Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) recently questioned top defense officials during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. The panel included Commandant of Marine Corps General Eric Smith, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Tuberville's line of questioning centered on the U.S.'s strategy in the Indo-Pacific, shipbuilding delays, and workforce concerns.

During the hearing, Tuberville asked General Smith about resources needed to support the U.S. mission in the Indo-Pacific. In response, Smith emphasized the need for predictable and steady funding for amphibious warfare ships to counter threats from China.

When discussing shipbuilding delays with Secretary Del Toro, Tuberville pointed out significant delays in building Columbia class vessels and called for results rather than reports. Del Toro responded by highlighting recent efforts to increase outsourcing to smaller shipyards like Austal to help with production.

Tuberville also expressed concern over difficulties in allocating funds for shipbuilding projects, attributing it to people not fulfilling their responsibilities. He further stressed the challenge of finding trained workers amidst an increasing labor shortage.

The senator also raised questions about recruitment standards in the Navy, specifically asking if non-American citizens were being recruited. Admiral Franchetti clarified that only individuals legally allowed to enter the Navy are recruited.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.