Yellowhammer Times

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) questioned Vice Admiral Frank Bradley and Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on their nominations to lead U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), respectively.

The discussion addressed the role of SOCOM in supporting military operations in Panama and Latin America to counter narco-terrorism and secure the southern U.S. border, as well as the strategic importance of maintaining a military presence in Africa.

Tuberville opened by thanking both nominees for their service, stating, “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning.

Thanks [to] both of you. Thanks for what you’ve done for our country over your careers—you and your family. What a sacrifice it’s been, but you’ve done an outstanding job.”

Addressing SOCOM’s efforts against narco-terrorists, Tuberville asked about ongoing operations in the hemisphere: “Admiral, I think [for] far too long, we’ve had our eyes on other things and not on our hemisphere—whether it’s illegal migrants, drugs, or both. So, what is [the] Special Operations community doing to assist the militaries and governments in our hemisphere like Panama to combat narco-terrorists?”

Bradley responded that while he is not privy to all current activities in the Southern Hemisphere, partnerships remain crucial: “Senator, in my current capacity, I’m not privy to all of the activities that SOCOM is engaged in, in the Southern Hemisphere. But in listening and watching General Fenton and his leadership over these last three years, I know that the partnerships that our teams have been engaging in and developing remain critical to being able to help them build capacity, to be able to defend themselves, but also to provide security locally, which, of course, helps to prevent and secure our Southern border as well.”

Tuberville referenced challenges at the Darién Gap region between Colombia and Panama—a known route for migration—and emphasized ongoing cooperation with Latin American partners: “Yeah, I’m sure you’re up on the point of the Darién Gap and the problems that’s caused over the years, and relationship with our Special Ops down in that area—training people—that will probably be in your forte going forward. What’s your thoughts about cooperation activities with Latin America as [you’re] going into this job?”

Bradley replied: “Yes, sir. I think as the counterterrorism fight informs us, it is far better to find the root of the problem well away from our borders than it is to have to defend them internal to the United States. And so if confirmed making it a priority to provide assistance to all of our combatant commanders as far forward as possible, and with those partnered forces to help them be able to secure their own territory.”

On Africa policy under previous administrations—including withdrawal from Airbase 201 in Niger—Tuberville asked Anderson about lessons learned: “Yeah, and we have problems all over the world. But if we don’t watch our back door then we’re gonna [really have] problems within our country which we already have. General I think we need to be reinforcing our military presence in Africa. Unfortunately under the previous administration we seemed like we were doing just the opposite... China Russia Iran were all too happy to feel [sic] things that we were doing there... What’s your assessment of our withdrawal from Airbase 201? And have we learned from these lessons? And your thoughts about maybe future there?”

Anderson described Airbase 201's significance for monitoring threats across volatile regions: “Senator I appreciate that question and there was a significant investment that went into that airbase... It was in a key area for us... So loss of that is one that we have to find creative ways... There is some volatility across continent... relationships built with Niger military are still there... when time is right—I believe there will be an opportunity but time will have be determined... If confirmed I'll look at what that is.”

Tuberville further pressed Anderson on why continued engagement matters: “Yeah after your confirmation I guess by telling committee and people even watching at home—why do we need have [a] presence in Africa? What [are] your thoughts?”

Anderson pointed out Africa's strategic location between major waterways such as Gibraltar Strait and Suez Canal; its resources; competition from China and Russia; U.S.'s unique credibility; recent hostage rescue operations; and deterrence value: “So Africa is key... It’s just on strategic terrain... waterways ... critical minerals ... Both China Russia see their strategies going through continent ... nobody brings more credibility ... As matter fact when rescued hostage Niger next morning influential blogger posted ‘The Americans came like lion night...’ No other nation Earth could do that ... some level engagement does matter ... small investment goes long way so don’t have strategic surprise then distracts United States focusing rising threats Pacific other areas.”

Senator Tuberville closed by thanking participants.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama on several Senate committees including Armed Services.