NORMAN — An Oklahoma senator today raised questions about North Korea’s nuclear capabilities during nomination hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today questioned nominees for Commander of the Pacific Command and for Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Considered for the Pacific Command post was Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III; for the Corps of Engineers was Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick.

 Inhofe questioned Locklear on North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, the quality of our nation’s intelligence gathering in North Korean, and the importance of key defense programs.

“For decades, the pacific region has long been plagued with instability — especially in the country of North Korea,” Inhofe said. “During today’s hearing, Admiral Locklear confirmed that the challenge of intelligence gathering on North Korea still exists, making it all the more important to have a robust and layered missile defense to protect the United States.”

Inhofe continued, “The United States is a global power. While the Pacific Command’s area of responsibility is vast and important, we cannot lose focus on other trouble spots such as the Middle East and South America.”

Inhofe also raised the importance of waterway issues with Corps of Engineers candidate Bostick such as the Kerr-McClellan River Navigation System.