Posted on 03/09/2005 7:12:39 PM PST by Former Military Chick
WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain said he has serious concerns about the current and planned U.S. military presence in the Pacific and said operations in Iraq and Afghanistan “may be mortgaging our future.”
The comments came as Adm. William J. Fallon, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command and Army Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, Commander of United States Forces Korea, testified before Congress on Tuesday to discuss their operational plans related to the 2006 defense budget.
McCain called the Middle East operations “legitimate demands” but said he worries that not enough attention is being paid to the military’s ability to react to China and North Korea, the next “challenges” the U.S. military will face.
The Arizona Republican criticized the military for not yet determining if Japan will allow a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace the USS Kitty Hawk when it is decommissioned in 2008, and he said the total number of ships in the region has dropped too quickly in the last several years.
“I think most of us who appreciate history recognize the importance of sea power not only in conflicts but for presence,” McCain said.
“Every president, Republican or Democrat, his first call is for a carrier task force to go wherever there is a crisis. I don’t mean to denigrate the role of the Army or Marines or Air Force or anyone else.
“Traditionally we’ve had to rely, particularly in the Pacific, on naval presence,” McCain said.
“I’m specifically concerned about the drawdown in this area of the world. This is a situation perhaps we’re not preparing for adequately.”
Fallon, who assumed command of PACOM less than two weeks ago, said force posture and response will be a top priority for him.
He said even with the planned reductions, today’s naval forces have greater efficiency than ever before and will be able to perform their duties.
That drew a rebuke from McCain.
“I appreciate that increased capability, but if they’re in San Diego it’s difficult to use it,” he told Fallon.
Fallon said the carrier issue will be a major part of the posture discussions but did not comment on Defense Department plans to retire the fleet’s other non-nuclear carrier, the USS Kennedy, because of budget concerns.
He did promise to take up the carrier issue with the Japanese government “very soon.”
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, echoed McCain’s comments to focus on the future of the Pacific forces but said he expects this year’s Base Relocation and Closure study and Quadrennial Defense Review will shape those decisions.
McCain is pandering to his constituency-the Washington Press Corps.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
And where is he wrong?
I don't like McCain very much at all but I agree with him on this issue.
He's right to bring this up.
McCain is such a kvetcher. A damned whinger!
Christ! I wish for once he could keep his damned mouth shut.
Good point, zarf. McCain brings up some legitimate issues. Now, I personally don't agree with him--naval power is over-rated for deterrrence and of very limited value against our current enemies. But the whole idea of examining our global readiness with air, sea, and ground forces in the context of our war on terror commitments--as McCain was doing--is exactly what our government leaders should be working on.
Where was McCain and the other GOP leaders when Clinton was gutting the military
Ditto. The developments with China are huge. I'm a solid Bush supporter, but we are doing without the increase in manpower and ships that may be needed to deter China. One of Reagan's great achievements was building up a great navy.
"I wish for once he could keep his damned mouth shut."
Why? You don't think we need to maintain our naval strength around the world?
What would be accomplished by ignoring the situation and not asking the questions that need asking?
"but said he worries that not enough attention is being paid to the military’s ability to react to China and North Korea, the next “challenges” the U.S. military will face."
Senator, our primary/immediate concerns are in the mideast. We cannot be everywhere at the same time. So, we concentrate forces where the need is greatest and reduce them elsewhere. This is called "economy of force."
Indeed, we are taking a risk, but I consider it a necessary one. Also, realistically speaking, could we really take on Red China? Not without using nuclear weapons. So, concentrating large amounts of conventional forces in the Pacific might not be a good idea.
"Where was McCain and the other GOP leaders when Clinton was gutting the military"
Gen. Powell drew up the blueprint for the drawdown of our military and President Bush approved it. Clinton made additional reductions but the major gutting was already in progress when he took office.
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