Ayotte Highlights Outstanding Performance of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as Attack Submarine Maintenance Center of Excellence
Nominee to be next U.S. Pacific Command Commander accepts Ayotte invitation to visit shipyard
WASHINGTON, DC - At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) highlighted the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's outstanding performance as the Navy's center of excellence for fast attack submarine maintenance, modernization, and repair. Following up on her formal invitation to him in November, Senator Ayotte publicly invited Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., the current Commander of the Pacific Fleet and nominee to be the next U.S. Pacific Command Commander, to visit the shipyard to see firsthand the exceptional work being done there - an invitation the Admiral said he would accept immediately if confirmed.
During the hearing, Ayotte said, "We are very proud of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the work done by the very talented and trained workers there."
As proof of the shipyard's superior performance, Ayotte highlighted the following during the hearing:
• In April, the workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard safely undocked the USS Topeka (SSN-754) 20 days ahead of schedule following an engineered overhaul.
• In June, following a maintenance availability, the workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard returned the USS California (SSN-781) to the fleet 14 days ahead of schedule.
• In September, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivered the USS Springfield (SSN-761) back to the fleet ahead of schedule and under budget.
Admiral Harris said, "I look forward to visiting Portsmouth, and if confirmed, I will do so as soon after I assume the command as possible. I think our public shipyards are national treasures. I also think the schedule is money, and if you can make schedule or beat schedule, you're making money."
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