WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following updated schedule of public events for the week of May 3 - 7.
Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing: “The AAV Mishap Investigation: How to Build a Culture of Safety to Avoid Preventable Training Accidents”
Monday, May 3, 2021
(11:00am ET – Virtual via WebEx – Open)
Purpose: An unclassified hearing with representatives from the Navy and Marine Corps to discuss in detail the results of the investigation into the July 2020 AAV mishap that led to the loss of nine service members. The witnesses will also discuss how to adapt the findings of this investigation into systemic changes that lower the risk of preventable mishaps and build a culture of safety in the Surface Navy and Marine Corps.
Witnesses:
Panel 1
Peter Vienna
Father of Navy Corpsman Christopher “Bobby” Gnem
Peter Ostrovsky
Father of Pfc. Jack Ostrovsky
Panel 2
General Gary L. Thomas
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener
Commander
Naval Surface Forces
Major General Gregg P. Olson
Staff Director of the Marine Corps
Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations Hearing: “Reviewing Department of Defense Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction for Fiscal Year 2022”
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
(11:00am ET – Virtual via WebEx – Open)
Purpose: The Subcommittee will meet to receive testimony on the Department’s FY22 President’s Budget Request for the Department’s CWMD strategies, policies, priorities, programs, and state of readiness. Additionally, the hearing will provide members an opportunity to examine the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs; the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security; the U.S. Special Operations Command; and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
Witnesses:
The Honorable Jennifer Walsh
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security
Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Dr. Brandi C. Vann, PhD
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs
Vice Admiral Timothy G. Szymanski
Deputy Commander
U.S. Special Operations Command
Dr. Rhys M. Williams
Acting Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Full Committee Hearing: “Member Day”
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
(11:00am ET – 2118 Rayburn/Webex – Open)
Purpose: The Committee will receive testimony from Members on their national defense priorities for the FY22 NDAA. Members will also have an opportunity to offer legislative proposals as amendments when the full House considers the bill. In lieu of testifying in person, Members have the option of submitting a written statement for the record.
Witnesses:
TBD Members of Congress
Subcommittees on Strategic Forces and International Development, International Organizations and Global Corporate Social Impact Hearing: “Creating a Framework for Rules Based Order in Space”
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
(3:00pm ET – Virtual via WebEx – Open)
Purpose: The Subcommittees will convene to discuss why verifiable and enforceable, international rules-based order would be beneficial to govern activities in space. Discussion will focus on areas identified by the Departments of State and Defense regarding establishing norms for conduct in space, and how a rules-based order framework would more clearly define the military’s role when it comes their operations in space. The witnesses will also address aspects of the Outer Space Treaty, implications for commercial and scientific activity, United States priorities on space policy in the United Nations, and the role of international organizations in establishing norms and rules.
Witnesses:
Lt Gen Stephen Whiting
Commander, Space Operations Command
United States Space Force
U.S. Department of Defense
Mr. John D. Hill
Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy
U.S. Department of Defense
Bruce Turner
Senior Bureau Official
Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance
U.S. Department of State
Mr. Jonathan M. Moore
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Subcommittee on Readiness Hearing: “Ship and Submarine Maintenance: Sustainment Considerations for a Changing Fleet”
Thursday, May 6, 2021
(3:00pm ET – Virtual via WebEx – Open)
Purpose: An unclassified hearing with representatives from the Navy to discuss the Navy’s efforts to improve the affordability and timeliness of its ship and submarine maintenance enterprise. The witnesses will also discuss the Navy’s new optimized fleet response plan, COVID-19 impacts to ship and submarine impacts, and its planning for sustaining a reconfigured fleet.
Witnesses:
Vice Admiral William J. Galinis
Commander
Naval Sea Systems Command
Rear Admiral Eric Ver Hage
Director
Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernization (SEA 21)
Naval Sea Systems Command
Rear Admiral Howard B. Markle
Deputy Commander
Logistics, Maintenance, and Industrial Operations (SEA 04)
Naval Sea Systems Command
** MEDIA GUIDANCE **
Given that all public committee events are virtual this week, press RSVPs are not required. All those wishing to watch the hearings should do so using the committee’s YouTube streams, as found on each hearing’s respective webpage.
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