Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after co-chairing the joint Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee hearing today on the underlying problems associated with the collisions of the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain:

“Today’s hearing allowed Congress and the American people to hear directly from Navy leadership regarding the tragic events surrounding the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain. Both Congress and the Navy acknowledged shortcomings and reaffirmed their commitment to improve deficiencies in many areas, specifically training for our sailors and maintenance for our ships. Moving forward, the Navy’s internal investigation along with its independent review will shed light on both collisions and give further guidance for actionable steps to improve the safety and operational effectiveness of our ships and sailors at sea.”

The hearing took place September 7, 2017 and was titled Navy Readiness – Underlying Problems Associated with the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain. Witnesses included Admiral Bill Moran, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Rear Admiral Ron Boxall, Director of Surface Warfare, and John Pendleton, Director of Defense Force Structure and Readiness Issues at the Government Accountability Office. Mr. Wittman’s opening remarks can be found here along with a recording of the full hearing.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.