The U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services convened on September 11, 2025, to conduct a full committee hearing regarding the nomination of General Christopher J. Mahoney, USMC, for reappointment to the grade of general and to serve as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The session focused on critical issues surrounding U.S. military readiness, modernization of nuclear command and control systems, and the strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

The hearing began with discussions on the modernization of nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) systems. Senators expressed concerns about the inconsistent prioritization of these systems and the need for timely modernization efforts. General Mahoney acknowledged the importance of NC3 in maintaining strategic stability, particularly in light of the rising nuclear capabilities of China. He committed to working closely with the Secretary of Defense and other military leaders to ensure that modernization efforts are adequately resourced and executed.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen raised concerns about potential U.S. troop withdrawals from NATO's eastern flank, the Korean Peninsula, and the Middle East. She emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in NATO and the need for transparency regarding military presence in these regions. General Mahoney affirmed the critical nature of U.S. presence and pledged to keep Congress informed about any plans affecting troop deployments.

The discussion then shifted to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's hiring challenges, which have been exacerbated by delays in the hiring process. Senator Shaheen highlighted the urgent need for the shipyard to hire additional workers to maintain the Navy's nuclear submarines. General Mahoney expressed his commitment to addressing these hiring issues to ensure operational readiness.

Senator Shaheen also pointed out the current low readiness rates of the Navy's amphibious fleet and the impact of recent deployments on military training. General Mahoney acknowledged the risks associated with deployments and outlined strategies to mitigate readiness losses, including in situ training and rotational plans for personnel.

Further discussions included the importance of maintaining capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly in the context of potential conflicts with adversaries like China. General Mahoney confirmed that the joint force relies on capabilities operating within specific frequency bands and acknowledged the risks of vacating those bands.

Senators also addressed the need for a balanced approach to military and diplomatic efforts, with General Mahoney agreeing on the importance of utilizing all tools of national power, including foreign aid, to support U.S. interests.

As the hearing progressed, the committee explored the implications of recent shifts in U.S. defense strategy, particularly regarding the Indo-Pacific region. General Mahoney reiterated the significance of focusing on China as a pacing threat and emphasized the need for continued investment in capabilities to deter aggression in that theater.

In conclusion, the hearing underscored the critical issues facing U.S. military readiness and strategic posture. General Mahoney's responses reflected a commitment to addressing these challenges and ensuring that the U.S. military remains prepared to respond to evolving threats. The committee's discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between military leadership and Congress in shaping the future of U.S. defense policy.