Manchin Questions Air Force Leadership on Ukraine Air Defense, Space National Guard

Statement

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today questioned the Honorable Frank Kendall III, Secretary of the Air Force, General Charles Q. Brown, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and General John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations. Senator Manchin questioned the witnesses about air defense and security in Ukraine against Putin's invasion and the establishment of the Space National Guard.

On air defense in Ukraine against Putin's invasion:

"From a professional level, with Putin's war on Ukraine and the air war that's going on there, there's a perception of a lack of defense and a lack of force coming from Ukraine. People have criticized, why we don't get more involved, why don't we give complete support of air retaliation...Can you speak on that? If you evaluate what Russia has done, why is Ukraine not flying the planes that they have, but they're asking for more and they want air cover?" Senator Manchin questioned in part.

On the establishment of the Space National Guard:

"General Raymond, you have one of the smallest uniformed services within the Department of Defense, and I know you're actively getting the best of the best. Where do you stand on the Space National Guard? There are a lot of talented people all over this country. I know with the West Virginia National Guard, they're ready to go. How are you looking at that?" Senator Manchin continued. "We're very proud of the West Virginia National Guard and they do an unbelievable job. There is so much talent is coming from different arenas."

A video of Senator Manchin's questioning of the witnesses can be found here.

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