The Commandant of the Marine Corps recently testified to the committee that the Marine Corps will reach IOC in 2012 with a standing squadron ready to deploy.

does there need to be a more open and insightful dialogue or debate on the significant challenges confronting the JSF program?

the Department of the Navy has identified a naval aviation strike fighter shortfall, which it projects to be more than 240 aircraft by 2018.

The success or failure of our efforts to modernize and transform the force of the future rests on decisions proposed, discussed, and implemented today.

Carrier aviation and our carrier strike group force structure are vital to executing our Military Strategy in support of the Nation's security and strategic objectives.

The Navy has vastly expanded its estimate of size of the so-called fighter gap, putting the shortfall of fighter planes at 243 aircraft by 2018.

In terms of the TACAIR portfolio, are there any aspects of that plan with which you have any difficulty?

Is the Army experiencing other shortfalls in other areas when it comes to equipment and trying to meet some of the changing dynamics of operations in Afghanistan relative to what we've been dealing with in Iraq?

Modernizing the Army is necessary to preserve our technological edge over potential adversaries.

To what extent could an increased inventory of long-range bombers, in some ways, make up for the shortfall in Navy and Marine Corp strike fighters?

the F-35 program development schedule is likely to slip from 12 months to 27 months

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.