Bordallo Addresses Guam Strike, Global Hawk Program at HASC Posture Hearing on FY14 Air Force Budget

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today received testimony from the Secretary of the Air Force, Michael B. Donley, and General Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, at a full committee posture hearing, held by the House Armed Services Committee, on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget of the U.S. Air Force.

 

The Congresswoman asked about the need for the hardening and dispersal of military assets on Guam as well as funding and technology improvements for runway repairs. She also inquired about how the Air Force plans to sustain the Global Hawk Block 30 program past Fiscal Year 2014, and whether it will use funding provided in the appropriations bill to procure additional 3 Block 30 aircraft.

 

Both leaders said Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) remains a critical installation and agreed with the need to harden structures on the island. Secretary Donley also highlighted the differences between the Congress and the Air Force on the future of the Global Hawk program; he said senior Air Force leaders reviewed the program prior to the release of the FY14 budget and said it was not in their best interest to continue it past fiscal year 2014. Congresswoman Bordallo and other Committee members expressed serious concern about the Air Force review of the program and believe the Global Hawk program should continue past FY14.

 

“For many years, the people of Guam have been very proud of the close relationship they’ve shared with the military community at Andersen Air Force Base,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “While I’m pleased the President’s budget proposal includes significant investments in military construction on Guam, the current missile threat from North Korea highlights the need for hardening Air Force assets in the region. Unfortunately, the Senate has questioned the need for this program on Guam and in other places in the Asia-Pacific region. I do not, however, agree with Air Force’s decision to discontinue the Global Hawk Block 30 program after fiscal year 2014. The Congress has been clear in its position to prohibit the retirement of this important program, which remains a proven platform with continued utility and performs critical ISR missions for the Air Force. I believe there are some common sense solutions that enhance the Block 30 capabilities, and I will work with my colleagues to continue to support this program.”