"I think that is key and I want to make sure, too, that we are keeping in mind because we talk about time all the time..."
"the place where we find ourselves with tanking capability is beyond the point of where we should be comfortable with that."
"it makes sense to not put lots of money into old ships that right around the corner are going to have more and more severe problems in order to keep them at sea."
"significant risk could be above that level."
"Congress has done what needs to be done in this effort and authorized the procurement of seven used vessels to begin replacing the Ready Reserve Force."
"I think a more practical solution would be to take a proven mature design from commercial market and begin building that in U.S. shipyards."
"Since reviewing this portfolio last year, one thing is certain. Our aged Ready Reserve Force of 46 ships which averaged 43 years of age a year ago now averages 44 years of age."
"I am troubled by that, because if you look at the availability of those submarines, we have the number we have to be able to put at sea any one time the necessary number to deter."
"We agree with the Secretary and the CNO that Sec. 8056 of Public Law 115-141 and other similar congressional directives that limit Navy's flexibility should be eliminated."
"this Inouye amendment . . . is an artificial seam that inhibits [Navy] from establishing a single standard."
"I remain committed to ensuring that we must not forget the lives lost on the USS John S. McCain and USS Fitzgerald."