I have long stated that just as important as it is to provide our service members with new, modernized equipment, we must fully maintain the assets that we already have.

I think that we all agree that when the American public thinks of the terms 'national defense,' they envision our proud service members stationed around the world and the equipment, the ships, the tanks, and aircraft, that we supply so…

I strongly support Ranking Member Adam Smith's proposal for an independent national commission on military aviation safety.

There is no room in our current aviation readiness status to suffer personnel or material losses that should be avoidable.

I understand that 1-day safety standdowns were ordered after the recent mishaps so that the service could review its safety measures and curb a drastic rise in aviation mishaps.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. And, Mr. Chairman, I want to say thank you. This has been a very informative hearing.

We expect to have that completed before the end of the fiscal year.

Without properly maintained ships, submarines, aircraft, and weapon systems, our forces cannot perform necessary training required to build readiness or meet the operational requirements that are placed upon them.

I am concerned that in a year where readiness has been cited as the Department's top priority, the Department's budget request only supports 93 percent of the Air Force depot maintenance requirements and 92 percent of the Navy's aviation…

So to lessen that 180 days?