WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today met with Dr. Ashton Carter in advance of his confirmation hearing to be the new Secretary of Defense.

“Dr. Carter and I had a candid conversation about a wide range of strategic and management challenges that he could face as Secretary of Defense,” Wicker said. “He has a strong command of national security policy, and I hope that he uses that experience to offer bold advice and honest counsel to the President.

“I also spoke to Dr. Carter about issues critical to Mississippi. I was pleased with his answers about the need to have a robust shipbuilding budget, which is vital to our nation’s ability to project power throughout the world. Our world-class shipbuilding facilities on the Gulf Coast are prepared to deliver the warships necessary for our Navy and Marine Corps troops to continue fulfilling their missions.

“We discussed the possibility of the Air Force reversing its shortsighted decision to transfer C-130J aircraft from Keesler Air Force Base. These planes are a vital part of our intra-theater airlift capability. I made it clear to him that I will continue to fight the Air Force’s proposal to make these indefensible long-term force structure changes.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to begin its deliberation of Dr. Carter’s nomination in early February.