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INDOPACOM leaders tell Senate logistics, shipbuilding and airlift shortfalls threaten surge capacity
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Summary
Witnesses warned the committee that shortages in combat logistics ships, sealift, tankers, C-17/C-130 lift, and maintenance capacity are eroding the U.S. ability to surge and sustain forces in the Indo-Pacific, pressing Congress to address shipbuilding, manpower and industrial-base constraints.
Senators and INDOPACOM leaders used the hearing to underscore logistics and sustainment shortfalls that commanders said reduce the joint force's ability to surge in a crisis. Admiral Paparo told the committee the combat logistics force fleet strength is roughly "about 60% of the actual requirement," and that 17 logistics ships were laid up for lack of manpower.
Admiral Paparo said moving a Patriot battalion required 73 C-17 loads, highlighting the volume of airlift needed for major deployments. He and other witnesses described shortfalls in sealift, tanker capacity, and the combat logistics force, and argued that longer-range munitions and sustainment stocks must be prepositioned or more readily surgeable.
Senators and witnesses flagged specific industrial-base concerns: low U.S. shipbuilding capacity (the United States accounts for a small share of global shipbuilding versus partners such as South Korea and Japan), insufficient amphibious readiness (13 of 32 amphibious ships reported ready by another witness), and the need for more C-130 tactical airlift for contested logistics.
The commanders said Congress can help by funding increased shipbuilding rates, addressing maritime industry labor shortages through incentives, and investing in tanker and cargo lift production as well as forward maintenance and partner-yard capacity. Admiral Paparo recommended expanding maintenance and repair work at allied partner yards and improving co-sustainment authorities so allied auxiliaries and repair facilities can be used quickly in crisis.
Why it matters: Multiple senators emphasized that sustainment wins wars and that without inventory and lift the U.S. would "fight until help comes." Witnesses asked for near-term investments and policy changes to reduce reliance on external contracting and to grow U.S. and allied surge capacity.
No formal votes were held at the hearing.
