Representative Young Meets with Armed Forces Leaders

Today, Representative C.W. Bill Young held meetings with several branches of our armed services.  First, Representative Young was briefed on the current disposition of Naval and Marine forces and the future of the Naval Force during a meeting with the Honorable Ray Mabus, the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, the Chief of Naval Operations, and General James Amos, the Commandant of the Marine Corps.  Secretary Mabus assured Representative Young that our Naval and Marine forces are now, and will continue to be, the benchmark of excellence that other nations will strive to replicate the United States of America.  Representative Young thanked his guests for their hard work and continued service to our citizens, Sailors, and Marines. He further promised to fight the ensuing budget battle to ensure our forces are funded according to their requirements to protect our nation, and not arbitrary guidelines. Representative Young remains dedicated to the defense the defense of this great nation and is fighting for those who fight for and protect us daily.  On March 1st, Representative Young will chair a hearing with Secretary Mabus, Admiral Greenert and General Amos on the Navy and Marine Corps Budget.

Later, Representative Young met with General James D. Thurman, Commander of United States Forces Korea for an in depth assessment of the security situation on the Korean peninsula.  General Thurman thanked Representative Young for his undying commitment to our Servicemen abroad. Representative Young discussed the effort of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command to go into North Korea this year to conduct recovery operations. This will be the first time since 2005 that American Forces have been allowed back into North Korea to conduct these types of operations.  Representative Young thanked General Thurman for his leadership and commitment to our nation. He promised to do whatever is necessary to ensure that every American Serviceman feels the full support of Congress while they are at the far corners of the world upholding democracy. On March 27th, Representative Young will chair a hearing with General Thurman on U.S. Pacific Command and Korea.