Mike McIntyre: “This is an important hearing because we know the future of American naval power is an issue that should concern all…”

rural America are just as much taxpaying citizens as those in urban and suburban America and should not be left behind.

I continue to question how putting these ships into long-term layup status improves our national defense.

I worry that, absent a calculated adjustment by the Department of Defense, this modernization effort could undermine the military balance and call into question our alliance commitments.

We also want to make sure the Marines are not being seen as a second land force, but rather an amphibious-based expeditionary force true to the mission of the Marines.