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Chief of Navy Reserve Testifies Before Senate Subcommittee

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100326-13
Release Date: 3/26/2010 3:21:00 PM

From Chief of Navy Reserve Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of Navy Reserve testified before the Subcommittee on Defense Of the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC-D) March 24 to report on the Navy Reserve's readiness.

This marked the second SAC-D hearing for Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink since taking the helm as Chief of Navy Reserve in July 2008.

Debbink thanked U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Subcommittee chairman, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, Subcommittee vice chairman and the distinguished members of the Defense Subcommittee for the opportunity to appear before them and expressed his appreciation for their "terrific support" for the approximately 65,997 Sailors, and their families, of the Navy Reserve Component.

Debbink's testimony described the programs utilized to ensure the Navy Reserve is a ready and capable force, responsive to the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps team, and joint forces across all spectrums of engagement while providing the necessary support to Sailors and their families, and their employers.

"As I testified on Capitol Hill, I reminded the Committee that on any given day, more than 30 percent of the Navy Reserve is providing support to Department of Defense operations in every corner of the world, shoulder-to-shoulder with Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen," said Debbink. "The Navy Reserve is "Ready Now, Anytime, Anywhere," as our motto, and our Sailors, proudly claim."

While fully engaged in overseas contingency operations, the Navy Reserve was also actively involved in Operation Unified Response in Haiti. During the last two months, more than 950 Reserve Sailors provided more than 21,000 man-days of support to the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Haiti.

"Success in these operations is no accident but rather the result of our Sailors' can-do spirit combined with a supportive chain of command, to include Congress," said Debbink. "Together, we seek to provide our Sailors with the proper training, equipment, and support—both abroad and back home—necessary to ensure their success, and Congress' engagement in these efforts is greatly appreciated."

A central focus of the Navy's manpower strategy is the establishment of a true "Continuum of Service" culture that provides a life and work balance which accommodates individual circumstances while sustaining the inventory of skilled and experienced professionals necessary to meet the Navy's Total Force requirements. The chief of Naval Operations, the chief of Naval Personnel, and Debbink recently signed the Navy's Total Force Vision for the 21st Century.

"This document lays the foundation for Navy to succeed in delivering the human component of our maritime joint warfighting capability," said Debbink. "Recruiting, retaining, and properly employing the right Sailors - active, Reserve and civilians - in the service of our country is an operational and fiscal imperative for continued success of our Navy."

"Our 2011 budget request will enable the Navy Reserve to continue supporting current engagements and maximizes the strategic value of the Navy Reserve as relevant force now and in the future – a force that is valued for its readiness, innovation, agility and accessibility," said Debbink.

"We know the future will call for even greater displays of all these traits. It is a privilege to serve during this important and meaningful time in our nation's defense, especially as a Navy Reservist. On behalf of our Sailors and their families, I thanked the Congress for their continued support and demonstrated commitment to the Navy Reserve and our Navy."