20250507: SPF Hearing: Update on Air Force Projection Forces Aviation Programs and Capabilities
House Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces
2025-05-07
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Source: Congress.gov
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The subcommittee will come to order. I ask unanimous consent that the chair be authorized to declare a recess at any time. Without objection, so ordered. Good afternoon. I want to thank everyone for being here today as we convene this important hearing to discuss the state of our United States Air Force, its modernization efforts, and the challenges it faces in an increasingly complex security environment. First and foremost, I want to express my deep appreciation for the men and women of the Air Force whose dedication and service continue to ensure our nation's air superiority.
Their commitment to excellence is nothing short of extraordinary. As chairman, I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our airmen have the resources, training, and capabilities needed to maintain that leading edge. Today's discussion will address key areas, including fleet modernization, emerging technologies, and strategic deterrence. I know the budget is not out, but I look forward to hearing the Air Force's priorities and any struggles we can help with. I want to focus on the critical role of the bomber and mobility platforms. Our bomber fleet remains a cornerstone of strategic deterrence, and modernization efforts must keep pace with evolving threats. Meanwhile, mobility platforms are the backbone of our operational effectiveness, allowing us to move personnel, equipment and supplies with unmatched efficiency across the globe. The world is changing rapidly and adversaries are invested heavily in advanced capabilities that threaten our national security. It is imperative that we remain ahead of those threats by strengthening our operational capabilities, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and fostering innovation within the defense industry. I look forward to hearing from our distinguished witnesses, engaging in thoughtful discussion, and working together to find solutions that ensure the continued strength of our Air Force. I'd like in turn to turn it over to my friend, Ranking Member Courtney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and to the witnesses for being here today. You know, sometimes people think that the subcommittee is only focused on Navy issues, but the Projection Forces mission is definitely very central to the work that we do.
And again, over the years of the programs we're going to discuss here today, you know, we've been very active both in terms of authorization language as well as oversight of those programs. I will say I think it's unfortunate that this hearing is happening without an actual fiscal year 2026 budget request, which normally is the case when this hearing is held. AND ALTHOUGH HASK'S RECONCILIATION BILL INCLUDED FUNDS FOR PROJECTION FORCES PROGRAMS, THE BILL WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY TIED TO FY2026 BUDGET BUT WAS RATHER FRAMED IN A FOUR-YEAR TIMELINE FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDS AND EIGHT YEARS FOR ACTUAL EXPENDITURE OR EXECUTION OF THOSE FUNDS. I WOULD NOTE THAT BOTH CHAIRS OF THE HOUSE And Senate Armed Services Committee over the weekend criticized the so-called skinny budget document that came out in OMB's attempt to roll reconciliation into the total defense request and their characterization of it as a $1 trillion budget. As both Chairman Wicker and Rogers note, the actual 2026 baseline budget request is a cut when accounting for inflation. just this morning mr rogers highlighted to politico that pinning hopes on the defense boost via reconciliation is a risky bet you know the best way to to really handle this situation is just to make sure that the programs that we're going to discuss here today like many other programs in the defense budget are actually included in the baseline 2026 budget and hopefully as NDAA you know kicks off and we get the full budget that is going to be the outcome and again I would note that in the reconciliation bill there are many of the programs and projection forces were included but again with no timeline in terms of when they actually have to be executed and that's not what you know our military needs right now the the need to get these platforms and these programs moving forward
now in FY26 you know really I think is the reason why we really should heed the chair's concerns that they expressed over the weekend. Again, KC46A has been a big topic over the years in terms of this subcommittee. And again, we want to, again, find out what's the latest in terms of Boeing's upgrades, in terms of, again, the problems that they've been finally now sort of focused on fixing. Again, we also want to know about the modernization of B-52, the B-21 program's progress, and also Air Force One's delivery date for the two planes, which again was mentioned in the testimony today. So again, really appreciate the witnesses for being here, the chair for scheduling today's hearing, and with that, I yield back.
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Unknown
Thank you, Mr. Courtney. I'd like to introduce our witnesses today, Lieutenant General Dave Tabor, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, and Ms. Darlene Costello, the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Let me take a moment of personal privilege to confirm a rumor that we've heard. Ms. Costello, you're retiring. I can confirm that, yes. 36 years as a career DOD civilian. We would like to congratulate you. Thank you, Brian, your family, and of course, Bridget, on a distinguished career and best wishes for the future. I understand that you are doing two separate openings. General Taylor, you are recognized. Thank you, Chairman Kelly, Ranking Member Courtney, and distinguished members of the subcommittee.
L
Lieutenant General David Tabor
I appreciate you inviting us here today to provide testimony on the importance of the Department of the Air Force's bomber, tanker, and airlift programs and their crucial roles in the defense of our nation. For over 75 years, the nation has trusted the Air Force to deliver capable, credible combat power and unique national capabilities that cannot be duplicated in the joint force to deter and prevail against any threat to our homeland and our interests. Our citizens, the Joint Force, our allies, and our partners have long held faith in the Department of the Air Force's ability to rapidly project power across the globe. Our adversaries also have faith in our ability, but they are determined to erode the advantages of American air power.
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