With regard to today's discussion about Brunswick Naval Air Station, Senator Collins said, "It is a positive that the Department of Defense has acknowledged the strategic advantages of BNAS and that its characteristics make it an essential part of current and future homeland defense missions." She said that BNAS's location makes it a critical link in our overall national security since it provides the Navy with the ability to monitor ships coming in from Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
Last year, Senator Collins supported legislation that prohibits DoD from "mothballing", or placing bases in an inactive status. Senator Collins called it "encouraging" that Commissioners are asking why BNAS was recommended for realignment in light of that legislation.
In reference to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Senator Collins said, "The Commission is right in closely examining how the Navy determined that it would save money by closing PNSY. We have long argued that DoD did not follow its own criteria when making the recommendation to close PNSY. PNSY has the ability to return more ships to the Navy's fleet in a shorter period of time than any other shipyard. It makes no sense to close Portsmouth."
Following its discussion on DFAS facilities, Senator Collins said, "DoD has still not adequately justified why DFAS Limestone should be closed. In fact, during today's hearing, discussions focused on how, in consolidating DFAS, it would be more cost-effective to keep the work in the lower cost, smaller communities, such as Limestone. We have demonstrated that expanding operations at Limestone actually would save DoD more money than their own proposal would," Senator Collins said.
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