Opening Statement of U.S. Senator Jack Reed
                         Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee

Room SDG-50
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Thursday, June 16, 2016

Hearing to receive testimony on the nomination of
General David L. Goldfein
to be Chief of Staff of the Air Force

(As Prepared for Delivery)

I want to join Senator McCain in welcoming General Goldfein to this confirmation hearing regarding his nomination to be the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. General Goldfein, welcome to the Armed Services Committee and thank you for your many years of exemplary service to our nation, and for your willingness to continue to serve. We are mindful that families also serve, so we should extend our thanks to your family for their dedication and support, which is so critical to any official’s success.

General Goldfein is highly qualified for the position to which he has been nominated. He has most recently been serving as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, which means he should be very familiar with the challenges facing the Air Force today and into the future. General Goldfein also has had numerous senior positions of responsibility before that, including Director of the Joint Staff.

General Goldfein, as Chief of Staff of the Air Force, you will be tasked with recruiting and retaining a quality force, and ensuring that force contains the necessary structure and readiness levels to meet our nation’s current challenges and the posture to respond to tomorrow’s crises and contingencies. The Air Force is facing challenges in affording all the aircraft and weapons systems it needs, and now is also facing the recapitalization of the bomber fleet and the land-based missile fleet. And on top of those challenges, the Air Force and the rest of the military services are facing the sequestration cliff next year.

General Goldfein, I look forward to your thoughts on how you intend to take on these daunting issues, should you be confirmed. I intend to support your confirmation and hope there will be early action by the Senate to confirm you.

Thank you again for your service to our nation.

Mr. Chairman.