"The Maine and New Hampshire delegations stand united in our strong support for the shipyard, which has set new productivity records in overhauling and refueling submarines," Senator Collins said. "The meeting this morning with Admiral Klemm was a critical initial step in preparing to defend the shipyard during the upcoming base closure and realignment process."
Senator Collins also spoke with shipyard workers, including Union Presidents Terry Eleftherion (International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers), Donald Hands (American Federation of Government Employees), Paul O''Connor (Federal Employees Metal Trades Council), and Donald Shaw (International Association of Firefighters).
"I was particularly pleased to hear Admiral Klemm discuss the unique skills of the shipyard employees - skills that are vital to maintaining our Naval fleet," Senator Collins said.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery is one of four remaining publicly owned shipyards in the nation. It is the most experienced naval shipyard in submarine design, construction, modernization, and maintenance, and has a key role in the very-deep ocean submersible and special operations arenas. Today the Shipyard's primary mission is the overhaul, repair, modernization, and refueling of LOS ANGELES Class nuclear powered submarines. It is currently the planning yard for the Navy's deepest diving submarine and submersible as well as other scientific research, defense prototype testing, and submerged rescue platforms.