SENATOR COLLINS TO MEET WITH PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD OFFICIALS

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Susan Collins will join fellow members of Maine and New Hampshire's Congressional Delegation in a meeting at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) with high-ranking members of the US Navy to discuss the status of the shipyard and the Navy's plan for the shipyard's future. The meeting is scheduled from 10:00-11:00am on Monday, September 15th. Press availability will take place following the meeting, outside the shipyard front gate. Also attending the meeting are Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and John Sununu (R-NH) and Representatives Tom Allen (D-ME) and Jeb Bradley (R-NH).

"The men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are leading the Navy in terms of efficiency and productivity in maintenance operations. The expertise they possess, along with the commitment and dedication they demonstrate daily, are critical elements of the Navy's fleet support team," said Senator Collins. "With another round of military base closures scheduled for 2005, I intend to do everything possible to protect the skilled team we have here and ensure the long term viability of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard."

Navy officials will present to Congressional members, the Navy's position and expectation for PNS. They will discuss the maintenance requirements of the submarine fleet and answer members' questions. Navy representatives will include Rear Admiral William Klemm, Deputy Commander for Logistics, Maintenance and Industrial Operations, Naval Sea Systems Command and Captain Kevin McCoy, PNS Shipyard Commander.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery is one of four remaining publicly owned shipyards in the nation. It is the most experienced naval shipyard in submarine design, construction, modernization, and maintenance, and has a key role in the very-deep ocean submersible and special operations arenas. Today the Shipyard's primary mission is the overhaul, repair, modernization, and refueling of LOS ANGELES Class nuclear powered submarines. It is currently the planning yard for the Navy's deepest diving submarine and submersible as well as other scientific research, defense prototype testing, and submerged rescue platforms.