U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently questioned Admiral Michael Mullen during his confirmation hearing to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During the hearing, Admiral Mullen expressed his continued support for a 313-ship Navy, which Senator Collins also strongly supports. In addition, Admiral Mullen praised Senator Collins for her continued support of Maine’s shipbuilding industry. Admiral Mullen currently serves as the Chief Naval Officer (CNO) and has worked with Senator Collins on a number of issues related to national security and shipbuilding. During his responses to Senator Collins’ questioning, Admiral Mullen referred to Bath Iron Works, as well as the men and women of Maine who build the Navy’s ships, as a “national treasure.”
“Admiral Mullen assured me that, if confirmed as military Joint Chiefs of Staff, he would continue to support the plan for a 313-ship Navy,” said Senator Collins. “I have consistently urged the Administration to prepare a budget that would begin to restore the nation’s shrinking U.S. Navy fleet. I believe the Administration should provide increased and consistent shipbuilding funding in order to enable Congress, the Navy, and the shipbuilding industrial base, including Bath Iron Works, to plan for the future, increase the size of the fleet, lower costs, and maintain a stable and skilled shipbuilding workforce.”
During the hearing, Admiral Mullen recognized Senator Collins for her continued support for shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works. “In particular, for your continued support for the shipyard which is so special to us in building our new ships and all of the citizens of Maine who do that and do that so well. They are national treasures,” said Admiral Mullen.
The Senate Armed Services Committee could vote on Admiral Mullen’s nomination later this week.