at only 286 or 287 right now.

I think you have made significant progress in ensuring that we design a ship that is not only capable, but affordable.

It's the future of deterrence, nuclear deterrence for the Nation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.