Charles Skelton: “As the gentleman knows, the B-2 fleet from Whiteman Air Force Base, which is in west central Missouri, did remarkable…”

“As the gentleman knows, the B-2 fleet from Whiteman Air Force Base, which is in west central Missouri, did remarkable work during the Kosovo conflict. The precision ammunition that it used was the best effort in the history of aerial warfare. In this bill, we are working towards smaller precision-type ammunition, bombs, and I think that is a major step. I also think that, regarding the B-2 fleet, we need certain upgrades to make sure that we stay ahead of all the technology so that, even more so, they will be stealthy. They are a first-class instrument of national defense. The B-2 fleet, as the gentleman knows, is so very, very important to our future. We must in our capacity as lawmakers and members of this committee make sure that the upgrades that are necessary for future technical advancement are bought and paid for. On a related item, I might tell the gentleman from California that not long ago I was talking with a marine captain who had just relinquished his command as a company commander. I was asking him about his experience. He, of course, being a marine all the way through, was very proud of his service as commander of that company. But he did remark, "We didn't have enough ammunition to train properly." The gentleman from California has done yeoman's work in the area. We need, I think, to do more in the area of ammunition. I know full well that I join him in that effort.”