At a hearing today of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL) questioned the Secretary of the Army John McHugh and the Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno about the Army’s short- and long-term plans for the Anniston Army Depot’s workload.
“The Anniston Army Depot is the most efficient, most productive facility in the Department. Our entire community has worked hard through tough budget times to make sure ANAD maintains and expands its workload – all to ensure our men and women in uniform have the best possible resources to support their missions. With important decisions ahead, I want to make sure the Army’s leadership understands without a doubt that ANAD is their premiere production and maintenance facility,” Rogers said.
In response to Rogers’ later questioning regarding future vehicle work Secretary of the Army John McHugh agreed with Rogers’ assertion of ANAD’s efficiency, noting the “advantages and competitive success that Anniston has demonstrated.”
During the hearing, Rogers warned the Army against any plans to move workload from ANAD to prop up under-performing facilities in the Army system. Rogers also impressed upon the Army that ANAD should be the home of any new combat vehicles the Army plans to buy.
Nathan Hill, military liaison for the Calhoun Chamber of Commerce, agreed.  “Congressman Rogers is exactly right. ANAD is one of the most efficient installations in the Army, and we need to make sure it stays that way. All of our community’s stakeholders need to continue to speak with one voice and keep up the fight for the Depot.”
After the hearing, Rogers also said the Depot “does an outstanding job supporting our warfighters and because of its efficient and dedicated workforce. The simple fact is the Depot provides a great deal for the taxpayer and second-to-none support for the Army.”  
Rogers serves as Chairman of the Strategic Forces subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee and is a senior member of the Homeland Security and Agriculture committees.
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