WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today that Admiral Michael Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations, has assured her that a U.S. Navy ship will pay a port visit to the City of Belfast during the 59th annual Bay Festival, to be held in late July. Details regarding the name of the particular ship will be released in the near future. “I am thrilled that the Navy will once again honor our great state of Maine with this port visit during the historic Bay Festival in Belfast,” Senator Collins said. “These visits afford those who serve the U.S. Navy and the citizens they protect an opportunity to come together during these wonderful summer festivities. 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 Bay Festival is held annually in Belfast, and it is the city’s oldest running festival. This year, the festival will be held from July 20th through July 23rd at either the shore of the City Park or the City Landing area. The festivities will include live entertainment, arts, vendors, a carnival, parade on Saturday, and live fireworks over the bay on Saturday evening.