I want to join Senator McCain in welcoming General McDew to the Committee this morning to testify on the plans and programs of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) in our preparation to review of the fiscal year 2018 annual authorization request. 

We are grateful to you for your service to the nation.  I also want to commend the truly professional service of the men and women under your command and their families, who are key to the success of the men and women of our armed forces.

The work of TRANSCOM may be invisible to many, but it is critical because of it delivers what are forward deployed personnel need, when they need it.  While TRANSCOM performs thousands of operations successfully, it is facing a number of daunting challenges.

While all of the military is working to respond to potential and actual cyberattacks, TRANSCOM faces a unique set of cyber threats because it must work with private-sector entities in the transportation and shipping industries to support DOD deployment operations.  Three years ago, the Committee issued a report on certain aspects of TRANSCOM’s cyber security situation.  General McDew, we would like to hear what steps you have taken to respond to the issues identified in that report and any others you may have identified since you assumed command. 

The Ready Reserve Force, a group of cargo ships held in readiness by the Maritime Administration, is aging and will need to be modernized over the next decade.  DOD also needs to ensure that the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, or CRAF program, which provides as much as 40 percent of wartime airlift needs, remains viable after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and will be able to provide needed surge capacity in the future.  I would appreciate an update on how TRANSCOM intends to ensure these fleets are ready to meet the command’s requirements.

Our global transportation capability owned or managed by TRANSCOM has been one of our asymmetric advantages for many years now.  However, we cannot assume that potential adversaries will allow us free rein in this area in the future.  General McDew, as you said in your prepared statement about future conflicts, “we expect contested global sea lanes and air routes to a degree we have not faced since World War II.”  We are interested in hearing how you are addressing the growing reality that the access you enjoy now may be increasingly challenged.  

General McDew, thank you again for your service and I look forward to your testimony.