    [Senate Hearing 117-980]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                            S. Hrg. 117-980

                       THE NOMINATION OF ADMIRAL JOHN C.
                    AQUILINO, USN, FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO THE
                    GRADE OF ADMIRAL AND TO BE
                    COMMANDER, UNITED STATES INDO-PACIFIC
                    COMMAND
    =======================================================================

                                    HEARING

                                   BEFORE THE

                          COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
                              UNITED STATES SENATE

                        ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                   __________

                                 MARCH 23, 2021

                                   __________

             Printed for the use of the Committee on Armed Services

    [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                     Available via: http:// www.govinfo.gov
                                    __________

                       U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    62-872 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 2026
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

     JACK REED, Rhode Island, Chairman	JAMES M. INHOFE, Oklahoma

    JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire		ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi
    KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York		DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
    RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut		TOM COTTON, Arkansas
    MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii			MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota
    TIM KAINE, Virginia			JONI ERNST, Iowa
    ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine		THOM TILLIS, North Carolina
    ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts		DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
    GARY C. PETERS, Michigan		KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
    JOE MANCHIN III, West Virginia		RICK SCOTT, Florida
    TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois		MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
    JACKY ROSEN, Nevada			JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri
    MARK KELLY, Arizona                  	TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama

    		    Elizabeth L. King, Staff Director
      		John D. Wason, Minority Staff Director

                                      (ii)

                                  C O N T E N T S

    _________________________________________________________________

                                 march 23, 2021

                                                                       Page

    The Nomination of Admiral John C. Aquilino, USN, for                  1
      Reappointment to the Grade of Admiral and to be Commander,
      United States Indo-Pacific Command.

                               Members Statements

    Reed, Senator Jack...............................................     1

    Inhofe, Senator James M..........................................     3

                               Witness Statements

    Aquilino, Admiral John C., USN...................................     5

      Advance Policy Questions.......................................    43

      Questions for the Record.......................................    60

      Nomination Reference and Report................................    72

      Biographical Sketch............................................    73

      Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................    77

      Signature Page.................................................    80

                                     (iii)

     THE NOMINATION OF ADMIRAL JOHN C. AQUILINO, USN, FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO
     THE GRADE OF ADMIRAL AND TO BE COMMANDER, UNITED STATES INDO-PACIFIC
                                    COMMAND

                                  ----------

                            TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021

                                  United States Senate,
                                   Committee on Armed Services,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:31 a.m. in Room
    SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Senator Jack Reed
    (Chairman of the Committee) presiding.
        Committee Members present: Senators Reed, Shaheen,
    Gillibrand, Blumenthal, Hirono, Kaine, King, Warren, Peters,
    Manchin, Duckworth, Rosen, Kelly, Inhofe, Wicker, Fischer,
    Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Tillis, Sullivan, Cramer, Scott,
    Blackburn, Hawley, and Tuberville.

                 OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED

        Chairman Reed. Let me call the hearing to order, and this
    morning the committee meets to consider the nomination of
    Admiral John Aquilino to be the next Commander of United States
    Indo-Pacific Command, or INDOPACOM. Admiral, we thank you and
    your family for your willingness to serve in this important
    position. We welcome your wife, Laura, and your daughter,
    Jessica, along with your colleagues from the Pacific Fleet.
    Thank you very much.
        You have most recently served as the Commander of the U.S.
    Pacific Fleet, an experience that will serve you well.
        The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the Department of Defense's
    priority theater. As Admiral Davidson highlighted at his
    posture hearing earlier this month, the region will be home to
    two-thirds of the world's population and generate two-thirds of
    the global economy in the next 10 years. Maintaining U.S.
    leadership in this consequential region will take a concerted,
    whole-of-government effort, but the U.S. Military, specifically
    INDOPACOM, will play a central role.
        Secretary Austin has appropriately labeled China as the
    ``pacing threat'' for the United States military. I agree with
    experts who have stated that China is a long-term challenge
    that must be ``managed'' rather than ``solved.'' Part of
    managing our strategic competition with China and ensuring a
    free and open Indo-Pacific is the need to maintain a strong
    presence in the region and a credible conventional deterrent to
    military aggression.
        For this reason, in last year's National Defense
    Authorization Act, the committee created the Pacific Deterrence
    Initiative, or PDI. The PDI is intended to better focus Defense
    Department resources on key military capabilities, reassure
    United States allies and partners, and send a strong signal to
    the Chinese Communist Party that we are committed to defending
    United States interests in the Indo-Pacific. Maintaining
    momentum behind the PDI will be a key focus of this committee
    as we begin work on this year's National Defense Authorization
    Act. Admiral Aquilino, we look forward to hearing your views on
    how the PDI can be used to bolster U.S. Military presence and
    conventional deterrence in the region.
        China and the United States have a shared goal of avoiding
    unnecessary and costly armed conflict. Last week's United
    States-China diplomatic meeting in Alaska was not without its
    challenges, but provided an important opportunity for us to
    engage China, express our concern with China's conduct in the
    region and around the world, and reiterate our commitment to
    the region. We should look to build upon last week's meeting by
    establishing more robust means of military-to-military
    communication, particularly to avoid miscalculation in a
    crisis. We should also seek greater cooperation with China when
    it is in our interest, including in areas like climate change,
    the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and
    counterterrorism.
        Effectively managing our competition with China also
    requires that we continually invest in our relationship with
    allies and partners. The last few weeks have demonstrated just
    how central these relationships are to the Biden
    administration's approach to the region. On March 12, President
    Biden participated in the first-ever leader-level meeting with
    other members of the Quad--Japan, Australia, and India. Just
    last week, Secretary of Defense Austin and Secretary of State
    Blinked held in-person meetings with their counterparts in
    Japan and South Korea. Admiral Aquilino, we look forward to
    your views on how these alliances and partnerships can be
    strengthened and how we can attract new partners across the
    region.
        Perhaps our most immediate security challenge in the region
    is North Korea. We must approach this challenge clear-eyed and
    in cooperation with our regional allies and partners, most
    notably Japan and South Korea, who are most directly threatened
    by Kim Jong-un's belligerent behavior. While we maintain
    significant sanctions pressure on North Korea, we must also
    pursue diplomacy with the goal of achieving a formal moratorium
    on nuclear and missile testing in the near-term. Admiral
    Aquilino, I would appreciate your views on the regional threat
    posed by North Korea and the prospects for greater trilateral
    cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea
    on missile defense and other issues.
        Admiral, if confirmed, you will lead INDOPACOM at an
    incredibly consequential time, and we thank you again for your
    willingness to serve.
        Now let me recognize the Ranking Member, Senator Inhofe.

                   STATEMENT OF SENATOR JAMES INHOFE

        Senator Inhofe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral Aquilino,
    we are real pleased to have you, and moving into a position
    where you are certainly the person most qualified for that
    position. With over 1,150 carrier arrested landings and 5,000
    hours of flying time, I think that you have spent a lot of time
    on the sea but also a lot of time in the air. I have to say
    that I may have twice the hours you have, but you have twice
    the miles I had.
        Secretary Austin and Deputy Secretary Hicks said China is
    the pacing threat for our military, and General Milley said the
    Pacific is the number one regional priority. We all understand
    this. This administration is saying the right things about
    pushing back on Chinese aggression, but the key indicator of
    whether or not we are serious about this competition with China
    will be what we do with the defense budget top line, the great
    growth. The words do not have real meaning.
        The top line of the defense budget and the amount of
    funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative will be the Biden
    administration's first and most important message to China.
    What we do and do not do to deter China in the military domain
    will underride and determine the success or failure of
    diplomatic, economic, and information efforts as well. Simply
    put, if you fail to invest in defense, and as a result fail to
    deter China's use of military force in the Indo-Pacific,
    nothing you do in those areas will really matter. Admiral
    Aquilino, if confirmed as commander of INDOPACOM you would be
    on the front lines of the military competition with China.
    There must never come a day when the leaders of the Chinese
    Communist Party decide today is the day they can achieve their
    goal by using military force.
        At the beginning of March, General McMaster told us that
    since the 1900s China has undertaken the largest peacetime
    military buildup in history. This ramp-up in the past decade,
    when China increased real purchasing power in the defense
    sector by $200 billion. Meanwhile, primarily during the Obama
    administration, America cut some $400 billion of purchasing
    power from our defense spending. As China was quietly
    increasing investments in defense, many United States leaders
    naively assumed when China joined the WTO [World Trade
    Organization] in 2001, that it was integrated in the global
    economy, somehow this would make the Chinese Communist Party
    (CCP) friendlier and more open to the West. I predicted it
    would not, and I was right. The result of that bad assumption
    is American military advantage and the credibility of our
    deterrence has eroded, and comes to erosion.
        So we have got a problem out there, and you are going to be
    right in the middle of that, and we are anxious to make some
    really good things happen. As General McMaster told us, Taiwan
    may represent the most dangerous flash point for war, and when
    Admiral Davidson was asked what the most likely target of the
    Chinese military action would be in the next 5 to 10 years, he
    said, ``I would say Taiwan is the first.'' So we know where our
    problems are, we appreciate your service, and look forward to
    this hearing.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Inhofe. Now let me
    recognize Senator Hirono to introduce the admiral.
        Senator Hirono. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and I
    very much appreciate your remarks and Ranking Member Inhofe's
    remarks in recognizing the importance of the Indo-Pacific
    region.
        Our country faces an array of challenges and opportunities
    in the Indo-Pacific region, and AORs [area of responsibility]
    stretching from the west coast of the United States to the
    western border of India, and from the North Pole to Antarctica,
    covering about half of the Earth's surface.
        At a time when we are confronting an increasingly
    aggressive China and looking to deepen our defense ties with
    allies in the Indo-Pacific, it is imperative we have an
    experienced leader at Indo-Pacific Command capable of meeting
    the urgency and sensitivity of the moment. With this in mind, I
    would like to introduce and enthusiastically endorse today's
    nominee, and, of course, welcome his family, Admiral John C.
    Aquilino, to serve as the next Commander of the United States
    Indo-Pacific Command.
        Admiral Aquilino's 37 years of Navy service, highlighted by
    command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the U.S. Naval Forces
    Central Command, make him well suited for this new role. Since
    assuming command of the Navy's Pacific Fleet in 2018, I have
    seen how the admiral and his leadership team at PACFLEET have
    worked to ensure the readiness of the fleet to protect the
    security of our nation. From his headquarters at Pearl Harbor,
    ``Lung'' Aquilino, as he is affectionately known to those under
    his command, has guided the 140,000 sailors and civilians of
    the Pacific Fleet to meet challenges and opportunities
    presented.
        I have to admit, Lung is such an unusual nickname, and I
    had to ask how he got it. It was coined years ago by his
    fighter pilot buddies who thought his last name sounded like
    Aqualung, and with that the name Lung was born.
        Lung's message of, quote, ``deter, assure, compete, and
    win,'' end quote, is the right message for INDOPACOM today. I
    have gotten to work with Admiral Aquilino during his time in
    Hawaii and know first-hand he believes in the power of working
    together to find whole-of-government solutions, the importance
    of our alliances and partnerships, and the imperative for a
    well-trained and postured force.
        I have appreciated the interactions Admiral Aquilino and I
    have had on issues of importance to Hawaii and the Pacific
    region, including the strategically vital Red Hill Bulk Fuel
    Storage Facility. In operating the Red Hill Facility, the Navy
    has a critical responsibility to protect Oahu's drinking water
    and keep the community updated. The admiral knows the
    importance of transparent and open community engagement.
        Admiral Aquilino also has a personal appreciation of the
    significance of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to our community.
    The shipyard is our largest industrial employer, with thousands
    of military and civilian workers who support our forces and
    broader in the Pacific region to advance our strategic
    interest. Admiral Aquilino participated in shipyard visits with
    Senator Kaine, former Senator Perdue, and me over the past 2
    years.
        As evidenced throughout his years of service, Admiral
    Aquilino has demonstrated a deep understanding of Hawaii's
    strategic importance to our national security, and he advocates
    for capabilities and nurtures relationships to help Hawaii
    fully realize its role in America's continued access and
    influence in the Indo-Pacific.
        If you speak to those who serve in his command, you will
    find Admiral Aquilino has deep and abiding care for his
    sailors, civilians, and their families, by working to instill
    an environment of dignity and purpose. This skill was evident
    in Admiral Aquilino's actions after a gunman took the lives of
    Roldan Agustin and Vincent Kapoi Jr., and seriously injured
    another man during the horrific shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval
    Shipyard on December 4, 2019. Admiral Aquilino paid special
    care to the families of the victims and the shipyard community
    during this intense time of grief. A few months ago, he
    organized a memorial service marking the 1-year anniversary of
    the tragic event, and installed a permanent memorial plaque to
    honor the lives and service of Mr. Augustin and Mr. Kapoi Jr.
        I am confident that after today's hearing my colleagues
    will join me in supporting Admiral Aquilino's nomination to
    lead INDOPACOM.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Hirono.
        Admiral, you are recognized for your opening statement.

     STATEMENT OF ADMIRAL JOHN C. AQUILINO, USN, FOR REAPPOINTMENT
      TO THE GRADE OF ADMIRAL AND TO BE COMMANDER, UNITED STATES
                          INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND

        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you very much, Senator Hirono, for
    that kind introduction. Congratulations on your selection as
    the chair of the Seapower Subcommittee. It has been my pleasure
    to work with you these past 3 years, and from all the sailors
    in the Pacific theater and their families I would like to thank
    you for your constant support. Thank you very much, ma'am.
        Thank you, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, and
    committee members for this opportunity to appear before you
    today. I am both honored and humbled to be here as the nominee
    to lead U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. It is a great
    responsibility. I am honored to President Biden's nominee for
    this important position.
        I would also like to thank Secretary Austin, General
    Milley, Acting Secretary Harker, and Admiral Gilday for their
    support and confidence.
        I would not be here today without the love and support of
    my family. My wife, Laura, and my oldest daughter, Jessica are
    here with me today, and my daughter, Lisa, was unable to attend
    from Los Angeles. Like every military family, they have endured
    many sacrifices and they tirelessly advocate for military
    members and their families. They set a tremendous example of
    service to our nation, and I am proud of each of them.
        Also with me here today are members of my Navy family, and
    they are led by Fleet Master Chief Jim Honea. He is my right-
    hand man and he personally cares for over 140,000 Navy sailors
    and their families in the Pacific Fleet every day.
        I would be remiss if I did not highlight my constant
    admiration and respect for the men, women, civilians, and
    families of our joint force, who faithfully serve, many
    deployed as we speak to defend our nation and protect our way
    of life. It has been my greatest privilege to have served
    alongside them for 37 years.
        The Indo-Pacific is the most consequential reason for
    America's future and remains the priority theater for the
    United States. Residing here are four of the five security
    challenges identified in the Department of Defense--China,
    Russia, North Korea, and violent extremist organizations. The
    Indo-Pacific region also experiences frequent natural and man-
    made disasters, the negative impacts of climate change, rapid
    population growth, drugs and human trafficking, and, of course,
    disease and pandemics.
        Of all the threats we face, Secretary Austin was very clear
    when he stated, ``China is our pacing threat.'' To meet this
    challenge, it will take all elements of national power, working
    together and with a sense of urgency. Together with our allies
    and partners, our professionally trained and lethal joint
    military force, postured forward will provide the deterrence
    required while enabling diplomacy from a position of strength
    to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity for all in the
    region.
        The Pacific Deterrence Initiative is a strong example of
    the effort required to compete and win. I thank the committee
    for your leadership and your vision in establishing PDI. These
    efforts are foundational to ensuring a free and open Indo-
    Pacific.
        As the Interim National Security Strategic Guidance points
    out, America's fate is intertwined with events beyond our
    shores. Global peace and prosperity depend on our presence in
    the Indo-Pacific. If confirmed for this great responsibility I
    look forward to working with this committee as we advance our
    shared national security objectives while continuing to serve
    alongside Indo-Pacific's men and women to accomplish this
    important mission before us.
        Thanks, Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Inhofe, and to the
    committee. I look forward to your questions.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you very much, sir. Let me point out,
    for the benefit of my colleagues, that if we get a quorum I
    will interrupt. We have thousands of military nominations we
    would like to pass out of committee. Also since this is a
    hybrid hearing, we will not be following the early bird rule.
    Instead, we will handle the order of questions by seniority,
    alternating back and forth. This message is getting a little
    old but let me reiterate it.
        We will do the standard five-minute rounds. I ask my
    colleagues on the computers, and at their desk, to observe the
    5 minutes. Then, for everyone to be heard, please mute your
    microphones if you are not speaking.
        Thank you very much, Admiral, for your testimony, for your
    distinguished service, and the service of your family.
        One of the most important aspects in any theater is joint
    warfighting operations. We fight as a team, not as individual
    platforms or individual services. I know the Joint Staff and
    INDOPACOM have been working on joint operations, joint
    techniques and models. COVID has interrupted that a bit. Can
    you give us kind of a status, from your perspective, of how we
    are doing in integrating our forces?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Thanks. So there are two
    initiatives. Admiral Davidson, along with the Joint Staff, is
    working on a joint warfighting concept. Those focus areas are
    designed to specifically ensure that the joint force is
    integrated, that command and control that is required exists,
    and on top of that, from the Indo-Pacific position, it has the
    ability to also expand to our allies and partners. It is
    extremely important, and if confirmed, Senator, I will continue
    those efforts. They are that important.
        Chairman Reed. Can you briefly prioritize what are the key
    elements? My notion would be if you cannot communicate
    effectively then you cannot do much. But your sense of what the
    priorities are, and are they budgeted in that order, or do we
    have to do some work collectively?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, the Pacific Defense Initiative I
    think is kind of the poster child for what the capabilities and
    things look like in prioritized order, and again, I thank the
    committee for that support. Those capabilities, as I see them,
    are force protection, there is the ability to command, control,
    and communicate in the mission partner environment, then there
    is the ability needed to train both with the joint force and
    our allies and partners, and that linkage between the ranges,
    from Guam to Hawaii to Alaska to the west coast of the United
    States, PMTEC, is absolutely required.
        Additionally, there is ISR capabilities needed. There are
    long-range joint integrated fires capabilities that are needed,
    and underpinning all of that is the need to be able to execute
    logistics across that great distance.
        Chairman Reed. So we have a ways to go, frankly, to get to
    the point where you are satisfied. Is that fair?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, again, I think PDI is
    foundational, but it will take a longer-term sustained
    investment to be able to generate the deterrence required.
        Chairman Reed. A final point on this issue. First of all,
    integrating Army, Navy, and Air Force is tough. I would assume
    integrating our allies is even more challenging because of
    obvious differences in language and other equipment, et cetera.
    Is that fair?
        Admiral Aquilino. That is absolutely fair, sir, but it is
    also extremely important. We operate with our allies and
    partners each and every day, so it is certainly not a hurdle we
    cannot get over, and it is critically important.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you. You mentioned this has to be a
    whole-of-government effort, not just a military effort. Within
    our partners, particularly the Quad, are there issues that we
    can rally around, issues like climate change and other issues
    like that? Is that something that your State Department and
    colleagues are talking about?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, there are many areas where we
    certainly cooperate across a whole-of-government approach--
    economic, diplomatic, informational, legal, as well as
    military. All of those efforts will be required to do the
    deterrence needed, and if confirmed I am certainly interested
    in working across the interagency to achieve that goal.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you very much. Just a final question
    here. I think we have come to realize that we were overly
    optimistic about China's role in the world for several decades,
    when we saw it as simply an economic power that would come into
    the world stage with a benign, not malign, attitude, and that
    has changed. The danger today might be overestimating China, of
    not seeing some of their vulnerabilities. Can you comment upon
    some of the shortcomings you see or some of the weaknesses that
    might not be explored?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. Certainly we have seen
    the largest military buildup by China. That does bring with it
    certain vulnerabilities, whether it be training, command and
    control and operations across a broader scale. Again, if
    confirmed, I will look through that lens to see where we can
    really have some effect to deter.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you very much, Admiral. Before I turn
    it over to Senator Inhofe I am required to ask questions of the
    nominee, and I have been reminded by my staff to do so. Just
    like the master chief, I do what I am told.
        Have you adhered to applicable laws and regulations
    governing conflicts of interest?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Have you assumed any duties or taken any
    actions that would appear to presume the outcome of the
    confirmation process?
        Admiral Aquilino. No, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Exercising our legislative and oversight
    responsibility makes it important that this committee, its
    subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress
    receives testimony, briefings, reports, records, and other
    information from the Executive branch on a timely basis. Do you
    agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before this
    committee when requested?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Do you agree, when asked before this
    committee, to give your personal views, even if your views
    differ from the administration?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Do you agree to provide records, documents,
    and electronic communications in a timely manner when requested
    by this committee, its subcommittees, or other appropriate
    committees of Congress and to consult with the requestor
    regarding the basis or any good-faith delay or denial in
    providing such records?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Will you ensure that your staff complies
    with deadlines established by this committee for the production
    of reports, records, and other information, including timely
    responding to hearing questions for the record?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Will you cooperate in providing witnesses
    and briefers in response to congressional requests?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Will those witnesses and briefers be
    protected from reprisals for their testimony at briefings?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you very much, Admiral. Senator
    Inhofe, please.
        Senator Inhofe. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me
    draw on your experiences as a fighter pilot. It has been
    concerning to me for quite some time the criticism of our F-35
    that we hear, from a lot of people. I will not even mention the
    sources, but it is something that really bothers me, when you
    stop and think about what we do not have in terms of fifth-
    generation fighters. Admiral Davidson's testimony, and this is
    way back in March, to the House Armed Services Committee, he
    said that our adversaries are already developing or fielding
    fifth-generation fighters, that we know from our own gaming and
    emulations that fifth-generation fighters are a game-changer.
        Now as a fighter pilot, kind of explain why the F-35, as a
    fifth-generation fighter, is so critical to deterring, and, if
    necessary, defeating China's uses of military force, and in
    your opinion, why it is important to the ability to fight and
    win inside the first and second island chains. I can remember
    when we had the F-22, and we talked about the fact that it was
    a fifth-generation fighter. We started out we were going to
    have 700 of them. We ended up getting 200. I remember that very
    well and the criticism that I had at that time, and we have had
    the same problems now. Yet now we know it is a different game
    now, because our competition has fifth-generation fighters.
    What are your thoughts on that?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. As you know, the
    Chinese Communist Party has generated some capabilities in the
    region that are designed to keep us out. Some refer to those as
    A2/AD, and when we talk about them we talk about operating in
    contested space. Fifth-generation airplanes, and beyond, are
    required to be able to generate a lethal force and posture it
    in a place where it is needed to generate the deterrence that I
    mentioned.
        Senator Inhofe. Are your concerns like mine in terms of the
    attacks on the F-35 and what our capacity would be if we became
    weak in that area?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, I would be concerned if we
    lessened our capacity of fifth-generation airplanes. I think
    they are needed to win.
        Senator Inhofe. Mm-hmm. Okay. As General McMaster told this
    committee, and this is a quote, ``Taiwan may represent the most
    dangerous flash point for war.'' He went on to say because of
    that very real threat, quote, ``it is immensely important to
    keep forward-positioned capable forces in the Indo-Pacific.''
        So, Admiral, I have been co-chairman of the Taiwan Caucus
    for quite a while and I have been concerned that a Chinese
    invasion of Taiwan would represent the hardest test from United
    States military response time. Can you talk about why the U.S.
    forward-positioning forces are so important, and what do you
    mean by forward-positioning, and where do the forces need to
    be?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I agree with General
    McMaster's discussion on the most dangerous concern is that of
    a military force against Taiwan. To combat that, the forward
    posture west of the International Date Line is how Admiral
    Davidson describes it, and I concur with that. Forces
    positioned to be able to respond quickly, and not just our
    forces, those forces combined with the international community,
    with our allies and partners, those nations with common values,
    those two things would position us very strongly for the
    deterrence required.
        Senator Inhofe. Okay, good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Inhofe. Now let me recognize
    Senator Shaheen.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Admiral
    Aquilino, congratulations on your nomination and thank you very
    much for your service to this country.
        I am a big supporter of the legislation that was signed
    into law in 2017, the Women, Peace, and Security Act. It was
    legislation that I sponsored, and I think having a government-
    wide strategy to include women in all aspects of our security
    decisions is very important.
        Implementation at DoD is underway, and, in fact,
    USINDOPACOM has played a really important role implementing the
    legislation, hosting the first gender insecurity cooperation
    course in January of 2020. USINCOPACOM also hosted two
    operational gender advisor courses to train personnel to serve
    as advisors. Can you talk about why you think it is important
    to have this kind of legislation and how you would continue the
    work that Admiral Davidson has begun?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Thanks. Again, this is one
    of our asymmetric advantages, the Women, Peace, and Security
    Initiative. Admiral Davidson took it extremely seriously and he
    implemented his own program aligned with the larger program,
    that really stepped out in the form of the example you
    mentioned. Those have events are even more broad than that. If
    I am confirmed, ma'am, I would continue those efforts and work
    to expand them. It helps for other nations to understand and
    align with the values that we believe in, human rights, and it
    is a great initiative. If confirmed, I would certainly continue
    that.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. When you talk about the
    asymmetric advantage that it gives us, can you describe that a
    little better?
        Admiral Aquilino. I would say it is a focus. When we think
    of a member of the military sitting in front of you, that the
    entire focus is military, but it is not. There are cultural
    aspects. There is sharing of values. There is education,
    training, schooling. All those things are resident in the
    military lines of effort. So that is why I view them as
    asymmetric.
        Senator Shaheen. Thanks very much. Much of the discussion
    today, and in this committee, when we are talking about
    INDOPACOM, has focused on China. But, in fact, Russia continues
    to also engage in malign activities in the region. We saw
    General Austin, when he was in India last week, talking about
    India's planned purchase of Russia's S-400 defense system,
    which is a concern for us because of the insights that it gives
    Russia into our technology.
        Can you talk about how we balance still getting along with
    our allies and the efforts that Russia has underway, and in
    particular, do you have any thoughts about India and the S-400
    and what we can do there to address that?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. As Senator Hirono
    identified, half the globe encompassed in the Indo-Pacific.
    Seventeen hundred miles of Russian coastline in that region. So
    we watch and we will continue to compete with Russia in the
    Pacific.
        That said, India is really a terrific partner, and as we
    have seen from the recent Quad discussions, I think the
    importance of India and the rest of the nations in the Quad
    will increase.
        We are at a balance, however. India has had a long-standing
    relationship with the Russians for security cooperation and for
    military equipment. So we will have to work through this, and
    one of the ways we can do that, again, if confirmed, I would
    work to continue to encourage India to look at and consider
    United States equipment. Number one, it is the best. Number
    two, it generates interoperability and makes it easier to work
    together, and I think we should encourage India to do that
    through all the elements of national power and see where that
    goes.
        Senator Shaheen. Should we sanction India if they acquire
    the S-400?
        Admiral Aquilino. Ma'am, I think I would leave that to the
    policymakers to determine if that is a path. I think we
    certainly should understand where we are with India, and I
    think potentially the encouragement angle in providing
    alternatives might be a better approach.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, and I am almost out of time,
    but I just wanted to raise one other issue with you, and that
    is the mysterious brain injuries that have come to be known as
    the Havana Syndrome, which have affected our diplomats and
    other personnel, not just in Cuba but also in China. Are you
    aware of the challenges around these injuries, and can I just
    urge you to take the attacks seriously and respond if you have
    any personnel that you come in contact with who say that they
    have been harmed by these kinds of attacks?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. I am aware. I will
    certainly treat it seriously, if confirmed, and the care and
    welfare of our servicemembers, their families, to include the
    diplomatic corps, is certainly of interest, and I will keep an
    eye on that, if confirmed, and make recommendations as we see
    what the causes might be.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Shaheen. Senator Wicker,
    please.
        Senator Wicker. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, let's
    talk about the size of our fleet and the capability. I want to
    quote Admiral Davidson earlier this month, before this
    Committee, when asked about the gap between the Chinese and
    United States naval forces. He said, ``If we don't make changes
    in our posture forward, the Chinese will have greater capacity
    than us.''
        Given what you know about China's rapid naval buildup and
    projected growth, do you believe our naval forces still present
    a credible deterrent to Chinese aggression in the region today,
    and what do you say to that projected 5 years from now, sir?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. From my current seat
    I would to highlight that the United States Navy is the most
    powerful, greatest navy on the planet, still, despite numbers.
    That said, as you have highlighted, the Chinese are increasing
    their capability and capacity and closing that gap.
        So I would like to thank CNO Gilday for his efforts in
    identifying the 30-year shipbuilding plan that identifies the
    need for a larger, more lethal, networked and ready force to be
    able to compete today, as you have highlighted.
        Senator Wicker. Do you support that plan, advanced by
    Gilday?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Wicker. Do you agree with the statement by Admiral
    Davidson a few days ago?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Wicker. Let's ask then about carriers specifically.
    What kind of carrier presence is needed in the Western Pacific,
    and does the Navy have enough carriers to support those needs?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, currently the Navy is in
    alignment with the law of the land of 11 carriers. As you know,
    today's carrier strike groups are a tremendous form of
    deterrence, and that is globally against all competitors. You
    see that by the continued requests for additional carrier
    deployments, and I believe we need to have persistent presence
    by all of the joint forces, to include carrier strike groups
    west of the International Date Line.
        Senator Wicker. Well, okay. We have complied with the law
    of the land at 11, but is that enough, though? Just tell us. We
    need to know. We can change the law of the land if we get up
    enough votes.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir. I think currently that the size
    of that force is correct, unless additional challenges show
    themselves.
        Senator Wicker. Tell us about the Ford. There have
    certainly been some hiccups and slips. But where is that
    program now, and what do you think about that vessel going
    forward?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I am supportive of the Ford. We
    took a lot of great, new technologies. We have put them into
    that carrier. It is the first of the class, and if you go back
    through history you will find we have challenges when we go
    first of a class. I am confident that the Navy will overcome
    all of those challenges, and I know my counterpart of the East
    Coast is working to get Ford deployed as soon as possible.
        Senator Wicker. Have they pretty much already overcome most
    of those challenges or are there still--you say ``will.'' I
    might have expected you to say that we have overcome those
    challenges.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. I would argue almost all of
    those have been completed. All but two of the weapons elevators
    are repaired, as I understand it, and we are certainly through
    all those technological challenges. The next thing you should
    see will be Ford deployed.
        [The information referred to follows:]

        Admiral Aquilino. I am providing this insert for the record
    respecting my commitment to keep the Committee apprised of
    information that impacts the accuracy of testimony. During my
    23 March testimony, I stated on page 29 of the attached
    transcript that my understanding was that all but two of USS
    Gerald R. Ford's weapons elevators were repaired and that the
    next thing you should see will be Ford deployed. I should have
    said that all but two of the weapons elevators turned over to
    Ford's crew were operational. There are four remaining
    elevators that have not yet been turned over. The next
    scheduled event is Ford's shock trials this summer.

        Senator Wicker. Lastly, I joined Senator Inhofe in
    stressing the United States' friendship and support for Taiwan.
    Would you like to see greater official coordination between our
    military and that of Taiwan, and if so, what measures do you
    think could be taken in the near future to strengthen this
    critical partnership?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I think our operations
    and efforts through all of those training exercises are
    currently in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act, the
    three communiques and the six assurances, which is the current
    policies. Should we choose to change those policies we could
    have a conversation on what might be expanded as it applies
    today.
        Senator Wicker. But you are declining to give your opinion
    as to whether you would like to see greater cooperation between
    our military and Taiwan.
        Admiral Aquilino. Sir, we do many things with Taiwan,
    again, under those current policy guidelines. We do exercises.
    For the Navy it is called Blue Sea. We do have interactions
    that contribute to the defense of Taiwan.
        Senator Wicker. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Wicker. Now via Webex,
    Senator Gillibrand.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, I
    want to discuss further INDOPACOM's utility with addressing
    some of the human rights and humanitarian challenges in the
    region. As we all know here, our competition with China will
    also include a competition of values, and I believe this is a
    great opportunity to connect with our allies in showcasing our
    values, to support human rights and human security.
        What changes do you foresee making to INDOPACOM's
    humanitarian role while also ensuring our work coalesces with
    that being done by Australia, New Zealand, and others? While we
    have a number of key allies in the region, some more reluctant
    in this space than others. How will you use INDOPACOM's
    influence in the region to improve coordination with reluctant
    allies? Last, in the case of countries like Myanmar where a
    democratic backsliding is clearly occurring and where there are
    complex security dynamics, how would you work with our allies
    to approach this issue, as INDOPACOM's commander?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I think you highlighted,
    again, the key advantage that the United States has in the
    region, and that is our relationships with our allies and
    partners, all of those based on our values. Like-minded nations
    continue to work together, and as you described, humanitarian
    assistance and then response to natural disasters is something
    that we monitor, track, maintain every day, whether they be
    earthquakes, eruptions, tsunamis.
        There are many examples in history of those things that we
    have done. I think back to the tsunami in Banda Aceh, Indonesia
    in 2004, when the USS Lincoln showed up on the scene to rescue
    and administer support to thousands of Indonesians. We are
    prepared to do that every day. As you know, the region hosts
    the Ring of Fire, and is prevalent to those events. Continued
    engagement with those allies and partners, and as soon as they
    need help we are prepared to respond. If confirmed, I will
    continue to ensure that we are ready to do that with our allies
    and partners.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. Admiral, as you mentioned in
    your statement prior to the hearing, it is the commander's
    responsibility to set a culture that prevents sexual harassment
    and sexual assault, and you referenced the array of tools in
    the commander's toolkit to carry out this duty.
        Wouldn't you agree that a skillful commander should be able
    to accomplish this mission without convening authority? After
    all, a very small percentage, approximately 3 percent of
    commanders ever need to invoke convening authority or have the
    responsibility to invoke convening authority and are still
    required to create a culture that is inhospitable to harassment
    and assault.
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, we rely on our commanders every
    day to ensure that they take care of their personnel. The
    sanctity of the chain of command is critical to ensure that
    military operations can be executed. It is also critical to
    ensure that the unit is prepared and ready. There is certainly
    no place in our military for sexual harassment, discrimination,
    or any other form that makes us ineffective.
        I know the Secretary of Defense is executing an independent
    study. If confirmed, I would certainly like to see the results
    of that study. But I am open to any options that it identifies
    that would make us more effective in this role.
        Senator Gillibrand. Well, obviously that 90-day commission
    will provide some guidance on this issue. But with regard to
    your view, given that 97 percent of commanders do not have
    convening authority for general court martials, do you agree it
    is not necessary to maintain good order and discipline?
        Admiral Aquilino. Ma'am--Senator, I would have to look at
    that a little more deeply and understand the percentages that
    you identified. The convening authority still runs through the
    chain of command, as I am aware, but like I said, I would be
    certainly open to anything that does more and is more effective
    at taking care of our servicemembers and their families.
        Senator Gillibrand. Well, just for clarity, convening
    authority for general courts martial is for 06's and above, and
    obviously you have lower-ranking commanders more junior to 06's
    and above, and they have to maintain good order and discipline
    within their unit, for each level of command, before you get to
    a colonel and above. Do you agree with that?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you very much, Senator Gillibrand, and
    now via Webex, Senator Fischer.
        Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you,
    Admiral. It is good to see you again today.
        One of the issues that you and I spoke about when we met
    last week was the evolving dynamic between India and China. The
    deadly skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops underscored
    the high level of tension along the border, and China has made
    no secret of its ambition to encircle India with military and
    economic influence.
        As INDOPACOM commander, how would you approach this
    dynamic, and what do you see as the future of the United
    States-India military cooperation?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. The work with India,
    the Quad, as well as all the allies and partners in the region
    continues to be the strength, and it highlights our ability to
    ensure that the entire force, the entire region understands the
    cooperation and the alignment with international norms,
    standards, rules, and laws.
        The work, or the effort that India has taken on to protect
    their northern border I think is noteworthy. The fact that the
    PRC has decided to instigate that skirmish on the northern
    border is noteworthy to all of us. So the strength of
    multilateral operations within India and with all allies and
    partners is certainly a mechanism to add to our deterrence in
    the region.
        Senator Fischer. You know, you spoke about the [inaudible]
    of international laws by China along the border with that
    skirmish. We also see their island-building campaign in the
    South China Sea and their use of the debt trap diplomacy that
    they have elsewhere.
        What do you believe are China's goals with regard to this
    border region in India?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. I think the goals are
    to supplant United States security leadership in the region,
    overall, whether they be in the South China Sea or on the
    northern border of India and generate a change to the
    international rules beyond what the nations all agree to, under
    the 1982 UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the
    Sea] treaty, and ultimately to change those rules to the
    benefit of the PRC.
        Ultimately, it would change the view of the region from
    those who believe in a free and open Indo-Pacific to those that
    might want a more authoritarian might-equals-right closed Indo-
    Pacific.
        Senator Fischer. If I could ask you more about the islands
    in the South China Sea. The President of China, in 2015,
    stated, quote, ``Relevant construction activity that China is
    undertaking does not target or impact any country, and there is
    no intention to militarize,'' end quote. Would you agree that
    this is a false statement, that it has been proven false?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, I would. It has certainly
    been evident to me that when we listen to the words that come
    from the PRC we have to look at not just words, and listen to
    words, we have to look at deeds. Your example of the islands in
    the South China Sea are probably the best examples. All of
    those islands have been militarized, whether it be with
    missiles, jammers, but it is in exact opposition to what has
    been said.
        Senator Fischer. What capabilities and projections of power
    has China gained from those facilities that they have
    constructed?
        Admiral Aquilino. It certainly expands the footprint, and
    we talked before about contested space. It makes it easier for
    the PRC to be able to operate further from their coast --
        Senator Fischer. Do you think the United States should
    continue the Freedom of Navigation missions in and around these
    disputed territories that they have?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Fischer. I am sorry. Did you say yes, you would
    support that?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Fischer. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Fischer. Now via Webex,
    Senator Hirono.
        Senator Hirono. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, I ask the
    following two initial questions of all nominees who come before
    any of the committees on which I serve, so here are the
    questions.
        Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted
    requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical
    harassment or assault of a sexual nature?
        Admiral Aquilino. No, Senator.
        Senator Hirono. Have you ever faced discipline or entered
    into a settlement related to this kind of conduct?
        Admiral Aquilino. No, Senator.
        Senator Hirono. Admiral, it was a pleasure and a privilege
    to introduce you today to the committee. President Biden and
    Secretaries Lincoln and Austin have taken several steps in
    recent weeks to engage with our partners and allies in the
    Indo-Pacific. In particular, I want to highlight the
    President's call with our Quad allies--Australia, Japan, and
    India. If confirmed, what steps will you take in your new role
    to strengthen our partnerships with the Quad nations?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator, and thanks very much
    for the kind introduction again.
        As you heard me state many times, the allies and partners
    that we have are clearly an asymmetric advantage, as the PRC
    has, I would argue, only one ally or partner, and that is North
    Korea. So we would continue to work towards increased
    multilateral operations, if I am concerned. Again, the Quad we
    talked about would be an example of only one of those. We do
    many things with the ASEAN nations. We do things with our
    Japanese counterparts and our Korean counterparts in the form
    of missile defense, and I think, again, if confirmed, we would
    continue to expand those efforts and operations to work
    together on a broader scale.
        Senator Hirono. Admiral, I know that we have a very
    important partnership with South Korea, but they are not part
    of the Quad. I am a little bit curious and concerned that they
    are not, but can you assure me that they are definitely in the
    mix of the relationships that you consider very important in
    that part of the world?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Certainly one of five
    treaty allies in the region. Our relationship with South Korea,
    they are a linchpin as part of the alliance. Their
    capabilities, the equipment that they have, we are extremely
    interoperable. There is currently an exercise that is going on
    right now, that we continue to train and build readiness with
    the South Koreans. As it applies to the Quad, that would have
    to be discussions with the other three members to determine if
    they would like to pull those in. If not, there are many other
    opportunities to generate additional multilateral events with
    the South Koreans.
        Senator Hirono. I know that you are aware that many of us
    are very concerned about the issue of sexual assault and
    harassment in the military, and I just want to note that we
    will continue to focus on this, and we are, of course, aware of
    the DoD Sexual Assault Commission, and I would certainly hope
    that you will pay much attention to the recommendations made by
    the commission, because the issue of sexual harassment and
    assault continues to plague our military. I know that Senator
    Gillibrand also questioned you about that.
        Regarding the PDI, Admiral Davidson's new PDI report called
    for significant increases in spending across all lines of the
    PDI effort. Do you believe the increase in spending proposed in
    Admiral Davidson's PDI is sufficient to deter our adversaries
    in the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. As I have looked at PDI,
    Admiral Davidson's strategic, very thoughtful approach, aligned
    with this committee, has identified the foundational
    capabilities needed to do deterrence, and it would have to be
    sustained to ensure that we can execute this on a longer term.
        Senator Hirono. Admiral Davidson listed the Aegis Guam
    Defense System, GDS, as his top priority in the PDI, but
    similar Aegis Ashore facilities in Romania and Japan have had
    delays and been over budget. With that, do you believe the cost
    and time estimates for deploying of GDS are accurate, and will
    GDS also be your number one priority in this region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, it certainly would be a top
    priority--170,000 United States citizens on Guam, over 20,000
    servicemembers that force protection is absolutely required
    for. I am not aware of the different cost comparisons of the
    overrun, but if confirmed I will certainly look into that,
    ma'am, and determine. It is not the first one we have put in,
    so I would hope there would be some learning, and the ability
    to stay on cost and schedule would be easier.
        Senator Hirono. Thank you, and I realize I think I am
    running out of time, but I am very concerned about our missile
    defense structure. So I will continue to work with you, should
    you be confirmed, of course.
        Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Hirono. Senator Cotton,
    please.
        Senator Cotton. Admiral, thanks for your appearance, thanks
    for your service, and congratulations on your nomination. I
    want to talk a little bit more about Taiwan, and I want to very
    much get your professional military advice. Taiwan is a very
    vibrant democracy--a very vibrant democracy--and we respect our
    democratic partners like Taiwan.
        But I want to hear from you about why Taiwan is so critical
    from a military and strategic standpoint. Why would Beijing so
    desire to have Taiwan annexed to the mainland, and how would it
    complicate your military planning if Beijing did invade and
    annex Taiwan? Strictly from a military and strategic
    standpoint. I do not want to talk about protecting Taiwanese
    democracy. I am clear on that and I know you are as well. From
    a military and strategic standpoint, why is it so important to
    Beijing that they annex Taiwan?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. As you know, they view
    it as their number one priority. The rejuvenation of the
    Chinese Communist Party is at stake, very critical as they look
    at the problem. From a military standpoint, the strategic
    location of where it is, as it applies to the potential impact
    of two-thirds of the world's trade, certainly a critical
    concern.
        Additionally, the status of the United States as a partner
    with our allies and partners also is at stake, should we have a
    conflict in Taiwan. So those two reasons are really the
    strategic main concerns that I would see.
        Senator Cotton. What would it mean for the PLA's [People's
    Liberation Army] enhanced capabilities if they were able to
    turn Taiwan essentially into a military base, if they were able
    to base aircraft and ships on the island if Taiwan, much like
    you discussed earlier with those islands they have got in the
    South China Sea. What advantage would that give to them?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, certainly it would extend their
    reach. It would extend the contested environment. It would
    threaten our allies and partners--think the Philippines, and it
    extends their reach initially away from their coast and to
    challenge the entire region, all allies and partners and
    friends.
        Senator Cotton. You spoke earlier about continuing Freedom
    of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea, despite those
    militarized, manmade islands. If Taiwan were annexed to the
    mainland and the PLA navy were based there, would you be able
    to continue Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China
    Sea, or is the fact that Taiwan sits right at the top of the
    South China Sea significantly impede those operations?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, we would still execute those
    operations. It certainly would be at greater risk.
        Senator Cotton. Then speaking about the point you made
    about our allies, if you were sitting in a treaty partners
    capital, conducting military planning, say Tokyo or Seoul, or
    for that matter sitting in any Southern Asian capital and
    thinking the United States might support you in the face of
    Chinese aggression, if we stood idly by while China invaded
    Taiwan and annexed it to the mainland, how would you feel?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, that was my second point. It
    certainly would impact the credibility of the United States as
    a partner in the region.
        Senator Cotton. Thank you. Last week, Admiral Davidson
    testified that he thinks the PLA may have the capability to
    effectively invade Taiwan in as soon as 6 years, maybe less. Do
    you agree with that view?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, there are many numbers out
    there. I know Admiral Davidson said 6 years. You have to ask
    him where he made that assessment. There are spans from today
    to 2045. My opinion is this problem is much closer to us than
    most think, and we have to take this on, put those deterrence
    capabilities like PDI in place, in the near term and with
    urgency.
        Senator Cotton. I share that view. It is not a 2045, it is
    not a 2030 problem. I suspect it may not even be a 2026
    problem.
        From a military planning point of view, what is the best
    time of year, given light, weather, and sea conditions, for the
    PLA to launch an invasion of Taiwan? Is it the middle part of
    the spring?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir, that is certainly a better time
    as it applies to sea state and environmentals.
        Senator Cotton. Do you recall when the Sochi Winter
    Olympics ended in 2014?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Senator Cotton. February 23rd. Do you recall when Russia
    invaded Crimea?
        Admiral Aquilino. I do not have the date, Senator. I
    apologize.
        Senator Cotton. February 27th, 4 days later. The Beijing
    Winter Olympics end February 23rd of next year.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Cotton. Senator Kaine,
    please.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and Admiral Aquilino,
    congratulations on the nomination. I enjoyed our conversation.
    I enjoyed visiting you in Hawaii last year with Senator Hirono.
        Senator Hirono was asking you questions about the Quad, and
    I have been very interested in this since we started to hear
    about it at this committee a number of years ago. I was
    intrigued that the first-ever head of nation meeting of the
    Quad was about vaccines, and even though most of the discussion
    about the Quad has been in the armed services hearing, this
    first big initiative with the heads of states was about funding
    vaccine development in India, that could be used to vaccinate
    the Indian population but also could be used to produce
    vaccines that could be used throughout the region. That made me
    want to get your perspective on, if we are thinking about our
    national security challenges in the INDOPACOM, how much of our
    thoughts should be about a whole-of-government approach rather
    than just an armed services approach?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. We need to engage with
    every aspect of national power to be able to compete against
    the PLA. So whether it be diplomacy, whether it be scientific,
    whether it be informational, every aspect has an ability to
    generate deterrence, extend the cooperation with our allies and
    partners, and that is one example. From the military
    perspective this last year, the Quad, or in the form of India,
    Japan, the United States, and Australia, executed Exercise
    Malabar. So the cooperation of those nations currently has and
    needs to expand across all elements of national power.
        Senator Kaine. I have always said to witnesses here about
    the Quad is that if the Big 12 can have ten teams, and the Big
    10 and A 10 can have 14 teams each, there is no reason a Quad
    cannot have more than four nations. So I would encourage us to
    always broaden our reach in that way.
        Missile attacks on United States Forces in Iraq over the
    past year have shown a level of precision that our forces have
    not experienced during much of the early years of the global
    war on terror, and so the attacks display both accurate and
    devastation but also the vulnerabilities of our systems to
    defend against them. Any conflict in PACOM is guaranteed to see
    a widespread use, in my view, of precision guided missiles
    against both bases and ships. Do you think there is adequate
    attention paid in current budgeting for medium- and long-range
    air defense weapons?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I think the Pacific Deterrence
    Initiative has identified a need that you just articulated, to
    ensure that we can protect our force. It is combined with not
    just missiles but the ability to integrate and the ability to
    command and control them, as well as tie those with our allies
    and partners. It would give us a broad ability to protect and
    defend all of our citizens, and sailors, soldiers, airmen,
    Coast Guardsman, and Marines.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you for that. The Navy is in the early
    stages of replacing the F-18 Super Hornet with a program called
    Next Generation Air Defense, which I guess goes by two
    acronyms, NGAD or F/A-XX. Where do you see gaps emerging in our
    current fleet structure of F-18s and F-35s that have to be
    addressed by a new platform like the NGAD?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. The capabilities that
    are needed against this competitor need to be more
    technologically advanced. To Senator Inhofe's questions, the
    need for fifth-generation aircraft has been identified and is
    needed to enter and operate in those contested spaces. NGAD or
    F/A-XX I think is our next step to advance the technology and
    provide even more capability to be able to operate in those
    contested spaces. It is very important, and the Navy is
    currently working on the development of the air wing of the
    future. So think of those carrier strike groups we talked about
    before being even more lethal, being able to enter and operated
    in those contested spaces. It is critical to the deterrence
    needed.
        Senator Kaine. Do you have a sense of the timeline for when
    NGAD may come online in the INDOPACOM?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I do not have a sense of that
    exact date. I think they are looking at IOC in 2030 or 2031.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Kaine. Now let me
    recognize, via Webex, Senator Rounds.
        Senator Rounds. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, first of
    all let me just say thank you very much for your service and
    your family's service to our country. I appreciated the
    discussion that we had last week and believe that you are the
    right person at this time, in this critical position.
        A couple of thoughts. Number one, I want to go back and
    visit just a second an issue that Senator Hirono brought up,
    and that is Guam. We did not really get into it, but would you
    talk with us a little bit about just how critical Guam is in
    terms of any of our strategies with regard to this AOR. Right
    now, part of the discussion has been how do you defend Guam,
    what are the options available? I know that Admiral Davidson
    had recommended, and Congress did not agree last year, with the
    funding for the GDS, the Guam Defense System.
        But I would like your thoughts on it as well, because it
    seems to me that without that in place we leave, as you
    indicated, literally thousands of our own military men and
    women at risk.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. Guam, as we all can
    agree, I think, is an incredibly strategic location in the
    Indo-Pacific. It is west of the International Date Line, the
    ability to host over 20,000 of our U.S. Forces to be able to
    respond if needed, and the force protection for those
    servicemembers, families, as well as the 170,000 U.S. citizens
    is critical.
        Admiral Davidson highlighted the need for 360-degree
    coverage. He also highlighted the need for those systems to be
    in place by 2025. It goes back to our point of near term and
    with a sense of urgency.
        So I certainly believe we need that capability, and if
    confirmed I look forward to working with you to ensure we can
    get it in place.
        Senator Rounds. Thank you. I agree, and I think as Senator
    Cotton indicated in his remarks most certainly time is of the
    essence, and we cannot simply sit back and just say this is
    just something that we can put off for another day.
        An area that I think is going to continue to be an item of
    discussion I think in your AOR, just like in any other place in
    the world, the DoD's cyber strategy, which was published in
    December of 2018, charges DoD to defend forward, shape the day-
    to-day competition, and prepare for war. We have experienced
    highly sophisticated attacks within the cyber domain from the
    lines of both Russia and China in the past, and most recently
    we have seen some other capabilities, with the most recent
    attacks on business and some of our governmental entities as
    well.
        Can you discuss how you view this threat from the
    perspective of the INDOPACOM, and how you would approach it
    through the lenses of strategy, operations, and exercises? What
    exercises are you doing, and how do you fill this in? I mean,
    when we talk about the issues of cyber it is the least
    expensive part of defense, and yet it impacts all of the other
    domains--air, land, sea, and space.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. As we have seen, many of
    our competitors are operating at the level short of war through
    the cyberspace domain that you identified. It is critically
    important. In many cases it is an indicator of follow-on events
    that we might see. If confirmed, I think our focus needs to be
    on, number one, the strongest defense possible to ensure that
    those competitors are unable to take advantage of that space,
    and combined with that it is important that we have those same
    conversations with our allies and partners so that they are
    just as defended and we do not provide an alternative path for
    anyone to enter in our cyber domain.
        Senator Rounds. Thank you. One last item that I just wanted
    to bring up that I think, when we talk about fifth-generation
    aircraft and the need for more of them, and particularly right
    now we are talking about those that could be used within the
    carrier-based fleet that we have got. But we have also got the
    B-21 coming online and will probably be operational well before
    the next-gen fighter systems will be available. The B-21, which
    would be based in safe bases, South Dakota and Texas, is the
    knock-down-the-door type of a system which basically will slow
    down our adversaries who think that they may very well be safe
    from a carrier-based operation because of their land-based
    defense systems that they have in place, specifically China.
        Could you talk a little bit about the integrated need and
    capabilities that the B-21 would bring in the Indo-Pacific
    region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. I just want to highlight
    before it was a specific Navy question that I answered, but
    that said it will obviously take the entire joint force to be
    able to compete. Again, as it applies to where might be the
    best place I would love to see the results of the Secretary's
    posture review, that global posture review, and if confirmed,
    to see what does that mean and how does it impact the Indo-
    Pacific.
        Senator Rounds. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Rounds. Let me recognize,
    via Webex, Senator King.
        Senator King. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to follow up
    on Senator Rounds' questions, Admiral. I can guarantee you that
    at this very moment, hundreds, if not thousands of very smart
    software engineers and hackers are in China, attempting to
    figure out how to compromise our command and control systems,
    our IRS systems, our force projection software. I cannot stress
    more to you the urgency of being prepared for this. All of our
    preparations, all of our money, all of our systems are useless
    if we cannot communicate with them or, on the other hand, if
    they are rendered inert by a cyberattack.
        So I hope that you will see this as an extremely high
    priority. You should be having people trying to hack your own
    systems to determine how safe they really are.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. It truly is important,
    and the word ``urgency'' I use frequently as it applies to all
    aspects of the missions assigned, additionally in cyberspace.
    We actually have cyber aggressor teams that execute the role
    that you just described, and I believe it is worthwhile to
    ensure we expand those tests, if you will, into all of our
    operations and exercises. Sir, and if confirmed, I will
    continue to do that.
        Senator King. Thank you. One of the things that worries me
    are the continuing friction, if you will, in the South China
    Sea and the potential for an accident, for an accidental
    conflict. Do we have mil-to-mil communications established with
    the Chinese, a kind of red phone, where you and your
    counterpart in China can have direct communication if there is,
    for example, a Chinese fighter jet flies too close or actually
    clips a destroyer in the South China Sea on a Freedom of
    Navigation mission?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. I do not have a
    direct communication with my counterpart. I know Admiral
    Davidson has advocated for that ability at his level, and I
    know the chairman does have a connection that he can utilize.
    If confirmed, I would continue to advocate for that connection
    to ensure there is an ability to de-escalate if there were an
    event, and the ability to not let it go out of control. I think
    that communication mechanism could be effective if that
    connection was with someone who had decision-making authority.
        Senator King. I appreciate your interest in pursuing that.
    I think it could be critically important.
        Law of the Sea, you mentioned what the Chinese are doing in
    the South China Sea in terms of planes. The Russians are doing
    similar things in the Arctic. Do you believe it is in the
    national interest for this country to enter into the Law of the
    Sea treaty?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, I do.
        Senator King. I have asked every flag officer that has
    appeared before this committee that question, just pretty much
    regularly for the last 8 years, and I have never gotten a
    negative answer. Why do you think it is important that we be
    part of this treaty structure?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, there are really two main
    reasons. Number one, as the group gets together it would be
    certainly beneficial if we had a seat at the table when there
    were discussions occurring as it applied to potential
    adjustments and the interpretations of those international
    laws. The second reason, it puts us in an increased position of
    credibility. We adhere to the UNCLOS treaty in our operations,
    and it would make our position much stronger if we were
    signators.
        Senator King. I appreciate that, Admiral, and hope to
    persuade my colleagues of those arguments, indeed.
        I mentioned the urgency of the cyber threat. I think
    another urgent concern is vulnerability to hypersonics. Do you
    see that as an issue that we really need to be accelerating our
    defensive, not only our hypersonic capacity but our ability to
    defend against hypersonic attacks, particularly since forward-
    deployed carrier strike groups, for example, are part of the
    essence of our deterrence.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, absolutely. It is the next
    step. It is capabilities that our competitors are pursuing, and
    I see we need to pursue both offensive capability in the form
    of hypersonics and defensive capabilities.
        Senator King. Thank you, Admiral. I appreciate your answers
    and look forward to voting for your confirmation. Thank you,
    Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator King. Senator Ernst,
    please.
        Senator Ernst. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and Admiral, thank you
    very much for being here today and for your willingness to
    continue to serve our great country. To your wife, as well,
    Laura, welcome. It is good to have you here, Jessica, as well,
    and to your Fleet Master Chief. You always need a battle buddy
    when you come to Capitol Hill. So thank you all for what you do
    for the men and women that serve within your fleet, and to
    those that will be serving upon confirmation in the Indo-
    Pacific Command as well.
        So we have talked a number of issues today, and my
    colleagues have highlighted a lot of issues. All of these are
    nesting together quite well. I am going to dive in a little bit
    more, just a bit on China. But last week we did discuss some of
    the major influencers in the region, of course China, but then
    we also see the Russian influence, we see the Iranian
    influence, and North Korea as well.
        So what are your thoughts on the Iranian influence first,
    within INDOPACOM? We are seeing them work alongside North Korea
    in logistical areas such as munitions. Is this alarming to you,
    and what other threats or concerns might you have with the
    Iranians engaging in the INDOPACOM AOR?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. Certainly contributions
    in the form of energy support that exceed the UN Security
    Council resolutions is concerning. Again, providing capability
    that we would be concerned about in the form of technology
    transfer, whether it be missile technologies, nuclear
    capabilities. All those would negatively impact the region and
    negatively impact all of the allies and partners.
        Senator Ernst. So it is definitely something that we need
    to keep an eye on. Correct?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, ma'am.
        Senator Ernst. Thank you, Admiral, and as well, we have
    talked about China and why it is important then that we have
    interoperability capabilities with our regional partners and
    our allies. Some of the things we have mentioned today, Senator
    Kaine brought up missile defense. Others have talked about
    humanitarian assistance. Are there other capabilities, whether
    it is hard infrastructure or munitions, things of that nature,
    or other soft capabilities that we can work on as well with our
    partners that would enhance our partnership in that region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, and again, the capabilities
    are across the spectrum. It is critical that we have allies and
    partners to support, whether it be logistics, whether it be
    access, whether it be combined interoperability in the form of
    operations. Every aspect of it is important. I do not think
    there is one piece that you can leave out and be effective and
    be able to generate the deterrence needed.
        Senator Ernst. One of the soft capabilities that China does
    tend to offer, or benefits that China offers to a number of
    those countries in that region is training capabilities. They
    offer that assistance to many of our partners. Can you stress
    to us how important the IMET program is?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Again, it is one of those
    additional areas beyond operations and exercises that allow us
    to connect and get to that access, training, and improvement of
    our allies and partners. General Rudd supports all of the
    components currently, and in many cases he is the lead effort
    as it applies to being able to get access and get in and train
    our allies and partners. So it is extremely important. We have
    got to continue IMET, and if confirmed, I will continue to
    stress that.
        Senator Ernst. Fantastic. As part of those training
    opportunities as well and other types of capabilities operating
    in the gray zone are our special operations forces. Can you
    describe what role you would see our SOF playing in the
    INDOPACOM command area of authority, and what role that they
    might have in pushing back against China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, the SOF team plays an important
    role across all aspects in the entire spectrum. Currently,
    their leading role is in the information space, as a part of
    Joint Task Force Indo-Pacific, currently located in Singapore.
    So while they touch every aspect of the spectrum, they are
    leading a role in a couple of different places.
        Senator Ernst. Thank you. My time is expiring so I will
    stop there, but Admiral, thanks once again for stepping up to
    this nomination, and I look forward to confirming you. Thank
    you very much, Mr. Chair.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Ernst. Let me recognize,
    via Webex, Senator Warren.
        Senator Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Admiral
    Aquilino, thank you for being here today. Congratulations on
    your nomination.
        So the Indo-Pacific represents the most consequential and
    challenging region of the world for the United States and our
    national security, and as Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific
    Command you will be responsible for overseeing U.S. Forces in
    the region. One of your top priorities will be contending with
    China and its growing influence, both regionally and globally.
        Earlier this month, Admiral Philip Davidson, the current
    Commander if INDOPACOM, testified that the greatest danger to
    the United States is the erosion of conventional deterrence
    against China. He warned that without credible, conventional
    deterrence, China may be emboldened to take action and supplant
    United States interests in the region.
        Do you agree with Admiral Davidson that the erosion of
    conventional deterrence is the greatest danger to the United
    States in the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Warren. So Admiral Davidson also warned that China
    was on course to double their nuclear stockpile this decade,
    and he agreed with a claim by one of my colleagues that if
    China quadrupled their nuclear stockpile they could, quote,
    ``have nuclear overmatch against the United States.'' Now I
    want to look into the numbers on this. Last year's report on
    China's military power shows that their stockpile of
    operational nuclear warheads is only in the low 200s, far fewer
    than the approximately 3,800 in the United States' active
    stockpile.
        So, Admiral, are you aware of any evidence that suggests
    that China intends to quadruple its nuclear stockpile in this
    decade?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I think what I would say is
    there are many opinions on what those numbers are. I think the
    numbers you quoted are accurate with regard to today. What I
    would say is we see China increasing at a rate that is faster
    than anyone previously believed, their nuclear stockpile. So
    while I cannot directly, at this point, understand their intent
    or what their end target is, they are increasing. If you were
    to look at what they have done with their conventional force, I
    would see no reason why I would expect anything other than to
    have them continue to increase their nuclear capabilities and
    aspirations.
        Senator Warren. So let me just ask that from maybe a
    different point of view. I understand what you are saying, and
    I appreciate it, but even if they did quadruple their
    stockpile, China would still have fewer warheads than the
    United States has currently deployed. Is that right?
        Admiral Aquilino. If it were to quadruple today, that would
    be accurate. Yes, ma'am.
        Senator Warren. Okay. So from your perspective, as the
    Commander of Pacific Fleet and the incoming INDOPACOM
    Commander, would you agree that credible, conventional
    deterrents are still the best way of protecting United States
    interests in the Indo-Pacific region and avoiding a conflict
    with China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. That conventional
    deterrents to avoid crisis or conflict is certainly the main
    effort, as I would see it, if confirmed.
        Senator Warren. Okay. Thank you, Admiral. I appreciate your
    comments on this. China presents the greatest geopolitical
    challenge to the United States since the end of World War II,
    and it is critical that we face this challenge with clear eyes.
    Distorting the threat to justify building more nuclear weapons
    at home is not a recipe for success here.
        So I look forward to your confirmation and I look forward
    to working with you to advance areas of shared interest. Thank
    you very much. Thank you for being with us today.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Warren. Let me recognize
    Senator Tillis, please.
        Senator Tillis. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Admiral,
    congratulations to you and to your family and your team for
    your nomination. I would like to start just by asking a general
    question. About a week ago, maybe a week and a half ago we got
    an update from NORTHCOM [United States Northern Command] and
    SOUTHCOM [United States Southern Command] on China's
    engagement, primarily in Latin and South America. Can you give
    me a quick rundown within your area, or your future area of
    responsibility in terms of China's relationships, say, today,
    as compared to 5 or 10 years ago, ostensibly economic or non-
    military engagement, but we all know there is a military
    dimension to almost everything that China does. So just a quick
    rundown of the areas of greatest concern.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. I spoke to Admiral Faller
    last week, after he testified. I think the main point that
    comes out is China is a global problem. When you talk about
    their areas of influence and what does it mean globally, there
    are economic efforts that are underway by China across the
    globe. There are military efforts underway, and, you know, it
    furthers their reach. It would allow access, logistic support
    in time of crisis. So all of those things are a bit concerning,
    and for allies and partners across the globe, they have to
    understand what that means.
        Senator Tillis. Thank you. A number of my colleagues have
    covered the fifth-generation F-22, F-35, the importance of
    those programs. The one question I had, I think with General
    Berger, there is some thought in the future of the Marine Corps
    force design of reducing squadrons from 16 to 10 aircraft, I
    think. What is the rationale behind that, and what impact could
    that possibly have in your area of operation?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I think General Berger,
    in his former position as the Commander of Marine Forces
    Pacific, he got a front-line view of the main concern for the
    next generation, if you will. I appreciate his efforts to
    restructure, to take on adjusted mission sets, and to ensure
    that his forces are contributing to deterrence.
        I would like to highlight that all of the service chiefs
    are on board with the same set of concerns. So I appreciate and
    admire the work done by CNO Gilday, by Chief C.Q. Brown, by
    General McConville, and by General Clarke.
        Senator Tillis. Actually I may have time for two questions.
    The 360 missile defense system in Guam has been raised, as the
    top unfunded priority. Do we have our priorities in order? Do
    we just simply have the resources to do it? In your opinion,
    why is it that we have this unfunded priority, and what should
    we do about it?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I think Admiral Davidson
    and I highlighted the right priority order as needed to
    foundationally begin to identify and show that credible
    deterrence that is needed inside, or west of the International
    Date Line. There are a variety of opinions that there may be a
    better system, that there is an integrated air missile defense
    problem vice just a ballistic missile defense problem. So I
    think those are the different competition voices.
        What I believe is there is a need in the near term to
    defend against all of those threats, from a 360-degree
    standpoint, and if that answer is Aegis, I am absolutely
    supportive. If there is a better answer that can be delivered
    in the near term, I would be ready to listen to that, if
    confirmed. But that is how I see it.
        Senator Tillis. One other question on the F-35 program.
    Several of our allies are participating in that program. We
    understand the military significance of it. But to what extent
    has that engagement been helpful, from a diplomatic
    perspective?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, it is always helpful when our
    allies and partners are operating with the same stuff we are.
    It absolutely makes us more interoperable. It opens up
    opportunities for logistic sites, supply cooperation, and other
    events like that, that just continue to expand our relationship
    and make us more effective in operations.
        Senator Tillis. Thank you, Admiral. Mr. Chair, if I had
    more time I would ask the admiral if the Aqualung nickname was
    inspired by the breathing apparatus or the Jethro Tull album,
    but I will leave that for the record. Thank you.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you very much, Senator Tillis. Let me
    now recognize Senator Peters.
        Senator Peters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, thank you
    for your service. Good to see you here with us today.
        Admiral, the Marine Corps has been implementing its Force
    Design 2030 plan to support operations as a lighter, much more
    maneuverable force, as you are well aware. For example, they
    have talked about divestment of tanks in favor of joint light
    tactical vehicle equipped with some long-range precision
    munitions. Have you been monitoring the Marine Corps' progress,
    and if so, what are your thoughts about this approach?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. Commandant Berger is
    extremely thoughtful, as the former head of the Marine Corps in
    the Pacific, he has seen first-hand. I think his structure and
    approach is correct. It will really help to generate deterrence
    that we continue to talk about today, in the form of whether it
    be surface-to-air capability, anti-ship capability, and the
    ability to expand the competitive space from a land domain into
    a mostly maritime domain.
        So his site picture is correct, and hopefully he can keep
    that plan on track. It would be better, under the sense of
    urgency needed to deliver sooner rather than later.
        Senator Peters. Very good, Admiral. Thank you. When Admiral
    Davidson appeared here 2 weeks ago, I questioned him on a
    strategy focused heavily on conventional deterrence would fare
    against China's three-pronged strategy of unrestricted warfare,
    given that its efforts are undertaken below the threshold of
    armed conflict. I think this also applies to our partnerships.
    The type and caliber of security systems we are providing
    should certainly reflect our mutual threats that we all have.
        So my question is, to what extent do you believe our
    security assistance should include cybersecurity assistance or
    measures to enhance resiliency against information warfare?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, it should absolutely include it.
    First, a strong defense against the cyber problems that exist.
    Without a doubt, resiliency--and I would go one step further,
    the potential for reconstitution.
        Senator Peters. Admiral, on March 4th, Admiral Davidson
    introduced his investment plan of needed capabilities for
    INDOPACOM, and this plan includes over $2 billion for space-
    based radars. As you know, the Chinese are rapidly launching
    ISR satellites to better monitor the INDOPACOM, and last week
    they launched another trip of Yaogan-31 satellites. I think
    this is the third launch since January 29th of this year.
        It is clear that we must improve our capability and
    capacity to monitor the region from space, and there are
    certainly a number of innovative commercial companies out
    there, such as Orbital Effects, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, which
    is quickly launching radar satellites with the necessary
    capabilities, and quite frankly, they are doing it at a
    fraction of the cost of traditional government efforts to
    address national security threats.
        Admiral, do you support the use of these capabilities to
    more quickly and cost-effectively address this challenge?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. You highlighted the extreme
    build-up in the space domain, and that is certainly concerning.
    Any ability to increase capability, capacity, resiliency in the
    space domain would be of benefit, and if confirmed, I would
    support that.
        Senator Peters. Right. Admiral, the Department of Defense
    is currently developing a training program to enable
    servicemembers and civilian employees to better understand and
    better identify foreign malign influence campaigns and cyber
    exploitation, generally, as it is targeting members and their
    families. So my question to you, sir, is to what extent have
    you contended with these issues at the Pacific Fleet, and how
    will you inform your approach to INDOPACOM personnel related to
    this issue?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, my team reviews my profile in
    the cyber domain, and over the past 6 months they have removed
    over 250 false sites that are claiming to be me. I think that
    gets to the indication that this is a persistent threat, as was
    mentioned before, low cost, and we have to be on our game. We
    have to understand what it means and continue to defend against
    it.
        Senator Peters. Thank you, Admiral. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Peters. Let me recognize
    Senator Scott, please.
        Senator Scott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Admiral,
    for your service. I had the opportunity to serve in the Navy
    and it was a great experience. They did not pay me much,
    though. Of course, I was 18 and I had no experience too. They
    shouldn't have.
        Do you believe that it is clear that we have got to prevent
    Communist China from controlling Taiwan, that it would be a
    strategic necessity for the United States to make sure Taiwan
    remains not controlled by Communist China, and the loss of
    Taiwan would devastate our ability to counter the aggressive
    actions of Communist China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Again, the policy
    identifies that through the Taiwan Relations Act we support the
    defense of Taiwan. Three communiques and six assurances. It
    would negatively impact our standing in the region if that were
    to happen, and it would challenge the rest of our allies and
    partners in the U.S., negatively impacting our ability to
    operate freely in that area.
        Senator Scott. When you look at what Communist China has
    done with Hong Kong, why haven't they been even more aggressive
    with Taiwan, do you think?
        Admiral Aquilino. I do not know how to answer that one,
    Senator, judging from intent. I think what I would articulate
    is we have seen aggressive actions earlier than we anticipated,
    whether it be on the Indian border or whether it be in Hong
    Kong or whether it be against the Uyghurs. We have seen things
    that I do not think we expected, and that is why I continue to
    talk about a sense of urgency. We ought to be prepared today.
        Senator Scott. I introduced the Taiwan Invasion Prevention
    Act to end the United States strategic ambiguity about Taiwan.
    I believe it is time for the United States to say clearly that
    we will not, absolutely not allow Communist China to invade and
    subdue Taiwan, and that both Taiwan and the United States need
    to invest in the resources, weapons, training, and strategic
    dialogue to ensure that Xi understands that he has nothing to
    gain from using force against Taiwan.
        It is not calling for their independence, only that we need
    to meet the threat that Xi has announced through his aggressive
    actions. What are your thoughts on this?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, the current policies have been
    able to keep the status quo in place now for a number of years.
    I would be open to, and hope to be, if confirmed, included in
    any conversations should we decide to change or adjust that
    policy. We would have to ensure we understand the risk and be
    extremely thoughtful if we were to go down that path.
        Senator Scott. What else do you think we need to do to make
    sure that Xi doesn't decide to invade Taiwan? What should we be
    doing that we are not doing right now?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I think an increase in our
    forward deterrent posture, as identified by Admiral Davidson in
    the Pacific Deterrence Initiative is a great first start. But
    capable, lethal forces west of the Date Line, to be able to
    respond on extremely short notice, combined with
    synchronization with our allies and partners to ensure that all
    understand that that is not within the best interests of anyone
    in the theater.
        Senator Scott. Do you think we have the right resources so
    Taiwan will not get overwhelmed by the coercive acts of
    Communist China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I am really encouraged by the
    actions of Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Defense Act
    with regard to the capabilities that they are purchasing, with
    regard to the indigenous capabilities that they are pursuing,
    all for the defense of where they live, and that has to
    continue.
        Senator Scott. Do you think Japan is doing enough to get
    prepared for the aggressive actions that Communist China
    clearly is threatening for the region, to the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Japan is the cornerstone of
    the alliance in the region. I think they have watched all of
    the events you and I talked about a few minutes ago, and they
    understand what does that translate as it applies to them. If
    you were to think of the Senkaku Islands, I believe that they
    are concerned. I am extremely happy with the interoperability,
    coordination, and relationship we have with the Japanese. I
    think it is a strong, as I said, cornerstone to the foundation
    in executing deterrence in the region.
        Senator Scott. Thanks for your service. Thanks, Mr.
    Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Scott. Senator Manchin,
    please.
        Senator Manchin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you,
    Admiral, and first of all, thank you for your service, and I
    want to thank your family for supporting your service. I know
    it is a family event and an affair.
        Sir, one of Admiral Davidson's top priorities is a mission
    partner environment that would serve as a common platform for
    our partners in the Pacific to work collaboratively in a cyber
    domain. Do you share the urgency of promoting greater
    interoperability of the cyber operations with our allies and
    partners in the Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, absolutely. The mission partner
    environment generates synchronization, the ability to command
    and control beyond just the cyber domain. So think ISR, think
    coordination operations of planning, all the way to execution.
    It is absolutely critical.
        Senator Manchin. Have you had to coordinate with Cyber
    Command in your past? Have you worked with them in the past?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, at the Pac Fleet level I have a
    support organization in cyber, but I do not personally
    coordinate directly with Cyber Command. That is Admiral
    Davidson's role. If confirmed, I certainly would.
        Senator Manchin. Our current major ballistic missile
    defense assets in the INDOPACOM include Thaad in South Korean
    and Guam, Aegis systems in service with United States naval
    assets in the Pacific and the Japanese navy, and Patriot
    missile capability in South Korea and Japan. With Japan's
    uncertainty on Aegis Ashore construction, we are at an even
    greater disadvantage to sustaining a credible military
    deterrence against our competitors.
        So where do you assess the greater vulnerability exists
    when it comes to missile defense in the Pacific, and how do you
    plan to fix these?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, the missile defense concern is
    throughout the theater.
        Senator Manchin. Sure. I think mostly with Japan pulling
    back because of public support, pulling out of the Aegis. Where
    do you see--that troubled me, being the great ally that they
    have been, all of a sudden public opinion, and they pull out of
    the defense that I think is needed for their own country.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Again, I think what they
    have done is they decided to relook at whether Aegis Ashore is
    the right answer. They certainly are partnered with us in the
    form of their Aegis destroyers. I think we have a shared
    responsibility and requirement to protect forces in Japan, and
    I look forward, if confirmed, to work with the Japanese to try
    to get to the right answer for them.
        Senator Manchin. Are you aware of any assistance being
    offered by INDOPACOM to provide community engagement in Japan
    to help relieve or ease the public concerns, at this point in
    time? If not, it might be a good position for you to take on
    that one.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. I am unaware in my current
    seat. If confirmed, I would look to work with the Missile
    Defense Agency to ensure--and I would be surprised if Admiral
    Davidson was not having those conversations with his
    counterparts.
        Senator Manchin. Okay, and speaking of Admiral Davidson,
    back in 2018, during his confirmation hearing, China was
    already capable of controlling the South China Sea and any
    scenario short of war with the United States. Here we are 3
    years later, and we have heard repeated testimony that China
    has increased its naval forces, its coast guard and other
    paramilitary forces.
        So what is stopping them right now from exercising their
    capability whenever they feel like it, of controlling the South
    China Sea?
        Admiral Aquilino. The U.S. Joint Forces in the region,
    Senator, the partner nations?
        Senator Manchin. We are strong there. We have not done
    anything to deter it. They have taken these little outcrops and
    made them into major military bases.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yeah, I would somewhat disagree with that
    we have not taken any action. I think if you looked at the
    events we have executed over the past couple of years--and I
    will speak from my role as the Pacific Fleet Commander,
    multiple dual-carrier strike group operations in the South
    China Sea, the most FONs and Taiwan Strait transits that have
    been executed in recent years, multiple bilateral and
    multilateral operations with our partners and allies, all in
    the South China Sea I think would highlight that we can and
    will continue to operate there.
        Senator Manchin. I did not mean that in a detrimental way.
    I meant that in saying that they have taken small outcrops and
    continually enlarge those into a military confine, if you will.
    We, or no one else, seem to be able to stop that or prevent
    that or took any actions before they got to the size they are
    now and to the operability they are.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. We certainly have not
    changed their desire nor intent nor ability to execute the
    largest military build-up we have seen in a while.
        Senator Manchin. So is it safe to say that basically unless
    we are going to have a major presence, as you just outlined, in
    the South China Sea, then they will have total control of that?
        Admiral Aquilino. I think that credible forward presence,
    again, not just the United States but with allies and partners,
    is the best deterrent option to ensure that we can keep that
    space free and open.
        Senator Manchin. Thank you, sir, and I look forward to your
    confirmation and look forward to voting for you.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Manchin. Now let me
    recognize, via Webex, Senator Blackburn.
        Senator Blackburn. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you so
    much for allowing [audio malfunction] for being generous with
    your time. We appreciate that and appreciate your service to
    our country.
        I want to talk with you just a little bit about China and
    our Chinese counterparts. You know that some deterrence and the
    Pacific Deterrence Initiative, these are things that are
    important to me, and our diplomats had a contentious encounter
    last week in Alaska. Beijing's Foreign Affairs Chief, Director
    Yang, this was his statement: ``The United States does not have
    the qualification to say that it wants to speak to China from a
    position of strength.'' If Congress fully funds the Pacific
    Deterrence Initiative at the levels proposed in Admiral
    Davidson's assessment, and listening to you this morning it
    sounds as if you are in complete agreement with that, talk to
    us about how we communicate that we believe we hold that
    position of strength in communicating with Beijing.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. I think what you
    described is what competition looks like in the future. Actions
    that we would take to ensure credible deterrence, the desire to
    not have conflict by the actions and operations that we execute
    and understanding that there are things that we will do that
    our competitor will not find very good for them. So I think we
    have to be ready and have to understand what does that
    competition space look like and continue to execute those
    things that will allow us to keep the status quo.
        Senator Blackburn. Well, and I think probably, too, that
    you would agree that keeping these budgetary top lines that are
    going to give you what you need should be a priority as we look
    at our INDOPACOM initiatives.
        Let me ask you this. Okay, when you look at PDI, combined
    command, control networks, and the mission partner environment,
    in relation to interoperability and the needs of our regional
    security partners, and we look at this through the lens of
    cyber, through the lens of technology, tell me what concerns
    you about China's aggressiveness in this great power
    competition when it comes to technology, to hardware, to
    setting standards, to infrastructure, to their cyber
    capabilities.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. So the key with the
    mission partner environment is that it absolutely must be cyber
    secure. We would not benefit from allowing the PLA to be able
    to infiltrate that network. So all the benefits that it
    provides, for interoperability, for command and control, for
    resilience and reassurance, the concern would be the
    cybersecurity of that environment, and it would have to be top
    on the list of priorities as it were developed.
        Senator Blackburn. Well, in that regard what about the
    vulnerabilities that are associated with cloud computing and
    integrated systems?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. So those technological
    advances, I think while they identify vulnerabilities also have
    opportunities. So as we shift and take advantage of those
    things, again, we have to make sure that they are cybersecure
    and unable to be infiltrated.
        Senator Blackburn. Thank you. Just a quick yes or no from
    you. Should we be increasing our bilateral participation in
    exercises with Taiwan?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, we should continue to execute
    those things that we do with Taiwan, and should there be a
    policy shift, again, if confirmed, I hope to be in those
    conversations, we do exercise with Taiwan, we have visits with
    Taiwan, we have consultations. All of those are contributing to
    Taiwan's defense.
        Senator Blackburn. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator. Let me now recognize
    Senator Duckworth via Webex.
        Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral
    Aquilino, I appreciate our call last week and I am glad we were
    able to discuss some of the biggest challenges that you face if
    you are confirmed, including improving our logistics
    capabilities and capacity in the INDOPACOM region.
        In addition to agreeing that our logistics enterprise is
    absolutely foundational for having a combat-credible deterrent,
    I feel that we were very much on the same page about the need
    to strengthen our partners with the various nations in the
    region. You and I have both heard our regional partners say
    that they want a greater United States presence in the Indo-
    Pacific so that they have alternatives to the Communist PRC
    when it comes to trading and security partners. But the tragic
    murders of eight people in Atlanta last week, six of them of
    East Asian descent, highlighted a disturbing trend of an
    increasing violence and hate towards Asians and Asian Americans
    in this country, particularly those of East Asian descent.
        Regardless of the stated motive for last week's shooting,
    there is no arguing that cities across the country are
    reporting a drastic increase in violent crimes and
    discrimination targeting members of the AAPI community. It is
    also not hard to see a correlation between the stark rise an
    anti-Asian bigotry and our former Commander-in-Chief, Donald
    Trump, blatantly using hateful and racist language, such as
    calling the coronavirus the ``Kung Flu'' or the ``Chinese
    virus,'' long after such terminology has been deemed
    inappropriate and harmful.
        Shockingly, Trump spread such bigotry despite the FBI
    producing a report, as early as March 2020, that included a
    clear and chilling assessment. I quote, ``Hate crime incidents
    against Asian Americans likely will surge across the United
    States due to the spread of coronavirus disease, endangering
    Asian American communities.'' Just last week, Gallup released a
    poll that found, over the past year, the percentage of
    Americans who consider China to be the United States' greatest
    enemy today rose from 22 percent in February 2020 and 45
    percent when measured last month.
        Let me be clear. There is a difference between expressing
    opposition to the Communist Chinese government's aggressive
    economic and military practices, which I absolutely support
    opposing them, and ignorantly blaming Asian people, especially
    those of East Asian descent, for the coronavirus pandemic.
    Blaming the AAPI community for a public health crisis is racist
    and wrong, and I am increasingly concerned that it will hurt
    our relationship with our partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
        Admiral Aquilino, when American leaders make racist
    statements about Asians, and American citizens participated in
    anti-Asian hate, how does it harm the United States'
    credibility and reputation in the Indo-Pacific region? Please
    make sure to address how such bigotry and racist violence
    undermines our relationships with our allies and partners who
    may already be facing challenges in defending our presence in
    their respective nation states as views and attitudes towards
    the U.S. evolve with the younger generation.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator. To your first point,
    and you and I have had this conversation, professionals talk
    logistics, so all of our efforts in the region are underpinned,
    and the relationships with our partners and allies will
    certainly be required to help us set up this enabling network
    and support our logistics issues. So thanks for that.
        To your second point, what I owe, and what we all owe our
    incredibly brave servicemembers is a safe, comfortable place
    where they can work and execute the oath that they have taken.
    So there is no place in our ranks for any type of
    discrimination. Whether it be against Asians, whether it be
    race, creed, color, you name it, it is just completely
    unacceptable, it degrades from our readiness, and, if
    confirmed, I can tell you it will not be tolerated.
        Senator Duckworth. So how does the rise in hate crimes
    against Asian Americans and hateful rhetoric at the top ranks
    of government, and the absolute lack of representation at the
    very top ranks of the Biden administration of AAPIs in
    secretarial positions or higher levels, affect our
    relationships in the INDOPACOM region? I mean, you are going to
    be going in there trying to make alliances with folks in the
    INDOPACOM region, and yet we have Asians being shot down, and
    we have even Members of Congress targeting Asian Americans with
    hate rhetoric. How does that affect your job, trying to develop
    relationships in the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, our relations in the region are
    critical. I have and will continue to say that. As a diverse
    military, we continue to ensure that our values are understood.
    I believe our allies and partners understand that when they
    talk with us that we speak from a position of shared values. As
    I said, if confirmed, I will do everything possible to ensure
    none of that discrimination is a part of how the Indo-Pacific
    operates.
        Senator Duckworth. Thank you. I have every confidence in
    your commitment to diversity, Admiral, and you have shown that
    in your service and you have shown that in your conversations
    with me, and I thank you for continuing to be a leader, both in
    the military but also when it comes to diversity in that
    military that we both love. Thank you.
        I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Duckworth. Senator
    Hawley, please.
        Senator Hawley. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, good to
    see you. I appreciated our conversations, and congratulations
    on your nomination.
        I want to start by revisiting something that you and I
    talked about at some length when we visited, which is the
    situation in Taiwan. Both Deputy Secretary Hicks and Admiral
    Davidson have testified that the United States should maintain
    the ability to defeat a fait accompli scenario in Taiwan. Do
    you agree with that?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Hawley. Do you think the Department should also
    prioritize preparations for a Taiwan scenario so that we will
    be able to deter China from attacking Taiwan, should they
    attempt to do so?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. That credible deterrence
    forward is absolutely required with the correct forces, the
    right magnitude of forces, and the readiness of those forces.
        Senator Hawley. Very good. The Deputy Secretary and Admiral
    Davidson have also testified that a strategy of denial is
    essential for deterring Chinese aggression. Secretary Austin
    said the same thing to me in response to a question that I had
    for him for the record. Do you agree with that, that a strategy
    of denial is essential for deterring China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Hawley. Let me ask you about a question that you
    were posed earlier by one of my colleagues. You were asked
    about the importance of conventional deterrence in the Indo-
    Pacific. But I just want to get clear on your views here. The
    necessary of conventional deterrence, which I think we agree
    on, does not mean that nuclear deterrence has any less of a
    role, doesn't it? I mean, wouldn't you agree that our nuclear
    deterrent provides a critical backstop to our conventional
    deterrent, and that both are necessary to be able to
    effectively deter China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, absolutely. If I gave that
    impression then I apologize.
        Senator Hawley. You also said earlier today that the threat
    of a Chinese invasion in Taiwan is much closer to us than most
    think. You and I talked about this at some length. Is it fair
    to say that this threat, what you said earlier, ``much closer
    to us than most think,'' is it fair to say that this threat
    could materialize well before 2035, or some of those very later
    dates that folks have put out there?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, I believe it could.
        Senator Hawley. Is it fair to say that we need to act now
    if we are going to prevent this threat from materializing in
    the future?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator, absolutely. A strong
    posture forward, linked with our allies and partners I believe
    is the leading path for prevention.
        Senator Hawley. Very good. Reports have indicated that
    Taiwan's upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review is going to
    emphasize the need for Taiwan to adopt an asymmetrical defense
    posture. This, again, is something you and I visited about. Can
    you just give us a sense, why is it so important for Taiwan to
    invest in asymmetrical capabilities, especially those that are
    low cost, high impact?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, as we discussed a bit, the
    resources they have require them to be spent in the correct
    manner to have the most effectiveness against the possible
    threat. I am encouraged by some of those capabilities that they
    have purchased, and I am encouraged by the capabilities that
    they are investing in, in an indigenous fashion, for their
    defense. The example I would give you is the harpoon system. I
    thought it was very thoughtful and the right capability, for
    one example.
        Senator Hawley. What can the United States do to help
    encourage Taiwan to adopt a more asymmetric defense posture as
    quickly as possible?
        Admiral Aquilino. I think it is a part of the Taiwan
    Relation Act. Offering the right capabilities with the right
    support is the best way to ensure that they certainly
    understand all of their options, they get to make their own
    choices, but by providing credible, realistic options with
    recommendations would be helpful.
        Senator Hawley. Let me ask you about something else we
    discussed on the phone. The Guam Defense Act has been
    INDOPACOM's top unfunded priority for the last 3 years. Just
    generally speaking, give us a sense of why Guam is so
    important, from a military operational standpoint.
        Admiral Aquilino. It is certainly in a strategic location,
    west of the International Date Line, distant enough to be able
    to protect our forces, muster our forces, and as you know,
    there are over 20,000 servicemembers on Guam. So combined with
    the 170,000 American citizens, we certainly are responsible to
    protect those people. But the strategic location is critical to
    be able to provide forces quickly in the area we need them.
        Senator Hawley. Let me just ask you, finally, the Quad
    appears to be forming the basis for a regional coalition to
    stand up to Chinese aggression. How do you see the Quad
    contributing to deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, now and in the
    future?
        Admiral Aquilino. I think it is extremely important when
    you look at India as the world's largest democracy, combined
    with three other nations of shared values and beliefs. When an
    organization of that magnitude comes together it would generate
    concern for anyone with an opposite opinion.
        Senator Hawley. Very good. Thank you, Admiral. Thank you,
    Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Hawley. Senator Sullivan,
    please.
        Oh, excuse me. Senator Rosen via Webex. Excuse me. Senator
    Rosen, please.
        Senator Rosen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate it. I
    thank you, Ranking Member, and I want to thank you, Admiral,
    for your service, for your willingness to continue to serve and
    step up and take on this extremely important role in our
    national defense. I really appreciate that.
        I would like to talk a little bit about maintaining our
    technological edge, because at the heart of China's military
    modernization efforts of course there is Beijing's investment
    in next-generation military capabilities. I know we have talked
    about that earlier in the hearing, when I was in the room. We
    want to close that technological gap. China is making advances
    in critical areas like artificial intelligence, cyber,
    robotics, hypersonics, and they are, at the same time, rapidly
    procuring commercial technologies that can be used for military
    purposes.
        So do you believe that China has achieved technological
    parity with the United States in its operational systems, and
    are there any areas that you are concerned about that they have
    outpaced us?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I do not believe they
    have achieved parity. I think they have a desire in the
    technological world to increase and ultimately to gain an
    overmatch. I think it is extremely important that we do not let
    that happen.
        So one of our competitive advantages is our ability to do
    S&T research and keep that technological edge, and we have to
    continue to do that.
        Senator Rosen. So if you are confirmed, how would you
    incorporate this increasingly technological nature of warfare
    into our domains of warfare, into joint coalition exercises,
    like we do, of course, many of them in the Nevada and, of
    course, around the world.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. So if confirmed I think
    there is a lot of opportunity to be able to do that, as you
    highlighted, the efforts that are executed at both the Nellis
    ranges and the Fallon ranges are places where we certainly
    experiment and try to work to get to those improved
    technological advantages. I think that it is applicable across
    the entire region to ensure we can develop tests and ultimately
    implement those advanced capabilities.
        Senator Rosen. Well, I could not agree with you more. I am
    proud of all the training that we do in Nevada. But I know that
    this training requires improved skill sets--retraining,
    improving training, and, of course, new training for young men
    and women who are joining our military.
        How are you planning to recruit and retain, build up that
    workforce that we are going to need within INDOPACOM,
    particularly in these areas of technology?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. So the services have
    that responsibility as a part of their Title 10 taskings. If I
    were confirmed I would highlight to the service chiefs
    certainly what is needed in an increased technological
    footprint, and if you look from a Navy perspective, currently
    the CNO does a great job at recruiting and retaining the best.
    It is getting extremely competitive across the workforce to
    recruit and retain, and all of the services are doing a really
    good job at maintaining that capability and advancement.
        Senator Rosen. I am pleased to hear that. I have instituted
    a bill that was in the NDAA last year, about adding a cyber
    track to our Junior ROTC program, and hopefully that will build
    up our force.
        But I would like to, in the last remaining minute or so,
    talk a little bit about the state partnership program. Of
    course, this initiative links our states' National Guards with
    the armed forces. We cooperate, it is a mutually beneficial
    relationship, and I know that INDOPACOM maintains ten of these
    SPP relationships. So in Nevada, our Nevada National Guard, we
    have existing partnerships with Fiji and Tonga to support
    INDOPACOM's mission in the South Pacific.
        Can you talk about how you are going to work with National
    Guards and these partnerships, of course, to be sure that they
    know what you are planning, going forward, so they can prepare
    and plan to complete their mission sets by improving the skill
    sets of our National Guard as well?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. It is extremely
    important. You know, I have had a chance to work with Ken Hara,
    the head of National Guard in Hawaii, and it continues to pay
    dividends. As it applies to foreign partners, it is just as
    helpful, and if confirmed, I would continue to execute those
    ten partner linkups and look for additional opportunities,
    because I think there are some there.
        Senator Rosen. Thank you very much. I yield back.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator. Now let me recognize
    Senator Sullivan, please.
        Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral, good to
    see you again. I appreciated the opportunity to have another
    discussion, and I look forward to more discussion going
    forward. Congratulations on your nomination.
        I want to just talk a little bit about Alaska and the
    Pacific. Have you been to the great state of Alaska?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I have not yet been, but I will
    come and visit Alaska at first opportunity.
        Senator Sullivan. Good. We need to get on that, and I am
    going to talk a little bit of the reason why.
        I was just home. I just got back. You know, there was a lot
    of fireworks with this United States-China meeting in
    Anchorage. I had the opportunity to meet with Secretary
    Blinked, National Security Advisor Sullivan, and Kurt Campbell,
    who is also doing a really good at the NSC, right after the
    meeting. I was glad to see our Alaska-based military on
    Thursday. When the Chinese were approaching we were doing some
    exercises with F-22 Raptors there, right around the hotel, give
    the Chinese delegation a little view of what is in Alaska.
        As you know, we are going to have over 100 fifth-generation
    fighters, F-22s, F-35s, by the end of this year, and then on
    Friday, when the Chinese are still in Alaska, the Air Force
    announced four new tankers, KC-135s, going to Alaska.
        The previous Secretary of Defense called this combination
    tankers, 100 fifth-generation fighters, giving our country
    extreme strategic reach. These fighters could be in the Taiwan
    Strait, if they are supersonic, within 5 hours.
        These forces are actually OPCOM to PACOM, as you know, in
    Alaska. What do you see as the role of these combat-credible
    forces from Alaska play within the Indo-Pacific, given that you
    will be in command of them?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I have to correct a
    previous statement. I said I would visit Alaska. I have to say,
    if confirmed I would visit Alaska at first opportunity, so
    Senator Reed, I apologize.
        The forces in Alaska are critical for both the defense of
    the homeland, Senator, as you know. They support the different
    ACL levels in the event of either Russian bomber flights and
    would be critically needed as a surge force in time of either
    crisis or conflict, as you clearly identify.
        Senator Inhofe identified the capabilities needed in fifth-
    generation to be able to enter that contested space, to fight
    and win. So I agree with all those comments that you made.
        Senator Sullivan. Let me, real quick--and sorry to
    interrupt, but I have got a couple more questions. There is
    oftentimes, and you have mentioned it already, this kind of
    delineation west of the International Date Line as the
    delineation for PACOM. But as you know, Admiral, the further
    north you get, the International Date Line in some ways does
    not matter, just so I am kind of aware of your geography, your
    recognition of geography. We have a lot of forces in Alaska, a
    lot of forces in Hawaii, a lot of forces in Australia. Which of
    these are closer to Korea and Japan--our forces in Hawaii or
    our forces in Alaska?
        Admiral Aquilino. Well certainly Alaska would be closer to
    Korea and Japan.
        Senator Sullivan. That is correct. Yes, and how about
    Australia versus Alaska, closer to Korea and Japan?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, Senator. Alaska is closer.
        Senator Sullivan. Yeah. A lot of people do not know that,
    believe it or not. So it is not just International Date Line,
    it is how north you are and how close you are. So keep that in
    mind. You are going to be in charge of these, and you are going
    to get confirmed, and I am going to strongly support it.
        Your recommendations are going to be important. This, I
    believe, is going to certainly be viewed now, going forward, as
    the most important combatant command that we have anywhere
    around the world.
        In 2015, President Obama and President Xi Jinping stood in
    the Rose Garden, and President Xi Jinping promised the
    President of the United States and the American people not to
    militarize the South China Sea. Did President Xi Jinping keep
    that promise?
        Admiral Aquilino. No, Senator, he did not.
        Senator Sullivan. He did not. Not even close. What I refer
    to as ``promise fatigue,'' right. The Chinese make promises
    over decades. They rarely keep those promises. Promise
    fatigue--we are sick of it.
        It was widely reported, and this committee followed it
    closely, that because of this we said let's do Freedom of
    Navigation Operations. As a matter of fact, your predecessor
    said we need to do it. John Kerry, then the Secretary of State,
    said, ``No, we have a good climate deal in Paris, with the
    Chinese no-FONOPS.'' Was that a good idea to exchange FONOPS
    [Freedom of Navigation Operations] for a vague promise on the
    Paris climate accords?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, just so you know, I am unaware
    of that agreement.
        Senator Sullivan. Assume that happened, because it did. Was
    that a good idea, from Secretary Kerry?
        Admiral Aquilino. What I would say is we have continued FON
    operations.
        Senator Sullivan. No, no, no. We did not then. Trust me.
    This committee was pressing for it. We would not do them. Was
    that a good idea--vague promises and the Paris climate accords
    from John Kerry and the Chinese for no FONOPS in the South
    China Sea for at least 2 years?
        Admiral Aquilino. Well, Senator, I think FONOPS are
    important. They identify our link to the need for international
    order through normal rules and standards.
        Senator Sullivan. Was that a good idea? Assume that
    happened. Assume that could happen one more time. Let's say
    John Kerry has got another role, and says, ``I have got a good
    commitment from the Chinese. They just want us to not do FONOPS
    through the Taiwan Strait.'' Would that be a good idea?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I think FONOPS have served us
    well over the past 3 years since I have been at the Pacific
    Fleet.
        Senator Sullivan. So you would not agree with that idea if
    Kerry put it forward again.
        Admiral Aquilino. I think we----
        Senator Sullivan. You are going to be asked.
        Admiral Aquilino.--I think we should continue FONOPS,
    Senator.
        Senator Sullivan. In the South China Sea and the Taiwan
    Strait.
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, sir.
        Senator Sullivan. Regardless of commitments from China on
    vague climate change commitments that they might get from John
    Kerry.
        Admiral Aquilino. I think that we should continue those
    operations to assure our allies and partners and ensure we can
    operate anywhere international law allows.
        Senator Sullivan. Good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Sullivan. Senator
    Tuberville, please.
        Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Best for last.
    Put a football coach last.
        I have been impressed. I have been in all these meetings
    for the last 2 months and I am impressed. Thank you for your
    service and your family being here. They are very important.
    What a job you have got in front of you, just sitting and
    listening to all the things going on in our world. Huge job.
        You know, I have heard all the questions about Taiwan and
    China and all the things that go on. You forgot one, and we
    know about it, and we are going to be trusting you for that. It
    is important that we fight through the climate change and the
    diversity and all the things going on. I believe in that. You
    know, I was a football coach. I mean, you have to plug all that
    in.
        But we need to build a team. You need to build a team,
    because we are getting ready to go in waters unknown over the
    next few years, with the money that the CCP is putting in, and
    the things that we are going to have to prepare for.
        One thing I want to know, and I am going to vote for you. I
    believe, you know, you are ready to go, to turn it over to you
    and protect our world, not just our country. I just want to
    know, are you going to be able to stand up and fight, you know,
    this administration for more money? We do not need to be
    cutting. We need to be adding. Are you willing to say to us
    today that you are willing to fight for what you believe in, in
    terms of adding on to Guam, for instance.
        You know, we have not added anything, hardly, in the last
    10 years. We need to recapitalize. Will you promise that you
    will fight for that money that we need for our military?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, thanks. So if confirmed I will
    provide my best military advice and recommendations to request
    those things that are needed, to do the mission that I would
    have been assigned. If that is the case, I will give it
    absolute straight, with conviction, on what I believe is the
    right way forward.
        Senator Tuberville. Well, to me our freedom and our liberty
    and our families and our kids and grandkids depend on it, that
    we make sure that we defend not just this country but our
    allies and the world, because these people over there that we
    are getting ready to deal with, that you know, that you have
    seen, you know, they do not play fair. They steal everything
    that we have got. You know, we develop it and they steal it,
    and it does not cost them near as much.
        Do you think that is fair? We just saw what we went through
    with the pandemic. You know, we shipped everything over to
    China. They make everything that we do. Now we are scrambling
    to try to figure out how to handle the next pandemic. Hopefully
    it does not come along. Are we the same way in the military?
    Have you seen that? Do we have the capabilities to build what
    we need in this country right now?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, I think we do. I think what we
    have learned over the past 10 years is we do have to protect
    those advantages, technological trade secrets, and advantages
    that we have. So we should be aware that competitors will
    intend to try to take it, and we have to be able to secure it
    and defend it.
        Senator Tuberville. You know, as Marines are operating in
    smaller units in the Pacific, how do you plan to float medical
    support? You know, the Mercy and the Comfort, they are large,
    you know, and they are slow to deploy. Would a smaller, Ford-
    based hospital ship capable of quicker and faster engagement,
    do you think that would be better served for what you all do in
    the Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. Senator, we have done a lot over the last
    3 years on generating a concept of operations, how to ensure we
    can provide medical support to our forces in time of crisis and
    conflict. It looks a lot different when you look at an area
    that covers half the globe and most of it has water on it.
        We are looking at all options to be able to quickly pick
    up, care for, and return our forces, joint forces, that may
    have been wounded. One of those things that is being looked at
    is a different form of hospital ship than we are used to, and
    if confirmed, will continue to look at those other options and
    what might be the best way.
        Senator Tuberville. Yeah, I think it is important, because
    we are in a different part of the world, and we look at--of
    course, I am from Alabama, and we have Huntsville. We build all
    the missiles and the rockets and have 800 defense contractors.
    We build ships and boats down in Mobile, that hopefully you
    have seen some. I think the LCS or whatever, made out of
    aluminum, a little different.
        But, you know, I am a common-sense guy, and I just want us
    prepared, you know. I see you are going to be hit from all
    different directions and I just hope when you are confirmed
    that you are ready, you are willing. I just hope you are able
    to get what you need to protect this country and protect our
    kids and our grandkids from future attacks, because they are
    coming, and you are going to be the first line of defense.
        So again, thank you for your service and thank you for
    everything that you have done, and the things that you are
    going to do for us in the future.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Tuberville.
        Senator Sullivan would like to ask one question.
        Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It might be a
    series of one questions. No, I am just kidding. It is going to
    go back to the PDI. Admiral, I am sure you saw that when
    Admiral Davidson was here, just 2 weeks ago, he talked about
    the full funding, $4.6 billion of the PDI was something that
    would be critical in halting the erosion of our nation's
    conventional deterrence in the INDOPACOM region. He actually
    said, ``PDI is the foundational approach to advancing
    capabilities and capacity while strengthening our allies and
    partnership for an integrated joint force west of the
    International Date Line.'' I already talked about how the
    International Date Line is in some ways an artificial construct
    that does not really fully reflect the force posture,
    particularly as you go north.
        But the question is, given that he has been public about
    it, given that you have been public about it, given that this
    committee actually passed, in a very strong bipartisan way, the
    initiative of the PDI last year, in the NDAA, what message does
    it send to China if we have a robust, top-line defense budget
    that fully funds the PDI as you and Admiral Davidson have
    requested? Alternatively, what message does a declining defense
    budget and not funding the PDI send to China?
        Admiral Aquilino. Thanks, Senator. I do believe it sends a
    strong message that the entirety of government and the United
    States is focused on the challenge that we have identified as
    it applies to the Western Pacific. I do agree that the initial
    funding last year--and I thank the committee for all of their
    work, $2.2 billion to start. I think ``foundational'' is the
    right word. This is not a one-trick pony. It is going to take
    some sustainment to ensure we can generate that credible
    deterrence and keep it going.
        Senator Sullivan. Again I ask two questions. Alternatively,
    if that is not funded, that $4.6 billion, which is what the
    Admiral has requested, and you, I believe, support, and this
    committee supports, by the way, in a bipartisan way, what kind
    of message would that send if we do not do it, we, the Federal
    Government, we, the Biden administration, to be frank, if we do
    not do it, despite the fact that the PACOM commander has said
    we need to do it? What kind of message would that send?
        Admiral Aquilino. I think it is the wrong signal, Senator,
    a lack of commitment and a lack of ability to follow through on
    what we believe is needed.
        Senator Sullivan. Great. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Chairman Reed. Thank you, Senator Sullivan. Admiral, thank
    you for your devoted service to the nation and the Navy, and
    the profound support of your family and your colleagues from
    the fleet. Please convey to all of the men and women of your
    command our deepest and profound appreciation for their work.
    We look forward to moving forward with this nomination.
        With that, the hearing is adjourned, and I will remind my
    colleagues that a vote is pending right now. Thank you very
    much, Admiral.
        Admiral Aquilino. Thank you, Senator.
        [Whereupon, at 11:59 a.m., the Committee adjourned.]
                                    ------

        [Prepared questions submitted to Admiral John C. Aquilino,
    USN by Chairman Reed prior to the hearing with answers supplied
    follow:]

                            Questions and Responses
                           duties and qualifications
        Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of
    the Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM)?
        Answer. The Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, is responsible
    for deterring attacks against the United States and its territories,
    possessions, and bases, to protect Americans and American interests
    and, if deterrence fails, win our nation's wars. These duties also
    include expanding security cooperation with our allies, partners, and
    friends across the Indo-Pacific region and being prepared to defend
    allies according to mutual defense treaties and agreements.
        Question. What background and experience do you possess that
    qualify you to perform these duties?
        Answer. I have been honored to serve my nation for 37 years, and I
    believe my command experiences as Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet
    and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and my duties as U.S. Pacific
    Fleet Director of Operations, and the Director of Operations, Plans and
    Strategy for the Chief of Naval Operations have prepared me to assume
    command of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
        Multiple global deployments, service in senior Joint Staff and
    OPNAV staff billets, and command of a Carrier Strike Group have also
    prepared me to work collaboratively across the joint force, in line
    with Department of Defense (DOD) guidance, and closely with our allies
    and partner nations.
                        major challenges and priorities
        Question. In your view, what are the major challenges that will
    confront the next USINDOPACOM Commander?
        Answer. The Indo-Pacific is the most consequential region for
    America's future, and remains the United States' priority theater with
    China as our pacing threat as the Chinese Communist Party actively
    seeks to displace the established rules-based international order.
    Residing here are four of the five priority security challenges
    identified by the DOD: China, Russia, North Korea, as well as violent
    extremist organizations. The Indo-Pacific Region also experiences
    frequent natural and manmade disasters, the negative impacts of climate
    change, rapid population growth, drug and human trafficking, and
    disease and pandemic.
        Question. If confirmed, what plans do you have for addressing these
    challenges?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that forces in USINDOPACOM are
    both credible and lethal, and complement the administration's focus on
    deterring through diplomatic, development, and economic means, to
    ensure our presence and posture defend against China's hegemonic rise.
    I believe that the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) is the
    foundational approach to advancing capabilities and capacity in
    lethality, force design and posture, logistics, exercises and
    experimentation, while strengthening our allies and partnerships for an
    integrated joint force west of the International Date Line (IDL).
        Question. If confirmed, what broad priorities would you establish
    in terms of issues that must be addressed?
        Answer. If confirmed, my priority will be to execute credible
    military deterrence against our competitors to maintain stability,
    peace, and prosperity in the region. Fielding an integrated joint force
    west of the IDL, interoperability with our regional allies and
    partners, and evolving the current exercise and experimentation program
    are essential to maintaining our advantages while increasing doubt in
    our competitor's ability to meet their objectives through military
    means.
                                chain of command
        Question. In accordance with Title 10, U.S. Code, the President and
    Secretary of Defense exercise authority, direction, and control of the
    Armed Forces through two distinct branches of the chain of command.
        One branch runs from the President, through the Secretary of
    Defense, to the combatant commanders for the execution of missions with
    forces assigned to their commands. For purposes of organizing,
    training, and equipping forces, the chain of command runs from the
    President, to the Secretary of Defense, to the Secretaries of the
    Military Departments.
        Do you believe this dual structure provides for clear and effective
    chain of command?
        Answer. Yes. I have worked in this dual structure at both Military
    Service and Joint commands, and I believe it is effective, practical
    and clearly understood throughout the Department.
        Question. If confirmed as a Combatant Commander, on what types of
    issues and decisions would you coordinate with the Chairman of the
    Joint Chiefs and civilian officials within the Department of Defense?
        Answer. USINDOPACOM performs his duties under the authority,
    direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense. He is directly
    responsible to the Secretary of Defense for the Command's ability to
    carry out missions assigned.
        If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary of Defense, OSD, as
    well as the Chairman and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure I have the
    guidance and achieved the alignment to carry out the mission of the
    Indo-Pacific Command. I will maintain a close relationship with the
    other functional and geographic combatant commanders to ensure
    applicable national and defense strategic guidance execution is
    characterized by mutual support, frequent contact, and productive
    information exchanges on critical issues.
        The successful execution of USINDOPACOM's mission responsibilities
    also requires coordination with the Service Chiefs. The Service Chiefs
    are valuable sources of judgment and advice for the combatant
    commanders. If confirmed, I will provide frank and transparent
    explanations of my most pressing warfighting needs through direct
    consultation with each Chief as their staff prepare and develop their
    budget profiles.
        As a subordinate unified commander, the Commander, United States
    Forces Korea, receives missions and functions from USINDOPACOM. I
    recognize his role as Commander, Combined Forces Command, and United
    Nations Command and fully support his actions in that sensitive and
    demanding role.
        Among other notable leaders and organizations within DOD who may
    require close coordination on occasion are the Deputy Assistant
    Secretary of Defense for Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel, and the
    Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
                        national defense strategy (nds)
        Question. Does the NDS accurately assess the current strategic
    environment in the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility (AOR), and if
    not, what changes need to be made?
        Answer. The 2018 NDS provides a candid assessment of the strategic
    environment, the priority it places on preparing for great power
    competition, the enduring value of alliances and partnerships, and
    readiness and lethality. As the Department reviews its strategy,
    adjustments could reinforce U.S. Force design and posture requirements
    to improve our qualitative advantage.
        Question. From the USINDOPACOM perspective, what capabilities do
    you believe the Joint Force needs to prevail in competition with China,
    as described by the NDS?
        Answer. USINDOPACOM requires a combination of advanced multi-domain
    systems that are capable of operating in highly contested environment--
    including sensors, weapons, and the requisite Command, Control,
    Communications, Computers & Intelligence, Surveillance, and
    Reconnaissance (C4ISR) to support those systems.
        These systems must be fully integrated across the joint force, and
    where applicable, fully interoperable with coalition partners. This
    interoperability provides credible deterrence and maintains a healthy
    competition with China.
        Question. What does ``expanding the competitive space,'' as
    referenced in the NDS, mean for competition with China?
        Answer. ``Expanding the competitive space'' describes the United
    States' ability to seize the initiative in great power competition by
    exploiting areas where we possess advantages over our competitors, and
    identifying where we can work with others in the U.S. interagency and
    allies and partners to address shared challenges. The United States can
    expand the competitive space by investing in next-generation
    capabilities (e.g., long-range, ground-based munitions, space and
    cyber). Expanding the competitive space also speaks to the need to
    develop a global, integrated whole-of-government approach toward
    countering malign Chinese influence across all instruments of national
    power. This includes working with the U.S. interagency to build
    partnerships and identify areas of economic, technological, and
    informational opportunities.
        Question. Do you believe additional resources or new authorities
    for USINDOPACOM are required to support this line of effort associated
    with ``expanding the competitive space''?
        Answer. PDI, combined with service efforts, provides the initial
    resources needed to deliver combat credible deterrence, build partner
    capacity, and field an integrated joint force. If confirmed, I will
    assess the need for any additional authorities.
        Question. In your view, what non-military elements of national
    power need to be strengthened to effectively compete with China?
        Answer. Competing with China requires all elements of national
    power to be strengthened. The Interim National Strategic Security
    Guidance asserts that we invest in our people, economy, and democratic
    institutions. We must compete in economic, diplomatic, military, legal,
    and information spaces to be effective against China.
                                 force posture
        Question. In your view, is the current U.S. Force posture in the
    Indo-Pacific region sufficient to support our security strategy in the
    region? How would you restructure the United States security posture in
    the Indo-Pacific best to compete with China, reassure allies and
    partners, and deter Chinese aggression? Please explain your answer.
        Answer. Increased persistent presence through forward-based and
    rotational joint forces inside the first island chain is the most
    credible way the military can demonstrate our commitment and resolve to
    competitors, deter unwanted aggression, and assure allies and partners.
    Forward posture locations should be capable of supporting operations
    and exercises and projecting combat power. Distributing a forward-
    deployed, joint force across the battlespace, while balancing lethality
    and survivability, helps demonstrate the capability, capacity, and
    design to rapidly and seamlessly transition from competition to crisis
    or conflict.
        Question. How important is a forward basing strategy to the ability
    of USINDOPACOM to execute its day-to-day mission? What about its
    operational contingency plans?
        Answer. Sufficient capability, postured forward to deter with the
    capacity and readiness to respond should deterrence fail is essential.
    The force posture recommendations identified in the Section 1251
    Independent Assessment provide the foundation for fielding an
    integrated joint force west of the IDL and a sophisticated improvement
    in interoperability with our regional allies and partners.
        Question. In your assessment, does DOD need to invest in a wider
    range of primary bases as well as alternate operating locations
    throughout the Indo-Pacific?
        Answer. The Indo-Pacific geography is expansive and access
    throughout the region is essential, requiring close associations with
    our allies and partners. The Department's global posture review
    represents an opportunity to focus on a broad range of basing options
    and alternatives for persistent presence of forward-based and
    rotational joint forces west of the IDL.
        Question. In the event of a contingency, do you have any concerns
    about the timing and readiness of follow-on forces arriving in
    USINDOPACOM to meet operational plans? If yes, what are they, and how
    can they be resolved?
        Answer. Being ready and on-time are required to respond to any
    contingency. I do have concerns about the manning, training, and
    equipping of all of our follow-on forces. Credible deterrence is based
    on a highly trained, properly equipped, quick-response and surge force.
    If confirmed, I will continue to advocate for the necessary forward-
    deployed forces and the associated readiness to meet our nation's most
    pressing needs. I will also continue to advocate for improvements in
    strategic sea and airlift to reduce the timeline necessary for surge
    forces to arrive in the theater.
        Question. How do you view the relative value of permanent versus
    rotational forces in the USINDOPACOM AOR?
        Answer. Permanent, forward-based forces provide the most visible
    sign of U.S. resolve and commitment to supporting regional peace and
    stability. Rotational forces allow us to maintain a high level of
    readiness without sacrificing the ability to respond quickly and
    effectively to contingencies. USINDOPACOM requires a mix of rotational
    and permanently stationed forces and a recalibrated force posture to be
    able to mass effects without the vulnerabilities associated with fixed
    forces' concentration.
        Question. How does the planned relocation of United States Forces
    from Okinawa to Guam and other locations in the Pacific align with
    United States security objectives in the USINDOPACOM AOR?
        Answer. The Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) strengthens our
    alliance with Japan and maintains the right permanent forces that
    enhance our deterrence and interoperability, while ensuring the joint
    force is prepared to fight and win should deterrence fail. It allows
    the joint force to disperse and enable quicker responses to areas
    outside Okinawa. Additionally, the relocation to Guam also provides
    increased training opportunities with allies and partners.
                            joint force requirements
        Question. What, if any, are the major United States capability or
    capacity gaps you assess in the USINDOPACOM theater that are needed to
    enhance deterrence against Chinese aggression?
        Answer. To adequately compete and defend American interests, the
    most critical are those that address the gaps in force protection,
    homeland defense, joint force lethality, long range fires, ISR
    (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), training, and
    logistics enablers. Additionally, we must enable modernized integration
    and information sharing across all domains with our allies and
    partners.
        Question. What capability and/or capacity shortfalls in the current
    Joint Force present the most significant challenge to addressing the
    broader range threats in the Indo-Pacific?
        Answer. The tyranny of distance from CONUS to forward operating
    locations in the western Pacific makes sustainability the biggest
    challenge. This requires a sophisticated balance of distribution
    capacity to sustain the joint force. Access in the First and Second
    Island Chains offer is needed to support crisis and contingency
    operations in establishing dispersal locations, airfield repair
    capabilities, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers &
    Intelligence), munitions storage, mobility procession, and fuel
    storage. We must also improve interactions, coordination, and command
    and control with our allies and partners.
        Question. Which programs, in your assessment, are the highest
    priorities for mitigating current and emerging warfighting capability
    and/or capacity shortfalls in the Joint Force?
        Answer. If confirmed, and as outlined in the PDI, ensuring the
    protection of our force, fielding an integrated joint fires network,
    interoperability with allies and partners, as well as improved ISR and
    logistics enablers would be my highest priorities.
        Question. The NDS specifically mentions challenges posed by robust
    anti-access, area-denial capabilities (A2/AD). What would be your
    approach to overcoming these challenges in the USINDOPACOM AOR?)
        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to advocate for investment in
    technologies that negate our competitor's A2AD capabilities.
    Additionally, adding long-range offensive networked fires would put any
    potential adversaries on the defensive. We must be able to operate in
    contested space at the time and place of our choosing.
                         pacific deterrence initiative
        Question. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal
    Year 2021 authorized $2.2 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative
    (PDI) to support the stability and security of the region and deter
    Chinese aggression.
        In your view, is PDI a useful tool to improve U.S. posture in the
    Indo-Pacific?
        Answer. Yes, PDI investments will improve our posture and it is a
    powerful tool in identifying the resources necessary to meet identified
    operational requirements in the region.
        PDI investments will have an effect on deterring our adversaries'
    decision calculus while reassuring our allies and partners that the
    United States is a reliable partner, focused on ensuring a free and
    open Indo-Pacific. PDI also encourages other like-minded nations to be
    net-providers for regional security, working multilaterally to
    reinforce the security architecture the region has benefited from for
    over 75 years.
        Question. In your view, what strategic objectives and specific
    areas of investment should be prioritized for funding under the PDI?
        Answer. Defending Guam as United States territory, including the
    infrastructure to manage an integrated joint force west of the
    international date line, should be PDI's number one priority. This
    includes establishing a distributed force posture, establishing a
    Mission Partner Environment (MPE), and advancing Pacific Multi-Domain
    Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) to modernize our
    ranges.
        Question. Do you believe that continued, dedicated funding for PDI
    is required to support implementation of the NDS in the Indo-Pacific?
    Please explain your answer.
        Answer. Yes. The funding profiles provided for FY21 in the 1253
    Independent Assessment and the most recent 1251 for FY22 outline the
    funding requirements through FY27. Dedicated, sustained resources will
    effectively support NDS initiatives to provide credible deterrence.
                                missile defense
        Question. How would you assess the threat to United States Forces
    and bases from Chinese and North Korean missile forces and our ability
    to address such threats? In your assessment, have U.S. investments,
    concepts of operations, and posture shifts sufficiently addressed this
    threat?
        Answer. Although the ballistic missile threat facing United States
    interests in Northeast Asia remains significant, we are well postured
    to protect against existing and emerging DPRK threats. Additionally,
    United States Forces Korea continues to benefit from the significant
    investment and performance enhancements to their current ballistic
    missile defense systems.
        However, the ballistic and cruise missile systems of China and the
    development of hypersonic weapons increase the risk and cause
    challenges. Continued investment in integrated air-missile defense is
    imperative as we seek to proactively defend against such threats while
    simultaneously integrating offensive and defensive fires. Discussions
    regarding concepts of operations and posture shift require discussion
    at a higher classification level.
        Question. Do you assess that rotational missile defense
    capabilities such as THAAD, Patriot, and Aegis ships, that need to be
    deployed to protect major combat projection platforms such as air bases
    are adequate to deter Chinese aggression given anticipated indication
    and warning timelines?
        Answer. No rotational missile defense capabilities are currently
    postured that will adequately address the threats we face from China,
    and a more robust defensive posture is the most pressing priority for
    the Indo-Pacific. The People's Liberation Army Rocket Forces have a
    growing inventory of medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles
    that can threaten United States bases in the region, including those in
    South Korea, Japan, and Guam, as well as naval forces operating inside
    the Second Island Chain. Additionally, China is constantly evolving its
    missile technology, increasing its range, survivability, accuracy, and
    lethality.
        Question. What additional steps, if any, would you recommend to
    address the emerging threat that highly maneuverable hypersonic glide
    vehicles pose to U.S. and allied forces across the region?
        Answer. The Hypersonic Glide Vehicle threat poses a serious threat
    to the U.S. and Allied forces in the region and we require a near-term
    initial defense capability to meet this challenge. If confirmed, my aim
    is to work with the DOD to develop capabilities, including survivable
    and resilient space-based sensors to detect hypersonic threats and
    enable ground and sea-based defenses.
                              contested logistics
        Question. Over the last several years, DOD and USINDOPACOM have
    conducted or sponsored several studies on contested mobility and
    logistics which have resulted in more than 50 recommendations. However,
    the GAO recently found that DOD has failed to implement many of these
    recommendations. As a result, DOD and USINDOPACOM may be missing an
    opportunity to leverage existing knowledge on mobility challenges in
    contested environments and increase resilience for major conflicts as
    envisioned in the National Defense Strategy and as part of the Joint
    Warfighting Concept. Given the ``tyranny of distance'' in the Pacific,
    there are significant challenges specifically related to energy and
    munitions requirements in a contested environment, some of which could
    be mitigated by making targeted investments and operational energy
    improvements to both military platforms and installations.
        If confirmed, how will you implement the multitude of
    recommendations and take actions necessary to decrease the logistics
    vulnerabilities in a contested environment?
        Answer. Our efforts to improve our ability to sustain the joint
    force must build off our efforts to move toward a more distributed
    force posture and increase the locations and availability for naval and
    air forces to rearm and refuel during exercises and access these
    locations during contingencies. If confirmed, I will work to implement
    appropriate recommendations of the report to maximize key logistics
    enablers.
        Question. How will you implement recommendations to make
    significant operational energy improvements throughout USINDOPACOM?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Services, Combatant
    Commands, the Joint Staff, and OSD to enhance Indo-Pacific energy
    resilience. I support the Secretary of Defense's focus on investing in
    energy RDT&E and incorporating energy resilience into emerging joint
    operational concepts through exercises, war-games, modeling and
    simulation, and other means. An ever-increasing energy demand,
    currently based on fossil fuels, is our greatest logistics distribution
    challenge and directly impacts force effectiveness. The pressures on
    fuel requirements, in particular, are a significant concern and I will
    review the operational risks and ongoing planning efforts related to
    sustaining the joint force and identify specific actions we must take
    to address our shortfalls.
                             information operations
        Question. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China has embarked on a
    misinformation campaign to sow confusion over the origins of the virus
    and malign the response of the United States and other nations. This
    appears to have been done not only to shield China from blame for the
    initial outbreak, but also to undermine democratic nations and
    institutions.
        What is your assessment of the ability of DOD and USINDOPACOM to
    conduct effective military operations in the information environment to
    defend U.S. interests against malign influence activities carried out
    by state and non-state actors?
        Answer. With coordinated Information Operations across the
    Interagency, the information environment can be an asymmetric advantage
    for the U.S. I understand the Department is updating the 2016 Strategy
    for Operations in the Information Environment. A posture review will
    inform this update of capabilities, the current defense strategy, and
    an Irregular Warfare Annex designation of information operations as a
    joint function. If confirmed, I will support the development and
    implementation of this strategy and ensure the Command's efforts are
    appropriately coordinated and appropriately aligned with the
    Interagency.
        Question. Are DOD and USINDOPACOM efforts in this regard
    appropriately integrated with other United States Government
    organizations and activities?
        Answer. DOD efforts throughout the information environment cross
    traditional department and agency lines. USINDOPACOM has strong
    relationships with the Department of State, Defense Intelligence Agency
    (DIA), U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and National
    Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). If confirmed, I intend
    to sustain these relationships and make information operations a force
    multiplier.
        Question. What organization with the United States Government do
    you assess would have the overall lead to integrate information
    operations during day-to-day competition below the level of armed
    conflict in the Indo-Pacific in order to defend United States interests
    against malign influence activities?
        Answer. As the United States Government leverages DOD information
    operations capabilities in day-to-day competition against malign
    influence activities, the Interim National Security Strategic Guidance
    has identified the U.S. State Department as the lead in shaping and
    driving information operations across the U.S. Government. My
    assessment is DOD information operations require effective interagency
    coordination in order to elevate diplomacy and other whole-of-
    government approaches to defend U.S. interests. If confirmed, I will
    work with DOD to complement civilian departments and agencies with
    critical roles and responsibilities to engage the public domain and
    protect against malign influence activities.
        Question. Does DOD and USINDOPACOM have sufficient authorities and
    resources to conduct information operations effectively? If not, what
    additional authorities and resources would you request, if confirmed?
        Answer. At this point in time, I am not currently aware of new
    authorities required, but I understand that an Information Operations
    posture review is being conducted pursuant to the FY20 NDAA. If
    confirmed, I will regularly assess our authorities, resource
    availability and allocation, and strategic alignment to prioritize
    essential information operations.
                                     china
        Question. How would you characterize the current United States
    relationship with China?
        Answer. The United States and China have different visions for the
    future that put us in a competitive relationship. Theirs is in stark
    contrast to our free and open vision centered on democratic values, and
    while the United States can cooperate with China on issues such as
    North Korea, counterpiracy, humanitarian assistance, and disaster
    relief, etc., it is increasingly evident that China wants to shape a
    world aligned with its authoritarian model inconsistent with the rules-
    based international order.
        Question. What is your assessment of the current state of United
    States-China military-to-military relations? What do you believe should
    be the objectives of United States-China military-to-military dialogue?
        What are the limitations on this kind of dialogue?
        Answer. Consistent with Interim National Security Strategic
    Guidance and DOD guidance, I will continue to seek a constructive,
    stable, results-oriented defense relationship with the PRC that reduces
    the risk of misperception and miscalculation. The limitation to this
    type of dialogue is that military-to-military dialogue's effectiveness
    depends on both militaries approaching a security dialogue in a candid,
    transparent, and genuinely willing manner.
        Question. What do you believe are the objectives of China's steady
    increase in defense spending and its overall military modernization
    program? In what technology areas are you most concerned about the
    erosion of United States advantages?
        Answer. China's military modernization is a critical component in
    China's overall strategy to achieve ``the great rejuvenation of the
    Chinese nation'' by 2049. While China has clearly articulated this,
    there are indications this strategy is being reassessed and may be
    accelerated to achieve its ends within this decade. This strategy,
    designed to displace United States access and influence, includes
    economic, political, social, and military efforts to expand China's
    national power, push its governance system, and revise the
    international order by changing the value system of international
    norms, rules, and laws. PRC leaders have repeatedly stated that
    transforming the PLA into a ``world-class'' military is an essential
    element of this strategy.
        Today, every domain--air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace--is
    contested. The pace at which the PRC is fielding advanced capabilities
    is accelerating at an alarming rate, and working hard to exploit any
    perceived vulnerabilities to gain an economic, diplomatic, and military
    advantage while remaining below the threshold of conflict. Our advances
    in AI, offensive fires, directed energy, hypersonics, and quantum
    computing must keep pace.
        Question. What is your assessment of China's militarization and
    other aggressive activities in the South and East China Seas? What
    challenges do these activities pose to USINDOPACOM's current operations
    and operational plans?
        Answer. China's militarization in the region and aggressive
    activities creates additional contested space, endangering free flow of
    trade, limiting freedom of navigation, threatening the sovereignty of
    our allies and partners, and undermining regional stability. This
    aggressive posturing challenges operations and maneuver, extends their
    influence, and ultimately challenges U.S. presence and credibility in
    the region.
        Question. What is your assessment of China's increasing military
    presence overseas, including such installations as its base in Djibouti
    and across Africa as well as other infrastructure projects across the
    Indian Ocean?
        Answer. China's expansive infrastructure projects are designed to
    expand its influence worldwide and establish a more robust overseas
    logistics and basing infrastructure for the PLA. Greater access to
    foreign ports and airfields enable China to pre-position the logistics
    support necessary to sustain military operations abroad, including
    naval deployments in the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and the
    Atlantic Ocean. A global PLA logistics network will enable Beijing to
    project and sustain military power at greater distances from China,
    interfere with United States military operations, and provide
    flexibility to support offensive operations against the United States.
        Question. What is your assessment of the strategic and military
    implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative? For the United
    States? For countries in the USINDOPACOM AOR?
        Answer. One Belt, One Road provides the PLA an opportunity to
    expand its global reach by gaining access to foreign air and maritime
    port facilities and foreign economic markets. The One Belt, One Road
    initiative produces only ONE winner - China, in their effort to gain
    broader access and influence. For the United States, this means loss of
    access, influence and credibility in the region. For our allies and
    partners in the region, this means pressuring nations to deny U.S.
    Forces basing, transit, or operational and logistical support, thereby
    making it more challenging for the United States to preserve
    international orders and norms.
        Question. The smaller number of nuclear weapons possessed by China
    relative to the United States and Russia is often cited as an
    impediment to nuclear arms control talks with China. What do you think
    could motivate China to participate in nuclear arms control
    negotiations in a genuine and meaningful way?
        Answer. As China strives to become a nuclear power with parity, I
    believe it is increasingly critical that Chinese leaders take the
    responsible approach and begin arms control negotiations. Active
    participation in arms control negotiations is not simply about placing
    limits on nations but gaining more significant insights, removing
    ambiguity about potential competitor capabilities, increasing
    confidence, and reducing the potential for miscalculation. Pressure
    from the international community would motivate China's participation
    in arms control talks.
        Question. Recent public reports point to updated satellite imagery
    which indicates China is increasing the pace of its nuclear force
    modernization and expansion.
        This acceleration comes less than a year after the Defense
    Intelligence Agency assessed China would at least double the size of
    its nuclear arsenal by 2030. Do you believe China sees nuclear parity
    with the United States as in its interests? What do you believe would
    be the impact on regional and strategic stability if China were to
    achieve such a goal?
        Answer. As China strives to achieve conventional parity, it is
    logical to expect China's ambition to become a ``world class'' military
    will include a similar approach to its nuclear forces. Three ``at-
    parity'' nuclear powers would a complicate global deterrence.
                                     taiwan
        Question. How do you assess the current cross-strait relationship
    between China and Taiwan, and how can the United States help prevent
    miscalculation on either side?
        Answer. China continues to pressure Taiwan through increased air
    and maritime operations across centerline of the Taiwan Strait. The
    United States can help prevent miscalculation by sustaining a forward
    deployed, credible deterrence force, demonstrating continued support of
    the Taiwan Relations Act, to include military sales, deepening ties
    with democratic Taiwan, and advocating for like-minded allies and
    partners to inspire Taiwan's confidence in cross-strait relations.
        Question. How do you assess the current military balance across the
    Taiwan Strait?
        What do you believe should be the priorities for United States
    military assistance to Taiwan? Do you think Taiwan is making
    appropriate investments in its defensive capabilities and if not, what
    changes would you recommend?
        Answer. The military threat to Taiwan is increasing. The PLA
    continues to field a broad array of advanced weapons and systems as
    part of ongoing force modernization specifically intended to achieve
    decisive overmatch against Taiwan. Taiwan is committed to strengthening
    its reserve forces, and I am encouraged by its continued funding of
    foreign and indigenous acquisition programs, as well as near-term
    training and readiness. If confirmed, United States Indo-Pacific
    Command will continue to advise Taiwan on the military's capabilities,
    interoperability, readiness, and professional development through
    security cooperation and foreign military sales in accordance with the
    Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan should prioritize acquisition of
    asymmetric systems that are highly mobile, distributable and lethal to
    enable Taiwan to defend themselves against attack.
        Question. Some have argued that the time has come to explicitly
    state that the United States would respond militarily to any Chinese
    use of force against Taiwan as a means to deter such actions. In your
    view, what would be the benefits and risks of such a policy change?
        Answer. The United States maintains its longstanding commitments as
    outlined in the Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the
    Six Assurances. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a
    sufficient self-defense capability.
        If confirmed, I would be open to conversations with the Secretary
    of Defense to understand the risks and rewards of a potential policy
    change to ensure our efforts are supporting Taiwan and contributing to
    our ultimate objective to maintain peace and stability across the
    Taiwan Strait and within the region.
                               republic of korea
        Question. What is your assessment of the United States-South Korea
    security relationship? What measures, if any, would you take to improve
    this security relationship?
        Answer. The United States-Republic of Korea alliance is ironclad
    and serves as the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean
    peninsula. Our partnership continues to grow by promoting economic
    cooperation, mitigating threats to regional stability, and fulfilling
    our commitments to other allies and partners in the region. The mutual
    benefits derived from this alliance given today's security challenges
    are enduring and I believe it important that the United States
    facilitates an increased role for the ROK, commensurate with its
    economic status and influence, in as many multilateral venues as
    possible. If confirmed, I will work hard to maintain close contact with
    USFK and ROK military and civilian leadership to further develop this
    essential security partnership.
        Question. Do you believe the transfer of wartime operational
    control from the United States to the Republic of Korea should be
    conditions-based? If confirmed, what threshold requirements for
    transfer of control would you establish?
        Answer. Both the United States and ROK are fully committed to a
    conditions-based OPCON transition and continue to work toward that end.
    The requirements for transfer are outlined in the 2015 Conditions-based
    OPCON Transition Plan (COTP) and the 2018 update to COTP (Change One).
    If confirmed, I intend to fully comply with the existing plan and
    ensure the alliance is ready and well-prepared for the transition when
    that time comes.
        Question. In your view, is South Korea carrying an appropriate
    share of the burden of the cost of the United States presence in South
    Korea?
        Answer. The United States and ROK have recently reached an
    agreement in principle of a new six-year defense sharing Special
    Measures Agreement (SMA). This year, the ROK agreed to contribute over
    one billion dollars, the highest increase since 2004, with subsequent
    year increases pegged to the annual percent increase in the ROK defense
    budget. Overall, I believe this new SMA represents the ROK's pledge to
    provide a fair defense sharing of the cost of the United States
    presence in South Korea. The contributions to the alliance are not
    limited to cost-sharing alone. The ROK forces have served with us in
    Iraq and Afghanistan, continue to support the U.N. Security Council
    Resolution (UNSCR) enforcement mission, and execute counter-piracy
    operations near the Strait of Hormuz.
        Question. Do you believe South Korea is investing appropriately in
    its defensive capabilities?
        Answer. The ROK continues to demonstrate its commitment to
    enhancing its conventional deterrence through the development and
    procurement of modern and interoperable capabilities, some of which are
    core capabilities to support the conditions-based wartime operational
    control transition. Their defense expenditures remain the highest among
    our allies and partners as a percentage of their GDP. Although the ROK
    continues to acquire significant United States systems and platforms
    worth billions of dollars, it also prioritizes a substantial share of
    its resources to develop indigenous defense capabilities, industry, and
    export. Even with the introduction of their indigenous capabilities,
    both the United States and ROK are committed to maintaining
    interoperability, so the indigenous investments contribute to the
    combined deterrence and defense posture.
                                  north korea
        Question. What is your assessment of the strategic and military
    risks of a potential conflict with North Korea?
        Answer. There are both enormous strategic and military risks, and
    enormous costs associated with a potential conflict on the Korean
    Peninsula, despite efforts to lower tensions. The country has taken no
    meaningful steps toward denuclearization, despite promising signs of
    de-escalation in 2018. Kim Jong Un continues to advance both his
    conventional and strategic capabilities, recently parading new tanks,
    rockets, and missiles. Risk identification, management, and mitigations
    are integral parts of all military planning efforts, and this is no
    exception. If confirmed, I will make regular assessments of the risk
    and report that risk to the National Command Authority. Internal to
    USINDOPACOM, I will simultaneously pursue efforts to reduce the risk to
    U.S. strategic objectives and U.S. military forces should deterrence
    fail. As a critical element of these objectives, I will also continue
    the work of previous commanders on noncombatant evacuation operation
    (NEO) planning as the Korean Peninsula situation develops.
        Question. In your assessment, what changes, if any, to U.S. force
    posture and activity in the USINDOPACOM AOR would improve United States
    deterrence against North Korea?
        Answer. Our current posture and presence in the ROK provides for
    the ROK's mutual defense while deterring North Korean aggression
    against the United States and our allies and partners. I support
    bilateral efforts to modernize forces, equipment, and enduring
    locations to ensure combat credible forces in the ROK, particularly
    those that counter the DPRK's asymmetric capabilities. We must also
    continue to explore, improve, and resource our missile defense
    capabilities. Our airborne ISR allocation is less than what we require
    to support the theater's multifaceted problem-set and to enhance
    deterrence by detection; furthermore, development of the Combined/Joint
    Multi-Purpose Range Complex (CJMPRC) would provide air and maneuver
    space for a realistic coalition, joint, live-fire exercises for
    alliance armed services. In sum, a modernized, well-trained force
    positioned on the Korean Peninsula, paired with a credible, rapid
    reinforcement capability assigned and postured forward in the region,
    offers the greatest deterrent effect vis-`-vis the DPRK.
        Question. What is your assessment of the Joint Force's ability to
    secure North Korean weapons of mass destruction sites in the event of a
    contingency? What capability and/or capacity shortfalls present the
    most significant challenge to executing such an operation?
        Answer. Without transparency and clarity into the North Korea's
    nuclear program, it is difficult to assess our ability to secure North
    Korean weapons of mass destructions sites in the event of a
    contingency. If confirmed, I will review the major operational plans,
    contingency plans, and associated execution orders outlining the joint
    force's ability to counter and secure North Korean weapons of mass
    destruction. I will work with our regional partners and allies--
    including Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea--as well as with
    partners across the Interagency--to include the State Department and
    Department of Energy--to forge a comprehensive approach to addressing
    the North Korean nuclear, weapons of mass destruction, missile, and
    proliferation threats.
        Question. What is your assessment of the Joint Force's ability to
    conduct a noncombatant evacuation of approximately 250,000 United
    States citizens from South Korea in the event of a contingency? What
    capability and/or capacity shortfalls present the most significant
    challenge to executing such an operation?
        Answer. Conducting noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO) in
    South Korea is highly challenging and dependent on the level of
    support, amount of warning and resources from South Korea and Japan.
    Inside South Korea, we are dependent upon their transportation assets
    to move noncombatant evacuees (NCEs) from assembly points to relocation
    centers and to air/seaports of departure from the peninsula. Still, if
    there are any delays in movements off the Korean Peninsula, USFK may be
    challenged to provide additional support to NCEs awaiting
    transportation. In Japan, we are dependent on their capacity and
    capability to receive, shelter and support NCEs as a temporary safe
    haven. Synchronization and coordination for access and use of these
    resources requires constant engagement with our partners in both
    countries.
        Question. In your opinion, will sanctions alone lead to the
    denuclearization of North Korea? If not, what other incentives or
    disincentives could help lead to better outcomes?
        Answer. I do not believe sanctions alone will lead to the
    denuclearization of North Korea. Still, economic sanctions, combined
    with diplomacy and UNSCR enforcement, should continue to be applied to
    convince the regime to return to meaningful negotiations. I understand
    an interagency North Korea policy review is currently underway, and the
    discussion of incentives or disincentives will undoubtedly be one
    component of the review. I believe that a robust force posture
    throughout the region to ensure the United States engages North Korea
    from a position of strength would be essential.
                                     japan
        Question. How would you characterize the current United States-
    Japan security relationship?
        Answer. The United States-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of
    regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. I view our
    military-to-military relationship with Japan as stronger than ever. If
    confirmed, I will continue to work to strengthen the United States-
    Japan defense relationship.
        Question. How does Japan's relationship with its regional
    neighbors--including China, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan--
    influence the United States-Japan relationship?
        Answer. The United States and the Government of Japan (GoJ) remain
    closely aligned on North Korea, long-term strategic competition with
    China, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our alignment has
    led to closer coordination and cooperation in addressing both current
    and future security challenges, while also expanding United States-
    Japan security relationship to new domains such as cyber and space.
        The Japan-South Korea relationship remains strained due to
    historical and cultural issues. While Japan and South Korea must work
    through these issues on their own, I am concerned that others may try
    to exploit the situation and drive a wedge between the United States
    and either ally.
        Question. What steps, if any, do you believe Japan ought to take to
    improve its capability and capacity to deter and, if necessary, respond
    to North Korean aggression? What about Chinese aggression?
        Answer. The GoJ, working through its self-defense forces, must
    continue to invest in improvements to interoperable air and missile
    defense, air dominance, maritime security, and ISR capabilities. As
    Japan improves its capability and capacity, we must continue to execute
    the Joint Exercise Program and operate together frequently.
        Question. Given the buildup of Chinese ballistic and advanced
    cruise missiles, how important is it for Japan to be able to defend
    itself against such missiles and do you see potential to reinvigorate
    United States-Japan cooperative missile defense efforts?
        Answer. Japan's ability to defend itself is vital both for its own
    security and to enhance maneuver and positional advantages of United
    States and allied forces in the region. Cooperation in this critical
    capability will inevitably strengthen our deterrence. If confirmed, I
    intend to work with my Japanese counterparts to improve discrimination
    capabilities, sensors for detection, and the ability to defend against
    hypersonic weapons.
        Question. Current plans call for the Marine Corps Air Station's
    closure on Okinawa after the construction of a Futenma Replacement
    Facility (FRF) at Camp Schwab.
        What is your opinion of the prospects for the successful
    construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Camp Schwab on
    Okinawa?
        Answer. While the project has experienced delays, I believe both
    governments remain committed to completing the FRF and DPRI. Land
    returns to Japan remain dependent upon the successful relocation from
    Futenma to Camp Schwab.
        Question. Is the cost-sharing arrangement between the United States
    and Japan to pay for the relocation of United States Forces from
    Okinawa to Guam and the costs associated with the continued presence of
    United States Forces in Japan equitable and appropriate? Why or why
    not?
        Answer. I believe that Japan is contributing in accordance with our
    agreement to relocate forces from Okinawa to Guam. Besides paying a
    significant portion of the cost of the realignment of United States
    Forces in Japan, the GoJ took the unprecedented step of funding
    construction for United States forces on Guam--equaling more than $3
    billion. The GoJ is also proceeding with land acquisition in Western
    Japan to construct a new installation to support U.S. Field Carrier
    Landing Practice operations and has extended the current Host Nation
    Support agreement by one year to March 31, 2022.
        Question. What is your understanding of the ability of United
    States Forces planned to be transferred from Okinawa to Guam to be able
    to train for full-spectrum combat, and are there mitigation plans to
    address potential training shortfalls?
        Answer. It is my understanding that training sites in Guam and its
    neighboring islands will be adequate to meet training requirements for
    the Marines who will be stationed there. The Marines would also benefit
    from training opportunities with implementation of the Pacific Multi-
    Domain Test and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC). If confirmed, I
    will work to better understand any future needs and plans to address
    potential training shortfalls.
                                   australia
        Question. What is your assessment of the current state of the
    United States-Australia alliance and what specific priorities would you
    establish for this relationship?
        Answer. Australia is a reliable friend and ally with a 100-year
    history of supporting the United States in every major global conflict.
    The ``unbreakable'' alliance is key to promoting regional and global
    security and anchors Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands. This
    Alliance is key to promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity,
    and is vital to advancing multilateral dialogues.
        With regard to priorities interoperability between United States
    and Australian forces is a top priority for both countries. If
    confirmed, USINDOPACOM will have an essential role in building greater
    interoperability with Australia through engagements, training and
    exercises to ensure combined readiness between our forces.
        Question. What is your assessment of Australia's relations with
    China? What impact does that relationship have on the United States-
    Australia alliance?
        Answer. Australia's relationship with China has been strained due
    to Australia's opposition to China's illegal and unfounded territorial
    and maritime claims in the South China Sea, its investigation into the
    COVID-19 outbreak, their ban on the Chinese made 5G network, and
    China's crackdowns in Hong Kong. China has exacted economic retribution
    against Australia in response. Australia has articulated its belief in
    the importance of transparency, the maintenance of a rules-based
    international order, and adherence to international norms. Strains in
    Australia's economic, trade, and diplomatic relations with China are
    unlikely to affect Australia's close and longstanding relationship with
    the United States.
                                     india
        Question. What is your view of the current state of United States-
    India security relations, and what specific priorities would you
    establish for this relationship?
        Answer. The United States-India military relationship is at the
    best level in years, and we continue to experience growth in both
    bilateral and multilateral engagements and exercises, high profile
    joint operations, and an increased number of senior level engagements.
    Recent operations by the PRC have helped highlight the threat to
    regional security that China's actions pose to all nations, including
    India. The conclusion of enabling agreements over the past several
    years has allowed us to operate more closely, and we are able to work
    together more than ever before to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
    If confirmed, my priorities would be to maintain the momentum that has
    been generated by my predecessor and build info sharing and security
    agreements, support India's defense transformation efforts through
    exchanges and exercises, continue to encourage India's acquisition of
    United States equipment to promote interoperability, and increase
    military-military contacts throughout standing dialogues, senior leader
    contacts, and working-level exchanges.
        Question. What is your assessment of the relationship between India
    and China and how does that relationship impact the security and
    stability of the region?
        Answer. The mistrust between China and India is at an all-time
    high. In addition to the rupture of bilateral relations as a result of
    the LAC skirmish, and India is deeply suspicious of PRC activities as a
    part of the One Belt One Road initiative (OBOR). China's posture
    initiatives in both Gwadar, Pakistan, and Hambantota, Sri Lanka, also
    cause India concern. As is the case across the Indo-Pacific, PRC's lack
    of transparency and duplicitous actions in the Indian Ocean region
    threaten stability and security in the region.
        Question. If confirmed, what steps, if any, would you take to
    ensure the close coordination of United States security policy with
    respect to South Asia--much of which is in the CENTCOM AOR?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to coordinate across the
    combatant command boundaries to synchronize and maximize opportunities
    for expanded cooperation. Recognizing that security in South Asia is
    influenced by events across the Indian Ocean Region--a diverse ethno-
    linguistic, political, historic, and economic region with 24 African,
    Middle Eastern, and Asian nation-states--my coordination would include
    both CENTCOM and AFRICOM.
                                  philippines
        Question. What is your current assessment of the United States-
    Philippines alliance and the state of our defense cooperation?
        Answer. In this 70th year of our Mutual Defense Treaty, the
    Republic of the Philippines remains a strategic ally. If confirmed, I
    intend to pursue deeper military cooperation and integration as we work
    with the Government of the Philippines to seek full reversal of the
    Visiting Forces Agreement termination process.
        Question. What do you believe the United States goals should be in
    the Philippines, and how best can we achieve those goals?
        Answer. I believe the United States' primary goals should be to
    strengthen the alliance with the Philippines and help build and
    maintain the capabilities of its Armed Forces to deter unwanted
    aggression against their sovereignty. It is also in the United States'
    national interest to encourage the Philippines to develop its
    counterterrorism capabilities, improve its maritime domain awareness,
    and lead multilateral approaches toward greater peace and stability
    across the region.
        Question. What is your assessment of the relationship between the
    Philippines and China? What impact does that relationship have on the
    United States-Philippines alliance?
        Answer. Bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have
    increased since 2016 with the implementation of new government policies
    intended to diversify the Philippines foreign partners and gain outside
    investment to include One Belt One Road initiatives. While the
    Philippines continues to seek closer economic ties with China, rival
    territorial claims in the South China Sea complicate bilateral
    relations. The Philippines' growing economic outreach to China has
    complicated its longstanding partnership with the United States That
    said, we continue to honor our Mutual Defense Treaty, a key tenant of
    our Indo-Pacific strategy.
        Question. What is your assessment of the effectiveness of the
    United States military assistance being provided to the Philippines
    armed forces in its fight against violent extremist groups?
        Answer. United States Military Assistance to the Philippine
    Security Forces is very effective in directly confronting ISIS in
    Southeast Asia. This assistance enhances the Government of the
    Philippines' ability to build and maintain internal stability, allowing
    for allocation of more resources to counter threats to its national
    sovereignty. USSOF assistance specifically to the Armed Forces of the
    Philippines Counter-Violent Extremist Organization efforts has provided
    a high return on a relatively small investment.
        Question. What areas, if any, do you see that have potential to
    increase defense cooperation with the Philippines armed forces?
        Answer. If confirmed, I look to increase the scope and depth of
    bilateral exercises to address training and readiness requirements with
    a renewed focus on territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and maritime
    domain awareness, and cyber engagement opportunities. The Armed Forces
    of the Philippines investment in high-quality United States defense
    equipment provides additional training opportunities. A General
    Security of Military Information Agreement between the United States
    and the Philippines will also provide increased opportunities for
    information sharing. Continued emphasis on the Enhanced Defense
    Cooperation Agreement projects will improve U.S. force posture in the
    region and better position response time for humanitarian assistance/
    disaster recovery (HA/DR) events.
                                    thailand
        Question. What is your assessment of United States-Thailand
    relations, and what specific priorities would you establish for this
    relationship?
        Answer. The United States and Thailand alliance is America's oldest
    in the Indo-Pacific and has the opportunity to expand as outlined in
    the United States Thai co-signed Joint Vision Statement 2020. If
    confirmed, I intend to continue pursuing interoperability efforts as
    Thailand modernizes its force and to take full advantage of
    opportunities provided by the reinstatement of international military
    education and training funding.
        Question. What is your assessment of the relationship between
    Thailand and China? What impact does that relationship have on the
    United States-Thailand relationship?
        Answer. Thailand's cooperation with China has notably increased
    since the coup of 2014. China pursues influence through military
    cooperation and economic investment in Thailand to include OBOR
    initiatives. In terms of military cooperation, China continues to lobby
    Thailand's Defense Ministry to procure various military equipment--
    including main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and
    submarines. China and Thailand have also broadened bilateral training
    and exercises. Thailand is careful to remain neutral amid the
    intensifying great power competition in the region and prefers to
    maintain a traditional balanced foreign policy approach and remains a
    vital United States ally, thanks to its 200-year relationship with the
    United States.
                                    vietnam
        Question. What is your current assessment of the United States-
    Vietnam security relationship, and what specific priorities would you
    establish for this relationship?
        Answer. The United States-Vietnam security relationship has
    advanced exponentially since the 2016 lifting of the lethal weapons
    ban. The 2018 and 2020 aircraft carrier visits were historic milestones
    that were unimaginable just five years ago. Both sides continue to take
    progressive steps towards building a sustainable defense partnership
    that includes major defense sales and technology transfers. Vietnam has
    been vocal in its support for freedom of navigation and overflight, as
    well as the development of a legally binding Code of Conduct for the
    South China Sea. Vietnam's demonstrated commitment to stand up for the
    international order, especially in the face of coercive behavior by
    China, deserves our support.
        If confirmed, I would prioritize areas of common interests, such as
    War Legacy issues, maritime security, maritime domain awareness,
    humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. I would also support new
    areas of cooperation, such as cyber, defense trade, and collaboration
    between joint forces.
        Question. What is your assessment of the relationship between
    Vietnam and China? What impact does that relationship have on the
    United States-Vietnam relationship?
        Answer. Vietnam balances both economic cooperation with China and
    security cooperation with the United States. Vietnam is concerned over
    territorial disputes in the South China Sea, increasing People's
    Liberation Army influence in Laos and Cambodia, and impacts in the
    Mekong Delta region. Due to these concerns, Vietnam is the most vocal
    ASEAN country in multilateral forums, supporting rules-based
    international order, and Freedom of Navigation, and the binding code of
    conduct in alignment with United States values.
                                   indonesia
        Question. What is your view of the current state of military-to-
    military relations with Indonesia, and what specific priorities would
    you establish for this relationship?
        Answer. United States-Indonesia mil-to-mil relations continue to
    progress and mature. In 2020, the United States and Indonesia agreed to
    execute over 220 bilateral activities focused on five areas of
    cooperation: maritime defense, institution building, peacekeeping
    operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counter-
    transnational threats, making the United States Indonesia's largest
    bilateral defense partner. If confirmed, we will continue to prioritize
    events that support these five focus areas and look for additional
    engagement opportunities by all components.
        Question. What is your assessment of the relationship between
    Indonesia and China? What impact does that relationship have on the
    United States-Indonesia relationship?
        Answer. Indonesia has a significant economic relationship with
    China and simultaneously balances its security relationship with the
    United States. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Chinese
    operations in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and safety
    concerns for Indonesian fishermen generate friction between Indonesia
    and China. These identified areas of concern have provided
    opportunities for cooperation as Indonesia seeks increased engagements
    and defense purchases from the United States.
              strengthening alliances and attracting new partners
        Question. In your view, how can USINDOPACOM more effectively
    cultivate multilateral cooperation in the AOR?
        Answer. The regional network of alliances and partnerships is a
    strategic advantage that our competitors cannot match and critical to
    maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
        If confirmed, increased multilateral events will be a priority.
    Implementation of PDI, specifically the Mission Partner Environment,
    would provide opportunities for increased multilateral collaboration,
    planning, information sharing, and operations.
        Question. What is your assessment of the Quadrilateral Security
    Dialogue between the United States, Japan, Australia, and India? How
    can such efforts be strengthened, and what do you view as the
    challenges to doing so?
        Answer. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an important
    venue for four Indo-Pacific democracies with common values to address
    shared interests. Addressing political, economic, and development
    opportunities will inform security priorities and increase the
    likelihood for more collaborative mil-to-mil activity among the four
    nations.
        Challenges to the Quad could come in information-space activity by
    any nation threatened by the Quad's objectives.
        Question. In your view, what are our strategic objectives in
    building the capacities of partner nations in the USINDOPACOM AOR? How
    would you prioritize the types of programs or activities that should
    receive support under these security assistance authorities?
        Answer. The strategic objectives in building the capacities of
    partner nations are to build relationships, enable our partners to
    promote stability in the region, and ensure access and influence.
        If confirmed, I would prioritize building partnership capacity
    authorities to support security cooperation initiatives or activities,
    and bolstering our partners' land, maritime, and air forces to resist
    coercion and protect critical information. Foreign Military Financing
    (FMF), International Military Education and Training (IMET), and the
    Global Peace Operations Initiative are critical tools to meet these
    objectives.
        Question. Given the emphasis on strengthening U.S. alliances and
    attracting new partners in both the National Security Strategy and
    National Defense Strategy, do you believe we need to reevaluate our
    security cooperation funding to ensure it properly prioritizes the
    Indo-Pacific region?
        Answer. Given the critical nature of the region and the global
    impact regional instability would generate, continuous reevaluation of
    Security Cooperation funding would be helpful in making USINDOPACOM
    more competitive for FMF, IMET), and other security cooperation funding
    (Title 10 Section 332, Section 333, Maritime Security Initiative, and
    Asia-Pacific Regional Initiative).
        Question. What is your assessment of the Maritime Security
    Initiative (MSI)? How can MSI be leveraged to build shared maritime
    domain awareness capabilities and build multilateral cooperation
    amongst participating nations?
        Answer. The Indo-Pacific MSI has increased maritime security,
    improved regional Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), supported the
    development of a common regional maritime picture, increased regional
    information sharing, and provided reassurance to regional partners
    while helping to build and sustain maritime relationships. It has
    accomplished this by increasing the scope, scale, complexity, and value
    of maritime exercises with MSI recipient nations; assessing capacity
    and capability and filling gaps with focused training and security
    assistance. MSI has been and will continue to be leveraged to augment
    our existing exercises to promote information sharing technologies,
    platforms, and procedures that allow our partners to experience first-
    hand the benefits of shared maritime awareness while operating in a
    coalition with the U.S. and other like-minded nations.
        Question. Over the last several years, China has exerted its
    influence with our partner nations throughout the USINDOPACOM region
    regarding competition over economic resources, fishing areas, access to
    water, concerns over rising sea levels, and elsewhere. Often due to a
    lack of United States engagement, some of these nations have
    voluntarily or involuntarily turned to support from China.
        If confirmed, how will USINDOPACOM seek to engage with partner
    nations to better support their ability to protect their sovereignty
    and natural resources?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue engagements with allies and
    partners to ensure alignment with the rules-based international order
    as identified in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
    (UNCLOS). Speaking with a common voice directly helps to protect the
    sovereignty and natural resources of allies and partners.
        I will ensure we maintain our military presence in the region,
    especially in the South China Sea where we conduct regular combined
    maritime operations and exercises with our allies and partners to
    enhance MDA capabilities, and improve interoperability to maximize
    preparedness of all allies and partners
        Question. Respect for human rights has long been a core principle
    of United States foreign and security policy.
        In your view, what role does U.S. Military engagement, including
    efforts to help professionalize foreign partner militaries, play in
    encouraging respect for human rights?
        Answer. U.S. Military engagement with allies and partners in the
    region plays a critical role in the development of professional
    military standards and demonstrates our values including respect and
    dignity of human rights for all.
                                 law of the sea
        Question. Do you support U.S. accession to the United Nations
    Convention on the Law of the Sea?
        If so, why?
        Answer. I support U.S. accession to UNCLOS. Accession would
    reinforce the customary rights and freedoms reflected in the
    Convention, and support the free and open international order.
    Accession would not impose any additional constraints on the U.S.
    Military's ability to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law
    allows, but would give the United States greater credibility when
    calling on other states to adhere to the same rules. Protecting freedom
    of navigation and overflight world-wide is vital to the defense of our
    national security interests, and is necessary to maintain the mobility
    of U.S. Forces in all areas of the globe. Accession to the Convention
    puts the U.S. in the best position to do so.
        Question. Would U.S. accession to the United Nations Law of the Sea
    Convention benefit the United States military's mission in the Asia-
    Pacific region? If so, how?
        Answer. Accession to UNCLOS directly benefits the military mission
    in the Asia-Pacific region. Accession would formally establish the
    customary rights and freedoms reflected in the Convention and support a
    free and open international order. Accession also directly aligns us
    with our allies and partners in the region and provides us the legal
    means to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows.
                     sexual assault prevention and response
        Question. The Department of Defense has developed comprehensive
    policies and procedures to improve the prevention of and response to
    incidents of sexual assaults, including providing appropriate resources
    and care for victims of sexual assault.
        What is your view of the steps taken to prevent and respond to
    sexual assaults in USINDOPACOM, including assaults by and against U.S.
    civilian and contractor personnel?
        Answer. As leaders, we owe all personnel a respectful and inclusive
    work environment in which to execute their mission and fulfill their
    oath to the Constitution. We must continue our work to eliminate sexual
    assault and sexual harassment.
        I have seen great focus by DOD on the prevention of incidents and
    the immediate response to reported incidents, but despite continued
    efforts, sexual assault remains a significant problem and many victims
    do not feel supported by their command nor safe reporting crimes. We
    need to do more.
        I agree with Secretary Austin that the challenges posed by sexual
    assault constantly evolve and that our efforts must also continue to
    adapt.
        I fully support the work of the Secretary's Independent Review
    Commission on Sexual Assault (IRC), headed by Lynn Rosenthal, which is
    re-evaluating the full spectrum of sexual assault prevention and
    response policies and procedures with all options on the table to
    making meaningful and lasting progress.
        Question. What is your view of the adequacy of USINDOPACOM policies
    and procedures to protect victims of sexual assault from retaliation
    for reporting the assault?
        Answer. I believe that USINDOPACOM has strong policies and
    procedures in place to protect victims of sexual assault from
    retaliation, and if confirmed I intend to reinforce them. USINDOPACOM
    has created its own SAPR Program Manager on staff to improve support
    for sexual assault victims and to strengthen the larger SAPR programs
    within the theater.
        If confirmed, my expectation is that commanders under my cognizance
    will create a culture of belonging where every member feels valued and
    is treated with dignity and respect and will be intolerant of
    retaliation. Setting the right unit climate encourages cohesion and
    discourages harmful behaviors. If these behaviors are to occur, the
    reporting of any crime or misconduct, and ending retaliation is crucial
    to effectively addressing sexual assault in the military.
        USINDOPACOM will fully support the 90-day IRC and will benefit from
    the review of all current policies and programs.
        Question. What is your view of the adequacy of the training and
    resources in place in USINDOPACOM to investigate and respond to
    allegations of sexual assault?
        Answer. Each of the services has established guidelines for a 24
    hour, seven-day-a-week sexual assault response capability in all
    locations. Additionally, USINDOPACOM provides oversight for ensuring
    that adequate resources are present at deployed locations to maintain
    the ability to appropriately respond to incidents. I understand that
    the IRC will make further recommendations in this area as the
    Department evolves its policies to continue to meet the challenges
    posed by sexual assault.
        Question. What is your view of the willingness and ability of
    military leaders to hold servicemembers accountable for sexual
    misconduct?
        Answer. Sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct are
    crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). I believe
    military leaders take their responsibilities under the UCMJ to ensure
    good order and discipline seriously. However, we must not relent until
    we are able to eliminate sexual assault from our ranks. If confirmed, I
    will ensure we not only have a force at USINDOPACOM that embodies our
    expectations for good order and discipline, but that we hold our
    leaders, at all levels, accountable for these expectations.
        Question. What is your understanding of the adequacy of the
    resources and programs in USINDOPACOM to provide victims of sexual
    assault the medical, psychological, and legal help they need?
        Answer. The services have enhanced the availability and
    effectiveness of Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, Victims' Legal
    Counsel (VLC) Programs, and care and treatment for victims of sexual
    assault. From my perspective, these high-priority, mission-readiness
    support services have been effective, but I welcome any findings and
    recommendations of the IRC.
        Question. What is your view about the role of the chain of Command
    in providing necessary support to the victims of sexual assault?
        Answer. Positively engaged commanders are vital to providing the
    necessary support to those in their unit who have been harmed. Beyond
    this, commanders are responsible for maintaining a climate of
    inclusion, respect, and where any form of retaliation or reprisal is
    unacceptable. Leaders are accountable to get this right.
        Question. What is your view about the role of the chain of Command
    in changing the military culture in which these sexual assaults have
    occurred?
        Answer. My view is that the culture of a command is ultimately the
    Commander's responsibility. Change starts, and momentum continues, from
    the top- but it takes leadership at all levels of an organization to
    fully implement and sustain changes in culture.
        Question. What is your assessment of the potential impact, if any,
    of proposals to remove disposition authority from military commanders
    over felony-level violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice,
    including sexual assault?
        Answer. Commanders are accountable to the personnel assigned to
    them and responsible for maintaining the welfare, discipline, and
    combat readiness of all in their commands. Traditionally, the UCMJ is
    the Commander's tool for enforcing standards of expected behavior and
    performance.
        This important question is being studied as part of the Secretary
    of Defense's 90-day Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault. It
    would be appropriate to await that commission's results to inform
    further analysis of this issue. I personally support and welcome all
    efforts to cultivate a safe environment for our DOD professionals to
    execute their mission and fulfill their oath to the Constitution.
        Question. Do you consider the current sexual assault policies and
    procedures, particularly those on restricted reporting, to be
    effective?
        Answer. Yes. Restricted reporting allows victim care to be a top
    priority. Victims of this crime can come forward and receive needed
    medical and support services while maintaining confidentiality. Without
    restricted reporting, some victims would not have an avenue to access
    needed services.
        Question. If confirmed, what actions will you take to reassess
    current policies, procedures, and programs and to ensure senior level
    direction and oversight of efforts to prevent and respond to sexual
    assaults in USINDOPACOM?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure compliance with DOD's policies
    and procedures for leaders at all levels to take action to prevent
    sexual assault, and protect and support victims. I will set the example
    by establishing a command climate in which a victim can report a sexual
    assault without fear of retaliation and I will continue the programs
    and policies in place at USINDOPACOM which are designed to ensure
    necessary visibility and oversight within the theater.
        I will monitor the IRC and support the Secretary of Defense's plan
    of action to expand the Department's prevention and response
    initiatives.
        Question. What methods for monitoring overall trends and gauging
    the sufficiency of component commanders' efforts in preventing and
    responding to incidents of sexual assault do you consider appropriate
    and intend to implement as USINDOPACOM Commander?
        Answer. I will emphasize the importance of command climate with
    respect to sexual assault to ensure sexual assault response
    capabilities continue to be available at all locations in the AOR.
        I will not allow sexual assault to injure our personnel, friends,
    and families, destroy our professional values, or compromise readiness.
    Zero is the only acceptable number for sexual assaults in our military.
        I will also monitor the IRC and incorporate guidance from the
    President and the Secretary of Defense on the best way forward.
                            congressional oversight
        Question. In order to exercise its legislative and oversight
    responsibilities, it is important that this Committee and other
    appropriate committees of Congress are able to receive testimony,
    briefings, and other communications of information.
        What are your views on the state of USINDOPACOM's relationship with
    the Senate Armed Services Committee in particular, and with Congress in
    general?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will assess USINDOPACOM's relationship with
    Congress in general and the Senate Armed Services Committee in
    particular. My expectation is that these relationships will continue to
    be cooperative, productive and respectful of the Congress's oversight
    responsibilities.
        Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to sustain a
    productive and mutually beneficial relationship between Congress and
    USINDOPACOM?
        Answer. If confirmed, I will sustain the productive relationship
    between Congress and USINDOPACOM by maintaining open communication and
    information sharing. I will keep an active legislative affairs program
    to facilitate effective interactions and be personally available to
    Members of Congress and their staffs.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on
    request, to appear and testify before this committee, its
    subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress?
        Please answer with a simple yes or no.
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to
    provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees
    of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,
    briefings, reports, records (including documents and electronic
    communications), and other information as may be requested of you, and
    to do so in a timely manner? Please answer with a simple yes or no.
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to
    consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate
    committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your
    basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,
    reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,
    and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes
    or no.
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to
    keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of
    Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that
    materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,
    records--including documents and electronic communications, and other
    information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer
    with a simple yes or no.
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on
    request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records
    and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent
    a formal Committee request? Please answer with a simple yes or no.
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to
    respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of
    you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of
    this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to
    ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from
    retaliation any military member, federal employee, or contractor
    employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its
    subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please
    answer with a simple yes or no.
        Answer. Yes.

        [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]

               Questions Submitted by Senator Richard Blumenthal
                                   submarines
        1. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, can you speak to the
    importance of the Virginia and future Columbia-class submarines in
    United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM)?
        Admiral Aquilino. The Virginia and Columbia-class submarines ensure
    the U.S. maintains our advantage in undersea warfare and strategic
    nuclear deterrence for the foreseeable future. The Virginia-class
    incorporates the latest technologies and enables our ability to operate
    in contested space. The Columbia provides the most survivable leg of
    the nuclear triad and will recapitalize the strategic deterrence
    currently provided by the aging Ohio-class submarines.

        2. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, what has China been doing,
    that you are aware of, to close the technological gap in undersea
    capabilities with the United States?
        Admiral Aquilino. China has identified undersea warfare as a
    priority. China is aggressively invested in a range of platforms,
    including quieter submarines armed with increasingly sophisticated
    weapons, unmanned underwater vehicles, new sensors, new submarine
    hunting aircraft, and improved training. Additionally, the PLA Navy
    will add its first guided missile nuclear attack submarine in the
    Pacific by the mid-2020s. In combination, these developments provide
    the PRC with improved undersea awareness, more lethal anti-submarine
    warfare capabilities and capacity, and greater offensive strike
    capability.

        3. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, do we have the capability
    to counter these emerging threats from China?
        Admiral Aquilino. From my perspective as the PACFLT Commander,
    USINDOPACOM has the capability and is poised to counter China's
    emerging undersea threats, but our advantage is shrinking. To combat
    this, we should continue funding our current and future undersea
    capabilities and increase our capacity. Currently, United States anti-
    submarine platforms are more technically advanced and provide the
    ability to counter Chinese submarine emerging threats. If confirmed, I
    will re-assess our joint force posture to meet these emerging threats.

        4. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, if confirmed, do you feel
    you will be able to adequately perform the requirements laid out in the
    Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) given the forces you will have
    under your command?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, if the capabilities identified in 1251
    Report are properly resourced. PDI will enable the current force
    structure to establish a forward-deployed defense-in-depth posture that
    defends our interests, deters aggression, assures allies and partners,
    and provides flexible response options should deterrence fail.
                   non-traditional national security threats
        5. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, what steps would you
    recommend the Department of Defense take in the Indo-Pacific to swiftly
    respond to emerging nontraditional national security challenges,
    including global health and climate change issues?
        Admiral Aquilino. If confirmed, USINDOPACOM will continue
    interagency coordination in advance of nontraditional challenges or
    crises. We will also continue operations and exercises with allies and
    partners such as Pacific Partnership and Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) to
    build interoperability that will enable swift response to
    contingencies.

        6. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, in your view, are the
    installations in your area of responsibility prepared to face non-
    traditional threats such as extreme weather due to climate change?
        Admiral Aquilino. Installations in the Pacific theater are prepared
    to withstand and postured to continue operations in face of traditional
    threats of extreme weather, as evidenced by our ability to protect and
    sustain the force against hurricanes and typhoons. However, upgrading
    our critical infrastructure and the survivability of our installations
    and ranges against rising sea levels will better posture us for the
    future.

        7. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, do you believe that the
    forces in INDOPACOM are adequately resourced and postured to respond to
    natural disasters and humanitarian crises in the region quickly?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, I believe USINDOPACOM is postured and
    resourced to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
    Access to Overseas Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance and Civic
    Action (ODHACA) programs help facilitate our response. If confirmed, I
    will maintain strong relationships with the interagency, allies, and
    partners to continue to be prepared to respond to natural disasters.

        8. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, can you speak to how the
    potential reinstatement of a 1st Fleet might impact our response time
    in the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. The Navy continues to explore the potential stand
    up of 1st Fleet, with consideration placed on a range of factors
    including location, partner alignment, force distribution, resources
    and authorities. Working closely with SECDEF, CJCS, CNO, and CMC, we
    will ensure the ability to provide credible deterrence and response in
    the Indo-Pacific. If resourced, 1st Fleet could have a positive impact
    on response times in the region.
                                     china
        9. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, given the recent steps
    China has taken to expand their military and increase their influence
    in the region, what is the role of our partnership with India in the
    Indo-Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. The Framework for the United States-India Defense
    Relationship includes the designation of India as a major defense
    partner and provides the necessary structure to continue our military
    collaboration. Cooperation has long been a strength between our
    militaries, and information sharing has grown significantly. Our goal
    is to increase our bilateral ties while building confidence to work
    multi-laterally on greater information sharing, increased mutual access
    to resources and facilities, and increasingly complex bilateral and
    multilateral operations with like-minded nations to reinforce our
    commitment to the rules-based international order.

        10. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, what do you assess to be
    the likelihood that China attempts to upend the status quo in the
    region through military aggression?
        Admiral Aquilino. I believe the Chinese Communist Party has
    indicated their desire to supplant United States security leadership in
    the region and generate change to the rules-based international order
    so they favor Chinese interests. PLA actions in the region, such as
    militarization of the South China Sea (SCS) and aggressive activities,
    whether in the SCS or on the northern border of India, create
    additional contested space, endanger free flow of commerce, challenge
    freedom of navigation, threaten the sovereignty of our allies and
    partners, and undermine regional stability. These efforts ultimately
    contest operations and maneuver, extend coercive behavior, and
    challenge U.S. presence and credibility in the region. As PLA
    capabilities continue to improve and leadership confidence grows, the
    risk of more assertive military actions to achieve these goals will
    almost certainly increase.

        11. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, how can we prepare to
    counter the potential threat of Chinese aggression in all domains,
    including less kinetic domains such as cyber and disinformation?
        Admiral Aquilino. China, as well as other competitors, have
    expanded operations at a level below armed conflict through the
    cyberspace domain and the use of disinformation to strengthen their
    position. Our efforts in these domains are critically important, and in
    many cases, it is an indicator of follow-on intent. If confirmed, I
    will focus on the strongest defense possible to ensure that those
    competitors are unable to take advantage of that space. It is also
    important that our allies and partners have tools to defend their
    information and cyber domains against the threat.
                        f-35 and strategic capabilities
        12. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, when you look at the
    strategic challenges in the INDOPACOM area of responsibilities, is a
    5th generation fighter capability like the F-35 is critical to mission
    success?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, 5th generation fighters are critical for
    USINDOPACOM to deter our adversaries. The integration of stealth with
    advanced sensors in the 5th generation fighters is essential for
    operating in the contested environment. Additionally, 5th generation
    fighters increase interoperability with our allies and partners in
    multiple domains.

        13. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, can you speak to the
    survivability of 4th generation and 5th generation aircraft in a fight
    with China or Chinese equipment?
        Admiral Aquilino. Forward mix of postured 4th/5th-generation
    aircraft and beyond are required to achieve and sustain air supremacy.
    Networked together, 4th and 5th generation aircraft are especially
    survivable against all known threats. Specifically, the advanced
    sensors and stealth of 5th generation aircraft, combined with the
    advanced training, lethality, and survivability improvements to 4th
    generation aircraft, provides timely and survivable capabilities in a
    contingency should deterrence fail.

        14. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, in your opinion, what has
    been the impact of the F-35 program on both military and diplomatic
    relations with these key allies?
        Admiral Aquilino. The F-35 program demonstrates the positive
    impacts of working with allies on common, modern weapon platforms. The
    F-35 program allows the United States to increase our level of
    collaboration and interoperability with key allies and partners such as
    Japan, Korea, Australia, and Singapore. This level of shared and
    protected technology enhances the fidelity of multi-lateral exercises,
    training, and operations, which strengthens diplomatic efforts.

        15. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, can you explain the
    importance of stand-in capabilities, such as 5th generation aircraft,
    and what advantages they provide if an engagement with China were to
    occur?
        Admiral Aquilino. The ability of 5th generation aircraft to operate
    in a contested space is one important component of our credible
    deterrence. Integrated with our forward postured joint force, 5th
    generation stand-in capabilities contribute to force defense, air
    superiority, sea control, and power projection and are essential to
    fight and win.

        16. Senator Blumenthal. Admiral Aquilino, do you believe the Joint
    All-Domain Command and Control concept is going to be the most
    effective way to counter China's emerging technology and enhanced
    defense posture?
        Admiral Aquilino. To maximize the integration and lethality of the
    joint force, there is an urgent need for a common network to enable
    command and control, synchronized fires, force protection,
    intelligence, and logistics. If confirmed, I will examine the JADC2
    concept and requirements and assess whether it can be implemented
    within the timeframe needed.
                 Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono
                     missile defense--north korea and china
        17. Senator Hirono. Admiral Aquilino, General Robert Abrams,
    Commander of United States Forces Korea, recently testified before the
    House Armed Services Committee that there's a ``significant gap''
    between North Korea showing off a nuclear sub-launched intercontinental
    ballistic missile (ICBM) and having the actual capability to deliver a
    weapon. How do you assess North Korea's capabilities in this area?
        Admiral Aquilino. I agree with General Abrams. While North Korea
    recently displayed what it claims are two new types of submarine-
    launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), North Korea's SLBM capabilities
    remain limited and we have not yet seen sea-based testing of this class
    of missiles.

        18. Senator Hirono. Admiral Aquilino, how do you assess North
    Korea's overall threat to our forces in the Indo-Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. North Korea's missile program is a growing threat
    to the region, to our allies, to our partners, and to the United States
    Homeland, including Guam and Hawaii. They have demonstrated improved
    mobile launch tactics, improved missile accuracy, and rapid-fire
    capabilities. North Korea maintains modest, but almost certainly
    growing inventories of theater-strike missiles. Their intercontinental-
    range missile program is still only partially proven, but North Korea
    is committed to developing a nuclear-armed ICBM capable of threatening
    the United States mainland.

        19. Senator Hirono. Admiral Aquilino, if confirmed, what steps will
    you take to address the emerging threat posed by China's hypersonic
    glide vehicles?
        Admiral Aquilino. China's hypersonic glide vehicle poses a serious
    threat to the United States and allied forces in the region. We require
    a near-term, initial defense capability to meet this challenge. PDI
    provides the foundation for the system and networks that will enable
    the integration of joint offensive and defensive fires to address the
    ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic threats. If confirmed, we will work
    with DOD, including the Missile Defense Agency, to develop
    capabilities, including survivable and resilient sensors to detect
    hypersonic threats and enable ground and sea-based defenses.
                                   __________
                   Questions Submitted by Senator Jacky Rosen
                             regional data-sharing
        20. Senator Rosen. Admiral Aquilino, as part of the Mission Partner
    Environment, the United States Indo-Pacific Command seeks to develop an
    integrated architecture to expand data-sharing among like-minded
    nations through the use of information fusion centers, joint centers
    where allies can share information using cloud-based technologies,
    integrated systems, and secure access controls. If confirmed, how would
    you enhance integration and information sharing across all domains with
    our allies and partners in the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. If confirmed, I will prioritize implementation of
    a cyber-safe Mission Partner Environment (MPE), as outlined in Pacific
    Deterrence Initiative (PDI), to enable information sharing and
    interoperability, as well as bilateral and multilateral exercises and
    operations. Implementation of MPE will provide opportunities for
    increased multilateral collaboration, planning, information sharing,
    and operations.

        21. Senator Rosen. Admiral Aquilino, specifically, how would an
    integrated information technology (IT) architecture strengthen our
    ability to share information and fight together with our coalition
    partners?
        Admiral Aquilino. An integrated IT architecture is essential for
    interoperability with our allies and partners to include the sharing of
    sensitive and classified information. This capability would enable
    distributed key leader communication and coordination, training and
    exercises, sharing of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs),
    sharing of intelligence, and facilitating combined mission planning and
    execution among coalition partners.
                                   __________
                  Questions Submitted by Senator Roger Wicker
                                  f-35 program
        22. Senator Wicker. Admiral Aquilino, as you know, many of our key
    allies in the Indo-Pacific region are participants in the F-35 program.
    In your opinion, has the F-35 program had a positive impact on both
    military and diplomatic relations with these key allies?
        Admiral Aquilino. The F-35 program demonstrates the positive
    impacts of working with allies and partners on modern, common weapon
    platforms. The F-35 program allows the United States to increase our
    level of collaboration and interoperability with key allies and
    partners such as Japan, Korea, Australia, and Singapore. This level of
    shared and protected technology enhances the fidelity of multi-lateral
    exercises, training, and operations, which strengthens diplomatic
    efforts.
                                 guam dry dock
        23. Senator Wicker. Admiral Aquilino, a Department of Defense (DOD)
    review and analysis of Navy dry dock capabilities in the Pacific began
    in January 2020. The report was to be finalized in spring 2020, but the
    results of that effort have not been made public nor shared with
    Congress. Does the study point to a shortfall in dry dock capability in
    the Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. I am unaware of a 2020 DOD review regarding dry
    dock capabilities in the Pacific. My understanding is the most recent
    report to Congress on this subject titled ``Western Pacific Ocean Ship
    Depot Maintenance Capability and Capacity and Business Case Analysis of
    Enhancing Western Pacific Ship Depot Maintenance'' did not identify the
    need to increase conventional or nuclear-capable dry dock capacity or
    capability. If confirmed, I will review the results of the Secretary of
    Defense's Global Posture Review to address any dry dock capacity/
    capability issues in the Pacific.

        24. Senator Wicker. Admiral Aquilino, if the study does point to a
    shortfall in dry dock capability in the Pacific, what are your near and
    long term plans or ideas to alleviate this shortage?
        Admiral Aquilino. I am unaware of a 2020 DOD review regarding dry
    dock capabilities in the Pacific. My understanding is the most recent
    report to Congress on this subject titled ``Western Pacific Ocean Ship
    Depot Maintenance Capability and Capacity and Business Case Analysis of
    Enhancing Western Pacific Ship Depot Maintenance'' did not identify the
    need to increase conventional or nuclear-capable dry dock capacity or
    capability. If confirmed, I will review the results of the Secretary of
    Defense's Global Posture Review to address any dry dock capacity/
    capability issues in the Pacific.
                                   __________
                   Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Cotton
                                     taiwan
        25. Senator Cotton. Admiral Aquilino, there is considerable room
    for further enhancing our defense ties with Taiwan. We need better
    integration between our Forces in support of Taiwan's defense. These
    efforts could include individual--and unit-level training, as well as
    operational-level exercise programs that build interoperability,
    emphasize shared warfighting situational awareness, and culminate in
    joint planning. In your military judgment, would enhancing our
    bilateral cooperation with Taiwan in these ways be consistent with the
    command's goals in the area of responsibility (AOR)?
        Admiral Aquilino. I believe enhancing bilateral cooperation with
    Taiwan, in alignment with the Taiwan Relations Act and United States
    policy, would help improve Taiwan's defensive capabilities and is
    consistent with the command's goals. Specific areas for improvement in
    their defensive capabilities include interoperability, readiness,
    training, and professional development through security cooperation and
    foreign military sales.

        26. Senator Cotton. Admiral Aquilino, what would be the benefits of
    inviting Taiwanese forces to participate in military training
    exercises, and would we be better served by multilateral exercises
    involving American allies and partners in the United States Indo-
    Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) region?
        Admiral Aquilino. Multilateral exercises in the USINDOPACOM region
    have the benefit of allowing participants to develop vital tactics,
    techniques, and procedures necessary to build interoperable forces. If
    confirmed, we will look for opportunities to deepen and broaden our
    military interaction with Taiwan forces in exercises, visits, and
    exchanges consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, Taiwan Travel Act,
    and current administration policy.
                                   __________
                  Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan
              operating in an anti-access/area denial environment
        27. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, the People's Republic of
    China has the capability, capacity, and reach to employ thousands of
    missiles within the first island chain and hundreds of missiles in the
    second. This vast, asymmetrical arsenal will likely increase over the
    next several years. With that in mind, what do you consider to be the
    right mix of forward, blunt forces west of the International Date Line
    (IDL) and surge forces east of the International Date Line?
        Admiral Aquilino. The United States must have operational freedom
    of maneuver and persistent, visible, forward presence with sustainable
    maritime, air, and ground forces throughout the Indo-Pacific. To
    generate the deterrence needed, we need forces with a mix of offensive
    capabilities postured in a distributed manner, ISR capabilities to
    understand the battle space, and defensive force protection
    capabilities supported by sufficient surge forces with same
    capabilities, all underpinned by survivable and resilient logistics
    support. If confirmed, I will review the results of the Secretary of
    Defense's Global Posture Review regarding force posture mix both east
    and west of the IDL to ensure we meet current and future security
    challenges.

        28. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, what concerns do you have
    regarding our ability to resupply and sustain operations--especially
    across a distributed posture--in an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD)
    environment?
        Admiral Aquilino. Our ability to sustain the joint force in a
    contested environment is one of our greatest advantages, and at the
    same time a critical challenge. My concerns include capacity of the
    logistic force and ensuring the proper force protection for these
    forces. The right composition of logistics platforms, nodes, ports, and
    supplier networks, along with appropriate protection is critical. The
    joint force must also have sufficient access to and interoperability
    with our allies and partners to conduct integrated, combined, and
    resilient logistics sustainment in every domain.

        29. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, what recommendations do you
    have to mitigate those concerns?
        Admiral Aquilino. We must move toward a more distributed force
    posture and increase the locations and availability for naval, air, and
    ground forces to rearm, refuel, and have access to these locations
    during contingencies. If confirmed, I will implement PDI posture
    initiatives that maximize key logistics enablers and work with allies
    and partners for enhanced posture. For example, aligned with PDI, I
    support efforts to enhance logistics capability and capacity with
    prepositioned supplies, infrastructure, and investments to store and
    re-position fuel in the theater. These investments are key to ensuring
    U.S. freedom of action and access to vital waterways, airspace, and
    other lines of communication in a contested environment.

        30. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, what concerns do you have
    regarding operational concepts--such as agile combat employment--the
    Services are developing to achieve a theory of victory in the region?
        Admiral Aquilino. I am encouraged by the operational concepts
    developed by the services, but concerned with the ability of the joint
    force to integrate the capabilities from each service being brought
    online. When completed, I expect the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC)
    will better integrate the services' concepts and capabilities.
    Implementation of the JWC to integrate the strengths of all of our
    services across all domains will help enable the full capability and
    capacity of the joint force.

        31. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, what risk are we assuming
    provided the Services cannot execute those concepts for a sustained
    period of time today?
        Admiral Aquilino. Unless the services' concepts and capabilities
    are integrated and can be quickly employed, synchronized, and
    sustained, I see risk in rapidly denying an aggressive adversary's
    objectives. Ensuring the effectiveness and resilience of key joint
    warfighting functions such as ISR, command and control, fires,
    logistics, and information advantage is essential. The United States
    must have operational freedom of maneuver throughout the Indo-Pacific
    informed by the Joint Warfighting Concept (JWC).
                              alaska-based forces
        32. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, Alaska is closer in
    proximity to the Indo-Pacific than it is to Washington, DC. In fact,
    Alaska is closer to Korea and Japan than Hawaii and Australia. Alaska-
    based forces--under the operational control of INDOPACOM which include
    the 4-25 Airborne BCT, 1-25 Stryker BCT, and the soon-to-be 100 5th-
    Generation combat-coded fighters--are strategic forces that will be
    needed in any competition, crisis, or conflict with China. With this in
    mind--what do you see as the role of these combat credible forces--
    based in Alaska--within the Indo-Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. The joint force's credible and lethal forward
    posture is critical to ensure deterrence, particularly in view of
    China's hegemonic rise. Alaska's force structure is essential to
    providing persistent homeland defense forces and forces ready to surge
    in support of any contingencies in the Pacific. Alaska-based forces
    provide support to USINDOPACOM routine operations and are critical
    elements in our warfighting readiness in the event of a conflict in the
    Indo-Pacific region.

        33. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, in your personal opinion,
    what force posture and/or capabilities is Alaska missing that INDOPACOM
    views as a requirement?
        Admiral Aquilino. The joint force must have the capability to fully
    exercise synchronized multi-domain operations. Forces in Alaska
    continue to provide posture and capability, but can be further enhanced
    by linking the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) with other
    world-class ranges through Pacific Multi-Domain Test and
    Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) which would enable fully
    instrumented, live-virtual training areas throughout the Indo-Pacific.
    If confirmed, I will review the results of the Secretary's Global
    Posture Review for additional potential enhancements.

        34. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, during the Senate Armed
    Services Committee hearing on INDOPACOM posture, Admiral Philip
    Davidson stated: `` . . . 5th-Generation fighters . . . are the
    backbone of any of our planning for a crisis forward in a theater, and
    would need to be at dispersed locations within the first and second
    island chain.'' Considering Admiral Davidson's remarks, and with over
    100 5th Generation fighter aircraft in Alaska, does it not make sense
    to base the next generation--KC-46--tanker in that state to fill the
    aerial refueling gap, and serve as an air bridge to rapidly surge those
    fighters to the forward edge of a conflict in the Indo-Pacific?
        Admiral Aquilino. Our 5th Generation fighters provide both homeland
    defense and deterrence both at home and abroad. These assets and their
    enablers, to include tankers, must be based in the locations that most
    efficiently and effectively meet COCOM requirements, provide the
    flexibility for contingency operations, and are postured in a way that
    ensures force protection. If confirmed, I will review the results of
    the Secretary of Defense's Global Posture Review and work with DOD to
    ensure our force posture is designed to best meet these priorities.
                         pacific deterrence initiative
        35. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, during the SASC hearing on
    INDOPACOM posture, I asked Admiral Davidson if the $4.6 billion needed
    to fund the PDI was ``something that can help'' with halting the
    erosion of our Nation's conventional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
    Admiral Davidson responded by stating: ``[PDI] meets the strategic
    vision . . . [for] the theater to present a conventional deterrent that
    would give China pause from any maligned military activity that they
    would undergo, against any of our allies and partners in the region.''
    You--yourself--in your advance policy questions further underscore
    that: ``PDI is the foundational approach to advancing capabilities and
    capacity . . . while strengthening our allies and partnerships for an
    integrated joint force west of the International Date Line.'' At a cost
    of seven-tenths of one percent of DOD's budget, PDI seems to come at a
    bargain compared to any future military conflict with China should the
    balance of power continue to shift unfavorably. Would you agree with
    that statement? And, what--in terms relative to magnitude of PDI--would
    a conflict with China cost us when considering both money and lives?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, I agree that PDI is both foundational and
    cost-effective as it lays the base for our commitment to deterrence in
    the Pacific. In particular, sustained investment is required to
    generate the posture to deter China, our pacing threat, from acts of
    aggression. A key deterrence effort, PDI cost is minimal when compared
    to the potential loss of blood and treasure should conflict occur.
                                     taiwan
        36. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, Admiral Davidson stated in
    the open session of the hearing on INDOPACOM posture that: ``Taiwan is
    clearly one of [China's] ambitions . . . and I think the threat is
    manifest during this decade, in fact in the next 6 years.'' Do you
    share the same view on the threat timeline as Admiral Davidson . . . do
    you believe China could seek to overtake Taiwan with a cross-strait
    invasion within 6 years?
        Admiral Aquilino. Predictive analysis to identify a specific date
    for potential action continues to be difficult. However, my opinion is
    that this problem is much closer than most think, and our deterrence
    actions are needed now to prevent conflict. The PLA continues to field
    a broad array of advanced weapons and systems as part of an ongoing
    force modernization specifically intended to achieve decisive overmatch
    against Taiwan. Additionally, China's political leadership has
    publically announced their willingness to coercively pressure Taiwan in
    both the information domain and with increased air and maritime
    operations across the centerline of the Taiwan Strait. I believe that
    we have to have a sense of urgency and take immediate action, such as
    implementation of PDI, to deter any potential actions.

        37. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, in your personal opinion,
    what additional measure--beyond the PDI--does the United States need to
    implement to adequately deter a high-cost scenario such as a cross-
    strait invasion of Taiwan?
        Admiral Aquilino. Beyond a properly resourced and sustained PDI, I
    believe the U.S. needs to continue its efforts to integrate all
    elements of national power beyond the military to deter the PRC. This
    includes efforts to protect our country's intellectual property, level
    the playing field on trade, support allies and partners through
    diplomacy, and aggressively provide alternatives for increased
    international development consistent with a free and open Indo-Pacific.
    Additionally, we should continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a
    sufficient self-defense capability in accordance with the Taiwan
    Relations Act.

        38. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, the United States
    Government announced $5.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan in 2020--all
    in the last 3 months of the year. The weapons sales included:
    communications systems, aerial drones, coastal defense systems,
    missiles, and artillery among other defense articles. In your personal
    opinion, are we selling Taiwan the right types of weapons?
        Admiral Aquilino. Yes, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, we
    should continue to advise Taiwan to acquire those capabilities that
    support their ability to defend itself against an invasion or efforts
    to coerce unification. Priorities include asymmetric systems that are
    highly mobile, lethal, survivable, and affordable that can be purchased
    in large quantities. Coastal defense cruise missiles (CDCMs), short and
    medium range air defenses, and sea mines are examples of capabilities
    that are critical to the successful defense of Taiwan.

        39. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, how can the United States
    better position Taiwan to defend itself?
        Admiral Aquilino. If confirmed, United States Indo-Pacific Command
    will continue to advise Taiwan on capabilities, interoperability,
    readiness, training, and professional development through security
    cooperation and foreign military sales in accordance with the Taiwan
    Relations Act. We will also coordinate with allies and partners for
    their assistance.
                     defense posture realignment initiative
        40. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, Defense Posture Realignment
    Initiative (DPRI) is the program of record negotiated with the
    Government of Japan, which provided $3.1 billion or about \1/3\ of the
    estimated cost, to relocate Marine Corps Forces from Okinawa to Guam.
    The executive summary of the INDOPACOM report for section 1251 of the
    Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA indicates the force design and posture effort:
    ``. . . begins with completing the Defense Posture Realignment
    Initiative (DPRI) . . .'' From your interaction with our host nation
    counterparts, how important is the execution of the DPRI program to the
    Government of Japan?
        Admiral Aquilino. DPRI is important to both Japan and the United
    States. It strengthens our relationship with Japan and postures our
    forces for deterrence. The Government of Japan (GoJ) strongly supports
    the DPRI program's relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam and has
    committed significant financial contributions toward this end. The
    United States-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of our security
    objectives, and GoJ remains committed to the successful completion of
    DPRI to ensure our countries are aligned against future challenges to
    our mutual security.

        41. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, there are some concerns
    about the ability of marines to train for full spectrum combat when
    they are moved to Guam. Can you outline what shortfalls currently exist
    if the move were to occur today?
        Admiral Aquilino. Training capabilities located on Guam, coupled
    with CNMI Joint Training complex of ranges and facilities, will provide
    a combined/joint training capability in the Western Pacific that will
    adequately address Marine training requirements. However, linkages with
    advanced capabilities between the ranges from Guam to Hawaii to Alaska
    to the West Coast of the United States will increase our ability to
    provide ready forces for highly contested environments. These linked
    ranges will help meet the full spectrum training requirements for
    Marines who will be stationed in Guam, as well as enable critical
    training with our allies, partners, and the joint force.

        42. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, does the current DPRI
    program of record adequately address these shortfalls?
        Admiral Aquilino. Training capabilities located on Guam, coupled
    with CNMI Joint Training complex of ranges and facilities, will provide
    a combined/joint training capability in the Western Pacific that will
    adequately address Marine training requirements.

        43. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, so that I can better
    understand some of the tradeoffs involved with respect to: a)
    deterrence, b) ability to do full spectrum training, and c) the
    confidence of our partners and allies--what would be the impact, in
    your opinion, of moving those 5,000 marines and their dependents to
    locations east of the International Date Line--say for instance,
    Alaska?
        Admiral Aquilino. Potential impacts of relocating Marines could be
    delayed response times during contingencies and increased un-programmed
    infrastructure costs. I believe the relocation of Marines per the DPRI
    program of record will correctly posture our forces for deterrence,
    allow for required training, and give confidence to our allies and
    partners. If confirmed, I will review the results of the Secretary of
    Defense's Global Posture Review for force posture both east and west of
    the IDL to ensure we meet current and future security challenges.
           north korea missile capabilities and cooperation with iran
        44. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, in Admiral Davidson's
    statement for the record presented to this committee 2 weeks ago, he
    highlighted: ``. . . North Korea will remain our most immediate
    threat.'' Admiral Davison went on to state: ``Pyongyang maintains a
    diverse and growing missile inventory, and North Korea unveiled several
    new ballistic systems . . . including two SLBMs [submarine-launched
    ballistic missile] and an ICBM.'' Finally, you conclude that:
    ``Pyongyang's missile research and development efforts . . . are
    consistent with the regime's stated objective of being able to strike
    the United States Homeland.'' Can you broadly discuss how North Korea's
    missile program has advanced over the course of your assignment as the
    Commander, United States Pacific Fleet?
        Admiral Aquilino. North Korea continues to demonstrate the desire
    to improve their missile design, ranges, and launch tactics,
    techniques, and procedures. It has conducted multiple launches in the
    last three years, focusing on combat readiness and mobility as well as
    precision strike and rapid fire capabilities. Additionally, in October
    2020 and January 2021, North Korea unveiled new and larger ICBMs, two
    submarine-launched ballistic missiles, as well as short range missiles.

        45. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, how would you characterize
    North Korea's missile program advancement--in terms of risk--to both
    our regionally based forces and the United States Homeland?
        Admiral Aquilino. North Korea's improved missile design, growing
    inventory, and better launch tactics, techniques, and procedures make
    it a growing threat to both our regionally based forces and the United
    States Homeland. DPRK has taken no meaningful steps toward
    denuclearization, despite promising signs of de-escalation in 2018. All
    of these factors directly increase risk to the United States, our
    regionally based forces, and allies and partners. If confirmed, I will
    continue to make risk assessments and report any concerns to the
    Secretary of Defense.

        46. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, provided you are able to
    answer in this forum--how long would you estimate until North Korea's
    missile capability and range can reach the continental United States?
        Admiral Aquilino. If confirmed, I will provide additional
    classified details of North Korea's missile capabilities in an agreed
    upon forum/date.

        47. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, the United Nations provided
    a report to the Security Council in February that confirmed North Korea
    and Iran resumed cooperation on development of long-range missiles last
    year. This reporting followed shortly after North Korea showcased their
    largest ICBM, believed capable of carrying a nuclear warhead across the
    United States. To me this is exceptionally concerning as both countries
    would greatly benefit from the leveraged gained in being able to strike
    our Homeland. In your personal opinion, are we doing enough to develop
    and field both regional/homeland missile defense systems?
        Admiral Aquilino. Missile defense is a central component of the
    Department of Defense's responsibility to defend the Homeland. I
    believe increased threat capabilities require us to constantly assess
    our Homeland defense systems, and I am confident the Missile Defense
    Agency is working to ensure our capabilities continue to improve. The
    Secretary of Defense has indicated his commitment to review missile
    defense concepts, programs, and capabilities in light of the broader
    defense strategy. If confirmed, I will continue to advocate for missile
    defense systems in the region, in Guam, and in Hawaii to support the
    Homeland defense mission.

        48. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, how would you suggest we
    blunt the corrosive cooperation between these rogue nations?
        Admiral Aquilino. All forms of national power should continue to be
    brought to bear against this issue. UNSCR enforcement, diplomacy, and
    economic options should continue to be applied. If confirmed, I will
    ensure that forward-deployed and combat-lethal USINDOPACOM forces are
    postured to allow diplomacy to engage from a position of strength.
                  india: high-altitude, cold-weather training
        49. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, the United States Army will
    host Indian forces in Alaska this year to exercise high-altitude, cold-
    weather combat skills. A Chinese military expert recently claimed that
    the Indian Army: ``has the world's largest and most experienced troops
    trained for high-altitude battles''. From my understanding, the same
    exercise will occur in the Himalayas in 2022. First, let me commend the
    efforts of INDOPACOM and U.S. Army in Alaska (USARAK) for cultivating
    this strategic partnership. Second, how can we advance it further to
    continue rebuilding robust Arctic capabilities that have atrophied
    significantly over the past decade?
        Admiral Aquilino. As the largest democracy in the Western Pacific,
    India is an important partner sharing common values. If confirmed, we
    will continue to advance our relationship with India, build
    interoperability, and work with the components to identify potential
    options to improve our cold-weather, high-altitude training/
    capabilities.
                   fostering indo-pacific military expertise
        50. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, given the Department of
    Defense shift in priorities from violent extremist organizations in
    U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to great power competition in
    INDOPACOM--as laid out in the 2018 National Defense Strategy and
    expressed by incoming DOD officials in the Biden Administration--do you
    think the Service Academies and other DOD educational institutions are
    adequately focused on educating our military officers and enlisted
    members to best understand and operate in the Indo-Pacific region? If
    not, in your personal opinion, how do we get after this knowledge and
    expertise shortfall?
        Admiral Aquilino. U.S. service academies and DOD education
    institutions are known amongst our allies and partners as world-class.
    These centers for higher learning have been adjusting and aligning
    professional military education and talent management systems to
    further develop our military leaders and those of our allies and
    partners for 21st century challenges. If confirmed, I will highlight to
    the services the need to deliver the knowledge and expertise necessary
    to better operate jointly in the Indo-Pacific.
                     section 1251 report and range upgrades
        51. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, the section 1251 report
    identified a number of range investments--which included the Pacific
    Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC)--with the
    objective of creating a fully instrumented, live-virtual constructive
    (LVC) training areas throughout the Indo-Pacific. How would upgrading
    ranges--like the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex--with a Secure,
    Synthetic Inject to Live LVC (SITL LVC) air combat training capability
    help INDOPACOM meet its requirement to provide forces capable of
    fighting in highly contested environments against technologically
    advanced opponents?
        Admiral Aquilino. Modernizing our ranges, as our capabilities grow
    and as replication of the battlespace becomes more challenging, will
    allow the joint force to train against an evolving threat and
    technologically advanced opponent with our allies and partners.
    Linkages with advanced capabilities between the ranges from Guam to
    Hawaii to Alaska to the West Coast of the United States will increase
    our ability to provide ready forces for highly contested environments.
    For example, Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex range improvements
    incorporating PMTEC, to include LVC capabilities, would offer the joint
    force more effective, realistic, all-domain training and
    experimentation at the tactical and operational level.

        52. Senator Sullivan. Admiral Aquilino, how would providing SITL-
    LVC at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, or other ranges, help
    increase overall readiness and combat capability of both INDOPACOM and
    allied forces?
        Admiral Aquilino. Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) capability
    is critical to readiness by enabling large scale, distributed training
    that provides our warfighters the opportunity to train in a threat-
    representative environment. LVC capability more effectively simulates
    the highly contested threat environment in a more cost effective
    manner. The Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex range improvements
    incorporating LVC capability would offer the joint force more
    effective, realistic, all-domain training and experimentation at the
    tactical and operational level.
                                   __________

                Questions Submitted by Senator Marsha Blackburn
                       intermediate-range nuclear forces
        53. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, your predecessor's
    independent assessment calls for Ground-Based, Long-Range Fires. No
    longer shackled by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, how do
    you see the emergence of these weapons systems changing the landscape
    in INDOPACOM?
        Admiral Aquilino. The emergence of these new weapons systems will
    offer increased deterrence options and present additional dilemmas to
    offset our competitors' capabilities that have been unconstrained by,
    or not in compliance with, the treaty. If confirmed, I will continue to
    advocate for investments that add new long-range, ground-based weapons
    to expand the competitive space and put any potential adversaries on
    the defensive.
                         chinese military-civil fusion
        54. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, what security challenges
    do you see now and anticipate moving forward from the Chinese practice
    of Military-Civil Fusion?
        Admiral Aquilino. China's practice of military-civil fusion
    facilitates the acquisition, diversion, or theft of cutting-edge
    technologies that could close the gap to our comparative advantage.
        I expect the PLA will continue to focus China's civilian research
    and commercial sectors on its military and defense industrial
    priorities, including a number of critical technologies, weapons, and
    sensors.

        55. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, how do we strategically
    address Military-Civil Fusion while applying uniquely American
    competitive advantages?
        Admiral Aquilino. To address Chinese military-civil fusion, we must
    expand ongoing efforts to identify and protect key United States/
    Western technologies, especially those areas where the PRC lacks
    alternatives for acquisition or manufacturing. If confirmed, I will
    support DOD's effort to protect sensitive information, platforms, and
    infrastructure through mechanisms such as cybersecurity, resiliency in
    the supply chain, secure architectures, and export controls.

        56. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, what linkages do you see
    between the Belt and Road Initiative and Military-Civil Fusion?
        Admiral Aquilino. One Belt, One Road provides the PLA an
    opportunity to expand its global reach by gaining access to foreign air
    and maritime port facilities and foreign economic markets. China's
    practice of military-civil fusion will enable greater PRC access to
    each host nation's critical infrastructure, technologies, and business
    architecture and make them vulnerable to further exploitation.
                             air wing of the future
        57. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, during your testimony you
    mentioned the Navy's ``Air Wing of the Future'' as enabling carrier
    strike groups to be more lethal and capable within currently contested
    spaces. Given the joint nature of your nominated billet, how does this
    capability enable the joint force within that contested space?
        Admiral Aquilino. The future Air Wing, able to operate in contested
    space with the advantage of maneuver inherent in a carrier strike
    group, will deliver capabilities that enable air superiority and
    precision power projection from our carrier strike groups and the joint
    force. These capabilities will challenge any adversary's ability to
    counter the joint force's capability to mass integrated and
    synchronized fires across all domains to confuse, degrade, disrupt and
    ultimately deny adversary objectives.
                           competition in partnering
        58. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, what is your assessment of
    China's bilateral and multilateral training efforts within INDOPACOM?
        Admiral Aquilino. The PLA has demonstrated intent to advance
    bilateral and multilateral training. The majority of PLA's foreign
    training events are relatively small-scale bilateral exercises focused
    on issues of mutual interest, such as counter terrorism or maritime
    security. However, in recent years, the PLA has deployed forces to
    participate in Russia's major annual exercise. China has participated
    in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) multi-lateral exercises for
    several years, and has recently executed maritime training with ASEAN.
                         defense technology cooperation
        59. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, in which priority areas
    should the United States increase defense technology cooperation with
    Japan to deter regional adversaries?
        Admiral Aquilino. In cooperation with the U.S. and working through
    its self-defense forces, the GoJ should continue to invest in
    improvements to interoperable air and missile defense, air dominance,
    maritime security, and ISR capabilities. As Japan improves its
    capability and capacity, we should continue to execute the Joint
    Exercise Program and operate together both bilaterally and
    multilaterally.

        60. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, do you identify additional
    opportunities specific to artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, or
    dual-use technologies?
        Admiral Aquilino. Artificial intelligence and cognitive/quantum
    computing are areas we must invest in to deliver near-term warfighting
    advantage. These capabilities would enable improved decision making as
    well as man-machine teaming in the application of unmanned systems.
    These asymmetric capabilities can be used to increase our advantages
    operating jointly and with our allies and partners.

        61. Senator Blackburn. Admiral Aquilino, what is the importance of
    regular, robust funding for regional Fusion Centers such as the Counter
    Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF), the Oceania Fusion Center, and
    the Indo-Pacific Maritime Coordination Center?
        Admiral Aquilino. Fusion centers are critical enablers for
    strengthening our alliances, enhancing partnerships, and coordinating
    regional understanding of key issues associated with transnational
    threats and malign influence. These centers allow us to build trust and
    improve understanding of each partner's capabilities for the purpose of
    information sharing in a multilateral forum. Fusion centers send an
    unambiguous signal to the region of U.S. commitment and support for
    issues of common concern.
                                     ______

        [The nomination reference of Admiral John C. Aquilino, USN
    follows:]

        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                     ______

        [The biographical sketch of Admiral John C. Aquilino, USN,
    which was transmitted to the Committee at the time the
    nomination was referred, follows:]

        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                    ------

        [The Committee on Armed Services requires certain senior
    military officers nominated by the President to positions
    requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a
    form that details the biographical, financial, and other
    information of the nominee. The form executed by Admiral John
    C. Aquilino, USN in connection with his nomination follows:]

        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                     ______

        [The nominee responded to Parts B-E of the Committee
    questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in
    the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-E
    are contained in the Committee's executive files.]

        [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                     ______

        [The nomination of Admiral John C. Aquilino, USN was
    reported to the Senate by Chairman Reed on April 15, 2021, with
    the recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The
    nomination was confirmed by the Senate on April 21, 2021.]

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