The commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Timothy J. Keating, testified before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Mar. 24, responding to a wide range of questions that spanned the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility.
When responding to questions regarding his top concern in the region, Adm. Keating said that an area on which PACOM continues to focus is countering the spread of violent extremism. He noted that significant progress has been made by working with partners and allies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
He also highlighted the dramatic decline in piracy in the Strait of Malacca - to less than five incidents last year - as a result of funding, training, and dialogue that have allowed neighboring countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and now Thailand to collaborate closer and enjoy greater success with improved safety and security in this critical chokepoint.
Other issues addressed during the testimony included the planned move of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, missile defense, India and Pakistan, the USNS Impeccable incident, and the status of military-to-military relations with China.
Adm. Keating’s prepared statement, which was submitted to the HASC, addresses all of the broader issues raised during the testimony. Video of the complete session is available on the HASC website. View Part 1 and Part 2.
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