Seapower & Projection Forces + Readiness: Posture of the Mobility Enterprise

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee held a joint hearing on March 18, 2026, focusing on the posture and readiness of the U.S. military's mobility enterprise, including airlift and sealift capabilities. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the recapitalization and sustainment of critical fleets such as the KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft, the C-17 cargo planes, and the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) sealift vessels. Witnesses highlighted challenges including aging fleets, limited U.S.-flagged commercial cargo capacity, and the need for integrated maritime and logistics strategies. The hearing emphasized the importance of government cargo programs like the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Tanker Security Program (TSP) to maintain surge sealift capacity, while noting constraints due to insufficient government cargoes and commercial viability. The discussion also covered the impact of the Jones Act and concerns over a recent waiver request, as well as the development of a National Maritime Strategy and the SHIPS Act to support U.S. shipbuilding and maritime workforce. Members and witnesses underscored the need for congressional support in funding recapitalization efforts, improving mariner credentialing, enhancing connectivity for deployed forces, and ensuring robust medical airlift capabilities. Several action items included continuing investment in fleet recapitalization, exploring cargo access solutions, and advancing legislative measures to strengthen the maritime industrial base and logistics readiness.