Roger Wicker: “I would like to add a comment from the current TransCom commander, GEN Darren McDew. In January, General McDew said…”

“I would like to add a comment from the current TransCom commander, GEN Darren McDew. In January, General McDew said, ``As a military professional and senior leader, I think about and plan for what the future may hold, and I would tell you we must prepare for the real possibility we will not enjoy the uncontested seas and broad international support experienced in 1991. If either of those possibilities becomes reality, and if we remain committed to responding to security incidents around the globe, the only way of guaranteeing we decisively meet our national objectives is with U.S. ships operated by U.S. mariners.'' I thank Senator Hirono for joining me in this effort to ensure that full funding is secured for the Maritime Security Program in fiscal year 2017.”