COLLINS REACTS TO DEFENSE DEPARTMENT BASE CLOSURE REPORT

"Our military is in the middle of major ongoing operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in the Global War on Terrorism. Since we anticipate that our armed forces will be engaged in these complex and high priority missions for a number of years, I question whether it is wise to uproot bases and create major changes among established military units and support installations.

"The report discusses cost savings in the out-years but fails to address the tremendous initial cost of closing down bases and realigning forces. It seems the money and manpower that would be needed to accomplish these changes might be better utilized if directed toward continuing ongoing operations.

"I do not believe that this force structure plan has any immediate impact on our efforts to ensure that Brunswick Naval Air Station and Kittery Portsmouth Shipyard remain operational. BNAS provides invaluable support to military operations overseas and KPNS workers are among the best in the world when it comes to the maintenance and support of our submarine fleet. As the base closure and realignment process moves forward, I continue to work with the other members of the Maine and New Hampshire Congressional Delegations to keep BNAS and KPNS open.

"I have spoken with Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Navy Secretary Gordon England to ensure that they are aware of the important and unique contributions that BNAS and KPNS contribute to our country's military and homeland security. I have also discussed with them my concerns that the shipbuilding workload at Bath Iron Works remains constant as the fleet transitions to a newer class of Navy ships."

A copy of the Department of Defense's Force Structure Plan is available online at: