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U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono has been named the ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Seapower, her office announced Thursday.
The post would allow her to oversee matters directly relating to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
In a news release, Hirono said she was looking forward to working with Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the committee’s new chairman, and to “ensure that the Navy and Marine Corps are capable of keeping America and its interests secure.”
“There exists a strong relationship between Hawaii and the Navy and Marine Corps,” Hirono added.
“Hawaii’s role is further enhanced as we continue our nation’s rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.”
The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 200 ships, 600 aircraft, five aircraft carrier strike groups and 140,000 sailors and civilians, while the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific includes two Marine Expeditionary Forces, 86,000 personnel and 640 aircraft, Hirono’s office said.
