"How important are the HASC-provided increases in the FY14 reset accounts to your service? What are the impacts if that increase is not realized?"
"I know it is a very tough time for the Navy family, and please let them know we are thinking about them and praying for them."
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, thank you so much for joining us today."
"So those maintenance availabilities are deferred. Ultimately, you could end up with ships sitting in port because they are not able to go to sea because they don't have systems that may be up to speed..."
"In this scenario, with these deferred maintenance elements and with sailors being at sea longer... does that result in increased risk for our sailors?"
"Yes, sir. I would say that is a correct characterization."
"If we can't do that, does that result in increased risk for our sailors?"
"I fear this will put you gentlemen in a damage control situation to maintain the fleet, leading to grave concerns for the readiness of the surface force."
"This delicate balance is fragile, and without the needed maintenance and reset of the force, the Navy will be severely challenged to meet its training and operational commitments."
"I refuse to accept this."
"Decline is a choice, and I believe this new plan willingly chooses to continue the slow, painful decline of robust American Seapower."
"We cannot and will not stand idly by while the greatest, most powerful Navy in the world erodes for lack of funding."