During a visit to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery today, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe paid tribute to the shipyard employees she has worked with over her nearly four decades of service in the U.S. Congress. Senator Snowe was invited to the shipyard to take part in their “Moes on the Mall” event, which was the kick-off of the shipyard’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for the United Way. During a ceremony, Senator Snowe was presented with an Ensign of the United States of America by Shipyard Commander, U.S. Navy Captain L. B. Fuller. She was also presented with a plaque honoring her for her years of service by Trevor Thayer, President of the Kittery Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s Chapter of the National Association of Superintendents of U.S. Naval Shore Establishments.

The following are excerpts from Senators Snowe’s speech, as prepared for delivery:

“Let me just assure each and every one of you, that for every waking day of the rest of my life, I will never, ever forget what all of you have done to make Portsmouth Naval Shipyard indispensible to our nation’s defense. You are simply the best.

“You embody the ideal of ‘professionalism’ each and every day, and that is why this shipyard is critical to the security of our nation and the Navy of our future.  This is not only a national historical treasure, but also a vital national asset with a proven ability to produce a culture of innovation, efficiency, and transformation – and most of all, a one-of-a-kind workforce that is second to none. 

“That is why in each of the five base closure rounds since 1988, we’ve not only fought together to defend this great shipyard, but we have prevailed.  And thanks to all of you, who made the case for saving this yard with your astonishing deeds and dedication, to this day the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard remains, in the words of the BRAC Commission, ‘the gold-standard’ for naval shipyards.  That’s the distinction your sweat, blood, and toil have earned – and no one can ever take that away from you.

“And earlier this year, this shipyard triumphed once again -- after flames broke out on the USS MIAMI and so many heroic first responders and workers summoned uncommon bravery to respond swiftly, courageously, and decisively under the most intense and dangerous of conditions.  And today, we can celebrate the recent, fantastic news that the U.S. Navy has officially committed to repairing the MIAMI right here at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.  When it came to fixing this boat, clearly the Navy recognized the superiority of your work and the highest caliber of your craftsmanship – and I have no doubt that, under your watch, the USS MIAMI will turn out not only as good as new, but better than new.”

Photos are courtesy of Jeremy Lambert of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's Public Affairs Office.