Officials Detail Combat Aviation Priorities at House Hearing

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2018 —

Senior Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force leaders outlined priorities for combat aviation during a House Armed Services Committee hearing here yesterday.

Speaking for Navy and Marine Corps aviation, Navy Vice Admiral Paul A. Grosklags, commander of Naval Air Systems Command, told committee members he believes the DoD budget agreement covering fiscal years 2018 and 2019 is aligned with and supports the National Defense Strategy in rebuilding military readiness while providing a more lethal force.

“The lethality which naval aviation brings to bear in support of our nation's interest will be greatly enhanced by the increase procurement numbers for aircraft and weapons, increased investment in the development of new and advanced capabilities and increased funding of our critical readiness and sustainment accounts,” Grosklags said.

Marine Corps, Navy Aviation Priorities

Grosklags provided aviation priorities for the Marine Corps and Navy.

For the Marine Corps:

— F-35 Lightning II aircraft procurement and sustainment;

— CH-53K King Stallion helicopter development and continuation of low rate initial production;

— Marine air-ground task force unmanned expeditionary capability, also known as MUX;

— Completion of the H-1 upgrades procurement program featuring UH-1Y “Venom” and AH-1Z “Viper” helicopters, the next generation of Marine…