WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter will be visiting Bath Iron Works on June 17. Senator Collins requested that Secretary Winter visit the facility. Dugan Shipway, the President of Bath Iron Works, had asked Senator Collins to urge Secretary Winter to visit Bath to meet with the dedicated shipbuilders and to tour the infrastructure improvements that have allowed the shipyard to become even more productive.
“I am delighted that Secretary Winter has accepted my invitation to see our nation’s finest shipyard, and I know he will be impressed with the work of the dedicated men and women of Bath Iron Works,” Senator Collins said. “BIW is an extraordinary asset to the Navy, and it is always an honor to have the Secretary tour the yard.”
Senator Collins’ letter inviting Secretary Winter follows:
May 14, 2008
Dear Secretary Winter:
I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit Bath Iron Works and the wonderful men and women who build the finest surface combatants in the world. The christening of USS STOCKDALE on Saturday, May 10th, was a great reminder of how important the work done in Bath, Maine, is to the continued defense of freedom throughout the world.
I think you will be amazed at the investments Bath Iron Works has made in its facilities to ensure they remain on the cutting edge of shipbuilding for years to come. The new “ultra hull” facility now allows Bath Iron Works to assemble even larger modular units inside, protected from the elements. This new facility has increased productivity at the yard. Bath Iron Works has achieved significant cost saving progress since your last visit in January 2006 and will play a key role in the success of the DDG-1000 program. Please join me in Maine and see the world’s finest shipyard.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins
United States Senate
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