Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Electric Boat in Groton Feb. 24, alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Chris Murphy and Congressman Joe Courtney, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.
“Today’s visit was a critical reminder of how important it is for the United States to invest in our submarine fleet and industrial base to make sure we are prepared for decades to come,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. Our Navy is in good hands.”
“I’ll use this opportunity— and every other chance— to advocate for full investment in our submarine program, including funding for a second sub next year,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Our nation and the skilled, dedicated workers making those subs deserve that certainty. I look forward to working with the Navy to ensure robust funding to support the submarine fleet and the defense industrial base this budget cycle.”
The visitors stopped at the COATS facility for a tour of the Command and Control System Module (CCSM) Off-Hull Assembly and Test Site. They also toured Bldg. 260, with stops at PCU Oregon (SSN 793), PCU Rickover (SSN 795) and USS South Dakota, currently undergoing PSA in Graving Dock 2. The group also learned about the future Columbia facility underway in the South Yard.
“Today’s visit comes at an important time for our region and for the Navy, and I can attest that Admiral Gilday saw a shipyard that is ready to execute our nation’s undersea priorities,” Chairman Courtney said. “Right now, the shipyard is a beehive of activity supporting the two attack submarines per year in our Virginia-class program, as well as the commencement this year on production of the new Columbia-class program. We saw today a highly skilled workforce up to the task of meeting the Navy’s priorities.”
“The incredible work our Sailors and Electric Boat workforce are doing here ensures our submarine fleet is prepared to accomplish their critical mission,” said Gilday. “Their expertise and commitment to our Navy is essential to keeping us lethal and ready to fight.”
