ME/NH DELEGATION MEMBERS’ STATEMENT ON DEFENSE DEPARTMEN’S CLOSURE RECOMMENDATION FOR PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD

(Washington, D.C.)---Members of the Maine and New Hampshire Congressional Delegations today issued the following statement on the inclusion of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on the Base Realignment and closure list. The Department of Defense has recommended Portsmouth for closure:

"We are outraged that the Department of Defense has targeted the best shipyard in the nation for closure, but we know that this decision is not final. The Pentagon clearly overlooked vital aspects of the shipyard''s military value and we will work with the Commissioners to ensure that they truly understand that the shipyard and its workforce are irreplaceable national security assets. This effort did not begin today and it will not end today – we will continue to underscore the critical role Portsmouth Naval Shipyard plays in keeping submarines at sea and keeping the Navy prepared for an uncertain future."

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