"I am disappointed the Defense Department did not incorporate any of the requested revisions, that were suggested by members of Congress and the public, in the final set of BRAC criteria. I will continue to work to ensure that Brunswick Naval Air Station and Kittery Portsmouth Naval Shipyard have the full and long-term support of the U.S. military.
"As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have discussed with officials at the highest levels of the military, including Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Navy Secretary Gordon England, the contributions BNAS and PNS make to the military and homeland security, the high-level of skill and dedication demonstrated by their workers, and their importance to the local communities. The workers at both facilities can be assured that I will continue to fight for their best interests as the BRAC process moves forward."
Senator Collins met with Navy Secretary England in her office on Capitol Hill yesterday and with Defense Secretary Rumsfeld at the Capitol last week. The sustainability of BNAS and PNS were among the issues they discussed, as Senator Collins emphasized the military and ship making priorities for Maine.