SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES USS DE WERT TO VISIT BUCKSPORT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today that the U.S.S. De Wert, a guided missile fast frigate, will pay a port visit to Bucksport from July 27th through July 31st during the annual Downeast Gateway Festival.  The U.S.S. De Wert is named in honor of Hospitalman Richard De Wert, a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor in the Korean War, who exhibited great heroism in administering first aid during combat to fallen Marines before himself being killed in action.               “I am very pleased that the Navy will once again honor our great state of Maine with this port visit during Bucksport’s Downeast Gateway Festival,” Senator Collins said.  “The presence of the U.S.S. De Wert will afford those who serve the U.S. Navy and the citizens they protect an opportunity to come together during this summer celebration.  As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am time and again moved by this proud American tradition, and I thank the U.S. Navy for making this visit possible.”                The Downeast Gateway Festival (formerly the Fort Knox Bay Festival) is held annually in Bucksport to honor the area’s rich maritime heritage.  This year, the festival will take place on July 28th and 29th.