Hirono: Marine Corps Resources Must Evolve to Meet Global Needs

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, received an update on several programs to modernize Marine Corps ground combat and tactical vehicles. Senator Hirono called for continued innovation and testing of technology to support Marines in Hawaii and around the world. This hearing is part of a series Senator Hirono will attend as the Armed Services Committee considers the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets Department of Defense funding levels.

“In the years to come, these Marines will continue to be an integral part of supporting our strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Senator Hirono. “Given the evolving nature of the threats we face, it is also crucial that our Marines remain ready and capable to address contingencies at a moment’s notice. We owe it to these men and women to ensure that the resources are available for training and readiness activities and to ensure they have the best, most advanced, and fully functional equipment to get the job done.”

Witnesses from the Marine Corps answered questions on the development and testing of amphibious and ground vehicles that will replace vehicle models that have been used for up to 40 years. The Third Marine Regiment at Marine Corps Base Hawaii is scheduled to receive approximately 300 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) in 2020. The JLTV is being developed to replace the Humvee.

Click on the photo above to watch Senator Hirono’s opening statement

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