As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have always worked to support our troops and their families. The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), recently signed into law by the President, not only strengthens our military, but also will benefit Maine's economy and help create good-paying jobs at time when they are desperately needed. Maine's contributions to our national security stretch from Kittery to Limestone and affect workers in every one of Maine's 16 counties.
The NDAA will provide essential training, equipment, and support to our troops as they engage in combat overseas and in exercises at home. The legislation will provide critical force protection to our men and women in uniform; help restore our military's readiness; and continue the development of technologies to counter existing and emerging threats. It also includes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay increase for service members, half a percent above the President's budget request.
The new law authorizes $1 billion in funding for construction of the third DDG-1000 and honors the agreement the Navy negotiated to build all three ships at Bath Iron Works (BIW). The Pentagon's preference to have BIW build all three of the DDG-1000s demonstrates confidence in BIW, will help ensure a more even workload for the shipyard, and should also help to stabilize production costs for the Navy.
That confidence was also demonstrated last May when Defense Secretary Robert Gates accepted my invitation to tour BIW, the first official tour of our shipyard by a defense secretary since the 1950s. Secretary Gates said that what impressed him most during his tour was BIW's ability to innovate and the pride and professionalism of its workforce. Maine has a long and proud history of innovation and creativity, and BIW represents Maine ingenuity at its best. Secretary Gates's statement that the men and women of BIW will have consistent work for years into the future was a very welcome acknowledgement of the yard's accomplishments.
In addition, the defense legislation authorizes $2.2 billion for continued DDG-51 procurement and nearly $150 million for the DDG-51 modernization program.
The 2010 Defense Authorization Act also includes funding for many other defense-related projects that will benefit Maine, our economy, and our national security.
The bill authorizes $28 million for a new Aircraft Hangar at the Bangor Air National Guard base. This new hangar is essential for the Maine Air National Guard and will replace the 55-year-old building the Guard now uses. With the construction of a new hangar, the Maine Air Guard will be able to better maintain its aircraft.
The bill also authorizes $7.1 million for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to be used for security improvements at Gate #2. It provides funding for the highly skilled workers at Saco Defense to continue producing weapons to equip our troops and for the masterful employees at the Pratt and Whitney plant in North Berwick which manufactures jet engines.
I am delighted to have successfully secured language in this bill that will allow the Department of Defense to consider transferring excess military property at a reduced cost, or even make no-cost transfers, to communities hurt by base closures, such as Brunswick. This provision is critical to the timely and successful redevelopment of Brunswick Naval Air Station, and I hope the Department will use this authority.
This bill authorizes nearly $6 million for the University of Maine. This funding will support continued research and development of low-cost, high performance troop protection equipment at the University's Advanced Structure and Composite Center.
This will provide crucial protection to service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Funding will also support continued research and development of high-tech sensors currently underway at small businesses in Orono, blast protection technology being developed at Tex Tech Industries in North Monmouth, and exciting design and manufacturing of an unmanned tank called the "Ripsaw" at Howe and Howe in Eliot. This company, which already employs 15 people, recently announced plans to expand in Waterboro and hire additional employees.
The National Defense Authorization Act provides vital resources to our troops and our nation. It also boosts Maine's economy by recognizing the enormous contributions made by our state to our national security.