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Transcom tells House panel U.S. mobility forces need recapitalization; lawmakers debate Jones Act and 10-ship cap
Summary
Gen. Randall Reed told House Armed Services subcommittees that U.S. air-refueling and sealift fleets are aging and require recapitalization. Members pressed Transcom on shore-to-port networks, civilian mariner shortfalls and whether to lift a statutory 10-ship limit for used-ship purchases.
Gen. Randall Reed, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, told a joint hearing of House Armed Services subcommittees that U.S. mobility forces face “an increasingly contested logistics environment” and need a coordinated recapitalization of air-refueling, airlift and sealift capabilities.
Reed testified that long lead times for new ships and aircraft mean the United States must begin recapitalization plans now. “US Transcom was created as a purpose built force to provide the essential surface, ocean, and airlift capacity to project and sustain American power anywhere in the world at any time,” he said, describing Transcom’s role as the nation’s transportation and sustainment command.
The commander's comments came amid sustained questioning from members who pressed for near-term and long-term fixes. Ranking Member John Garamendi and Rep. Trent Kelly both singled out the KC-46 tanker program and the aging KC-135 fleet. Reed warned recapitalization must continue without interruption,…
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