SENATOR COLLINS MEETS WITH CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Senator Susan Collins, who is a member of the Senate Armed Service Committee, today met with Admiral Michael Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations. During the meeting, Senator Collins and Adm. Mullen discussed the challenges facing the Navy, both today and in the future including the importance of the DD(X) program to meet the military's stated requirements.

During their discussion, Adm. Mullen assured Senator Collins that he is developing a strategic plan to better guide the Navy's shipbuilding requirements, analysis, assumptions, and affordability. Senator Collins expressed her concerns for the need for stability in the nation's shipbuilding budget to provide a more stable, predictable, and steadier workload for our shipbuilders, such as Bath Iron Works.

Adm. Mullen also expressed his continued support for the next-generation destroyer program, the DD(X). In previous discussion with Senator Collins, Adm. Mullen referred to the DD(X) as an "important ship" and "vital to the future" of the U.S. Navy.

In addition, Senator Collins and Adm. Mullen discussed the workload at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the importance of the yard''s efficiency, led by it's skilled workforce, as a true cost-saver for the Navy.

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